Abstract: A two-stage high flow purge valve for an evaporative emission system of a vehicle. The valve body contains two valves for controlling fluid flow through separate parallel flow paths in the valve body. A fast-acting, pulse width modulated solenoid valve responsive to an electrical control signal from the engine control computer precisely controls flow through a low flow path, and a vacuum-responsive valve controls flow through a high flow path in accordance with the level of manifold vacuum at the engine intake. A third valve member is provided to block flow through the high flow path when the engine is off and the manifold vacuum is zero. Means for calibrating both the solenoid valve and the vacuum-responsive valves are also provided.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated self-compensating latching apparatus adapted for use in motor vehicle applications. The latching appartus includes a solenoid assembly having an armature movable between a first and second position. A latch mechanism is secured to the solenoid assembly and includes a latch member coupled to the armature for lockingly engaging a striker when the armature is in one position and releasably disengaging the striker when the armature is in the other position. The latch mechanism is self-compensating to align the latch member relative to the striker, prior to engagement therewith, to compensate for alignment variation between the latch member and the striker.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator for automotive vehicles of the type having a computer-controlled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The regulator controls the vacuum signal provided to the EGR valve in accordance with the current signal supplied to the regulator by the engine control computer. The vacuum regulator includes a solenoid structure having a secondary air gap in the flux path of the solenoid at the opposite end of the pole piece from the armature. The flux path across the secondary air gap is divided into a first fixed portion and second adjustable portion that is set during calibration of the regulator. The sensitivity of the calibration process is therefore substantially reduced, thereby enabling more accurate settings with less chance of overshooting the desired set point.

Abstract: A remotely actuated solenoid latch apparatus adapted for use in motor vehicle applications is disclosed. The solenoid latch apparatus includes a solenoid having an armature movable between a first position displaced from a pole piece to define a working air gap therebetween to a second position attracted toward the pole piece. A solenoid winding encircles the pole piece and the armature for attracting the armature toward the pole piece upon energization thereof. A latch member is associated with the movable armature for lockingly engaging a striker bar when the armature is in one position and releasably disengaging the striker bar when the armature is in the other position. The present invention is self-compensating to align the latch member relative to the striker bar, prior to engagement therewith, to compensate for alignment variation between the latch member and the striker bar.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp control sensor for switching a lamp on or off depending on ambient levels. The device employs a silicon photodetector in combination with a filter chosen to give the detector a response curve that peaks at about 550 nanometers. This gives the control sensor the same proximate spectral response as the human eye. The photo detector transmits an electrical signal in response to the ambient light. The electrical signal is sensed by a lamp switching circuit to switch the vehicle lamp at predetermined light levels. The vehicle lamp control sensor will thus respond to changes in the ambient light levels in a manner which matches the perceived light levels of a human observer.

Abstract: A transmission shift interlock device which prevents a motor vehicle operator from shifting the automatic transmission shift lever out of the park or neutral position unless some action such as the brake pedal being depressed is taken. The device provides interlock capability by locking the transmission shift cable. An in-line solenoid is provided within the shifter cable having a movable armature which, when energized, forces locking balls or other engagement features into interlocking engagement with the cable core or rod member attached thereto. An alternate embodiment provides an adjustment link for accommodating vehicle tolerance variations and further provides means for having interlock capabilities at more than one shifter position.

Abstract: An improved deck lid lock with remote release for motor vehicles. The deck lid lock employs a solenoid operated rotatable armature which acts directly on a leg of a rotatable latch plate which engages a lock bar. On energization of the solenoid, the armature is attracted to the solenoid causing it to disengage the latch plate so that the deck lid may be opened. When the deck lid is closed, the lock bar is engaged by the latch plate which is returned to its normal latched position in engagement with the armature. The deck lid lock further includes a rotatable key cam which acts on the armature to enable release of the deck lid through conventional external key actuation.

