Abstract: A thermally responsive regulator valve assembly and exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold and an exhaust system is provided. The exhaust gas recirculation system includes an exhaust gas recirculation passage selectively interconnecting the exhaust system and the intake manifold. An exhaust gas recirculation valve is disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust gas recirculation passage and operates to selectively and variably communicate recirculated exhaust gas to the intake manifold. A thermally responsive regulator valve assembly is disposed at least partially within the exhaust gas recirculation passage and the intake manifold.

Abstract: A fuel injector isolating and sealing member is provided having a sleeve portion defining a bore that is sufficiently configured to receive at least a portion of a fuel injector. Additionally, the fuel injector isolating and sealing member includes a flange portion extending inwardly from the sleeve portion. The flange portion is radially offset to bias the fuel injector within the bore. The fuel injector isolating and sealing member includes a core portion that is at least partially covered with an inner isolating and sealing layer and is at least partially covered with an outer isolating and sealing layer. The inner and outer isolating and sealing layers are preferably formed from fluorocarbon elastomeric polymer, while the core portion is preferably formed from stainless steel. An internal combustion engine and fuel injection system incorporating the disclosed isolating and sealing member is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection assembly and method suitable for high-pressure applications. Specifically, end fittings securable to a fuel line may be configured to reduce the stress concentration factor between the fuel line and the end fitting. The end fitting is spherical and the mating structures have conical surfaces contacting the spherical end fitting to increase the assembly's tolerance of misalignments between the end fitting and mating fitting.

Abstract: A sealed cover assembly for a fluid-containing cavity of an engine includes a cover including a fluid-containing wall with a peripheral edge having a sealing surface adapted to oppose a corresponding sealing surface of the engine, and a plurality of mounting openings in the peripheral edge; a reaction pad adjacent each of the openings and disposed at the peripheral edge on an opposite surface of the sealing surface around a perimeter defining the cover; a brace disposed against the reaction pad around the perimeter defining the cover; and mechanical fasteners extending through the reaction pad and the brace for securing the cover to a mating edge of the engine cavity, the fasteners when engaged providing substantially equal compression forces on the reaction pad via the brace and supporting the cover sealing surface with a predetermined gap from the cavity mating edge for engagement with a compliant sealing material disposed between the surfaces.

Abstract: A grommet bridge assembly includes a grommet bridge having at least one grommet-receiving aperture disposed therein and a plurality of grommets. Each of the grommet-receiving apertures is shaped for engaging at least a portion of one of the grommets. The grommet bridge assembly also includes a fastener-receiving aperture and an elongated fastener that is fitted through the fastener-receiving aperture and fitted through one of the grommets. At least a portion of each of the other grommets is received in each of the grommet-receiving apertures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for vehicle windshield washing-wiping and wiper de-icing. Primary nozzles provide washing fluid to the windshield during normal operations and secondary nozzles bathe the wiper arms with washing fluid to de-ice the wipers during a de-icing mode. Washing fluid is drawn from a reservoir and delivered to the nozzles by a pump. When the outside air temperature T is greater than Tc, the critical temperature for ice formation, the wipers and washing-wiping proceed normally with washing fluid delivered to the primary nozzles for windshield washing. When T?Tc and the wipers are not moving, a washer fluid supply line valve delivers washing fluid to the secondary nozzles to de-ice the wipers. The wiper motor, washing fluid pump and valve are operated by a controller based on inputs from wiper position and air temperature sensors, using predetermined information stored in on-board memory.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an expendable alignment ring is adapted for centering opposing conical surfaces of a transmission torque converter and an engine crankshaft. The ring has an annular body formed of a thermoplastic such as high density polyethelene. The body has first and second ends formed by axially spaced inner and outer coaxial conical surfaces extending between inner and outer peripheries. The ring is installed over a pilot of the torque converter so that the conical ends of the ring align the conical surfaces of the torque converter and the crankshaft during assembly to center the torque converter relative to the crankshaft. Upon assembly of the torque converter to the crankshaft, the alignment ring is slightly compressed and provides the mechanism for precise alignment of the torque converter to the crankshaft.