Abstract: A motion control for electromagnetic valves including a follower connected with a valve for reciprocating motion, and a restraint operable on the follower to slow the valve motion and reduce the force of engagement of the valve with the valve seat and the stop. The restraint may include one of hydraulic and mechanical motion constraining devices. A hydraulic restraint device includes a hydraulic piston reciprocable within a fluid-filled reservoir having first and second chambers connected by a bypass passage and a flow tube. Fluid flow through the bypass passage and flow tube is regulated by the position of the piston relative to the bypass passage such that valve motion is slowed when fluid flow is restricted. A mechanical restraint device includes a pin and track assembly operative to develop rotational motion of the valve for slowing the valve motion.

Abstract: A motion control for electromagnetic valves including a follower connected with a valve for reciprocating motion, and a restraint operable on the follower to slow the valve motion and reduce the force of engagement of the valve with the valve seat and the stop. The restraint may include one of hydraulic and mechanical motion constraining devices. A hydraulic restraint device includes a hydraulic piston reciprocable within a fluid-filled reservoir having first and second chambers connected by a bypass passage and a flow tube. Fluid flow through the bypass passage and flow tube is regulated by the position of the piston relative to the bypass passage such that valve motion is slowed when fluid flow is restricted. A mechanical restraint device includes a pin and track assembly operative to develop rotational motion of the valve for slowing the valve motion.

Abstract: A canister purge system for throttleless internal combustion engine intake systems includes a plurality of purge ports, each of which is adapted for connection to an intake port of an internal combustion engine. An evaporative emissions canister is in fluid connection with each purge port. Each purge port includes a valve responsive to pressure changes in the intake port and permitting vapor flow from the evaporative emissions canister into the intake port when a vacuum condition is present in the intake port. The valves prevent flow from the intake port to the evaporative emissions canister when a vacuum is not present in the intake port.

Abstract: A canister purge system for throttleless internal combustion engine intake systems includes a plurality of purge ports, each of which is adapted for connection to an intake port of an internal combustion engine. An evaporative emissions canister is in fluid connection with each purge port. Each purge port includes a valve responsive to pressure changes in the intake port and permitting vapor flow from the evaporative emissions canister into the intake port when a vacuum condition is present in the intake port. The valves prevent flow from the intake port to the evaporative emissions canister when a vacuum is not present in the intake port.

Abstract: A simplified EGR valve for automotive engines is actuated by compact single or dual solenoids having a short stroke. The short stroke is made possible by one or more annular orifices in a preferably flat valve seat or valve plate, the orifices being fed from both radially inner and outer sides upon opening movement of the valve plate a short distance away from the valve seat. The use of annular orifices allows a relatively large gas flow through the valve with a short stroke or movement of the valve plate. This permits the use of a solenoid or solenoids of relatively low power and mass. The valve may be operated by pulse width modulation of an electrical signal controlled by the vehicle ECM to vary the percentage of open time of the valve in order to vary EGR flow in a known manner. Thus, the need for a valve position sensor and feedback control is avoided which, together with reduced actuator mass and volume, provides a substantially reduced cost and operating complexity for the system.

Abstract: A dual tank fuel system has primary and secondary fuel tanks, with the primary tank including a filler pipe to receive fuel and a discharge line to deliver fuel to an engine, and with a balance pipe interconnecting the primary tank and the secondary tank. The balance pipe opens close to the bottom of each tank to direct fuel from the primary tank to the secondary tank as the primary tank is filled, and to direct fuel from the secondary tank to the primary tank as fuel is discharged from the primary tank through the discharge line. A vent line has branches connected to each tank to direct fuel vapor from the tanks as the tanks are filled, and to admit air to the tanks as fuel is delivered to the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel pressure control system for an electromechanical fuel injection system. The fuel injection system includes a fuel rail for receiving pressurized fuel from a fuel source and operable to supply pressurized fuel to a fuel injector. The fuel rail pressure control system includes a pressure regulator having a flexible diaphragm separating a reference pressure chamber and a fuel chamber. The fuel chamber has a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet. The flexible diaphragm operates to open and close the fuel outlet to balance forces between the reference pressure chamber and the fuel chamber. The fuel chamber is in fluid communication with the fuel rail at the fuel inlet and in fluid communication with a fuel return line at the fuel outlet.