Abstract: In a vehicle solenoid valve, the spool that holds the actuation coil is formed with a hexagonal or octagonal inner chamber in which a cylindrical armature can slide. Owing to the different cross-sectional shapes between the spool and armature, a longitudinal fluid vent passageway is established along each edge of the chamber between the non-cylindrical walls of the chamber and the cylindrical armature so that movement of hydraulic fluid relative to the armature is promoted when the armature moves. The face of the spool that is oriented toward the valve end can be formed with radial vent grooves to further facilitate fluid venting when the armature moves.

Abstract: A brake transmission shift interlock actuator includes a bobbin that has an open end and a closed end. A plunger is slidably disposed within the bobbin and a plunger rod extends from the plunger. Moreover, a primary plate is installed within the open end of the bobbin. The plunger is movable between an unlocked position, wherein the plunger rod does not extend through the primary plate and a locked position, wherein a first end of the plunger rod extends through a bore formed by the primary plate. Further, a magnetic force of attraction between the plunger and the primary plate diminishes as the plunger approaches the primary plate.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve includes a valve body defining a valving bore for providing a path of communication between axially spaced inlet and outlet ports. A solenoid assembly is attached to the valve body and includes an inductor coil, a fixed flux guide and an armature, which is movable axially between a first position and a second position in response to electrical energization of the inductor coil. A valve member is disposed within the valving bore intermediate the inlet and outlet ports. An elongated control member interconnects the armature and the valve member for conjoined axial movement. A generally annular valve seat is disposed within the valving bore between the inlet port and valve member, the valve seat including a central through bore through which the control member extends.

Abstract: In a vehicle solenoid valve, the spool that holds the actuation coil is formed with a hexagonal or octagonal inner chamber in which a cylindrical armature can slide. Owing to the different cross-sectional shapes between the spool and armature, a longitudinal fluid vent passageway is established along each edge of the chamber between the non-cylindrical walls of the chamber and the cylindrical armature so that movement of hydraulic fluid relative to the armature is promoted when the armature moves. The face of the spool that is oriented toward the valve end can be formed with radial vent grooves to further facilitate fluid venting when the armature moves.

Abstract: A tubeless actuator includes a frame in which a primary plate and a secondary plate are disposed. A bobbin is disposed within the frame between the primary plate and the secondary plate. The bobbin is keyed to the secondary plate in order to maintain the alignment between the bobbin and the secondary plate. Moreover, the plunger slides in direct contact with the bobbin.

Abstract: In a vehicle solenoid valve that can be energized to move a plunger against a ball and unseat the ball to open the valve, a cross bar retainer extends across the middle of the fluid passageway on the side of the ball opposite the seat, to limit motion of the ball away from the seat when it is pushed off the seat by the plunger.

Abstract: A pneumatic module includes an actuator assembly and a manifold. The actuator assembly includes a main body having a bore, an armature, overmolded primary and secondary plates, a coil and a frame. The manifold includes a valve seat, a control port and a supply port. When the actuator is in a de-energized state, the armature is forced against the valve seat by a spring, sealing off the supply port from the control port. When the actuator is in an energized state, current flows through the coil, thereby generating a magnetic field. The magnetic field forces the armature to move toward the primary plate, causing the valve seat becomes unsealed. Once the valve seat is unsealed, fluid flow is permitted between the supply port and the control port. The one end of the armature has an endcap to minimize mechanical noise generated by movement of the armature against the spring. The frame surrounding the actuator assembly has flanges extending from both ends.

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a housing that establishes a supply port, a control port, and an exhaust port. A fluted bushing is statically affixed within the housing and a poppet slides within the bushing. The poppet is movable between a de-energized configuration wherein flow is prohibited between the control port and the exhaust port, and permitted between the control port and the supply port, plural partially energized configurations wherein flow is permitted between the supply port and the control port, between the control port and the exhaust port, and between the exhaust port and the supply port, and a fully energized configuration wherein flow is prohibited between the control port and the supply port and flow is permitted between the control port and the exhaust port.

Abstract: A linear three-port actuation valve for a vehicle has a valve seat member that is engaged with a valve body to a location that establishes a desired poppet stroke. The valve body defines a lower seat and the valve seat member defines an upper seat, and a poppet slides within the member to selectively block the lower seat. When the lower seat is not blocked the upper seat is blocked by a ball positioned against the poppet, and vice-versa. Accordingly, the valve seat member aligns the poppet with the lower seat, it aligns the ball with the upper seat, it directs fluid through the upper seat to a control port, and it establishes the desired stroke of the poppet, reducing the number of components and simplifying assembly.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator includes a spool surrounded by a coil, a primary plate disposed at a first end of the spool, and a secondary plate disposed at a second end opposite the first end. A plunger is slidably disposed within respective annular portions defined by the spool and the secondary plate and surrounded by the coil energizable to urge the plunger toward the primary plate. A first spring biases a ball against a supply valve seat configured in either the primary plate or a valve seat assembly, while a rod having a first portion is in operable communication with the plunger and a second portion is in contact with the ball opposite the first spring. A second spring biases the plunger and rod toward an exhaust valve seat configured in either the primary plate or valve seat assembly, opposite the supply valve seat, wherein the supply exhaust valve seats are in fluid communication with each other via a bore therebetween connecting the supply exhaust valve seats.

