Abstract: A single or multi-hulled sailing craft has a stub mast 5 upstanding from the hull. A sail 10 has a luff edge 11 secured to a luff boom 20 and a foot edge 12 secured to a foot boom 21 which is connected to the lower end of the luff boom. Part way along the luff boom 20 a pivotal fitting 22 connects the luff boom to the stub mast 5, and a rigid swing boom 26 is pivotally connected between the foot boom 21 and the hull or the stub mast. The fitting 22 can be moved up and down the stub mast 5 by means of a tilt sheet. The swing boom can be connected to a carriage which moves transversely of the hull. The sail is self-tacking and its position is positively controlled to prevent collision of the sail with the stub mast.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for supporting and guiding a tool such as an ultra-high pressure water jet along a work surface, including a contour following assembly attached to a motorized lift vehicle. The contour following assembly includes a gimbals assembly with an instrument or tool carriage assembly, a positioning assembly that urges the gimbals assembly and the instrument carriage against the surface, and, optionally, a hydraulic, mechanical, or pneumatic pressure system that applies pressure to the positioning assembly. A scissors lift, hydraulic lift, telescoping arm, or other suitable device raises and lowers the apparatus. In operation, the gimbals assembly and the positioning assembly cooperate to maintain the instrument carriage in a user-selected position with respect to a work surface such as a ship hull, aircraft fuselage, storage tank, or the like. Depending on the type of tool selected, the apparatus may be used for cleaning or stripping surface coatings, buffing, painting, washing, and so forth.

Abstract: A self-contained floating vessel is configured as a self-propelled or barge-like floating hull. It is equipped with a vacuum exhaust unit configured to pull an air-stream vacuum, by means of pipe and hose lines, from ship cargo holds which contain residual particulate cargo. Primary and secondary collectors are used to separate the particulate cargo from the air-stream. The air-stream with particulate cargo is separated in the first collector by a series of baffles. Approximately ninety-five percent of the residual cargo drops to the bottom of and accumulates within the primary collector, where it is recovered through a dump valve in the collector. The remaining air-stream/particulate cargo mixture is pulled through the secondary collector, which filters and recovers the particulate from the air-stream by means of filters. The cargo particulate is also accumulated in the secondary collector, where it is recovered through a dump valve.

Abstract: A propelled cable fairing system for towing objects underwater having a plurality of cable fairings, which are individually propelled by motorized propulsion to avoid the thrust of propellers to overcome normally encountered drag heretofore utilized, which required use of longer and thicker cables resulting in a loss of control over the position of the towed object. In addition, the relative position of the propelled cable fairing system is maintained through a set of serially linked motor controllers that sense the relative position of each propelled cable fairing relative to it adjacent propelled cable fairing. Variation in position of the propelled cable fairing from a target, causes increase in speed of the motor or alters its angle of attack in order to keep the propelled cable fairings in predetermined alignment with the adjacent cable fairing.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for deploying, recovering, and servicing an AUV are disclosed. The apparatus includes a linelatch system that is made up of a tether management system connected to a flying latch vehicle by a tether. The linelatch system can be connected to a surface vessel by an umbilical on one end and to an AUV on the other end. In addition to providing a mechanical connection, between the AUV and a surface vessel, the linelatch system can also carry power and data between the surface vessel (i.e., through the umbilical) and the AUV.

Abstract: A marine advertising vessel comprises a floating member with superimposed deck supporting a display frame for mounting an advertising message or display well above water level to be readily visible along a shoreline. One or more vessels may be employed for an advertising display.

Abstract: A boat carrier 1 having a transverse frame 2-2a with adjustable width for a range of boat widths, a gunwale clamp 10 at each end of the frame, a seat 11 in the middle of the frame, and a wheel 5 attached to each end of the frame by a strut 6-6a. The strut is pivotally attached to the frame by a pivot attachment 7 that is lockable vertically downward, vertically upward, or horizontally. A user can clamp the frame transversely between the gunwales of a boat at the longitudinal balance point of the boat. The wheels can be locked downward, and the boat can be rolled on land by a single person without lifting a significant weight, and can be launched into water. When afloat, a person in the boat can pivot the wheel struts to a horizontal position, placing the wheels beside the boat where they serve as bumpers and stabilizing outriggers. The wheels can optionally be locked upward for rolling the boat inverted on land. The wheel struts telescope to a desired wheel extension to set the boat carrying height.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-sensitive warning device and a related method for visually detecting an increase in the temperature of the outer surface of an electrical insulator, which may indicate the unsafe flow of leakage electrical current through the electrical insulator, prior to a fire, an explosion or some other unsafe event. When the temperature of the outer surface of the electrical insulator increases to a preselected temperature, a visual indication of this rise in temperature will be provided by the ejection of a spool from a heat-sensitive warning device which has been attached to the outside of the electrical insulator.

