Abstract: A drive gear adapted to be disposed in a gear box includes a body having a perimeter and a skirt that extends outwardly from the perimeter of the body. A plurality of teeth extends outwardly from the body along a portion of the perimeter of the body. An opening extends through the body and is defined by an inner surface of the body. The inner surface includes a plurality of planar portions and a plurality of rounded portions that extend between the plurality of planar portions. The plurality of planar portions is arranged such that a force (e.g., a torque) applied to the body is directed toward the plurality of teeth.

Abstract: Valve assemblies with clutches adapted for dual valve member actuation. A valve assembly includes a valve body that includes a first portion and a second portion, a bore, a primary opening, and a secondary opening. A primary valve shaft is disposed within the bore and has a primary end portion, the secondary valve shaft is disposed within the bore and has a secondary end portion facing the primary end portion of the primary valve shaft. A primary valve member is movable relative to the primary opening and coupled to the primary valve shaft, the secondary valve member is movable relative to the secondary opening and coupled to the secondary valve shaft. A clutch is shiftable between a first position enabling the primary valve shaft to move independently of the secondary valve shaft and a second position enabling the secondary valve shaft to move with the primary valve shaft.

Abstract: A method of biasing a worm shaft of a motor assembly including the steps of: providing a motor assembly having a housing defining an inner chamber, an access aperture spaced therefrom, a shaft aperture in communication with both the chamber and access aperture, and a shaft rotatably supported by and at least partially disposed in the shaft aperture; providing an ultrasonic device having a horn for producing vibrations; providing a slug having a body defining a first shape for being disposed in the access aperture, transformable to a second shape whereby the slug melts in response to predetermined vibrations; placing the slug in the access aperture; actuating the ultrasonic device so as to transform the slug to the second shape such that the slug melts and at least partially flows into the shaft aperture to abut the terminal portion.

Abstract: A modulating bypass valve includes a valve housing defining a modulating fluid passageway and a bypassing fluid passageway through the valve housing. The valve also includes a throttle plate assembly that is inserted through the valve housing and has a rotating shaft on an axis that is generally perpendicular to the modulating fluid passageway and the bypassing fluid passageway. A modulating throttle plate is attached to the shaft and located within the modulating fluid passageway. A bypassing throttle plate is attached to the shaft and located within the bypassing fluid passageway. An actuator rotates the shaft.

Abstract: A fluid metering unit has a housing providing a flow path from an inlet port through a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve to an outlet port. An electric circuit board for operating the solenoid valves is contained within the housing. Also contained within the housing and connected to the electric circuit board are a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor for sensing temperature and pressure in the flow path. An electric-operated temperature control element in thermally conductive contact with the housing controls temperature along at least a portion of the flow path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper motor drive system that includes a motor, an output shaft operatively connected to a wiper blade, and a breakaway clutch operatively connected between the motor and output shaft. The breakaway clutch includes a torque-sensitive releasable locking mechanism having a first position wherein torque is translated from the motor to the output shaft through the breakaway clutch to drive the wiper blade across a surface to be wiped, and a second position wherein torque is interrupted between the motor and the output shaft in response to a predetermined rotational torque differential acting on the output shaft, with the locking mechanism being movable back to the first position when the differential torque is reduced on the output shaft.

Abstract: An actuator housing assembly that includes an actuator housing that has a cavity that contains a phase-change material that is configured to continue to absorb heat as the phase-change material changes phases. The actuator housing assembly also includes an electronic actuator that is secured to the actuator housing. At least a portion of the cavity may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the electronic actuator. The phase-change material is configured to prevent the transfer of heat in the actuator housing to the electronic actuator. The actuator housing may also include an electronic control board that is used in controlling the operation of the electronic actuator.

Abstract: A fluid metering unit has a housing providing a flow path from an inlet port through a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve to an outlet port. An electric circuit board for operating the solenoid valves is contained within the housing. Also contained within the housing and connected to the electric circuit board are a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor for sensing temperature and pressure in the flow path. An electric-operated temperature control element in thermally conductive contact with the housing controls temperature along at least a portion of the flow path.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve is associated with a throttle valve to shunt flow around a throttle valve element which is selectively positionable to throttle flow through the throttle valve. In a presently disclosed embodiment, a throttle valve comprises a valve body circumscribing a main flow passage extending along a central longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet. A valve plate is disposed within the main flow passage for turning about an axis of turning which perpendicularly intersects the central longitudinal axis for selectively throttling flow through the main flow passage. A pressure relief mechanism is mounted on the valve body.

Abstract: A method of biasing a worm shaft of a motor assembly including the steps of: providing a motor assembly having a housing defining an inner chamber, an access aperture spaced therefrom, a shaft aperture in communication with both the chamber and access aperture, and a shaft rotatably supported by and at least partially disposed in the shaft aperture; providing an ultrasonic device having a horn for producing vibrations; providing a slug having a body defining a first shape for being disposed in the access aperture, transformable to a second shape whereby the slug melts in response to predetermined vibrations; placing the slug in the access aperture; actuating the ultrasonic device so as to transform the slug to the second shape such that the slug melts and at least partially flows into the shaft aperture to abut the terminal portion.

