Start up system for motorized vehicle

Plug connector

The invention relates to a modularly constructed plug connector comprising at least one plug module which can be plugged into a housing module and can be latched in the housing module, wherein the plug module and the housing module are in each case formed for receiving contact elements, and wherein the plug module has a locking arrangement at least at one outer side by means of which contact elements which are arranged in the plug module and/or in the housing module can be locked.

Fuel injector

A fuel injector comprising a valve member which is engageable with a valve seating to control fuel delivery from the injector, an actuator arrangement and an amplifier arrangement for transmitting movement of the actuator arrangement to the valve member. The amplifier arrangement comprises a piston member with which the actuator arrangement is cooperable to apply a retracting force to the piston member, and a control chamber for fluid. The amplifier arrangement preferably comprises a mechanical coupling arrangement for coupling movement of the piston member to the valve member upon application of an initial retracting force to the piston member. The amplifier arrangement is arranged such that, upon application of the initial retracting force, the valve member is caused to move with the piston member away from the valve seating, movement of the valve member being decoupled from the piston member following initial movement of the valve member away from the valve seating so as to provide variable ...

Driver circuit for an ion measurement device

A driver circuit is described for an ion measuring device associated with a cylinder of a diesel engine for the measurement of the conductivity of the combustion gas present in the cylinder, wherein a negative voltage can be applied by the driver circuit to a glow plug serving as a sensor and associated with the cylinder for a respective ion measurement. The negative voltage is generated by a capacitor which is correspondingly charged each time the glow plug is switched off via the magnetic energy stored in the internal inductance of the glow plug.

System for externally referenced ratiometric signal processing

A device for externally referenced ratiometric signal processing includes an external signal source and a control module. The external signal source has an external voltage reference supply for generating an external reference voltage and a gain & offset circuit for generating a signal voltage. The value of the signal voltage is varies so that the ratio of the signal voltage to the external reference voltage is proportional to the position of a transducer. The control module receives the signal voltage and the external voltage reference. The control module includes an analog to digital converter that converts the signal voltage to a digital signal. The digital signal is proportional to the ratio of the signal voltage to the external reference voltage. A microprocessor may then use the digital signal to infer the position of the transducer.

Locking system for adjustable position steering column

The vehicle steering column has a rake adjustment and a telescope adjustment. The adjustment mechanism includes a compression bracket with a telescope slot, a rake bracket with a rake slot and a rake bolt that passes through the telescope slot and the rake slot. A wedge lock is mounted on the rake bolt and positioned in the rake slot and the telescope slot. Rake and telescope teeth on the wedge lock are held out of engagement with a rake tooth rack and a telescope tooth rack during rake and telescope adjustment. The rake bolt is tightened to hold a selected adjustment position and the telescope teeth on the wedge lock engage the telescope tooth rack. During a collision the rake teeth on the wedge lock are moved into engagement with the rake tooth rack to fix the rake and telescope adjustments.

AM/FM dual grid antenna

An antenna disposed on glass including first and second spatially separated grid portions is disclosed. The first grid portion is electromagnetically coupled to the second grid portion to provide reception of AM and FM signals.

Piezoelectric Device

A piezoelectric device comprising a device body bearing encapsulation means to protectively encapsulate the device body wherein the encapsulation means includes an ion exchange membrane.

INDUCTIVE METHODS OF DATA VALIDATION FOR DIGITAL SIMULATED TWINNING THROUGH SUPERVISED THEN UNSUPERVISED MACHINE LEARNING AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FROM AGGREGATED DATA

An exemplary embodiment may provide a process for providing digital twins by parsing a dataset into a tabulated format and forming multiple silos from the dataset. The silos may include relational databases related to the digital twins. Personas may be formed as algorithms which specialize in a particular silo. An exemplary embodiment may be agnostic to the specific application and/or domain specific. Advanced cron jobs may feed digital twins (“personas”) that autonomously adjust behavior based on search criteria-specialization and synthesized analysis of both inputs and outputs. Exemplary personas may be constructed with machine learning, artificial intelligence, stored procedures, and unique specialized databasing to generate reporting, modify data, and socialize with other personas in agreed upon spaces to create control within a three-dimensional world in IoT networks.

Injection nozzle

An injection nozzle for use in delivering fuel to a combustion space comprises a nozzle body provided with a blind bore within which a valve member is slidable. The valve member comprises a first region of substantially frusto-conical form defining a seating surface which is engageable with a valve seating surface, defined by the blind bore, to control fuel delivery from the injection nozzle, and a second region arranged such that, when the valve member is seated against the valve seating surface, in use, the second region is located downstream of the valve seating surface. The first region subtends a first cone angle which is greater than a second cone angle subtended by the second region.

Active deadtime control for improved torque ripple performance in electric machines

A method for implementing active deadtime control of an inverter associated with an electric motor is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving a command voltage signal indicative of a desired load to be driven by the motor. Based upon the value of the command voltage signal, a determined value of deadtime is applied to switching circuitry in the inverter, wherein the value of deadtime relates to an amount of time in which the switching of a device in the switching circuitry is delayed so as to prevent a short circuit condition within the inverter.

Spray hole profile

A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine comprising a nozzle body having at least one spray hole. The at least one spray hole has a hole entry on the inside of the nozzle body and a hole exit on the outside of the nozzle body. The spray hole is provided with a hole entry section which, starting from the hole entry, has a flow area which decreases from a relatively larger flow area at the hole entry to a relatively small flow area at the intersection between the end of the hole entry section and the start of a hole exit section. The hole exit section, starting from the intersection with the hole entry section, has a flow area which increases from a relatively small flow area at the intersection with the hole entry section to a relatively larger flow area at the hole exit.

FLUID COOLED ENCAPSULATED MICROELECTRONIC PACKAGE

An encapsulated microelectronic package includes a fluid conducting cooling tube directly coupled to one or more semiconductor chips, with the encapsulant being molded over the semiconductor chips and portions of the cooling tube in proximity to the semiconductor chips. The encapsulant immobilizes the cooling tube with respect to the semiconductor chips, and the cooling tube and encapsulant are designed to minimize differences in their coefficients of thermal expansion relative to the semiconductor chips. 1. A microelectronic package , comprising:a semiconductor chip;a fluid-carrying cooling tube disposed in proximity to a first surface of said first semiconductor chip, said cooling tube being formed of thermally and electrically conductive material;a thermally and electrically conductive bonding material disposed between said cooling tube and the first surface of said semiconductor chip, thermally and electrically bonding said cooling tube to said first surface; anda plastic encapsulant molded over said semiconductor chip and portions of said cooling tube in proximity to said chip,wherein said first surface of said first semiconductor chip is an active surface, said microelectronic package includes a substrate on which a second active surface of said first semiconductor chip is mounted, and said plastic encapsulant is molded over portions of said substrate in proximity to said semiconductor chip, andwherein said cooling tube extends through an opening found in said substrate and is thermally and electrically coupled to said substrate.2. The microelectronic package of claim 1 , wherein said cooling tube is copper and said thermally conductive bonding material is indium solder.3. The microelectronic package of claim 1 , wherein said cooling tube is utilized as an electrical terminal of said first semiconductor chip.4. The microelectronic package of claim 1 , wherein said cooling tube has an inlet portion extending through a first opening in said substrate and an ...

PUMP FOR DOSING FLUIDS

A pumping assembly is provided which is suitable for use in a variety of dosing pumps. The pumping assembly comprises a pump body with a pump bore, and a sleeve fixed within the pump bore. The sleeve has a first end, a second end and a sleeve bore. A plunger is adapted to enter the first end of the sleeve and to reciprocate within the sleeve bore. The sleeve has at least one port to allow fluid flow through a wall of the sleeve. The, or each, port is elongated in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction of reciprocation. 1. A pumping assembly comprising:a pump body with a pump bore, and a sleeve fixed within the pump bore and having a first end, a second end and a sleeve bore; anda plunger adapted to enter the first end of the sleeve and to reciprocate within the sleeve bore;wherein the sleeve has at least one port to allow fluid flow through a wall of the sleeve, and wherein the at least one port is elongated in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction of reciprocation.2. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said at least one port is formed as an elongate slot.3. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the long edges of the elongate slot formed with the sleeve bore are substantially orthogonal to an axis of the sleeve bore.4. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pumping assembly comprises two or more ports each formed as an elongate slot claim 1 , and wherein the long edges of the elongate slot formed with the sleeve bore are substantially parallel to each other.5. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 4 , wherein one of the two or more ports has a leading edge closer to the second end of the sleeve than the leading edge of any other of the two or more ports claim 4 , wherein the leading edge of a port is the long edge of the port closer to the second end of the sleeve.6. A pumping assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pump body comprises a gallery around the at least one port of the sleeve to ...

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION SYSTEM THAT ABSORBS MULTI-CONNECTOR POSITIONAL MATING TOLERENCE VARIATION

A ganged electrical connection system includes an arrangement defining a plurality of receptacles. A plurality of first connectors is receivably coupled in the plurality of receptacles. A plurality of second connectors is matable to the plurality of coupled first connectors of the arrangement along mating axes. Positional mating tolerance variation associated with the plurality of second connectors in relation to the plurality of coupled first connectors manifested at the plurality of receptacles when the plurality of second connectors are mated to the plurality of coupled first connectors is absorbed by the arrangement. The plurality of the plurality of second connectors mate with the plurality of coupled first connectors in a single unimpeded, uninterrupted mating connection. A ganged electrical system for an electric-type vehicle is also presented. 1. A ganged electrical connection system comprising:an arrangement defining a plurality of receptacles and including a plurality of first connectors being receivably coupled in the plurality of receptacles; anda plurality of second connectors matable to the plurality of coupled first connectors of the arrangement along mating axes, and the plurality of coupled first connectors have respective floatable movement in the respective plurality of receptacles that absorb said positional mating tolerance variation during mating of the plurality of second connectors to the plurality of coupled first connectors, said floatable movement in the respective plurality of receptacles occurs in at least one of an X-axis and a Y-axis direction about the respective mating axes orthogonal to the respective mating axes in the respective plurality of receptacles,wherein said positional mating tolerance variation associated with the plurality of second connectors in relation to the plurality of coupled first connectors manifested at the plurality of receptacles when the plurality of second connectors are mated to the plurality of coupled ...

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEM HAVING AN ELECTRICAL CENTER FOR A VEHICLE

An electrical and electronic system having a control unit connected to a remotely located electrical center by way of a data bus. The electrical center includes a bus interface unit and a main printed circuit board having a plurality of control devices such as relays, which selectively activate vehicle electrical circuits based on instructions from the control unit. The bus interface unit is that of a daughter board configured to be plugged into the main board of the electrical center, such as a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) interface board, and the data bus may be a LIN bus. 1. An electrical and electronic system for a motor vehicle , comprising:a control unit for sending command signals;an electrical center remotely spaced from said control unit, wherein said electrical center includes a main printed circuit board having a plurality of control devices and a bus interface unit electrically connected to said main printed circuit board; anda data bus connecting said control unit to said bus interface unit of electrical center.2. The electrical and electronic system of claim 1 , wherein the control unit is a vehicle body control module.3. The electrical and electronic system of claim 1 , wherein the data bus is a serial data bus.4. The electrical and electronic system of claim 3 , wherein the serial data bus is a LIN bus or a CAN bus.5. The electrical and electronic system of claim 1 , wherein said control devices are relays configured to activate vehicle electrical circuits.6. The electrical and electronic system of claim 1 , wherein the said bus interface unit is a daughter board having a plurality of integrated circuits.7. The electrical and electronic system of wherein said daughter board includes standard multi-pin connectors configured to electrically connect to said main printed circuit board of electrical center.8. The electrical and electronic system of claim 1 , wherein said bus interface unit includes:a microcontroller for generating a control signal;a ...

ROOF MODULE WITH STORAGE ASSEMBLY

An overhead console for a vehicle interior, comprising a storage module provided with a housing having an aperture, a cover pivotally mounted on the housing, a receptacle is pivotally mounted to the cover between a folded position and an unfolded position. The storage module can be set in a storage configuration, cover closed and receptacle folded inside the housing, or in a deployed configuration, cover open and receptacle unfolded allowing the user to easily grab an object stored in the receptacle. The storage configuration requires minimal height in the overhead module and the deployed configuration provides maximum accessibility. 1. An overhead console for a vehicle interior having a storage module , said overhead console comprising:a housing having an aperture;a cover pivotally mounted on the housing about a first axis between a closed position and an open position with regard to the aperture; anda receptacle mounted on the cover so that in the closed position the receptacle is inside the housing being inaccessible to a user and, in the open position the receptacle is outside the housing being accessible to the user;wherein, the receptacle is pivotally mounted to the cover about a second axis, parallel to the first axis, between a folded position wherein the receptacle is in abutment against the cover and an unfolded position wherein the receptacle is rotated away from the cover so that, the storage module can be set in a storage configuration, the cover being in the closed position and the receptacle being in the folded position inside the housing to retain an object stored in the receptacle and, can be set as well in a deployed configuration, the cover being in the open position and the receptacle being in the unfolded position open upwardly and toward the user to allow the user to grab said object more easily.2. The overhead console of claim 1 , wherein the overhead console further comprises a driving device so that rotation of the cover about the housing ...

PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE

A valve assembly includes a housing with a supply port receiving working fluid from a working fluid source, a control port connected to a working device, and a vent port for returning working fluid to the working fluid source. A spool with a spool bore in fluid communication with the control port controls the flow of working fluid between the supply port and the control port and between the control port and the vent port. An actuator assembly selectively alters the position of the spool. In a high pressure mode, the supply port is in fluid communication with the spool bore at a first pressure. In a pressure relief mode, the vent port is in fluid communication with the spool bore. In a pressure regulating mode, the supply port is in fluid communication with the spool bore at a second pressure which is less than the first pressure. 1. A valve assembly having a housing with a longitudinal bore , a supply port in fluid communication with said longitudinal bore for receiving working fluid from a working fluid source , a control port in fluid communication with said longitudinal bore for communicating working fluid to and from a working device , and a vent port in fluid communication with said longitudinal bore for returning working fluid to said working fluid source , said valve assembly comprising:a spool slideably disposed in said longitudinal bore for controlling the flow of working fluid between said supply port and said control port and between said control port and said vent port, said spool having a spool bore extending axially thereinto and in fluid communication with said control port; andan actuator assembly for selectively altering the position of said spool in said longitudinal bore to achieve a valve mode selected from the group consisting of a high pressure mode, a pressure relief mode, and a pressure regulating mode;wherein said supply port is in fluid communication with said spool bore at a first pressure when said spool is positioned in said longitudinal ...

