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From: jackh@zehntel.UUCP (jack hagerty)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Re: Camless valve operation
Message-ID: <1742@zehntel.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 14-Jan-85 16:07:00 EST
Article-I.D.: zehntel.1742
Posted: Mon Jan 14 16:07:00 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 15-Jan-85 02:30:40 EST
References: <6848@watdaisy.UUCP> <1737@zehntel.UUCP> <6852@watdaisy.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: Zehntel Automation Systems Inc, Walnut Creek CA
Lines: 51

> > I realize that this postulates a twin cam engine with rocker arms, a
> > rather odious thought to those of us that admire the simplicity of
> > the classic twin cam design. But at least that's much more in the realm
> > of accepted engine design than solenoid-actuated desmodronic valve trains!
> > 
> >                      Jack Hagerty, Zehntel Automation Systems
> >                       ...!ihnp4!zehntel!jackh
> 
> 
> I would like to make a couple of semantic points.  First, I don't
> know what "desmodronic" means, and neither does my OED.  Second,
> I have long been on a campaign to stamp out the use of the phrase
> "infinitely variable" for "continuously variable".  In this context
> I am not really complaining, but the term first started to irk me
> when manufactures of electric ranges began to tout them as having
> "infinite heat" controls.
> 
> To get back to the point at hand, I believe there are many interesting
> things one might do with a different mechanism to control the valves
> (whether with or without a cam).  And I do not believe that this
> newsgroup is a forum only for "accepted engine design".
> 
> Gordon V. Cormack,  University of Waterloo
> 
> gvcormack@watdaisy.uucp       gvcormack%watdaisy@waterloo.csnet


Well my goodness, I didn't mean to step on anyone's toes! I just wanted
to make the point that solenoid-actuated valves seem unworkable while
solenoid *controlled* valves have already made it to production, albiet
briefly.

I guess we're even because I don't know what OED means. Desmodronic (the
spelling may be off) refers to a valve system where the cam (or other acuator)
closes the valve as well as opening it. Valve float is impossible since the 
valves are forced closed. Mercedes used such a system on the 300 SLR. I don't
know if it was used on the production cars.

I agree with your semantic objections so I'll just consider this a 
literary slap on the wrist.

Finally, I don't want to restrict anyone's freedom to post new and/or
unusual ideas. It's just that, as we all know, if you want an idea to
get anywhere near production, it can't stray too far from established
practice. Even then, and the Cadillac engine is again a good example,
there's no guarentee that it will last for long. Pity.

                            - Jack Hagerty, Zehntel Automation Systems
                              ...!ihnp4!zehntel!jackh