Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a temperature of oil in a power-plant operable to propel a vehicle. The system includes a heat-exchanger arranged relative to the power-plant. The heat-exchanger is configured to receive the oil from the power-plant, modify the temperature of the oil, and return the modified temperature oil to the power-plant. The system also includes a valve configured to direct the oil through the heat-exchanger during a warm-up operation of the power-plant such that the temperature of the oil is increased. The valve is also configured to direct the oil to bypass the heat-exchanger during a low load operation of the power-plant such that the temperature of the oil is increased. Additionally, the valve is configured to direct the oil through the heat-exchanger during a high load operation of the power-plant such that the temperature of the oil is decreased.

Abstract: A fluid pump includes a housing that defines a suction chamber, a discharge chamber, and a barrier having a first height, wherein the barrier is configured to separate the suction chamber from the discharge chamber. The pump also includes meshed first and second gears rotatably disposed in the housing. The gears are configured to draw relatively low-pressure fluid from the suction chamber, transform the relatively low-pressure fluid into relatively high-pressure fluid, and release the relatively high-pressure fluid into the discharge chamber. The barrier includes first and second portions configured to accept the first and second gears respectively, and a bridge connecting the first and second portions. The bridge is disposed proximately to where the gears mesh and is configured to provide a transition from the first height to a second height to thereby generate gradual re-expansion of the fluid away from the bridge.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a fluid system is provided. The valve assembly includes a damping component to reduce undesired pressure fluctuations within the system. The valve assembly includes a valve guide member and a valve member at least partially situated around the valve guide member. The valve member may be slidable relative to the valve guide member. The valve member is configured to move between a first valve member position that substantially permits fluid flow from the fluid system through the valve assembly, and a second valve member position that substantially prevents fluid flow from the fluid system through the valve assembly. A metering hole is formed on the valve member and adapted to dampen the motion of the valve member from the first valve member position to the second valve member position.

Abstract: A fluid pump includes a housing that defines a suction chamber, a discharge chamber, and a barrier having a first height, wherein the barrier is configured to separate the suction chamber from the discharge chamber. The pump also includes meshed first and second gears rotatably disposed in the housing. The gears are configured to draw relatively low-pressure fluid from the suction chamber, transform the relatively low-pressure fluid into relatively high-pressure fluid, and release the relatively high-pressure fluid into the discharge chamber. The barrier includes first and second portions configured to accept the first and second gears respectively, and a bridge connecting the first and second portions. The bridge is disposed proximately to where the gears mesh and is configured to provide a transition from the first height to a second height to thereby generate gradual re-expansion of the fluid away from the bridge.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a temperature of oil in a power-plant operable to propel a vehicle. The system includes a heat-exchanger arranged relative to the power-plant. The heat-exchanger is configured to receive the oil from the power-plant, modify the temperature of the oil, and return the modified temperature oil to the power-plant. The system also includes a valve configured to direct the oil through the heat-exchanger during a warm-up operation of the power-plant such that the temperature of the oil is increased. The valve is also configured to direct the oil to bypass the heat-exchanger during a low load operation of the power-plant such that the temperature of the oil is increased. Additionally, the valve is configured to direct the oil through the heat-exchanger during a high load operation of the power-plant such that the temperature of the oil is decreased.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a fluid system is provided. The valve assembly includes a damping component to reduce undesired pressure fluctuations within the system. The valve assembly includes a valve guide member and a valve member at least partially situated around the valve guide member. The valve member may be slidable relative to the valve guide member. The valve member is configured to move between a first valve member position that substantially permits fluid flow from the fluid system through the valve assembly, and a second valve member position that substantially prevents fluid flow from the fluid system through the valve assembly. A metering hole is formed on the valve member and adapted to dampen the motion of the valve member from the first valve member position to the second valve member position.