Abstract:
A variable cam timing control module for an internal combustion engine having at least one cam position sensor, at least one solenoid to actuate a cam phasing device, a driven outer cam sprocket position sensor and a microcontroller. The microcontroller may receive a set point angle signal from the engine's Electronic Control Unit, which it compares with input signals from the driven outer cam sprocket position sensor and the at least one cam position sensor to determine the proper cam phase angle. The microcontroller then sends a signal to the at least one solenoid to adjust the corresponding cam phasing device so that the cam phase angle matches the commanded set point.
Abstract:
A phaser for an engine having at least one camshaft comprising a housing, a rotor, a control valve, an actuator, and a pulse wheel. The rotor connects to a camshaft coaxially located within the housing. The housing and the rotor define at least one vane separating a chamber in the housing. The vane is capable of rotation to shift the relative angular position of the housing and the rotor. The control valve is received by the rotor and directs fluid to the chambers of the phaser. The actuator positions the control valve and has at least one integrated position sensor, such that electrical connections for the actuator and the integrated position sensor are made through one connection, decreasing leakage of fluid from the phaser. A pulse wheel is mounted on the phaser for rotation therewith and in alignment with the integrated position sensor of the actuator.
Abstract:
A front cover for an internal combustion engine comprises variable cam timing (VCT) controls integrated into the cover, including a variable force solenoid (VFS) and a cam position sensor located in front of and operably connected to a cam phaser. In an embodiment of the invention, the engine cover, once assembled, comprises a single unit having an electronic interface module (EIM), VFS and position sensor integrated within said cover.
Abstract:
An electro-mechanical energy conversion device is provided having an armature with a central cavity. The armature is rotatably mounted in a frame. A torsion bar is positioned within the armature with one end connected to the armature and the other end connected with an energy source or consuming device.
Abstract:
An internal combustion engine in which the variable cam timing controls for a variable cam timing mechanism include a variable force solenoid mounted within a hollow portion of the camshaft. The variable force solenoid is maintained in place within the hollow camshaft by a tubular shaft fixed to the engine and a bearing between the solenoid and the variable cam timing mechanism.
Abstract:
An electromagnetic valve actuator system for controlling the operation of a valve in an internal combustion engine comprising a valve having a valve stem with a valve head at one end. The valve is reciprocable along the longitudinal central axis of the valve stem to alternatingly move the valve head between a first position and a second position. A first coil is positioned on a first laminated core having a gap and a thickness. A second coil is positioned on a second laminated core having a gap and a thickness. The gaps of the first and second cores are aligned. An armature on the valve stem passes through the gaps of the first and second laminated cores, such that when the armature is centered in either of the gaps at least a portion of the armature extends slightly passed the thickness of the other laminated core.
Abstract:
To reduce the noise caused by torsional reversals of a rotor hitting the phaser housing in a VCT cam timing system. A cam torque actuated phaser (phaser with check valves) the control loop is opened and rather then moving the spool valve to one end or the other end, the spool valve is moved just slightly off null. By doing this the oil ports in the spool passageways that control the motion of the phaser are restricted and the motion of the phaser is reduced. Therefore the noise of the phaser is reduced.
Abstract:
An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle. When wheel slip is reduced below the predetermined value the current to the clutch is incrementally reduced. The method of operating such a system is also described.
Abstract:
An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle. When wheel slip is reduced below the predetermined value the current to the clutch is incrementally reduced. The method of operating such a system is also described.
Abstract:
A usage control system for copiers and the like, adapted to connect to the copier through the existing accounting system connection. A check-operated device, such as a coin box or magnetic card reader, supplies the copier with a signal to initiate operation. When the operation has progressed, the copier supplies a signal intended to increment the counter in the accounting system. After a suitable delay, permitting completion of the copy cycle, the operate signal is reset, and the copier is disabled. As an option, power to the copier may be controlled. The system requires no internal connections or modifications to the copier.