Abstract: A sprung gate for a valve having an endless elastic band sandwiched between first and second gate members that each define an opening therethrough in an open position portion thereof, which collectively form a passage through the sprung gate. The first gate member includes a fastener connected to a fastener receiving member of the second gate member thereby securing the first and second gate members together as a unit. This sprung gate unit is operatively connected to an actuator for linear translation within a pocket of a conduit to control fluid flow through the conduit. This assembled device may be manufactured using spin welding to sealingly mate the conduit to a housing enclosing the actuator.

Abstract: Engine systems have an air induction system, a turbocharger in fluid communication with an intake manifold, an evacuator defining a Venturi gap with a suction port in fluid communication therewith, a relief valve enclosing a piston and defining an inlet and an outlet in selective fluid communication with one another, and a storage tank of high pressure air in fluid communication with the evacuator. The relief valve has a valve element connected to the piston, and the piston divides the housing into a pressurized chamber in fluid communication with the suction port of the evacuator and a bypass portion in fluid communication with the inlet, which is in fluid communication with the compressed air from the turbocharger, and the outlet, which is in fluid communication with the air induction system or atmosphere. A discharge cone of the evacuator is in fluid communication with atmosphere or the air induction system.

Abstract: Fluidic diodes are disclosed that have a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a divided fluid passageway therebetween defined by mirror image partitions generally tear-drop shaped spaced apart a first distance from one another by a constant width primary fluid pathway with the tip thereof pointed generally toward the outlet and spaced apart a second distance from an interior wall of the housing to define a constant width secondary fluid pathway. Fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet is through the primary fluid pathway with some additional flow through the secondary fluid pathways joining the primary fluid pathway proximate the outlet for flow together in the same direction, and fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet through the secondary fluid pathways exits the secondary fluid pathways into the primary fluid pathway, proximate the inlet, in a direction substantially opposite the flow in the primary fluid pathway.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed, and includes an evacuator and a relief valve. The evacuator includes a suction port that selectively applies a vacuum. The relief valve has an open position and a closed position, and includes an inlet, an outlet, a piston that translates within a chamber, and a pressurized chamber. The piston includes a first end and a second end. The pressurized chamber is fluidly connected to the suction port of the evacuator, and is defined in part by the first end of the piston. The piston translates within the pressurized chamber towards the open position if vacuum is applied to the pressurized chamber.

Abstract: An engine system including a first flowpath between a first component and a second component where a first aspirator forms a portion of the first flowpath, and a second flowpath between the first component and the second component, where a second aspirator forms a portion of the second flowpath. A shut-off valve forms a portion of the second flowpath. The first aspirator and the second aspirator each have a suction inlet, and the suction inlet of the first aspirator is in fluid communication with the suction inlet of the second aspirator.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated vacuum pump is disclosed, and includes a body defining a converging motive section, a diverging discharge section, at least one suction port, and a Venturi gap. The Venturi gap is located between an outlet end of the converging motive section and an inlet end of the diverging discharge section. The pneumatically actuated vacuum pump also includes a first check valve fluidly connected to the Venturi gap and the suction port. The pneumatically actuated vacuum pump further includes at least one second gap located in the diverging discharge section of the body downstream of the Venturi gap. A second check valve is fluidly connected to the second gap.

Abstract: A latching solenoid gate valve is disclosed, and includes a housing defining a conduit having a flow path therethrough and a cavity separating the conduit into a first section and a second section. The latching solenoid assembly also includes a gate assembly enclosed within the cavity of the housing and a first solenoid assembly and a second solenoid assembly seated within the cavity with the gate assembly linearly translatable therebetween. The gate assembly includes a first gate member comprising magnetizable material and defining an opening therethrough. The first gate member is linearly movable within the cavity between an open position with the opening aligned with the conduit and a closed position with the opening out of alignment with the conduit. The first gate member is moved linearly from either the open position or the closed position.

