Abstract: A solenoid for use in a valve such as an exhaust gas recirculation valve for a motor vehicle. The solenoid includes a housing having a coil for generating a first magnetic field. An armature is slidably mounted in the housing. The solenoid further includes a permanent magnet having a second magnetic field, wherein the magnet is located adjacent the armature. In addition, a stator is affixed in the housing for cooperation with the armature and the magnet to form a third magnetic field.

Abstract: A steam pressure regulator for a reformer of a fuel cell system. The reformer includes an inlet in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet that provides a supply of hydrogen gas. The steam pressure regulator including a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, and an actuator. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is adapted to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents fluid communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted fluid communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating steam pressure. The system includes a steam source, a reformer, and a pressure regulator. The reformer includes an inlet that is in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet that provides a supply of hydrogen gas. The pressure regulator includes a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, and an actuator. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents steam communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted steam communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dissipating heat from a steam pressure regulator for a reformer of a fuel cell system. The reformer including an inlet in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet providing a supply of hydrogen gas. The steam pressure regulator including a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, an actuator, and an intermediate body. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is adapted to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents fluid communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted fluid communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing heat transfer between a motive force device and a valve. The apparatus consists of a regulator valve. The valve comprises a wall defining a flow passage disposed along a longitudinal axis. A closure member is disposed in the flow passage for rotation about an axis oblique to the longitudinal axis. The closure member is movable to a first position to prevent flow in the flow passage and the closure member is also movable to a second position to permit flow in the flow passage. A motive force device is disposed along the axis and coupled to the closure member by an insulator member. The motive force device is disposed such that it can rotate the closure member between the first position and the second position about the axis. The valve also comprises a spacing chamber having an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall forms a volume that houses the insulator member, the outer wall of the spacing chamber is coupled to the motive force device and the flow passage.

Abstract: An electric actuated control valve, such as an EGR valve, has a solenoid that can deliver useful force over a longer stroke for operating a valve element.

Abstract: An electric actuated control valve, such as an EGR valve, has an actuator whose armature contains an electromagnet coil for operating the actuator. Current for the coil is conveyed through a flexible circuit between the armature and a housing of the actuator.

Abstract: A valve that includes a wall, a closure member, a motive force device, a coupling member, and a spacer. The wall defines a flow passage that is disposed along a longitudinal axis. The closure member is disposed in the flow passage and includes a first shaft that extends along a first axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axis. The closure member is rotatable on the first axis between a first position that substantially prevents flow through the flow passage and a second position that generally permits flow through the flow passage. The motive force device rotates the closure member between the first position and the second position, and includes a second shaft that is rotatable on a second axis. The coupling member connects the first and second shafts to convey rotation from the device to the closure member. The coupling member is resilient with respect to the first and second shafts.

Abstract: A valve that includes a wall, a closure member, a motive force device, a coupling member, and a sensor. The wall defines a flow passage that is disposed along a longitudinal axis. The closure member is disposed in the flow passage and is rotatable on a first axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axis. The closure member is rotatable between a first position that substantially prevents flow through the flow passage and a second position that generally permits flow through the flow passage. The motive force device rotates the closure member between the first position and the second position. The device includes a rotor that is rotatable with the closure and includes a stator that is disposed proximate to the rotor. The coupling member conveys motive force of the device to rotation of the closure member. And the sensor detects the angular position of the rotor with respect to the stator.

Abstract: A valve that includes a wall, a closure member, a motive force device, a coupling member, and a spacer. The wall defines a flow passage that is disposed along a longitudinal axis. The closure member is disposed in the flow passage and includes a first shaft that extends along a first axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axis. The closure member is rotatable on the first axis between a first position that substantially prevents flow through the flow passage and a second position that generally permits flow through the flow passage. The motive force device rotates the closure member between the first position and the second position, and includes a second shaft that is rotatable on a second axis. The coupling member connects the first and second shafts to convey rotation from the device to the closure member. The coupling member is resilient with respect to the first and second shafts.

Abstract: A valve that includes a wall, a closure member, a motive force device, a coupling member, and a sensor. The wall defines a flow passage that is disposed along a longitudinal axis. The closure member is disposed in the flow passage and is rotatable on a first axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axis. The closure member is rotatable between a first position that substantially prevents flow through the flow passage and a second position that generally permits flow through the flow passage. The motive force device rotates the closure member between the first position and the second position. The device includes a rotor that is rotatable with the closure and includes a stator that is disposed proximate to the rotor. The coupling member conveys motive force of the device to rotation of the closure member. And the sensor detects the angular position of the rotor with respect to the stator.

