Abstract: A proportional variable force solenoid valve comprises a non-magnetic housing having a solenoid and a permanent magnet armature movable by the solenoid in response to current applied to the solenoid, a coil compression spring for biasing the armature in a direction to establish a valve fluid pressure response to solenoid current, and a valve housing closure engaging the spring and permanently deformed to position the closure relative to the spring in a manner to adjust the valve response. The size of the valve is reduced by providing a permanent magnet armature of reduced length having a flat outermost axial end which is engaged by the spring. A plate spring retainer is disposed on the flat axial end of the permanent magnet armature and is received with clearance in an enlarged longitudinal bore region of the solenoid coil bobbin.

Abstract: An electromechanical fluid control valve includes a solenoid-actuated actuating pin in a fluid passage for actuating a fluid control valve, and a spiral locating member for centering the actuating pin coaxially relative to the armature and fluid control valve. The spiral locating member may comprise a wire wound helically about the actuating pin along a portion of its length. The actuating pin is guided for movement by an inner surface of the spiral pin locating member. An outer surface of the spiral pin locating member is supported in a fluid passage of the valve to center the locating member therein between the armature and fluid control valve.

Abstract: A pulse width modulated solenoid valve having a housing and includes a pole member including a pole piece extending axially inwardly of the housing, and a transverse wall extending radially outwardly into engagement with a peripheral wall. The pole piece has an axial opening therethrough and defines a first conical seat. The axial extension of the housing has an axial opening aligned with the opening of the pole. An insert is positioned in an axial opening in the axial extension and defines a second seat. A ball is interposed between the first and second seats and has limited movement between the seats. A spring yieldingly urges the ball into engagement with the second seat. A plurality of circumferentially spaced passages extend from adjacent the periphery of the ball through the axial extension of the housing at an acute angle to the axial opening in the axial extension to the periphery of the housing.

Abstract: An accumulator-dehydrator assembly for an air conditioning system comprising an accumulator housing defining an enclosed chamber including an inlet and an outlet in the upper end and a refrigerant and oil accumulator in the lower end, and a vapor drier canister assembly comprising a one-piece plastic body defining a closed top wall, a closed side wall and an open bottom. The canister includes an integral outlet projecting into and sealingly engaging the outlet of the housing. A vapor filter is associated with the outlet of the canister such that refrigerant flows through the filter before passing through the outlet. A perforated plate is provided in the bottom of the canister for holding desiccant within the canister. A refrigerant and oil tube is mounted externally of the canister and has a lower end extending to the bottom of the chamber of the accumulator housing and has an upper end extending into the outlet of the canister. A filter is associated with the lower end of the tube.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for clamping plastic workpieces such as replacement engine and transmission covers in the automotive aftermarket. The mounting arrangement includes a metal eyelet crimped over an annular bead on the workpiece and having a flat central portion with a mounting opening. An annular metal spacer is captured on and carried by the eyelet surrounding the mounting opening to position the head of a mounting bolt above the plane of the workpiece for access by a socket wrench or the like.