Abstract: A solenoid operated fluid control valve. The control valve has a plastic housing that supports a coil winding. A valve plunger and a stop member both of which are formed of magnetic material carry magnetic flux developed by energization of the coil winding. Opposed end faces of the plunger and stop member are spaced from each other to form an air gap that is traversed by the magnetic flux. The length of the air gap can be adjusted. To accomplish this, the stop member has a threaded portion that is threaded into a portion of the plastic housing. A cap member, formed of plastic material, is provided that is coupled to the stop member in a manner that prevents relative rotation between the cap member and stop member. After the air gap is adjusted, the cap member is ultrasonically welded to the housing.

Abstract: The actuator is disposed in the damper piston rod and includes a solenoid with a reciprocating plunger, a motion converting mechanism which converts solenoid reciprocation to rotation of an input driver, an intermediate driver rotatable with the input driver, a rotatable output driver connected to a valve adjusting rotor in the damper piston, and a torsion spring between the intermediate and output drivers. The spring holds the output driver in a following relation to the intermediate driver so that when pressure spikes immobilize the valve rotor and output driver, the input driver can continue to rotate to a control position. When rotor mobility returns, the spring automatically advances the output driver and valve rotor to the same position which would have been achieved had the rotor not been temporarily immobilized.

Abstract: An automatic belt tensioner has a vacuum motor which is stroked by a variable vacuum source such as a gasoline engine intake to drive a one-way device which is operatively connected to rotate a nut in one direction. A nut is threadably engaged with a nonrotatable screw member and is connected to a pivotal support member. When the nut is rotated in one direction by the vacuum motor and the one-way device, the screw member is moved longitudinally to pivot the pulley support in a direction to increase belt tension. The reaction force between the nut and screw member which is proportional to belt tension is applied to a vacuum cut-off mechanism which disconnects the vacuum source from the vacuum motor so that a predetermined belt tension is maintained.

Abstract: A cylindrical case for a dynamoelectric machine has an open axial end and an inner axial stop surface inside said end. A stator assembly has peripheral ears abutting the inner axial stop surface and a guide ear projecting radially into an axial guide channel in the case extending from the open end to the inner axial stop surface. An end cap has a plurality of tabs extending radially into a circumferential groove in said case adjacent the axial stop surface, the tabs being wedged against ramps on the peripheral ears of the stator assembly. The cylindrical case is provided with a plurality of axial tab guide channels from the open end to the circumferential groove so that the end cap can be inserted in the case axially from the open end to the circumferential groove and twisted until the tabs engage the ramps.

Abstract: A field assembly for a dynamoelectric machine, particularly for electric engine cranking motors. The field assembly is comprised of a one piece field frame member formed of a high density compacted atomized iron powder. The one piece frame has a generally tubular configuration and has radially inwardly extending pole portions and outer axially extending grooves radially aligned with the pole portions. The frame carries a plurality of field coils which respectively circumscribe the pole portions of the frame. A pole face plate engages each end of a respective pole portion of the frame and a part of each field coil is located between a face plate and an inner wall of the frame. The pole plates are fixed to the frame by parts extending therefrom which pass through openings formed in the frame that extend between the interior of the frame and the outer frame grooves. These parts are headed over in the area of the grooves to secure the pole plates to the frame.

Abstract: An automotive alternator end frame includes a slotted portion to which a threaded terminal is to be attached. A square shanked bolt is inserted into an insulating grommet comprising spaced washer members supported by a central sleeve of square cross section. The bolt and grommet are assembled to the frame from the outside thereof by sliding the grommet into the slot with the washers overlying the opposed surfaces of the housing. One of the washers is connected to the sleeve through a thin web member so that when a nut is tightened onto the bolt, the web deforms or fractures so that the washer spacing can conform to the frame thickness.