Abstract: This invention relates to electronically controlled exhaust gas recirculation valves and more particularly to systems incorporating an electrical vacuum regulator.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an EGR system that is less susceptible to output flow changes caused by carbon build up. A further object of the invention is to provide a vacuum regulator that can be used with simple, low cost EGR valves. Simple valves can be used by virtue of the closed loop vacuum regulation feature of the present invention since the flow rate/vacuum signal relationship is not important. A further object of the present invention is to provide an EGR flow regulation system which automatically compensates for pressure variations which result in changes in the pressure differential across the EGR valve due to changes in exhaust system pressure and intake manifold pressure.Many other objects and purposes of the invention will be clear from the following detailed description of the drawing.

Abstract: A pressure control system for use in vehicle emissions control includes an air control valve (12) having a housing (14) defining an inlet (16) communicated to the vehicle air pump and a pair of outlets (18, 20). A primary valve assembly (22) controls communication between the inlet (16) and the outlets (18, 20) and includes a pair of valve members (54, 56) actuated by a differential pressure responsive diaphragm assembly (39). The pressure differential across the diaphragm assembly (39) is controlled by a pressure signal generated from a pressure tap (84) from the inlet (16). A pair of solenoid valves (88, 92) controls communication to the diaphragm assembly and to a pressure responsive relief valve assembly (60) which controls communication between the inlet (16) and an atmospheric vent (78).

Abstract: Fail safe electromagnetic clutch (10) includes a driving member (12) and a driven member (16). Engagement structure (30) cushions engagement between the driving member (12) and driven member (16) when the clutch is engaged. The engagement structure (30) includes a pair of elements (36, 34) and a resilient wave washer (42) located therebetween. The waver washer (42) biases the element (36) into driving engagement with the driving member (12) and biases the element (34) into driving engagement with the driven member (16). When the clutch is disengaged, a magnetic coil (22) forces the element (34) away from the driven member (16), thereby collapsing the wave washer (42). When the clutch is to be re-engaged, the coil (22) is de-energized, thereby permitting the wave washer (42) to drive the element (34) back into driving engagement with the driven member (16).

Abstract: An idle control valve (10) for adjusting the idle position of a vehicle throttle lever includes a housing (12) having a pair of diaphragm assemblies (18, 20) which divide the housing into three chambers (22, 24, 26). The chamber (26) defined between the diaphragm assemblies is communicated with atmospheric pressure, and the other chambers (22, 24) are communicated with engine manifold vacuum. A valve member (38) controls communication through a vent (74) in the diaphragm assembly (20) to position the latter as a function of the variations in engine manifold vacuum to thereby control the position of the plunger (62) which is attached to the diaphragm assembly (20). The diaphragm assemblies (18, 20) include projecting portions (36, 52) which telescope within one another when the vehicle engine is turned off and atmospheric pressure is communicated to all three chambers to permit the plunger to be withdrawn into the housing.

Abstract: An electromechanical clutch for vehicle engine cooling fans includes a driving member mounted for rotation by the vehicle engine and a driven member carrying the engine fan and rotatably mounted on the driving member. The driven and driving members cooperate to define a circumferentially extending gap therebetween. The driving member carries an electrical coil, which is energized when the clutch is to be engaged. A band is disposed within the gap, includes an outer band member which carries a frictional material that is adapted to frictionally engage the driven member and an inner band member which is adapted to engage the driving member when the coil is actuated. The inner and outer members are connected at corresponding ends thereof. The inner member comprises arcuate segments of electromagnetic material and joining segments which interconnects the arcuate segments.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch for a vehicle engine cooling fan includes a driving member mounted for rotation by the vehicle engine and a driven member rotatably mounted on the driving member. The driven member carries the engine cooling fan. One end of a band is connected to the driven member, and wraps circumferentially around the driving member in the direction of the rotation of the latter. An electromagnetic coil comprising windings wound circumferentially around the driving member and rotatable therewith exert an electromagnetic force on the band when current is transmitted to the coil, drawing the band into engagement with the outer circumferential surface of the driving member, to thereby engage the clutch and cause the engine cooling fan to be rotated with the driving member.

Abstract: An air filter for filtering combustion air for an internal combustion engine includes a housing holding a filter element and an inlet snorkel tube connected to the housing. A "trap door" valve mechanism is located in the snorkel tube and includes a valve seat mounted on a support which circumscribes the inner wall of the snorkel tube and a valve element pivotally mounted on the support which is yieldably urged into sealing engagement with the valve seat when the engine is turned off. The valve mechanism presents a surface substantially transverse to the direction of air flow through the snorkel tube, so that combustion air communicated through the snorkel tube when the engine is running acts against the transverse surface urging the valve element to an opened position. The valve element is "cracked open" by a solenoid when the engine is to be started in order to permit initial air flow through the air cleaner to facilitate starting.

Abstract: A cooling fan for an automotive vehicle includes a spider having arms projecting from a hub. Rivets attach blades and reinforcing plates to each of the arms, and each of the rivets extends through the reinforcing plate, the blade, and the corresponding arm. Each blade has a depressed portion defining a rim circumscribing the depressed portion, and the corresponding plates have a depression defining a flange which is adapted to engage the rim when the blade is installed on its corresponding arm. The contour of the plate is different from the contour of the blade, but the rivet forces the plate to assume the contour of the blade when the plate and the blade are installed on the arm. Accordingly, the plate is preloaded to thereby transmit bending forces to the rim which would normally be taken by the portion of the blade adjacent the rivet.

Abstract: An electromechanical clutch for vehicle engine cooling fans includes a driving member mounted for rotation by the vehicle engine and a driven member rotatably mounted on the driving member. The driven member carries the engine cooling fan, and the driving member houses a magnetic coil which is energized to actuate the clutch. The driving and driven members define a circumferentially extending gap therebetween. A band is disposed within the gap, and includes an inner band member made of electromagnetic material and an outer band member comprising a resilient member with a frictional material attached to the outer circumference thereof. The inner and outer band members are joined together so that the inner and outer band members may move radially relative to one another while actuation forces may be transmitted from the inner to the outer band to the connection therebetween.

Abstract: An idle speed control actuator is used to maintain a constant vehicle engine idle speed in response to variations of the load on the vehicle engine. The actuator responds almost immediately to an increase in the load on the engine to prevent the engine from stalling, but reduces idle speed slowly when the load on the engine is reduced during idle conditions or when the throttle control lever is returned to the idle position so that the actuator does not have to "hunt" for the proper engine idle speed. The actuator includes a control plunger which is engaged by the throttle lever when the latter is returned to its engine idle position, so that the position of the throttle lever, and, accordingly, the opening of the carburetor butterfly valve which sets the engine idle speed, is varied in accordance with the position of the plunger.