Abstract:
An electro-mechanical actuator (100) including a motor (104) for driving an actuator output shaft (126) through a gear train and a drive belt (112) for coupling torque from the motor (104) to the gear train. In one embodiment, elastomeric motor supports (130) are provided between the motor (104) and an actuator housing (102).
Abstract:
An actuator including a motor having a drive shaft, and a gear train coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the gear train includes a plurality of output gears and an associated plurality of output ports for providing a mechanical output from the actuator. The gear train may be provided in a variety of configurations, and may include a worm gear and worm wheel configuration for reducing audible noise. Position sensing may be provided for determining the position of a movable element, e.g. one or more adjustable pedals of an adjustable pedal system. A controller may control the position of the movable element in response to a user input, and may facilitate auto-calibration of the element upon installation. Various configurations for isolating actuator components for reducing audible noise, including a sub-frame isolation configuration, are also provided.
Abstract:
An acoustic sensor (52) is disclosed to detect quality of oil or a lubricating liquid resident in a machine (30). The acoustic sensor (52) may include a piezoelectric element (56) configured as a resonator to indicate a change in the property of an oil or lubricating liquid as a function of resonant frequency. Such a sensor (52) may be positioned in an engine (32) having a lubrication system (40) and coupled to a signal processor (62) to provide an indication of when the lubricant has degraded to an extent requiring replacement. Processor (62) may be part of a monitoring system (60) including an output device (66) to provide the indication. In further aspect, sensor (52) is employed to detect viscosity of oil or another liquid residing in a machine in situ.
Abstract:
A rotary vane pump includes a housing that includes first and second plates respectively secured to first and second opposing sides of an intermediate plate. The intermediate plate includes a bore and inlet and outlet ports. The first and second sides respectively have first and second passages that are respectively in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet ports. The first and second passages are in fluid communication with the bore. The intermediate plate is reversible with respect to the first and second plates. A rotor is arranged in the bore. The rotor supports slidable vanes that are configured to pump fluid between the inlet and outlet ports.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed of testing operability of a vapor blocking valve (VBV) in a first passageway that is fluidly arranged between a fuel tank and a carbon canister. A canister valve solenoid (CVS) is arranged in a second fluid passageway that fluidly interconnects the carbon canister and an atmospheric port. The method includes obtaining a first desired pressure in the first passageway, closing the VBV, opening the CVS, monitoring a first test pressure in the first passageway with a pressure sensor, obtaining a second desired pressure in the first passageway, opening the VBV, opening the CVS, monitoring a second test pressure in the first passageway with the pressure sensor, comparing the first and second test pressures, and determining the VBV operability based upon the comparing step.
Abstract:
A trailer tow connector for a vehicle used in towing a trailer includes a housing that includes a body that has a cavity with electrical terminals that are configured to be in communication with a vehicle's electrical system. A cover is supported on the body and movable between a closed position in which the cavity is enclosed by the cover and an open position in which the cavity is accessible. A light is arranged in the housing and configured to illuminate the electrical terminals with the cover in the open position.
Abstract:
An actuator includes a housing, a motor that is mounted to the housing and operatively coupled to an output shaft, a first PCB that is arranged in the housing near the motor and includes a motor circuit, a second PCB that is arranged in the housing and spaced at a gap from the first PCB, and an electrical adapter that is arranged in the gap and operatively electrically connects the first and second PCBs. The adapter includes first and second ends opposite one another, and electrical elements extend between the first and second ends to first and second terminals that are respectively provided at the first and second ends. The electrical elements are arranged in a rigid enclosure that is configured to maintain the first and second terminals in fixed relationship to one another during assembly of the actuator.
Abstract:
An actuator module for a driveline assembly includes, among other things, a cover housing and a fork driving unit supported by the cover housing. The fork driving unit includes a fork driver and a pusher assembly coupled to the fork driver by spaced apart pusher ends. The fork driving unit also includes a drive assembly carried by the pusher assembly to translate the fork driver relative to the cover housing. The fork driving unit further includes a spring that biases the pusher assembly and fork driver to a neutral position.
Abstract:
A trailer tow connector including: at least one set of terminals for coupling to corresponding terminals of a trailer connector; a cover having a closed position for covering the terminals and an open position for providing access to the terminals for connecting corresponding terminals of the trailer connector thereto; a magnet coupled to the cover; and a magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field sensor being configured to provide a first output when the cover is in the closed position and a second output different from the first output when the cover is in an open position.
Abstract:
An electromechanical actuator including an output shaft structure coupled to an output gear to allow relative motion therebetween upon application of a predetermined level of force to the output shaft structure. The relative motion opens a normally closed conductive path between a motor for driving the output gear and a power supply input terminal. Integrated position control is provided whereby the conductive path is opened at limits to the range of motion for the output shaft established by location of the ends of stationary contacts. A fuel filler valve system and a method of providing pinch protection are also provided.