Patents Assigned to Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
  • Patent number: 6928994
    Abstract: A modular exhaust gas recirculation assembly includes a flow control body, a closing member movably mounted in the manifold conduit between a first position and a second position, and an actuator assembly coupled to the closing member and driving the closing member between the first position and the second position. The flow control body includes a manifold conduit having a recirculation opening, and an inlet conduit in fluid communication with the manifold conduit. The inlet conduit includes a wall common with the manifold conduit. When in the first position, the closing member closes the recirculation opening and blocks fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the manifold conduit. When in the second position, the closing member opens the recirculation opening and permits fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the manifold conduit and creates a pressure differential across the recirculation opening so that fluid is drawn from the inlet conduit into the manifold conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Veinotte
  • Patent number: 6928995
    Abstract: A double-pintle valve (20) has two seats (54, 56) each circumscribing a respective through-hole for exhaust gas flow. The through-hole of one seat (56) is large enough diametrically to allow the closure (46) that seats on the other seat (54) to pass through during fabrication of the valve. The closure (46) seats substantially on a radially outermost portion of a frustoconical surface zone (54B) of the seat (54) and the other closure (48) seats substantially on a radially innermost portion of a frustoconical surface zone (56B) of the one seat (56) when the valve is disallowing flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard J. Hrytzak
  • Patent number: 6927583
    Abstract: A sensor (20) includes a single capacitor (30) that operates in two different modes to obtain capacitance and conductance information when a mixture flows between the electrodes (32, 34) of the capacitor. Two different oscillators (180, 182) are selectively used to obtain the conductance and capacitance information. In a disclosed embodiment, a capacitor includes an outer electrode (32) that is received around an inner electrode (34) such that there is spacing between the electrodes through which the mixture flows. The mixture acts as a dielectric of the capacitor allowing the conductance and capacitance measurements to be made. A glass member (36) seals off the spacing between the electrodes and provides physical support to position the inner electrode to keep the electrodes electrically isolated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Vanzuilen, Gerard Mouaici, Francois-Xavier Bernard, Isabelle McKenzie
  • Publication number: 20050166884
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Ki-Ho Lee, James Vanderveen
  • Patent number: 6917687
    Abstract: An active noise control system (20) includes a controller (34) that receives a signal from a single pressure sensor (36). The controller (34) estimates an engine speed of an engine (30) and a throttle position of a throttle valve associated with an air intake manifold (32). The controller (34) generates a noise control signal that drives a speaker (38), which responsively generates a noise attenuation signal. The disclosed embodiment may be used in an after-market product as it requires minimal interfacing with other vehicle electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Manish Vaishya
  • Patent number: 6913036
    Abstract: A device for a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus of a fuel system supplying 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, and performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace. The device includes a seal that is deformable between a substantially symmetrically deformed configuration, a generally asymmetrically deformed configuration, and an undeformed configuration. The seal is adapted to cooperatively engage a poppet such that a first arrangement that includes the seal in the substantially symmetrically deformed configuration and the poppet engaging the seal, a second arrangement that includes the seal in the generally asymmetrically deformed configuration and the poppet engaging the seal, and a third arrangement that includes the seal in an undeformed configuration and the poppet being disengaged from the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Veinotte, Paul Perry
  • Patent number: 6910500
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Perry, John E. Cook
  • Patent number: 6910466
    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 having a wall 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. An elastomeric actuator is at least partially disposed in the passage, and includes a first end, a second end spaced from the first end along a central axis, and a sealing surface between the first end and the second end. The sealing surface has a first diameter at a first portion and a second diameter at a second portion, the second diameter being wider than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Veinotte
  • Patent number: 6912286
    Abstract: An active noise cancellation system has a speaker which is utilized to generate sound to cancel engine noise, as is known. An operator horn switch communicates with a control for the active noise cancellation system. Upon receiving a request from the operator for a horn signal, the control for the active noise cancellation system generates a horn tone from the speaker associated with the active noise cancellation system. If cancellation is in progress, the cancellation is preferably paused during the period of time when the horn signal is being emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Daly
  • Patent number: 6912454
    Abstract: An active noise control system for use onboard a vehicle normally provides noise cancellation of engine sounds. The speaker of the active noise control system also emits a horn sound responsive to appropriate commands from a controller that receives a horn switch signal from a horn switch supported on a steering wheel assembly. The active noise control system controller enters a power saving mode when the vehicle ignition is turned off and the vehicle is not running. A horn switch activation during the power saving mode wakes up the controller so that the controller unmutes an amplifier and drives the speaker to emit the desired horn sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Astorino
  • Patent number: 6907868