Abstract: A pointer assembly (12) is disclosed, which is mounted to a conventional gauge assembly (14). The assembly includes a pointer (20) having an elongated tapered body (70), with the body (70) having a proximal end (76) and a distal end (78). Illumination from a light source (36) is provided to a light pipe (34) which transmits the collected light from the source (36) upwardly toward a base (22) at a point forward of a gauge shaft (30). The transmitted light is redirected by a beveled surface (100) toward the rear where the light is once again redirected by a second beveled surface (104) thereof The light then travels upwardly into the proximal end (76) of the pointer (20), where it is redirected toward the distal end (78) of the pointer (20) by a third beveled surface (90). A liner (96) is provided which is mounted to the underside of the pointer (20). Light rays encountering the liner are reflected upwardly through the top surface of the pointer body (70).

Abstract: A microwave plasma processing apparatus for producing plasma from processing gas by a microwave and processing a wafer or similar semiconductor by the plasma. The apparatus includes a mechanism which allows the areas of radiation ports formed in an upper electrode to be changed independently of each other. This allows a plasma distribution in a plasma processing chamber to be controlled in any desired manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for depositing titanium films at rates up to 200 Å/minute on semiconductor substrates from a titanium tetrachloride source. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a ceramic heater assembly with an integrated RF plane for bottom powered RF capability allows PECVD deposition at a temperature of at least 400° C. for more efficient plasma treatment. A thermal choke isolates the heater from its support shaft, reducing the thermal gradient across the heater to reduce the risk of breakage and improving temperature uniformity of the heater. A deposition system incorporates a flow restrictor ring and other features that allow a 15 liters/minute flow rate through the chamber with minimal backside deposition and minimized deposition on the bottom of the chamber, thereby reducing the frequency of chamber cleanings, and reducing clean time and seasoning. Deposition and clean processes are also further embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an HDP-CVD tool using simultaneous deposition and sputtering of doped and undoped silicon dioxide capable of excellent gap fill and blanket film deposition on wafers. The tool of the present invention includes: a dual RF zone inductively coupled plasma source; a dual zone gas distribution system; temperature controlled surfaces within the tool; a symmetrically shaped turbomolecular pumped chamber body; a dual cooling zone electrostatic chuck; an all ceramic/aluminum alloy chamber; and a remote plasma chamber cleaning system.

Abstract: A helicon wave, high density RF plasma reactor having improved plasma and contaminant control. The reactor contains a well defined anode electrode that is heated above a polymer condensation temperature to ensure that deposits of material that would otherwise alter the ground plane characteristics do not form on the anode. The reactor also contains a magnetic bucket for axially confining the plasma in the chamber using a plurality of vertically oriented magnetic strips or horizontally oriented magnetic toroids that circumscribe the chamber. The reactor may utilize a temperature control system to maintain a constant temperature on the surface of the chamber.

Abstract: A substrate is disposed in a reactor kept to be a vacuum state, a material gas is supplied into a space in front of the substrate, high-frequency electric power is supplied to the material gas to generate plasma based on electric discharge excitation in the front space of the substrate, and an amorphous silicon thin film is deposited on the substrate by chemical vapour deposition. Further, an electrode section comprising tubular electrodes supplying the material gas through a plurality of gas discharge openings, and tubular electrode sucking and evacuating gases to the outside through a plurality of gas suction openings. Thereby, a higher silane gas and the like generated during the film deposition can be removed from a reactive region immediately, and a thin film is deposited on the substrate surface with the same condition of the film deposition at any spot of the substrate surface. Consequently, the amorphous silicon thin film with film quality may be deposited on the large-area substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of performing an animal-related action regarding at least a part of the body of an animal is proposed. The apparatus includes a cleaning tool (15), adapted to be brought into contact with the part of the body, a support (16, 17) provided to support the cleaning tool (15), and a drive element (18, 24) provided to move the cleaning tool (15) along the contour of the part of the body. A sensor (34) is provided to sense the contact of the cleaning tool (15) and the animal. Furthermore, a processor (36) is provided to determine the position of the part in response to the sensor.