POWER CHARGING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD THAT INCLUDES A LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL DEVICE OPERABLE WITH PULSE WIDTH MODULATION (PWM) CONTROL

A power charging assembly and methods are provided to provide a pre-charge low-current state, a steady-state, high-current charging state, and an unconnect state for an electrical load of an electrical propulsion system in a hybrid electrical vehicle (HEV). The power charging assembly includes a positive contactor device, a negative contactor device, and a non-contactor device means. The rate at which that electrical load is pre-charged may be effectively controlled by using a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal received by the non-contactor device means. A current-only carrying positive or negative contactor may be configured with the non-contactor device means to further prevent electrical arcing of the contacts of the positive and the negative contactor during power charging assembly operation. 1. A power charging assembly used in an electrical propulsion system for a hybrid electric vehicle to electrically charge at least one electrical load , comprising:a negative contactor device outputting a return electrical signal to a battery and receiving a return electrical signal from the at least one electrical load;a positive contactor device receiving an electrical signal from the battery and outputting an electrical signal to the electrical load; anda low-voltage electrical device means adapted for receiving an electrical signal from the battery and outputting an electrical signal to the electrical load.2. The power charging assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the low-voltage electrical device means is at least one solid-state electrical device.3. A power charging assembly used in an electrical propulsion system for a hybrid electric vehicle to electrically charge at least one electrical load claim 1 , comprising:a negative contactor device outputting a return electrical signal to a battery and receiving a return electrical signal from the at least one electrical load;a positive contactor device receiving an electrical signal from the battery and outputting an ...

VISION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING A FIELD OF VIEW DEPENDENT UPON DETECTING AN OBJECT

A vision system in a vehicle and a method for operating the system. The system displays a field of view that is a portion of an image of an area proximate to the vehicle. The system includes an object detection means that provides an indication of an object being present in the area proximate to the vehicle. The field of view is selected at least in part based on the detection of the object, such as directing the field of view toward the object so the vehicle driver can more easily discern the presence of the object in a display. 1. A system for displaying a field of view comprising a portion of an area proximate to a vehicle , said system comprising:a camera adapted to capture an image of the area;an object detection means adapted to detect an object presence in the area; anda display adapted to display the field of view, wherein the field of view is selected based on the object presence.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the object detection means comprises a radar device.3. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the object detection means is configured to detect an object in an area alongside and extending rearward of the vehicle.4. The system in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the object detection means is configured to detect an object in a blind spot adjacent the vehicle.5. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein a first field of view is displayed when the object presence is not detected claim 1 , and a second field of view distinct from the first field of view is displayed when the object presence is detected.6. The system in accordance with claim 5 , wherein the first field of view has a first zoom factor that corresponds to a sideview mirror zoom factor claim 5 , and the second field of view has a second zoom factor less than the first zoom factor.7. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a transmission indicator adapted to indicate a transmission selection claim 1 , and the field of ...

DUAL VIEW DISPLAY SYSTEM USING A TRANSPARENT DISPLAY

A dual view display system to display two different images in substantially opposite direction using a single transparent display to time-multiplex the images and shutter devices to alternately block each side from being viewed according to the image being displayed. 1. A dual view display system for displaying properly oriented images in substantially opposite directions , said system comprising:a transparent display configured display a first image oriented for a first side during a first time period and display a second image oriented for a second side opposite the first side during a second time period distinct from the first time period;a first shutter device configured to allow a view of the first side during the first time period, and block the view of the first side during the second time period; anda second shutter device configured to allow a view of the second side during the second time period, and block the view of the second side during the first time period.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the first shutter device comprises a first liquid crystal device (LCD) claim 1 , and the second shutter device comprises a second LCD device.3. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the first shutter device comprises an electrowetting type device claim 1 , and the second shutter device comprises an electrowetting type device.4. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the first shutter device comprises a first electrochromic glass device claim 1 , and the second shutter device comprises a second electrochromic glass device.5. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a touch sensitive surface configured to determine that an object is touching the system to indicate a location in the first image claim 1 , said system further configured to indicate a corresponding location on the second image.6. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the first shutter device is further configured to allow a ...

MULTIPLE VIEW DISPLAY SYSTEM USING A SINGLE PROJECTOR AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME

A system and method to display a plurality of different images at multiple distinct locations using a single image projector and an image propagation control means to control a propagation pathway from the projector to a display at each location. 1. A system to display a plurality of different images at a plurality of locations , said system comprising:an image projector configured to project each image during a distinct time period; andan image propagation control means configured to control a propagation pathway from the projector to each location in accordance with the image output by the image projector.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the system is installed in a vehicle.3. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a display at each location configured to display the image projected to the location.4. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the image projector is configured to project a first image during a first time period claim 1 , and project a second image during a second time period distinct from the first time period.5. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the image propagation control means comprises a minor assembly configured to direct the first image toward a first location during the first time period claim 1 , and direct a second image toward a second location distinct from the first location during the second time period.6. The system in accordance with claim 5 , wherein the minor assembly comprises an electrically switchable transreflective minor (ESTM) configured to reflect the first image toward the first location when the ESTM is operated to a reflection state claim 5 , and pass the second image toward the second location when the ESTM is operated to a transparent state.7. The system in accordance with claim 5 , wherein the minor assembly comprises a beam splitter claim 5 , a first shutter device claim 5 , and a second shutter device claim 5 ,wherein the beam splitter is ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING FLUORESCENT MATERIAL TO DISPLAY INFORMATION ON A VEHICLE WINDOW

A system to selectively display a symbol at a location on a vehicle window. The system includes an arrangement of a fluorescent material at the location, wherein the fluorescent material: a) is sufficiently transparent in the absence of ultraviolet (UV) light, b) fluoresces when illuminated with UV light, c) and has a shape corresponding to the symbol, and a UV light source configured to illuminate the location with UV light to display the symbol. Such a system may use unfocused UV light sources to illuminate the symbol shaped fluorescent material as opposed to focused UV light sources such as UV lasers. 1. A system to selectively display a symbol at a location on a vehicle window , said system comprising:an arrangement of a fluorescent material at the location, wherein the fluorescent material: a) is sufficiently transparent in the absence of ultraviolet (UV) light, b) fluoresces when illuminated with UV light, c) and has a shape corresponding to the symbol; anda UV light source configured to illuminate the location with UV light to display the symbol.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the shape of the symbol is such that information is conveyed to a viewer of the symbol when the location is illuminated.3. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the vehicle window is a windshield.4. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the vehicle window is a rear window.5. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the arrangement comprises a plurality of symbols each located at a distinct location claim 1 , and the UV light source is configured to effectively illuminate each distinct location with UV light to selectively display each symbol.6. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the fluorescent material includes a first material that fluoresces at a first color and a second material that fluoresces at a second color claim 1 , and the first material and the second material are arranged such that distinct portions of the symbol ...

METHOD OF PROVIDING TRIM DATA FOR A FUEL INJECTION DEVICE

A method of providing electronic trim data for a fuel injection device to an engine system, the method comprising: reading an identifier associated with the fuel injection device; accessing a database containing trim data associated with the identifier; downloading the trim data for the fuel injection device; uploading the downloaded trim data to the engine system for use in controlling fuel injection device operation. 1. A method of providing electronic trim data for a fuel injection device to an engine system , the method comprising:reading an identifier associated with the fuel injection device;accessing a database containing trim data associated with the identifier;downloading the trim data for the fuel injection device;uploading the downloaded trim data to the engine system for use in controlling fuel injection device operation.2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the reading step comprises scanning a code region on the fuel injection device in order to obtain the identifier.3. A method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the code region comprises a two dimensional matrix barcode.4. A method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the reading step additionally comprises reading compressed trim data from the code region.5. A method as claimed in claim 4 , further comprising using the compressed trim data to error check the downloaded trim data.6. A method as claimed in claim 4 , further comprising uploading the compressed trim data to the engine system in the event the downloading step fails.7. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the reading step comprises scanning the fuel injection device with a barcode scanner.8. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the identifier read in the reading step is sent to a computer and the accessing step comprises the computer connecting to the database.9. A method as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the database is located remote from the computer and a connection between the database and the computer is established via the ...

ZERO BACKLASH GEARING

Each generic gear includes one tooth disposed in each of the sockets, and each tooth extends radially outward from one of the sockets and throat thereof. The teeth of the generic gear include resilient material adjacent the throat for compressing and allowing movement of each tooth relative to the outer periphery. In the species of FIG. , each tooth is entirely of the resilient material and diverges or circumferentially widens from adjacent the throat to define a gap from the throat to the outer periphery. In the species of FIG. , each tooth has a shell integral with the hub and a core of the resilient material fills each shell and extends into the socket to define a crescent-shaped gap with the socket end. 1. A gear for transmitting mechanical power comprising;a hub having an outer periphery and defining sockets about said outer periphery,each of said sockets extending radially from said outer periphery into said hub and each terminating in a socket end,each of said sockets including a throat narrower circumferentially than said socket end,a gear tooth disposed in each of said sockets and extending radially outward from each of said sockets and said throat thereof,and each of said teeth including a resilient material adjacent said throat for compressing and allowing movement of said tooth relative to said outer periphery of said hub.2. A gear as set forth in wherein said resilient material of each of said teeth and each of said sockets define at least one gap therebetween.3. A gear as set forth in wherein each of said gear teeth has a proximal end disposed in said sockets and being circumferentially wider than said throat.4. A gear as set forth in wherein each of said teeth extend radially outward from each of said sockets and said throat thereof to a top land surface.5. A gear as set forth in wherein said outer periphery defines bottom land surfaces circumferentially spaced from one another and interleaved with said sockets about said outer periphery.6. A gear as ...

HARMONIC DRIVE CAMSHAFT PHASER WITH PHASE AUTHORITY STOPS

A camshaft phaser includes a housing with a harmonic gear drive unit disposed therein. The harmonic gear drive unit includes a circular spline and a dynamic spline, a flexspline disposed radially within the circular spline and the dynamic spline, a wave generator disposed radially within the flexspline, and a rotational actuator connectable to the wave generator. One of the circular spline and the dynamic spline is fixed to the housing. A hub is rotatably disposed radially within the housing and attachable to the camshaft and fixed to the other of the circular spline and the dynamic spline. A first arcuate input stop member is rotatable with one of the circular spline and the dynamic spline and is received within a first arcuate output opening defined by at least a first arcuate output stop member rotatable with the other of the circular spline and the dynamic spline. 1. A camshaft phaser for controllably varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an internal combustion engine , said camshaft phaser comprising:a housing having a bore with a longitudinal axis;a harmonic gear drive unit disposed radially within said housing, said harmonic gear drive unit comprising a circular spline and an axially adjacent dynamic spline, a flexspline disposed radially within said circular spline and said dynamic spline, a wave generator disposed radially within said flexspline, and a rotational actuator connectable to said wave generator, wherein one of said circular spline and said dynamic spline is fixed to said housing in order to prevent relative rotation therebetween;a hub rotatably disposed radially within said housing axially adjacent to said harmonic gear drive unit and attachable to said camshaft and fixed to the other of said circular spline and said dynamic spline in order to prevent relative rotation therebetween;a first advance stop surface fixed to a first surface and projecting axially from said first surface toward a second surface, wherein ...

CAMSHAFT PHASER INTERMEDIATE LOCKING PIN AND SEAT

A vane-type camshaft phaser for an internal combustion engine includes an intermediate locking pin and seat for locking the camshaft phaser at a position intermediate of its full advanced and retard positions. A feature is provided for radially orienting the locking pin with the seat. 1. A camshaft phaser for advancing and retarding the timing of valves in an internal combustion engine , said camshaft phaser comprising:a stator having a plurality of lobes;a rotor selectively rotatably disposed within said stator and having a plurality of vanes interspersed with said stator lobes;a locking pin slidably disposed in a first bore of one of said stator and said rotor, said locking pin having a pin locking end, a shoulder end, a pin intermediate section between said pin locking end and said shoulder end, and a longitudinal axis;a seat for selectively receiving said pin locking end of said locking pin to secure said rotor against rotation within said stator; anda means for radially orienting said locking pin relative to said seat.2. The camshaft phaser of further comprising a locking pin bushing fixedly received in said first bore claim 1 , said locking pin bushing comprising a locking pin bore for slidably receiving said locking pin.3. The camshaft phaser of wherein said radially orienting means comprises:an anti-rotation face located on said locking pin; andan anti-rotation pin projecting into said locking pin bore of said locking pin bushing, wherein said anti-rotation pin interacts with said anti-rotation face to prevent radial rotation of said locking pin in said first bore.4. The camshaft phaser of wherein said anti-rotation face is located on said pin intermediate section of said locking pin.5. The camshaft phaser of wherein only a portion of the outside radial surface of said anti-rotation pin projects into said locking pin bore of said locking pin bushing.6. The camshaft phaser of wherein said outside radial surface of said anti-rotation pin interacts with said ...

DUAL VIEW DISPLAY SYSTEM

A dual view display system that displays two different images in different directions using a single display device to alternately time-multiplex the images and two shutter devices operated in coordination with the time-multiplexing to alternately allow or block viewing of the alternating images. 1. A dual view display system comprising:a display device configured to display a first image on a display surface during a first time period and display a second image distinct from the first image on the display surface during a second time period distinct from the first time period;an optical element overlaying the display surface, said optical element configured to direct images displayed on the display surface toward a first direction and a second direction distinct from the first direction;a first shutter device configured to allow viewing of the display surface through the optical element from the first direction during the first time period, and block viewing of the display surface from the first direction during the second time period; anda second shutter device configured to allow viewing of the display surface through the optical element from the second direction during the second time period, and block viewing of the display surface from the second direction during the first time period.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the optical element defines a first direction surface oriented substantially normal to the first direction claim 1 , a second direction surface oriented substantially normal to the second direction claim 1 , and a third direction surface oriented substantially parallel to the display surface.3. The system in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the first shutter device overlays the first direction surface and the second shutter device overlays the second direction surface.4. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the optical element comprises a plurality of prisms claim 1 , wherein each prism defines a first direction ...

HANDLING ASSISTANT APPARATUS FOR TWO-BODY CONNECTED VEHICLE

A handling assistant apparatus for two-body connected vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus is applied to a two-body connected vehicle including a tractor and a trailer, the tractor and the trailer having different turn radius. A static signal acquisition means acquires static signals of the tractor and the trailer. A moving orientation signal acquisition means acquires moving orientation signals of the tractor and the trailer. A video signal acquisition means acquires original video signals. An angle acquisition means is mounted at the joint point of the tractor and the trailer and acquires an angle signal between the moving orientations of the tractor and the trailer. A dynamic signal generation means generates dynamic signals of the tractor and the trailer based on the original video signals, the static signals, the moving orientation signals and the angle signal. The dynamic signal reflects a prediction of the moving orientation and a position of the tractor and the trailer. A dynamic signal presentation means presents the dynamic signal. 1. A handling assistant apparatus for a two-body connected vehicle , applied to a two-body connected vehicle including a tractor and a trailer , the tractor and the trailer having different turn radius , the handling assistant apparatus comprising:a static signal acquisition means for acquiring static signals of the tractor and the trailer;a moving orientation signal acquisition means for acquiring moving orientation signals of the tractor and the trailer;a video signal acquisition means for acquiring original video signals;an angle acquisition means for acquiring an angle signal between the moving orientations of the tractor and the trailer;a dynamic signal generation means for generating dynamic signals of the tractor and the trailer based on the original video signals, the static signals of the tractor and the trailer, the moving orientation signals of the tractor and the trailer and the angle signal between the moving ...

