Abstract: A fuel tank interface assembly is provided. The assembly provides interface and control to a plurality of different types of components. Some of the components may be situated inside the tank. A connector is sealingly mounted through a single opening in the tank and is configured to provide at least two electrical leads for each different type of component in the tank. A unitary control unit is electrically coupled to the connector and is configured to provide control to each of the plurality of different type of components through the at least two electrical leads.

Abstract: A sensor package and method of making the same is disclosed in which the sensor package includes a sensor component for electromagnetic sensing having a sensor body with a sensor tip at one end. A sensor housing having a cavity for receiving the sensor component is disposed in a substrate and is aligned with an object to be sensed. The housing further includes a snap-fit interface with the sensor component that is configured to admit and secure the sensor tip during assembly thereof. A bracket is mechanically fixable to the substrate at a first end and is in operable communication with the sensor tip at a second end. The bracket is configured to bias the sensor tip towards the object to be sensed for elimination of an internal air gap between the sensor tip and housing formed during assembly thereof.

Abstract: An evaporative solenoid valve assembly for use in a vehicle fuel system between a filtration canister and an intake manifold includes a plunger having a plunger body with central-bore and an elastomeric insert molded therein to define a stop cushion at the end of the insert proximal the valve stop and a valve tip at the end of the insert proximal the valve seat. The valve assembly may include a valve stop having a non-conducting insert received in an end proximal the plunger to reduce noise and wear as well as to improve magnetic flux path. Yet another improvement includes an enlarged pre-load spring disposed within the plunger to provide better spring force distribution and plunger to valve seat alignment.

Abstract: A sensor package and method of making the same is disclosed in which the sensor package includes a sensor component for electromagnetic sensing having a holder assembly with the sensor component disposed at one end and sensor terminals in electrical communication with the sensor component extending from an opposite end. A harness assembly having a harness head configured with harness terminals extending therefrom for electrical connection with corresponding sensor terminals. The holder assembly and harness head are configured with a means for snap-fit assembly that provides space to mechanically connect corresponding sensor terminals and harness terminals with each other forming a resultant subassembly for insertion into a sensor housing. The housing further includes a heat-staked interface with the harness head that secures the subassembly relative to the sensor housing.

Abstract: An evaporative control valve for a vehicle. The valve has a valve body for containing a solenoid that manipulates a plunger between an open position and a closed position the plunger has a valve end. The valve body also has a receiving area, a first port, as well as a conduit for connecting the first port to the receiving area. A port member is received and engaged within the receiving area and the port member provides a passageway from the receiving area to outside the valve body and the valve end seals the passageway when the plunger is in its closed position. The port member is inserted into the receiving area by a guide pin and the guide pin sets the stroke of the plunger as it is inserted into the receiving area.

Abstract: A sensor package and method of making the same is disclosed in which the sensor package includes a sensor component for electromagnetic sensing having a holder assembly with the sensor component disposed at one end and sensor terminals in electrical communication with the sensor component extending from an opposite end. A harness assembly having a harness head configured with harness terminals extending therefrom for electrical connection with corresponding sensor terminals. The holder assembly and harness head are configured with a means for snap-fit assembly that provides space to mechanically connect corresponding sensor terminals and harness terminals with each other forming a resultant subassembly for insertion into a sensor housing. The housing further includes a heat-staked interface with the harness head that secures the subassembly relative to the sensor housing.

Abstract: A fuel tank interface assembly is provided. The assembly provides interface and control to a plurality of different types of components. Some of the components may be situated inside the tank. A connector is sealingly mounted through a single opening in the tank and is configured to provide at least two electrical leads for each different type of component in the tank. A unitary control unit is electrically coupled to the connector and is configured to provide control to each of the plurality of different type of components through the at least two electrical leads.

Abstract: A sensor package and method of making the same is disclosed in which the sensor package includes a sensor component for electromagnetic sensing having a sensor body with a sensor tip at one end. A sensor housing having a cavity for receiving the sensor component is disposed in a substrate and is aligned with an object to be sensed. The housing further includes a snap-fit interface with the sensor component that is configured to admit and secure the sensor tip during assembly thereof. A bracket is mechanically fixable to the substrate at a first end and is in operable communication with the sensor tip at a second end. The bracket is configured to bias the sensor tip towards the object to be sensed for elimination of an internal air gap between the sensor tip and housing formed during assembly thereof.

