Patents Assigned to Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
  • Patent number: 4741360
    Abstract: A fuel pressure regulator comprising a housing, a diaphragm dividing the housing into a first chamber and second chamber, a passage from the exterior of the housing to the first chamber, an inlet and an outlet associated with the second chamber of the housing, and a valve seat associated with the outlet. A carrier is mounted on and movable with the diaphragm and a first spring within the first chamber yieldingly urges the carrier toward the valve seat. The carrier supports a plate that has an opening therein. A valve has a hollow tubular closed end portion that projects through the opening in the plate for engagement with the valve seat and a peripheral portion that retains the valve between the carrier and the plate. A second spring is interposed between the carrier and extends into the tubular portion of the valve to yieldingly urge the valve toward the valve seat and permit relative movement between the valve and the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Affeldt, Kenneth L. Rische
  • Patent number: 4643352
    Abstract: For use in applying a vacuum to a choke pull-off assembly, a temperature compensating vacuum delay valve comprising a housing a first opening adapted to be connected to manifold vacuum and a second opening adapted to be connected to a choke pull-off assembly which functions to partially open the choke when a vacuum is applied. The housing includes a valve disc, yieldingly urged against the seat. A restrictor permits restricted flow between the one side of the valve disc and the other side of the valve disc when the valve disc is in sealing and a bi-metallic disc is positioned in the housing between the first opening and the valve disc and is operable upon predetermined change of temperature to move the valve disc away from a seat and thereby permit unrestricted flow between the first opening and the second opening. The valve disc is spring loaded against the seat such that it will open and allow unrestricted flow in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Detweiler
  • Patent number: 4630642
    Abstract: For use in a turbocharger system wherein exhaust flow from the engine is caused to rotate an impeller and charge the intake of the engine with compressed air, a water injection system comprising a water reservoir, a first line connecting the reservoir to the intake from a point above the liquid in the reservoir, a second line extending from below the level of liquid in the reservoir to the intake of the impeller and a check valve in the second line. The check valve includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet, a seat separating the inlet and the outlet, a valve member, and a spring external of the valve member and of the flow of water through the inlet, outlet and seat yielding urging the valve member into engagement with the seat. The check valve may also be utilized in a fuel system wherein a fuel pump directs fuel to electronically controlled fuel nozzles. The check valve is placed in the line between the fuel pump and the fuel nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Detweiler
  • Patent number: 4627463
    Abstract: A fuel pressure regulator comprising a housing, a diaphragm dividing the housing into a first chamber and second chamber, a passage from the exterior of the housing to the first chamber, an inlet and an outlet associated with the second chamber of the housing, and a valve seat associated with the outlet. A cage is mounted on and movable with the diaphragm and a spring within the first chamber yieldingly urges the cage toward the valve seat. The cage supports a pair of plates which retain a valve ball. The first plate has an opening through which a portion of the ball projects and a second plate retains the first plate and the ball within the cage. The first plate is movable transversely to provide for proper centering of the ball in the valve seat. A light spring extends between the cage and the ball to urge the ball against the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Johnstone
  • Patent number: 4594980
    Abstract: A positioning device comprising a solenoid, said solenoid having a plunger slidable upon energization of the solenoid, a solenoid stop associated with said solenoid, a stem operatively connected to said plunger and extending through the movable stop to the exterior, an actuator connected to said solenoid stop and operable to move said stop to selected positions, such that when the solenoid is energized, the plunger is moved to engage the stop and move the stem to a predetermined position, the extent of movement being determined by actuation of the actuator to move the stop in predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Detweiler
  • Patent number: 4463716
    Abstract: A throttle positioning device comprising a housing and a diaphragm in the housing dividing the housing into first and second chambers. The housing has an opening extending to the first chamber for connection to vacuum. A solenoid is associated with the housing and has a plunger acted upon by energization of the solenoid. The plunger is yieldingly urged by a light spring against a solenoid stop connected to the diaphragm such that the stop is movable with the diaphragm. A stem is adapted to be moved by the plunger and extends through the movable stop to the exterior of said housing to define a movable throttle stop. The throttle lever, attached to the throttle shaft of the carburetor yieldingly urges the throttle stop to a retracted position against the lighter spring force of the solenoid plunger. The diaphragm is yieldingly urged to move the movable solenoid stop toward the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Detweiler
  • Patent number: 4464310