VENTED BATTERY PACK

A lithium battery includes a lithium cell package disposed within an enclosure having means to route gases vented from the package in a controlled fashion. A plurality of enclosures may be stacked, defining a vent conduit for collecting and routing gases vented from any of the plurality of enclosures. Means for interfacing a gas conveyance means to the vent conduit are provided. In a further aspect, the enclosure may include features to control the location in the cell package at which vented gases are released. 1. An apparatus comprising an electrochemical cell in a cell package disposed within an enclosure , said enclosure having means to substantially prevent gas vented from the cell package from escaping to the exterior of the enclosure except through a venting means defined in the enclosure.2. The apparatus of further comprising means for defining where venting in the cell package will occur in the event of pressure within the cell package exceeding the burst strength of the cell package.3. The apparatus of wherein the means for defining where venting in the cell package will occur comprises means for reinforcing a region of the cell package that does not encompass the entire cell package claim 2 , so as to define an unreinforced region wherein venting in the cell package will occur.4. A multiple cell battery comprising a plurality of enclosures each containing at least one cell package claim 2 , each enclosure having means to substantially prevent gas vented from the at least one cell package from escaping to the exterior of the enclosure except through a venting means defined in the enclosure.5. The multiple cell battery of claim 4 , further including sealing means to substantially prevent gas vented from at least one cell package from escaping to the exterior of the battery at an interface between adjacent enclosures.6. The multiple cell battery of wherein the venting means of a plurality of enclosures cooperate to define a vent conduit in fluid ...

VEHICLE CAMERA SYSTEM

A vehicle camera system having features to attract the attention of a vehicle driver for discerning an object about the vehicle. The vehicle camera system has a camera configured to view an area about a vehicle and an infrared sensor configured to detect an object at a location within the area. The system includes a display that shows an image of the area and highlights a portion of the display corresponding to the location of the object when the object is detected by the infrared sensor. The infrared sensor is formed by a non-planar arrangement of infrared detectors that provides a wide angle field of view for detecting objects radiating infrared energy, without sacrificing infrared detection sensitivity. 1. A vehicle camera system comprising:a camera configured to view an area about a vehicle;an infrared sensor configured to detect an object at a location within the area; anda display configured to display an image of the area and highlight a portion of the display corresponding to the location when the object is detected.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the infrared sensor comprises a plurality of infrared detectors arranged to detect objects at a plurality of distinct locations within the area.3. The system in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the infrared detectors are thermopile detectors.4. The system in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the infrared sensor comprises a first row of a first number of infrared detectors configured to detect objects less than a first distance from the camera claim 2 , and a second row of a second number of infrared detectors less than the first number of infrared detectors claim 2 , said second row of infrared detectors configured to detect objects less a second distance from the camera and greater than the first distance from the camera.5. The system in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the plurality of infrared detectors are arranged to form a plurality of infrared sensor modules comprising infrared detectors ...

BATTERY SAFETY SYSTEM

A battery safety system that includes a battery terminal configured for making an electrical connection to the system, an electrical disconnect operable to a disconnected state whereby a battery voltage is electrically isolated from the battery terminal, and a connected state, whereby the battery voltage is electrically coupled to the battery terminal. The battery safety system also includes and a terminal guard movable to an exposed position effective to allow making the electrical connection to the battery terminal, and a protected position effective to prevent electrical contact with the battery terminal other than via the electrical connection. The system is configured to prevent the electrical disconnect from being operated to the connected state if the terminal guard is not at the protected position. The system provides a double action safety interlock that makes the action of connecting and disconnecting battery voltage to and from battery terminals or battery cables separate from the action of covering and uncovering the battery terminals, and so reduces the risk of electrical shock when the battery is being manufactured, installed, serviced, or otherwise handled. 1. A battery safety system comprising:a battery terminal configured to make an electrical connection to the system;an electrical disconnect operable to a disconnected state whereby a battery voltage is electrically isolated from the battery terminal, and a connected state, whereby the battery voltage is electrically coupled to the battery terminal; anda terminal guard movable to an exposed position effective to allow making the electrical connection to the battery terminal, and a protected position effective to prevent electrical contact with the battery terminal other than via the electrical connection, wherein the system prevents the electrical disconnect from being operated to the connected state if the terminal guard is not at the protected position.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , ...

CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSING IN ENGINES WITH ELECTRIC VARIABLE CAM PHASERS

A method is provided for sensing the position of a camshaft in an internal combustion engine having a camshaft phaser for controllably varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and the camshaft, the camshaft phaser being actuated by an electric motor and having a gear reduction mechanism with a predetermined gear reduction ratio and rotational position means for determining the rotational position of the electric motor. The method includes generating a rotational position signal indicative of the rotational position of the electric motor by using the rotational position means to determine the rotational position of the electric motor and calculating the position of the camshaft based on the rotational position signal and the gear reduction ratio of the gear reduction mechanism. 1. A method for sensing the position of a camshaft in an internal combustion engine having a camshaft phaser for controllably varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and said camshaft , said camshaft phaser being actuated by an electric motor and having a gear reduction mechanism with a predetermined gear reduction ratio and rotational position means for determining the rotational position of said electric motor , said method comprising:generating a rotational position signal indicative of the rotational position of said electric motor by using said rotational position means to determine the rotational position of said electric motor; andcalculating the position of said camshaft based on said rotational position signal and the gear reduction ratio of said gear reduction mechanism.2. A method as in further comprising:turning off said internal combustion engine;supplying power to an engine control module of said internal combustion engine after turning off said internal combustion engine; andcontinuing to calculate the position of said camshaft based on said rotational position signal and the gear ...

Internal Heat Exchanger Assembly Having an Internal Bleed Valve Assembly

An internal heat exchanger assembly for an air conditioning system, having a substantial cylindrical cavity in which a helical coil tube is coaxially disposed within the cylindrical cavity. A bleed valve assembly is incorporated into the helical coiled tube, in which the bleed valve assembly is adapted to open at a predetermined differential pressure between the high pressure side and low pressure side of the internal heat exchanger. The bleed valve selectively bleeds refrigerant from the high pressure side to the low pressure side, thereby increasing the pressure and mass flow rate of the refrigerant to the suction side of a compressor to reduce or eliminate compressor rattle.

VEHICLE PARKING SPOT LOCATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD USING CONNECTED VEHICLES

A vehicle parking spot locator system and method are provided. The system includes a database storing data pertaining to the parking spot locations including available parking spot locations, and a communication link for communicating with a vehicle and other sources. The communication link receives parking spot location information including information pertaining to availability of parking spot locations and further provides vehicles with parking spot location information to assist in locating a parking spot location. The system further includes a processor for processing the stored data in the database and providing parking spot location information to vehicles. The processor is configured to predict which open parking spot is closest to a desired destination and will be available when the vehicle arrives at the desired destination. 1. A vehicle parking spot locator system comprising:a database storing data pertaining to vehicle parking spot locations including available parking spot locations;a communication link for communicating with one or more vehicles, said communication link receiving parking spot location information including information pertaining to the availability of one or more parking spot locations, said communication link further providing a vehicle with parking spot location information to assist in locating an available parking spot location; anda processor for processing the stored data in the database and generating parking spot location information relevant to the vehicle, wherein the processor is configured to predict which open parking spot is closest to a desired destination and will be available when the vehicle arrives at the desired destination.2. The system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the database is located remote from a vehicle.3. The system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the communication link receives parking spot location information from one or more vehicles.4. The system as defined in claim 3 , wherein the one or more ...

Dual view display system

A dual view display system that displays two different images in different directions using a single display device. The dual view display includes a first optical element overlaying a first portion of the pixels and configured to direct light emitted from the first portion of the pixels toward a first direction, a second optical element overlaying a second portion of the pixels and configured to direct light emitted from the second portion of the pixels toward a second direction distinct from the first direction, and an optical barrier arranged between the first optical element and the second optical element effective to prevent light from propagating therebetween.

Connector housing including cavity having draft angle with rib having same

A connector housing includes at least one contact part chamber. At least one inside surface of the chamber contains a draft angle. The inside surface also contains at least one rib which has no inclination or a lesser inclination than that of the draft angle and extends in a longitudinal direction similar to that of the draft angle.

FUEL INJECTOR

A fuel injector that includes a sliding armature, decoupled armature, or flying armature movable between a pintle stop and a housing stop. Flying armatures are generally used to increase the total force applied to the pintle stop for lifting the pintle off a nozzle seat to open the fuel injector. When the fuel injector is turned off, a housing stop is arranged to absorb kinetic energy present in the flying armature so that the kinetic energy is not imparted to the nozzle seat. 1. A fuel injector comprising:a housing configured to direct fuel flow therethrough;a nozzle seat fixedly coupled to the housing and configured to direct fuel flow from the fuel injector;a pintle arranged within the housing, said pintle movable to an open position where the pintle is spaced apart from the nozzle seat such that fuel is dispensed by the fuel injector and a closed position where the pintle contacts the nozzle seat such that no fuel is dispensed by the fuel injector;a pintle stop fixedly coupled to the pintle;a housing stop fixedly coupled to the housing;a sliding armature movable between the pintle stop and the housing stop in response to a magnetic field, wherein when the magnetic field is present the sliding armature contacts the pintle stop and urges the pintle toward the open position, when the magnetic field is not present the pintle is free to move toward the closed position, and the sliding armature is separated from the pintle stop when the sliding armature contacts the housing stop.2. The fuel injector in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the fuel injector further comprises a pintle spring configured to urge the pintle toward the closed position.3. The fuel injector in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the fuel injector further comprises an armature spring configured to urge the sliding armature toward the housing stop. The invention generally relates to a fuel injector, and more particularly relates to reducing the occurrence of pintle bounce back when the fuel injector ...

CO-FIRED METAL INTERCONNECT SUPPORTED SOFC

A method of making a planar solid oxide fuel cell is described involving: 1. A method of making a planar solid oxide fuel cell comprising a first electrode layer that is an anode or cathode layer , a second electrode layer that is an anode layer if the first electrode layer is a cathode layer and is a cathode layer if the first electrode layer is an anode layer , and an electrolyte layer between said first electrode layer and said second electrode layer , comprising the steps of:(1) fabricating an uncured multilayer element comprising the electrolyte layer and the first electrode layer; then(2) sintering the uncured multilayer element to form a cured multilayer element; and then(3) juxtaposing the first electrode layer with a metal substrate, with a bonding agent between the first electrode layer and the metal substrate;(4) applying the second electrode layer to the cured multilayer element such that the electrolyte layer is between the first and second electrode layers; and(5) applying heat, separately or simultaneously, to sinter the second electrode layer and to bond the first electrode layer to the metal substrate.2. A method according to wherein the metal substrate comprises ferritic steel.3. A method according to wherein the metal substrate is nickel plated.4. A method according to wherein the electrolyte layer is sintered at a temperature of at least 1200° C. and step (3) is performed at a temperature at most 1000° C.5. A method according to wherein the electrolyte layer is sintered at a temperature of at least 1200° C.6. A method according to wherein the bonding agent is a metal bonding composition selected from the group consisting of a braze alloy claim 1 , a reactive air braze alloy claim 1 , and a diffusion bonding material claim 1 , or a glass ceramic bonding composition claim 1 , or combinations thereof.7. A method according to wherein the metal bonding composition is a brazing composition.8. A method according to wherein the brazing composition is a ...

LOW PROFILE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION SYSTEM

An electrical connection system is presented that is especially suited for use with a solar shingle application disposed on a rooftop of a building structure. The electrical connection system, when underlying roof shingles disposed on the rooftop, has a low profile that prevents an undesired buckled visual appearance from occurring to the roof shingles over a service life of the roof shingles. The electrical connection system has a thickness that is about a diameter thickness of at least one wire conductor that attaches with at least one connector body of the electrical connection system. The electrical connection system further includes at least one latch mechanism, that when sufficiently engaged against by a tool, allows a plug connector body to unmate from a socket connector body or a shunt socket connector body. A method to construct the at least one connector of the electrical connection system is also presented. 1. An electrical connection system comprising:a mating axis; 'at least one latch mechanism configured to secure the plug connector body to the at least one socket connector body so that the plug and the socket connector body are fully mated together, and the plug connector body is unmatable from the socket connector body when the latch mechanism is sufficiently engaged thereat by a tool,', 'at least one socket connector body configured to receive at least a portion of a plug connector body along the mating axis, the plug connector body including a generally axial planar first wall and a generally axial planar second wall opposingly spaced from said planar first wall by about a diameter thickness of at least one wire cable, the at least one wire cable being electrically connected to at least one electrical contact forming at least one wire assembly disposed intermediate the first and the second wall, and the first wall has a planar exterior surface and the second wall has a planar exterior surface, a first plane being defined along the planar exterior ...

FUEL CELL WITH INTERNAL FLOW CONTROL

A fuel cell stack is provided with a plurality of fuel cell cassettes where each fuel cell cassette has a fuel cell with an anode and cathode. The fuel cell stack includes an anode supply chimney for supplying fuel to the anode of each fuel cell cassette, an anode return chimney for removing anode exhaust from the anode of each fuel cell cassette, a cathode supply chimney for supplying oxidant to the cathode of each fuel cell cassette, and a cathode return chimney for removing cathode exhaust from the cathode of each fuel cell cassette. A first fuel cell cassette includes a flow control member disposed between the anode supply chimney and the anode return chimney or between the cathode supply chimney and the cathode return chimney such that the flow control member provides a flow restriction different from at least one other fuel cell cassettes. 1. A fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cell cassettes , each fuel cell cassette having a fuel cell with an anode and a cathode , said fuel cell stack comprising:an anode supply chimney for supplying fuel to said anode of each said fuel cell cassette;an anode exhaust chimney for removing anode exhaust from said anode of each said fuel cell cassette;a cathode supply chimney for supplying oxidant to said cathode of each said fuel cell cassette;a cathode exhaust chimney for removing cathode exhaust from said cathode of each said fuel cell cassette;wherein a first fuel cell cassette includes a flow control member disposed between said anode supply chimney and said anode exhaust chimney or between said cathode supply chimney and said cathode exhaust chimney such that said flow control member provides a flow restriction different from at least one other of said fuel cell cassettes and such that said flow control member does not restrict said anode supply chimney, said anode exhaust chimney, said cathode supply chimney, said and said cathode exhaust chimney.2. A fuel cell stack as in claim 1 , wherein said flow control ...

