Abstract: A system and method for removing a wrinkle adjacent to a joint between a first surface material and a second surface material, different from the first surface material. The system and method may include directing a flow of air creating an air wall across the first surface material adjacent to the joint where the wrinkle is being removed from the second surface material; directing heat onto the wrinkle in the second surface material; and working out the wrinkle from the second surface material while the second surface material is at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A modular diaphragm carburetor is provided which has a plurality of plates each with generally planar faces adapted to be mated and releasably connected together to facilitate manufacturing and assembling the carburetor and to permit various plates and components of the carburetor to be used in carburetors designed for use with different engine families. By providing a plurality of mated together plates, the machining of the passages through the carburetor is made dramatically easier when compared to the machining of a carburetor having a single body with end caps. Still further, the modular diaphragm design permits different plates and/or components of the carburetor to be used with other components to provide a carburetor having different performance characteristics and suitable for use with a different engine family.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a two-stroke small engine has a charge forming device with an injector mixing passage which forms a rich fuel and air mixture supplied to a tuned injector tube connected adjacent one end through a port to the engine cylinder and adjacent the other end to the engine crankcase. The charge forming device has a high speed fuel circuit which supplies at least a majority of the fuel to the mixing passage under wide open throttle operating conditions and preferably a minor portion of the fuel is also supplied by an idle fuel circuit which under engine idle conditions preferably supplies essentially all of the fuel to the engine. A separate inlet air flow passage of the charge forming device also supplies primarily air to the crankcase of the engine for transfer to the cylinder.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a two-stroke small engine has a charge forming device with an injector mixing passage which forms a rich fuel and air mixture supplied to a tuned injector tube connected adjacent one end through a port to the engine cylinder and adjacent the other end to the engine crankcase. The charge forming device has a high speed fuel circuit which supplies at least a majority of the fuel to the mixing passage under wide open throttle operating conditions and preferably a minor portion of the fuel is also supplied by an idle fuel circuit which under engine idle conditions preferably supplies essentially all of the fuel to the engine. A separate inlet air flow passage of the charge forming device also supplies primarily air to the crankcase of the engine for transfer to the cylinder.

Abstract: An in-tank fuel pump reservoir assembly for drawing fuel from a fuel supply tank and discharging the fuel under pressure to an engine. The assembly includes a reservoir canister that partially defines a reservoir chamber and is mounted within a fuel tank. A reservoir inlet admits fluid into the reservoir chamber from the fuel tank. A reservoir outlet allows fuel to flow from the reservoir chamber to an engine through a fuel line. A reservoir filling device draws fuel into the reservoir chamber from the fuel supply tank through the reservoir inlet. A fuel pump assembly disposed within the canister draws fuel from the reservoir chamber and discharges at least a portion of that fuel to the engine through the reservoir outlet. A modular fuel delivery pod includes the fuel pump assembly, the reservoir filling device, and the inlet check valve. The pod connects to the canister to cooperatively define the reservoir chamber.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder with a combustion chamber defined between the cylinder head and a reciprocating piston, and a carburetor which delivers a rich fuel and air mixture to a compressor with a reciprocating piston driven by the engine to compress the mixture until the mixture is under sufficient pressure to open a differential pressure injection valve and thereby inject the mixture directly into the engine combustion chamber. The mixture is ignited by a spark plug to drive the engine piston through its power stroke and rotate its associated crankshaft which is connected to a crankshaft of the compressor to reciprocate its piston and thereby compress the fuel and air mixture and inject it into the cylinder in timed relation with the engine piston.

Abstract: A control device for bypassing intake air around a closed throttle valve of an operating engine while it is idling. The device has a main flow control valve controlling bypass air flow in the bypass air passageway of the device and movable to closed and open positions by a diaphragm actuated by engine intake vacuum controlled by a pilot valve actuated by a solenoid. The main valve, pilot valve and plunger of the solenoid are all movably received on and supported by a stationary slide rod which preferably extends into the coil of the solenoid and is supported adjacent only one end in a cantilever fashion. The main valve includes a main valve body with piston head movable with a flow clearance in and out of an air passage bore of the air outlet side of the bypass air passageway. An annular main valve seat is located at the open upstream end of the bore through which the piston head moves in its axial travel between fully open and closed positions of the main valve.

Abstract: A submersible electronic drive module for a vehicle in-tank fuel pump which includes a circuit board assembly having an input connector for receiving a current, an output connector for applying electric power to a fuel pump electric motor, and electrical components for supplying electric power to the motor as a function of vehicle fuel demand. A heat sink of a heat conductive material is thermally connected to the circuit board assembly which absorbs heat generated by the electrical components on the circuit board assembly. Fuel passes through the heat sink to cool it and thus the circuit board assembly and electrical components. A fuel-impervious casing encapsulates the drive module so that fuel is prevented from contacting the circuit board assembly and electrical components. The electronic drive module is removably attached to the fuel pump and is mounted within a fuel tank of an automotive fuel system.