    Abstract: An automatic choke control which includes a housing, a bimetallic coil in the housing having an output shaft for connection to a choke to move the choke toward a closed position when the temperature of the engine is low and to move the choke toward an open position when the temperature of the engine rises, and a body of porous material impregnated with a material such as paraffin that is normally solid and becomes liquid at an elevated temperature. The body of impregnated material is mounted on the exterior of the choke control housing so that it functions as a heat sink to store thermal energy in the solid material converting the material to a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Detweiler
  • Patent number: 4434761
    Abstract: A fuel flow regulator for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas turbocharger is disclosed. The fuel flow regulator responds to intake manifold pressure. Thus the fuel flow regulator increases the maximum fuel flow to the internal combustion engine from a first maximum predetermined fuel flow rate when the intake manifold pressure is at a first predetermined intake air pressure level to a second predetermined maximum fuel flow rate when the intake air manifold pressure is at a second predetermined intake air pressure level. Additionally, the fuel flow regulator decreases fuel flow to a third maximum fuel flow rate which is less than the first predetermined maximum fuel flow rate when the intake manifold pressure is greater than the second predetermined intake air pressure level. Therefore, the fuel flow regulator protects the internal combustion engine from overboost of the engine by the turbocharger and for overfueling the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4351284
    Abstract: A liquid cooled internal combustion engine including a water heated plenum associated with the intake manifold and a temperature controlled plenum valve in the water line extending to or from the plenum and operable to control the flow of water. The temperature controlled plenum valve comprises a plastic body including a base wall and a peripheral wall and a plastic cap including a base wall and a peripheral wall surrounding the peripheral wall of the plastic body. The peripheral wall of the base has a radially outwardly extending annular rib and the peripheral wall of the cap has a radially inwardly extending rib. The ribs are adapted to pass over one another to provide a snap fit during assembly. The base wall of the body has integral O-ring retainer for retaining an O-ring. A bi-metallic disc is positioned in the body within the confines of the peripheral wall of the body and normally engages said O-ring and is operable to engage the O-ring when the water temperature exceeds a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4310142
    Abstract: A fuel pressure regulator assembly comprising a housing, a diaphragm separating the housing into a first and second chamber. The housing has a radial inlet extending to the first chamber and a connector having an axial outlet is mounted in the housing and extends axially into the first chamber. The connector supports a sealing ring. The diaphragm supports a valve member that is adapted to engage the sealing ring, and a spring in the second chamber urges said valve member against the sealing ring. The fuel pressure regulator assembly includes provision for increasing the fuel regulation pressure by varying the effective diaphragm area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4273157
    Abstract: A vacuum controlled three way butterfly valve for regulating the flow of fluids, as in internal combustion engine cooling systems and automotive heater systems, wherein a valve body includes a bypass port located in spaced relationship to the valve plate. In one position, the valve plate stops the flow of fluid through the valve body and permits the flow of fluid to return to the engine water pump. In the other position, the valve plate blocks off the bypass port, permits the flow of fluid through the valve body then restricts the throughput of fluid by means of a resilient orifice to protect the heater downstream of the valve core from excessive fluid pressure developed by the engine water pump and then to return the flow of fluid to the engine water pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4256293
    Abstract: A dash pot which functions to control a throttle throughout its movement and also functions as a throttle return spring comprising a cylindrical body in which a guide member and associated shaft are positioned with the shaft extending externally of the body and a chamber associated with the cylinder having a diaphragm defining one wall thereof. The chamber and cylinder are filled with an incompressible fluid and an orifice is provided between the chamber and the cylinder. A spring yieldingly urges the shaft inwardly. A check valve and orifice are provided in the body to restrict the flow of fluid as the guide member is moved inwardly and permit the relatively free flow of liquid from one side of the guide member to the other as the guide member and associated shaft are moved outwardly. The end of the shaft is connected to the throttle so that when the throttle is released by the operator of the vehicle, the return velocity of the throttle to idle position is controlled throughout its movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1981
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald R. Burgess
  • Patent number: 4206732
    Abstract: An air cleaner temperature sensor for use in sensing the temperature of the air in an air cleaner and modulating the temperature of the air entering the air cleaner in response to the temperature in the air cleaner comprising a plastic body having an inlet adapted to be connected to a vacuum source and an outlet through which the vacuum can be connected to a motor for controlling the flow of air to the air cleaner. The body includes an opening to the ambient air surrounding the body, a valve in said opening and a bimetallic element is supported by the body and is operable to control the valve element such that the flow of air through the ambient air inlet is controlled by the bimetallic element, the body has a cover and an integral plastic hinge connecting the cover to the body. The cover has a portion thereof extending along the side wall of the body and an interengaging mechanical means between the cover and the body to lock the cover in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4204561