Abstract: A heated bed for dogs, cats or other animals which can provide a selected amount of heat to the animal depending upon environmental temperatures. The bed includes a hollow blanket casing within which is disposed at least three layers of foam insulation material placed one on top of another. A removable heating element is interposed between two adjacent layers of the foam material and supplies heat to the animal resting on the bed. The amount of heat delivered to the animal is regulated by selectively positioning the heating element between different adjacent layers of the foam material. The heating element is connected to a power source via a step down transformer which converts high voltage energy into lower voltage energy to minimize the danger of serious shock to the animal.

Abstract: An assembly for adjusting the vertical height of a pipe in an animal waterer includes a bracket for securing the assembly to pen gating and a locking portion for locking the pipe at a particular height. The bracket includes a plurality of retaining loops having an arch portion with a pin protruding inwardly therefrom. The locking portion, having a locked position and an unlocked position, urges the pipe to engage the pins of the retaining loops in the locked position. In the unlocked position, the locking portion allows the pipe to move away from the pins so that the pipe may slide for height adjustment.

Abstract: A self attaching, rugged animal feeding bowl for use in cages, kennels, compounds, and/or animal transportation containers. The bowl is constructed of a rigid hard surfaced polymer. The material used is molded with a heavy wall thickness which greatly reduces the possibility that an animal will be able to penetrate the surface with teeth, claws, bills or beaks thus reducing the risk of destruction of the bowl and harm to the animal. The bowl has an attachment apparatus including a slot for receiving a wire of an animal enclosure. The attachment member includes a male/female coupling which sandwiches the wires of the enclosure between the male/female members when the coupling is engaged. Ribs including a center rib support and reinforce the attachment apparatus as it is secured to the bowl. The attachment apparatus may be formed in two sections that interlockingly engage each other. A guard may be incorporated for preventing the spillover of food from the enclosure to the surrounding area.

Abstract: A carrier for small animals includes a removable front wall which serves as a door, as well as a removable bottom wall which serves as a sliding floor. An animal is captured by removing the sliding floor, enclosing the animal from above, and replacing the sliding floor. The sliding floor and door are provided with an interlock to regulate removal and replacement of floor and door.

Abstract: A steam generator which is both suitable for a horizontal mode of construction and offers the advantages of a continuous steam generator. According to the invention, a steam generator has at least one continuous heating surface disposed in a duct where hot gas circulates in a substantially horizontal direction. The heating surface consists of a plurality of parallel and almost vertical pipes which are used to circulate a fluid, and is configured in such a way that the fluid circulating in a tube heated to a greater temperature than the following tube of the same continuous heating surface has a higher flow rate than the fluid circulating in the following tube.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides an automotive fan shroud and method of making. The invention fan shroud includes an integral liquid reservoir at its left and right upper corners. The fan shroud has separate upper and lower halves formed by injection molding. The upper and lower halves have interengaging flanges for being assembled to each other to form a full fan shroud, thus simplifying assembly and subsequent servicing. The liquid reservoirs are initially formed with open tops that are closed by the insertion of a fixedly attached reservoir cover, each cover having a filler neck and a cap.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having first and second synchronized subassemblies. The subassemblies are synchronized by a mechanical linkage of their crankshafts to provide identical timing between corresponding pistons in the two subassemblies.

Abstract: When an engine is operated at a low and medium speed range, since the combustion pressure introduced into a pressure chamber of a valve drive unit is relatively small, a control valve is projected toward the cylinder by the biasing force of a spring so as to lower the upper edge of the exhaust port. At the same time, in conjunction with this motion of the control valve, a resonance chamber is opened so as to communicate between the resonance chamber and the exhaust port, thereby the engine power is increased. When the engine is operated at a high speed range, since the combustion pressure is relatively large, the control valve goes away from the cylinder so as to enlarge the exhaust port and at the same time, in conjunction with this motion of the control valve, the resonance chamber is closed, thereby the engine power is increased.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having at least one and preferably two cylinders each with a reciprocating piston, and a compressor which has a reciprocating piston driven by the engine to compress a rich fuel and air mixture within the compressor to inject the mixture directly into the combustion chamber of each engine cylinder. The mixture is ignited by a spark plug to drive the pistons of the engine through their power strokes and rotate an associated crankshaft which is connected to a compressor crankshaft to reciprocate the piston within the compressor and thereby compress and then inject the fuel and air mixture into the engine cylinder. A carburetor preferably supplies an enriched fuel and air mixture to the compressor to reduce the complexity of the system. The fuel and air mixture is preferably substantially atomized through nozzles adjacent each cylinder to improve combustion of the mixture.

