Abstract: A circuit 100 for a five phase DC brushless motor includes a first coil A and a first primary switch S1 for controlling current through the first coil; a second coil B and a second primary switch S3 for controlling current through the second coil; a third coil C and a third primary switch S5 for controlling current through the third coil; a fourth coil D and a fourth primary switch S7 for controlling current through the fourth coil; a fifth coil E and a fifth primary switch S9 for controlling current through the fifth coil.

Abstract: A device and method for signaling differential pressure change occurring during leak testing of an evaporative emission control space in a motor vehicle fuel system. A casing has sensing ports one of which is communicated to a reference pressure, such as atmospheric pressure, and another of which is communicated to sense pressure in the evaporative emission control space. As difference between the reference pressure and the pressure in the control space changes, the net magnetic flux acting on a magnetoresistive sensor changes. The sensor is electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system for signaling the differential pressure. The device may be used for both positive and negative pressure leak testing.

Abstract: An exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) tube includes a dual seal assembly that prevents exhaust gas leakages. The EGR tube has a first end in communication with an exhaust gas source and has a second end extending into an intake manifold enclosed within an intake manifold housing. A tapered sleeve surrounds the EGR tube at the second end. The sleeve has a first end that is directly attached to the EGR tube and a second end that is spaced apart from the EGR tube to define a gap. The sleeve has a tapered body such that the cross-sectional area of the gap increases from the first end to the second end of the sleeve. A first seal is positioned between the sleeve and the intake manifold housing and a second seal is positioned between the sleeve and the intake manifold. Grooves are formed within the exterior surface of the tube to receive the seals.

Abstract: A fan-shroud structure 10 includes a fan 12 mounted for rotation about an axis B. The fan has a plurality of blades 20 with tips of the blades being coupled to an annular band 22. A shroud 26, including an annular labyrinth seal 28, is disposed generally adjacent to the annular band thereby defining a gap 30 between the annular band and the seal. The seal has a corrugated profile and is constructed and arranged to provide resistance to air flow as air swirls and flows back into the gap and to minimize air leakage across the gap.

Abstract: A low cost combined air cleaner and resonator includes two housing members which snap together. An air filter is captured between the two members. A first of the members receives the air filter, and the second of the two members has an enlarged plenum to provide a resonator function. The combined air cleaner and resonator thus provides a low cost way of achieving both functions in a system for supplying clean air to a vehicle engine.

Abstract: A fan 10 includes 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. 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 pitch ratio increases up to about r/R=0.85, and decreases in a range of about 0.85<r/R<1.0. In the range of about 0.6<r/R<1.0, a chord length decreases continually.

Abstract: A device and method for signaling differential pressure change occurring during leak testing of an evaporative emission control space in a motor vehicle fuel system. A casing has sensing ports one of which is communicated to a reference pressure, such as atmospheric pressure, and another of which is communicated to sense pressure in the evaporative emission control space. As difference between the reference pressure and the pressure in the control space changes, the net magnetic flux acting on a magnetoresistive sensor changes. The sensor is electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system for signaling the differential pressure. The device may be used for both positive and negative pressure leak testing.

Abstract: A solenoid for use in a valve such as an exhaust gas recirculation valve for a motor vehicle. The solenoid includes a housing having a coil for generating a first magnetic field. An armature is slidably mounted in the housing. The solenoid further includes a permanent magnet having a second magnetic field, wherein the magnet is located adjacent the armature. In addition, a stator is affixed in the housing for cooperation with the armature and the magnet to form a third magnetic field.

Abstract: An electric motor has a unitary frame. The frame includes locating structure extending from an end portion thereof. The motor includes a shaft and an armature disposed within at least a portion of the frame and constructed and arranged to rotate the shaft. A commulator is associated with the shaft. Windings are carried by the armature and connected to the commulator. Permanent magnet structure is carried by the frame and is disposed generally adjacent to the armature. At least one brush arm is coupled to an associated locating structure. A brush is coupled with an associated brush arm so that the brush engages the commutator to deliver electric current to the windings. A structure, containing iron, is disposed about at least a portion of the permanent magnet structure to define a flux path for the motor.

