Valve lifter body

• US 7,128,034 B2
• Filed: 10/18/2002
• Issued: 10/31/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
• Original Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
• Inventors: Williams, Carroll, Mandal, Dhruva
• Primary Examiner(s): Denion, Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): Eshete, Zelalem
• Application Number:
  US10/316,263
• Publication Number:
  US 20040074460A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,474 Days
• Field of Search: 123/90.48, 123/90.61, 123/90.52, 298/880.3
• US Class Current: 123/90.48
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 1/146 Push-rods
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 1/245 Hydraulic tappets
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 2301/00 Using particular materials
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 2303/00 Manufacturing of components used in valve arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: F01L 2305/00 Valve arrangements comprising rollers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49247 Valve lifter making

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve lifter body, comprising an outer surface, enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, wherein the first cavity includes a first inner surface configured to house a cylindrical insert, the second cavity includes a second inner surface cylindrically shaped, and at least one of the cavities is fabricated through forging.

Claims

1. A valve lifter body that is generally cylindrical about an axis and provided with a first end and a second end, comprising:

a) the valve lifter body has been cold formed, at least in part, to provide a first cavity and a second cavity;

b) an outer surface that encloses the first cavity and the second cavity;

c) the first end of the valve lifter body includes a first opening shaped to accept a roller;

d) the first cavity includes a first inner surface that is provided with a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall, a first angled wall, a second angled wall, a third angled wall fourth angled wall, a first angled surface, a second angled surface, a third angled surface, and a fourth angled surface;

e) the walls extend axially into the valve liter body from the first opening and are positioned so that the first wall faces the second wall and the third wall faces the fourth wall;

f) the first angled wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the first angled surface that is located adjacent to the first wall and the fourth wall;

g) the second angled wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the third angled surface that is located adjacent to the second wall and the third wall;

h) the third angled wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the fourth angled surface that is located adjacent to the second wall and the fourth wall;

i) the fourth angled wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the second angled surface that is located adjacent to the first wall and the third wall;

j) the second end of the valve lifter body includes a second opening; and

k) the second cavity extends axially into the valve lifter body from the second opening and includes a second inner surface that has been machined, at least in part, to provided a plurality of cylindrical surfaces and configured to accommodate a lash adjuster body, a socket body, and a leakdown plunger.

2. The valve lifter body of claim 1 wherein at least one of the angled surfaces is generally oriented to be at an angle relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body, the angle measuring between twenty-five and about ninety degrees.

3. The valve lifter body of claim 1 wherein the fourth angled surface has been cold formed to extend from the third angled wall at an angle measuring between 45 degrees and 65 degrees relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body.

4. The valve lifter body of claim 1 further comprising a combustion engine wherein the valve lifter body is located and functions to operate a valve.

5. The valve lifter body of claim 1 wherein at least one angled surface has been cold formed to extend from at least one of the angled walls at an angle measuring between 25 degrees and 75 degrees relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body.

6. The valve lifter body of claim 1 wherein at least one of the angled surfaces is generally oriented to be at an angle relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body.

7. The valve lifter body of claim 1 wherein the first inner surface includes:

a) a first curved surface;

b) a second curved surface;

c) the fourth wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the first curved surface; and

d) the third wall extends into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the second curved surface.

8. The valve lifter body of claim 1 wherein:

a) the first inner surface includes a first curved surface and a second curved surface;

b) the fourth wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the first curved surface;

c) the third wall extends into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the second curved surface;

d) the first angled surface is located adjacent to the first wall, the fourth wall, the first angled wall, and the first curved surface;

e) the second angled surface is located adjacent to the first wall, third wall, the fourth angled wall, and the second curved surface;

f) the third angled surface is located adjacent to the second wall, the third wall the second angled wall, and the second curved surface; and

g) the fourth angled surface is located adjacent to the second wall, the fourth wall, the third angled wall and the first curved surface.