Abstract: A breather valve and arrangement for an internal combustion engine, having a scavenge hole that is open for a relatively long period of time relative to piston travel. Scavenge hole preferably subtends an angle of between 20° and 150°, and preferably is open from between 30° and 135° of piston travel. A method of replacing an existing breather valve with this novel breather valve is also described. Other arrangements for achieving the advantages of the novel breather valve are also described.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for changing a valve timing and duration of a valve in an internal combustion engine. The mechanism includes a camshaft drive (20), support and housing system (19), and an adjusting mechanism (24-28) which provides for adjusting, according to engine speed, a distance between an axis of the camshaft (17) and the valve train.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of internal combustion engines that embody a variable valve timing mechanism for varying the valve timing during engine operation. The variable valve timing mechanism includes at least one VVT device that is located at a position that is remote from the cam shaft and in each embodiment is mounted in the cylinder block.

Abstract: A balancing device for a reciprocating engine is provided which is improved so as not to disturb the compactification of an engine. There is provided a balancing device for a reciprocating engine comprising two balance shafts 10L, 10R gear connected to each other, a chain/sprocket mechanism 9, 11, 12 for coupling at least one 10L of the balance shafts with a crankshaft 1 in an interlocking fashion, a chain tensioner 14 for automatically adjusting the tension of the chain 12 and a pump receiving portion 22 integrally provided in a balance shaft holder 16 for supporting the balance shafts for receiving a rotor 21B of a lubricating oil pump 21, the balancing device being characterized in that the rotor of the lubricating oil pump is directly connected to the other balance shaft 10R, and that the chain tensioner is disposed on an shaft end side of the other balance shaft.

Abstract: Piston for an internal combustion engine has a top ring land with a diameter differential of at least 0.3% of the major diameter to eliminate the risk of cylinder polishing.

Abstract: A lubricating apparatus for an engine of an outboard motor comprises an oil pan disposed in a lower portion of an engine in a mounted state thereof and provided with an oil accumulating tank, an oil strainer for straining an oil accumulated in the oil accumulating tank, an oil pump for supplying strained oil to an inside portion of the engine, the oil strainer and the oil pump being mounted to a structural member such as pump case disposed above the oil pan so as to be connected to each other, and an oil suction pipe extending from the oil strainer to a bottom portion of the oil accumulating tank.

Abstract: A grooved double combustion chamber rotary engine includes a rotary compression unit, a rotary gas motor unit, and a combustion chamber, the rotary compression unit being connected to the respective rotary gas motor unit and the combustion chamber to constitute a stroke, and two strokes being alternating to achieve power output.

Abstract: An improved porting and cylinder head arrangement for a multi-valve overhead valve internal combustion engine. The porting arrangement in the cylinder head permits the use of two separate and relatively large intake passages beneath which a fuel injector can be conveniently positioned without obstruction of the shape or configuration of these intake passages. A separate control valve body is fixed to the cylinder head for controlling the flow through the intake passages independently of each other while providing a common intake that can be valved by a single throttle valve.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is disclosed, which is capable providing compression release engine braking in combination with exhaust gas recirculation while maintaining main exhaust and main intake valve events of constant magnitude during both positive power and engine braking. The system is also capable of providing a constant level of desired overlap between main exhaust and main intake valve events during both positive power and engine braking. The system may provide the foregoing functions by using first and second valve actuation subsystems to provide the full spectrum of exhaust valve motions. Both the first and second subsystems may receive an input motion from a valve train element. The first subsystem operates only when the engine braking system is enabled. The second subsystem operates both during positive power and during engine braking.

Abstract: A disc type throttle stop selectively regulates the power of an internal combustion engine by controlling the flow between an air metering device and the intake valves and presents substantially no restriction to the flow in the full open position of the throttle stop at wide open throttle conditions of the engine.

