Abstract: A method of controlling a device having restricted movement. A controller is provided for controlling the operation of the device using a control algorithm. A normal operation control method is programmed onto the controller and is selectively activated by the controller to generate a normal control signal. A forcing control method is also programmed into the controller and selectively activates a forcing control signal. The normal operation control signal provides regular operation of the device, while the forcing control signal causes the device to operate in a manner that will correct the operation of the device when a restricted motion of the device is detected.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of controlling a device having a calibration process. The calibration process has a partial calibration routine and a calibration routine. A detector within the control system is capable of receiving one or more input signals and determining whether a partial calibration or calibration should occur. The first step in the process involves starting the control method where the detector receives input signals or generates it own data within the detector. The detector also determines whether a partial calibration routine or a calibration routine will take place based upon the value of the input signals received. A partial calibration routine will be performed if the input signals to the detector do not favor a calibration.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system is described. The system includes a non-contacting sensor stator integrated into an electronic throttle body and is aligned to the sensor rotor attached to the shaft to properly set sensor air gap by assembly aids or by close fit to the throttle body. A motor and vehicle connector is electrically connected to the sensor stator but is allowed to be positioned separately from the sensor stator by means of a flexible interconnect.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an actuator assembly (10) having a housing (14), at least one rotating gear member (52) including a cam (66), and an actuator device (26) operably connected to the rotating gear member (52), operably contained in the housing (14), for rotating the gear member (52). The present invention also includes a bearing member (76) operably associated with the cam (66) such that when the actuator device (26) is actuated for rotation of the gear member (52), the bearing member (76) moves on the cam (66) for providing relative motion between the bearing member (76) and the rotating gear member (52). The actuator device (26) is selected from a torque generating device or a device having linear movement.

Abstract: A sensing system for a vehicle that includes a single sensor element and multiple outputs. An engine controller is responsive to the multiple outputs, output circuits and a supervisor circuit in the system monitors the sensor element and shared circuits. If the sensor element fails, or if a connector fails or if the supervisor circuit indicates a circuit failure, one or more of the outputs will go outside of their normal operating range into a diagnostics range to allow the engine controller to take the appropriate action.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an actuator assembly (10) having an actuator device (26) operably associated with a housing (16), one or more rotating gear members (46, 48, 52) operably associated with the actuator device (26), a bearing member (76) operably associated with the one or more rotating gear members (46, 48, 52), and a cam (66) operably associated with the one or more rotating gear members (46, 48, 52), for translating rotary motion of the gear members (46, 48, 52) to axial motion. When the actuator 0 device (26) is actuated, the one or more rotating gear members (46, 48, 52) rotate, causing the bearing member (76) to move on the cam (66).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exhaust gas recirculation valve incorporating a DC motor and a dual poppet valve assembly. A motor is contained inside of the actuator housing. The motor has a rotatable motor shaft with a first gear connected to the end of the motor shaft. A second gear is engageable to the first gear and is configured to rotate in response to the movement of the first gear and the motor shaft. The second gear is also connected to a pin member disposed through the top portion of a shaft member that has two poppet valves disposed on to the shaft. The two ends of the pin member are slidably engageable to either an upwardly or downwardly sloped ramp portion. When the second gear rotates the shaft rotates and moves upward or downward to cause the valve members to move between an open and closed position.

Abstract: A method of pressure balancing across a bearing adjacent to a pressure differential is described. The method primarily includes providing a bypass port around the bearing for allowing a fluid flow from a first pressure side to a second pressure side. A throttle body for an engine is also described. The throttle body primarily includes: (1) a bearing cooperating with the valve body; and (2) a bypass port around the bearing for allowing the fluid flow from a first pressure side to a second pressure side.

Abstract: A method of pressure balancing across a bearing adjacent to a pressure differential is described. The method primarily includes providing a bypass port around the bearing for allowing a fluid flow from a first pressure side to a second pressure side. A throttle body for an engine is also described. The throttle body primarily includes: (1) a bearing cooperating with the valve body; and (2) a bypass port around the bearing for allowing the fluid flow from a first pressure side to a second pressure side.

