Abstract: A hydraulic solenoid assembly for complex vehicle-borne control systems, such as automatic transmissions, includes a solenoid body or unitary housing operatively enclosing two or more solenoid valves. Each valve has a pressure port extending to an outer surface of the housing, emerging in a spaced-apart matrix. A metal (stainless steel or aluminum) sensor plate is mounted to the outer surface of the housing so as to sealingly overlay the pressure ports. A diaphragm is formed in the sensor plate for each solenoid valve and registers with its associated pressure port. Electrical components, such as thick file resistors arranged in a Wheatstone bridge network are printed or mounted to an outer surface of each diaphragm. The bridge networks are electrically connected to a control circuit and function to output signals as a function of hydraulic pressure induced displacement of the associated diaphragm.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a particulate filter situated within the exhaust flow path of a combustion engine, the apparatus comprising: means defining an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage; means located within said exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage for sensing pressure and generating a signal indicative thereof; and computing means arranged to derive a pressure reduction value corresponding to the signal generated by said pressure-sensing means. The computing means will then determine whether said pressure reduction value exceeds a predetermined value and provide an indication of an unacceptable condition of the particulate filter.