Abstract: A purge valve is in fluid communication between a fuel vapor collection canister and an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The purge valve includes a body, a seat, a head, and a solenoid. The body defines a fuel vapor flow path between a first port is in fluid communication with the fuel vapor collection canister, and a second port is in fluid communication with the intake manifold. The seat defines an aperture through which the fluid flow passes in an open configuration of the purge valve. The head includes a permanent magnet, and is attracted to the seat and occludes the aperture in a closed configuration of the purge valve. The solenoid repels the head toward the open configuration when the solenoid is energized, and the head occludes the aperture due to the magnetic attraction with the seat when the solenoid is de-energized.

Abstract: A test device and method for drawing a vacuum relative to an ambient environment. The device includes a member defining a passage, a valve, and a fluid communication conduit. The passage extends between a first end and a second end, and includes a constriction defining an orifice. The first end is in fluid communication with an ambient environment. The valve has a first port and a second port. The first port is adapted for fluid communication with a pressure source at a first pressure level. The fluid communication conduit includes a fluid communication tap at a second pressure level. The second pressure level is responsive to fluid flow through the orifice. The fluid communication conduit connects the second end of the member and the second port of the valve.

Abstract: A flow tube for an induction system with a turbo charger includes a first tube half and a second tube half with a noise attenuation plate positioned between the halves. The noise attenuation plate includes a plurality of holes having varying diameters and depths. The first tube half, the second tube half, and the noise attenuation plate are integrally formed as a single piece during an injection molding process. The noise attenuation plate is folding along a first living hinge to overlap one of the first or second tube halves. The other of the first or second tube halves is folded along a second living hinge to overlap the noise attenuation plate forming a flow tube that defines a flow path. The noise attenuation plate serves as a low pass filter that attenuates high frequencies while allowing lower frequencies through.

Abstract: A dual motor configuration 10 includes a primary brushless motor 18 electronically controlled to be driven at various speeds throughout a range of motor speeds. A secondary brush motor 24 electronically controlled be driven at various speeds throughout a range of motor speeds. The secondary brush motor includes an electronic switching device 26 associated therewith for receiving a pulse width modulated signal for controlling speed of the secondary brush motor. Thus, different combinations of speeds, throughout the ranges of motor speeds, of the first and second motors can be selectively chosen.

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 vehicle fuel intake system (10) includes an intake manifold (14), an injector pack assembly (18) and an air cleaner assembly (16). The injector pack assembly (18) includes an encapsulated lead frame (36) that provides electrical communication to fuel injectors (26). The intake manifold defines a fuel rail (22) and a cavity (24). Fuel vapors permeating from the fuel rail (22) are trapped in the cavity (24) and channeled back into the air intake passages (20). The air cleaner assembly (16) includes a filter (28) for absorbing fuel vapor emissions from unburned fuel escaping a non-operating engine (12). An actuator (30) moves the filter (28) between an open and closed position. Once the engine begins operation, the actuator (30) opens the filter (28) to allow unrestricted airflow through the intake manifold (14).

Abstract: A purge valve includes an aperture, a member, and an actuator. The aperture defines a portion of a vapor flow path that extends between a first port that communicates vapor with a fuel vapor collection canister and a second port that communicates vapor with an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The member is displaced between a first configuration that occludes the aperture and a second configuration that permits vapor flow along the vapor flow path. The actuator, which displaces the member between the first and second configurations, includes a stator and an armature. The stator includes first and second windings that are spaced along an axis. The armature, which is coupled to the member, includes a permanent magnet that is axially positioned at least partially between the first and second windings.

Abstract: An air induction system for an internal combustion engine. The system includes an air cleaner having an air intake and an intake manifold for distributing air to cylinders of the engine. A throttle body installed in a neck portion of the manifold is also provided, wherein the throttle body serves to regulate a flow of air to the manifold. In addition, the system includes a hose for providing air from the air cleaner to the manifold and the throttle body, wherein the hose includes a first end which is affixed to both the throttle body and the manifold. The first end also includes sealing elements for sealing the throttle body and the manifold.

Abstract: A purge valve for an evaporative emission control system. The purge valve includes an actuator, a valve body, and a valve closure member disposed in the valve body. The actuator is disposed along a longitudinal axis, and includes an electromagnetic coil having a hollow core extending along the longitudinal axis, a stator disposed in the hollow core, and a permanent magnet armature disposed proximate the stator. The valve body is disposed proximate the actuator, and defines a flow passage extending along the longitudinal axis. When the coil is unenergized, the permanent magnet armature is magnetically attracted to the stator, and the valve closure member is spaced from the armature by a lost motion distance.