Abstract: A variable force actuator with a double needle poppet assembly includes a housing in which a first poppet and a second poppet are slidably disposed. The second poppet fits within the first poppet, and both poppets move when a nearby coil is energized to establish, in combination, a fluid flow configuration in response to the amount of energy applied to the coil.

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a housing that establishes a supply port, a control port, and an exhaust port. A fluted bushing is statically affixed within the housing and a poppet slides within the bushing. The poppet is movable between a de-energized configuration wherein flow is prohibited between the control port and the exhaust port, and permitted between the control port and the supply port, plural partially energized configurations wherein flow is permitted between the supply port and the control port, between the control port and the exhaust port, and between the exhaust port and the supply port, and a fully energized configuration wherein flow is prohibited between the control port and the supply port and flow is permitted between the control port and the exhaust port.

Abstract: A tubeless actuator includes a frame in which a primary plate and a secondary plate are disposed. A bobbin is disposed within the frame between the primary plate and the secondary plate. The bobbin is keyed to the secondary plate in order to maintain the alignment between the bobbin and the secondary plate. Moreover, the plunger slides in direct contact with the bobbin.

Abstract: A brake transmission shift interlock actuator includes a bobbin that has an open end and a closed end. A plunger is slidably disposed within the bobbin and a plunger rod extends from the plunger. Moreover, a primary plate is installed within the open end of the bobbin. The plunger is movable between an unlocked position, wherein the plunger rod does not extend through the primary plate and a locked position, wherein a first end of the plunger rod extends through a bore formed by the primary plate. Further, a magnetic force of attraction between the plunger and the primary plate diminishes as the plunger approaches the primary plate.

Abstract: A linear three-port actuation valve for a vehicle has a valve seat member that is engaged with a valve body to a location that establishes a desired poppet stroke. The valve body defines a lower seat and the valve seat member defines an upper seat, and a poppet slides within the member to selectively block the lower seat. When the lower seat is not blocked the upper seat is blocked by a ball positioned against the poppet, and vice-versa. Accordingly, the valve seat member aligns the poppet with the lower seat, it aligns the ball with the upper seat, it directs fluid through the upper seat to a control port, and it establishes the desired stroke of the poppet, reducing the number of components and simplifying assembly.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator includes a spool surrounded by a coil, a primary plate disposed at a first end of the spool, and a secondary plate disposed at a second end opposite the first end. A plunger is slidably disposed within respective annular portions defined by the spool and the secondary plate and surrounded by the coil energizable to urge the plunger toward the primary plate. A first spring biases a ball against a supply valve seat configured in either the primary plate or a valve seat assembly, while a rod having a first portion is in operable communication with the plunger and a second portion is in contact with the ball opposite the first spring. A second spring biases the plunger and rod toward an exhaust valve seat configured in either the primary plate or valve seat assembly, opposite the supply valve seat, wherein the supply exhaust valve seats are in fluid communication with each other via a bore therebetween connecting the supply exhaust valve seats.

Abstract: A pneumatic module includes an actuator assembly and a manifold. The actuator assembly includes a main body having a bore, an armature, overmolded primary and secondary plates, a coil and a frame. The manifold includes a valve seat, a control port and a supply port. When the actuator is in a de-energized state, the armature is forced against the valve seat by a spring, sealing off the supply port from the control port. When the actuator is in an energized state, current flows through the coil, thereby generating a magnetic field. The magnetic field forces the armature to move toward the primary plate, causing the valve seat becomes unsealed. Once the valve seat is unsealed, fluid flow is permitted between the supply port and the control port. The one end of the armature has an endcap to minimize mechanical noise generated by movement of the armature against the spring. The frame surrounding the actuator assembly has flanges extending from both ends.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a shaft has a flange fixed to a work piece having a bore hole therein. The flange encircles the shaft and includes a triangular shaped projecting member having first and second surfaces extending from the flange into the bore hole. An angle is formed between the first and second surface. The first surface of the projecting member is in contact with an inner surface of the bore hole or the outer surface of the shaft. An o-ring encircles the shaft and a backup ring is positioned within a space between the shaft, the flange and the o-ring or between the bore hole, the flange and the o-ring. Subject to axial forces, the backup ring undergoes a wedging action between the shaft and the triangular shaped projecting member or between the bore hole and the triangular member to seal where the shaft penetrates the work piece.

Abstract: A variable force actuator with a double needle poppet assembly includes a housing in which a first poppet and a second poppet are slidably disposed. The second poppet fits within the first poppet, and both poppets move when a nearby coil is energized to establish, in combination, a fluid flow configuration in response to the amount of energy applied to the coil.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a shaft has a flange fixed to a work piece having a bore hole therein. The flange encircles the shaft and includes a triangular shaped projecting member having first and second surfaces extending from the flange into the bore hole. An angle is formed between the first and second surface. The first surface of the projecting member is in contact with an inner surface of the bore hole or the outer surface of the shaft. An o-ring encircles the shaft and a backup ring is positioned within a space between the shaft, the flange and the o-ring or between the bore hole, the flange and the o-ring. Subject to axial forces, the backup ring undergoes a wedging action between the shaft and the triangular shaped projecting member or between the bore hole and the triangular member to seal where the shaft penetrates the work piece.