Abstract: A three-port flow control valve comprising a valve body having two opposite-facing valve seats disposed along a central bore terminating in an exhaust port. A supply port communicates with the first valve seat, and a common port communicates with the second valve seat. A pintle shaft connected to an actuating linear solenoid extends along the central bore. A first valve head actuated by the pintle shaft mates with the first valve seat. A second valve head disposed colinearly with the pintle shaft mates with the second valve seat. Opening of the first valve closes the second valve and vice versa. While the solenoid is de-energized the supply pressure keeps the first valve closed. A spring may be disposed between the second valve head and the exhaust port to urge the second valve head to close with the second valve seat.

Abstract: A three-port flow control valve comprising a valve body having two opposite-facing valve seats disposed along a central bore terminating in an exhaust port. A supply port communicates with the first valve seat, and a common port communicates with the second valve seat. A pintle shaft connected to an actuating linear solenoid extends along the central bore. A first valve head actuated by the pintle shaft mates with the first valve seat. A second valve head disposed colinearly with the pintle shaft mates with the second valve seat. Opening of the first valve closes the second valve and vice versa. While the solenoid is de-energized the supply pressure keeps the first valve closed. A spring may be disposed between the second valve head and the exhaust port to urge the second valve head to close with the second valve seat.

Abstract: A three-port flow control valve comprising a valve body having two opposite-facing valve seats disposed along a central bore terminating in an exhaust port. A supply port communicates with the first valve seat, and a common port communicates with the second valve seat. A pintle shaft connected to an actuating linear solenoid extends along the central bore. A first valve head actuated by the pintle shaft mates with the first valve seat. A second valve head disposed colinearly with the pintle shaft mates with the second valve seat. Opening of the first valve closes the second valve and vice versa. While the solenoid is de-energized the supply pressure keeps the first valve closed. A spring may be disposed between the second valve head and the exhaust port to urge the second valve head to close with the second valve seat.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve includes a plastic nylon bobbin which has a relatively rigid portion which supports the electrical actuation coil and a separate, relatively resilient portion, which is integrally formed with the rigid portion of the bobbin for the mounting thereof. An armature is positioned for reciprocating displacement within a central passageway of the bobbin in response to selective energization of the coil. A spool valve is operatively connected for movement with the armature. A frame assembly supports the solenoid valve and continuously compressively loads the resilient portion of the bobbin within a non-plastic range of deformation.

Abstract: An oil control valve for a variable cam phaser has a secure steel-to-steel fit between the secondary plate of the bobbin and the frame owing to a shoulder formed in the frame against which the secondary plate abuts, and also owing to an o-ring disposed between the bobbin and frame. This prevents oil from leaking into the electrical connector of the valve, which advantageously can be oriented parallel to the axis of the valve.

Abstract: A low leak pressure control actuator for, e.g., controlling pressure in an automatic transmission system, includes a poppet and a check ball slidably disposed within a housing. The poppet and check ball are movable between a de-energized configuration, plural partially energized configurations, and a fully energized configuration. In the de-energized configuration, the poppet and check ball prohibit all flow to and from the supply port and permit flow between the control port and the exhaust port. In the partially energized configurations, the poppet and check ball permit flow to and from all of the ports, and incremental changes in the internal displacement of the poppet produce incremental changes in a control pressure. In the fully energized configuration flow, the poppet and check ball prohibit all flow to the exhaust port and permit fluid flow between the supply port and the control port.

Abstract: A low leak pressure control actuator for, e.g., controlling pressure in an automatic transmission system, includes a poppet and a check ball slidably disposed within a housing. The poppet and check ball are movable between a de-energized configuration, plural partially energized configurations, and a fully energized configuration. In the de-energized configuration, the poppet and check ball prohibit all flow to and from the supply port and permit flow between the control port and the exhaust port. In the partially energized configurations, the poppet and check ball permit flow to and from all of the ports, and incremental changes in the internal displacement of the poppet produce incremental changes in a control pressure. In the fully energized configuration flow, the poppet and check ball prohibit all flow to the exhaust port and permit fluid flow between the supply port and the control port.

Abstract: A magnetic brake for a transmission lock includes a coil housing having a closed end, an open end, and a continuous side wall therebetween. A central post extends from the closed end of the housing and establishes an annular chamber between the central post and the side wall, and a coil surrounds the post. A frusto-conical brake plate seat circumscribes the open end of the housing. A brake plate has frusto-conical peripheral surface, and when the coil is energized, the surface engages the seat in an interference fit that is sufficiently tight to prevent the brake plate from being rotated relative to the housing. A spring washer is included to bias the brake plate from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A self-cleaning soldering thimble assembly includes a thimble and a scraper disposed therein. The scraper is supported by two support rods that extend through the bottom of the thimble. The thimble slides along the support rods. When the thimble is dipped into a solder pot to refill the thimble with solder, the support rods abut the bottom of the solder pot, and the thimble continues to slide down the support rods causing the scraper to scrape away dross on the thimble.

Abstract: An unidirectional ball clutch (100) includes a locking collar (102), a bearing support collar (120), and a coil assembly (132) all disposed on a shaft (110). stablished between the locking collar (102) and the bearing support collar (120) is a bearing channel (127). Preferably, the bearing channel (127) is formed with a constant width portion (129) that leads to a decreasing width portion (131). At least one ball bearing (126) is disposed within the bearing channel (127) between the locking collar (102) and the bearing support collar (120). When the coil assembly (132) is energized, the bearing support collar (120) is magnetically coupled to the coil assembly (132). Accordingly, if the locking collar (102) is rotated in one direction relative to the bearing support collar (120) the bearing wedges itself in the decreasing width portion (131) of the bearing channel (127) and prevents any relative torsional motion between the locking collar (102) and the bearing support collar (120).