Cooper-standard Automotive, Inc.

Cooper Technology Services, LLC

Tim Wade

Neil P Henige

Tom White

A positive crankcase ventilation valve assembly including a housing having a fluid inlet and outlet. A poppet valve is arranged in the housing between the fluid inlet and outlet and is movable in a axial direction between a plurality of positions. The positions respectively define a plurality of fluid flow rates. A plurality of ribs extend radially from either the poppet valve and the housing in an axial direction. The ribs define a bearing surface between the housing and the poppet valve. In this manner, the poppet valve is supported within the housing with a reduced bearing surface area while aligning the poppet valve relative to the housing throughout its movement between the positions. In another embodiment, the poppet valve is eliminated to prevent problems associated with an improperly operating poppet valve. A diaphragm is arranged in the housing between the fluid inlet and outlet. The diaphragm has an orifice, which may be defined by a hole and a plurality of slots extending outwardly from the hole, defining first and second areas, respectively, in first and second positions. The first and second positions respectively define first and second fluid flow rates. The diaphragm moves axially in response to pressure fluctuations on the valve, which changes the area of the orifice to vary the flow rate through the orifice.

PCV valve guide

A PCV valve assembly including housing having a fluid inlet and outlet. A poppet valve is disposed in the housing between the fluid inlet and outlet and is moveable in an axial direction between a plurality of positions. A heating element having a positive temperature coefficient material is supported in the housing in proximity to at least a portion of the valve for automatically heating the valve in response to a given voltage. The material produces a first heat in response to a first temperature and the given voltage. The material produces a second heat less than the first heat produced in response to the given voltage and a second temperature greater than the first temperature. That is, the positive temperature coefficient material automatically regulates the flow of current and the temperature produced without the need of a thermostat in response to the same voltage. A hose may also be used defining an air passageway and having a length is connected between the fluid outlet and an intake manifold respectively at first and second connections. The hose has a heating element arranged substantially along the length for applying heat to the bare passageway. An electrical device is connected to the heating element for providing power to the heating element to generate heat. In this manner, air entering the intake manifold in proximity to the throttle blade is heated to maintain a higher temperature to prevent blade icing.

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Rochester Hills, MI, United States of America

Tim Wade