Abstract: A one piece slide in place “butterfly” valve plate for a short runner manifold of a vehicle. A method of reducing friction in an anti-chatter device.

Abstract: A sensing system for a vehicle that includes a single sensor element and multiple outputs. An engine controller is responsive to the multiple outputs, output circuits and a supervisor circuit in the system monitors the sensor element and shared circuits. If the sensor element fails, or if a connector fails or if the supervisor circuit indicates a circuit failure, one or more of the outputs will go outside of their normal operating range into a diagnostics range to allow the engine controller to take the appropriate action.

Abstract: An electric positional actuator that includes a default device for positioning the actuated device in a default position. The actuator includes an electric motor that controls the rotational position of a shaft through a gear system. When the shaft rotates, it moves a link-bar that actuates the actuated device. A rotational sensor coupled to a printed circuit board detects the position of the shaft, and provide a feedback signal of the shaft's position. The default device includes a spring wrapped around the shaft. When the link bar is rotated away from its default position, one leg of the spring remains in contact with a housing spring boss while the other leg of the spring is in contact with the link bar opposing the movement and trying to return the link-bar to the default position.

Abstract: An electric positional actuator that includes a default device for positioning the actuated device in a default position. The actuator includes an electric motor that controls the rotational position of a shaft through a gear system. When the shaft rotates, it moves a link-bar that actuates the actuated device. A rotational sensor coupled to a printed circuit board detects the position of the shaft, and provide a feedback signal of the shaft's position. The default device includes a spring wrapped around the shaft. When the link bar is rotated away from its default position, one leg of the spring remains in contact with a housing spring boss while the other leg of the spring is in contact with the link bar opposing the movement and trying to return the link-bar to the default position.