Abstract: An improved deck lid lock with remote release for motor vehicles. The deck lid lock employs a solenoid operated axially movable armature which is directly coupled to a rotatable lever. The lever is normally biased to a latched position. The lever is lockingly engageable with a rotatable pawl which is normally biased to a latched position. The pawl engages a pair of rotatable, asymmetrically oriented striker cams which are normally biased to an unlatched position. The striker cams define a cavity for engaging a striker. Upon energization of the solenoid, the armature is attracted to the solenoid causing it to rotate the lever so as to disengage the pawl. The normal biasing of the striker cams overcome the biasing of the pawl to rotate the striker cams to the unlatched position thereby opening the deck lid. When the deck lid is closed, contact with the striker over-rotates the striker cams permitting the pawl to rotate to a latched position thereby lockingly engaging the lever.

Abstract: An electrically controlled transmission shift interlock device. The device provides interlock capability by locking the pivotable shift actuating lever which is operatively associated with the transmission. A transmission mounted solenoid is provided having a moving armature coupled to a locking member which, when energized, positions the locking member into interlocking engagement within an engaging notch provided in the shift actuating lever. The device includes means for proper alignment of the interlocking components during installation of the interlock device onto the transmission. One alternate embodiment further provides means for having interlocking capabilities at more than one gear shift lever position. Another embodiment causes the transmission actuating lever to lock when the solenoid is de-energized and is movable upon energization.

Abstract: A variable force solenoid valve assembly is provided for use in an automatic transmission controller for controllably reducing a fluid inlet pressure to a desired outlet control pressure. The invention includes a variable force solenoid assembly secured to a valve body assembly. The valve body assembly includes a spool valve having three radially extending lands which translates within a valve body central bore in response to movement of an armature assembly provided in the solenoid assembly. Movement of the spool valve generates first and second flow restriction for controllably regulating the reduction of inlet pressure to control pressure. In addition, various improvements in spool valve design are described including a design which provides positive damping of the spool valve so as to attenuate "self-excited" oscillation thereof.

Abstract: A passive keyless entry system is disclosed that is specifically adapted for use with automotive vehicles. The system is designed to automatically unlock the vehicle as the operator approaches the vehicle. The system is further designed to automatically lock the vehicle as the operator, carrying the beacon, moves away from the vehicle. The system includes a portable beacon that is carried by the operator, a receiver/controller located in the vehicle, and an antenna connected to the receiver/controller for receiving the encoded transmission from the beacon. The beacon includes a motion sensor to conserve battery life when the beacon is stationary. Transmission between the beacon and the receiver/controller is characterized by a magnetically coupled radio frequency signal embodying differential phase encoded data with error correction coding of the data to enhance noise immunity and signal discrimination.

Abstract: A motion detector particularly adapted for use with the transmitter of a motor vehicle keyless entry system. The motion detector causes the transmitter device carried by the user to transmit a coded signal when it is in motion, for example, as it is being carried by a user toward the vehicle. The motion detector includes a spool surrounded by and electrically insulated from a shell. A ball is positioned in the annular cavity around the spool. Associated electronics are provided to sense a change in state of the motion detector as an indication of motion. Changes of state of the motion detector occur when the ball moves into and out of direct contact with the spool or shell and further as the ball rolls around the annular cavity while being supported by both the spool and shell caused by surface roughness of the interface surfaces.

Abstract: An electronic automatic transmission controller is provided which is adapted to enable electrical control over automatic transmission devices of the type typically used in motor vehicles. The controller employs a manifold having a number of solenoid valve assemblies mounted thereto. The solenoid valve assemblies feature a low stacked height achieved through the configuration of the valves and various improvements in force output for the solenoid valve assemblies. The solenoid valve assemblies are held in an assembled condition through the action of a bracket assembly which has resiliently deflectable arms which bias against the valve assemblies. Preferably, non-removable fasteners are employed to affix the bracket to the manifold to prevent unauthorized attempts at servicing. The solenoid valve assemblies have protruding terminals which enable a circuit board to be laid against the solenoid valve assemblies such that the board is soldered along a surface opposite the valve assemblies.