COMPLIANT GLASS SEAL FOR FUEL CELL STACK

A solid oxide fuel cell stack having a plurality of cassettes and a compliant glass seal disposed between the sealing surfaces of adjacent cassettes, thereby joining the cassettes and providing a hermetic seal therebetween. The compliant glass seal may include a glass, at least one metal selected from Groups 9, 10, and 11 of the periodic table, and fibers of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) to enhance the desirable properties of the compliant glass seal. The combined weight percentage of the at least one metal and YSZ in the compliant glass seal is 30 to 42.5 weight percent, preferably 37.5 percent. 1. A solid oxide fuel cell stack comprising:a first cassette having a first sealing surface;a second cassette having a second sealing surface complementary to said first sealing surface, wherein said second cassette is disposed proximate to said first cassette such that said second sealing surface is oriented toward said first sealing surface; anda compliant glass seal disposed between said first and second sealing surfaces, thereby joining said first cassette to said second cassette;wherein said compliant glass seal comprises at least one metal selected from a group consisting of metals in Groups 9, 10, and 11 of the Periodic Table, and a plurality of fibers disposed within an alkaline earth aluminosilicate (AEAS) glass.2. The solid fuel cell stack of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of fibers includes a material selected from a group consisting of zirconium oxide claim 1 , aluminum oxide claim 1 , and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ).3. The solid oxide fuel cell stack of claim 2 , wherein said plurality of fibers includes YSZ.4. The solid oxide fuel cell stack of claim 3 , wherein said at least one metal is selected from a group consisting of Ag claim 3 , Ni claim 3 , Pd claim 3 , Pt claim 3 , and Rh.5. The solid oxide fuel cell stack of claim 4 , wherein at said least one metal is Ag.6. The solid oxide fuel cell stack of includes:a combined weight percentage of said ...

AXIALLY COMPACT CAMSHAFT PHASER

A camshaft phaser is provided for varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an internal combustion engine. The camshaft phaser includes a stator having a plurality of lobes. A rotor is disposed within the stator and includes a plurality of vanes interspersed with the stator lobes to define alternating advance and retard chambers. A bushing adaptor of the camshaft phaser is disposable axially within a pocket of the camshaft and is disposed axially within the rotor. The bushing adaptor defines at least in part a supply passage for communicating pressurized oil from the internal combustion engine to a control valve, an advance passage for selectively communicating pressurized oil from the control valve to the advance chambers, and a retard passage for selectively communicating pressurized oil from the control valve to the retard chambers. 1. A camshaft phaser for controllably varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an internal combustion engine , said camshaft phaser comprising:a stator having a plurality of lobes and connectable to said crankshaft of said internal combustion engine to provide a fixed ratio of rotation between said stator and said crankshaft;a rotor coaxially disposed within said stator and having a plurality of vanes interspersed with said stator lobes defining alternating advance chambers and retard chambers, wherein said advance chambers receive pressurized oil in order to change the phase relationship between said crankshaft and said camshaft in the advance direction and said retard chambers receive pressurized oil in order to change the phase relationship between said camshaft and said crankshaft in the retard direction, said rotor being attachable to said camshaft of said internal combustion engine to prevent relative rotation between said rotor and said camshaft;a bushing adaptor coaxially disposable within a pocket of said camshaft and coaxially disposed within said rotor; anda camshaft ...

EVAPORATIVE EMISSION DEVICE TO MOTOR VEHICLE COUPLING

A coupling is provided for attaching an evaporative emission device having a housing to a mounting surface of a motor vehicle. The coupling includes a pair of tracks fixed the mounting surface and a pair of matching rails fixed to the housing. The rails are sized to slide within the tracks until reaching a predetermined seated position within the rails. An aperture is fixed to the mounting surface and includes a shoulder with a manufacturing tolerance defined about a nominal location at the predetermined seated position. A resilient latch is formed on the housing and located so as to snap into the aperture at the predetermined seated position. The latch includes a inclined engaging surface to engage the shoulder over the entire tolerance range of the shoulder. 1. For use in a motor vehicle having a mounting surface to which is mounted an evaporative emission device having a housing , a coupling for attaching the evaporative emission device to the motor vehicle , the coupling comprising:a pair of tracks fixed to one of said housing and said mounting surface;a pair of matching rails fixed to the other of said housing and said mounting surface, said rails being sized to slide within said tracks until reaching a predetermined seated position therewithin;an aperture fixed to one of said housing and said mounting surface, said aperture having a shoulder with a manufacturing tolerance range defined about a nominal location at said predetermined seated position;a resilient latch fixed to the other of said housing and said mounting surface and located so as to snap into said aperture at said predetermined seated position when said rails slide within said tracks, said latch including an inclined engaging surface thereon sufficient to engage said shoulder over the entire tolerance range of said shoulder.2. A coupling as in wherein said inclined engaging surface comprises a plurality of steps defining a plurality of engaging surfaces.3. A coupling as in wherein one of said ...

Fuel injector

A fuel injector for use in an internal combustion engine includes a valve member that is moveable within a bore of an injection nozzle so as to be engageable with a valve seat region to control fuel delivery through one or more nozzle outlets, an injector body housing an actuator that is operable to move the valve member within the bore, and defining an accumulator volume for storing high pressure fuel. The fuel injector includes a damping chamber in fluid communication with the accumulator volume through a fluid passage, the damping chamber serving to reduce pressure wave activity within the accumulator volume.

PUMP UNIT

A pump unit has an inlet valve, an outlet valve, a supply line for supplying fuel, a pumping chamber, and a plunger for pressurising fuel in the pumping chamber. The inlet valve includes an inlet valve member movable between a first position and a second position. The inlet valve member has an aperture formed therein. The aperture provides a first fluid pathway between the pumping chamber and the supply line when the inlet valve member is in its first position, and the aperture provides a second fluid pathway between the pumping chamber and the outlet valve when the inlet valve member is in its second position. 1. A pump unit for a fuel injection system , the pump unit comprising:an inlet valve member, an outlet valve, a supply line for supplying fuel, a pumping chamber, and a plunger for pressurising fuel in the pumping chamber;the inlet valve member being movable between a first position and a second position;wherein the inlet valve member has an aperture formed therein, the aperture providing a first fluid pathway between the pumping chamber and the supply line when the inlet valve member is in said first position, and the aperture providing a second fluid pathway between the pumping chamber and the outlet valve when the inlet valve member is in said second position;wherein the outlet valve comprises a movable outlet valve member and an outlet valve body; andthe inlet valve member forms a seal with the outlet valve body when the inlet valve member is in said second position.2. A pump unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the inlet valve member forms a seal at least substantially to close the first fluid pathway between the pumping chamber and the supply line when in said second position.3. A pump unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the inlet valve member forms part of an inlet valve claim 1 , the inlet valve being a concentric valve and/or the outlet valve being a concentric valve.4. A pump unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outlet valve comprises a movable ...

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A TUBULAR FRAME STRUCTURE WITH STAND ALONE NODE

A method of making a structural connection in a metallic tubular assembly is provided. It comprises providing a node having at least two legs and forming a radially extending rib extending from an exterior surface of each of the legs by deforming a corresponding interior portion of each of the legs. At least one tube is provided having a radially extending flange adjacent an open end. The tube is placed over the exterior surface of one of the legs abuts the radially extending flange and the radially extending rib. By applying opposing forces to one of the legs and one tube to hold the radially extending flange and the radially extending rib in abutting contact at a joint, resistance welding can take place at the joint when at least one electrode is applied to the joint. 1. A method of making a structural connection in a metallic tubular assembly comprising;providing a node having at least two legs;forming a radially extending rib extending from an exterior surface of each of said legs by deforming a corresponding interior portion of each of said legs;providing at least one tube have a radially extending flange adjacent an open end;placing said at least one tube over said exterior surface of one of said at least two legs and abutting said radially extending flange and said radially extending rib;applying opposing forces to said one of said at least two legs and said tube to hold said radially extending flange and said radially extending rib in abutting contact at a joint;applying at least one electrode to said joint; andresistance welding said joint.2. The method of claim 1 , including providing at least two tubes having radially extending flanges and resistance welding said at least two tubes to said at least two legs.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said node includes at least three legs.4. The method of claim 3 , including providing at least three tubes having radially extending flanges and resistance welding said at least three tubes to said at least three legs ...

WEIGHT BASED VEHICLE SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION DEVICE

A device configured to be installed in a vehicle seat for estimating an occupant weight. The device includes a bladder and a pressure sensor. The bladder is configured to define a cavity characterized as having a center of gravity. The bladder is effective to retain a fluid and pressurize the fluid in response to an occupant weight upon the bladder. The bladder is also configured to define an opening to the cavity. The pressure sensor is coupled directly to the opening in a manner effective to seal the opening and locate the pressure sensor proximate to the center of gravity. The pressure sensor provides a pressure signal indicative of the occupant weight. 1. A device configured to be installed in a vehicle seat , said device comprising:a bladder configured to define a cavity characterized as having a center of gravity, said bladder effective to retain a fluid and pressurize the fluid in response to an occupant weight upon the bladder, said bladder also configured to define an opening to the cavity; anda pressure sensor coupled directly to the opening in a manner effective to seal the opening and locate the pressure sensor proximate to the center of gravity, said pressure sensor configured to provide a pressure signal indicative of the occupant weight.2. The device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said opening is located on the bladder such that changes in pressure signal due to changes in an inclination angle of the vehicle seat are minimized.3. The device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said opening is located on the bladder such that changes in pressure signal due to vehicle acceleration are minimized.4. The device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said device further comprises a controller configured to estimate an occupant weight based on the pressure signal.5. The device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said device further comprises a temperature sensor in direct contact with the fluid in the cavity via fluid in the opening claim 1 , said ...

WEIGHT BASED VEHICLE SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION DEVICE WITH COMPENSATION FOR SEAT ORIENTATION ANGLE

A weight based occupant detection device that includes a weight sensing device installed in a vehicle seat in a manner effective to sense weight on a seating surface. The weight sensing device is configured to output a weight signal indicative of an occupant weight of a seat occupant residing on the vehicle seat. The occupant detection device also includes a seat orientation angle sensing device that is configured to output an orientation angle signal indicative of a seat orientation angle. The occupant detection device may also include an accelerometer for sensing vertical acceleration of the vehicle seat, and a seat backrest angle device for measuring the angle of the seat backrest. The occupant detection device compensates a signal from the weight sensing device for errors caused by seat orientation, seat vertical acceleration and seat backrest angle. 1. A weight based occupant detection device comprising:a weight sensing means installed in a vehicle seat in a manner effective to sense weight on the seating surface, said weight sensing means configured to output a weight signal indicative of an occupant weight of a seat occupant residing on the vehicle seat; anda seat orientation angle sensing means configured to output an orientation angle signal indicative of a seat orientation angle, wherein the orientation angle signal is used to compensate the weight signal to estimate an occupant weight value.2. The device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises a controller configured to estimate an occupant weight value based on the weight signal and the orientation angle signal.3. The device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the seat orientation angle sensing means comprises an accelerometer.4. The device in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the accelerometer is a 3-axis accelerometer.5. The device in accordance with claim 3 , wherein a first acceleration signal from the accelerometer is used to estimate the seat orientation angle.6. The ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD TO RECAST INFORMATION COMMUNICATED BETWEEN A HOST SYSTEM AND A REMOTE INTERFACE

A communication system for recasting information communicated between a host system (smart phone, internet server) outputting an application generated signal, and a remote interface (in-vehicle display) so application content is displayed in a specified manner on the remote interface in accordance with a recast rule. The recast rules define how to interpret or analyze the application generated signal and recast content in that signal for output by the remote interface. The recast rules may be configured to detect control commands input by an operator, and in accordance with recast rules, generate a host control signal configured to operate some aspect of the host system. 1. A communication system for recasting information communicated between a host system and a remote interface , said communication system comprising:a host system configured to output an application generated signal;a processor configured to determine a remote interface signal that includes recast content transformed from application content present in the application generated signal, wherein the application content is transformed in accordance with a recast rule; anda remote interface configured to receive the remote interface signal and output the recast content.2. The communication system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the host system provides the recast rule to the processor.3. The communication system in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the host system includes an internet server configured to provide the recast rule.4. The communication system in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the host system includes a mobile communication device configured to output the application generated signal.5. The communication system in accordance with claim 4 , wherein the mobile communication device is configured to transfer the recast rule from the internet server to the processor.6. The communication system in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the host system includes a mobile communication device ...

SELF DIAGNOSTICS OF A PARTICULATE MATTER SENSOR

A particulate matter sensor includes first and second electrodes spaced from each other with a bias resistor connected between the first and second electrodes. The particulate matter sensor allows an open circuit fault condition in the sensor or in the connectors or wiring to the sensor to be detected. A sensing system using the particulate matter sensor and a method for diagnosing faults in a sensing system are also provided. 1. A sensor for detecting particulate matter in a gas stream , comprising:an electrically nonconductive substrate;a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the substrate;a second electrode disposed on the first surface of the substrate and spaced away from the first electrode;a bias resistor disposed on the substrate electrically connected between the first electrode and the second electrode; anda sealing means to seal a portion of the substrate from the gas stream, wherein the bias resistor is located on the portion of the substrate that is sealed from the gas stream.2. The sensor of claim 1 , additionally comprising a heater means disposed to heat a first portion of the substrate claim 1 , wherein the bias resistor is located on a second portion of the substrate remote from the heater means.3. The sensor of wherein the bias resistor has a resistance value greater than about 100 kilohms.4. The sensor of wherein the bias resistor has a resistance value greater than about 1 megohm.5. The sensor of wherein the bias resistor has a resistance value of about 7 megohms to 10 megohms6. The sensor of wherein the bias resistor has a resistance value greater than about 10 megohms.7. The sensor of additionally comprising first connection means electrically connected to the first electrode and second connection means electrically connected to the second electrode claim 1 , said first and second connection means adapted to connect to an impedance measurement means external to the sensor claim 1 , wherein the first electrode is disposed electrically ...

METHOD OF OPERATING A FUEL CELL SYSTEM ON LOW QUALITY BY-PRODUCT GASES

A method of operating a fuel cell system on a by-product gas containing a fuel constituent. The fuel cell system includes a fuel reformer for forming a reformate stream, a combustor for supplying heat energy to the fuel reformer, and a fuel cell stack. The method includes the steps of separating a by-product gas into a purified gas stream and a residual stream with a gaseous fuel purifier, feeding the purified gas stream to the fuel reformer configured to transform the purified gas stream to produce a reformate stream, and feeding the residual gas stream to a combustor configured to provide heat energy to the fuel reformer. The purified gas stream contains a higher concentration of preferable fuel constituents and a lower concentration of contaminants than the residual gas stream. 1. A method of operating a fuel cell system on a low quality by-product gas , comprising the steps of:separating said by-product gas into a purified gas stream and a residual stream;feeding said purified gas stream to a fuel reformer configured to transform said purified gas stream to produce a reformate stream;feeding said residual gas stream to a combustor configured to burn said residual stream to provide heat energy;wherein said purified gas stream comprises a higher concentration of fuel constituents and a lower concentration of contaminants than said residual gas stream.2. The method of operating a fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein said by-product gas is produced by a process selected from a group consisting of bio-degradation of organic matter claim 1 , pyrolysis of organic material claim 1 , partial oxidation of organic materials claim 1 , and gasification of fossil fuel.3. The method of operating a fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein said by-product gas is a gas emanating from a landfill.4. The method of operating a fuel cell system of claim 1 , wherein said fuel constituents include methane claim 1 , methanol claim 1 , ammonia claim 1 , and dimethyl ether.5. The method of ...

