Abstract: A system and method for performing a leak verification test to test the evaporative emission space for leakage comprising self-calibrating the purge valve, closing the evaporative emission space to atmosphere and an intake system of the engine and monitoring for conditions calling for aborting the test, performing a leak determination test, and entering a sleep mode while the engine continues to run.

Abstract: An automotive emission control valve, such as an EGR valve, has a solenoid for operating a valve element. The solenoid stator has an annular air gap disposed within an electromagnet coil. An annular wall of an armature is disposed in the air gap. The armature is displaced by magnetic flux in the air gap. The air gap is cooperatively defined by juxtaposed walls of the stator that are spaced radially a distance greater than radial thickness of the annular wall of the armature. The annular wall of the armature is disposed radially intermediate the stator walls and spaced from each stator wall. The radially inner stator wall is tapered. Lost-motion is present between the armature and valve element so that initial armature displacement is not transmitted to the valve element. Dimensions of the stator walls and armature at the air gap may be selected to improve linearity of operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a exhaust gas recirculation valve including a motor turning a shaft, a cam disposed on the shaft, the cam having a profile, and a valve assembly including a seat and a pintle. The pintle is disposed for reciprocal movement with respect to the valve for permitting and prohibiting delivery of exhaust gas through the valve assembly. The pintle is also in contact with the profile of the cam such that constant angular motion of the torque output shaft is converted to non-linear motion of the pintle.

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: 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 drive system (10) for rotating a plurality of engine mounted accessories comprising an input member (16) supporting a crank unit (12) and a remotely positioned auxiliary drive unit (14). The units include a plurality of output pulleys (22, 30, 90, 98) linked by drive belts (100, 102). The crank unit (12) comprises an axially movable clutch (38) and an electric responsive actuator (50, 66, 68, 72) for moving the clutch between engaged and disengaged conditions, including means for compensating for the wear of the internal components of the drive unit to affect repeatable engagement intervals.

Abstract: An idle restart clutch system adopted to mechanically engage the crankshaft of an engine for use in restarting same comprising a spool body adapted to engage the crankshaft for rotating therewith; a momentum wheel mounted relative to the crankshaft for storing rotational energy; a drive for transferring rotational energy from the spool body to the momentum wheel during interval as determined by the rotational speed differential therebetween; and a torque limiting clutch mounted to and rotatable with the momentum wheel for controlling slippage motion between the momentum wheel and engine in response to control signals to enable the energy of the momentum wheel to be transferred to the spool body and thereafter to the crankshaft of the engine to enable rotation of same.

Abstract: A valve (10) comprising a first (16) and a second port (18), a valve seat (20) positioned about an axis in communication with one of the ports (16, 18), electromagnetic means (40, 42, 92, 96, 98, 100, 102, 110) for defining a preferred magnetic flux path for selectively opening and closing communication through the valve seat (20) comprising means (110) for directing the magnetic flux to flow around the coil including a metallic strap (110) positioned in surrounding relation to the coil. The valve including piston means (96, 98, 100, 102) including a piston (96) aligned with the valve seat including a spring (100) for biasing the piston (96) towards the valve seat, the piston moveable in response to magnetic flux and a metallic element (92) being substantially aligned to the piston and including one end positioned apart from and adjacent to the spring forming part of the magnetic flux path, and another end in contacting engagement with the metallic strap.

Abstract: Fail safe electromagnetic clutch (10) includes a driving member (12) and a driven member (16). Engagement structure (30) cushions engagement between the driving member (12) and driven member (16) when the clutch is engaged. The engagement structure (30) includes a pair of elements (36, 34) and a resilient wave washer (42) located therebetween. The waver washer (42) biases the element (36) into driving engagement with the driving member (12) and biases the element (34) into driving engagement with the driven member (16). When the clutch is disengaged, a magnetic coil (22) forces the element (34) away from the driven member (16), thereby collapsing the wave washer (42). When the clutch is to be re-engaged, the coil (22) is de-energized, thereby permitting the wave washer (42) to drive the element (34) back into driving engagement with the driven member (16).

Abstract: An electromechanical clutch for vehicle engine cooling fans includes a driving member mounted for rotation by the vehicle engine and a driven member carrying the engine fan and rotatably mounted on the driving member. The driven and driving members cooperate to define a circumferentially extending gap therebetween. The driving member carries an electrical coil, which is energized when the clutch is to be engaged. A band is disposed within the gap, includes an outer band member which carries a frictional material that is adapted to frictionally engage the driven member and an inner band member which is adapted to engage the driving member when the coil is actuated. The inner and outer members are connected at corresponding ends thereof. The inner member comprises arcuate segments of electromagnetic material and joining segments which interconnects the arcuate segments.