    Abstract: A fuel pressure regulator assembly comprising, a housing, a diaphragm separating the housing into a first and second chamber, the housing has a radial inlet extending to the first chamber and a connector having an axial outlet is mounted in the housing and extends axially into the first chamber. The connector supports a sealing ring in a groove. The diaphragm supports a valve member that is adapted to engage the sealing ring, and a spring in the second chamber urges said valve member against the sealing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1980
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4189981
    Abstract: A combination throttle kicker and deceleration valve comprising a housing, and a wall dividing the housing. A first diaphragm is provided on one side of the said housing is adapted to engage said wall and prevent the flow of air through an opening in the wall. A second diaphragm is provided on the other side of the said wall, and has an orifice therein. A shaft is adapted to be moved by the second diaphragm upon movement of the second diaphragm away from the wall. The shaft extends exteriorly and is adapted to be linked to a throttle. Passages provide communication between the chambers formed by the diaphragms and the ends of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4164237
    Abstract: A fuel pressure regulator assembly comprising, a housing, a diaphragm separating the housing into a first and second chamber, the housing has a radial inlet extending to the first chamber and a connector having an axial outlet is mounted in the housing and extends axially into the first chamber. The connector has an annular groove adjacent its inner end that faces radially outwardly and a sealing ring is positioned in the groove. The sealing ring includes an integral retainer portion which engages an annular groove spaced from the end of the connector to retain the sealing ring in the groove. The diaphragm supports a valve member that is adapted to engage the sealing ring, and a spring in the second chamber urges said valve member against the sealing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1979
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold Amey
  • Patent number: 4156518
    Abstract: An electric vacuum valve comprising a body including a chamber having a first passage adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum, a valve seat in the chamber, a bi-metallic disc associated with the valve seat and operable to close the first passage and a second passage to the exterior of said body. A PTC disc is positioned in the chamber adjacent the bi-metallic disc and includes a first terminal connected to one side thereof and extending exteriorly of the body and a second terminal connected to the other side thereof and extending externally of the body such that heat from the PTC disc functions to radiate toward the bi-metallic disc when power is applied to said terminals to cause the bi-metallic disc to seat against the valve seat and when power is terminated, the bi-metallic disc cools and moves away from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1979
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4142677
    Abstract: A fuel vapor vent valve comprising a plastic body including a base wall and a peripheral wall and a plastic cap including a base wall and a peripheral wall surrounding the peripheral wall of the plastic body. The peripheral wall of the base has a radially outwardly extending annular rib and the peripheral wall of the cap has a radially inwardly extending rib. The ribs are adapted to pass over one another to provide a snap fit during assembly. The base wall of the body has integral O-ring retaining means for retaining an O-ring. A bi-metallic disc is positioned in said body within the confines of the peripheral wall of the body and normally engages said O-ring. Integral stop means on the cap are adapted to be engaged by the bi-metal disc when the disc is caused to move to a position out of engagement with the O-ring upon increase of the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4097778
    Abstract: A headlamp delay device comprising a switch having spaced contacts, a switch contact member movable to successively engage the contacts at different positions and detent means for holding the contact member in each of the positions. A housing has a piston and diaphragm dividing the housing into two chambers. A passage associated with one of the said chambers for connection to a source of vacuum and an inlet is provided to the one chamber. An orifice is associated with the inlet to the chamber for connection to a source of pressure higher than that supplied through the vacuum. A spring yieldingly urges the piston means in a direction opposite to that which the vacuum tends to move the piston. A shaft extends through the housing through the piston means and is connected to the switch contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1978
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George Ludwig
  • Patent number: RE30552
    Abstract: A fuel vapor vent valve comprising a plastic body including a base wall and a peripheral wall and a plastic cap including a base wall and a peripheral wall surrounding the peripheral wall of the plastic body. The peripheral wall of the base has a radially outwardly extending annular rib and the peripheral wall of the cap has a radially inwardly extending rib. The ribs are adapted to pass over one another to provide a snap fit during assembly. The base wall of the body has integral O-ring retaining means for retaining an O-ring. A bimetallic disc is positioned in said body within the confines of the peripheral wall of the body and normally engages said O-ring. Integral stop means on the cap are adapted to be engaged by the bi-metal disc when the disc is caused to move to a position out of engagement with the O-ring upon increase of the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Tom McGuane Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Ludwig