FUEL INJECTOR

A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine includes: an injector body of substantially elongate form and defining an injector body axis; an injector nozzle disposed at one end of the injector body; and a plurality of element connectors for providing fluid and/or electrical connection into and/or out of the fuel injector wherein at least some of the element connectors are arranged to be rotatable relative to one another about the injector body axis. 1. A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine , the fuel injector comprising:an injector body of substantially elongate form and defining an injector body axis;an injector nozzle disposed at one end of the injector body; anda plurality of element connectors for providing fluid and/or electrical connection into and/or out of the fuel injectorwherein at least some of the element connectors are arranged to be rotatable relative to one another about the injector body axis.2. A fuel injector as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of element connectors comprises a high pressure fuel inlet and a low pressure fuel outlet claim 1 , the inlet and outlet being rotatable relative to one another.3. A fuel injector as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of element connectors comprises at least one fuel related element connector that is rotatable about the injector body axis.4. An injector as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the element connectors are rotatable about the injector body axis.5. A fuel injector as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of elements located at least in part within the injector body claim 1 , each of the plurality of elements being in communication with an element connector.6. A fuel injector as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the elements within the injector body are arranged axially about the injector body axis.7. (canceled)8. A fuel injector as claimed in claim 5 , wherein one of the plurality of the elements is a fuel supply passage.9. A fuel injector as claimed ...

BATTERY CHARGER HAVING NON-CONTACT ELECTRICAL SWITCH

The handle of a charge coupler includes a mechanical latch that securely mechanically locks the handle to the vehicle passively when the handle is manually attached to the vehicle by a human operator to create an electrical connection between the vehicle and the charger. The handle also has an actuator movable by the operator from a deactivated state to a first and a second position activated state. The mechanical latch operates independently of the state of the actuator when the handle is being manually attached but being mechanically released by the actuator when it is moved to its second activated state. A non-contact electrical switch means associated with the actuator breaks the electrical connection when the actuator is moved to the first position activated state before releasing the mechanical latch at said second activated position. 1. An electric vehicle charge coupler for both mechanically and electrically coupling and decoupling a charger to said vehicle , comprising:a handle including a mechanical latch that securely mechanically locks said handle to said vehicle passively when said handle is manually attached to said vehicle by a human operator to create an electrical connection between said vehicle and said charger, said handle also having an actuator movable by said operator from a deactivated state to a first and a second position activated state, said mechanical latch operating independently of the state of said actuator when said handle is being manually attached but being mechanically released by said actuator when it is moved to its second activated state,a non-contact electrical switch means associated with said actuator to break said electrical connection when said actuator is moved to said first position activated state before releasing said mechanical latch at said second activated position, andbiasing means to automatically move said actuator back to its deactivated state when released by said operator.2. The charge coupler according to ...

BATTERY CHARGER HAVING HANDLE THAT INCLUDES LIGHT SOURCE THAT EMITS LIGHT THROUGH APERTURE IN HANDLE CONNECTOR

An electric vehicle charge coupler for both mechanically and electrically coupling and decoupling a charger to a vehicle includes a handle. The handle includes a handle connector configured for manually coupling and decoupling the handle with an inlet connector disposed on the vehicle. The handle connector further defines an aperture. The handle also includes a light source configured for activation to emit light. When the light source is activated, light emits from the light source and passes through the aperture to illuminate an area directionally out from the aperture away from the handle connector. 1. An electric vehicle charge coupler for both mechanically and electrically coupling and decoupling a charger to a vehicle , comprising: a handle connector configured for manually coupling and decoupling the handle with an inlet connector disposed on the vehicle, the handle connector further defining an aperture; and', 'a light source configured for activation to emit light,, 'a handle including,'}wherein when the light source is activated light emits from the light source and passes through the aperture to illuminate an area directionally out from the aperture away from the handle connector.2. The electrical vehicle charge coupler of claim 1 , wherein the handle connector further includes a plurality of extended connector terminals that encircle the aperture.3. The electrical vehicle charge coupler of claim 1 , wherein the handle further includes claim 1 ,an activator having at least a first and a second depress position, and the light source is activated at least when activator is disposed in at least one of the depress positions.4. The electrical vehicle charge coupler of claim 1 , wherein the handle further includes claim 1 ,a light pipe intermediate the aperture and the light source,wherein the light pipe is insertable in the aperture and mechanically secured to the handle connector so that light emitted from the light source is transmitted through the light ...

VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE CONTROL DURING DECELERATION FUEL CUTOFF BY VARYING GENERATION ELECTRIC LOAD

A vehicle control system for controlling a vehicle deceleration rate that includes a dynamo (e.g. generator/motor) coupled to the vehicle to provide a dynamo deceleration force to the vehicle corresponding to an electric load, an internal combustion engine coupled the vehicle to provide an engine deceleration force to the vehicle corresponding to a throttle position, and a controller coupled to the internal combustion engine and the dynamo. The controller is configured determine a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) request based on an accelerator pedal position, and when a DFCO request is determined increase the throttle position to decrease the engine deceleration force, and increase the electric load on the dynamo to increase the dynamo deceleration force, to control the vehicle deceleration rate. 1. A vehicle control system for controlling a vehicle deceleration rate , said system comprising:a dynamo configured output electricity in accordance with an electric load on the dynamo, said dynamo also coupled to the vehicle in a manner effective to provide a dynamo deceleration force to the vehicle corresponding to the electric load;an internal combustion engine coupled to the dynamo to rotate the dynamo and thereby output electricity, said internal combustion engine also coupled to the vehicle in a manner effective to provide an engine deceleration force to the vehicle corresponding to a throttle position;a controller coupled to the internal combustion engine, and coupled to the dynamo, said controller configured determine a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) request based on an accelerator pedal position, and when a DFCO request is determined increase the throttle position to decrease the engine deceleration force, and increase the electric load on the dynamo to increase the dynamo deceleration force, to control the vehicle deceleration rate.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the internal combustion engine is also coupled to the vehicle in a manner ...

METHOD FOR OPERATING AN OIL CONTROL VALVE

A method for operating an oil control valve in an internal combustion engine is provided. The oil control valve controls a camshaft phaser disposed at an output side of the control valve and includes a spool disposed in a spool housing. The camshaft phaser controls the phase relationship between a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and a camshaft of the internal combustion engine. The method includes positioning the spool within the spool housing to substantially block oil flow between the camshaft phaser and the internal combustion engine when the engine is temporarily not running. 1. A method for operating an oil control valve in an internal combustion engine , said oil control valve being provided for controlling a camshaft phaser disposed at an output side of said oil control valve , said oil control valve having a spool disposed inside a spool housing , said camshaft phaser being provided for controlling the phase relationship between a crankshaft of said internal combustion engine and a camshaft of said internal combustion engine , said method comprising:positioning said spool within said spool housing to substantially block oil flow between said camshaft phaser and said internal combustion engine when said internal combustion engine is temporarily not running.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said internal combustion engine is in an automatic stop mode of operation.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said positioning step includes energizing a solenoid of said oil control valve with a predetermined electric current.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein said predetermined electric current is less than a full electric current which is required to move said spool to an extreme position.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said positioning step substantially prevents a change in phase relationship between said crankshaft and said camshaft.6. A method for operating an oil control valve in an internal combustion engine claim 1 , said oil control valve being ...

METHOD FOR OPERATING A CAMSHAFT PHASER

A method for operating a camshaft phaser in an internal combustion engine is provided. The camshaft phaser is used to control the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft of the internal combustion engine. The method includes determining that the internal combustion engine will be placed in an automatic stop mode. The camshaft phaser is then controlled to establish a predetermined phase relationship between the crankshaft and the camshaft. The internal combustion engine is then placed in automatic stop mode and the predetermined phase relationship is maintained by substantially blocking oil flow between the camshaft phaser and the internal combustion engine. 1. A method for operating a camshaft phaser in an internal combustion engine , said camshaft phaser being provided for controlling the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft of said internal combustion engine , said camshaft phaser being provided with an oil control valve have having a spool disposed in a spool housing for controlling said camshaft phaser and having a supply port for receiving pressurized oil from said internal combustion engine , said method comprising:determining that said internal combustion engine will be placed in an automatic stop mode;controlling said camshaft phaser to establish a predetermined phase relationship between said crankshaft and said camshaft after said determining step;placing said internal combustion engine in said automatic stop mode after said positioning step; andmaintaining said predetermined phase relationship by substantially blocking oil flow between said camshaft phaser and said internal combustion engine through said supply port.2. The method of wherein said substantially blocking includes positioning said spool within said spool housing to substantially block oil flow between said camshaft phaser and said internal combustion engine after said controlling step.3. The method of wherein said positioning includes energizing a solenoid of ...

DUAL VIEW DISPLAY

A dual view or two-sided display system to display two different images in substantially opposite direction using a single transparent display to time-multiplex the images and two shutter devices to alternately block each side from being viewed according to the image being displayed. The system includes reflective devices between each side of the transparent display and the two shutter devices so light can be reflected from one side of the transparent display to the other side of the transparent display in order to supplement the light intensity of the image being displayed. 1. A dual view display system for displaying images formed of light in substantially opposite directions , said system comprising:a transparent display configured to emit light from a first side in a first direction and emit light from a second side substantially opposite the first side in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction;a first shutter device overlying the first side of the transparent display, said first shutter device operable to a transparent mode whereby light emitted in the first direction by the transparent display passes through the first shutter device, and operable to an opaque mode whereby light emitted in the first direction by the transparent display is obstructed from passing through the first shutter device; anda first reflective device interposed between the transparent display and the first shutter device, said first reflective device operable to a transparent mode whereby light emitted in the first direction by the transparent display passes through the first reflective device toward the first shutter device, and operable to a reflective mode whereby light emitted in the first direction by the transparent display is reflected through the transparent display into the second direction, thereby supplementing light emitted in the second direction by the transparent display.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said transparent display ...

DUAL CONTACT BEAM TERMINAL

A terminal is used in an electrical connector and receives a matable contact member. The terminal has a receptacle contact section has a bottom wall, an upper wall, and a primary and a secondary spring beam, or member. The primary member extends from a bottom wall and is bent back into the receptacle contact section. The primary member has an upper surface facing the upper wall and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The primary member includes a free end that is spaced from the upper wall a distance less than a thickness of the matable contact member. The secondary member is formed from the bottom wall that extends into the contact section and includes a free end disposed beneath the lower surface of the primary member in an overlapping, spaced relationship thereto remote from the free end of the primary member. 1. An electrical terminal , comprising:a receptacle contact section having a bottom wall and an upper wall;a primary cantilever spring member extending outwardly from a forward end of said bottom wall and being bent back into the contact section, said primary member having an upper surface facing the upper wall and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the primary member further including a free end being spaced from said upper wall a distance less than a thickness of a matable contact member; anda secondary cantilever spring member being formed from said bottom wall extending into said contact section and having a free end, said free end of the secondary member being disposed beneath the lower surface of the primary member in an overlapping, spaced relationship thereto remote from the free end of the primary member.2. The terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the lower surface of the primary member remote from the free end of the primary member and the free end of the secondary member define a nonorthogonal gap in relation to the bottom wall claim 1 , and when the matable contact member is received into the contact section claim 1 , the gap ...

ELECTRIC DRIVE CAMSHAFT PHASER WITH TORQUE RATE LIMIT AT TRAVEL STOPS

A camshaft phaser controllably varies the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an internal combustion engine. The camshaft phaser includes an input member rotatable by the crankshaft. The input member is connected through a gear drive to an output member which is fixed to the camshaft. A rotational actuator acting on the gear drive unit causes relative roation between the input member and the output member. A first stop member is rotatable with the input member in a one-to-one relationship. A second stop member is rotatable with the output member in a one-to-one relationship to limit relative angular travel between the input member and the output member. A torque absorption means is provided for limiting the rate at which torque is applied from the rotational actuator to the gear drive unit when the second stop member makes contact with the first stop member. 1. A camshaft phaser for controllably varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an internal combustion engine , said camshaft phaser comprising:a housing having a bore with a longitudinal axis;a harmonic gear drive unit disposed within said housing, said harmonic gear drive unit comprising a circular spline and an axially adjacent dynamic spline, a flexspline disposed within said circular spline and said dynamic spline, a wave generator disposed within said flexspline, and a rotational actuator connectable to said wave generator such that rotation of said wave generator causes relative rotation between said circular spline and said dynamic spline , wherein one of said circular spline and said dynamic spline is fixed to said housing in order to prevent relative rotation therebetween;a hub rotatably disposed within said housing axially adjacent to said harmonic gear drive unit and attachable to said camshaft and fixed to the other of said circular spline and said dynamic spline in order to prevent relative rotation therebetween;a first stop member rotatable with ...

Method and Device for Characterization and Sensing of Exhaust Gas and Control of Engines and Components for Aftertreatment of Exhaust Gases

A method and device allow the determination of the concentrations of a plurality of gas species in a gas mixture based on the output signals from a plurality of gas sensors, each of which is sensitive to a plurality of gas species in the gas mixture. The method includes measuring the response of each sensor at a number of levels of each gas in the mixture, determining a mathematical representation of the response characteristics of each sensor, and using the mathematical representation to determine gas concentrations from sensor readings. 1. A method for characterizing the concentration of a first gas species in a gas mixture , the method comprising the steps ofreceiving a first output signal from a first gas sensor having an output that depends according to a first functional relationship on the concentration of the first gas species in the gas mixture and on the concentration of a second gas species in the gas mixture;receiving a second output signal from a second gas sensor having an output that depends according to a second functional relationship on the concentration of the first gas species in the gas mixture and on the concentration of the second gas species in the gas mixture, where the second functional relationship is different from the first functional relationship;using the received values of the first output signal and the second output signal to determine the concentration of the first gas species in the gas mixture according to the first functional relationship and the second functional relationship;wherein the first functional relationship includes the summation of a first term and a second term, the first term being proportional to the inverse hyperbolic sine of the product of a first coefficient and the concentration of the first gas species in the gas mixture and the second term being proportional to the inverse hyperbolic sine of the product of a second coefficient and the concentration of the second gas species in the gas mixture;wherein the ...