Abstract: A fuel system supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The fuel system includes an integrated pressure management system managing pressure and detecting leaks in the 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: A canister purge valve for regulating fuel vapor flow between a fuel vapor collection canister and an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The canister purge valve includes a body defining a passage extending between a first port and a second port. The first port is adapted for fuel vapor communication with the fuel vapor collection canister. The second port is adapted for fuel vapor communication with the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. A seat is disposed in the passage. The seat defines an aperture having a sealing surface disposed about a central axis. An elastomeric actuator extends through the aperture, and is deformable between a first configuration that engages the sealing surface to prohibit fuel vapor flow through the aperture, and a second configuration spaced from the sealing surface to permit fuel vapor flow through the aperture.

Abstract: An active noise attenuation system for an air induction assembly includes a housing that is mounted to a vehicle structure and a speaker assembly that is mounted within the housing to generate a sound field for attenuating noise. The housing defines an air inlet duct open end through which air is drawn. A microphone detects noise and modifies an anti-noise signal that is sent from an electronics center. The electronics center receives the signal, mixes with other engine signals, phase-shifts the signal, and sends the phase-shifted signal to the speaker to attenuate the noise. The speaker includes electrical connections that extend outwardly toward the air inlet duct open end for connection to the electronics center. The microphone and speaker are connected to the electronics center with flex cables.

Abstract: A permanent magnet D.C. electric motor 36 includes a motor housing 29 having first and second ends. The second end 42 is substantially closed and has an end of a shaft 35 extending there from. The second end includes vent holes 20 therein. The first end 27 is substantially open. An end cap 31 closes the first end of the housing. The end cap 31 has venting holes 34 therein for permitting air to pass there-through to cool the motor. A splash shield 32 is integral with the end cap 31 and covers the venting holes 34 in such a manner to limit foreign matter from entering the venting holes while permitting air to flow through the venting holes.

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 of rationalizing the functioning of a fuel vapor pressure management system. The fuel vapor pressure management system is in fluid communication with a headspace of a fuel system, and the fuel system supplies fuel to an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The method includes providing a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus detecting an absence of leaks with respect to the headspace, counting a number of leak detection tests performed by the fuel vapor pressure management apparatus, counting a number of occurrences of the fuel vapor pressure management apparatus detecting an absence of a leak, and evaluating the number of occurrences within a selected number of tests.

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 head space in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the head space, a purge valve, and all associated.

Abstract: A connector structure for a brush motor includes a connector body 10 associated with the motor, an X2Y capacitor structure 20, a positive power terminal connection structure 14 associated, a negative power terminal connection structure 14? and a ground connection structure 16. The positive power terminal connection structure is electrically connected with the capacitor structure and is constructed and arranged to electrically engage a positive power terminal 18 of the motor. The negative power terminal connection structure 14? is electrically connected with the capacitor structure and is constructed and arranged to electrically engage a negative power terminal of the motor. The ground connection structure 16 is electrically connected with the capacitor structure and is constructed and arranged to be electrically connected with a ground mass. The X2Y capacitor structure provides RFI suppression.

Abstract: An HQ tube arrangement suitable for packaging within a vehicle may be designed by creating a mathematical model representing a tube arrangement having a first passageway and a second passageway fluidly connected to the first passageway at first and second junctions. The second passageway is divided by the junctions into first, second, and third passages. Lengths are associated with each of the first passageway and the first, second, and third passages. A filter parameter, based upon an average transmission loss for a particular frequency over a standard deviation, is analyzed as a function of the lengths. Lengths are chosen based upon analysis of the filter parameter. Portions of the outer walls of the first and second passageways may be secured to or common to one another so that lengths of the passageways run along side of each other to provide a more compact HQ tube arrangement.

Abstract: An air induction system comprises an air induction body and air filter to provide filtered air to a vehicle engine. A microphone is disposed within the air filter. A control unit may receive signals from the microphone. The control unit may further control a speaker, which produces a noise canceling sound to thereby reduce engine noise associated with the air induction system.

Abstract: A fan 10 includes a central hub 14, an outer ring structure 18, and a plurality of fan blades 12. Each blade is of generally Y-shaped configuration having first and second separate branches 12a, 12b, respectively, coupled to the hub 14 and merging with a third branch 12c. The third branch 12c is coupled to the ring structure 18 at a tip 16 of the blade 18.