Abstract: In a planar oxygen sensor having a pump cell, a reference cell, a sensor chamber and a heating device, a ground plane electrode is provided and includes a sensing portion having a first sense lead and a second sense lead and a measuring portion having a first measuring lead and a second measuring lead, wherein the first measuring lead and the second measuring lead have increased surface area relative to said sensing portion such that the resistance between the first measuring lead and the second measuring lead is reduced and wherein the first measuring lead is disposed so as to be communicated with the first sense lead and the second measuring lead is disposed so as to be communicated with the second sense lead.

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: In a planar oxygen sensor having a pump cell, a reference cell, a sensor chamber and a heating device, a ground plane electrode is provided and includes a sensing portion having a first sense lead and a second sense lead and a measuring portion having a first measuring lead and a second measuring lead, wherein the first measuring lead and the second measuring lead have increased surface area relative to said sensing portion such that the resistance between the first measuring lead and the second measuring lead is reduced and wherein the first measuring lead is disposed so as to be communicated with the first sense lead and the second measuring lead is disposed so as to be communicated with the second sense lead.

Abstract: A variable cam phaser has drive and driven members connected by helical splines of an annular phase control piston and a lash control piston, axial motion of which varies the angular phase relation between the drive and driven members. A single wave spring received in a groove in one of the pistons biases them apart to take up lash in the splines. A return spring biases the phase control piston to an initial phase setting. Pre-timing of the members is provided for by a driven (or drive) member comprising two components, a hub flange that supports the other member and a splined hub carried by and initially rotatable on a tubular protrusion of the hub flange. After assembly of the phasing mechanism, the hub is rotated on the hub flange to pre-time the initial phasing of the members. An end of the tubular protrusion is then deformed into a flange engaging an annular shoulder on the hub to lock the hub and hub flange members together and maintain the pre-timing.

Abstract: A self-contained lash adjuster includes a closed end cylinder body and a plunger in the cylinder defining a pressure chamber at the closed end of the cylinder and an internal reservoir connected with the chamber by a one-way passage in the plunger. A diaphragm sealing the reservoir is loaded by a spring piston to pressurize the reservoir and apply a differential pressure extending force to the plunger. The plunger is preferably made in two parts with the diaphragm in the lower part defining the chamber and the piston in the upper part distal from the chamber. The two-part construction permits leakdown testing before permanent installation of the diaphragm. A seal in the lower part beyond a return port seals the plunger walls to the cylinder. Installation during assembly of excess fluid for make-up is controlled by positioning of the plunger lower part during filling in a hyper extended position beyond the fully extended position to which the plunger is limited after full assembly of the lash adjuster.

Abstract: A camshaft has, for each valve lifter, a high lift cam between two low lift cams, the high lift cam fitting within the envelope of the low lift cams. The lifter comprises an outer tappet elongated in the direction of the camshaft and slidably mounted in an elongated bore in a cam carrier. The outer tappet is contacted by both low lift cams and operates two valves simultaneously. An elongated bore extending transverse of the outer tappet carries an elongated inner tappet which is contacted by the high lift cam. A hydraulically actuated locking mechanism couples the tappets for movement together for high lift operation and unlocks for low lift operation to allow the inner tappet to idle in the outer tappet.

Abstract: A phase adjuster for engine camshafts and the like includes in a preferred embodiment a sprocket driving a camshaft attached hub through paired wedge packs that transfer torque and maintain a lash free connection. A plunger actuated by engine oil pressure and coating drive springs axially move alternate active wedges to oppositely vary the arcuate lengths of the wedge packs and thereby change the phase angle between the sprocket and camshaft. A three way valve shuts off pressure oil flow except when needed to advance the plunger, thus minimizing oil flow requirements.