Abstract: An in-tank fuel filter for an automotive vehicle filters fuel entering a fuel intake. The fuel filter includes a filter element and a filter manifold integrally attached to a filter frame. The filter frame is disposed within the filter element to retain the shape of the filter element. The filter frame is subsequently detached from the filter manifold thereby creating a free-floating filter frame. This allows the filter frame to move relative to the manifold so as to allow ease of insertion of the filter into the fuel tank with limited destructive deformation of the filter.

Abstract: A piston-type, multicylinder internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block and a cylinder head mounted thereto, with a combustion chamber defined by the cylinder head and the top of the piston, with the engine being fueled by an an in-cylinder gasoline injection system which is centrally located with a spark plug such that the spark plug is closer to exhaust valves than is the injector, and with the injector being closer to the intake valves than the spark plug.

Abstract: An impeller for use in a regenerative pump for pumping automotive fuel to an engine includes a plurality of vanes radially extending from a core. Each vane has a leading surface, a trailing surface, and a sidewall between the leading surface and the trailing surface. A plurality of partitions is interposed between the vanes such that the vanes and partitions define a plurality of vane grooves. Fuel is then pumped by the vanes through the vane grooves such that the fuel flows along a generally spiral path thereby defining a primary vortex. A relief is formed at least partially along the length of each vane at the intersection between the trailing surface and the sidewall. This relief causes the fuel flowing along the generally spiral path, also known as the primary vortex, to also rotate about an instantaneous axis thereby defining a secondary vortex. The secondary vortex has the benefit of reducing turbulence with the attendant benefit of reducing cavitation or vapor generation within the fuel pump.

Abstract: A dual speed fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine in an automotive vehicle includes a fuel pump, a dropping resistor connected to the fuel pump for reducing the voltage required to drive the fuel pump, and a controller for determining an optimum transition point between one of a relatively high and low speed fuel pump operation so that a controlled amount of fuel is delivered to the engine. The controller calculates fuel pressure increase across the fuel pump, determines the minimum fuel pump voltage necessary to drive the fuel pump such that a predetermined amount of fuel is supplied to the engine and determines the current draw of the fuel pump. The controller then calculates the voltage drop across the dropping resistor and compares the resulting voltage with the minimum fuel pump voltage. The controller then selectively by-passes the dropping resistor based on this comparison.

Abstract: A fuel filler pipe for a fuel filler system of an automotive vehicle includes a generally helical directional control surface disposed within the fuel filler pipe and extending along the longitudinal axis thereof. The directional control surface guides fuel flowing through the filler pipe so as to impart a spiral flow to the fuel such that the fuel flows with reduced turbulence and subsequent vapor generation. In addition, the directional control surface restricts backward flow of fuel from the fuel tank through the fuel filler pipe.

Abstract: A gerotor pump includes a pair of relief ports superimposed on and directly communicating with the pump's inlet and outlet channels, respectively. The relief ports simultaneously communicate with an open mesh pumping chamber so as to provide an intermittent controlled leak from the open mesh pumping chamber. Upon rotation of the gear members of the gerotor pump when the volume in the open mesh pumping chamber is increasing to a maximum volume, fluid in the open mesh pumping chamber vents into the relief port superimposed on and communicating with the outlet channel while continuing to communicate with the relief port superimposed on and communicating with the inlet channel.

Abstract: An improved structure is provided for supporting pillars of automotive vehicles which provides energy absorption through provision of three stamped metallic panels (24, 26, 28) defining first and second energy absorbing chambers (56, 58) therebetween and an interior trim cover (30) joined to all the panels and defining a third chamber (62) between it and the interior of the three panels and selected energy absorbing media carried between the trim cover and the interior of the panels. Generally C-shaped spring structures (74) and plastic honeycomb structures (68) are preferred for the energy absorbing media.

Abstract: A fuel vapor management system for an automotive vehicle includes a vapor tower in fluid communication with a vapor purge outlet of a fuel pump. A fluid treatment section, such as a screen, is disposed between the fuel pump vapor purge outlet and the vapor tower. The fluid treatment section reduces the size and momentum of purged vapor bubbles such that the purged vapor bubbles in the vapor tower may rise in the vapor tower and separate from liquid fuel thereby, allowing liquid fuel to flow out of the vapor tower and allowing fuel vapor to escape from the vapor tower away from the inlet of the fuel pump inlet.

Abstract: A fuel pump manifold for a fuel delivery system of an automotive internal combustion engine includes a unitary housing with a fluid conduit formed therein. Inlet and outlet ports communicate with the fluid conduit, which are adapted to be connected to the outlet of a fuel pump and a fuel supply line, respectively. The fuel pump manifold further includes a jet pump supply port communicating with the fluid conduit to feed a jet pump of the fuel delivery system. To prevent fuel from draining from the fuel supply line through the manifold, a check valve is disposed within the outlet port. A pressure relief is also disposed within the fuel pump manifold to relieve excessive pressure in the fuel supply line.

