Abstract: A variable force solenoid is described, wherein the solenoid has a relatively long stroke and a relatively low profile. The solenoid includes an armature with at least one tapered surface and a pole piece with at least one tapered surface. The armature and the pole piece may each be provided with multiple tapers on more than one surface thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor having a stator with a magnetized rotor rotatably positioned in the stator. The stator and the rotor each have at least two magnetic poles. At least one of the stator poles has a different area confronting the poles of the rotor than the other stator poles. An air gap is positioned between each of the at least two stator poles and at least two rotor poles. The distance of the air gap between each stator pole and each rotor pole is different. A coil is wound upon a bobbin which is placed about at least one of the stator poles. Altering the confronting area of the stator poles allows a larger bobbin and coil to be placed about the stator pole.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exhaust gas recirculation valve incorporating a DC motor and a dual poppet valve assembly. A motor is contained inside of the actuator housing. The motor has a rotatable motor shaft with a first gear connected to the end of the motor shaft. A second gear is engageable to the first gear and is configured to rotate in response to the movement of the first gear and the motor shaft. The second gear is also connected to a pin member disposed through the top portion of a shaft member that has two poppet valves disposed on to the shaft. The two ends of the pin member are slidably engageable to either an upwardly or downwardly sloped ramp portion. When the second gear rotates the shaft rotates and moves upward or downward to cause the valve members to move between an open and closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a linkage assembly for obtaining a mechanical advantage having a first lever having a first end and a second end. The first and second levers are connected by mechanical connection. The mechanical connection is made of the second end of the first lever as being a pin that is slidable disposed within a slot formed on the second end of the second lever. In order to prevent build up of debris between the slot and the pin another embodiment of the present invention incorporates the use of anti-contamination members. Another embodiment of the invention involves placing a guard member on the pin in order to prevent the build up of debris between the pin and slot. The guard member includes scrapers that will scrap debris off the slot as the pin slides along the slot.

Abstract: Many devices, such as a turbocharger, use an apparatus to control their functions. For example, pneumatic and electric actuators are used to provide positional control of a mechanism on the turbocharger. The actuator must connect to the vehicles electrical system to provide suitable communication and control of the actuator. They must also have internal control and interconnection of devices such as sensors, electronic control unit, external electrical connector, and internal electrical connections. The electrical connections, placement of sensor, and placement of the controller are critical to the performance, reliability, and cost of the actuator. The control and interconnection system will provide the aforementioned requirements including a “quick connect” capability for electrical connections and ease of assembly.

Abstract: A lead frame disposed within the confines of an engine cover, having an insulating portion and an electrically conducting portion. The conducting portion has at least one electrically conducting interconnect. Both the insulating portion and the electrically conducting portion form an integral piece for retaining and accurately positioning devices within an internal combustion engine. The lead frame includes a plurality of retaining elements for retaining or positioning of at least some of the devices; and an electrical connector member extending outside the confines of the internal combustion engine, the electrical connector member having a plurality of electrically conducting terminals in electrical communication with at least some of the devices within the internal combustion engine by means of the at least one electrically conducting interconnect, whereby at least some of the devices are retained and accurately positioned within the internal combustion engine.