Abstract: A tubular structure having a multi-layer, strength-enhanced first end segment, a multi-layer, strength-enhanced second end segment, and a flexible segment intermediate said multi-layer strength-enhanced first end segment and said multi-layer, strength-enhanced second end segment is provided. Methods for manufacturing tubular structures are also provided.

Abstract: A metallic tubular structure having an inner surface providing a passage for conveying fluid or vapor, an outer surface, a multi-layer, strength-enhanced first end segment, a multi-layer, strength-enhanced second end segment, and a flexible segment intermediate the multi-layer, strength-enhanced first end segment and the multi-layer, strength-enhanced second end segment, the metallic tubular structure comprising: a first inner metallic tubular member, the inner surface thereof providing a fluid- or vapor-conveying passage for conveying fluid or vapor therethrough, the first inner metallic tubular member longitudinally extending the entire length of the metallic tubular structure, the first inner metallic tubular member comprising one or more metallic layers; a second metallic tubular member circumferentially disposed on the outer surface of a first end of the first inner metallic tubular member, the second metallic tubular member longitudinally extending a predetermined distance on the first inner metallic tu

Abstract: Disclosed is a cover bracket for holding a clamp having a screw housing in place on a hose without contaminating the screw housing with adhesive. The cover bracket includes a cover portion configured to receive a screw housing and a first runner and a second runner connected to one another by the cover portion. Each of the first and second runners includes a hose contacting surface and the first runner includes a channel in the hose contacting surface. The channel including an aperture extending through the first runner to an exterior of the first runner. Also disclosed is a method for attaching the cover bracket to the hose having the clamp thereon.

Abstract: A hose clamp includes a band including an outer layer comprising a first material and an inner layer comprising a second material different than the first material. A connector secures the band to itself. The second material is selected to enhance bonding between the band and a hose comprising a material different than the first material.

Abstract: An electrically actuated, hydraulic power steering system is provided. The steering system includes a hydraulic pump for generating hydraulic pressure, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a hydraulic cylinder, and a control valve arrangement that selectively connects the hydraulic cylinder to the pump and the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The control valve arrangement is characterized during the on-center position by a first and a second chamber of the hydraulic cylinder being in fluid communication with each other but not with the fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, the steering system has a steering sensor, a control box, and two pressure accumulators for providing at least two levels of steering assist.

Abstract: A first vehicle power steering system includes a twistable steering torsion bar, a magnet, a Hall sensor, and a valve. The steering torsion bar has a first end fixedly connected to a vehicle steering wheel. The magnet is movable in a first and an opposite second longitudinal direction with respect to the steering torsion bar and is constrained to move in the first longitudinal direction when the steering wheel is turned to the right by a driver and is constrained to move in the second longitudinal direction when the steering wheel is turned to the left by the driver. The Hall sensor has an output and is positioned proximate the magnet. The valve is operatively connected to the output. A second vehicle power steering system includes a twistable steering torsion bar, a ring-magnet support cylinder, a ring-magnet assembly, a ball-and-ramp assembly, a spring, a Hall sensor, and a valve.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for attaching a clamp to a hose. The assembly includes a hose, a clamp, a cover bracket and an adhesive. The clamp includes a band and a screw housing mounted to the band with a screw disposed in the screw housing. The screw engages the band to tighten the band and draw the band around the hose. The cover bracket has an opening for receiving the screw housing. The cover bracket includes a cover portion for the screw housing and a base portion extending from the cover portion. The base portion includes a bonding surface for attaching the cover bracket to the hose and a channel located between the bonding surface and the band. The adhesive is applied to the bonding surface such that the cover bracket is adhered to the hose without interfering with the clamp operation.

Abstract: An energy attenuation apparatus in fluid communication with tubing adapted to convey a liquid under pressure, and including a liquid-conveying unit in fluid communication with the tubing and having a diameter greater than the tubing diameter. The liquid-conveying unit has four chambers in series, at least one of which contains a tube, wherein an annular space is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the unit and the outer peripheral surface of the tube. One end of the tube is connected to and in fluid communication with an inlet or outlet end of the chamber, and another, free end is spaced by an open gap from the outlet or inlet end of the chamber. The tube has at least one aperture in the free end and/or on the peripheral surface thereof for providing fluid communication between the tube and the chamber.

Abstract: A clamp assembly comprising a clamp including a band having and a screw housing mounted to the band with a worm screw disposed in the screw housing, the worm screw engaging the band for tightening the band; and a fastener including a bonding surface, mounted to the band at a position that is displaced from the screw and screw housing, such that the fastener can be adhered to the hose without interfering with the clamp assembly.

Abstract: An evaporative emissions canister is used in an automotive evaporative emission system to separate liquid fuel entrained with fuel vapor and to control emission of fuel vapors to the atmosphere, the system including a fuel tank coupled to an automotive engine. The canister includes an integrally molded housing having side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall; a hydrocarbon-adsorbing material disposed therein so as to provide a vapor adsorbent chamber for adsorbing hydrocarbon fuel vapor flowing therethrough; and a liquid-fuel trap located above the vapor adsorbent chamber for separating fuel vapor and liquid fuel. A method is provided for preventing or reducing hydrocarbon emissions to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A hose/clamp assembly is provided that has a hose, a hose clamp, and a retaining device. The hose clamp is openable and closable. The retaining device has an arm, a clamp retainer attached to a first end of the arm, and a hose clip attached to a second end of the arm. The retaining device is removably attached to the hose and the hose clamp. The retaining device secures the hose clamp to the hose when the hose clamp is in a expanded, open configuration.

Abstract: An energy attenuation device for a conduit that is adapted to convey a pressurized fluid therethrough, comprising a hose section disposed about a portion of the conduit, wherein such conduit portion is made of flexible material and is provided with at least one aperture, for example in a surface thereof, and wherein in a non-pressurized state of the conduit, the hose section rests against the portion of the conduit over essentially the entire length of such portion.

Abstract: A multi-layered tube comprising a first inner polymeric tubular structure, a second foamed polymeric structure containing a plurality of short or long reinforcing elements dispersed therein and, optionally, a third cover layer on the outer surface of the reinforcing layer; and a method for manufacturing the multi-layered hose are disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel inlet assembly is provided for receiving fuel from a fuel-dispensing nozzle. The fuel inlet assembly has a filler pipe and a restrictor secured to the filler pipe. The restrictor has a diametrical opening. The assembly also has a protrusion that is attached to the restrictor and extends at an angle across a portion of the diametrical opening below the restrictor. The protrusion is made of an electrically conductive material and is sized, shaped, and positioned so as to contact the fuel-dispensing nozzle when the nozzle is inserted into the diametrical opening, thereby creating an electrical ground path between the nozzle and the fuel inlet assembly.