Abstract: An integrated air/fuel induction system for a multicylinder internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold assembly having an airbox for providing a source of intake air for consumption by the engine. The intake manifold assembly also includes an air plenum communicating with the airbox. A plurality of intake runners is integrally formed, at least partially, within the airbox, for directing intake air flowing from the plenum into each cylinder of the engine. The airbox thereby encapsulates and utilizes the volume of space surrounding the intake runners. The integrated air/fuel induction system also includes a fuel rail removably latched to the manifold assembly. A biasing member is provided to compensate for any slack between the fuel rail and the manifold assembly. In addition, rotational and axial locators are provided so as to position the fuel rail relative to the engine.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system for a vehicle having an energy absorbing device. The energy absorbing device is attached to a vehicle pillar and is also attached to the vehicle's seat belt. When a predetermined load is placed on the seat belt, the energy absorbing device is activated to reduce the peak load. The energy absorbing device includes a spool rotatably mounted to the pillar, a wire member attached at one end to the spool, wound around the spool, and attached at another end to the seat belt. Tear resistant media at least partially encases the wire member and the spool such that as the wire member unwinds from the spool, it cuts through the tear resistant media thereby absorbing energy so as to reduce the peak seat belt load.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for delivering fuel from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine includes a fuel pump disposed within the tank and an accumulator communicating between the fuel pump and the engine for storing a volume of fuel under pressure. The system also includes a fuel pump control means for controlling the output of fuel flow from the fuel pump. The control means selectively causes the fuel pump output flow to either supply fuel to both the engine and the accumulator or bypass fuel at a lower pressure while fuel is supplied by the accumulator alone, thereby reducing the average power demand of the pump.

Abstract: A system for powering various rotating vehicle accessories such as an alternator, a power steering pump, and an air-conditioning compressor from both a water pump and an engine's crankshaft. At relatively low engine crankshaft speeds, the accessories are driven by a clutch mounted on a water pump at a first speed ratio relative to the engine crankshaft speed; at relatively high engine crankshaft speeds, the accessories are driven by the crankshaft at a second speed ratio relative to the engine crankshaft speed.

Abstract: A system for delivering fuel to an internal combustion engine wherein excess fuel from a fuel pump is diverted by a pressure regulator to supply low pressure fuel to power a jet pump. The low pressure created by the jet pump entrains fuel from the fuel tank and the combined flow is directed into a reservoir for inlet to the fuel pump.

Abstract: A retainer for a retaining valve lifters in an internal combustion engine. The retainer has a plurality of valve lifter receiving sockets spaced along the length thereof for receiving the lifters. To secure the retainer in the engine, a resilient biasing element is attached to the retainer body such that when the cylinder head is mounted to the cylinder block, the resilient biasing element is flexed, thereby applying a normal force on the retainer to secure the retainer between the cylinder block and the cylinder head.

Abstract: An intake system for a multicylinder internal combustion engine includes a manifold having inlet runners for conducting charge air into the cylinders of an engine, and at least one secondary throttle valve situated within at least one of the inlet runners. An actuator positions the secondary throttle valve, with the actuator being operated by a controller. The controller receives a sensed value from at least one engine operating parameter sensor, determines an appropriate position for the secondary throttle valve and predicts an optimum transition point at which the secondary throttle valve transitions to the appropriate position. The controller then initiates operation of the actuator at a point before the transition point such that the engine smoothly transitions between a first operating condition and a second operating condition.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system for an internal combustion engine includes a heat transfer element communicating with both the engine coolant passage in the cylinder head and the cylinder head itself. A temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the heat transfer element. During normal engine operating conditions, the system records engine coolant temperature. During a loss of coolant, the system records cylinder head temperature.

Abstract: A liquid level sender device for measuring a level of a liquid in a tank having a first wall and a bottom wall includes a bracket mounted to the first wall of the tank, a first potentiometer mounted on the bracket, a float arm movably connected to the bracket and cooperating with the first potentiometer to generate a first variable resistance which varies according to the position relationship between the bracket and the float arm, a float mounted on the float arm which moves according to the level of the liquid in the tank and moves the float arm accordingly, a second potentiometer mounted on the bracket, and a compensation arm biased against the bottom wall of the tank and movably connected to the bracket, where the compensation arm cooperates with the second potentiometer to generate a second variable resistance which varies according to the position relationship between the bracket and the compensation arm.

Abstract: A chain guide mounting assembly for reducing chain related noise in a chain driven overhead cam internal combustion engine. The assembly includes vibration isolation means for mounting the chain guide to the engine. Resilient members, fitted within the chain guide, provide the vibration isolation, which, in turn, reduces undesirable chain noise. To prevent undue lateral movement of the chain guide member as a result of the chain force exerted thereon, a rigid sleeve in interference engagement is fitted within bores of the resilient members. As a result, a preload is provided on the resilient members so as to reduce the amount of undesirable lateral movement.

Abstract: An instrument panel brace for aiding in the alignment of the steering column of a vehicle during a collision. The brace is attached to the instrument panel beam which in turn is attached to the steering column. Further, the instrument panel brace lies adjacent the cowl rather than being rigidly attached to either the cowl or dash panel. During a collision, the brace resists rotation of the steering column caused when the driver's knees push up against the instrument panel beam while resisting transferring load from the engine to the steering column.