Abstract: A modulating bypass valve includes a valve housing defining a modulating fluid passageway and a bypassing fluid passageway through the valve housing. The valve also includes a throttle plate assembly that is inserted through the valve housing and has a rotating shaft on an axis that is generally perpendicular to the modulating fluid passageway and the bypassing fluid passageway. A modulating throttle plate is attached to the shaft and located within the modulating fluid passageway. A bypassing throttle plate is attached to the shaft and located within the bypassing fluid passageway. An actuator rotates the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of actuators that assists in controlling the operation of a motorized vehicle. The apparatus includes a centralized actuator control module that is positioned remotely from an engine control unit. The centralized actuator control module includes a processor that is configured to control the operation of the actuators. The apparatus may include a first communication cable that is configured to deliver information between the centralized actuator control module and the engine control unit. An actuator communication cable may be configured to deliver power from the centralized actuator control module to one or more of the plurality of actuators. The apparatus may include a second communication cable configured to deliver sensed data to the centralized actuator control module that the centralized actuator control module uses to determine whether to operate one or more of the actuators.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a valve for an engine utilizing a high pressure actuating fluid that is used in the operation of fuel injectors. A pump may be used to increase the pressure of the actuating fluid, such as, for example, to 4000 psi. At least a portion of this high pressure actuating fluid may be delivered to a fuel injector. Additionally, at least a portion of the pressure actuating fluid may be delivered to an electro-hydraulic actuator. According to certain embodiments, the flow of the high pressure actuating fluid to the actuator may be controlled by spool valve. The spool valve may be part of the actuator. The use of the high pressure actuating fluid to operate the actuators may allow for a reduction in the actuators' size, which may allow for the actuator to be located in the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper motor drive system that includes a motor, an output shaft operatively connected to a wiper blade, and a breakaway clutch operatively connected between the motor and output shaft. The breakaway clutch includes a torque-sensitive releasable locking mechanism having a first position wherein torque is translated from the motor to the output shaft through the breakaway clutch to drive the wiper blade across a surface to be wiped, and a second position wherein torque is interrupted between the motor and the output shaft in response to a predetermined rotational torque differential acting on the output shaft, with the locking mechanism being movable back to the first position when the differential torque is reduced on the output shaft.

Abstract: An air valve and its method of use including an air valve housing; a throttle plate disposed on a throttle shaft; a driven gear attached on the throttle shaft; a brushless direct current motor assembly in connection via a pinion with the driven gear; an integrated electronic valve controller including digital signal processing on a circuit board; and a throttle position sensor on the circuit board, wherein the throttle position sensor includes at least one non-contact type sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the air valve includes an inlet port and an outlet port connected to an engine via an air intake manifold, such that re-circulated exhaust gas is introduced into the air intake manifold.

Abstract: A nitrous oxide plate system is provided. The system may include a plate adapted to fit in an intake pathway of an internal combustion engine, and having a central passage therethrough that forms a portion of the intake pathway when the plate is installed in the internal combustion engine. The system may also include a first nitrous spray bar port passing into the central passage, and nitrous spray bars. Each of the nitrous spray bars may include distribution orifices of selected dimensions calibrated to meter a selected volume of nitrous oxide. The metering may be based on the selected dimensions of the distribution orifices and a pressure of the nitrous oxide provided to each of the nitrous spray bars. Each of the nitrous oxide bars may also be adapted to be interchangeably installed into the first nitrous spray bar port and project into the central passage when installed.

Abstract: An air valve and its method of use including an air valve housing; a throttle plate disposed on a throttle shaft; a driven gear attached on the throttle shaft; a brushless direct current motor assembly in connection via a pinion with the driven gear; an integrated electronic valve controller including digital signal processing on a circuit board; and a throttle position sensor on the circuit board, wherein the throttle position sensor includes at least one non-contact type sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the air valve includes an inlet port and an outlet port connected to an engine via an air intake manifold, such that re-circulated exhaust gas is introduced into the air intake manifold.

Abstract: A nitrous oxide plate system having a plate adapted to fit in an intake pathway of an internal combustion engine. The plate has at least one central passage therethrough, and this passage forms a portion of the intake pathway when the plate is installed in the engine. The plate system also has a first spray bar port passing into the central passage, and at least two spray bars that are adapted to be interchangeably installed in the first spray bar port. The at least two spray bars include a first spray bar having a first plurality of distribution orifices having a first total area, and a second spray bar having a second plurality of distribution orifices having a second total area. The second total area is different from the first total area. An interchangeable spray bar for a nitrous oxide plate system is also provided.

Abstract: An air valve and its method of use including an air valve housing; a throttle plate disposed on a throttle shaft; a driven gear attached on the throttle shaft; a brushless direct current motor assembly in connection via a pinion with the driven gear; an integrated electronic valve controller including digital signal processing on a circuit board; and a throttle position sensor on the circuit board, wherein the throttle position sensor includes at least one non-contact type sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the air valve includes an inlet port and an outlet port connected to an engine via an air intake manifold, such that re-circulated exhaust gas is introduced into the air intake manifold.

Abstract: An air valve and its method of use including an air valve housing; a throttle plate disposed on a throttle shaft; a driven gear attached on the throttle shaft; a brushless direct current motor assembly in connection via a pinion with the driven gear; an integrated electronic valve controller including digital signal processing on a circuit board; and a throttle position sensor on the circuit board, wherein the throttle position sensor includes at least one non-contact type sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the air valve includes an inlet port and an outlet port connected to an engine via an air intake manifold, such that re-circulated exhaust gas is introduced into the air intake manifold.