Abstract: An air intake duct configured to provide intake air to a first component and a second component. The duct includes a first conduit that provides the intake air to the first component and a second conduit that provides the intake air to the second component, wherein an air direction feature in the form of an elongated ridge is formed in the air intake duct at an intersection between the first conduit and the second conduit, and the air direction feature is located and oriented in the air intake duct to control an amount of the intake air that is permitted to enter each of the first conduit and the second conduit, and to control a swirl direction of the intake air as the intake air travels over elongated ridge and enters each of the first conduit and the second conduit.

Abstract: A hood air intake and water separation system includes a first separation chamber having a first inlet fluidly coupled to a hood intake vent of the vehicle, a first outlet, and at least one first drain opening. The first separation chamber is configured to separate water and air ingested through the intake and direct the separated water through the at least one first drain opening and direct the separated air through the first outlet. A second separation chamber includes a second inlet fluidly coupled to the first separation chamber first outlet, a second outlet, and at least one second drain opening. A third chamber includes a third inlet fluidly coupled to the second separation chamber second outlet, and a third outlet. The first and second separation chambers are configured to direct ingested water away from an airpath to the engine.

Abstract: A hood air intake and water separation system includes a first separation chamber having a first inlet fluidly coupled to a hood intake vent of the vehicle, a first outlet, and at least one first drain opening. The first separation chamber is configured to separate water and air ingested through the intake and direct the separated water through the at least one first drain opening and direct the separated air through the first outlet. A second separation chamber includes a second inlet fluidly coupled to the first separation chamber first outlet, a second outlet, and at least one second drain opening. A third chamber includes a third inlet fluidly coupled to the second separation chamber second outlet, and a third outlet. The first and second separation chambers are configured to direct ingested water away from an airpath to the engine.

Abstract: A fluid damper includes a hollow body portion, a first end and a second end. The hollow body portion has a corrugated or shaped outer surface and is filled with a compressible medium. The first and second ends of the damper contact the inner wall of the fluid-carrying line to stabilize the position of the damper within the fluid-carrying line to optimize dampening of the pressure pulsations in the fluid. The damper is formed by extruding or forming the hollow body portion into the desired shape, trimming the hollow body portion to the desired length, crimping and sealing the first and second ends by a heat staking process. The damper can be made from a material or materials that is impermeable and resistant to the fluid within the fluid system. The damper is integrally formed, thereby eliminating welding or manufacturing steps and reducing cost of manufacture.

Abstract: A self-dampening vessel is disclosed for use with any fluid system. The vessel receives a fluid and encounters pressure pulsations, flow distribution problems, noises and/or vibrations from changes in the fluid pressure. To combat these undesired effects without the use of a separate damper, the vessel comprises a tubular member having opposing sides and opposing ends. The sides of the tubular member may vary in shape, but the sides are typically connected by rounded ends. When subjected to pressure changes, the tubular member adapts and expands or retracts from a neutral position. Furthermore, the ends of the tubular member may include an opening with an endcap attached to cover the opening. The endcap includes a port for mating the vessel to a fluid source. Alternative, the ends may be sealed and an outer surface of the tubular member may include the port integrally.

Abstract: A fluid damper includes a hollow body portion, a first end and a second end. The hollow body portion has a corrugated or shaped outer surface and is filled with a compressible medium. The first and second ends of the damper contact the inner wall of the fluid-carrying line to stabilize the position of the damper within the fluid-carrying line to optimize dampening of the pressure pulsations in the fluid. The damper is formed by extruding or forming the hollow body portion into the desired shape, trimming the hollow body portion to the desired length, crimping and sealing the first and second ends by a heat staking process. The damper can be made from a material or materials that is impermeable and resistant to the fluid within the fluid system. The damper is integrally formed, thereby eliminating welding or manufacturing steps and reducing cost of manufacture.

Abstract: A self-dampening vessel is disclosed for use with any fluid system. The vessel receives a fluid and encounters pressure pulsations, flow distribution problems, noises and/or vibrations from changes in the fluid pressure. To combat these undesired effects without the use of a separate damper, the vessel comprises a tubular member having opposing sides and opposing ends. The sides of the tubular member may vary in shape, but the sides are typically connected by rounded ends. When subjected to pressure changes, the tubular member adapts and expands or retracts from a neutral position. Furthermore, the ends of the tubular member may include an opening with an endcap attached to cover the opening. The endcap includes a port for mating the vessel to a fluid source. Alternative, the ends may be sealed and an outer surface of the tubular member may include the port integrally.

Abstract: A fuel rail formed by hydroforming. The hydroforming process includes applying a seal onto a fuel tube, and installing fuel injector blocks, including fuel injector ports, onto the tube in desired positions. The fuel tube assembly is placed in a die assembly, and pressurized fluid is supplied to the interior of the tube. The pressurized fluid causes the tube to expand outwardly into engagement with the blocks, and to pierce holes through the tube within each of the blocks to provide fluid communication with the associated fuel injector and other ports.