Abstract: A variable assist power steering system for an automotive vehicle, the system having a source of hydraulic fluid (10), a power steering assembly (30) having a low speed inlet (32) and a high speed inlet (34), and a control valve (50) for continuously delivering hydraulic fluid to the low speed inlet and for delivering fluid to the high speed inlet only at vehicle speeds above a predetermined level. The control valve has an annular spool (64) which moves freely within a cylindrical housing (52), and it has a second spool (74) which is caused to move linearly by a solenoid (86) which acts on the one end thereof and a spring (88) which acts on the other end thereof. The second spool has a central portion (76) which is positioned within the annular spool and which defines an annular passage (68) therewith. The second spool further has enlarged end portions (78, 80) positioned outside of the ends of the annular spool to permit fluid to flow into the annular passage from each end.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve assembly is controlled by an electromagnetic valve assembly. A flat disc armature, which forms part of a flux path, is operable in an inner chamber to modulate the flow between the inner chamber and an exit port in response to an applied magnetic force. The level of the effective magnetic force is a function of the armature mass, and the pressure acting on the disc surface. A pole piece adjacent to the flat disc armature is slidably adjustable to establish a specified force to actuate the armature to the closed or sealing position. This specified force is proportional to the current flow through the winding of the electromagnetic valve assembly. Thus the armature operates to seal communication between the inner chamber and the exit port at a given pressure differential as a function of current flow. The travel distance between the armature and a nonmagnetic seal seat has been minimized by spring biasing the armature in proximity to the seal seat.

Abstract: A gravity responsive regulation valve assembly having a housing with at least two intake ports both of which may fluidically communicate with an outlet port. The valve assembly further includes a spherical valve actuator moveable along a predetermined path of travel in response to gravitational and/or centrifugal forces for automatically closing one of the valve assembly intake ports when the housing is tilted.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve assembly is controlled jby an electromagnetic valve assembly. A flat disc armature, which forms part of a flux path, is operable in an inner chamber to modulate the flow between the inner chamber and an exit port in response to an applied magnetic force. The level of the effective magnetic force is a function of the armature mass, and the pressure acting on the disc surface. A pole piece adjacent to the flat disc armature is slidably adjustable to establish a specified force to actuate the armature to the closed or sealing position. This specified force is proportional to the current flow through the winding of the electromagnetic valve assembly. Thus the armature operates to seal communication between the inner chamber and the exit port at a given pressure differential as a function of current flow. The travel distance between the armature and a nonmagnetic seal seat has been minimized by spring biasing the armature in proximity to the seal seat.

Abstract: A transducer assembly having a housing provided with an inlet port which is adapted for communication with an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. The housing includes at least one pressure chamber to which the inlet port opens and an apparatus for detecting pressure in the chamber. The inlet passage to the chamber being subject to ice blockage when ambient temperatures fall below freezing. As such, an apparatus which extends at least partially through the inlet passage is provided to prevent complete ice blockage of the inlet passage whereby assuring proper performance of the transducer assembly.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve assembly is controlled by an electromagnetic valve assembly. A flat disc armature, which forms part of a flux path, is operable in an inner chamber to modulate the flow between the inner chamber and an exit port in response to an applied magnetic force. The level of the effective magnetic force is a function of the armature mass, and the pressure acting on the disc surface. A pole piece adjacent to the flat disc armature is slidably adjustable to establish a specified force to actuate the armature to the closed or sealing position. This specified force is proportional to the current flow through the winding of the electromagnetic valve assembly. Thus the armature operates to seal communication between the inner chamber and the exit port at a given pressure differential as a function of current flow. The travel distance between the armature and a nonmagnetic seal seat has been minimized by spring biasing the armature in proximity to the seal seat.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve assembly for fluid flow control is disclosed wherein the fluid flow through the assembly is hermetically sealed. The assembly provides a means to calibrate the power (i.e., voltage or amperage) level where fluid will flow through the valve at a predetermined pressure differential across the armature. The calibration means includes an annular washer with cam-like segments at its outer edge which segments cooperate with slots of a housing to define an air gap, that may be varied over the range defined by the cam-like segment. The assembly, the annular washer, housing, central core and armature cooperate to provide an electromagnetic flux path. The relative magnitude or strength of this flux path provides control of the armature to seal flow through such valve assembly, which magnetic strength is in part a function of the air gap distance at a given power input and fluid pressure.

Abstract: A control valve assembly is disclosed for control of a fluid pressure between a variable fluid pressure source and a fluid operable device. This assembly provides a valve means to open or close flow from the fluid pressure source in response to a change in a significantly lower fluid pressure in a pilot chamber, which fluid pressure is controlled by a proportional solenoid operator requiring small current flow. This small current flow to the solenoid operator is due to the low pressure in the pilot chamber, which when relieved or increased effects a change in the valve meaans to open or close fluid flow to or from the fluid pressure source.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve assembly is controlled by an electromagnetic valve assembly. A flat disc armature, which forms part of a flux path, is operable in an inner chamber to modulate the flow between the inner chamber and an exit port in response to an applied magnetic force. The level of the effective magnetic force is a function of the armature mass, and the pressure acting on the disc surface. A pole piece adjacent to the flat disc armature is slidably adjustable to establish a specified force to actuate the armature to the closed or sealing position. This specified force is proportional to the current flow through the winding of the electromagnetic valve assembly. Thus the armature operates to seal communication between the inner chamber and the exit port at a given pressure differential as a function of current flow. The travel distance between the armature and a nonmagnetic seal seat has been minimized by spring biasing the armature in proximity to the seal seat.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve assembly is controlled by an electromagnetic valve assembly. A flat disc armature, which forms part of a flux path, is operable in an inner chamber to modulate the flow between the inner chamber and an exit port in response to an applied magnetic force. The level of the effective magnetic force is a function of the armature mass, the pressure acting on the disc surface and the magnetic reluctance. A pole piece adjacent to the flat disc armature includes a seat and is at a fixed distance from the armature.Variation of an air gap provides a means to adjust the magnetic reluctance of the electromagnetic valve after its final assembly and in this case an adjustment air gap is provided at the top member of the flux path. Such valves may thus be calibrated to operate at various pressure or flow rates as a function of electrical power input, that is a variation of current or voltage.

Abstract: A fuel enrichment apparatus and method is shown for a gaseous fuel carburetor of either a fixed venturi or air valve type. The apparatus provides fuel enriching at the starting and wide open throttle conditions of the carburetor when the pressure drop in the induction passage is at a minimum. The apparatus also economizes on fuel usage by being closed to fuel transfer at idle speed and normal engine speed. The apparatus operates from the fuel supply line to the carburetor with only the fuel pressure available in that line, thereby obviating the need for either a second fuel line or a high pressure fuel line.

Abstract: A vacuum controlled timing system for an electrical accessory circuit of an internal combustion system having a variable vacuum source provides a uniform residual vacuum condition for maintaining a closed circuit for a selected time interval after the engine is rendered inoperative.

Abstract: A compact fuel economy indicator employs illuminated symbols such as colored lenses to indicate relative fuel economy. In one embodiment a series of lenses is moved with respect to a fixed lamp while in a second embodiment a lamp is moved with respect to the series of lenses for increasing the intensity of illumination of the appropriate lens.