Abstract: Compressor rotor structure and methodology for harmonizing compressor aerodynamics and rotordynamics are provided. Disclosed embodiments benefit from a compressor design effective for improving rotordynamics (e.g., stiffer rotor structure) without reducing a usable aerodynamics range of the compressor. This design may involve variation of the rotor structure along the rotor axis to locate respective surfaces defined by respective inlets of the one or more impellers at a varying distance relative to the rotor axis based on respective ratios selected for the configuration of the impeller bodies. This arrangement may be effective for improving rotordynamics while satisfactorily meeting the respective varying aerodynamics requirements at the various compression stages by the impeller bodies.

Abstract: A valve plate cover/lead frame unit of a lifter oil manifold assembly used in cylinder deactivation systems to direct engine oil to valve lifters including a body including a pattern of passages that in cooperation with a pattern of passages included in the valve plate form oil galleries for distributing the engine oil, an electrical connector and an electrical lead frame terminating the electrical connector integrated into the body, and a plurality of connector terminals incorporated into the body, wherein the electrical lead frame electrically connects each of the connector terminals with the electrical connector.

Abstract: A valve plate cover/lead frame unit of a lifter oil manifold assembly used in cylinder deactivation systems to direct engine oil to valve lifters including a body including a pattern of passages that in cooperation with a pattern of passages included in the valve plate form oil galleries for distributing the engine oil, an electrical connector and an electrical lead frame terminating the electrical connector integrated into the body, and a plurality of connector terminals incorporated into the body, wherein the electrical lead frame electrically connects each of the connector terminals with the electrical connector.

Abstract: A lifter oil manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves having first (top) and second (valve) plates having portions of oil control and oil exhaust passages formed therein. The assembly further includes a carrier member having an oil supply passage integrated thereby separating the oil supply path from the oil control and oil exhaust path. Further, the assembly includes towers for receiving and positioning the electro-magnetic oil control valves used to control oil flow in the assembly. The towers are molded separate from the carrier and are held in place by the valve plate or are molded integral with the carrier. In another aspect of the invention, oil control valve retention springs are molded integral with either the tower or the oil control valve. In a further aspect of the invention, a combined polymer restrictor/strainer in the oil circuit replaces a prior art metal die-cast restrictor.

Abstract: A lifter oil manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves having first (top) and second (valve) plates having portions of oil control and oil exhaust passages formed therein. The assembly further includes a carrier member having an oil supply passage integrated thereby separating the oil supply path from the oil control and oil exhaust path. Further, the assembly includes towers for receiving and positioning the electro-magnetic oil control valves used to control oil flow in the assembly. The towers are molded separate from the carrier and are held in place by the valve plate or are molded integral with the carrier. In another aspect of the invention, oil control valve retention springs are molded integral with either the tower or the oil control valve. In a further aspect of the invention, a combined polymer restrictor/strainer in the oil circuit replaces a prior art metal die-cast restrictor.

Abstract: An engine air control valve assembly includes a valve shaft and a valve plate made from composite polymeric plastics that are formed to be welded together by infrared laser welding. In a preferred embodiment, the valve shaft includes an intermediate portion with a longitudinal open groove along one side. The valve plate is formed with a central raised portion that engages the valve shaft in assembly. A tongue extends inward from the raised portion of the plate and is fitted into the shaft groove after assembly of the shaft into a valve body. The tongue is softened by a laser beam applied to the tongue/groove interface, thereby welding the valve components together in the installed location.

Abstract: An engine air control valve assembly includes a valve shaft and a valve plate made from composite polymeric plastics that are formed to be welded together by infrared laser welding. In a preferred embodiment, the valve shaft includes an intermediate portion with a longitudinal open groove along one side. The valve plate is formed with a central raised portion that engages the valve shaft in assembly. A tongue extends inward from the raised portion of the plate and is fitted into the shaft groove after assembly of the shaft into a valve body. The tongue is softened by a laser beam applied to the tongue/groove interface, thereby welding the valve components together in the installed location.