9. The valve lifter body of claim 1 further comprising a combustion engine wherein:

a) the valve lifter body is located in the combustion engine and functions to operate a valve;

b) the first angled surface is located adjacent to the first wall, the fourth wall, and the first angled wall;

c) the second angled surface is located adjacent to the first wall, third wall, and the fourth angled wall;

d) the third angled surface is located adjacent to the second wall, the third wall, and the second angled wall;

e) the fourth angled surface is located adjacent to the second wall, the fourth wall, and the third angled wall;

f) at least one of the angled surfaces is generally oriented to be at an angle relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body, the angle measuring between twenty-five and about ninety degrees;

g) the first cavity is fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming; and

h) at least one of the angled surfaces extends, at least in part, from at least one of the angled walls towards the axis of the valve lifter body.

10. The valve lifter body of claim 1 wherein the lash adjuster body, the socket body, and the leakdown plunger are fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

11. The valve lifter body of claim 1 wherein the first angled wall faces the second angled wall and the third angled wall faces the fourth angled wall.

12. The valve lifter body of claim 1 wherein the first opening is a chamfered opening.

21. The valve lifter body of claim 1 wherein the second cavity includes a well that has been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

22. The valve lifter body of claim 1 further comprising:

a) a first cylindrical surface;

b) a second cylindrical surface;

c) the first cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface of the valve lifter body and is provided with a first radius; and

d) the second cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface, extends from the second end of the valve lifter body, and is provided with a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

23. The valve lifter body of claim 1 wherein the second end of the valve lifter body has been cold formed to provide the outer surface with a cylindrical surface having a reduced diameter.

24. The valve lifter body of claim 1 further comprising:

a) the socket body including a forgeable material; and

b) the socket body having been fabricated, at least in pain, through cold forming.

25. The valve lifter body of claim 1 further comprising:

a) the leakdown plunge including a forgeable material; and

b) the leakdown plunger having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

26. The valve lifter body of claim 1 further comprising:

a) the lash adjuster body including a forgeable material; and

b) the lash adjuster body having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

27. The valve lifter body of claim 1 wherein the outer surface has, at least in part, been cold formed to include an undercut surface extending from the second end.

13. A valve lifter body that is generally cylindrical about an axis and provided with a first end and a second end, comprising:

a) an outer surface that encloses a first cavity and a second cavity;

b) the first end of the valve lifter body includes a first opening shaped to accept a roller;

c) the first capacity includes a first inner surface that is provided with a first wall, a second wall a third wall, a fourth wall a first angled wall, a second angled wall, a third angled wall, fourth angled wall, a first curved surface, a second curved surface, and a flat surface;

d) the first wall and the second wall extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and are positioned so that the first wall faces the second wall;

e) the third wall extends axially into the valve lifted body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the second curved surface;

f) the fourth wall extends axially into the valve lifted body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the first curved surface;

g) the third wall and the fourth wall are positioned so that the third wall faces the fourth wall;

h) the first angled wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, faces the second angled wall, and is located between the fourth wall and the first wall;

i) the second angled wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, faces the first angled wall, and is located between the second wall and the third wall;

j) the third angled wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, faces the fourth angled wall, and is located between the second wall and the fourth wall;

k) the fourth angled wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, faces the third angled wall, and is located between the first wall and the third wall;

l) the first and second curved surfaces are, at least in part, located adjacent to the flat surface, which is generally orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body;

m) the second end of the valve lifter body includes a second opening;

n) the second cavity extends axially into the valve lifter body from the second opening and includes a second inner surface that is provided with a plurality of cylindrical surfaces and configured to accommodate a socket body and a leakdown plunger; and

o) the first cavity is fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

14. The valve lifter body according to claim 13 wherein the flat surface is generally circular in shape.

15. The valve lifter body of claim 13 wherein the first opening has been cold formed to provide a chamfered opening.

28. The valve lifter body of claim 13 wherein the second cavity includes a well that has been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

29. The valve lifter body of claim 13 further comprising:

a) a first cylindrical surface;

b) a second cylindrical surface;

c) the first cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface of the valve lifter body and is provided with a first radius; and

d) the second cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface, extends from the second end of the valve lifter body, and is provided with a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

30. The valve lifter body of claim 13 further comprising:

a) the socket body including a forgeable material; and

b) the socket body having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

31. The valve lifter body of claim 13 further comprising:

a) the leakdown plunger including a forgeable material; and

b) the leakdown plunger having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

32. The valve lifter body of claim 13 wherein the outer surface has, at least in part, been cold formed to include an undercut surface extending from the second end.

