Abstract: An intake module assembly for a vehicle engine is formed from a two-piece shell structure. First and second shells are aligned and joined together to form the entire air path from an air filter to an engine cylinder head. A throttle hose portion is formed as part of at least one of the first or second shells to conduct air to the throttle body and into the intake manifold. Other induction components such as an intake manifold, resonator, air filter holder, and throttle body components are also integrated into the first and second shells.

Abstract: An intake assembly includes an intake manifold comprising several interfitting sections attached to each other to define a plurality of air passages, and an EGR conduit within the intake manifold including openings in communication with each of the plurality of air passages. The EGR conduit is in communication with a source of exhaust gases and provides for the proximate and decentralized injection of exhaust gases into the intake manifold assembly. The intake manifold assembly also includes a passage that is in communication with a positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV) and a purge gas system. Gases from the PCV system and the gas purge system mix in the passage and then are communicated to the each of the air passages through individual opening passages.

Abstract: A method of managing the saturation level of a vapor collection canister for an on-board fuel vapor emission control system. The method includes flowing the fuel vapor through a canister flow path between a first port and a second port of the vapor collection canister, and signaling with a sensor the temperature of an adsorbent disposed in the canister flow path, the sensor being exposed to the adsorbent.

Abstract: A flange seal molded as a single piece from a synthetic material which can withstand the high heat and pressure produced by the engine. The flange seal is shaped to correspond the intake manifold housing. Connecting portions on the flange seal separate the individual port openings. The flange seal is located between the intake manifold housing and the cylinder head to seal the joint. Pressure is applied to the flange seal when the fasteners are tightened to aid in sealing.

Abstract: An intake manifold assembly includes a housing, a shaft assembly, an intake insert, and a flange seal. Bushings are located at each end of the shaft and spaced along the shaft to absorb vibrations and provide a low friction surface for shaft assembly rotation. In addition, the bushings allow for differences in the thermal expansion of the shaft and the intake manifold housing. A bearing is located adjacent a shaft locator to provide a hard mounting surface for the shaft assembly when assembled with the housing.

Abstract: A exhaust gas recirculation assembly for an engine having an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, the exhaust gas recirculation assembly including a flow control body, a closing member, an electric motor coupled to the closing member, and an electronic controller electrically connected to the electric motor. The flow control body includes a manifold conduit and an inlet conduit in fluid communication with the manifold conduit. The manifold conduit includes a recirculation opening and a mounting member. The mounting member is adapted to connect the manifold conduit in fluid communicate with the intake manifold. The inlet conduit includes a mounting member adapted to connect the inlet conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for managing fuel vapor pressure in a fuel system that supplies fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace, and performs a diagnostic on the purge valve. The apparatus includes a housing, a pressure operable device, and a printed circuit board. The housing defines an interior chamber. The pressure operable device separates the interior chamber into first and second portions. And the pressure operable device includes a poppet that moves along an axis and a seal that is adapted to cooperatively engage the poppet. The printed circuit board is supported by the housing in the interior chamber.

Abstract: A method and sensor or sensor subsystem permit improved evaporative leak detection in an automotive fuel system. The sensor or sensor subsystem computes temperature-compensated pressure values, thereby eliminating or reducing false positive or other adverse results triggered by temperature changes in the fuel tank. The temperature-compensated pressure measurement is then available for drawing an inference regarding the existence of a leak with reduced or eliminated false detection arising as a result of temperature fluctuations.

Abstract: Laser welding of plastic involves a laser passing through laser translucent then laser absorbent material. A technical description as envisaged here is Laser Contour Welding. Universally, laser welding is done by Quasi simultaneous techniques and rarely by Contour techniques. Regular or symmetrical parts, under 5 inches are welded by Quasi simultaneous. Asymmetric and large parts are best welded by Contour Welding. Kinematics of robots permits a complex contour. Automotive plastic manifolds exceed 5 inches with asymmetry. The pairing of robot contour and laser welding facilitates a new Automotive manifold. It requires a new split line for laser access and manufacturing as described. Encompassing the above requirements and solutions can reduce the moldings for a V8 to 2 major operations.

Abstract: An intake manifold assembly (100) includes an inner shell (12) that is inserted into an outer shell (14), and a cover (25) that seals the open end (38) of the outer shell (14). The inner shell (12) includes dividers (16) that form air passages (18). A laser device (40) is traversed along the outer surface of the outer shell (14) along a path (44) corresponds with the inner shell (12) to form a laser weld joint (45). The intake manifold assembly (10) of this invention includes features and methods of assembly that improve the laser weld joints utilized to assemble the plastic intake manifold assembly (10). Both design details and clamping detail are described, every known configuration of U type manifolds can be made by this technique. The technique provides high value and low cost. High reliability is a well known feature of laser welding.

