Abstract: An air flow/check valve for an exhaust emission system combines flow and check functions into a single valve which is especially well-suited for use with an electric motor driven air pump. The valving mechanism is operated by a fluid actuator, and pressure conditions in the actuator are controlled by sensing the pressure differential across the valving mechanism to close the valving mechanism when exhaust back pressure is indicative of causing potentially damaging backflow to the air pump. Several embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: The evaporative emission control system for an internal combustion engine purges the vapor collection canister to the throttle body through both a purge regulator controlled by the engine ECU and a variable orifice valve that is mechanically operated by the throttle mechanism. A throttle position sensor that supplies a throttle position signal to the ECU can be read by the ECU as also representing the degree of restriction being imposed by the variable orifice on the flow of vapor from the canister to the throttle body and the ECU can take this into account when setting the purge regulator. A novel construction for the purge regulator, particularly the connection between the actuator and the valve, precludes the transmission of any significant bending moment from the movable wall of the actuator to the valve. The head of the valve is designed to also contribute to improved operation.

Abstract: The evaporative emission control system for an internal combustion engine purges the vapor collection canister to the intake manifold through a purge regulator controlled by the engine ECU. The purge regulator comprises a diaphragm valve and an electronic vacuum regulator. The purge regulator functions to allow a purge flow rate correlated with a control signal from the engine ECU and manifold vacuum, to maintain the purge flow rate substantially constant in response to certain changes in the magnitude of manifold vaccum, and to re-adjust the purge flow rate in correlation with changes in the control signal from the engine ECU.

Abstract: A valve assembly of novel configuration is associated with the main air induction passage of a fuel-injected, spark-ignited, automotive internal combustion engine for the purpose of regulating the idle air flow. The valve assembly has an inlet connected upstream of the throttle and an outlet connected downstream of the throttle. A pintle controls the restriction that the valve assembly imposes on the idle air flow. The valve assembly is controlled by the engine computer selectively energizing a solenoid on the assembly. In one embodiment the solenoid armature controls flow through another flow path of the valve assembly that parallels the idle air flow path. A movable internal wall divides the valve assembly's body into two variable volume chambers. One chamber forms part of the idle air bypass while the other forms part of the parallel flow path. The one chamber is essentially at manifold vacuum while the other is regulated by a bleed valve and two orifices in the parallel flow path.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing elements of active material for use in the construction of electrodes for secondary electro-chemical cells characterized by comprising the steps of:rolling active material mixture in a first direction to produce elongate strip,cutting the strip to define cut sheets of rolled material,transporting a cut sheet in said one direction on a movable end, first, conveyor,moving the movable end of said first conveyor to transfer said cut sheet to a stationary, second conveyor extending substantially perpendicular to said first conveyor,operating said second conveyor to transfer said cut sheet in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction to a laminating station wherein the cut sheet is laminated with other cut sheets, and,rolling the laminated cut sheets in said second direction. An apparatus for use in the manufacture of active material elements is also disclosed.

Abstract: The evaporative emission control system for an internal combustion engine purges the vapor collection canister to the throttle body through both a purge regulator controlled by the engine ECU and a variable orifice valve that is mechanically operated by the throttle mechanism. A throttle position sensor that supplies a throttle position signal to the ECU can be read by the ECU as also representing the degree of restriction being imposed by the variable orifice on the flow of vapor from the canister to the throttle body and the ECU can take this into account when setting the purge regulator.

Abstract: A valve assembly of novel configuration is associated with the main air induction passage of a fuel-injected, spark-ignited, automotive internal combustion engine for the purpose of regulating the idle air flow. The valve assembly has an inlet connected upstream of the throttle. A pintle controls the restriction that the valve assembly imposes on the idle air flow. The valve assembly is controlled by the engine computer selectively energizing a solenoid on the assembly. The solenoid armature controls flow through another flow path of the valve assembly that parallels the idle air flow path. A movable internal wall divides the valve assembly's body into two variable volume chambers. One chamber forms part of the idle air bypass while the other forms part of the parallel flow path. The one chamber is essentially at manifold vacuum while the other is regulated by a bleed valve and two orifices in the parallel flow path. Positioning of the movable wall positions the pintle.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type inertia switch for sensing deceleration places the inertial mass in the chamber that contains the contacts. The other chamber has a thin concave-convex shape that gives the switch a low profile. The switch has a molded plastic base containing a test coil for attracting the inertial mass to test the switch. A mechanism for calibrating the switch is also included.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon fuel vapors that are collected in a canister are periodically purged to the intake manifold through a purge valve that comprises a variable orifice valve portion and a flow regulator valve portion in series with each other. The variable orifice portion sets an orifice in inverse proportion to manifold vacuum. The flow regulator portion controls the flow in accordance with a signal from the engine E.C.U.

Abstract: An inertia switch for a supplemental inflatable restraint system. The switch comprises a casing that is divided into two chambers by an axially movable diaphragm. The diaphragm carries an electrical contact on one face and an inertial mass on the other. A pair of terminals are disposed in the path of travel of the electrical contact so that when the switch is subjected to axial deceleration force the contact is urged toward the terminals. Actual contact is made when the deceleration force equals or exceeds a predetermined deceleration characteristic. The deceleration characteristic is a function not only of the diaphragm, the electrical contact, and the mass, but also of a control orifice located in an orifice that communicates the two chambers with each other. The chambers are constructed such that air is forced from one chamber into another through the control orifice when deceleration occurs and this imparts a dampening to the motion of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A canister purge solenoid valve is constructed and arranged to provide reduced operating noise and decreased armature wear as the armature reciprocates within a bore in response to solenoid energization and de-energization. The armature contains an elastomeric valve head that is biased normally closed against the valve seat. When the solenoid assembly is energized, the armature is retracted. The armature's momentum is initially absorbed by the elastomeric valve head making contact with the solenoid assembly at one end of the bore. Final absorption of the armature's momentum is shared by continuing contact of the valve head with the solenoid assembly and by an elastomeric limit stop that is disposed between the armature and the stator. In this way the elastomeric limit stop is not required to absorb the full momentum of the retracting armature.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve comprising:a magnetic circuit comprising a magnetic central portion having a fluid passage, adapted to receive fluid at a first pressure level;an annular, upraised magnetic valve seat coaxial with the central portion and disposed at and about one end of the central portion, the one end and valve seat disposed within a pressure chamber, the magnetic circuit further including a movable valve element, acted upon by the magnetic flux flowing through the magnetic circuit, to regulate the pressure within the pressure chamber corresponding with an input electrical signal, including a disk comprising, in at least a portion thereof through which the magnetic flux flows, a non-magnetic material of a given thickness facing the valve seat and a magnetic material secured to the non-magnetic material on a dimension thereof opposite the valve seat;a spring for biasing the disk toward the valve seat;an output port for communicating the pressure chamber to a pressure responsive device;an input port

Abstract: An electrically controlled EGR valve comprising: a valve stem (64), eccentrically positioned from an axis of rotation and movable in a substantially axial manner relative to a valve seat (84); a poppet valve (70) carried by the valve stem for closing the valve seat (84); a first shaft (52) eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of rotation and engagably connected to one end of the valve stem (64), and an electrically controlled actuator such as a torque motor (30) for rotating the first shaft (52) about the axis to cause the valve stem to move.

Abstract: There is provided an improvement in a method for terminating a gas phase olefin polymerization reaction with a kill gas such as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The improvement involves the use of a carrier gas to increase the rate of penetration of kill gas into the reaction medium. The improved method is particularly adaptable to a fluid bed reactor system.

Abstract: A throttle assembly (10) for an engine comprising: a primary throttle plate (16) rotatably mounted on a first shaft (18); linkage (22) for rotating the first shaft (18) in response to operator demand; a second throttle plate (42) received within a cut-out (30) formed in the first throttle plate and rotatably mounted relative to the first shaft; and an actuator (50) for rotating the second throttle plate relative to the first throttle plate to adjust the flow area of a second flow passage formed between the first and second throttle plates.

Abstract: There is provided an improvement in a method for terminating a gas phase olefin polymerization reaction with a kill gas such as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The improvement involves the use of a carrier gas to increase the rate of penetration of kill gas into the reaction medium. The improved method is particularly adaptable to a fluid bed reactor system.

Abstract: A valve (10) comprising a plurality of passages (22,24), and an annular sealing area (30) in communication with one of the passages. The valve also includes a diaphragm (50), movably supported relative to the sealing area (30) in response to a force differential applied thereacross; including a thin, planar, flexible, non-metallic membrane (92) for sealably engaging against the sealing area.

Abstract: A variable flow rate valve (10) comprising; a housing (12) defining a vacuum chamber (35) and a flexible diaphragm (50) secured to said housing (12). The diaphragm defines one extreme of the pressure chamber (35) and is movable in one direction in response to decreases in the pressure within the pressure chamber and movable in an opposite direction in response to increases in the pressure within the pressure chamber. The valve (10) further includes means (40, 100, 110, 112) for providing a mechanical position limit or stop for the diaphragm in the one direction and means (126, 84, 86, 92, 94) for selectively varying the pressure within the pressure chamber for causing the diaphragm to move in response to the pressure differential thereacross.

Abstract: A vapor control valve (12) and system therefor for controlling fuel tank (14) pressure and for purging hydrocarbons from a storage canister (16) comprising a single electrical coil (44) responsive to control signals, wound about a carrier or bobbin (34) including a central passage (36) and means for dividing said central passage into first (40) and second (42) axially aligned portions; a first piston (60) slidably received within said central passage at said first portion (40); a second piston (80) slidably received within said central passage at said first portion (42); a first valve seat (132) for receiving said first piston; a second valve seat (106) for receiving said second piston, a first spring (66) for biasing said first piston into said first valve seat; a second spring (90) for biasing said second piston into said second valve seat, wherein the spring constant of said first spring is less than the spring constant of said second spring.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon vapor recovery storage system including a charcoal canister for storing hydrocarbon vapor and a control valve for establishing the rate of flow of the vapor into the intake manifold of an engine. The system further includes a regulator (30) comprising an inlet passage (52,54) for receiving the vapor from the canister and an outlet passage for communicating the vapor to the control valve (22). The regulator further includes a device for regulating the maximum flow rate of the vapor comprising a piston (120) movable relative to a control orifice (64) to regulate the flow therethrough. The piston (120) is movable by a material, such as a silicon rubber compound that is capable of changing its physical size in accordance with the concentration of hydrocarbons in the vapor communicated thereto.