Abstract: A method provides a heat shield on an electric motor. The motor has a housing and an endcap coupled to an end of the housing. The endcap includes a bearing pocket constructed and arranged to cover a bearing structure. The method includes coupling a heat shield directly to the motor so as to surround and cover the bearing pocket, with a portion of the heat shield being spaced from the bearing pocket.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing resonance in 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, a pressure operable device separating the interior chamber into first and second portions, and a device preventing resonance. The pressure operable device includes a poppet that is movable along an axis and a seal that is adapted to cooperatively engage the poppet. The device preventing resonance includes at least one of a dashpot defined by the housing and the poppet, a gap between the poppet and the seal, and a resilient element applying a force biasing the poppet toward the seal.

Abstract: An air cleaner and resonator assembly is formed from a lower shell portion and an upper shell portion that are joined together to define an interior cavity having an inlet through which air is drawn. An exit tube, formed within the lower shell portion, directs air from the inlet to the engine. A middle shell portion is positioned within the inter cavity and is joined to both the upper and lower shell portions. A lower portion of a resonator is molded into the lower shell portion and an upper portion of the resonator assembly is molded into the middle shell portion. The upper portion is aligned with the lower portion and the middle and lower shell portions are welded together to form a sealed resonator chamber that attenuates engine noise. The upper and lower shell portions are then welded together to form the air cleaner and resonator assembly. Air filters are installed within the interior cavity and are selectively accessible through movable covers installed in the upper shell portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retaining a poppet seal with respect to a housing of an integrated pressure management system. The integrated pressure management system includes an aperture near a mouth of a housing, and the mouth includes a tip that is deformable so as to retain the poppet seal in the aperture. The apparatus includes a die and a collet. The die moves along an axis, and includes a face adapted to engage the mouth. The face includes a forming-over section adapted to engage the tip. The collet surrounds the die and extends along the axis between first and second axial ends. The collet includes first and second portions. The first portion extends between the first axial end and an intermediate axial position. The second portion extends between the intermediate axial position and the second axial end, and includes a plurality of segments positioned about the axis.

Abstract: A fuel vapor surge system includes a fuel tank, an intake passage, a fuel vapor storage canister in the fluid communication with the fuel tank, a vapor purge passage in fluid communication with the intake passage and the fuel vapor storage canister, and a closing member movably mounted in the intake passage. The closing member has a first position where the closing member blocks fluid communication between the intake passage and the vapor purge passage and is outside of a fluid stream of the intake passage when fluid is flowing through the intake passage and a second position where the closing member opens fluid communication between the intake passage and the vapor purge passage and extends into the fluid stream of the intake passage when fluid is flowing through the intake passage.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the commutation position in a DC machine using a single-bit rotor sensor and the back EMF signal from a stator winding by calculating a delay value, which is equal to the time elapsed between detection of the position signal and the back EMF signal, and establishing commutation after a period of time equal to the delay value has elapsed from when the position signal is detected.

Abstract: An automotive emission control valve, an EGR valve in particular, has a solenoid as the actuator for a valve element. The solenoid has a stator and an armature. Various features in construction of the armature and stator pole pieces improve magnetic efficiency to provide increased armature force per unit of solenoid current.

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.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid flow between an evaporative emission space of a fuel tank and a fuel vapor collection canister that includes a housing, a valve, a seal, an electric actuator, an electric transducer, and an electrical connector. The housing includes a first port, a second port, and a fluid flow path that extends between the first and second ports. The first port is adapted for receiving fluid flow from the evaporative emission space and is at a first pressure level. The second port is adapted for supplying fluid flow to the fuel vapor collection canister and is at a second pressure level. The valve is movable along an axis with respect to the housing between a first configuration, a second configuration, and an intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. The first configuration permits substantially unrestricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The second configuration prevents fluid flow between the first and second ports.

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 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.