Abstract: An EEGR valve has a solenoid with an armature supported at each end on circular disks. These disks are fixed to the top and bottom having numerous penetrations (e.g., slots, slits or openings) to permit the disks to be deflected upward or downward. The penetrations are arranged such that when a current is applied to the solenoid coil the armature deflects the disks and permits the armature to move up and down within the coil. The penetrations are arranged as concentric rings of penetrations. The disks are fixed at several locations around their edges to the stator of the solenoid. In this manner, the armature moves back and forth along its axis and not laterally, thus permitting the stator to be located quite close to the armature without wearing against the stator, A spring is provided to preload the armature and deflect the disks in a concave shape different from their unloaded and substantially flat configuration. In this manner, the coil can drive the solenoid.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting leakage from a evaporative emission space of an automotive vehicle fuel system. A reciprocating pump is operated in a pressurizing mode to build pressure in the space toward a nominal test pressure. The pressurizing mode involves operating the pump in a repeating cycle wherein the pump operates alternately in an accelerated pumping mode and a natural frequency pumping mode. During the pressurizing mode, a characteristic of successive occurrences of the natural frequency pumping mode indicative of pressure in the space is measured. The number of times the cycle repeats is counted and compared to a predefined reference.

Abstract: An EGR valve has two coaxial valve rings that are sequentially opened when the EGR valve is operated. A first, smaller gap is formed by the first valve ring opening and a second larger gap is formed when the first valve ring moves with respect to the second valve ring. In this manner, a nonlinear flow rate is provided through the EGR valve that permits greater accuracy of control at lower exhaust gas flow rates.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting leakage from a evaporative emission space of an automotive vehicle fuel system. A reciprocating pump is operated in a pressurizing mode to build pressure in the space toward a nominal test pressure. The pressurizing mode involves operating the pump in a repeating cycle wherein the pump operates alternately in an accelerated pumping mode and a natural frequency pumping mode. During the pressurizing mode, a characteristic of successive occurrences of the natural frequency pumping mode indicative of pressure in the space is measured. The number of times the cycle repeats is counted and compared to a predefined reference.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite extrusion is disclosed wherein a main body portion (1) of the extrusion is first extruded from a thermosetting material, this body portion then being heated so as at least partly to cure it, the main body portion then being passed at high temperature through a further extruder where a thermoplastics material (8) is extruded onto one or more surfaces of the main body portion (1), the subsequent composite extrusion then being cooled and formed into its final shape.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control system for a fuel system of an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle has a purge flow path through which an evaporative emission containment space of the fuel system for containing volatile fuel vapors is purged to an intake system of the engine. A purge valve controls purge flow through the purge flow path. When the intensity of intake system vacuum falls below a threshold, an electric-motor-driven blower operates to creates a pressure rise in the purge flow path upstream of the purge valve and downstream of the containment space. A differential pressure sensor senses pressure differential across the purge valve, and the purge valve includes an integral valve position sensor, both sensors providing feedback signals to a controller than controls operation of both the purge valve and the blower.

Abstract: An emission control valve assembly has an internal main flow passage through a valve body between a first port and a second port, an electric actuator, and a valve operated by an armature of the actuator to selectively open and close the passage. A force-balancing mechanism applies to the valve a force that opposes force created by pressure differential between the first and second ports. An annular filter cartridge is disposed within the valve body to trap particulate material in flow entering through the first port so that the trapped material does not reach the valve and its seat.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite extrusion is disclosed wherein a main body portion (1) of the extrusion is first extruded from a thermosetting material, this body portion then being heated so as at least partly to cure it, the main body portion then being passed at high temperature through a further extruder where a thermoplastics material (8) is extruded onto one or more surfaces of the main body portion (1), the subsequent composite extrusion then being cooled and formed into its final shape.

Abstract: A rotary proportioning valve has a valve body with two inlet ports and an outlet port spaced apart about an axis. The valve body has a circular side wall and a first circular end wall closing one axial end of the side wall. Each of the ports intercepts at least the first end wall to communicate with interior space of the valve body. A shutter disposed within the interior space is supported for rotary positioning about the axis, and is operated by a shaft that extends through a second end wall that closes the opposite end of the body side wall. The shutter has a circular wall that confronts at least the first end wall. Plural fenestrations in the circular shutter wall are positioned relative to respective body ports in accordance with positioning of the shutter for proportioning flows into the inlet ports into a proportioned flow from the outlet port.

Abstract: When a tank filler tube cap is closed, several flow paths having solenoid-operated valves are selectively operated by an engine management computer to control pressurizing of a bladder disposed in a fuel tank and of surrounding fuel vapor space not occupied by the bladder to attenuate fuel vapor generation. Venting of the bladder to atmosphere and of the vapor headspace to a canister are also controlled. The control further regulates the pressure in the bladder relative to that in the vapor headspace. On-board testing for leakage can be automatically accomplished for ascertaining compliance with relevant regulations. When the tank is to be re-fueled, a signal is sent to the computer.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite extrusion is disclosed wherein a main body portion (1) of the extrusion is first extruded from a thermosetting material, this body portion then being heated so as at least partly to cure it, the main body portion then being passed at high temperature through a further extruder where a thermoplastics material (8) is extruded onto one or more surfaces of the main body portion (1), the subsequent composite extrusion then being cooled and formed into its final shape.