Abstract: The subject invention is a linkage assembly for an electronically controlled throttle (ETC) that provides for the precise setting of a limp home engine speed for a vehicle. Essentially a controlled amount of movement is attained between a closed position and a limp home throttle position. A throttle valve is attached to a first shaft and rotates to regulate air intake. The first shaft is attached to a sector gear. The sector gear is driven by the ETC. A stop bracket limits the amount that the sector gear can close the throttle valve. The stop bracket defines an opening, and a cam is disposed within the opening. A spring biases the stop bracket against the cam. Normally, the ETC can overcome the spring and the stop bracket is forced against the cam such that stop bracket contacts the cam to define a closed throttle position. Of course, when operational the ETC can drive the valve to open position as demanded by the vehicle.

Abstract: An active noise cancellation system (20) for use with an assembly (22) includes adjusting the phase of a reference signal an amount that corresponds to a change in phase of the noise (26) within the system. A non-acoustic sensor (44) provides a signal regarding a position or frequency of a source of noise (28) (i.e., RPM's of a vehicle engine). Control electronics (32) provide a reference signal to the system noise canceling actuator (30) (i.e., a speaker) that includes the phase adjustment responsive to the sensor signal. In one example, the reference signal is delayed an amount of time corresponding to the phase change in the noise (26) as it travels through the system (22). In another example, the phase angle is adjusted.

Abstract: An injection molded screw retainer is employed on an air intake manifold system to retain screws which connect an active system body to a manifold lower assembly. The retainer is substantially “L-shaped” and includes a retaining portion and a substantially perpendicular attachment portion. The retaining portion includes a substantially hemispherical feature positioned substantially over the head of the screw. The oversized attachment portion is inserted within a pocket in the active system body. Ultrasonic energy applied by a sonic welding process slightly melts the outer surface of the attachment portion, creating a weld interference between the attachment portion and the pocket, securing the attachment portion within the pocket.

Abstract: An injection molded screw retainer is employed on an air intake manifold system to retain screws which connect an active system body to a manifold lower assembly. The retainer is substantially “L-shaped” and includes a retaining portion and a substantially perpendicular attachment portion. The retaining portion includes a substantially hemispherical feature positioned substantially over the head of the screw. The oversized attachment portion is inserted within a pocket in the active system body. Ultrasonic energy applied by a sonic welding process slightly melts the outer surface of the attachment portion, creating a weld interference between the attachment portion and the pocket, securing the attachment portion within the pocket.