Abstract: The internal combustion engine includes at least one cylinder, an exhaust gas tract having a measuring device, and a tank ventilation system having a purge air line, which provides pneumatic communication between the tank ventilation system and the cylinder. The purge air line has a sensor for ascertaining a hydrocarbon content of a gas flow from the tank ventilation system to the at least one cylinder. Fuel metering into the cylinder is controlled dependent on the ascertained hydrocarbon content. An exhaust gas characteristic of an exhaust gas flow that flows in the exhaust gas tract is detected by the measuring device and compared with a specified target value. If the ascertained difference between the detected exhaust gas characteristic and the specified target value exceeds a specified threshold, a test is carried out to determine whether the sensor has a malfunction.

Abstract: A valve assembly used as part of a vapor purge system, which uses a vacuum created by a venturi nozzle to direct purge vapor from a canister through the purge system, and into an intake manifold. The valve assembly includes a check valve which closes the flow path to prevent the uncontrolled venting of hydrocarbon rich purge vapor directly to the atmosphere, and provides an on-board diagnostic (OBD) check to make sure the system is functioning properly. The check valve is typically open because of a pressure balance around the check valve, allowing the turbo bleed flow, as well as the purge vapor, to pass through the check valve and into an air box. If the hose is disconnected, there is a pressure drop across the valve, which causes the check valve to close, preventing the release of hydrocarbons in the purge vapor to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A valve assembly used as part of a vapor purge system, which uses a vacuum created by a venturi nozzle to direct purge vapor from a canister through the purge system, and into an intake manifold. The valve assembly includes a check valve which closes the flow path to prevent the uncontrolled venting of hydrocarbon rich purge vapor directly to the atmosphere, and provides an on-board diagnostic (OBD) check to make sure the system is functioning properly. The check valve is typically open because of a pressure balance around the check valve, allowing the turbo bleed flow, as well as the purge vapor, to pass through the check valve and into an air box. If the hose is disconnected, there is a pressure drop across the valve, which causes the check valve to close, preventing the release of hydrocarbons in the purge vapor to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A tank pressure control valve which provides for both controlled and passive vacuum relief functions with an additional component in a tank purge valve. The tank pressure control valve includes a second valve in addition to a purge valve to create a small sealing area on one side that opens easily against the tank pressure with the normal magnetic forces in a purge valve. The second valve is a sealing disk, which has an aperture to allow for the flow of purge vapor. One side of the disk has sealing on a larger area so the small vacuum forces open the valve against the spring force biasing the valve to a closed position. The design of the second valve uses a disk to provide precise flow control and passive vacuum relief.

Abstract: The internal combustion engine includes at least one cylinder, an exhaust gas tract having a measuring device, and a tank ventilation system having a purge air line, which provides pneumatic communication between the tank ventilation system and the cylinder. The purge air line has a sensor for ascertaining a hydrocarbon content of a gas flow from the tank ventilation system to the at least one cylinder. Fuel metering into the cylinder is controlled dependent on the ascertained hydrocarbon content. An exhaust gas characteristic of an exhaust gas flow that flows in the exhaust gas tract is detected by the measuring device and compared with a specified target value. If the ascertained difference between the detected exhaust gas characteristic and the specified target value exceeds a specified threshold, a test is carried out to determine whether the sensor has a malfunction.

Abstract: An exhaust throttling valve (12) is provided for a vehicle. The valve includes a body structure (16, 41) having a bore (47) there-through. A shaft (28) is supported by the body structure for rotational movement. A valve member (34) is associated with the shaft such rotational movement of the shaft rotates the valve member. The valve member is disposed in the bore and is constructed and arranged to rotate between a first position substantially closing the bore and a second position at least partly opening the bore. A hard stop (56) is associated with the shaft so as to rotate therewith. First and second adjustment structures (52, 54) are constructed and arranged so that upon rotation of the shaft in one direction, the hard stop engages the first adjustment structure and upon rotation of the shaft in a direction opposite the one direction, the hard stop engages the second adjustment structure, thus limiting travel of the valve member.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system communicates hot exhaust gases from an exhaust manifold to an intake manifold through a first passage and a second passage parallel with the first passage. A first EGR valve assembly controls exhaust gas flow through the first passage and a second EGR valve assembly controls exhaust gas flow through the second passage. Exhaust gas is selectively flowed through one or both of the first and second passages to provide the desired temperature and flow through the intake manifold to the engine.