Abstract: An air induction manifold has manifold air passages. A carrier has air passages to communicate air from the manifold air passages to an engine. The carrier has a first sealing interface for a manifold and a second sealing interface for an engine cylinder. The first sealing interface seals the communication of air between the manifold air passage and the carrier air passage. A valve is mounted to the carrier that controls the communication of air through the carrier air passage.

Abstract: A fan 10 has a hub 12, a plurality of fan blades 14 attached to the hub at one end and extending outwardly from the hub, and a ring 18 concentric with the hub and coupled to tips 16 of the blades. Wherein a dimensionless radius (r/R) is defined from a center of the hub (r/R=0) radially outwardly, wherein each tip of the blades is r/R=1. A stagger angle is defined as an angle between an axis of rotation of the fan and a set angle of each fan blade, and C/R is a dimensionless chord length where C is chord. The fan is defined by values of r/R, C/R and stagger angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the attachment of a throttle shaft to a throttle body. A throttle shaft, a spring, and a cap retainer, are temporarily assembled as a throttle shaft subassembly. A set of locking members extend from the cap retainer to engage a set of locking surfaces adjacent the throttle shaft to retain the spring in tension. The cap retainer fits onto a boss extending from the throttle body and is lockable thereto by a set of fingers which are received into engagement recesses located on the boss. As the shaft subassembly is guided into the throttle body, the cap retainer is rotated by the engagement surfaces and the locking members are disengaged from the locking surfaces to at least partially unload the spring to mount the shaft.

Abstract: A method and sensor or sensor subsystem permit improved evaporative leak detection in an automotive fuel system. The sensor or sensor subsystem computes temperature-compensated pressure values, thereby eliminating or reducing false positive or other adverse results triggered by temperature changes in the fuel tank. The temperature-compensated pressure measurement is then available for drawing an inference regarding the existence of a leak with reduced or eliminated false detection arising as a result of temperature fluctuations.

Abstract: A connection system is provided for restraining a component in three orthogonal directions on a mounting surface. Pairs of first and second projections are disposed on opposing surfaces of the component symmetrically about a component axis. The first and second pairs of projections are spaced along the component axis. Two grooves are disposed on the mounting surface parallel to the axis for engagement with the projections. Each groove has a C-shaped channel on a surface facing the component, and each channel has an aperture in a location corresponding the mounting position of the component. During mounting, the projections slide within the channels until ends of the first projections engage the apertures. The connection system of the present invention restrains the component in three orthogonal directions, centers the component in its mounting location, and reduces vibration levels. The inventive connection system further provides an audible and visible indication when the component is locked in place.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method for regulating a fluid flow and attenuating noise. The valve assembly comprises a body having a passage extending between a first port and a second port, a seat defining a portion of the passage, a member movable with respect to the seat, an actuator moving the member from the first configuration to the second configuration, and a damper movable with respect to the actuator and located at a radial gap between the member and the actuator. The member moves generally along an axis between a first configuration prohibiting fluid flow through the seat and a second configuration permitting fluid flow through the seat. The member includes a first portion adapted to sealingly engage the seat in the first configuration, and a second portion extending along the axis between a first section that is distal from the first portion and a second section that is fixed to the first portion. The actuator has an aperture extending along the axis and generally receiving the second portion.

Abstract: A wireless virtual local area network (VLAN) and a device selectively connecting to the wireless VLAN over a second wireless network that may be independent of the wireless VLAN. The device is capable of connecting to at least the wireless VLAN and to the second wireless network. Wireless VLAN access points are each connected to an Ethernet aggregation switch, which is VLAN aware and matches client traffic from connected access points with access VLANs. A wireless VLAN switch maintains an association table between access VLANs and core VLANs. The second wireless network may be remotely connected over the Internet or a private network to a tunnel endpoint. The tunnel endpoint is connected to the VLAN switch, which uses the association table to manage free-form client traffic between connected devices and other mobile stations at access VLANs and appropriate core VLANs.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for providing a variable output torque based upon a constant input force. The assembly includes an actuator for providing a constant input force and at least one link operatively coupled to the actuator and a pivot point such the constant input force is converted to the variable output torque.

Abstract: A pressure regulator is associated with a solenoid-operated valve that is operated by a pulse waveform at a fundamental frequency substantially greater than the frequency response of the valve mechanism. This substantially attenuates solenoid pulsations and applies a predetermined pressure differential across the valve mechanism to accomplish improved flow control accuracy. The invention is especially advantageous for purging fuel vapor to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle.