Abstract: A filter bag assembly includes an outer bag having an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, and a longitudinal axis. The open end of the outer bag is sized and shaped for receiving liquid to be filtered. A filter member is loosely mounted in the outer bag and has a pair of opposed open ends and a plurality of longitudinally extending pleats. Each of the pleats projects generally outwardly in a radial direction.

Abstract: An improved hand grip 10 comprises a molded base structure 14 having a cap 16 and a body 18 for forming an inner layer 22 and an outer layer 24 molded on the body 18. The body 18 has an inner surface 26 with a plurality of radial grooves 28 spaced apart along the length of the body 18 in the form of groove clusters 30.

Abstract: A functionally graded friction material 18 having improved wear resistance and thermal conductivity with fibers 10 and heat conducting elements 12 disposed in an arrangement that conducts heat away from a first surface 20 to a second surface 22. Preferably, the heat conducting elements 12 are copper, copper alloy, filaments, threads, or wire situated substantially perpendicular to the engaging surface and extending to the non-engaging surface 22.

Abstract: A composite lightweight engine poppet valve (10, 110, 210) that has a valve head portion (12, 112, 212) and at least a portion of the stem portion (14, 114, 214) made from a titanium intermetallic material attached by way of a solid state attachment to a nickel base alloy transition piece (16, 116, 216) that is heat treated for high creep resistance. The tip portion (18, 118, 218) made from conventional material is first attached to one end of the transition piece. The transition piece (16, 116,216) is cut to a desired length and then attached preferably by friction welding to the titanium intermetallic stem portion (14, 114, 214) at a preselected distance (d1, d2, or d3). The tip portion (18, 118, 218) made from conventional material is then attached to the other end of the transition piece. In another embodiment, a second hollow stem portion (215) is attached to the transition piece (216) and the tip portion (218) is then attached thereto.

Abstract: A snap in valve stem 10 with a two piece insert 24, 26 design is capable of supporting a radio frequency transmitter 12 within a rim hole 28. Elastomeric body 16 includes a cylindrical portion 32 with an annular bead 36 and an enlarged base portion 34 with an annular flange 38 to provide an airtight seal of the valve stem 10 within the rim hole 28. The two piece insert 24, 26 design in conjunction with an annular recess 40 and a lowermost extending portion 42 within the elastomeric body 16 allows the inserts 24, 26 to flex independently of each other which makes for a rapid, simple, easy installation process.

Abstract: A lightweight engine poppet valve that has a valve head portion made from a lightweight, heat resistant material is attached to a hollow tube stem portion. The attachment is made with a mechanically locking interfitting joint on an extending portion of the valve head at a preselected distance. Preferably, the mechanically locking interfitting joint is a hydroformed joint.

Abstract: An improved rotary blower (11) with an abradable coating (61) with a maximum hardness value of 2H on a pencil hardness scale. The coating material is a blend or mixture of preferably an epoxy-polymer resin matrix with a solid lubricant. The solid lubricant preferably is graphite. The improved abradable coating provides essentially zero clearance to increase the volumetric efficiency of a Roots type rotary blower.

Abstract: A powder metal engine component particularly suited for use as a valve seat insert in both light and heavy duty internal combustion engine applications. The powder metal engine component contains an intermetallic phase such as a Laves phase for both the cobalt or iron based alloy.

Abstract: A golf club grip (10) with an integral hand placement indicator (20) for encouraging hand placement using a plurality of opposed arcs (32, 32′) for a traditional three knuckle power position which assists in squaring the club face (17) with a golf ball upon impact. The predetermined sinuous surface pattern (20) provides at least a first pair of opposed arcs (34, 34′), a second pair of opposed arcs (36, 36′) and a third pair of opposed arcs (38, 38′) with the second pair (36, 36′) and the third pair (38, 38′) being preferably indicative of a first hand position (40) and a second hand position (42).

Abstract: A powder metal blend for making a powder metal part especially a valve guide 14 for an internal combustion engine particularly suited for operation where there is little or no engine oil lubricant at the valve stem 30 and valve guide 14 interface. The powder metal blend having a chemical composition on a weight percent basis of about 2 to about 10 percent copper; about 0.5 to about 5.0 percent solid lubricant; about 1.0 to about 3.0 percent graphite; about 1.0 to about 8.0 percent bronze; about 0.2 to about 1.5 percent copper-and/or iron phosphorus; about 0.3 to about 1.0 percent fugitive lubricant; and the balance being a low alloy steel powder containing about 0.3 to about 1.0 percent manganese.