Abstract: A throttle valve for throttling the combustion air flow for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, having a body with a throat, a butterfly in the throat to throttle flow, and a shaft connected to the butterfly to operate it. The shaft has an arm that abuts a throttle stop to maintain the butterfly in an almost-closed (or idle) position. The arm has an opening that permits access to the head of the throttle stop to adjust the throttle stop when the throttle valve is in the almost-closed position. The opening is located so that a tool such as a hex wrench can pass through the opening and engage a socket in the head of the throttle stop, pemitting it to be rotated and adjusted. The throttle shaft and arm are preferably integrally molded of plastic, and the throttle stop head is preferably larger than the threaded shaft of the throttle stop.

Abstract: A throttle valve control device for controlling the amount of inlet air fed to an internal combustion engine has a throttle valve disposed in an air intake passage, a throttle shaft integrally connected with the throttle valve so as to rotate with the throttle valve in a body, a driving source for generating driving torque, and a driving torque transmitting mechanism disposed between the driving source and the throttle shaft for transmitting the driving torque to the throttle shaft. The driving torque transmitting mechanism includes a torque limiting mechanism for limiting the transmitted driving torque to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method of injecting fuel in multicylinder engines. A fuel pre-pressure is generated to be converted within acceleration pipes by opening controlled shutoff valves and recirculating fuel to a fuel pump inlet. The fuel under pre-pressure is conveyed via a fuel pump into a pre-pressure common rail common to several engine cylinders. This pre-pressure is only a fraction of the required injection pressure. When the pre-pressure is exceeded, fuel is fed from the pre-pressure common rail, via pressure-limiting valves, into a return common rail common to several engine cylinders. The shutting off of the shutoff valves provokes a steep rise of fuel pressure, due to a water hammer effect. This produces a high-pressure wave since the closed shutoff valve supplies high pressure for fuel injection through the respective injection nozzle associated with the shutoff valve. One acceleration pipe is used for every shutoff valve between the pre-pressure common rail and the return common rail.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for injecting fuel into a diesel engine using a pulsating flow pump for improving the fuel performance of the engines by controlling the beginning and the end of the injection. It comprises a device (20) controlling the closing and opening of the nozzle needle (5) provided with a discharge circuit (21, 21′) controlled by an electrovalve (25) in branched connection between the high pressure supply conduit (7) and the low pressure return conduit (8). The discharge circuit (21, 21′) comprises a discharge valve (22) whereof the opening and the closing are slowed down by a calibrated orifice (23). The discharge valve (22) located upstream of a discharge orifice (27) provided on the return conduit (8) enables to deviate part of the non-injected fuel flow towards the nozzle needle (5) to exert thereon a closing pressure. Consequently, this results in a better control over the opening and closing of the nozzle needle (5).

Abstract: A fuel line for an internal combustion engine is provided by forming a metallic tube into regions with folds and other regions without folds. As a result, a flexible metallic conduit is formed which can be easily bent during assembly to an internal combustion engine. The fuel line does not require elastomeric seals or other non-metallic elements. As a result, the fuel line is highly flame resistant and abrasion resistant and can be manufactured less expensively than more complicated composite fuel lines known to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: The present invention describes a deflector clip (200) for a fuel injector (100) in an internal combustion engine. The deflector clip (200) has a clip portion (205) and a deflector portion (210). The clip portion (205) has a fixed arm (270) and an adjustable arm (265), which form a slot (275) for mounting the deflector clip (200) onto the fuel injector. The deflector portion (205) deflects the hydraulic fluid draining from the fuel injector. The deflector clip (200) is design to fit any fuel injector having a tolerance within the minimum and maximum tolerances for a fuel injector. In an alternate embodiment, several deflector clips (200) are arranged in a deflector clip assembly (400, 500) having a wiring harness (402, 502) for the fuel injection system.

Abstract: An automotive variable valve timing engine arranged to control the quantity of intake air to be supplied to a cylinder by regulating valve timings of an intake valve. An intake air quantity measuring device is provided for measuring the intake air quantity. An intake air quantity estimating system is provided including a control unit which is programmed to carry out (a) judging that a trouble arises in the intake air quantity measuring device, so as to provide a judgment result, and (b) calculating the intake air quantity in accordance with the valve timing of the intake valve, upon providing the judgment result.