Abstract: An exhaust bypass valve assembly is provided for a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing (22) defining an inlet passageway (21) and first and second passageways (24, 26) in communication with the inlet passageway and with each other, and a bore (28) at a juncture (25) of the passageways and in communication with the passageways. The inlet passageway is associated with an exhaust manifold, the first passageway is associated with a cooler of a vehicle, and the second passageway is associated with an engine of a vehicle. An exhaust bypass valve cartridge (30) includes a valve member (32) removably disposed in the bore of the housing, and shaft structure (40, 42) associated with the valve member so that rotation of the shaft structure rotates the valve member. The valve member is movable between first and second positions to control the flow of exhaust gas flow from the inlet passageway through the first and second passageways.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system communicates hot exhaust gases from an exhaust manifold to an intake manifold through a first passage and a second passage parallel with the first passage. A first EGR valve assembly controls exhaust gas flow through the first passage and a second EGR valve assembly controls exhaust gas flow through the second passage. Exhaust gas is selectively flowed through one or both of the first and second passages to provide the desired temperature and flow through the intake manifold to the engine.

Abstract: An exhaust throttling valve (12) is provided for a vehicle. The valve includes a body structure (16, 41) having a bore (46) there-through. A shaft (28) is supported by the body structure for rotational movement. A valve member (34) is associated with the shaft such rotational movement of the shaft rotates the valve member. The valve member is disposed in the bore and is constructed and arranged to rotate between a first position substantially closing the bore and a second position at least partly opening the bore. A hard stop (56) is associated with the shaft so as to rotate therewith. First and second adjustment structures (52, 54) are constructed and arranged so that upon rotation of the shaft in one direction, the hard stop engages the first adjustment structure and upon rotation of the shaft in a direction opposite the one direction, the hard stop engages the second adjustment structure, thus limiting travel of the valve member.

Abstract: An exhaust bypass valve assembly is provided for a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing (22) defining an inlet passageway (21) and first and second passageways (24, 26) in communication with the inlet passageway and with each other, and a bore (28) at a juncture (25) of the passageways and in communication with the passageways. The inlet passageway is associated with an exhaust manifold, the first passageway is associated with a cooler of a vehicle, and the second passageway is associated with an engine of a vehicle. An exhaust bypass valve cartridge (30) includes a valve member (32) removably disposed in the bore of the housing, and shaft structure (40, 42) associated with the valve member so that rotation of the shaft structure rotates the valve member. The valve member is movable between first and second positions to control the flow of exhaust gas flow from the inlet passageway through the first and second passageways.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid flow between an evaporative emission space of a fuel tank and a fuel vapor collection canister that includes a housing, a valve, a seal, an electric actuator, an electric transducer, and an electrical connector. The housing includes a first port, a second port, and a fluid flow path that extends between the first and second ports. The first port is adapted for receiving fluid flow from the evaporative emission space and is at a first pressure level. The second port is adapted for supplying fluid flow to the fuel vapor collection canister and is at a second pressure level. The valve is movable along an axis with respect to the housing between a first configuration, a second configuration, and an intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. The first configuration permits substantially unrestricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The second configuration prevents fluid flow between the first and second ports.

Abstract: A system and method that controls evaporative emissions of a volatile fuel. The system includes a fuel tank with a refueling tube, and includes a fuel tank isolation valve. The fuel tank isolation valve includes a housing, a diaphragm, and an actuator. The housing includes a first port, which is in fuel vapor communication with the fuel tank, and a second port. The diaphragm is movable with respect to the housing between first and second configurations. The first configuration substantially prevents fuel vapor flow between the first and second ports, and the second configuration permits fuel vapor flow between the first and second ports. And the actuator, which is in fluid communication with the refueling tube, acts on the diaphragm.

