Delphi Technologies, Inc.

Nathan B Owen

Thomas Howard Lichti

Ralph Lyle Clayson, Iii

Daniel Patrick O'Neill

A mechanical oil filtration and oil flow re-direction system for a hydraulically actuated valve lifter. Pressurized oil is directed to the lifter through a series of controlled clearance passages prior to gaining access to the internal cavity of the lifter. Once inside the lifter, the oil is deflected off of an insert that directs the oil towards the upper end of the lifter and the push rod seat. The oil flow is then directed downwards into an oil deflector supply hole and into the internal cavity of the lifter and the chamber containing the lifter check ball and seat. In use, the system restricts particulates from the lifter, and re-directs particulates that do access the lifter to pre-determined locations within the lifter to minimize operational impairment of the lifter from particulate contamination.

Mechanical oil filtration in an I.C. engine valve lifter

A C-clip retainer is provided in a groove of a piston, such as for an engine hydraulic valve lash adjuster, to allow installation and removably retain the piston in a cylinder of an associated assembly. The groove has a novel shape including an inner surface that is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the piston to provide a larger groove diameter at a first axial end surface and a smaller diameter at an opposite second axial end surface of the groove. Upon installation, the clip is urged into the smaller diameter, allowing easier installation, but upon removal the clip is expanded by forcing it to the larger diameter, thereby increasing the retention force on the piston. The first axial end surface may also be formed with a back angle that reduces forces of the associated cylinder edge that tend to compress the retainer into the groove, thus further increasing the piston retention force.

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Holly, MI, United States of America

Nathan B Owen