Abstract: A system and method of evaluating a leak detection test that is performed on a headspace of a fuel system. The system includes a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus, an algorithm that calculates an in-use rate value by dividing a number of monitoring events by a number of driving events of the vehicle, and a computer that compares the in-use rate value to a standard value.

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 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 fluid flow regulator for a turbocharged internal combustion engine includes a body and a valve. The body defines a chamber and includes first, second and third ports. The chamber is in fluid communication with the first, second and third ports. A first fluid flow path passes through the first port, through the chamber and through the second port. A second fluid flow path passes through the first port, through the chamber and through the third port. The valve includes a head that is disposed in the chamber. The valve is movable between first and second configurations with respect to the body. The first configuration substantially occludes the second fluid flow path, the second configuration substantially occludes the first fluid flow path, and the plurality of intermediate configurations permit restricted fluid flow along the first and second fluid flow paths.

Abstract: A method of managing pressure in a fuel system supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine. The method includes providing a fuel tank including a headspace, connecting to the headspace an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine, a fuel vapor collection canister, a purge valve, and a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus, detecting the vacuum that naturally forms in the headspace, and relieving excess pressure that forms in the headspace. The fuel vapor management apparatus includes a housing defining an interior chamber, excludes a diaphragm partitioning the interior chamber, and excludes an electromechanical actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for releasably retaining a helical compression spring with respect to a threaded fastener. The threaded fastener includes an annular ridge that is sized and configured to retain the helical compression spring without interfering with the operation of the helical compression spring.

Abstract: A steam pressure regulator for a reformer of a fuel cell system. The reformer includes an inlet in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet that provides a supply of hydrogen gas. The steam pressure regulator including a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, and an actuator. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is adapted to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents fluid communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted fluid communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dissipating heat from a steam pressure regulator for a reformer of a fuel cell system. The reformer including an inlet in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet providing a supply of hydrogen gas. The steam pressure regulator including a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, an actuator, and an intermediate body. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is adapted to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents fluid communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted fluid communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation EGR valve is provided. The exhaust gas recirculation valve has a housing, a closure member, and an electrical actuator. The electrical actuator includes a first core, a magnetic member, a second core, and a bobbin assembly supporting a coil aligned along the longitudinal axis. The bobbin assembly is coupled to the closure member. The bobbin assembly, including the coil, is movable within a generally toroidal volume. A force balance closure assembly is coupled to the coil assembly. Methods of actuating an EGR valve and of assembling a bobbin assembly are also described.

Abstract: A method of managing fuel vapor pressure in a fuel system. The method includes locating between first and second ports a poppet and a seal cooperating with the poppet, positioning the seal in a substantially symmetrically deformed configuration so as to sense a negative pressure at a first pressure level, positioning the seal in a generally asymmetrically deformed configuration so as to vent negative pressure below the first pressure level, and positioning the seal in an undeformed configuration so as to vent positive pressure above a second pressure level. The poppet is movable along an axis. And the seal is flexible between the undeformed configuration when disengaged from the poppet, the substantially symmetrically deformed configuration when engaged with the poppet, and the generally asymmetrically deformed configuration when engaged with the poppet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dissipating heat from a steam pressure regulator for a reformer of a fuel cell system. The reformer including an inlet in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet providing a supply of hydrogen gas. The steam pressure regulator including a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, an actuator, and an intermediate body. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is adapted to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents fluid communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted fluid communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating steam pressure. The system includes a steam source, a reformer, and a pressure regulator. The reformer includes an inlet that is in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet that provides a supply of hydrogen gas. The pressure regulator includes a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, and an actuator. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents steam communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted steam communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.

Abstract: A steam pressure regulator for a reformer of a fuel cell system. The reformer includes an inlet in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet that provides a supply of hydrogen gas. The steam pressure regulator including a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, and an actuator. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is adapted to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents fluid communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted fluid communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.

Abstract: A valve that includes a wall, a closure member, a motive force device, a coupling member, and a sensor. The wall defines a flow passage that is disposed along a longitudinal axis. The closure member is disposed in the flow passage and is rotatable on a first axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axis. The closure member is rotatable between a first position that substantially prevents flow through the flow passage and a second position that generally permits flow through the flow passage. The motive force device rotates the closure member between the first position and the second position. The device includes a rotor that is rotatable with the closure and includes a stator that is disposed proximate to the rotor. The coupling member conveys motive force of the device to rotation of the closure member. And the sensor detects the angular position of the rotor with respect to the stator.

Abstract: A vapor purge system that permits evaluation of the system with a minimum number of hoses and connections, and without the use of additional components. The system includes a valve having first and second ports in communication with a first chamber and a third port in communication with a second chamber, the first and second chambers being defined by a metering member that divides an internal volume of a housing. A diagnostic member having first and second operative states is in communication with the first chamber through the second port. The first operative state prohibits communication with an exterior of the valve, and the second operative state permits communication with the exterior. The diagnostic member provides the ability to reliably measure flow through the valve. The system can use two (2) hoses including three (3) connections from a vapor supply port connected with the first port to the third port operatively connected with a manifold.

Abstract: A vacuum generating device and method include a member defining a passage, a first valve, a second 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 valve connects the first end of the member and an ambient environment. The first valve is adjustable between first and second configurations. The first configuration permits generally unrestricted fluid flow between the orifice and the ambient environment. The second configuration substantially prevents fluid flow between the orifice and the ambient environment. The second 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 connects the second end of the member and the second port of the second valve. The fluid communication conduit includes a fluid communication tap at a second pressure level.

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 vacuum generating device and method include a member that defines a passage, a first valve, a second valve, a fluid communication conduit, a transducer, and a processor. The passage extends between a first end and a second end, and includes a constriction that defines an orifice. The first valve connects the first end of the member and an ambient environment, and is electrically positionable in first and second configurations. The first configuration permits generally unrestricted fluid flow between the orifice and the ambient environment, and the second configuration substantially prevents fluid flow between the orifice and the ambient environment. The second 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 second valve is electronically adjustable. The fluid communication conduit connects the second end of the member and the second port of the second valve.