Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly includes a valve body, a valve supported by a shaft within the valve body, and an actuator that drives the shaft to move the valve relative to the valve body. A side load feature engages one portion of the shaft to reduce valve chatter by side loading the shaft.

Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly includes a valve body, a valve supported by a shaft within the valve body, and an actuator that moves the valve relative to the valve body to control exhaust flow. The actuator is thermally isolated from the valve by a linkage mechanism that cooperates with exhaust flow to move the valve between open and closed positions. The actuator temporarily contacts the linkage mechanism to initiate opening and closing movement but then moves out of contact with the linkage mechanism as the exhaust flow exerts a force against the valve to move the valve to a fully open or fully closed position. This temporary contact between the linkage mechanism and the actuator reduces heat transfer from the valve to the actuator.

Abstract: An exhaust processor (12) comprises an isolated interior volume (16) that is defined in a housing (18) of the exhaust processor (12) so as to be isolated from exhaust gas in the housing (18). A motion converter (20) is positioned in the isolated interior volume (16) and is configured to convert in the isolated interior volume (16) linear movement of a linear valve actuator (22) into rotation of an exhaust valve (17). A cushioning pad (120, 122, 320, 420) can be used in a variety of exhaust processors (12, 212) to facilitate positioning of the exhaust valve (17). An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly includes a valve body supported on a shaft for rotation within an exhaust component. The shaft is coupled to a solenoid with a linkage assembly. A controller controls the solenoid to rotate the shaft via the linkage assembly. The solenoid includes a plunger that moves between an actuation position and a release position. The controller utilizes pulse width modulation to control actuation and release of the plunger. This significantly reduces operational noises generated as the solenoid is moved between the actuation position and the release position.

Abstract: A bushing assembly for an exhaust valve includes a first bushing component formed from a first material that provides a low friction surface and a second bushing component formed from a second material that provides noise damping. The first and second bushing components are supported by a shaft that rotates an exhaust valve positioned within an exhaust component. An actuator is coupled to the shaft to pivot the exhaust valve within an exhaust component to vary exhaust flow. As the shaft rotates, the first and second bushing components cooperate to provide a good bearing surface in combination with noise dampening during valve actuation.

Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly includes a valve body supported on a shaft for rotation within an exhaust component. The shaft is coupled to a solenoid with a linkage assembly. A controller controls the solenoid to rotate the shaft via the linkage assembly. The solenoid includes a plunger that moves between an actuation position and a release position. The controller utilizes pulse width modulation to control actuation and release of the plunger. This significantly reduces operational noises generated as the solenoid is moved between the actuation position and the release position.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling sound of an engine comprises a sound sensor, an exhaust valve, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a sound level of a peak sound frequency within a predetermined sound frequency range by use of output from the sound sensor, compare the sound level of the peak sound frequency to a predetermined sound level, and change the position of the exhaust valve based on the comparison between the sound level of the peak sound frequency and the predetermined sound level. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: An exhaust valve includes a flapper valve that is pivotable within an exhaust component between open and closed positions. The flapper valve is supported on a shaft that is coupled to an actuator. The flapper valve comprises a disc-shaped body that is fixed to the support shaft such that the disc-shaped body is asymmetrical about the axis of rotation.