Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for snap-fit attachment of a throttle shaft to a throttle body. A pair of resilient cantilevered tangs is formed on a distal end of the throttle shaft. Bearings are installed within a bore formed in the throttle body to rotatably support the shaft. The shaft is inserted through an opening in the bearings to compress the tangs and the tangs are resiliently returned to an extended position to prevent withdrawal of the shaft from the throttle body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for driving a throttle blade about an axis of rotation between maximum and minimum airflow positions. The throttle assembly includes a throttle body with an airflow passage. The throttle blade is mounted for rotation with respect to the body between the maximum and minimum airflow positions. The throttle blade has a central bore for receiving at least a portion of a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a motor operably connected to a gear drive to move the throttle blade between the maximum and minimum airflow positions. In one example, the drive mechanism is preassembled in a tube that is inserted into the blade bore during assembly. A position sensor is also mounted within the bore to monitor the position of the blade relative to the body.

Abstract: An active noise attenuation system (10) comprises a speaker (26) in communication with a flow body (78). The speaker (26) emits an output for attenuating noise from the flow body (78). A control unit (31) communicates with the speaker (26) and controls the output. A housing (14) has one volume (18) acting as a liquid storage chamber and another volume (22) acting as a speaker chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle electronic throttle control assembly includes a position controlling device that automatically returns the throttle assembly components to a home position. A generally arcuate spring interacts with a plate portion supported on a shaft that is associated with the throttle blade portion. The natural bias of the spring biases the shaft and blade portion into a home position. The position controlling device accommodates situations where the electric motor assembly of the throttle control arrangement fails to operate as desired or does not receive proper power or command signals, for example.

Abstract: The air induction system comprises an air induction body with a mouth and a speaker forming an interface with the mouth. A fender portion of a vehicle at least partially covers the interface, protecting the interface from environmental conditions. A control unit controls with the speaker to thereby generate a noise attenuating sound.

Abstract: A throttle shaft and butterfly construction is formed by molding both components from composite plastic, the shaft having integral bosses which are received in holes formed in the throttle plate. The bosses are ultrasonically or heat staked to lock the throttle plate onto the throttle shaft. The butterfly has ribs extending across a face of the butterfly substantially to the edge of the valve in a direction parallel to the flow of air across the butterfly to stiffen the butterfly and reinforcing ribs on the butterfly parallel to the throttle shaft to stiffen both the butterfly and the throttle shaft.

Abstract: The subject invention is a throttle return mechanism for an electronically controlled throttle that provides for the precise setting of a limp home throttle blade position. The throttle return mechanism includes a return spring with two legs attached to a fixed shaft, and a bracket attached to a drive mechanism. The bracket includes stops that engage the return spring as the bracket rotates about the fixed shaft. Each stop is cam shaped and rotatable to provide for adjustment of the limp home throttle blade setting. When the drive mechanism is disabled the legs of the return spring will engage the stops on the bracket and rotate the throttle blade to the limp home position. The second leg of the return spring will rotate and hold the throttle valve in a limp home throttle position to allow a driver to maneuver the motor vehicle.