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes an outlet tube and a plunger stop. A plunger is slidably disposed within the solenoid valve between the outlet tube and the plunger stop. The plunger is movable between a closed position wherein the plunger engages the outlet tube to block fluid flow there through and an open position wherein the plunger is distanced from the outlet tube to permit fluid flow there through. The plunger includes a plunger insert that forms a dome-shaped plunger stop cushion that, during opening of the valve at least partially contacts a flat plunger contact face formed by the plunger stop. The dome-shaped plunger stop cushion relatively effectively damps the impact between the plunger and the plunger stop by allowing the plunger insert material, e.g., rubber, to compress more and absorb more energy of the impact. Thus, signal noise caused by the solenoid valve is minimized.

Abstract: An evaporative control valve for a vehicle. The valve has a valve body for containing a solenoid that manipulates a plunger between an open position and a closed position the plunger has a valve end. The valve body also has a receiving area, a first port, as well as a conduit for connecting the first port to the receiving area. A port member is received and engaged within the receiving area and the port member provides a passageway from the receiving area to outside the valve body and the valve end seals the passageway when the plunger is in its closed position. The port member is inserted into the receiving area by a guide pin and the guide pin sets the stroke of the plunger as it is inserted into the receiving area.

Abstract: An evaporative solenoid valve assembly for use in a vehicle fuel system between a filtration canister and an intake manifold includes a plunger having a plunger body with central-bore and an elastomeric insert molded therein to define a stop cushion at the end of the insert proximal the valve stop and a valve tip at the end of the insert proximal the valve seat. The valve assembly may include a valve stop having a non-conducting insert received in an end proximal the plunger to reduce noise and wear as well as to improve magnetic flux path. Yet another improvement includes an enlarged pre-load spring disposed within the plunger to provide better spring force distribution and plunger to valve seat alignment.

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes an outlet tube and a plunger stop. A plunger is slidably disposed within the solenoid valve between the outlet tube and the plunger stop. The plunger is movable between a closed position wherein the plunger engages the outlet tube to block fluid flow there through and an open position wherein the plunger is distanced from the outlet tube to permit fluid flow there through. The plunger includes a plunger insert that forms a dome-shaped plunger stop cushion that, during opening of the valve at least partially contacts a flat plunger contact face formed by the plunger stop. The dome-shaped plunger stop cushion relatively effectively damps the impact between the plunger and the plunger stop by allowing the plunger insert material, e.g., rubber, to compress more and absorb more energy of the impact. Thus, signal noise caused by the solenoid valve is minimized.

Abstract: An evaporative control valve for a vehicle, the valve has a valve body for containing a solenoid that manipulates a plunger between an open position and a closed position, the plunger has a valve end and an adjustment end. The valve body also has a receiving area, a first port, as well as a conduit for connecting the first port to the receiving area. A port member is received and engaged within the receiving area and the port member provides a passageway from the receiving area to outside the valve body and the valve end seals the passageway when the plunger is in its closed position. The first port is aligned with and provides access to set the stroke of the solenoid.

Abstract: An evaporative control valve for a vehicle. The valve has a valve body for containing a solenoid that manipulates a plunger between an open position and a closed position, the plunger has a valve end and an adjustment end. The valve body also has a receiving area, a first port, as well as a conduit for connecting the first port to the receiving area. A port member is received and engaged within the receiving area and the port member provides a passageway from the receiving area to outside the valve body and the valve end seals the passageway when the plunger is in its closed position. The first port is aligned with and provides access to set the stroke of the solenoid.

Abstract: An evaporative control valve for a vehicle. The valve has a valve body for containing a solenoid that manipulates a plunger between an open position and a closed position, the plunger has a valve end and an adjustment end. The valve body also has a receiving area, a first port, as well as a conduit for connecting the first port to the receiving area. A port member is received and engaged within the receiving area and the port member provides a passageway from the receiving area to outside the valve body and the valve end seals the passageway when the plunger is in its closed position. The first port is aligned with and provides access to set the stroke of the solenoid.

Abstract: An evaporative control valve for a vehicle, the valve has a valve body for containing a solenoid that manipulates a plunger between an open position and a closed position, the plunger has a valve end and an adjustment end. The valve body also has a receiving area, a first port, as well as a conduit for connecting the first port to the receiving area. A port member is received and engaged within the receiving area and the port member provides a passageway from the receiving area to outside the valve body and the valve end seals the passageway when the plunger is in its closed position. The first port is aligned with and provides access to set the stroke of the solenoid.

Abstract: A vehicle speed sensor includes a hollow generally cylindrical sensor housing (102) with an open proximal end (112). Within the interior of the sensor housing (102) is a sensing structure and coupled to the open proximal end (112) of the sensor housing (102) is a connector housing (134). The connector housing (134) forms an engagement groove (146) and the sensor housing forms an engagement rib (148). To establish a desired sensor length, the sensor housing (102) is slid relative to the connector housing (134). The engagement rib (148) is then heat staked to the groove (146).