Abstract: A vehicle accelerator pedal apparatus has a fixed base (i.e., a base fixed with respect to the vehicle upon which the apparatus is used) and an accelerator pedal pivot-mounted with respect to the base. The improvement comprises a frame pivot-mounted with respect to the base and defining an included angle therebetween. A sensor is mounted on the frame and an articulated linkage extends between the pedal and the sensor. A position-adjustment mechanism coacts between the base and the frame and sets the included angle. In a highly preferred embodiment, the mechanism includes plural, spaced-apart apertures through a base wall. Each aperture is in registry with a separate radial normal to the pedal pivot axis and by extending a pin through any one of the apertures, the included angle between the fixed base and the movable frame may be adjusted. In a specific embodiment, the spacing between any adjacent pair of radials is about 6.degree..

Abstract: A vehicular accelerator pedal apparatus for electronic control of vehicle engine speed. The apparatus has a pedal position sensor with a rotatable stem, an accelerator pedal and an actuator bar extending from the pedal toward the sensor mounting bracket. In the improvement, the actuator bar is connected to a drive shaft which is pivot-mounted on the bracket. An actuator linkage is coupled to and pivoted by the drive shaft and extends between such the drive shaft and the sensor stem. The linkage includes first and second links imparting rotary motion to the stem when the linkage is pivoted by movement of the pedal. The second link is available in several different lengths and the apparatus thereby accommodates each of several different sensors by using a second link having the length appropriate for a particular sensor.

Abstract: A combination check and vent valve assembly for an automotive engine fuel system. The valve assembly has a fuel passage through a housing with an inlet communicating with a fuel pump outlet and an outlet to supply fuel to the engine. A check valve is disposed within the fuel passage which is normally closed when the fuel pump is not operating, and will open when the inlet fuel pressure exceeds the outlet fuel pressure. A normally closed vent valve is disposed within the fuel passage upstream of the check valve and serves as a moveable seat for the check valve, which will open when the valve assembly outlet fuel pressure is greater by a predetermined value than the fuel pump outlet pressure to bleed fuel through the passage and to the pump to reduce the outlet fuel pressure to a predetermined minimum pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus having an input device (e.g., a steering wheel) which rotates about an input axis and moves an output device which provides a force along a force axis. The devices are coupled together by a cam follower mechanism which converts input torque to an "output" linear force exerted by a flexible cable or rigid rod acting along the force axis. When flexible cable is used, it can be mounted concealed in the hull of a boat, for example, and coupled to a steering-type jet nozzle or steering rudder. Thus, rotation of the steering wheel is used to manipulate the nozzle or rudder position. When manufactured, the cam follower mechanism is readily configured to provide any, some or all of a number of custom features as described herein. A new method is also disclosed.