Method for real-time modeling of an n-dimensional surface

A method for determining an estimate of a response characteristic that depends on a number of input factors includes developing a mathematical model of the response as a function of the input factors based on a statistical fit of a plurality of measured data points. The method also includes mapping the value of the response characteristic and the input factors at a plurality of conditions. The method combines the mapped data with the mathematical model to produce an estimate of the response characteristic that is more accurate over a range of conditions than either the mapped data or the model taken individually.

EMBOSSED REFLECTIVE VOLUME PHASE GRATING FOR A HEADS UP DISPLAY SYSTEM DIFFRACTIVE COMBINER

A heads up display (HUD) system that includes a light source configured to project an image, and a diffractive combiner. The diffractive combiner includes one or more reflective volume phase gratings (RVPG), each configured to reflect light from the light source having a distinct wavelength toward a HUD viewer. Each RVPG is also embossed with a pattern configured to diffract light at the distinct wavelength so the HUD viewer can see an image in a field of view that passes through the diffractive combiner. By forming a diffractive combiner with an RVPG embossed with a particular pattern, the occurrence of rainbow artifacts on the surface of the diffractive combiner caused by random sources of light is reduced. 1. A heads up display (HUD) system comprising:a light source configured to project an image; anda diffractive combiner comprising a first reflective volume phase grating (RVPG) configured to reflect light from the light source having a first wavelength toward a HUD viewer, wherein the first RVPG is embossed with a first pattern configured to diffract light having the first wavelength in a manner effective for the HUD viewer to see a first image portion of the image characterized as being formed of light having the first wavelength and characterized as being superimposed onto a field of view defined as passing through the diffractive combiner.2. The HUD system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said diffractive combiner further comprises a second RVPG configured to reflect light from the light source having a second wavelength toward the HUD viewer claim 1 , wherein said second wavelength is distinct from the first wavelength claim 1 , wherein said second RVPG is embossed with a second pattern distinct from the first pattern claim 1 , wherein said second pattern is configured to diffract light having the second wavelength in a manner effective for the HUD viewer to see a second image portion of the image characterized as being formed of light having the second ...

FUEL PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING A VARIABLE PULL-IN TIME INTERVAL BASED PRESSURE

A system and method for controlling fuel pressure in a fuel delivery system. The system includes a fuel pump and an inlet control valve. The inlet control valve is operated to a closed state by an electrical signal applied to the inlet control valve. The electrical signal includes a pull-in portion of the electrical signal that is applied to the inlet control valve having a pull-in time interval that is varied based on the fuel pressure. By varying the pull-in time interval to control fuel pressure, electrical energy consumed and acoustic noise generated by the fuel delivery system are reduced. 1. A system for controlling fuel pressure in a fuel delivery system , said system comprising:a fuel pump having an inlet configured to receive fuel from a fuel source and an outlet configured to output fuel characterized as at a fuel pressure; andan inlet control valve interposed between the inlet and the fuel source, said inlet control valve operable to an open state whereby the inlet is in fluid communication with the fuel source, and operable to a closed state whereby fluid communication between the inlet and the fuel source is obstructed, wherein said inlet control valve is operated to the closed state by an electrical signal applied to the inlet control valve, wherein said electrical signal includes a pull-in portion of the electrical signal that is applied to the inlet control valve having a pull-in time interval that is varied based on the fuel pressure to reduce electrical energy consumed and reduce acoustic noise generated by the fuel delivery system.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said electrical signal further includes a hold portion after the pull-in portion.3. The system in accordance with claim 2 , wherein said pull-in time interval is such that the hold portion begins before the inlet control valve is in the closed state.4. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said pull-in portion is characterized as a voltage applied to the inlet ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FORMING A MECHANICAL SUPPORT FOR AN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT ATTACHED TO A CIRCUIT BOARD

A system and method for supporting an electronic component attached to a circuit board. Solder paste is applied to a solder pad underneath and aligned with a non-wetting region of an electronic component to form a support formed of solder to prevent electronic component lead flexing. The amount of solder for forming the support and the size of the solder pad are selected to bring the support into contact with, or in close proximity to, the non-wetting region. 1. A system for supporting an electronic component attached to a circuit board , said system comprising:a solder pad on the circuit board aligned with a non-wetting region of the electronic component; anda support formed of solder overlying the solder pad and proximate to the non-wetting region.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a heat sink pressed against the electronic component for dissipating heat generated by the electronic component.3. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the electronic component comprises a body formed of polymeric encapsulant that defines the non-wetting region.4. The system in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the electronic component comprises a lead extending from the body for making electrical contact with the electronic component.5. The system in accordance with claim 4 , wherein the lead is characterized as having solderable surface and the circuit board comprises a contact pad with solder that is aligned with the lead for forming a solder joint to attach the electrical component to the circuit board.6. A method of providing support for an electronic component attached to a circuit board claim 4 , said method comprising:providing a solder pad on the circuit board aligned with a non-wetting region of the electronic component; andforming a support of solder overlying the solder pad and proximate to the non-wetting region.7. The method in accordance with claim 6 , wherein said method further comprises the steps ofproviding an ...

ORGANIC LIGHT EMITTING DIODE DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING A TWO-SIDED SUBSTRATE AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME

A display device built on an insulating substrate suitable for processing on both sides that includes a plurality of conductive through-holes through the substrate. One side is reserved for a high-density array of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The OLEDs can be high-density because the electrical connections for the OLEDs are on the other side of the substrate and interconnected via the conductive through-holes. The cathode sides of the OLEDs are interconnected by a light transmitting layer overlaying the cathode side that is electrical conductive. On the side of the substrate opposite the OLEDs is an array of anode contacts configured to form an electrical contact with a driver circuit. 1. A display device comprising:an insulating substrate configured to define a first side and a second side, said insulating substrate comprising a plurality of conductive through-holes extending between the first side and the second side;a high-density array of organic light emitting diodes overlaying the first side, wherein each organic light emitting diode is configured to define an anode side overlying and electrically connected to one or more of the conductive through-holes, and define a cathode side opposite the anode side;a light transmitting layer overlaying the cathode side and configured to electrically interconnect each cathode side of the organic light emitting diodes; andan array of anode contacts arranged on the second side, wherein each anode contact is electrically connected to an anode side via a conductive through-hole, and the anode contacts are configured to form an electrical contact with a driver circuit.2. The display device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the insulating substrate is formed of a polymeric compound.3. The display device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the high density array is configured to define a perimeter surrounding the high density array claim 1 , the insulating substrate has conductive through-holes located outside the ...

SEAMLESS MOSAIC PROJECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALIGNING THE SAME

A display system for displaying a seamless mosaic of a plurality of images projected by a plurality of projectors by aligning the images projected so the mosaic appears seamless. The display system includes a display surface, a first projector, and a second projector configured to project onto distinct areas that partially overlap. A light detector located adjacent to the display surface detects light projected onto the overlap area. Image signals received by the projectors are adjusted to eliminate the overlap and or balance the brightness of each projected image so the composite image appears to be a seamless mosaic. 1. A display system for displaying a seamless mosaic of a plurality of images projected by a plurality of projectors , said system comprising:a display surface configured to display images projected onto the display surface;a first projector configured to project a first image portion onto the display surface within a first display portion of the display surface, wherein the first image portion is based on a first image signal;a second projector configured to project a second image portion onto the display surface within a second display portion of the display surface distinct from the first display portion, wherein the second image portion is based on a second image signal, and wherein the second image portion overlaps the first image portion to define a border portion common to the first image portion and the second image portion;a light detector adjacent the display, said light detector configured to detect light projected onto a location within the border portion by the first projector or by the second projector; anda controller configured to receive a light signal from the light detector and determine the first image signal and the second image signal based on the light signal so a seamless mosaic is displayed.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to adjust the first image signal so the first ...

Dual view display system

A dual view display system that includes a display device and a first louver device. The display device is configured to display a first image at a display location to a first person at a first location and display a second image at the display location to a second person at a second location. The first louver device configured to substantially restrict a first field of view of the first image to the first person. The system may also include a second louver device configured to substantially restrict a second field of view of the second image to the second person. Such an arrangement restricts the fields of view so that, for example, a vehicle driver can not lean over and view something intended only for a vehicle passenger, such as a movie.

MEDIUM RANGE VEHICLE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

A communication system for communicating with a vehicle via a wireless personal communication device such as a smart phone. The communication system uses medium-range transceivers to extend the effective range of the communication system. A communication device accessory that includes a portable medium-range RF transceiver is coupled to the wireless personal communication device so that power for the portable medium-range RF transceiver can be drawn from the wireless personal communication device. The communication device accessory is electrically coupled to the wireless personal communication device via a wired connection that provides at least a wired electrical power connection and optionally a wired data connection between the communication device accessory and the wireless personal communication device. 1. A communication system for communicating with a vehicle comprising:an in-vehicle telematics unit configured to determine vehicle data and control operation of a vehicle device, said in-vehicle telematics unit equipped with an in-vehicle medium-range RF transceiver;a wireless personal communication device carried by an operator of the vehicle; anda communication device accessory detachably coupled and electrically connected to the wireless personal communication device in a manner effective to receive electrical power from the wireless personal communication device, said communication device accessory equipped with a portable medium-range RF transceiver configured to communicate directly with the in-vehicle medium-range RF transceiver such that the wireless personal communication device can communicate directly with the in-vehicle telematics unit in a manner effective for the wireless personal communication device to display the vehicle data and control operation of the vehicle device.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the communication device accessory is electrically coupled to the wireless personal communication device via a wired connection ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING A VEHICLE OPERATOR TO PARALLEL PARK A VEHICLE

A method and a system for assisting a vehicle operator to parallel park a vehicle. The method and system use only a single proximity sensor to detect a suitable parallel parking space and monitor the position of the vehicle when backing into the parallel parking space. Assistance to parallel park the vehicle may be as little as providing indications or warning to a vehicle operator while the vehicle operator backs the vehicle into the parallel parking space, or may be as much as taking complete control of the vehicle away from the vehicle operator, and autonomously parallel parking the vehicle. 1. A method for assisting a vehicle operator to parallel park a vehicle , said method comprising the steps of:determining parallel parking space requirements based on a travel path defined by a vehicle length, a vehicle width, a minimum turning radius, and a minimum arc radius of a front corner of the vehicle;providing a single proximity sensor configured to output a clearance signal indicative of a clearance distance beside the vehicle; and storing the parallel parking space requirements;', 'receiving the clearance signal from the single proximity sensor;', 'detecting a parallel parking space suitable for parallel parking the vehicle based on the clearance signal;', 'indicating when to start a first backing maneuver;', 'indicating when to start a second backing maneuver; and', 'indicating when to end the second backing maneuver., 'providing a controller configured perform the steps of'}2. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the step of detecting a parallel parking space includes detecting a rear boundary of the parallel parking space when the clearance signal indicates a clearance distance greater than a depth threshold,', 'determining a parallel parking space depth based on a minimum clearance distance detected while the clearance distance is greater than the depth threshold,', 'detecting a front boundary of the parallel parking space when either the clearance ...

COLLISION SENSOR HOUSING AND MODULE

A collision sensor module configured to be attached to a surface of a vehicle. The module includes a collision sensor circuit board configured to detect acceleration indicative of a vehicle collision event. The exterior of the module is defined by a housing that includes a rigid part and a flexible part. The rigid part is configured to define a wing portion for attaching the rigid part to the surface, provide an underside surface of the rigid part to couple the collision sensor circuit board to the surface in a manner effective for the circuit board to detect when the vehicle is involved in a collision event. The flexible part is configured to sealingly contact the rigid part and the collision sensor circuit board in a manner effective to seal the protective cavity when the rigid part is attached to the surface and thereby protect the collision sensor circuit board. 1. A collision sensor housing configured to be attached to a surface of a vehicle , said housing comprising:a rigid part configured to define a wing portion for attaching the rigid part to the surface, said rigid part further configured to define a protective cavity between a top portion of the rigid part and the surface, wherein the top portion is separated from the surface by the wing portion, wherein said protective cavity is configured to receive a collision sensor circuit board; anda flexible part configured to sealingly contact the rigid part and the collision sensor circuit board in a manner effective to seal the protective cavity when the rigid part is attached to the surface and thereby protect the collision sensor circuit board.2. The housing in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the collision sensor circuit board is coupled to the surface via the rigid part in a manner effective for the collision sensor circuit board to detect when the vehicle is involved in a collision event.3. The housing in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the rigid part defines an underside of the top portion facing the ...

Hot zone igniter

A method is provided for brazing a metal leadframe clip to an electrical resistance heating tip for an electrical resistance igniter, wherein the electrical resistance heating tip includes silicon carbide. The method includes forming a layer of SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 on a surface of the electrical resistance heating tip; applying a braze alloy paste between the layer of SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 and the metal leadframe clip; and heating the braze alloy, the metal leadframe clip and the electrical resistance heating tip to fuse the braze alloy.

VALVE TRAIN WITH VARIABLE CAM PHASER

A valve train for an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft and a variable cam phaser connected to the camshaft for driving the camshaft. The variable cam phaser includes an input shaft rotationally coupled to a crankshaft drive member; and an output shaft rotationally coupled to the camshaft and coaxial with the input shaft. Electrically operated adjusting means drivingly connect the input and output shafts enabling the input and output shafts to be selectively, angularly adjusted while maintaining driving engagement therebetween. The input and output shafts are coupled to the drive member and camshaft via respective, rotationally stiff, flexible couplings. 1. A valve train for an internal combustion engine comprising a camshaft and a variable cam phaser connected to said camshaft for driving said camshaft , said engine comprising a crankshaft providing a drive torque for said variable cam phaser through a drive member coaxial with said camshaft , wherein said variable cam phaser comprises:an input shaft rotationally coupled to said drive member;an output shaft rotationally coupled to said camshaft and coaxial with said input shaft;an adjusting means drivingly connecting said input and output shafts enabling said input and output shafts to be selectively, angularly adjusted while maintaining driving engagement therebetween, wherein the adjusting means comprise an electric actuator for selectively operating an angular adjustment;wherein said input and output shafts are coupled to said drive member and camshaft via respective, rotationally stiff, flexible coupling means.2. The valve train according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the rotationally stiff claim 1 , flexible coupling means between said input shaft and drive member and between said output shaft and said camshaft is implemented as a curved teeth coupling.3. The valve train according to claim 2 , wherein one of said input or drive shaft is provided at its inner or outer periphery with axially ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXECUTING A HIGH-RELIABILITY APPLICATION

A system for executing a high-reliability application and a third party application is provided. The system includes an application module and a second module. The application module has control logic for executing the high reliability application and the third party application. The high reliability application generates a message sequence. The application module includes a normal operating mode, a high reliability mode, and a high reliability boot. The second module is in communication with the application module, and includes a first control logic for monitoring the message sequence when the application module is operating in the normal operating mode. The second module also includes control logic for initiating the high reliability boot in the application module. 1. A system for executing a high-reliability application and a third party application , comprising: a normal operating mode having the high-reliability application and the third party application executable;', 'a high reliability mode having only the high-reliability application executable; and', 'a high reliability boot having the application module re-booted into the high reliability mode;, 'an application module having control logic for executing the high reliability application and the third party application, the high reliability application generating a message sequence, the application module comprising a first control logic for monitoring the message sequence of the application module when the application module is operating in the normal operating mode;', 'a second control logic for determining if the message sequence has generated an indicator that signifies that an error has occurred as the high-priority application executes; and', 'a third control logic for initiating the high reliability boot in the application module if the message sequence has generated the indicator., 'a second module in communication with the application module, the second module comprising2. The system as recited in ...