Abstract: A bistable actuating solenoid device having an axially translatable armature which is stable at either a first or a second position. The device employs a solenoid winding wrapped around a bobbin having an internal bore with the armature disposed in the bore. A permanent magnet is located at one end of the bobbin for holding the armature in the first position and a spring urges the armature toward the second position. When it is desired to move the armature from the first to the second position, a current is passed through the winding such that a magnetic field is generated which opposes the field presented by the permanent magnet to allow the armature to move to the second position under the influence of the spring. When it is desired to return the armature to the first position, a current is passed through the winding in a direction which generates a field which combines with that of the permanent magnet to attract the armature to the first position against the biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved solenoid operated fluid control valve particularly adapted for use as a vacuum control switch in a motor vehicle. One aspect of this invention is the provision of a coil assembly adapted to be wound and terminated using completely automated processes. This feature is provided through the use of a bobbin structure having protruding coil winding posts which position the start and finish ends of the coil wire. Terminal members are installed onto the bobbin and have terminal contact portions which can be folded onto the wire. Another feature of this invention involves means for reducing noise generated from actuation of the valve device. In conventional solenoid employing a "C" frame member, direct mechanical contact exists between the "C" frame member and another component of the magnetic circuit of the solenoid.

Abstract: An electronic automatic transmission controller is provided which is adapted to enable electrical control over automatic transmission devices of the type typically used in motor vehicles. The controller employs a manifold having a number of solenoid valve assemblies mounted thereto. The solenoid valve assemblies feature a low stacked height achieved through the configuration of the valves and various improvements in force output for the solenoid valve assemblies. The solenoid valve assemblies are held in an assembled condition through the action of a bracket assembly which has resiliently deflectable arms which bias against the valve assemblies. Preferably, non-removable fasteners are employed to affix the bracket to the manifold to prevent unauthorized attempts at servicing. The solenoid valve assemblies have protruding terminals which enable a circuit board to be laid against the solenoid valve assemblies such that the board is soldered along a surface opposite the valve assemblies.

Abstract: A pressure switch having a ball valve or contact mounted in an internal chamber to move in response to predetermined relatively high and relatively low fluid pressures in an inlet that opens into the chamber to make or break an electrical circuit through the switch and that incorporates a one-piece sealing element that is constantly exposed to the fluid pressure and is uniquely formed and cooperative with the ball contact and with the walls of the chamber to prevent leakage of the fluid from the chamber effectively without significantly interfering with free unobstructive movement of the ball contact in use.

Abstract: An electrical pressure switch that can be readily adapted for either normally open or normally closed operation and that has opposed annular seats, a movable contact and ball valve movable between and individually engageable with the seats, and an O-ring uniquely associated with the ball valve and a related sealing surface in seated, unseated and all intermediate positions of the valve to maintain an effective seal at all times against fluid pressure to which the switch is connected.

Abstract: A solenoid having a coil that includes the usual bobbin or spool, winding and armature in combination with a flux collector that is uniquely formed and associated with the coil bobbin and with the armature to maintain essentially precise concentricity between the flux collector and the armature and the intervening air gap of a uniform minimum width dimension so as to minimize the size of the coil and loss of armature power in use while at the same time assuring an adequate and reliable operating force in the armature.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator for automotive vehicles of the type having an engine exhaust system and a computer-controlled exhaust gas recirculation system, the regulator having a housing provided with a pair of spaced outlets intercommunicating through a flow restrictive orifice and adapted to be connected to the engine exhaust system and to the exhaust gas recirculation system, respectively; an inlet for atmospheric air connected by a passageway to the outlets; and a solenoid-operated spring-biased valve in the housing controlling flow of atmospheric air to the outlets; the housing being fashioned in two parts or sub-assemblies which are interconnected at final assembly by the flux collector which is part of the solenoid, the operating parts of the regulator being uniquely formed and arranged to minimize noise of operation, and the entire assembly being uniquely constructed to minimize cost of manufacture.