Importance

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Abstract

Cam mechanisms are provided for controlling valve means, and in particular relate to a cam mechanism for controlling the inlet and/or exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine. The cam mechanism comprises cam shaft means (10) having first (50) and second (51) cam means mounted thereon for rotation therewith and first (52) and second (62) finger followers having first (59) and second (61) follower means respectively arranged to follow the surface of the first (50) and second (51) cam means, the first (52) and second (62) finger followers being rockable about fulcrum means (54 and 66) which holds the finger followers (52 or 62) in engagement with the cam means (50 or 51) and the valve means (14) thereby permitting control of the valve means (14) by the cam means. The first cam means (50), first follower means (59) and first finer follower (52) comprise a first short duration cam mechanism for low speeds of the engine, the fulcrum means (54 and 66) being in a first position at low speeds in which the first cam follower (59) is in engagement with the first cam means (50). At higher engine speeds the fulcrum means (66 and 55) operates in a second position wherein the second cam means (51), second follower means (61) and second finger follower (62) act as a long duration cam mechanism, the second cam follower (61) being in engagement with the second cam means (51).

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First Claim