33. The valve lifter body of claim 13 wherein the second end of the valve lifter body has been cold formed to provide the outer surface with a cylindrical surface having a reduced diameter.

34. The valve lifter body of claim 13 wherein the flat surface has been cold found to be generally flat and circular in shape.

35. The valve lifter body of claim 13 wherein the flat surface has been cold formed to be generally flat and rectangular in shape.

16. A valve lifter body that is generally cylindrical about an axis and provided with a first end and a second end, comprising:

a) an outer surface that encloses a first cavity and a second cavity;

b) the fast end of the valve lifter body includes a first opening shaped to accept a roller;

c) the first cavity includes a first inner surface that is provided with a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall, a first curved surface, a second curved surface, and a flat surface;

d) the first wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, faces the second wall, and terminates, at least in part, at the first curved surface;

e) the second wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, faces the first wall, and terminates, at least in part, at the second curved surface;

f) the third wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, faces the fourth wall, and terminates, at least in part, at the flat surface;

g) the fourth wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, acts the third wall, and terminates, at least in part, at the flat surface;

h) the first curved surface extends from the first wall towards the axis of the valve lifter body and terminates, at least in part, at the flat surface;

i) the second curved surface extends from the second wall towards the axis of the valve lifter body and terminates, at least in part, at the flat surface;

j) the flat surface is generally rectangular in shape and generally orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body;

k) the second end of the valve lifter body includes a second opening;

l) the second cavity extends axially into the valve lifter body from the second opening and includes a second inner surface that is provided with a plurality of cylindrical surfaces and configured to accommodate a socket body and a leakdown plunger; and

m) the first cavity is fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

17. The valve lifter body of claim 16 wherein the second cavity includes a well that is cylindrically shaped and provided with a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second inner surface.

18. The valve lifter body of claim 16 wherein:

a) the second cavity includes a well and a lead surface;

b) the lead surface extends from the second inner surface towards the axis of the valve lifter body and terminates, at least in part, at the well; and

c) the well is cylindrically shaped and provided with a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second inner surface.

19. The valve lifter body of claim 16 wherein:

a) the second cavity includes a well and a lead surface;

b) the lead surface is frusto-conical in shape, extends from the second inner surface towards the axis of the valve lifter body, and terminates, at least in part, at the well; and

c) the well is cylindrically shaped and provided with a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second inner surface.

20. The valve lifter body of claim 16 wherein:

a) the second cavity includes a well and a lead surface;

b) the lead surface extends from the second inner surface towards the axis of the valve lifter body and terminates, at least in part, at the well; and

c) the well is cylindrically shaped, provided with a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second inner surface, and generally concentric relative to the second inner surface.

36. The valve lifter body of claim 16 further comprising:

a) the socket body including a forgeable material; and

b) the socket body having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

37. The valve lifter body of claim 16 further comprising:

a) the leakdown plunger including a forgeable material; and

b) the leakdown plunger having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

38. The valve lifter body of claim 16 when the outer surface has, at least in part, been cold formed to include an undercut surface extending from the second end.

39. The valve lifter body of claim 16 wherein the second cavity includes a well that has been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

40. The valve lifter body of claim 16 further comprising:

a) a first cylindrical surface;

b) a second cylindrical surface;

c) the first cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface of the valve lifter body and is provided with a first radius; and

d) the second cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface, extends from the second end of the valve lifter body, and is provided with a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

41. The valve lifter body of claim 16 wherein the second end of the valve lifter body has been cold formed to provide the outer surface with a cylindrical surface having a reduced diameter.

