Abstract: A composite check valve and positively closing valve, particularly such a valve for regulating the introduction of secondary air into the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine at selected times during the operation of the engine. The valve comprises an inlet port, an outlet port, a first valve element movable between open and closed positions for nominally regulating the flow of a fluid between the inlet and outlet ports, and a second valve element for overriding the first element. The second element can function by seating against the same seat as the first element, or by "latching" the first element in its closed position. The disclosed embodiment is a flap valve which is modified by superimposing a rigid, movable valve disk over the flap. The rigid disk is movable between a disengaged position where it may have no immediate function and an override position urging the flap against its seat or otherwise closing the aperture defined by the seat.

Abstract: A composite check valve and positively closing valve, particularly such a valve for regulating the introduction of secondary air into the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine at selected times during the operation of the engine. The valve comprises an inlet port, an outlet port, a first valve element movable between open and closed positions for nominally regulating the flow of a fluid between the inlet and outlet ports, and a second valve element for overriding the first element. The second element can function by seating against the same seat as the first element, or by "latching" the first element in its closed position. The disclosed embodiment is a flap valve which is modified by superimposing a rigid, movable valve disk over the flap. The rigid disk is movable between a disengaged position where it may have no immediate function and an override position urging the flap against its seat or otherwise closing the aperture defined by the seat.

Abstract: The invention incorporates a high flow, pilot actuated pressure relief/rollover valve into a refueling vapor recovery system having a vapor vent line for recirculating vapor past the aspirator of a refueling nozzle and a nozzle seal for engaging a refueling nozzle in an airtight manner. All vapor of evaporative hydrocarbons created during the act of refueling are routed directly to an onboard storage canister.

Abstract: The fast response control valve employs two diaphragms (24, 26) joined to a common valve body (28) in a configuration which employs pressure acting on the larger diaphragm to ensure valve seating. The smaller diaphragm isolates the larger diaphragm from the fluid pressure reservoir. An electrical solenoid valve (40) toggles between a first state which supplies pressure to the larger diaphragm causing the valve to seat and a second state which vents the pressure acting on the large diaphragm allowing the valve body to unseat. If desired, the solenoid may be operated using a variable duty cycle drive signal (52) to control the response characteristics of the diaphragm valve.

Abstract: A variable assist power steering system for an automotive vehicle, the system having a source of hydraulic fluid (10), a power steering assembly (30) having a low speed inlet (32) and a high speed inlet (34), and a control valve (50) for continuously delivering hydraulic fluid to the low speed inlet and for delivering fluid to the high speed inlet only at vehicle speeds above a predetermined level. The control valve has an annular spool (64) which moves freely within a cylindrical housing (52), and it has a second spool (74) which is caused to move linearly by a solenoid (86) which acts on the one end thereof and a spring (88) which acts on the other end thereof. The second spool has a central portion (76) which is positioned within the annular spool and which defines an annular passage (68) therewith. The second spool further has enlarged end portions (78, 80) positioned outside of the ends of the annular spool to permit fluid to flow into the annular passage from each end.

Abstract: A balanced valve system, employing either spool or ball valve members can be pulse width modulated using a solenoid actuator. The solenoid actuator is integrally assembled onto the valve and has a rod by which the solenoid armature imparts a valve operating force to the spool or ball valve member. The rod is press fit into the armature during assembly to establish the desired air gap spacing between armature and pole piece. Movement of the armature causes a corresponding movement in the rod which urges the valve member against compression spring forces to the open or unseated position.

Abstract: An improved electrically actuated solenoid is used to regulate the function of a hydraulic flow control valve. The solenoid directs a control valve to generate a predetermined output pressure as a function of the solenoid input current. The working air gap surface area is increased by locating it at a greater circumferential radius than the pole piece to increase the air gap permeance, thereby increasing the output force obtainable from a solenoid of relatively small physical dimensions and low cost.

Abstract: A solenoid operated hydraulic control valve system including a solenoid operated valve having a specially ported spool valve to statically balance spool forces in the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve assembly is provided for regulation of hydraulic or pneumatic flow. The coil assembly of the solenoid portion of the valve is spring biased against the valve assembly. The coil assembly can be rotated through a full 360 degrees about the valve assembly to allow connection to an electrical wiring harness.

Abstract: The inductors in a switched resonant circuit are alternately connected in make before break fashion to ensure that at least one inductor is always connected to the tank circuit. This avoids switching discontinuities caused by signal propagation delay. By connecting both coils together between individual coil reading cycles, transients are absorbed.

Abstract: A solenoid operated hydraulic control valve which has a specially ported spool valve to statically balance spool force in the opened and closed positions, and a specially designed solenoid operator which includes very small ratios of gaps to cross-sectional areas for the working and non-working gaps between the armature and stator.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve apparatus has an electrical winding and a magnetic flux circuit defining a flux path therefor which includes a plurality of adjacent magnetic segments. The segments include a generally cylindrical center segment with a fluid passage, an end segment, an outer segment and a magnetic armature member. At least one of the segments is physically translatable within the valve apparatus along the flux path to adjust a portion of one of the magnetic segments that is in the flux path and the extent of an air gap adjacent the translatable segment. The apparatus includes a non-magnetic seat member which is located near or at the point of highest flux density along the longitudinal axis through the electrical winding. The armature is preferably an elongated cup member with its closed end located within the electrical winding near the non-magnetic seat member. The seat member and armature are enclosed within a chamber defining body such as the bobbin.

Abstract: An over-pressure relief valve to be positioned within an opening of a vessel, the relief valve having a valve member with a closed end which is positioned within the opening and which carries an O-ring adjacent to the closed end. The O-ring normally engages the vessel in a circumferential pattern surrounding the opening to seal the opening. The valve member further has a second end within the vessel and the second end is resiliently biased toward the interior of the vessel by a coil spring. The coil spring is trapped between a radial flange of the valve member, which is positioned at the second end thereof, and the inside of the vessel. An over-pressure condition within the vessel overcomes the effect of the coil spring and moves the valve member to break the sealing engagement between the O-ring and the vessel. An initial, limited degree of venting occurs through an annulus which is formed between the opening and the valve member.