Abstract: A valve including a wall, a closure member, a motive force device, and a coupling member. The wall defines a flow passage that is disposed along a longitudinal axis. The closure member is disposed in the flow passage and is rotatable on a first axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axis. The closure member is rotatable between a first position that substantially prevents flow through the flow passage and a second position that generally permits flow through the flow passage. The motive force device rotates the closure member between the first position and the second position. The device includes a rotor that is rotatably supported by a bearing, a stator that is proximate to the rotor, and an overmolded housing that positions the stator with respect to the bearing. The coupling member conveys motive force from the device to rotation of the closure member.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system module is provided that integrally includes an electric vacuum regulator (EVR) valve and a differential pressure (DP) sensor. The DP sensor measures a differential exhaust pressure at locations upstream and downstream of an orifice in a gasket sealing the EGR system module to an intake manifold. The upstream measurement location is aligned with and particularly spaced from the orifice.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is provided having an electric vacuum regulator (EVR) valve mounted contiguously with a delta pressure feedback exhaust (DPFE) sensor to form an integral EVR/DPFE assembly. In turn, the EVR/DPFE assembly is mounted on a surface of the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. A single port in the housing of the manifold provides a fluid connection to the EVR/DPFE sensor assembly. This connection provides a vacuum input connection to both the EVR valve and the DPFE sensor. The EVR/DPFE sensor assembly utilizes a single electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU). The DPFE sensor measures a differential exhaust pressure at locations upstream and downstream of an orifice in a gasket sealing the EGR valve to the intake manifold. The upstream measurement location is in an EGR valve chamber, and the downstream location is in the intake manifold.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine exhaust emission control system has a module for conveying exhaust gas from an engine exhaust system to an engine intake system. A valve selectively restricts the flow path. A pressure sensing passage communicates a pressure sensing port of a pressure sensor to the flow path. The pressure sensing passage comprises a tube having an end portion passing through a through-hole in a side wall of the flow path. In one embodiment, an open free end of the tube is disposed within the flow path in spaced relation to the side wall opposite an orifice that creates a pressure drop for obtaining a flow measurement using pressure sensed via the tube as one input. In another embodiment, the open free end of the tube is disposed flush with the side wall opposite a nozzle.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine exhaust emission control system has a module for conveying exhaust gas from an engine exhaust system to an engine intake system. Flow is measured by the difference between pressures at opposite sides of an orifice in the exhaust gas flow path. A valve selectively restricts the flow path. Passages communicate pressure reading ports of a pressure sensor to opposite sides of the orifice. One passage comprises a tube having an end portion passing through a through-hole in a side wall of the flow path in alignment with the orifice in the flow path and containing an orifice member that faces the flow path orifice to reduce turbulence in the pressure communicated through it to the sensor.

Abstract: A diffuser for an air mass flow controller for fuel cells that includes a housing, an inlet, a first bank of outlets, and a second bank of outlets. The housing has walls, which define a volume. The inlet is disposed along a first axis and is coupled to a first one of the walls. The first bank of outlets is disposed along a second axis and is coupled to a second one of the walls. The first bank of outlets is in fluid communication with the inlet. The second bank of outlets is disposed along a third axis and is coupled to the second wall. The second bank of outlets is in fluid communication with the inlet and the first bank of outlets.

Abstract: An air mass flow controller valve for fuel cells that includes an inlet, a plurality of first and second passages and at least two air mass sensors, seat positions, closure members and actuators. The inlet is disposed along a first axis and coupled to a housing, which has first and second banks of outlets disposed along second and third axes. The first and second banks of outlets are in communication with the inlet and are coupled to the plurality of first and second passages. One of the at least two air mass sensors is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two seat portions is disposed between the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed between the plurality of second passages. One of the at least two closure members is disposed proximate the plurality of first passages and the other one is disposed proximate the plurality of second passages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a exhaust gas recirculation valve including a motor turning a shaft, a cam disposed on the shaft, the cam having a profile, and a valve assembly including a seat and a pintle. The pintle is disposed for reciprocal movement with respect to the valve for permitting and prohibiting delivery of exhaust gas through the valve assembly. The pintle is also in contact with the profile of the cam such that constant angular motion of the torque output shaft is converted to non-linear motion of the pintle.

Abstract: A method of recirculating exhaust gas flow from an exhaust port to an intake port of an internal combustion engine, and an emission control valve assembly that regulates recirculating the exhaust gas flow. The emission control valve assembly comprises a valve body and a seat. The valve body has a passage that connects a first port to a second port. The passage has a first passage portion that extends from the first port along a first central axis, a second passage portion that extends from the second port along a second central axis, and a third passage portion that extends along a third central axis. The third passage portion connects the first and second passage portions at respective first and second points along the third axis. The seat extends along the third central axis and is located between the first and second points.