Abstract: A control system having a housing with a bore formed within the housing. A valve member is associated with the bore for controlling the passage of a fluid medium through the bore. An induction sensor is aligned with the valve and facilitates determining the valve position. An inductor is connected to an end of the valve member that is in close proximity to the induction sensor. It is contemplated that this control system can be used in a number of different applications including throttle control systems, turbo actuators, canister purge systems and shift control mechanisms. However, it is within the scope of this invention to incorporate the control system on virtually any type of vehicle system where it is possible to determine the position of a valve utilizing induction sensor technology.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system is described. The system includes a non-contacting sensor stator integrated into an electronic throttle body and is aligned to the sensor rotor attached to the shaft to properly set sensor air gap by assembly aids or by close fit to the throttle body. A motor and vehicle connector is electrically connected to the sensor stator but is allowed to be positioned separately from the sensor stator by means of a flexible interconnect.

Abstract: An electric fluid pump for a transmission, transfer case or an oil reservoir. The pump is contained within the transmission, transfer case or engine oil reservoir and has an open housing which allows fluid into the motor for cooling and lubrication.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exhaust gas recirculation valve incorporating a DC motor and a dual poppet valve assembly. A motor is contained inside of the actuator housing. The motor has a rotatable motor shaft with a first gear connected to the end of the motor shaft. A second gear is engageable to the first gear and is configured to rotate in response to the movement of the first gear and the motor shaft. The second gear is also connected to a pin member disposed through the top portion of a shaft member that has two poppet valves disposed on to the shaft. The two ends of the pin member are slidably engageable to either an upwardly or downwardly sloped ramp portion. When the second gear rotates the shaft rotates and moves upward or downward to cause the valve members to move between an open and closed position.

Abstract: A method of using algorithmic control to operate and protect an actuator. The first control strategy uses a soft stop control method where an actuator is driven toward a stop. The actuator control system senses when the actuator is nearing the stop. A control strategy is implemented where the actuator movement is dampened prior to reaching the stop so that the actuator does not strike the stop abruptly. Another control strategy of the present invention involves using the actuator control system to monitor and calculate the integral value of the electrical current flowing though the actuator to determine if the actuator is operating beyond on its suggested operating range. This strategy will help to maximize actuator operation while preventing damage due to overheating.

Abstract: A method of pressure balancing across a bearing adjacent to a pressure differential is described. The method primarily includes providing a bypass port around the bearing for allowing a fluid flow from a first pressure side to a second pressure side. A throttle body for an engine is also described. The throttle body primarily includes: (1) a bearing cooperating with the valve body; and (2) a bypass port around the bearing for allowing the fluid flow from a first pressure side to a second pressure side.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exhaust gas recirculation valve incorporating a DC motor and a dual poppet valve assembly. A motor is contained inside of the actuator housing. The motor has a rotatable motor shaft with a first gear connected to the end of the motor shaft. A second gear is engageable to the first gear and is configured to rotate in response to the movement of the first gear and the motor shaft. The second gear is also connected to a pin member disposed through the top portion of a shaft member that has two poppet valves disposed on to the shaft. The two ends of the pin member are slidably engageable to either an upwardly or downwardly sloped ramp portion. When the second gear rotates the shaft rotates and moves upward or downward to cause the valve members to move between an open and closed position.

Abstract: An electric fluid pump for a transmission, transfer case or an oil reservoir. The pump is contained within the transmission, transfer case or engine oil reservoir and has an open housing which allows fluid into the motor for cooling and lubrication.

Abstract: A throttle control system including a throttle body, an air intake coupled to the throttle body providing air flow to the throttle body, a fuel supply apparatus coupled to the throttle body, where the air intake and the fuel supply apparatus, in conjunction, provide a combustible fuel-air mixture, a throttle plate coupled to the throttle body, an actuator coupled to the throttle plate to move the throttle plate within the throttle body to control at least the air flow to the throttle body, and a fuzzy logic controller controlling the actuator position and speed to provide for a desired air flow.