Abstract: A stainless steel hydraulic component and method for making same hard turns a pre-heat treated stainless steel material, preferably a 400 series stainless steel material, provided in bar stock form in a single machining loading. Stainless steel hydraulic valve components made therefrom have shown improved leakage rate performance with the performance being fairly constant over a period of time for providing a longer functional life for the hydraulic valve component.

Abstract: An electrically operated throttle valve assembly 110, 210 having a throttle shaft 18, 218 with a portion extending exteriorly of the throttle body 12. Rotor 166, 266 is mounted on the extending portion of shaft 18, 218. A housing 80 concentrically surrounds the rotor 166, 266 and includes a rear wall 86, 286 to which stator 134, 234 is attached. The stator 134, 234 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced pole segments each with a coil is mounted to the rear wall 86, 286 and is concentrically disposed within the rotor 166, 266. The hollow cylindrical rotor 166, 266 with plural magnets 72, 74, 272, 274 disposed about the inner periphery has a radial web flange 168, 268 which is drivingly attached to one end of the extending portion of shaft 18, 218 with the rotor 166, 266 nested over the stator pole segments.

Abstract: A polypropylene closure arrangement for flexible packages comprises a blend having a polypropylene random copolymer as a base resin with a flexible modifier, and a slip component. The polypropylene closure arrangement 10, 110 is sufficiently flexible to be extruded and coiled around guide wheels similar to the fusion process of a polyethylene closure arrangement. The polypropylene closure arrangement in accordance with the present invention has the ability to be fusibly attached to a polypropylene film or other fusibly compatible thermoplastic material launch conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus (30) and method for adjusting an actuator (32) on a real-time basis includes a rack (40) extending axially over at least a portion on an outer surface of an adjustable member (36). The actuator (32) has a bore (42) that extends from the rack (40) to the outer surface (44) of the actuator (32) to receive an adjustment member (46). The adjustment member (46) includes a pinion (48) at one end for engaging the rack (40) while the adjustment member (46) is situated out of the functional flow or positioning area. Engagement of the pinion (48) of the adjustment member (46) with the rack (40) on the adjustable member (36) provides a real-time adjustment of the actuator (32) to a desired position or setting which then may be fixed or locked into that position.

Abstract: An electrically operated throttle valve assembly 110, 210 having a throttle shaft 18, 218 with a portion extending exteriorly of the throttle body 12. Rotor 166, 266 is mounted on the extending portion of shaft 18, 218. A housing 80 concentrically surrounds the rotor 166, 266 and includes a rear wall 86, 286 to which stator 134, 234 is attached. The stator 134, 234 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced pole segments each with a coil is mounted to the rear wall 86, 286 and is concentrically disposed within the rotor 166, 266. The hollow cylindrical rotor 166, 266 with plural magnets 72, 74, 272, 274 disposed about the inner periphery has a radial web flange 168, 268 which is drivingly attached to one end of the extending portion of shaft 18, 218 with the rotor 166, 266 nested over the stator pole segments.

Abstract: An improved process 30 for making an engine poppet valve 10 provides an unfinished poppet valve 10 with an initial diameter (d1) of a valve head 22 and an initial thickness (t1) of an interface 56 between a seat facing groove 54 and a combustion face 18 of the valve 50 prior to seat facing the valve 50 to prevent burn-through during the welding process 38. Coining 40 the valve head 22 after seat facing 38 decreases the initial thickness (t1) of the interface 56 to a selected thickness (t2) and increases the initial diameter (d1) to a final or desired diameter (d2) of the valve head 22. The method of the present invention eliminates any need for removing excess material and allows for hot forming the seat facing material 58 to reduce machining steps.

Abstract: An improved regulator valve 10 for controlling the purging of fuel vapors collected in a canister 12 and an evaporative emission control system into an intake system 18 of an internal combustion engine employs a solenoid valve assembly 40 with an armature 86 disposed outside of the coil 58 to operate with low friction. A spring 90 separating the armature 86 from the valve member 98 allows the spring 98 to absorb most of the magnetic and gravitational side loading.