    Abstract: A modular exhaust gas recirculation assembly includes a flow control body, a closing member movably mounted in the manifold conduit between a first position and a second position, and an actuator assembly coupled to the closing member and driving the closing member between the first position and the second position. The flow control body includes a manifold conduit and an inlet conduit in fluid communication with the manifold conduit. The manifold conduit includes manifold conduit a recirculation opening, a first open end having a first cross-sectional shape, and a second open end having a second cross-sectional shape. The closing member includes a boundary defining an operative surface. The boundary has a configuration that is different from the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape. When in the first position, the closing member closes the recirculation opening and blocks fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the manifold conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Veinotte
  • Patent number: 6904897
    Abstract: A powdered metal bearing (40) that guides a pintle (42) in an EGR valve (20) is sealed against infiltration of exhaust gases by mechanical processing or by applying a sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard J. Hrytzak
  • Patent number: 6902778
    Abstract: Plastic parts are formed to have a relatively high wall stiffness by utilizing a pair of spaced plastic plates. One of the plates may be a simple plate. The other plate has a plurality of ribs extending from a base. The ribs are welded to the other plate. Use of the ribs provides a relatively high degree of stiffness to the final molded plastic part, for a relatively lightweight part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: John Francis Marentette, David Marion, Jason Pettipiece, Jianrui Ye
  • Patent number: 6900563
    Abstract: A choke 20 is provided for suppressing radio-frequency interference of a brush-type motor. The choke includes a single wire having a portion wound about a coil axis A to define a plurality of coils 24 including two outermost coils 26 and 28. An attaching structure 30 extends from one of the outermost coils and includes a loop structure 42. The loop structure is constructed and arranged to be inserted into a slot 58 in a brush card 48 and moved into hooked relation with a retaining member 60 of the brush card that is associated with the slot so as secure the choke to the brush card. At least a portion of the attaching structure is constructed and arranged to be in electrical connection with a brush 56 of a motor when the choke is secured to the brush card. An elongated end portion 44 of the choke extends directly from the other of the outermost coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Sergey Tyshchuk, John Seguin, Alex Gubbels
  • Patent number: 6895944
    Abstract: A vapor fuel generation and management system for an evaporative fuel vapor engine includes a fuel tank that stores an evaporative liquid fuel, and a carbon canister connected to the headspace of the fuel tank to absorb and retain fuel vapor. A fuel vaporization unit has a liquid fuel inlet in communication with a liquid fuel outlet of the fuel tank, and a fuel vapor inlet in communication with the carbon canister. The fuel vaporization includes an agitator member at least partially submersed in a liquid fuel bath, and a motive force device that drives the agitator member. The fuel vaporization unit generates vapor fuel, i.e. a rich air/fuel mixture, and has a vapor fuel outlet in communication with an engine intake manifold. A purge valve controls vapor fuel flow to the engine intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Andrew Weldon
  • Patent number: 6898289
    Abstract: An active noise attenuation system (10) comprises a speaker (26) in communication with a flow body (78). The speaker (26) emits an output for attenuating noise from the flow body (78). A control unit (31) communicates with the speaker (26) and controls the output. A housing (14) has one volume (18) acting as a liquid storage chamber and another volume (22) acting as a speaker chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Vanderveen, Zhouxuan Xia
  • Patent number: 6892754
    Abstract: A device for a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus of a fuel system supplying 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, and performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace. The device includes a housing defining an interior chamber, and a poppet movable along an axis. The poppet includes a perimeter that has a plurality of notches. Interposed between each adjacent pair of the notches is a corresponding tab, and each tab includes a radially outer edge that is adapted to cooperate with the housing so as to guide movement of the poppet that is associated with the performing excess positive pressure relief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Veinotte, Paul Perry
  • Patent number: 6889668
    Abstract: A system for flowing fuel vapor through a canister purge valve includes a valve body having a wall that defines a passage between a first port and a second port. The first port may be adapted for fuel vapor communication with a fuel vapor collection canister, and the second port may be adapted for fuel vapor communication with an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The system includes an elastomeric member having a first end, a second end, and an active zone between the first end and the second end. The active zone forms a flow entry portion, a sealing portion, and a flow exit portion. The elastomeric member is deformable between a first configuration that prohibits flow over the sealing portion, and a second configuration that permits flow over the sealing portion. The system includes a stator proximate the passage, an electromagnetic coil surrounding the passage, and an armature coupled to the elastomeric member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Veinotte
  • Patent number: 6889669
    Abstract: A system and method of managing fuel vapor pressure in a fuel system. The direction of air flow between first and second ports on either side of a chamber is controlled by a liquid that divides the chamber into first and second portions. A leak detection test, excess vacuum venting, and pressure blow-off of the fuel system are controlled by displacement of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Perry, Andre Veinotte
  • Patent number: 6886538
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Ki-Ho Lee, James Kenneth Vanderveen