42. A valve lifter body that is generally cylindrical about an axis and provided with a first end, a second end, and an outer surface, comprising:

a) the first end of the valve lifter body includes a first opening shaped to accept a roller;

b) the valve lifter body has been cold formed to provide a first cavity that includes a first inner surface provided with a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall, a first angled wall, a second angled wall, a third angled wall, fourth angled wall, a first angled surface, a second angled surface, a third angled surface, and a fourth angled surface;

c) the walls have been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and are positioned so that the first wall faces the second wall and the third wall faces the fourth wall;

d) the first angled wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminate, at least in part, at the first angled surface that is located adjacent to the first wall and the fourth wall;

e) the second angled wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminate, at least in part, at the third angled surface that is located adjacent to the second wall and the third wall;

f) the third angled wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminate, at least in part, at the fourth angled surface that is located adjacent to the second wall and the fourth wall;

g) the fourth angled wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminate, at least in part, at the second angled surface that is located adjacent to the first wall and the third wall;

h) the second end of the valve lifter body includes a second opening;

i) the valve lifter body has been cold formed to provide a second cavity extending axially into the valve lifter body from the second opening and machined, at least in part, to provide a second inner surface that includes a plurality of cylindrical surfaces; and

j) the inner surface is configured to accommodate a lash adjuster body, a socket body, and a leakdown plunger.

43. The valve lifter body of claim 42 further comprising:

a) the socket body including a forgeable material; and

b) the socket body having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

44. The valve lifter body of claim 42 further comprising:

a) the leakdown plunger including a forgeable material; and

b) the leakdown plunger having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

45. The valve lifter body of claim 42 further comprising:

a) the lash adjuster body including a forgeable material; and

b) the lash adjuster body having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

46. The valve lifter body of claim 42 wherein the outer surface has, at least in part, been cold formed to include an undercut surface extending from the second end.

47. The valve lifter body of claim 42 wherein the second cavity includes a well that has been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

48. The valve lifter body of claim 42 further comprising:

a) a first cylindrical surface;

b) a second cylindrical surface;

c) the first cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface of the valve lifter body and is provided with a first radius; and

d) the second cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface, extends from the second end of the valve lifter body, and is provided with a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

49. The valve lifter body of claim 42 wherein the second end of the valve lifter body has been cold formed to provide the outer surface with a cylindrical surface having a reduced diameter.

50. The valve lifter body of claim 42 wherein at least one of the angled surfaces is generally oriented to be at an angle relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body, the angle measuring between twenty-five and about ninety degrees.

51. The valve lifter body of claim 42 wherein the fourth angled surface has been cold formed to extend from the third angled wall at an angle measuring between 45 degrees and 65 degrees relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body.

52. The valve lifter body of claim 42 further comprising a combustion engine wherein the valve lifter body is located and functions to operate a valve.

53. The valve lifter body of claim 42 wherein at least one angled surface has been cold formed to extended from at least one of the and walls at an angle measuring between 25 degrees and 75 degrees relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body.

54. The valve lifter body of claim 42 wherein at least one of the angled surfaces is generally oriented to be at an angle relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body.

55. The valve lifter body of claim 42 wherein the first inner surface includes:

a) a first curved surface;

b) a second curved surface;

c) the fourth wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the first curved surface; and

d) the third wall extend, into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the second curved surface.

56. The valve lifter body of claim 42 wherein:

a) the first inner surface includes a first curved surface and a second curved surface;

b) the fourth wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the first curved surface;

c) the third wall extends into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the second curved surface;

d) the first angled surface is located adjacent to the first wall, the fourth wall, the first angled wall, and the first curved surface;

e) the second angled surface is located adjacent to the first wall, third wall, the fourth angled wall, and the second curved surface;

f) the third angled surface is located adjacent to the second wall, the third wall, the second angled wall and the second curved surface; and

g) the fourth angled surface is located adjacent to the second wall, the fourth wall, the third angled wall and the first curved surface.

