Abstract: Thermal management systems for vehicle engines which include hybrid fan drives with viscous clutches and electronic motors, particularly brushless DC motors (BLDC). One embodiment incorporates a pulley driven, electronically controlled viscous clutch mechanism and an internal rotor BLDC motor. Another embodiment includes an engine crank mounted electronically controlled viscous clutch mechanism with a tethered electric motor, particularly a BLDC motor. A further embodiment is an engine block mounted electronically controlled viscous clutch mechanism with an integrated external rotor BLDC motor.

Abstract: Pulley assemblies for vehicle accessories, such as a water pump. The pulley assembly which can be connected to a related housing member, such as a clutch housing member, includes a pulley member directly driven by the accessory belt of a vehicle engine and a separate pair of bearing members. A preferred use of the pulley assembly is with a hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation, and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. A friction clutch assembly can be positioned inside the housing member and can include a softening spring which minimizes parasitic clutch power consumption.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly, preferably for a hybrid cooling pump. The friction clutch assembly includes a friction lining carrier member, a friction lining member, a compression spring member, a clutch carrier member and a flux plate member. A solenoid can be utilized to control the compression of the spring member. The friction clutch assembly has a preferred use in a hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation, and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. The friction clutch assembly can be positioned inside a motor housing. The softening compression spring can minimize parasitic clutch power consumption.

Abstract: A hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. A friction clutch assembly is positioned inside the motor housing and includes a softening spring which minimizes parasitic clutch power consumption.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly, preferably for a hybrid cooling pump. The friction clutch assembly includes a friction lining carrier member, a friction lining member, a compression spring member, a clutch carrier member and a flux plate member. A solenoid can be utilized to control the compression of the spring member. The friction clutch assembly has a preferred use in a hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation, and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. The friction clutch assembly can be positioned inside a motor housing. The softening compression spring can minimize parasitic clutch power consumption.

Abstract: A hybrid accessory drive system having two operational modes, a mechanical mode and an electric mode. The accessory is typically a cooling fan. A continuously variable mechanical belt drive mechanism drives the accessory as one mode of operation. An electric motor along with a planetary roller screw mechanism which converts rotary motion to axial motion is used to change the sheave position and thus the drive ratio. Upon disengagement of the mechanical drive mode, the electric motor can be used to drive the accessory in a second mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the operation of a dual mode engine accessory, such as a dual mode cooling pump. The dual mode device has two modes of operation, an electric motor operation and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. A friction clutch mechanism controlled by the control system is utilized to switch between the two modes of operation. The speed of the electrical motor can be changed to be substantially the same as, or changed in the direction of, the speed of the mechanical pulley-driven system.

Abstract: An electronic coolant valve mechanism with an integral actuator mechanism. The coolant valve mechanism utilizes an electric motor and a planetary roller mechanism integrated into a valve body to translate and operate a valve member in a linear direction. A manifold can include a plurality of coolant valve mechanism operating independently by a control system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the operation of a dual mode engine accessory, such as a dual mode cooling pump. The dual mode device has two modes of operation, an electric motor operation and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. A friction clutch mechanism controlled by the control system is utilized to switch between the two modes of operation. The speed of the electrical motor can be changed to be substantially the same as, or changed in the direction of, the speed of the mechanical pulley-driven system.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly, preferably for a hybrid cooling pump. The friction clutch assembly includes a friction lining carrier member, a friction lining member, a compression spring member, a clutch carrier member and a flux plate member. A solenoid can be utilized to control the compression of the spring member. The friction clutch assembly has a preferred use in a hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation, and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. The friction clutch assembly can be positioned inside a motor housing. The softening compression spring can minimize parasitic clutch power consumption.

Abstract: Hydraulic fan drive system with sensor feed-back. A sensor positioned in the central shaft of the fan drive assembly provides speed feedback signals and eliminates the need for routing the sensor wires.

Abstract: Compression spring members, particularly for friction clutch assemblies. The compression spring members include a plurality of deformable members and where the amount of force necessary to compress the spring member lessens over displacement once a peak amount of force is reached. The compression spring members can comprise a plurality of buckling beam spring members, a plurality of connecting members, or the like. One or more ring members can be provided for attachment to the connecting members. The friction clutch assembly is preferably used for a hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation and a mechanical pulley-driven operation.

Abstract: Control systems for a friction clutch mechanism and a hybrid coolant pump. Friction clutch assemblies are positioned inside the motor housing and include softening springs which minimize parasitic clutch power consumption. The control systems use PWM to control the operation of solenoids which in turn operate the friction clutch assemblies.

Abstract: Hydraulic fan drive system with oil flow system. A modular valve mechanism is provided with coaxial oil passages to circulating lubrication oil through the clutch and to and from a heat exchanger.

Abstract: Pulley assemblies for vehicle accessories, such as a water pump. The pulley assembly which can be connected to a related housing member, such as a clutch housing member, includes a pulley member directly driven by the accessory belt of a vehicle engine and a separate pair of bearing members. A preferred use of the pulley assembly is with a hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation, and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. A friction clutch assembly can be positioned inside the housing member and can include a softening spring which minimizes parasitic clutch power consumption.

Abstract: A hybrid coolant pump with two modes of operation, an electric motor operation and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. A friction clutch assembly is positioned inside the motor housing and includes a softening spring which minimizes parasitic clutch power consumption.

Abstract: A fan drive system is provided that is hydraulically controlled having an electrical failure mode wherein midrange operation of the fan drive system is maintained. Accordingly, in the failure mode, a fan drive system hydraulic relief valve is not closed thereby ensuring a degree of operation of the fan drive system even during periods of electrical failure.

Abstract: An in-line insert folder system includes a continuous roll of preprinted inserts, and a cutter for cutting individual inserts from the roll. A transport serially conveys the individual inserts in a downstream direction to a buckle folder that receives the inserts and folds each one along at least one fold line. An applicator serially receives the folded inserts from the buckle folder and applies the inserts to consumer packs such as cigarette packs, for example. The folded inserts may be directly applied to the packs before placement of flexible outer wrap or the folded inserts may be applied onto the flexible outer wrap before that wrap is placed around the packs.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the operation of a dual mode engine accessory, such as a dual mode cooling pump. The dual mode device has two modes of operation, an electric motor operation and a mechanical pulley-driven operation. A friction clutch mechanism controlled by the control system is utilized to switch between the two modes of operation. The speed of the electrical motor can be changed to be substantially the same as, or changed in the direction of, the speed of the mechanical pulley-driven system.

Abstract: A PCB with improved cooling. Openings are provided below electronic components on the PCB of an electronics device. Raised mounts or bosses on the device housing or base extend into the openings and make contact with the electronic components to act as heat sinks. A thermal pad member can be positioned between the bosses and the components to aid in the contact and heat conduction. Other embodiments include direct contact of the raised mounts or bosses with the PCB and through openings are not provided.