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION SYSTEM INCLUDING CONNECTOR BODY WITH INTEGRAL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LATCH

A first connector is matable to a second connector in an electrical connection system. The first connector has a connector body that contains a primary and a secondary latch. The respective latches and the connector body of the first connector are molded to form a single unitary piece. The single unitary piece is constructed to define a space intermediate the primary latch and the connector body. The space is adapted to fit a latch position assurance lock to prevent displacement of the primary latch. The primary and the secondary latch respectively communicate with at least one primary and at least one secondary latch ramp disposed on the second connector when at least the first connector is unmated from the second connector. A method to assemble an electrical connection system using the single unitary piece of the first connector is also provided. 1. An electrical connection system comprising:a mating axis; anda first connector axially matable to a second connector,wherein said first connector includes a connector body and a primary latch and a secondary latch having an axially spaced relationship with the primary latch along an axial length of the connector body in which at least the primary latch is further in communication with, and outwardly spaced apart from the connector body to define an open-ended space therebetween, and the primary and the secondary latch are constructed integrally with the connector body so that the connector body is formed as a single unitary piece, the space being adapted to fit a latch position assurance lock so that when said latch position assurance lock is fitted in to the space, the latch position assurance lock prevents displacement of the primary latch.2. The electrical connection system according to claim 1 , wherein said latch position assurance lock is attached to the connector body of the first connector and is moveable between a lock position and an unlock position disposed remote from the lock position claim 1 , said latch ...

ASSEMBLY FOR FASTENING A FITTING TO A MANIFOLD

An assembly for fastening a fitting to a hole in a tubular manifold having a hole. A plurality of refrigerant tubes extend into the manifold transversely to the hole. The assembly includes a fitting that extends along an axis and defines an opening to provide clearance for the refrigerant tubes extending into the manifold. The fitting also presents a pair of slots in spaced and parallel relationship with one another. The assembly further includes a semi-cylindrical shaped mounting plate including a bracket. The bracket presents a pair of legs which extend in spaced and parallel relationship with one another and engage the slots of the fitting to limit rotary movement of the fitting about the axis relative to the bracket before and during brazing of the fitting to the manifold to maintain a clearance between the lower section of the fitting and the refrigerant tubes. 1. An assembly for fastening a fitting to a hole in a manifold receiving refrigerant tubes extending into the manifold transverse the hole in the manifold , said assembly comprising;a fitting extending along an axis and presenting at least a pair of slots spaced from one another,said fitting having a lower section defining an opening providing clearance for the refrigerant tubes extending into the manifold, anda bracket presenting at least a pair of legs extending in spaced relationship with one another for engaging said slots of said fitting to limit rotary movement of said fitting about said axis relative to said bracket before and during brazing of said fitting to the manifold for maintaining clearance between said lower section of said fitting and the refrigerant tubes.2. The assembly as set forth in wherein said lower section has a semi-cylindrical shape to define said opening.3. The assembly as set forth in wherein said fitting further includes an intermediate section and an upper section.4. The assembly as set forth in wherein said fitting further includes a passage extending along said axis from ...

PLATE-TYPE HEAT PUMP AIR CONDITIONER HEAT EXCHANGER FOR A UNITARY HEAT PUMP AIR CONDITIONER

A plate-type heat exchanger having a first heat exchanger portion configured to receive a refrigerant flow and a hot side coolant flow having a lower temperature than the refrigerant flow, a second heat exchanger portion configured to receive the refrigerant flow exiting from the first heat exchanger portion and a cold side coolant flow having a higher temperature than the refrigerant flow exiting from the first heat exchanger portion, and an internal heat exchanger portion sandwiched between the first heat exchanger portion and the second heat exchanger portion. The refrigerant flow through the plate type heat exchanger is in non-contact thermal communication with the hot side coolant flow and the cold side coolant flow. The cold side coolant flow transfers heat energy to the refrigerant, which in turn transfer that heat energy to the hot side coolant flow. 1. A unitary heat pump air conditioner (Unitary HPAC) , comprising:a plate-type HPAC heat exchanger having a plurality of plates stacked and hermetically sealed between an upstream end plate and a downstream end plate, defining:a first heat exchanger portion configured to receive a refrigerant flow and a hot side coolant flow having a lower temperature than the refrigerant flow, wherein said refrigerant flow is in non-contact thermal communication with the hot side coolant flow, whereby heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant flow to the hot side coolant flow; anda second heat exchanger portion is configured to receive a refrigerant flow exiting from said first heat exchanger portion and a cold side coolant flow having a higher temperature than the refrigerant flow exiting from said first heat exchanger portion, wherein the cold side coolant flow is in non-contact thermal communication with the refrigerant flow, whereby heat energy is transferred from the cold side coolant flow to the refrigerant flow.2. The Unitary HPAC of claim 1 , wherein said plate-type HPAC heat exchanger further includes:an ...

LIGHTWEIGHT AUDIO SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS AND METHOD

A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material molded to provide details to accept audio devices and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture integrally forms a resilient beam portion adjacent an edge thereof carrying a grounding pad. 1. A lightweight automotive electronic device comprising:at least one electronic circuit component including a circuit board integrally forming a resilient beam portion adjacent an edge thereof carrying a grounding pad; anda housing assembly substantially formed of a composite of relatively rigid polymer based material and electrically conductive material operable to substantially enclose and to shield said at least one electronic circuit component from electrical anomalies, wherein an inwardly facing exposed portion of said conductive material is disposed adjacent said grounding pad to establish an electrical ground path therebetween.2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said housing assembly comprises an opening formed in said polymer based material that is substantially closed by said exposed portion of said electrically conductive material.3. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said electrically conductive material comprises an open mesh screen operative to enable the flow of ambient fluid therethrough.4. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said beam portion comprises a cantilevered extension of the material forming said circuit board.5. A self positioning claim 1 , self-engaging and self-grounding mounting system for an electronic circuit component ...

UNITARY HEAT PUMP AIR CONDITIONER HAVING A HEAT EXCHANGER WITH AN INTEGRAL ACCUMULATOR

The disclosure relates to a unitary heat pump air conditioner (Unitary HPAC) having a plate type exchanger assembly, an electrically driven compressor, and coolant pumps. The plate heat exchanger assembly includes a plurality of plates stacked and hermetically sealed between an upstream end plate and a downstream end plate. The stacked plates define a condenser/chiller portion adjacent the upstream end plate, an accumulator portion adjacent the downstream end plate, and an evaporator/chiller portion sandwiched between the condenser/chiller portion and the accumulator portion. A refrigerant passageway extends through the plate type heat exchanger assembly, a hot coolant passageway extends through the condenser/chiller portion, and a cold coolant passageway extends through the evaporator/chiller portion. The cold coolant passageway and the hot coolant passageway are in non-contact thermal communication with the refrigerant passageway. 1. A unitary heat pump air conditioner (HPAC) , comprising:a plate type heat exchanger assembly having a plurality of plates stacked and hermetically sealed between an upstream end plate and a downstream end plate, defining:a condenser/chiller portion adjacent said upstream end plate, wherein said upstream end plate includes a refrigerant inlet, a hot coolant inlet, and a hot coolant outlet;an accumulator portion adjacent said downstream end plate, wherein said downstream end plate includes a refrigerant outlet, a cold coolant inlet, and a cold coolant outlet;an evaporator/chiller portion sandwiched between said condenser/chiller portion and said accumulator portion;a refrigerant passageway extending through said plate type heat exchanger assembly and in hydraulic communication with said refrigerant inlet and said refrigerant outlet;a hot coolant passageway extending through said condenser/chiller portion and in hydraulic communication with said hot coolant inlet and said hot coolant outlet; anda cold coolant passageway extending through ...

ANTI-BACKLASH/ANTI-RATTLE LEVER

An anti-backlash assembly of the type for transferring motion via a pin movable along a slot. The assembly comprises a pivot lever and a second lever member. The pivot lever comprises a body portion and a pivot lever portion extending from the body portion to a pivot lever distal end. The pivot lever portion defines a pin engagement slot extending from adjacent the pivot lever distal end toward the body portion. A pair of fingers extend in parallel and spaced relationship from the pivot lever distal end of the pivot lever portion toward the body portion to engage opposite sides of a pin of the engagement arm. Each of the fingers includes a pin engaging section extending to an inwardly extending distal end and a spring section extending in a for urging the fingers into clamping engagement with the pin. 1. An anti-backlash assembly of the type for transferring motion via a pin movable along a slot comprising;a pivot lever including a body portion is disposed in a plane for disposition on a shaft (not shown) on an axis,a pivot lever portion extends radially from said body portion to a pivot lever distal end,a second lever member and a coupling to said pivot lever for movement therewith,said coupling including a pin engagement slot and a pin slideable along said slot,said slot being defined by a pair of fingers extending in parallel and spaced relationship for moving relative to one another to constantly engage the pin.2. An assembly as set forth in wherein each of said fingers includes an spring section for urging said fingers toward one another for establishing clamping engagement with the pin.3. An assembly as set forth in wherein each of said fingers includes a pin engaging section extending to an inwardly extending distal end and said spring section interconnects said pin engaging section to said pivot lever portion.4. An assembly as set forth in wherein said pivot lever portion include sides extending downwardly from said pivot lever distal end to define an ...

VEHICLE LOCATOR KEY FOB WITH RANGE AND BEARING MEASUREMENT

An apparatus and method of determining bearing and distance measurements between a mobile device and an object using Rf based measurements. The mobile device communicates with a control in the object to determine the relative bearing between the mobile device and the object with respect to magnetic north and, optionally, the distance between the mobile device and the object. An indicator on the mobile device aid in directing s the user of the mobile device toward the object as the mobile device is moved relative to the object. The mobile device can be a key fob and the object can be a vehicle. 1. A method for determining the location of an object by a remote , mobile apparatus comprising the steps of:generating a bearing signal from the object with respect to magnetic north;receiving the bearing signal by the mobile apparatus;determining by the mobile apparatus the relative bearing between the mobile apparatus and the object; andproviding direction information, including at least the relative bearing, to the user of the mobile apparatus to aid in directing the user to the object.2. The method of further comprising the step of:updating the direction information provided to the user of the mobile apparatus as the mobile apparatus is moved relative to the object.3. The method of wherein the step of providing direction information to the user comprises the step of:using a display on the mobile apparatus to provide a graphic depiction a path between the mobile apparatus and the object.4. The method of wherein the step of providing direction information to the user comprises the step of:providing a visual indicator on the mobile apparatus to indicate the relative separation of the mobile apparatus from a path between the mobile apparatus and the object as the mobile apparatus is moved relative to the object.5. The method of further comprising the step of:determining distance between the mobile apparatus and the object; andthe step of providing direction information to the ...

LIGHTWEIGHT AUDIO SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS AND METHOD

A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material molded to provide details to accept audio devices and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture integrally forms a resilient beam portion adjacent an edge thereof carrying a grounding pad. 1. A lightweight automotive electronic device comprising:at least one electronic circuit component including a circuit board integrally forming a resilient beam portion adjacent an edge thereof carrying a grounding pad; anda housing assembly substantially formed of a composite of relatively rigid, electrically insulating polymer based material and electrically conductive sheet-like material operable to substantially enclose and to shield said at least one electronic circuit component from electrical anomalies including RFI (radio frequency interference), EMI (electromagnetic interference), BCI (bulk current injection) and/or ESD (electrostatic discharge),wherein said housing assembly includes at least one window formed therein, said window substantially closed by an inwardly exposed segment of said conductive material operative to effect electrical interconnection between said conductive material and said grounding pad.2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said housing assembly comprises:a generally box-like case having integrally formed wall portions and an opening for receiving said electronic component; anda closure member cooperating with the case to enclose electronic system subassemblies within a cavity defined by said housing assembly.3. The electronic device of ...

THREE-PORT PINTLE VALVE FOR CONTROL OF ACTUATION OIL

A three-port flow control valve comprising a valve body having two opposite-facing valve seats disposed along a central bore terminating in an exhaust port. A supply port communicates with the first valve seat, and a common port communicates with the second valve seat. A pintle shaft connected to an actuating linear solenoid extends along the central bore. A first valve head actuated by the pintle shaft mates with the first valve seat. A second valve head disposed colinearly with the pintle shaft mates with the second valve seat. Opening of the first valve closes the second valve and vice versa. While the solenoid is de-energized the supply pressure keeps the first valve closed. A spring may be disposed between the second valve head and the exhaust port to urge the second valve head to close with the second valve seat. 1. A three-port fluid control valve for directing flow of pressurized fluid between a fluid supply , a user , and a fluid exhaust , comprising:a) a valve body having first and second valve seats disposed along a central bore terminating in an exhaust port and having a supply port formed in said valve body in communication with said first valve seat and having a common port formed in said valve body in communication with said second valve seat wherein said first and second valve seats face in opposite directions;b) a pintle shaft extending into said central bore;c) a first valve head disposed within said central bore adjacent said first valve seat and moved by said pintle shaft for mating with said first valve seat to open and close said supply port to said common port;d) a second valve head disposed within said central bore adjacent said second valve seat for mating with said second valve seat to open and close said common port to said exhaust port;e) a spacing rod disposed within said central bore between said first and second valve heads; andf) an actuator operatively connected to said pintle shaft.2. A valve in accordance with wherein said first ...