57. The valve lifter body of claim 42 further comprising a combustion engine wherein:

a) the valve lifter body is located in the combustion engine and functions to operate a valve;

b) the first angled surface is located adjacent to the first wall, the fourth wall, and the first angled wall;

c) the second angled surface is located adjacent to the first wall, third wall, and the fourth angled wall;

d) the third angled surface is located adjacent to the second wall, the third wall, and the second angled wall;

e) the fourth angled surface is located adjacent to the second wall, the fourth wall, and the third angled wall;

f) at least one of the angled surfaces is generally oriented to be at an angle relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body, the angle measuring between twenty-five and about ninety degrees; and

g) at least one of the angled surfaces extends, at least in part, from at least one of the angled walls towards the axis of the valve lifter body.

58. The valve lifter body of claim 42 wherein the lash adjuster body, the socket body, and the leakdown plunger are fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

59. The valve lifter body of claim 42 wherein the first angled wall faces the second angled wall and the third angled wall faces the fourth angled wall.

60. The valve lifter body of claim 42 wherein the first opening is a chamfered opening.

61. A valve lifter body that is generally cylindrical about an axis and provided with a first end and a second end, comprising:

a) an outer surface that encloses a first cavity and a second cavity;

b) the first end of the valve lifter body has been, at least in part, cold formed to provided a first opening shaped to accept a roller and a first cavity that extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening;

c) the first cavity has been cold formed to include a first inner surface that is provided with a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall, a first angled wall, a second angled wall, a third angled wall, fourth angled wall, a first curved surface, a second curved surface, and a flat surface;

d) the first wall and the second wall extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and are positioned so that the first wall faces the second wall;

e) the third wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminate, at least in part, at the second curved surface;

f) the fourth wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminate, at least in part, at the first curved surface;

g) the third wall and the fourth wall are positioned so that the third wall faces the fourth wall;

h) the first angled wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the fist opening, faces the second angled wall, and is located between the fourth wall and the first wall;

i) the second angled wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, faces the first angled wall, and is located between the second wall and the third wall;

j) the third angled wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, faces the fourth angled wall, and is located between the second wall and the fourth wall;

k) the forth angled wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, faces the third angled wall, and is located between the first wall and the third wall;

l) the first and second curved surfaces are, at least in part, located adjacent to the flat surface, which is generally orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body;

m) the second end of the valve lifter body includes a second opening; and

n) the second cavity extends axially into the valve lifter body from the second opening and includes a second inner surface that is provided with a plurality of cylindrical surfaces and configured to accommodate a socket body and a leakdown plunger.

62. The valve lifter body of claim 61 further comprising:

a) the socket body including a forgeable material; and

b) the socket body having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

63. The valve lifter body of claim 61 further comprising:

a) the leakdown plunger including a forgeable material; and

b) the leakdown plunger having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

64. The valve lifter body of claim 61 wherein the outer surface has, at least in part, been cold formed to include an undercut surface extending from the second end.

65. The valve lifter body of claim 61 wherein the second cavity includes a well that has been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

66. The valve lifter body of claim 61 further comprising:

a) a first cylindrical surface;

b) a second cylindrical surface;

c) the first cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface of the valve lifter body and is provided with a first radius; and

d) the second cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface, extends from the second end of the valve lifter body, and is provided with a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

67. The valve lifter body of claim 61 wherein the second end of the valve lifter body has been cold formed to provide the outer surface with a cylindrical surface having a reduced diameter.

68. The valve lifter body of claim 61 wherein the flat surface has been cold formed to be generally flat and circular in shape.

69. The valve lifter body of claim 61 wherein the flat surface has been cold formed to be generally flat and rectangular in shape.

