Patents Assigned to Siemens Automotive Inc.
  • Patent number: 6878472
    Abstract: An air mass flow controller valve for fuel cells that includes an inlet, a plurality of first and second passages and at least two air mass sensors, seat positions, closure members and actuators. The inlet is disposed along a first axis and coupled to a housing, which has first and second banks of outlets disposed along second and third axes. The first and second banks of outlets are in communication with the inlet and are coupled to the plurality of first and second passages. One of the at least two air mass sensors is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two seat portions is disposed between the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed between the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two closure members is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Frèdèric Gagnon
  • Patent number: 6786227
    Abstract: A valve, system, and method for controlling evaporative emissions of a volatile fuel. The system includes a fuel vapor collection canister, an isolation valve, and a fuel tank. The isolation valve includes a housing defining a chamber, a diaphragm movable with respect to the housing between a first configuration and a second configuration, and a coil spring biasing the diaphragm toward the first configuration. The housing includes an interior partition that defines an aperture and separates the housing into first and second sections, a first port that is in fuel vapor communication with the fuel vapor collection canister, and a second port. In the first configuration, the diaphragm occludes the aperture, divides the chamber into three sub-chambers, and substantially prevents fuel vapor flow between the first and second ports. In the second configuration, the diaphragm divides the chamber into two sub-chambers and permits generally unrestricted fuel vapor flow between the first and second ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Andrew Weldon, John Edward Cook
  • Patent number: 6746054
    Abstract: A connection and a method of providing a connection includes a fluid tight communication between a valve and a tube. The valve includes a first surface, a second surface, a cavity, and an aperture extending through the valve between the first and second surfaces. The tube includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion between the first and second portions. The first portion penetrates the first surface and extends through the aperture into the cavity. The third portion is deformed so as to engage the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Gagnon, Peter Hueniken, Kenneth Peter Nydam, Robert Faulkner
  • Publication number: 20040074546
    Abstract: An air mass flow controller valve for fuel cells that includes an inlet, a plurality of first and second passages and at least two air mass sensors, seat positions, closure members and actuators. The inlet is disposed along a first axis and coupled to a housing, which has first and second banks of outlets disposed along second and third axes. The first and second banks of outlets are in communication with the inlet and are coupled to the plurality of first and second passages. One of the at least two air mass sensors is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two seat portions is disposed between the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed between the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two closure members is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: SIEMENS AUTOMOTIVE INC.
    Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
  • Patent number: 6722626
    Abstract: A canister purge valve increases flow through the valve for an increased power level. The canister purge valve includes a housing that defines a volume and has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the volume. A coil is disposed in the volume proximate the outlet. A stator is disposed in the volume proximate the outlet, the stator having a first surface. An armature is disposed in the coil, the armature having a second surface proximate the first surface of the stator and defining a gap therebetween. The armature is movable to an open position permitting fluid flow through the volume in response to an energization of the coil. A biasing member is disposed between the stator and the armature, the biasing member urging the armature to a closed position prohibiting fluid flow through the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Balsdon
  • Patent number: 6708552
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement and a method of verificating leaks in a fuel system including an integrated pressure management apparatus. The sensor arrangement comprises a chamber having an interior volume varying in response to fluid pressure in the chamber, a first switch, and a second switch. The chamber includes a diaphragm that is displaceable between a first configuration in response to fluid pressure above a first pressure level, a second configuration in response to fluid pressure below the first pressure level but above a second pressure level, and a third configuration in response to fluid pressure below the second pressure level. The third pressure level being lower than the second pressure level, and the second pressure level being lower than the first pressure level. The first switch is actuated by the diaphragm in the second configuration. And the second switch is actuated by the diaphragm in the third configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Weldon
  • Patent number: 6675572
    Abstract: A method of diverting flow with a valve through a first filter and a second filter to purify exhaust gas with at least one of the filters and to regenerate at least one of the filters with the exhaust gas. Positioning the valve in a first operative position purifies the exhaust gas with the first filter and regenerates the second filter with the exhaust gas. Positioning the valve in a second operative position that is different that the first operative position purifies the exhaust gas with the second filter and regenerates the first filter with the exhaust gas. The method can be achieved by a valve for an exhaust system that including a body and a flow inhibitor. The body defines a volume and has a first inlet, a second inlet, a recirculation chamber, and an outlet chamber in fluid communication with the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Everingham, Cristian Tofan-Petre, Thomas Maciejowski