Abstract: A fuel transfer and conditioning unit for an automotive vehicle includes a reservoir with a generally cylindrical filter element and a pump module contained within the reservoir and extending within the filter element. A combination valve prevents forward flow of fuel through the pump module unless the filter element is installed within the reservoir and also prevents reverse flow of fuel from the engine in the event the filter element is removed for maintenance.

Abstract: In an electronic fuel injection apparatus which controls a fuel injection timing of a fuel injection pump for a diesel engine through a timing control valve, when the time during which a present final feedback correction quantity obtained by adding, to the last final feedback correction quantity, the present feedback correction quantity which is computed according to a difference between an actual fuel injection timing and a target fuel injection timing, reaches a lower limit or an upper limit and also the difference is outside a predetermined range, lasts for a predetermined time, controlling a timing control valve is stopped.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the purging of vapor from a carbon canister based on identification of a vacuum loss in the manifold. The system and method of the present invention store target values for the tank pressure and purge duty cycle. A differential pressure between current system levels and target levels is calculated and compared to predetermined critical levels. If the currently calculated level exceeds a calibrated threshold value, a countdown timer is set and reset until the calculated differential drops below the threshold value. If the engine air mass drops below a critical calibrated air mass value before the timer has completed counting down, the purge flow is reset and slowly reintroduced to prevent rich engine air/fuel ratio conditions.

Abstract: A fuel vapour extraction system is described for an internal combustion engine (10) that is supplied with a volatile liquid fuel from a fuel storage tank (20). The engine (10) has an air intake system (12, 14, 16) and a liquid fuel injection system for dispensing fuel to mix with air to be burnt in the engine. The fuel vapour extraction system includes a volatizing chamber (30) connected to the fuel storage tank (20) by a valve (26) serving to maintain a constant liquid level of fuel in the chamber (30). A pipe (42) connected to one or more vacuum sources leads into the vapour space above the liquid level in the chamber (30) and maintains a reduced pressure in the volatizing chamber.

Abstract: A pressurized fuel tank maintains fuel in its liquid phase and is connected to a fuel pump providing fuel to an accumulator. Control valves control fuel flow to injectors feeding fuel to combustion cylinders. When the engine is shut down, one way check valves connected between the control valves and the injectors close to seal the injectors from the control valves; and at the same time, a dump valve opens to connect the injectors to an adsorber device while an air inlet valve also opens to connect the adsorber device to the engine air inlet. When the engine is restarted, the check valves open and the dump valve and air inlet valve close. Subsequently, a purge valve opens to connect the adsorber device to a source of purge air, while the air inlet valve opens simultaneously. A purge process then occurs, whereupon the purge valve and air inlet valve simultaneously close, and the engine operates with the dump valve, the air inlet valve and the purge valve in closed position until the engine shuts down again.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and vaporizing a liquid hydrocarbon fuel supplied to an internal combustion engine includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A venturi shaped inner sleeve of the apparatus is heated to promote vaporization of the liquid hydrocarbon fuel injected into the interior of the housing. Exhaust may be introduced into the interior of the housing and mixed with the vaporized and heated fuel. Further heating of the mixture can result in reformation of at least a portion thereof to a clean usable fuel prior to its introduction into an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A simplified EGR valve for automotive engines is actuated by compact single or dual solenoids having a short stroke. The short stroke is made possible by one or more annular orifices in a preferably flat valve seat or valve plate, the orifices being fed from both radially inner and outer sides upon opening movement of the valve plate a short distance away from the valve seat. The use of annular orifices allows a relatively large gas flow through the valve with a short stroke or movement of the valve plate. This permits the use of a solenoid or solenoids of relatively low power and mass. The valve may be operated by pulse width modulation of an electrical signal controlled by the vehicle ECM to vary the percentage of open time of the valve in order to vary EGR flow in a known manner. Thus, the need for a valve position sensor and feedback control is avoided which, together with reduced actuator mass and volume, provides a substantially reduced cost and operating complexity for the system.

Abstract: An EGR module has a valve containing a main flow passage having a valve member that controls exhaust gas flow through the passage. An internal pressure sensing passage communicates pressure at one side of an orifice in the main flow passage to a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor and an EVR valve are integrated with the body of a fluid pressure actuator that operates the valve member. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine intake module (10; 60) integrates elements of a PCV system, including a PCV valve (40) and a channel, or conduit, (102) for conveying gaseous fluid.