70. The valve lifter body of claim 61 wherein the flat surface is generally circular in shape.

71. The valve lifter body of claim 61 wherein the first opening has been cold formed to provide a chamfered opening.

72. A valve lifter body that is generally cylindrical about an axis and provided with a first end and a second end, comprising:

a) an outer surface enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity;

b) the first cavity has been cold formed into the first end of the valve lifter body so that the first cavity extends axially into the valve lifter body from a first opening that has been shaped to accept a roller;

c) the first cavity has been cold formed to include a first inner surface that is provided with a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall, a first curved surface, a second curved surface, and, relative to the curved surfaces, a generally flat surface;

d) the first wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, face the second wall, and terminate, at least in part, at the first curved surface;

e) the second wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, face the first wall, and terminate, at least in part, at the second curved surface;

f) the third wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, face the fourth wall, and terminate, at least in put, at the flat surface;

g) the fourth wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, face the third wall, and terminate, at least in part, at the flat surface;

h) the first curved surface has been cold formed to extend from the first wall towards the axis of the valve lifter body and terminate, at least in part, at the flat surface;

i) the second curved surface has been cold formed to extend from the second wall towards the axis of the valve lifter body and terminate, at least in part, at the flat surface;

j) the flat surface has been cold formed to be generally orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body;

k) the second end of the valve lifter body includes a second opening;

l) the second cavity has been, at least in part, cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the second opening and includes a second inner surface; and

m) the second inner surface is configured to accommodate a socket body and a leakdown plunger and has, at least in part, been machined to provide a well that is generally cylindrical in shape.

73. The valve lifter body of claim 72 further comprising:

a) the socket body including a forgeable material; and

b) the socket body having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

74. The valve lifter body of claim 72 further comprising:

a) the leakdown plunger including a forgeable material; and

b) the leakdown plunger having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

75. The valve lifter body of claim 72 wherein the outer surface has, at least in part, been cold formed to include an undercut surface extending from the second end.

76. The valve lifter body of claim 72 further comprising:

a) a first cylindrical surface;

b) a second cylindrical surface;

c) the first cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface of the valve lifter body and is provided with a first radius; and

d) the second cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface, extends from the second end of the valve lifter body, and is provided with a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

77. The valve lifter body of claim 72 wherein the second end of the valve lifter body has been cold formed to provide the outer surface with a cylindrical surface having a reduced diameter.

78. The valve lifter body of claim 72 wherein the second cavity has been cold formed to include the well and a lead surface.

79. The valve lifter body of claim 72 wherein the flat surface has been cold formed to be generally flat and circular in shape.

80. The valve lifter body of claim 72 wherein the flat spice has been cold formed to be generally flat and rectangular in shape.

81. The valve lifter body of claim 72 wherein;

a) the second cavity includes a lead surface that extends from the second inner surface towards the axis of the valve lifter body and terminates, at least in part, at the well; and

b) the well is provided with a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second inner surface.

82. The valve lifter body of claim 72 wherein:

a) the second cavity includes a lead surface that is frusto-conical in shape, extends from the second inner surface towards the axis of the valve lifter body, and terminates, at least in part, at the well; and

b) the well is provided with a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second inner surface.

83. The valve lifter body of claim 72 wherein:

a) the second cavity includes a lead surface that extends from the second inner surface towards the axis of the valve lifter body and terminates, at least in part, at the well; and

b) the well is provided with a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second inner surface and generally concentric relative to the second inner surface.

84. A valve lifter body that is generally cylindrical about an axis and provided with a first end, a second end, and an output surface, comprising:

a) a forgeable material that has, at least in part, been cold formed to provide a first cavity and a second cavity;

b) the first cavity has been cold formed into the first end of the valve lifter body so that the first cavity extends axially into the valve lifter body from a first opening that has been shaped to accept a roller;

c) the first cavity has been cold formed to include a first inner surface that is provided with a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall, a first curved surface, a second curved surface, and, relative to the curved surfaces, a generally flat surface;

d) the first wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, face the second wall, and terminate, at least in part, at the first curved surface;

e) the second wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, ace the first wall and terminate, at least in part, at the second curved surface;

f) the third wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, face the fourth wall, and terminate, at least in part, at the flat surface;