Abstract: A canister purge valve increases flow through the valve for an increased power level. The canister purge valve includes a housing that defines a volume and has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the volume. A coil is disposed in the volume proximate the outlet. A stator is disposed in the volume proximate the outlet, the stator having a first surface. An armature is disposed in the coil, the armature having a second surface proximate the first surface of the stator and defining a gap therebetween. The armature is movable to an open position permitting fluid flow through the volume in response to an energization of the coil. A biasing member is disposed between the stator and the armature, the biasing member urging the armature to a closed position prohibiting fluid flow through the volume.

Abstract: A vapor purge system that permits evaluation of the system with a minimum number of hoses and connections, and without the use of additional components. The system includes a valve having first and second ports in communication with a first chamber and a third port in communication with a second chamber, the first and second chambers being defined by a metering member that divides an internal volume of a housing. A first conduit connects a diagnostic member having first and second operative states with the first chamber, the connection being made through the second port. The first operative state prohibits communication with an exterior of the valve, and the second operative state permits communication with the exterior. The diagnostic member provides the ability to reliably measure flow through the valve. The system can use three (3) hoses including five (5) connections from a vapor supply port connected with the first port to the third port operatively connected with a manifold.

Abstract: A flow reversal control valve for use in a fuel cell. The valve includes a housing having a first end and a second end disposed along a longitudinal axis. The valve also includes a wall that defines a first passage in fluid communication with a second passage. The first passage is disposed proximate to the first end and the second passage is disposed proximate to the second end. The valve further includes a chamber in fluid communication with the first and second passages. There are flow flutes formed in the chamber. A seal is disposed in the chamber and coupled to at least one of the first and second passages. The seal has an elastomeric member disposed on a planar surface transverse to the longitudinal axis. There is a closure member disposed in at least one of the first passage, second passage and the chamber.

Abstract: A vapor purge system that permits evaluation of the system with a minimum number of hoses and connections, and without the use of additional components. The system includes a valve having first and second ports in communication with a first chamber and a third port in communication with a second chamber, the first and second chambers being defined by a metering member that divides an internal volume of a housing. A diagnostic member having first and second operative states is in communication with the first chamber through the second port. The first operative state prohibits communication with an exterior of the valve, and the second operative state permits communication with the exterior. The diagnostic member provides the ability to reliably measure flow through the valve. The system can use two (2) hoses including three (3) connections from a vapor supply port connected with the first port to the third port operatively connected with a manifold.

Abstract: A vapor purge system that permits evaluation of the system with a minimum number of hoses and connections, and without the use of additional components. The system includes a valve having first and second ports in communication with a first chamber and a third port in communication with a second chamber, the first and second chambers being defined by a metering member that divides an internal volume of a housing. A diagnostic member having first and second operative states is in communication with the first chamber through the second port. The first operative state prohibits communication with an exterior of the valve, and the second operative state permits communication with the exterior. The diagnostic member provides the ability to reliably measure flow through the valve. The system can use two (2) hoses including three (3) connections from a vapor supply port connected with the first port to the third port operatively connected with a manifold.

Abstract: A vapor purge system that permits evaluation of the system with a minimum number of hoses and connections, and without the use of additional components. The system includes a valve having first and second ports in communication with a first chamber and a third port in communication with a second chamber, the first and second chambers being defined by a metering member that divides an internal volume of a housing. A first conduit connects a diagnostic member having first and second operative states with the first chamber, the connection being made through the second port. The first operative state prohibits communication with an exterior of the valve, and the second operative state permits communication with the exterior. The diagnostic member provides the ability to reliably measure flow through the valve. The system can use three (3) hoses including five (5) connections from a vapor supply port connected with the first port to the third port operatively connected with a manifold.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid flow between an evaporative emission space of a fuel tank and a fuel vapor collection canister that includes a housing, a valve, a seal, an electric actuator, an electric transducer, and an electrical connector. The housing includes a first port, a second port, and a fluid flow path that extends between the first and second ports. The first port is adapted for receiving fluid flow from the evaporative emission space and is at a first pressure level. The second port is adapted for supplying fluid flow to the fuel vapor collection canister and is at a second pressure level. The valve is movable along an axis with respect to the housing between a first configuration, a second configuration, and an intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. The first configuration permits substantially unrestricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The second configuration prevents fluid flow between the first and second ports.