Abstract: A device for producing vacuum using the Venturi effect, systems utilizing the device, and methods of making the device are disclosed. The device has a housing defining a Venturi gap, a motive passageway converging toward the Venturi gap and in fluid communication therewith, a discharge passageway diverging away from the Venturi gap and in fluid communication therewith, and a suction passageway in fluid communication with the Venturi gap. The suction passageway has an interior surface with a surface topography that renders the interior surface hydrophobic and has an oleophobic coating applied to the interior surface while maintaining the surface topography.

Abstract: A sprung gate for a valve having an endless elastic band sandwiched between a first gate member that defines a first opening therethrough, which includes a flange oriented parallel to and extending in a direction opposite to a flow direction through the sprung gate, and a second gate member that defines a second opening therethrough, which has an elongate throat extending therefrom toward the first gate member. The endless elastic band spaces the first gate member a distance apart from the second gate member and the terminus of the elongate throat is seated within the flange of the first gate member to define a continuous passage through the sprung gate.

Abstract: A latching solenoid gate valve includes a housing defining a conduit having a flow path therethrough and a cavity separating the conduit into a first section and a second section. The latching solenoid assembly also includes a gate assembly enclosed within the cavity of the housing and a first solenoid assembly and a second solenoid assembly seated within the cavity with the gate assembly linearly translatable therebetween. The gate assembly includes a first gate member comprising magnetizable material and defining an opening therethrough. The first gate member is linearly movable within the cavity between an open position with the opening aligned with the conduit and a closed position with the opening out of alignment with the conduit. The first gate member is moved linearly from either the open position or the closed position.

Abstract: Restrictors are disclosed that include a body defining a Venturi tube having a throat defining a junction of a converging inlet cone to a diverging outlet cone along a longitudinal axis thereof, and with the converging inlet cone and the diverging outlet cone each defining an inner passageway that transitions as a hyperbolic or parabolic function toward the throat.

Abstract: A solenoid-powered gate valve that provides a reliable, high quality seal with a reduced operating force requirement. The valve includes a solenoid coil and armature connected to a valve mechanism, with the valve mechanism including a conduit having a connection opening, an oppositely-disposed pocket, and a sprung gate assembly linearly movable between the connection opening and the pocket. The sprung gate assembly includes a first gate member with an opening, a second gate member with an opening, and an endless elastic band retained between the first and second gate members, with the openings and endless elastic band collectively defining a passage through the sprung gate assembly, with the first and second gate members being mechanically coupled to the armature for reciprocating linear movement between the connection opening and the pocket. The endless elastic band allows an interference fit within the pocket with reduced frictional opposition to gate movement.

Abstract: A latching solenoid gate valve comprising is disclosed, and includes a housing defining a conduit having a flow path therethrough and a cavity separating the conduit into a first section and a second section. The latching solenoid assembly also includes a gate assembly enclosed within the cavity of the housing and a first solenoid assembly and a second solenoid assembly seated within the cavity with the gate assembly linearly translatable therebetween. The gate assembly includes a first gate member comprising magnetizable material and defining an opening therethrough. The first gate member is linearly movable within the cavity between an open position with the opening aligned with the conduit and a closed position with the opening out of alignment with the conduit. The first gate member is moved linearly from either the open position or the closed position.

Abstract: Devices for producing vacuum using the Venturi effect are disclosed that have a motive passageway converging toward a suction chamber, a discharge passageway diverging away from the suction chamber, and a suction passageway, all of which are in fluid communication with the suction chamber. The motive passageway has a single entrance, and subdivides downstream thereof into a plurality of subpassageways, one each leading to one of the plurality of motive exits, which are spaced apart from a discharge entrance of the discharge passageway to define a Venturi gap. The fletch having a plurality of ribs extending between an exterior surface of the generally conically-shaped main body thereof and an interior surface of the motive passageway is disposed in the motive passageway. The ribs divide the motive passageway into the plurality of sub-passageways, each converging fluid flow over the exterior surface thereof toward one of the plurality of motive exits.