g) the fourth wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening, face the third wall and terminate, at least in part, at the flat surface;

h) the first curved surface has been cold formed to extend from the first wall towards the axis of the valve lifter body and terminate, at least in part, at the flat surface;

i) the second curved surface has been cold formed to extend from the second wall towards the axis of the valve lifter body and terminate, at least in part, at the flat surface;

j) the flat surface has been cold formed to be generally orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body;

k) the second end of the valve lifter body includes a second opening;

l) the second cavity has been, at least in part, cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the second opening and includes a second inner surface; and

m) the second inner surface of the second cavity is configured to accommodate a socket body and a leakdown plunger and has, at least in part, been machined to provide a well that is generally cylindrical in shape.

85. The valve lifter body of claim 84 further comprising:

a) the socket body including a forgeable material; and

b) the socket body having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

86. The valve lifter body of claim 84 further comprising:

a) the leakdown plunger including a forgeable material; and

b) the leakdown plunger having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

87. The valve lifter body of claim 84 wherein the outer surface has, at least in part, been cold formed to include an undercut surface extending from the second end.

88. The valve lifter body of claim 84 further comprising:

a) a first cylindrical surface;

b) a second cylindrical surface;

c) the first cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface of the valve lifter body and is provided with a first radius; and

d) the second cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface, extends from the second end of the valve lifter body, and is provided with a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

89. The valve lifter body of claim 84 wherein the second end of the valve lifter body has been cold formed to provide the outer surface with a cylindrical surface having a reduced diameter.

90. The valve lifter body of claim 84 wherein the second cavity has been cold formed to include the well and a lead surface.

91. The valve lifter body of claim 84 wherein the flat surface has been cold formed to be generally flat and circular in shape.

92. The valve lifter body of claim 84 wherein the flat surface has been cold formed to be generally flat and rectangular in shape.

93. The valve lifter body of claim 84 wherein:

a) the second cavity includes a lead surface;

b) the lead surface extends from the second inner surface towards the axis of the valve lifter body and terminates, at least in part, at the well; and

c) the well is provided with a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second inner surface.

94. The valve lifter body of claim 84 wherein:

a) the second cavity includes a lead surface;

b) the lead surface is frusto-conical in shape, extends from the second inner surface towards the axis of the valve lifter body, and terminates, at least in part, at the well; and

c) the well is provided with a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second inner surface.

95. The valve lifter body of claim 84 wherein:

a) the well is provided with a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second inner surface and generally concentric relative to the second inner surface; and

b) a lead surface extends radially from the welt and terminates at the second inner surface of the second cavity.

96. A valve lifter body that is generally cylindrical about an axis and provided with a first end, a second end, and an outer surface, comprising:

a) a forgeable material that has, at least in part, been cold formed to provide a first cavity and a second cavity;

b) the first end of the valve lifter body includes a first opening shaped to accept a roller;

c) the first cavity has been cold formed to include a first inner surface provided with a first wall, a second wall, a third wall a fourth wall, a first angled wall, a second angled wall a third angled wall, fourth angled wall, a first angled surface, a second angled surface, a third angled surface, and a fourth angled surface;

d) the walls have been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and are positioned so that the first wall faces the second wall and the third wall faces the fourth wall;

e) the first angled wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminate, at least in part, at the first angled surface that is located adjacent to the first wall and the fourth wall;

f) the second angled wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminate, at least in part at the third angled surface that is located adjacent to the second wall and the third wall;

g) the third angled wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminate, at least in part, at the fourth angled surface that is located adjacent to the second wall and the fourth wall;

h) the fourth angled wall has been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminate, at least in part, at the second angled surface that is located adjacent to the first wall and the third wall;

i) the second end of the valve lifter body includes a second opening;

j) the second cavity has, at least in part, been cold formed to extend axially into the valve lifter body from the second opening and has, at least in part, been machined to provide a second inner surface that includes a plurality of cylindrical surfaces; and

k) the inner surface is configured to accommodate a lash adjuster body, a socket body, and a leakdown plunger.