  • Patent number: 6672291
    Abstract: A vapor purge system that permits evaluation of the system with a minimum number of hoses and connections, and without the use of additional components. The system includes a valve having first and second ports in communication with a first chamber and a third port in communication with a second chamber, the first and second chambers being defined by a metering member that divides an internal volume of a housing. A first conduit connects a diagnostic member having first and second operative states with the first chamber, the connection being made through the second port. The first operative state prohibits communication with an exterior of the valve, and the second operative state permits communication with the exterior. The diagnostic member provides the ability to reliably measure flow through the valve. The system can use three (3) hoses including five (5) connections from a vapor supply port connected with the first port to the third port operatively connected with a manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Balsdon, Alfred Schneider
  • Patent number: 6668807
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling evaporative emissions of a volatile fuel. The system preferably has a fuel vapor collection canister, a purge valve, an isolation valve, and a fuel tank. The fuel vapor collection canister includes a supply port and a discharge port. The purge valve includes an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port of the purge valve is in fluid communication with the discharge port of the fuel vapor collection canister. The isolation valve includes a housing, a valve body, and a seal. The housing has a first port in fluid communication with the supply port of the fuel vapor collection canister, a second port, and a fuel vapor flow path that extends between the first and second ports. The valve body is movable with respect to the housing along an axis between a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Weldon, Alfred Schneider
  • Patent number: 6651953
    Abstract: A valve structure that includes a housing, a valve, and an actuator. The housing includes a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion. The first portion extends along a first axis from a first port, the second portion extends along a second axis from a second port, and the intermediate portion connects the first and second portions. The first and second portions partially define a fluid communication path between the first and second configurations. The valve is movable with respect to the housing between first and second configurations. The first configuration permits substantially unrestricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The second configuration substantially prevents fluid flow between the first and second ports. The actuator displaces the valve from the first configuration to the second configuration. The actuator partially defines the fluid communication path between the first and second ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Weldon
  • Patent number: 6648018
    Abstract: A bypass control valve including a wall that defines a first passage disposed along a first axis and having a first portion, a second portion, and a transitional portion disposed between the first and second portion. The transitional portion has a first port, a pivot point, and an annular locking member proximate the transitional portion, with the first port having a sealing surface disposed thereon. The bypass control valve also includes a first bypass passage disposed along a second axis oblique to the first axis. The first bypass passage has a second port, which projects into the transitional portion and which has a sealing surface and a receiver portion. The receiver portion is coupled to the locking members. The bypass control valve further includes a closure member having a first planar surface and a second planar surface with at least one elastomeric member disposed on each of the first planar surface and the second planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
  • Patent number: 6648019
    Abstract: An air mass flow controller valve for fuel cells that includes an inlet, a plurality of first and second passages and at least two air mass sensors, seat positions, closure members and actuators. The inlet is disposed along a first axis and coupled to a housing, which has first and second banks of outlets disposed along second and third axes. The first and second banks of outlets are in communication with the inlet and are coupled to the plurality of first and second passages. One of the at least two air mass sensors is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two seat portions is disposed between the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed between the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two closure members is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Frèdèric Gagnon
  • Patent number: 6631881
    Abstract: A valve structure that includes a housing, a valve element, and a seal. The housing includes a first communication path between a first port at a first pressure level and a second port at a second pressure level. The valve element is movable with respect to the housing between a first position, a second position, and an intermediate position between the first and second positions. The first position permits substantially unrestricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The second position substantially prevents fluid flow between the first and second ports. The seal is located at an interface between the housing and the valve element. The seal deforms in response to a differential between the first and second pressure levels such that at the intermediate position, there is restricted fluid flow between the first and second ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Weldon, Alfred Schneider
  • Patent number: 6624546
