Abstract: A Natural Vacuum Leak Detection (NVLD) device having an articulated poppet to allow the sealing surface of the poppet portion to articulate, or wobble, on the end of a poppet pin, where the poppet pin is mounted to the end of the flange portion. The flange portion has the friction spring, and poppet spring pushing on it. The seal surface of the flange portion is able to move to evenly apply force to the lip seal, and provide a full seal. Because the seal surface of the flange portion is able to articulate, or wobble, the flange portion is able to compensate for misalignment between the poppet stem portion and lip seal.

Abstract: A connection system is provided for restraining a component in three orthogonal directions on a mounting surface. Pairs of first and second projections are disposed on opposing surfaces of the component symmetrically about a component axis. The first and second pairs of projections are spaced along the component axis. Two grooves are disposed on the mounting surface parallel to the axis for engagement with the projections. Each groove has a C-shaped channel on a surface facing the component, and each channel has an aperture in a location corresponding the mounting position of the component. During mounting, the projections slide within the channels until ends of the first projections engage the apertures. The connection system of the present invention restrains the component in three orthogonal directions, centers the component in its mounting location, and reduces vibration levels. The inventive connection system further provides an audible and visible indication when the component is locked in place.

Abstract: A connection and a method of providing a connection includes a fluid tight communication between a valve and a tube. The valve includes a first surface, a second surface, a cavity, and an aperture extending through the valve between the first and second surfaces. The tube includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion between the first and second portions. The first portion penetrates the first surface and extends through the aperture into the cavity. The third portion is deformed so as to engage the second surface.

Abstract: A connection provides a fluid tight communication between a valve and a tube. The valve includes a first surface, a second surface, and an aperture extending through the valve between the first and second surfaces. The tube includes an end portion terminating at an edge. The end portion penetrates the first surface, extends through the aperture, and is deformed so as to engage the second surface.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system module is provided that integrally includes an electric vacuum regulator (EVR) valve and a differential pressure (DP) sensor. The DP sensor measures a differential exhaust pressure at locations upstream and downstream of an orifice in a gasket sealing the EGR system module to an intake manifold. The upstream measurement location is aligned with and particularly spaced from the orifice.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine exhaust emission control system has a module for conveying exhaust gas from an engine exhaust system to an engine intake system. A valve selectively restricts the flow path. A pressure sensing passage communicates a pressure sensing port of a pressure sensor to the flow path. The pressure sensing passage comprises a tube having an end portion passing through a through-hole in a side wall of the flow path. In one embodiment, an open free end of the tube is disposed within the flow path in spaced relation to the side wall opposite an orifice that creates a pressure drop for obtaining a flow measurement using pressure sensed via the tube as one input. In another embodiment, the open free end of the tube is disposed flush with the side wall opposite a nozzle.

Abstract: A connection and a method of providing a connection includes a fluid tight communication between a valve and a tube. The valve includes a first surface, a second surface, a cavity, and an aperture extending through the valve between the first and second surfaces. The tube includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion between the first and second portions. The first portion penetrates the first surface and extends through the aperture into the cavity. The third portion is deformed so as to engage the second surface.

Abstract: A purge valve has a novel seal element on the head end of a reciprocating valve member that features a frustoconical projection for improved noise attenuation and sealing against a flat annular surface of a valve seat. As the projection comes to closed position against the seat surface, it flexes slightly so that the sealing diameter of its rounded free end contracts, to wipe the seat surface. In one embodiment, the seal element is provided with another projection that absorbs impact upon the valve member coming to maximum open position. In another embodiment, an elastomeric damper element is provided on an end of a pole piece of a solenoid assembly to absorb impact of the valve member as it comes to its maximum open position.

Abstract: An inertia switch assembly comprises an inertia switch assembly element encapsulated by potting material within a housing. The inertia switch assembly element comprises a non-magnetic enclosure containing an inertial mass and switch contacts. The switch contacts are connected by conductors that become terminals parallel with and spaced radially of the enclosure as they pass through an aperture in the housing. This aperture is closed by a closure on the terminals. Potting material is kept from intruding into the enclosure by a sealed closure which closes an open end of the enclosure and through which the conductors pass. The housing has an integral shroud surrounding the terminals to thereby form a connector plug structure for connetion with a mating connector plug structure leading to a circuit controlled by the switch assembly. The housing also has a triangular-shaped base containing apertures at each apex to provide for attachment of the housing to a wall.