97. The valve lifter body of claim 96 further comprising:

a) the socket body including a forgeable material; and

b) the socket body having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

98. The valve lifter body of claim 96 further comprising:

a) the leakdown plunger inducing a forgeable material; and

b) the leakdown plunger having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

99. The valve lifter body of claim 96 further comprising:

a) the lash adjuster body including a forgeable material; and

b) the lash adjuster body having been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

100. The valve lifter body of claim 96 wherein the outer surface has, at least in part, been cold formed to include an undercut surface extending from the second end.

101. The valve lifter body of claim 96 wherein the second cavity includes a well that has been fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

102. The valve lifter body of claim 96 further comprising:

a) a first cylindrical surface;

b) a second cylindrical surface;

c) the first cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface of the valve lifter body and is provided with a first radius; and

d) the second cylindrical surface is located on the outer surface, extends from the second end of the valve lifter body, and is provided with a second radius that is smaller than the first radius.

103. The valve lifter body of claim 96 wherein the second end of the valve lifter body has been cold formed to provide the outer surface with a cylindrical surface having a reduced diameter.

104. The valve lifter body of claim 96 wherein at least one of the angled surfaces is generally oriented to be at an angle relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body, the angle measuring between twenty-five and about ninety degrees.

105. The valve lifter body of claim 96 wherein the fourth angled surface has been cold formed to extend from the third angled wall at an angle measuring between 45 degrees and 65 degrees relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body.

106. The valve lifter body of claim 96 further comprising a combustion engine wherein the valve lifter body is located and functions to operate a valve.

107. The valve lifter body of claim 96 wherein at least one angled surface has been cold formed to extend from at least one of the angled walls at an angle measuring between 25 degrees and 75 degrees relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body.

108. The valve lifter body of claim 96 wherein at least one of the angled surfaces is generally oriented to be at an angle relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body.

109. The valve lifter body of claim 96 wherein the first inner surface includes:

a) a first curved surface;

b) a second curved surface;

c) the fourth wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the first curved surface; and

d) the third wall extends into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the second curved surface.

110. The valve lifter body of claim 96 wherein:

a) the first inner surface includes a first curved surface and a second curved surface;

b) the fourth wall extends axially into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the first curved surface;

c) the third wall extends into the valve lifter body from the first opening and terminates, at least in part, at the second curved surface;

d) the first angled surface is located adjacent to the first wall, the fourth wall, the first angled wall, and the first curved surface;

e) the second angled surface is located adjacent to the first wall, third wall, the fourth angled wall, and the second curved surface;

f) the third angled surface is located adjacent to the second wall, the third wall, the second angled wall, and the second curved surface; and

g) the fourth angled surface is located adjacent to the second wall, the fourth wall, the third angled wall and the first curved surface.

111. The valve lifter body of claim 96 farther comprising a combustion engine wherein:

a) the valve lifter body is located in the combustion engine and functions to operate a valve;

b) the first angled surface is located adjacent to the first wall, the fourth wall, and the first angled wall;

c) the second angled surface is located adjacent to the first wall, third wall, and the fourth angled wall;

d) the third angled surface is located adjacent to the second wall, the third wall, and the second angled wall;

e) the fourth angled surface is located adjacent to the second wall, the fourth wall, and the third angled wall;

f) at least one of the angled surfaces is generally oriented to be at an angle relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the valve lifter body, the angle measuring between twenty-five and about ninety degrees; and

g) at least one of the angled surfaces extends, at least in part, from at least one of the angled walls towards the axis of the valve lifter body.

112. The valve lifter body of claim 96 wherein the lash adjuster body, the socket body, and the leakdown plunger ate fabricated, at least in part, through cold forming.

113. The valve lifter body of claim 96 wherein the first angled wall faces the second angled wall and the third angled wall faces the fourth angled wall.

114. The valve lifter body of claim 96 wherein the first opening is a chamfered opening.