Abstract: A steering assembly for steering a vehicle in response to a steering input, the steering assembly includes an axle extending between a pair of wheels, a plurality of linkages, a primary electric drive source, and a secondary electric drive source. The plurality of linkages includes a pair of knuckles operatively coupled to the wheels, a tie rod extending between and coupled to the pair of knuckles, and a drag link attached to one of the knuckles. The primary electric drive source is operatively attached to the drag link, and moves the drag link in response to the steering input to transfer movement through the plurality of linkages to turn the wheels. The secondary electric drive source is operatively attached to one of the plurality of linkages to move the one of the plurality of linkages in response to the steering input and independently from the primary electric drive source.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expansion valve, designed especially for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle, that comprises a valve housing with a first high-pressure side port, a second low-pressure side port, and a channel disposed therebetween through which refrigerant can flow. The valve includes a sliding element that is arranged in the channel and can move along a longitudinal axis, wherein an aperture restricts the flow of refrigerant through the channel, and the size and shape of the aperture is defined by the size and shape of the sliding element and the position of the sliding element in the channel. The expansion valve is easy to manufacture and can be universally used based in part on the sliding element extending completely through the channel.

Abstract: A flare fitting assembly includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member adapted to be cooperatively coupled together. The first coupling member has a first through bore with one end adapted to accept and retain a first tube. The second coupling member has a second through bore adapted to be disposed upon a second tube with an outwardly flared end. An arcuately shaped seating surface is disposed within the first through bore of the first coupling member. A conically flared seating surface is disposed within the second through bore of the second coupling member adapted to engage an outer surface of the flared end of the second tube such that a line seal is formed between the inner surface of the flared end of the second tube and the arcuate surface when the first and second coupling members are cooperatively coupled.

Abstract: A service valve for a CO2 refrigerant based air conditioning system in a vehicle. The service valve includes a dynamic seal that is opened and closed during servicing of the air conditioning system. The dynamic seal provides for good overall sealing as well as good permeation resistance.

Abstract: A service valve for a CO2 refrigerant based air conditioning system in a vehicle. The service valve includes a dynamic seal that is opened and closed during servicing of the air conditioning system. The dynamic seal provides for good overall sealing as well as good permeation resistance.

Abstract: A method of exchanging heat that includes flowing a high pressure, high temperature fluid within a tubing generally along a first direction and flowing a low pressure, low temperature fluid within a first gap formed between a first wall and a first portion of the tubing positioned nearest the first wall and a second gap formed between a second wall and a second portion of the tubing that is positioned nearest the second wall.

Abstract: A service valve for a CO2 refrigerant based air conditioning system in a vehicle. The service valve includes a dynamic seal that is opened and closed during servicing of the air conditioning system. The dynamic seal provides for good overall sealing as well as good permeation resistance.

Abstract: A service valve for a CO2 refrigerant based air conditioning system in a vehicle. The service valve includes a dynamic seal that is opened and closed during servicing of the air conditioning system. The dynamic seal provides for good overall sealing as well as good permeation resistance.

Abstract: An accumulator with an inlet port comprising a deflector for use in an air conditioning or refrigeration system, and a method for use thereof are disclosed. In operation, the accumulator is provided between the evaporator and compressor of an air conditioning or refrigeration system. Vaporized refrigerant is conveyed from the evaporator into the accumulator through an inlet port having a deflector. The deflector deflects the refrigerant from the inlet port in a spray pattern to reduce the velocity of the refrigerant thereby avoiding turbulence in the accumulator. In another embodiment, a vapor conduit inside the accumulator for conveying refrigerant to an outlet port has an open vapor inlet end with chamfered cut edges pointing away from the inlet port to avoid liquid from splashing into the vapor conduit.

Abstract: An accumulator with an inlet port comprising a deflector for use in an air conditioning or refrigeration system, and a method for use thereof are disclosed. In operation, the accumulator is provided between the evaporator and compressor of an air conditioning or refrigeration system. Vaporized refrigerant is conveyed from the evaporator into the accumulator through an inlet port having a deflector. The deflector deflects the refrigerant from the inlet port in a spray pattern to reduce the velocity of the refrigerant thereby avoiding turbulence in the accumulator. In another embodiment, a vapor conduit inside the accumulator for conveying refrigerant to an outlet port has an open vapor inlet end with chamfered cut edges pointing away from the inlet port to avoid liquid from splashing into the vapor conduit.

Abstract: A flare fitting assembly includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member adapted to be cooperatively coupled together. The first coupling member has a first through bore with one end adapted to accept and retain a first tube. The second coupling member has a second through bore adapted to be disposed upon a second tube with an outwardly flared end. An arcuately shaped seating surface is disposed within the first through bore of the first coupling member. A conically flared seating surface is disposed within the second through bore of the second coupling member adapted to engage an outer surface of the flared end of the second tube such that a line seal is formed between the inner surface of the flared end of the second tube and the arcuate surface when the first and second coupling members are cooperatively coupled.

Abstract: A seal fitting including a generally frusto-conical male component with a plurality of annularly stepped portions on its exterior surface and an annularly extending groove defined on one end. A frusto-conical elastomeric seal is also provided in contact with the stepped portions on the male component and a female component is provided that has a frusto-conical opening adapted to receive the male component and compress the frusto-conical seal between the male and female components.

Abstract: A seal fitting including a generally frusto-conical male component with a plurality of annularly stepped portions on its exterior surface and an annularly extending groove defined on one end. A frusto-conical elastomeric seal is also provided in contact with the stepped portions on the male component and a female component is provided that has a frusto-conical opening adapted to receive the male component and compress the frusto-conical seal between the male and female components.

Abstract: A refrigerant charge valve for a refrigerant system includes a housing adapted to receive a refrigerant system component of the refrigerant system having refrigerant flowing therethrough. The housing has a cavity and a passageway fluidly communicating with a refrigerant charge port of the refrigerant system component. The refrigerant charge valve also includes a valve core disposed in the cavity of the housing to open and close the passageway to allow and prevent access to the refrigerant.