Abstract: A fuel selector valve (100) in communication with at least first and second fuel tanks and an engine is provided. The fuel selector valve (100) includes a drive system (106), and a fuel draw valve (102) coupled to the drive system (106). The fuel draw valve (102) includes a first fuel tank draw port (108) adapted to be coupled to the first fuel tank, a second fuel tank draw port (110) adapted to be coupled to the second fuel tank, and an engine draw port (112) adapted to be coupled to the engine. The fuel selector valve (100) further includes a first closure element (120) operably coupled to the drive system (106). The first closure element (120) is selectively displaceable between a first position, wherein the first closure element (120) sealingly engages the first fuel tank draw port (108), and a second position, wherein the first closure element (120) sealingly engages the second fuel tank draw port (110).

Abstract: A selector valve (102) having at least first and second ports (108 and 110) is provided. The selector valve includes a closure element (120) selectively displaceable between a first position, wherein the closure element (120) sealingly engages the first port (108), and a second position, wherein the closure element (120) sealingly engages the second port (110). The selector valve (102) further includes a cam assembly that is configured to bias the closure element (120) into at least the first or second position in a manner such that the closure element (120) does not come into substantial contact with the first or second port (108 or 110) when being moved into the first or second position.

Abstract: A knob attachment assembly formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided. The knob attachment assembly includes a control device housing (105) and an actuation member (106) coupled to the control device housing, the actuation member including a first engagement surface (140). The knob attachment assembly further includes a gripping device (104) including a first interference surface (158), the gripping device being selectively coupled to the actuation member and positionable between a locked position, wherein the gripping device is coupled to the actuation member by interference of the first engagement surface and the first interference surface, and an unlocked position, wherein the gripping device is removable from the actuation member.

Abstract: A lift axle control module is disclosed that is simpler than prior art lift axle control systems, and does not require cycling the input pressure to the regulator. The module includes a housing fluidly connected to a first pressurized air supply and having one chamber with a load bladder port, a second chamber with a lift bladder port, and a common vent port. A pilot pressure is selectively provided for switching the module between the retracted and deployed modes. When the control module is set to the retracted mode, the lift bladders are pressurized to the system pressure, and the load bladders are vented. When the control module is set to the deployed mode, the lift bladders are vented and the load bladders are inflated and maintained at the regulated pressure.

Abstract: In a valve assembly (18) of the type having a housing, a pole piece (16) disposed within the housing, and an exhaust port (50), one embodiment of an exhaust port protective device (10) comprises a flow restrictor assembly coupled at least in part to the pole piece (16). The flow restrictor assembly provides fluid flow in a first direction and restricts fluid flow in a second direction.

Abstract: A modular selector valve (100) for selectively directing a flow of a fluid. The modular selector valve includes one or more three-way valves (110, 112, or 113)removably coupled to one another. The modular selector valve also includes an actuator assembly (126) actuatable to simultaneously actuate each of the one or more three-way valves between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a fluid is directed along a first path through each of the one or more three-way valves. In the second position, the fluid is directed along a second path through each of the one or more three-way valves.

Abstract: A deformable fastener is provided. The fastener includes a first member having a cavity and a second member sized to be rotatably attached within the cavity. The fastener further includes a protrusion disposed on either the first or second member for locking engagement with a corresponding portion of the other of the first or second member when the first member is attached to the second member. The protrusion is sized and configured to deform both an inner and outer surface of the corresponding portion to assist in maintaining the locking engagement.

Abstract: A relatively rugged and simple solenoid-actuated valve (100) is disclosed having a coil assembly (150), including a bobbin (152), a winding (160) for generating a magnetic field, and a flux path bracket (162). A fixed pole piece (110) extends into the axial volume defined by the bobbin. The coil assembly may be encased in a plastic outer body (101). An armature (120) is slidably disposed in the axial volume and a valve seat (130) closes the opposite end of the axial volume. A conical spring (140) biases the armature toward a first position against the valve seat. An inlet fitting (106) and an outlet fitting (104) fluidly connect to the axial volume. The armature is movable by the magnetic field generated by the winding from the first position to a second position away from the valve seat, such that the valve can be selectively opened and closed.