    Abstract: A choke 10, for suppressing radio-frequency interference of a brush-type motor, includes a single wire having a portion 15 wound about a coil axis A to define a plurality of coils 14 including two outermost coils 16 and 18. An attaching structure 20 extends from each outermost coil and is disposed generally transverse with respect to the coil axis. Each attaching structure is constructed and arranged to be inserted through an associated opening in a supporting structure and to be bent so as secure the choke to the supporting structure. An elongated end portion 22 extends from each attaching structure so as to be spaced from and generally parallel to the coil axis. The elongated end portions extend in opposite directions. One of the elongated end portions is constructed and arranged to be directly electrically connected to an electrical connector of a motor and the other of the elongated end portions is constructed and arranged to be in electrical connection with a brush of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Kershaw, Andrew Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 6612338
    Abstract: A valve structure that comprises a housing and a valve. The housing includes a first fluid communication passage between a first port and a second port. The valve is movable with respect to the housing between a first configuration, a second configuration, and an intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. The first configuration permits substantially unrestricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The second configuration substantially prevents fluid flow between the first and second ports. And the intermediate configuration provides restricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The valve includes a first valve element and a second valve element. The first valve element includes a second fluid communication passage providing the restricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The second valve element is positionable in first and second positions with respect to the first valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Andrew Weldon, John Edward Cook, William Charles Gillier
  • Patent number: 6611071
    Abstract: A cooling assembly includes an electric motor 10 for driving a fan 16. At least one spoke structure 18 is coupled to and extends generally radially from a periphery of the motor body so as to be exposed to airflow caused by rotation of the fan 16. An electronic component 24 of the motor is operatively associated with the spoke structure 18 such that heat of the electronic component is conducted to the spoke structure and to a spoke extension 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Stauder, David J. Naish
  • Patent number: 6601565
    Abstract: A pressure regulating valve and system, including a pressure regulating valve having a housing defining a chamber with a first passage and second passage; a pressure operative member separating the first and second passages, the member having at least a first and second position, the first passage having a first volume and flow therethrough when the member is in the first position, and the first passage having a second volume and a first portion of the flow therethrough and the second passage having a second portion of the flow therethrough when the member is in the second position; and a spring biasing the member to the first position; an injector communicating with the valve; a diverter communicating with a fuel supply and the valve; a filter between the first outlet and the valve; and a fuel pump located between the fuel supply and the diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Cristian Tofan-Petre
  • Patent number: 6601569
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling evaporative emissions of a volatile fuel. The system preferably has a fuel vapor collection canister, a purge valve, an isolation valve, a fuel tank, and a vent valve. The fuel vapor collection canister includes a supply port and a discharge port. The purge valve includes an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port of the purge valve is in fluid communication with the discharge port of the fuel vapor collection canister. The isolation valve includes a housing, a valve body, and a seal. The housing has a first port in fluid communication with the supply port of the fuel vapor collection canister, a second port, and a fuel vapor flow path that extends between the first and second ports. The valve body is movable with respect to the housing along an axis between a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Weldon, Alfred Schneider
  • Patent number: 6599085
    Abstract: A low tone axial flow fan structure includes a hub 12; an inner fan 14 including a number of inner blades 16 attached to the hub and extending radially outwardly to a first circumferentially extending blade support structure 18; and an outer fan 20 including a number of outer blades 22 attached to the first circumferentially extending blade support structure 18 and extending radially outwardly to a second circumferentially extending blade support structure 20. The number of outer blades defines an outer fan blade passing order. The number of inner blades ensures creation of blade passing orders or multiple of said blade passing orders within one blade passing order of the outer fan blade passing order so as to provide masking of the outer fan blade passing order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvain Nadeau, Konstantin Kurbatskii
  • Patent number: 6598623
    Abstract: A valve structure that includes a housing, a valve, a first resilient element, and a second resilient element. The housing includes a first fluid communication path between a first port and a second port. The valve is movable with respect to the housing, and includes a first valve element and a second valve element. The first valve element includes a second fluid communication path, a first seal, and a second seal. The second fluid communication path provides restricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The first seal engages the housing. The second valve element is positionable between first and second arrangements with respect to the first valve element. The first arrangement of the second valve is spaced from the second seal, and the second arrangement of the second valve engages the second seal. The first resilient element extends between the housing and the first valve element, and the second resilient element extends between the first and second valve elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Craig W. Weldon