Abstract: Engine synchronization apparatus and system for multi-engine vehicles such as boats and aircraft providing limited authority throttle cable trim effected by an apparatus interposed between the throttle plate and throttle cable of a slave engine and mounted in a floating configuration. An actuator is mounted to the apparatus to trim the distance between the throttle plate and throttle cable attachment thereby trimming the throttle cable. A system is provided in which a difference signal derived from master and slave engine tachometer signals is used to control the actuator and synchronize the engines within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Engine synchronization apparatus and system for multi-engine vehicles such as boats and aircraft providing limited authority throttle cable trim effected by an apparatus interposed between the throttle plate and throttle cable of a slave engine and mounted in a floating configuration. An actuator is mounted to the apparatus to trim the distance between the throttle plate and throttle cable attachment thereby trimming the throttle cable. A system is provided in which a difference signal derived from master and slave engine tachometer signals is used to control the actuator and synchronize the engines within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Engine synchronization apparatus and system for multi-engine vehicles such as boats and aircraft providing limited authority throttle cable trim effected by an apparatus interposed between the throttle plate and throttle cable of a slave engine and mounted in a floating configuration. An actuator is mounted to the apparatus to trim the distance between the throttle plate and throttle cable attachment thereby trimming the throttle cable. A system is provided in which a difference signal derived from master and slave engine tachometer signals is used to control the actuator and synchronize the engines within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Engine synchronization apparatus and system for multi-engine vehicles such as boats and aircraft providing limited authority throttle cable trim effected by an apparatus interposed between the throttle plate and throttle cable of a slave engine and mounted in a floating configuration. An actuator is mounted to the apparatus to trim the distance between the throttle plate and throttle cable attachment thereby trimming the throttle cable. A system is provided in which a difference signal derived from master and slave engine tachometer signals is used to control the actuator and synchronize the engines within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A fuel dosing system to provide a controlled level of cereum additive from an additive tank either within or external to a diesel powered vehicle's fuel storage tank. The present invention maintains a concentration of cerium that is optimized to assure proper regeneration of a particulate trap used to control particulate emissions from the vehicle's exhaust. The present invention determines the additive dosage required by monitoring the fuel added to the tank during refueling of the vehicle and responds with a proper dose of an optimized amount of additive. The present invention is self contained and imposes a minimum encroachment on the vehicle fuel and electrical system and may also provide appropriate alarm signals to warn of additive depletion and other possible malfunctions.

Abstract: A system to collect and control the flow of fuel vapor within a vehicle fuel system. In one embodiment, a vapor control unit mounted in the fuel tank permits fuel vapor to be drawn into a tank fill pipe when liquid fuel is being added to the fuel tank to condense at least a portion of the fuel vapor. In a second embodiment a diaphragm actuated valve permits fuel vapor flow from the fuel tank into the tank fill pipe when liquid fuel is being added to the tank to condense at least a portion of the fuel vapor. By condensing the fuel vapor the system reduces the total amount of fuel vapor within the fuel system while preventing the escape of fuel vapor which is hazardous to the environment.

Abstract: A method of making a capacitive pressure sensor preferably for a vehicle fuel system with a flexible diaphragm, spacer and rigid substrate disposed in opposed face-to-face relation in a housing and yieldably urged together by a spring clamp. Electrodes disposed on the immediately adjacent opposed faces of the diaphragm and substrate produce a signal indicative of and varying with changes in the pressure of fluid acting on the diaphragm to displace its central portion relative to the substrate. In operation, through sensor and control circuitry, the speed of a fuel pump is varied to vary and control the pressure of fuel supplied to an engine in response to varying engine operating loads and conditions. To control the flow of fuel, a check valve, pressure relief valve and vent valve may be provided in the housing.

Abstract: A fuel pump manifold for a no-return fuel system for an automotive engine. The manifold has inlet and outlet passages with a check valve which opens when fuel is supplied to the engine and closes to prevent reverse flow of fuel when the outlet pressure is greater than the inlet pressure and a vent valve between the outlet and inlet and in parallel with the check valve which is normally closed and opens when the outlet pressure exceeds the inlet pressure by at least a predetermined minimum value which is usually the desired minimum pressure of fuel supplied to the operating engine when idling. Preferably, a normally closed pressure relief valve also communicates with the outlet to relieve overpressure of the outlet fuel supplied to the engine.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor preferably for a vehicle fuel system with a flexible diaphragm, spacer and rigid substrate disposed in opposed face-to-face relation in a housing and yieldably urged together by a spring clamp. Electrodes disposed on the immediately adjacent opposed faces of the diaphragm and substrate produce a signal indicative of and varying with changes in the pressure of fluid acting on the diaphragm to displace its central portion relative to the substrate. In operation, through sensor and control circuitry, the speed of a fuel pump is varied to vary and control the pressure of fuel supplied to an engine in response to varying engine operating loads and conditions. To control the flow of fuel, a check valve, pressure relief valve and vent valve may be provided in the housing.

Abstract: A closed loop system for controlling exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in an automotive engine. An electrical program command signal from an on-board engine computer/controller actuator through a motor driven circuit, a stepper motor to turn an axial lead screw having a follower thereon connected to a rod for moving the valve poppet to control flow. An orifice plate with differential flow pressure taps is disposed in the EGR passage downstream of a flow control valve poppet. The differential pressure from the taps is sensed by a pressure responsive diaphragm. A stationary proximity sensor using an eddy current principle detects changes in position of the diaphragm and in response thereto generates an electrical feedback signal proportional to EGR flow through the orifice which compared with the command signal to generate a control signal for controlling the stepper motor.

Abstract: A vacuum operated EGR valve/controller having a vacuum signal responsive diaphragm converted to operate the EGR poppet valve. A flow limiting orifice is provided upstream of the valve and a flow sensing pressure tap provided intermediate the valve and the orifice. Flow pressure is sensed by a piezoresistive transducer which gives an electrical signal indicative thereof. In one embodiment, the transducer is stationary and flow sensing tube is extended to the valve body. In a second embodiment, the transducer is mounted on the diaphragm for movement therewith and flow sensing is internal through the valve actuator. In another embodiment, a flow sensing orifice is provided downstream of the valve and the transducers has a reference and dynamic probe for sensing the differential of flow pressure on opposite sides of the sensing orifice.