Abstract: A contactless control switch (20) for a vehicle for actuating a system between an open and a first closed circuit position is disclosed. The switch includes a housing (22) and a pivot assembly (24) disposed within the housing. The switch also includes a switch actuator (26) having first and second ends. The switch actuator is coupled to the pivot assembly for producing pivoting motion of the switch actuator in response to a force (84) applied to the switch actuator. The switch also includes first and second proximity sensors (80a and 80b) and a first magnet (70). The proximity sensors are disposed within the housing and the first magnet is fastened to the switch actuator second end. The first magnet is adapted to be selectively displaced into and out of close proximity with one of the proximity sensors when the force is applied to the switch actuator.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve (10) for use in a pneumatic seat (12) of a vehicle is disclosed. The pneumatic valve includes an upper housing (32) and a lower housing (38). The lower housing is slidably received within the upper housing. The lower housing has an upper surface (78) and a lower surface (79). The lower surface has an inlet stem (88), a seat air inlet/outlet stem (90), and at least a first exhaust port (94). The pneumatic valve also includes an elongate poppet (108) slidably mounted within the seat air inlet/outlet port on a first spring (106) to control air flow through the seat air inlet/outlet port. The poppet has an enlarged head portion (110) located at one end and a cam projection (113) located at the other end. A slide member (34) is supported on the upper surface of the lower housing for reciprocating movement relative to the housing to selectively control air flow therethrough. The slide member has an upper surface and a lower surface.

Abstract: A cyclic flow valve (20) for cyclically controlling the flow of combustants into a combustion furnace. The cyclic flow valve includes a valve housing (26) having a chamber (30), an inlet (36), and an outlet (46). The cyclic flow valve also includes an aperture plate (52) rigidly fixed within the chamber of the valve housing. The aperture plate has first and second apertures (68a and 68b) extending through the plate. A rotor member (54) is rotatably secured within the chamber. The rotor member is held in spaced disposition from the aperture plate. The space defines a low flow gap (92) of predetermined width between the rotor member (54) and the aperture plate (52).

Abstract: A rollover vent valve for use in a pneumatic seat mounted in a vehicle. The rollover vent valve allows air to vent from the air bag(s) in the pneumatic seat in the event the vehicle in which the seat is mounted is severely tilted or overturned. The rollover vent valve includes a housing enclosing a pressure chamber and a valve member. The interior of the pressure chamber is in fluid connection with the air bag(s). The rollover vent valve also includes a vent port that connects the interior of the chamber to the ambient environment. The valve member is located within the pressure chamber above the vent port and forms a seal with the vent port when the pneumatic seat in which the valve is mounted is in an upright position. The valve member includes a weight cage in which a spherical weight is movably mounted. One end of the weight cage includes a valve seal that forms a seal on the valve seat of the vent port.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air valve (10) for inflating and deflating an inflatable. The air valve (10) includes a housing floor (16) with air ports (36, 38), and a slide bar (12) with an air passageway (54) formed therein. The slide bar (12) is supported on the floor (16) by seal rings (92) surrounding the ports (36, 38) and is biased into a center position by a spring (94) positioned in a spring well (28) in the slide bar (12) or the floor (16). Pins (50, 52) project into the spring well (28) and engage opposite ends of the spring (94). A stem extends from a tilt button (66) into a socket (48) on the slide bar (12). When the button (66) is tilted, it moves the slide bar (12), compressing the spring (94) and aligning the ports (36, 38) and the passageway (54) to allow air to pass through the valve (10). The slide bar (12) is prevented from tilting by a stabilizer frame (82) or housing shoulders (220).

Abstract: An orientation-sensitive pressure release for the airbag (15) of a vehicular pneumatic seat (11) that includes a rollover valve (21) mounted in the air inlet line of the pneumatic seat is disclosed. The valve (21) releases air from the pneumatic seat (11) when the valve is tilted or overturned, which occurs when the vehicle is tilted or overturned. The valve includes a spring-loaded poppet (43) that encloses an exhaust port (41). Attached to the poppet is a downwardly extending whisker (65) that extends into an inverted conical cup (64). A conically shaped element (78) is affixed to the lower end of the whisker (65). Housed in the inverted conical cup is a relatively heavy ball (67). When the valve (21) is tilted or overturned, the ball (67) hits the side of the conically shaped element (78) causing the whisker (65) to tilt and the spring-loaded poppet (43) to open the exhaust port. Opening the exhaust port (41) releases air from the air bag (15).

