Abstract: An EGR valve for use in an engine includes a valve body defining an internal passage for the passage of exhaust gas through the valve and a bearing supported in the passage having a bearing surface including an end portion adjacent to the internal passage, with at least one groove formed within the bearing surface sufficient to create an air pocket that resists fluid intrusion into the bearing. A valve member is movable in the valve body for controlling exhaust gas flow through the passage and includes a shaft supported for reciprocating motion along the bearing surface of the bearing. A lubricious insert may also be provided in the bearing surface of the bearing adjacent the end portion of the bearing surface for inhibiting the formation of coking within the bearing.

Abstract: An EGR valve for use in an engine includes a valve body defining an internal passage for the passage of exhaust gas through the valve and a bearing supported in the passage having a bearing surface including an end portion adjacent to the internal passage, with at least one groove formed within the bearing surface sufficient to create an air pocket that resists fluid intrusion into the bearing. A valve member is movable in the valve body for controlling exhaust gas flow through the passage and includes a shaft supported for reciprocating motion along the bearing surface of the bearing. A lubricious insert may also be provided in the bearing surface of the bearing adjacent the end portion of the bearing surface for inhibiting the formation of coking within the bearing.

Abstract: A valve shaft scraping and filtering device for use in an engine valve includes a woven mesh annulus disposed within a valve assembly and surrounding the valve shaft such that the annulus gently scrapes the valve shaft as the valve shaft reciprocates within the valve assembly without interfering with shaft actuation. The annulus may be made with a high density weave and utilized as a filter or particulate seal to trap loose particulates which may be present within the valve.

Abstract: An EGR valve having a self-compensating bearing assembly for use with a valve member having a shaft reciprocable within a valve body, includes a rigid bearing member for providing radial support and axial guidance to the valve shaft as the shaft reciprocates in the valve body; and a pliant annulus supporting the bearing member, where the pliant annulus has a density and thickness sufficient to accommodate distortion of the rigid bearing member in response to changes in temperature without interfering with shaft actuation.

Abstract: An EGR valve having a self-compensating bearing assembly for use with a valve member having a shaft reciprocable within a valve body, includes a rigid bearing member for providing radial support and axial guidance to the valve shaft as the shaft reciprocates in the valve body; and a pliant annulus supporting the bearing member, where the pliant annulus has a density and thickness sufficient to accommodate distortion of the rigid bearing member in response to changes in temperature without interfering with shaft actuation.

Abstract: A valve shaft scraping and filtering device for use in an engine valve includes a woven mesh annulus disposed within a valve assembly and surrounding the valve shaft such that the annulus gently scrapes the valve shaft as the valve shaft reciprocates within the valve assembly without interfering with shaft actuation. The annulus may be made with a high density weave and utilized as a filter or particulate seal to trap loose particulates which may be present within the valve.

Abstract: A two-headed force-balanced poppet valve assembly wherein the spacing of the valve heads along the pintle shaft is directed by the spacing between the valve seats during assembly and wherein at least one of the valve heads is compliantly mounted on the pintle shaft. The valve body has a central chamber separating first and second valves disposed at opposite ends of the chamber for ingress an/or egress of gas or liquid, one of the valves opening into the chamber and the other valve opening out of the chamber. Axial motion of the pintle shaft causes the valves to be opened or closed simultaneously. One of the valve heads is fixed to the pintle shaft and the other valve head is axially slidable on the shaft and is retained thereon by swaging of the shaft. A compression spring is compressedly retained on the shaft inboard of the slidable head to continuously urge the head against the swage, thereby preventing the head from sliding inwardly along the shaft during valve actuation.

Abstract: Relatively simple partially or completely pressure balanced valves are disclosed having relatively low friction and gas forces to be overcome by a solenoid actuator. Various devices are provided for sealing of the valve members to maintain low leakage of gases through the valve or into the actuator. Movable members of the valve and actuator are engaged but physically separate so they may be separately replaced. Various actuators may by applied with various valve assemblies for flexibility in meeting the requirements of alternative applications.

Abstract: A poppet valve wherein centering of the valve stem and head and mating of the valve head to the valve seat are compliantly directed by contact with the valve seat. The poppet valve employs an integral radially-floating valve stem sealing guide or bearing in the valve body, permitting lateral compliant movement of the valve stem as required. The guide also is configured to form a face seal against the valve body, thus permitting the face seal and a valve actuator solenoid to be biased by separate, independent springs, each of which may be optimized for its particular function. Further, the valve head is tiltably and sealably disposed upon the valve stem to permit the valve head to be guided and oriented into the valve seat by contact with the seat itself.

Abstract: A three way valve for selectively controlling a flow of gas between one passage and at least one of two additional passages includes a valve assembly having a body including a lower chamber communicating with first and second oppositely disposed controlled ports having first and second opposed valve seats aligned on an axis. A third inlet/outlet port also communicates with the lower chamber. A valve member in the body includes a shaft that is reciprocably movable on the axis and carries at least one head with first and second axially spaced seat engaging surfaces that are, respectively, alternately engagable with the valve seats for closing their respective ports. A biasing spring urges the valve member in a first direction for closing the first port and opening the second port. An actuator includes an armature that operatively engages the shaft for moving the valve member in a second direction for opening the first port and closing the second port.

Abstract: A gas valve has a solenoid actuator which is energized to open the valve an de-energized to permit spring closure of the valve. A seal element is secured on the armature of the solenoid armature. The seal element has a skirt portion which sealingly engages an armature sleeve to inhibit exhaust gas vapors from entering the chamber housing the solenoid coil and electronic sensing elements. The solenoid actuator has a pole piece defining one end of the chamber. A plurality of vent slots formed in the pole piece provide communication to atmosphere for the chamber to permit removal of any inadvertent intrusion by moisture or vapor.

Abstract: An EGR valve useful for metering exhaust gas to the intake of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The EGR valve includes a base member through which exhaust gas passes and in which is disposed a valve member. An actuator housing is constructed with integral, hollow leg members for mounting the actuator to the base and also includes a valve stem passage which sealingly engages an opening in the base to provide a leak-free passage for the valve from the base to the actuator. A solenoid assembly disposed within the housing includes a bottom portion which is configured with openings to support fasteners which pass through the bottom and the hollow housing legs to engage corresponding faster openings in the base to fix the actuator housing to the base by placing the legs in compression thereagainst.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for metering exhaust gas to the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The valve assembly has a base which includes a passage communicating between the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold of the engine. The passage has a valve seat which is operable with a valve member to meter the flow of exhaust gas through the passage to the intake manifold. An actuator assembly is mounted to the base and is operably connected to the valve member to move the valve member into and out of engagement with the valve seat. The actuator assembly includes a solenoid having a magnetic circuit comprising stationary primary and secondary pole pieces and a moveable armature.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for metering exhaust gas to the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The valve assembly has a base which includes a passage communicating between the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold of the engine. The passage has a valve seat which is operable with a valve member to meter the flow of exhaust gas through the passage to the intake manifold. An actuator assembly is mounted to the base and is operably connected to the valve member to move the valve member into and out of engagement with the valve seat. The actuator assembly is constructed of an extruded housing having sides a bottom and support members extending from the bottom to position the actuator relative to the base. A stepped extension also extends from the bottom of the actuator housing and is press fit into an opening in the top of the base member to define a sealed passage for the valve stem between the base member and the actuator.