Abstract: A two-way fluid control valve for use in temperature controlled HVAC systems. The control valve includes an engine coolant inlet and an engine coolant outlet. A diaphragm is located between the inlet and outlet and is movable between a closed position in which it prevents coolant flow through the control valve and an open position in which it allows coolant to flow through the control valve. A pressure chamber above the diaphragm is in fluid connection with the common port of a three-way control solenoid. The inlet is in fluid connection with the normally closed port of the solenoid and the outlet is in fluid connection with the normally open port of the solenoid. In an unenergized position, the pressure chamber is maintained at a lower pressure than the coolant pressure in the outlet, allowing the diaphragm to be forced open by the engine coolant, thus allowing engine coolant to flow through the valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air valve (10) for inflating and deflating an inflatable. The air valve (10) includes a housing floor (16) with air ports (36, 38), and a slide bar (12) with an air passageway (54) formed therein. The slide bar (12) is supported on the floor (16) by seal rings (92) surrounding the ports (36, 38) and is biased into a center position by a spring (94) positioned in a spring well (28) in the slide bar (12) or the floor (16). Pins (50, 52) project into the spring well (28) and engage opposite ends of the spring (94). A stem extends from a tilt button (66) into a socket (48) on the slide bar (12). When the button (66) is tilted, it moves the slide bar (12), compressing the spring (94) and aligning the ports (36, 38) and the passageway (54) to allow air to pass through the valve (10). The slide bar (12) is prevented from tilting by a stabilizer frame (82) or housing shoulders (220).

Abstract: A valve plug is biased inwardly by a spring (90) to close an opening (10) in a cap (2) for a fuel tank filling and venting tube. A valve stem includes a first portion (62) which is engaged by the spring (90) and a second float cage portion (40) that is secured to and extends axially inwardly from the plug. A collapsible retainer (70) is secured to the cage (40) and has an abutment surface (74) which engages an abutment surface (68) on the first portion (62) to hold the cage (40) and the first portion (62) in position relative to each other and to transmit axial forces therebetween. A fusible material ring (88) is positioned radially between the retainer (70) and the cage (40) to prevent the retainer (70) from collapsing. At elevated temperatures, the ring (88) melts to allow the retainer (70) to collapse, the cage (40) and first stem portion (62) to separate from each other, and the valve plug and cage (40) to move away from the opening (10).

Abstract: A flow divider (20) is located between a first fuel return line (18), leading from an engine to the flow divider (20), a second fuel return line (22) leading from a first flow divider outlet (46) to a first tank (A), and a third fuel return conduit (24) leading from a second flow divider outlet (48) to a second tank (B). Returned fuel enters the flow divider inlet (34) and flows into an inlet chamber (54). The fuel flows from the inlet chamber (54) through first and second orifices (50, 52). The first orifice (50) is in flow alignment with a first outlet (42). The second orifice (52) is in flow alignment with a second outlet (44). A first closure member (86) is located in a first outlet opening (104) and a second closure member (88) is located in a second outlet opening (106). The closure members (86, 88) are connected to a common member (90). A spring (82) normally biases the closure members (86, 88) towards the orifices (50, 52).

Abstract: A closure member (64) is mounted at the lower end of a draw tube (14) for pivotal movement between an open position (FIG. 4) and a closed position (FIG. 3). The closure member (64) includes a first side part (68) having a lower outer surface (80) which contacts an upwardly facing first valve seat (76) when the closure members (64) is in a closed position. The closure member (64) includes a second side part (70) which extends laterally outwardly from the pivot axis (66). Side part (70) includes an upper outer surface (82) which contacts a second valve seat (78) when the closure member (64) is in a closed position. A first part (88) of a float arm (94) is connected to the second part (70) of the closure member (64). Float arm part (88) extends downwardly from side part (70) to a lower end connection (92). A coil spring (106) is interconnected between the lower end (92) of arm part (88) and the lower end (98) of arm part (96). A buoyant float body (102) is connected to the outer end of arm part (96).

Abstract: A valve plug (22, 22a, 22b) is biased inwardly by a spring (78, 78a, 78b) to close an opening (6, 6a, 6b) in a tank. A stem (32, 32a, 32b) extends axially inwardly from the plug (22, 22a, 22b). The stem (32, 32a, 32b) has an inner portion (36, 36a, 36b) which is mechanically interlocked with an outer portion (52, 52a, 52b) to directly transmit axial forces created by the spring (78, 78a, 78b). Fusible material (66, 66a, 66b) holds the stem portions (36, 36a, 36b, 52, 52a, 52b) in an interlocking position but carries only relatively small loads. The plug (22, 22a, 22b) and stem (32, 32a, 32b) move against the force of the spring (78, 78a, 78b) to relieve pressure. At elevated temperatures, the fusible material (66, 66a, 66b) melts to allow the stem portions (36, 36a, 36b, 52, 52a, 52b) to separate and the plug (22, 22a, 22b) and outer stem portion (52, 52a, 52b) to move away from the opening (6, 6a, 6b).