VALVE TRAIN SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

A valve train system for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust valve moveable between an exhaust closed position and an exhaust open position. A camshaft includes a main exhaust lobe for moving the exhaust valve between the exhaust closed position and the exhaust open position for expelling exhaust constituents from the combustion chamber and an exhaust rebreath lobe for moving the exhaust valve between the exhaust closed position and the exhaust open position for allowing exhaust constituents into the combustion chamber. A two-step device is provided for transmitting motion from the camshaft to the exhaust valve and is switchable between a motion transmitting position and a motion preventing position such that the motion transmitting position allows motion to be transmitted from the exhaust rebreath lobe to the exhaust valve and the motion preventing position prevents motion from being transmitted from the exhaust rebreath lobe to the exhaust valve. 1. A valve train system for an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber with a piston reciprocatable therewithin between a top-dead-center position and a bottom-dead-center position , said valve train system comprising:an intake valve moveable between an intake closed position and an intake open position for allowing a charge of at least air into said combustion chamber in said intake open position, wherein said intake valve is seated against an intake valve seat in said intake closed position and said intake valve is separated from said intake valve seat in said intake open position;a first exhaust valve moveable between an exhaust closed position and an exhaust open position for either expelling exhaust constituents from said combustion chamber or for selectively allowing exhaust constituents into said combustion chamber in said exhaust open position, wherein said first exhaust valve is seated against a first exhaust valve seat in said exhaust closed position and said first exhaust valve is ...

UNITARY HEAT PUMP AIR CONDITIONER HAVING A HEAT EXCHANGER WITH AN INTEGRAL RECEIVER AND SUB-COOLER

The disclosure relates to a unitary heat pump air conditioner (Unitary HPAC) having a plate type hot-side heat exchanger assembly, a cold-side heat exchanger assembly, and electrically driven compressors and coolant pumps. The plate type hot-side heat exchanger assembly includes a plurality of plates stacked and hermetically sealed between an upstream end plate and a downstream end plate, defining a condenser/chiller portion having a first coolant passageway, a sub-cooler portion having a second coolant passageway, and a refrigerant receiver portion sandwiched between the condenser/chiller portion and the sub-cooler portion. The first coolant passageway and the second coolant passageway are in non-contact thermal communication with the refrigerant passageway. 1. A unitary heat pump air conditioner , comprising:a hot-side heat exchanger assembly having a plurality of plates stacked and hermetically sealed between an upstream end plate and a downstream end plate, defining: a condenser/chiller portion adjacent said upstream end plate, wherein said upstream end plate includes a refrigerant inlet and a hot coolant outlet;a sub-cooler portion adjacent said downstream end plate, wherein said downstream end plate includes a refrigerant outlet, a hot coolant inlet, a sub-cooler coolant inlet and a sub-cooler coolant outlet;a refrigerant passageway in hydraulic communication with said refrigerant inlet and said refrigerant outlet, wherein said refrigerant passageway extends through said condenser/chiller portion and said sub-cooler portion;a first coolant passageway in hydraulic communication with said hot coolant inlet and said hot coolant outlet, wherein said first coolant passageway extends through said condenser/chiller portion; anda second coolant passageway in hydraulic communication with said sub-coolant inlet and said sub-coolant outlet, wherein said wherein said second coolant passageway extends through said sub-cooler portion;wherein said first coolant passageway ...

SEALED ELECTRICAL SPLICE ASSEMBLY

A sealed electrical splice assembly includes a housing defining a cavity and including an opening. A conductive bus plate is retained in the cavity. A plurality of electrically conductive terminals are received in the cavity are electrically connected to the bus plate. The plurality of terminals are connected to a plurality of wire conductors. A seal plug is disposed in the cavity through the opening adapted to sealingly engage an interior surface of the housing surrounding the seal plug. An end cover overlies the seal plug disposed in the opening. The cavity receives the plurality of terminals through the end cover and the seal plug thereby allowing the seal plug to sealingly engage the plurality of wire conductors. 1. splice assembly comprising:an insulative, non-electrically conductive housing defining a cavity and including an opening;an electrically conductive bus plate retained in the cavity;a plurality of electrically conductive terminals disposed in the cavity and electrically connected to the bus plate, said plurality of terminals being electrically connected to a plurality of wire conductors;a flexible lock received in the cavity of the housing;a seal plug being disposed in the cavity and configured to fittingly communicate with the flexible lock such that the fitted sealing plug is adapted to sealingly engage an interior surface of the housing surrounding the disposed seal plug, the received flexible lock being configured to retain said plurality of terminals received in the cavity; andan end cover disposed in the opening overlying the seal plug,wherein the cavity receives the plurality of terminals through the end cover and the seal plug so that the seal plug sealingly engages against the plurality of wire conductors.2. The sealed splice assembly of claim 1 , wherein the seal plug comprises a resilient seal plug claim 1 , and said resilient seal plug defines a plurality of cable holes and the end cover defines an elongate hole that generally overlies the ...

CONDENSER HAVING A REFRIGERANT RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DESICCANT BAG

A condenser having a receiver for use in an air conditioning system, having a plurality of refrigerant tubes, at least one header in hydraulic communication with the plurality of refrigerant tubes, and a receiver housing connected to the header. The receiver housing includes a refrigerant conduit nested within the spine of a desiccant bag. The spine divided the desiccant bag into two desiccant compartments, which are folded over the refrigerant conduit such that the desiccant compartments urge the refrigerant conduit onto the spine, thereby holding the desiccant bag in a predetermined position. 1. A condenser having a receiver for use in an air conditioning system , comprising:a plurality of refrigerant tubes;at least one header in hydraulic communication with said plurality of refrigerant tubes, wherein said header includes a header partition separating said header into a first header chamber and a second header chamber; anda receiver housing hydraulically connected to said header, wherein said receiver housing includes a refrigerant conduit having a receiver partition separating said receiver housing into a first receiver chamber and a second receiver chamber, a first port for directing refrigerant from said first chamber of said header to said first chamber of said receiver housing, a second port for directing refrigerant from said second chamber of said receiver to said second chamber of said header, and a desiccant bag contained within said first chamber of said receiver,wherein said desiccant bag includes a spine extending along an axis in the direction of said refrigerant conduit, thereby dividing said desiccant bag into two desiccant compartments.2. The condenser having a receiver of claim 1 , wherein a portion of said refrigerant conduit is nested against said spine of said desiccant bag.3. The condenser having a receiver of claim 2 , wherein said two desiccant compartments are folded over said refrigerant conduit such that said desiccant compartments urge ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING GAS SENSOR FAULTS

A method for fault identification of gas sensors exposed to a gas mixture is disclosed for gas sensors having an output that depends on concentrations of two gas species in the gas mixture. The method includes receiving output signals from two such sensors, processing the output signals in a controller that implements a model of the sensors so as to identify a fault in the first gas sensor or the second gas sensor; and providing an indication of any identified faults. 1. A method for fault identification of gas sensors exposed to a gas mixture , comprising the steps of:receiving a first output signal from a first gas sensor having an output that varies according to both the concentration of a first gas species in the gas mixture and the concentration of a second gas species in the gas mixture;receiving a second output signal from a second gas sensor having an output that varies according to both the concentration of the first gas species in the gas mixture and the concentration of the second gas species in the gas mixture;processing the first output signal and the second output signal in a diagnostic controller that implements a model of the first gas sensor and a model of the second gas sensor so as to identify a fault in the first gas sensor or the second gas sensor; andindicating any identified faults.2. The method of wherein the gas mixture comprises an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine having an exhaust system comprising means for controllably introducing ammonia into the gas mixture claim 1 , and wherein the first gas species is NHand the second gas species is NO.3. The method of wherein the processing of the first output signal and the second output signal includes the steps of:using the first output signal and the second output signal as inputs to the model to calculate the concentration of the first gas species in the gas mixture;using the calculated concentration of the first gas species as an input to the model of the second gas sensor to ...

PLANAR MAGNETIC STRUCTURE

A planar magnetic structure has an electrically insulating carrier made up of a base portion and opposed upstanding sidewalls. A plurality of planar primary windings and planar secondary windings are interstitially disposed within the carrier with planar dielectric spacers located between each adjacent pair of windings. A ferrite core envelopes the assembly to magnetically couple the windings. The carrier and windings form at least two spaces-apart sets of cooperating registration features which maintain the windings in fixed alignment with the carrier. 1. A magnetic structure comprising:an electrically insulating carrier comprising a base portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls forming a regularly shaped cavity;a plurality of substantially planar dielectric spacers configured for nesting disposition within said cavity;a plurality of substantially planar windings configured for disposition within said cavity, with each said planar winding interstitially disposed between an adjacent pair of said dielectric spacers; anda ferrite core operative to magnetically couple said windings,said carrier and said windings forming first and second spaced-apart sets of cooperating registration features operative to maintain said windings in fixed alignment with said carrier.2. The magnetic structure of claim 1 , wherein each said winding comprises a first termination portion claim 1 , an intermediate portion including at least one turn claim 1 , and a second termination portion.3. The magnetic structure of claim 2 , wherein at least one of said winding termination portions extends outwardly through an associated opening in one of said carrier sidewalls claim 2 , and both of said termination portions are affixed to upwardly extending carrier posts.4. The magnetic structure of claim 3 , wherein at least one of said carrier posts comprises an electrically conductive portion extending axially between two registering winding termination portions to establish an electrically ...

AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR OVER-TORQUE PROTECTOR

An automotive air conditioning compressor assembly that includes a compressor capable of exhibiting an over-torque condition, an electromagnetic clutch, and an over-torque protection device located between the compressor and the accessory drive. The over-torque protection device is configured to decouple the compressor and the accessory drive when the over-torque condition occurs. The over-torque protection device uses a frangible part that breaks when an over-torque condition occurs and parts equipped with helical ramps to force the rotor and stator of the clutch apart to disengage the compressor from the vehicle accessory drive. 1. An automotive air conditioning compressor assembly comprising:a compressor operable to compress material within the compressor, said compressor capable of exhibiting an over-torque condition;a clutch operable to an engaged state wherein an accessory drive is coupled to the compressor for operating the compressor, and operable to a disengaged state;an over-torque protection device interposed between the compressor and the accessory drive, said over-torque protection device configured to decouple the compressor and the accessory drive when the over-torque condition occurs.2. The compressor assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said compressor assembly further comprises a frangible element adapted to break when the over-torque condition occurs to mechanically decouple the compressor and the accessory drive.3. The compressor assembly in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the clutch operates to the engaged state by urging an armature and a rotor together claim 2 , andwherein said compressor assembly further comprises a ramp coupled to the compressor and a lifting feature coupled to the accessory drive, wherein the ramp defines a helical ridge, and the lifting feature defines a lifting ridge engaging the helical ridge, wherein when the frangible element breaks, relative rotation between the lifting feature and the ramp urges the ...

DISPLAY USING A TRANSREFLECTIVE ELECTROWETTING LAYER

A display for displaying images that includes a transreflective electrowetting layer operable to a transparent-state where light passes through the transreflective electrowetting layer and a reflective-state where light is reflected by the transreflective electrowetting layer; a non-reflective layer underlying the transreflective electrowetting layer; and an emissive layer proximate to the transreflective electrowetting layer. The display combines light emitting elements such as OLED's with transreflective electrowetting elements to provide a display that can operate in high ambient light conditions without undesirably high power dissipation by the OLED's, and can operate under low ambient light or no ambient light conditions. 1. A display for displaying images , said display comprising:a transreflective electrowetting layer operable to a transparent-state where light passes through the transreflective electrowetting layer and a reflective-state where light is reflected by the transreflective electrowetting layer;a non-reflective layer underlying the transreflective electrowetting layer; andan emissive layer proximate to the transreflective electrowetting layer, said emissive layer operable to an on-state where the emissive layer emits light, and an off-state where the emissive layer does not emit light, wherein the transreflective electrowetting layer and the emissive layer cooperate to display an image on the display.2. The display in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the transreflective electrowetting layer includes an electrowetting element formed of Galinstan.3. The display in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the display is formed of a plurality of pixels claim 1 , and each of said pixels includes a transreflective electrowetting layer claim 1 , a non-reflective layer claim 1 , and an emissive layer.4. The display in accordance with claim 3 , wherein each pixel includes a color filter.5. The display in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the emissive layer is ...

CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE DEVICE

A connector assembly is provided, and includes a first connector, a second connector, and a CPA device. The first connector has a stopper feature, a first end and a second end that generally opposes the first end. The stopper feature has a recess provided therein and a stopper surface. The second connector is received by the first connector. The second connector includes a shroud that slides over the first end of the first connector in a first direction. The CPA device is slidingly engaged with the second end of the first connector in a second direction that is generally perpendicular to the first direction. The CPA device has a flexible arm that is selectively deformable. In a pre-stage position, the flexible arm abuts against the stopper surface to restrict relative movement of the CPA device in the second direction. 1. A connector assembly , comprising:a first connector having a stopper feature, a first end and a second end that generally opposes the first end, the stopper feature having a recess provided therein and a stopper surface;a second connector received by the first connector, the second connector including a shroud that slides over the first end of the first connector in a first direction;a connector position assurance (CPA) device slidingly engaged with the second end of the first connector in a second direction that is generally perpendicular to the first direction, the CPA device having a flexible arm that is selectively deformable, the flexible arm abutting against the stopper surface to restrict relative movement of the CPA device in the second direction in a pre-stage position, and the flexible arm located within the recess of the stopper feature in an intermediate position, the shroud positioned to selectively contact the flexible arm in the first direction for urging the flexible arm from the pre-stage position into the intermediate position.2. The connector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible arm includes a mating detection feature that ...

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SHIELD

An electromagnetic shield for an electrical connector comprises a sheet formed of conductive material and has a top side with at least two depending, conductive, reinforcement sidewalls that each have a plurality of conductive depending sidewall legs distributed about a periphery of the sheet and extending upwardly. The shield includes at least one conductive ground tab extending from an edge such that the shield provides a ground path directly from a circuit board to a connector housing. The shield defines at least one opening for receiving an alignment post and at least one additional opening to permit access to an electrical terminal positioned below the sheet. The openings may be rectangular in shape and aligned with terminals positioned within connector housing. 1. An electromagnetic shield comprising: a sheet formed of conductive material , the shield having a top side at least two depending , conductive , reinforcement sidewalls , each sidewall having a plurality of conductive depending sidewall legs distributed about a periphery of the sheet and extending upwardly from the sidewalls , the shield also having at least one conductive ground tab extending from an edge of the sheet such that the shield provides a ground path directly from a circuit board to a connector housing , the sheet defining at least one opening for receiving an alignment post , the sheet defining at least one opening to permit access to an electrical terminal positioned below the sheet.2. An electromagnetic shield as in claim 1 , wherein the opening is rectangular in shape.3. An electromagnetic shield as in claim 1 , wherein the opening is aligned with terminals positioned within connector housing.4. An electromagnetic shield as in claim 1 , wherein the ground path passes through the legs claim 1 , the sheet claim 1 , and the ground tab.5. An electromagnetic shield as in claim 1 , wherein the shield has at least two conductive ground tabs extending from an edge of the sheet claim 1 , the ...

HYBRID VEHICLE SYSTEM AND CONTROLLER

A system for operating a hybrid vehicle that includes a chargeable energy storage device, a single dynamo (motor/generator combination) an internal combustion engine, and a torque coupling device configured to variably couple the engine to the dynamo. The torque coupling device is such that using only a single dynamo, the system is able to operate in different modes expected of hybrid vehicles, such as: electric drive only, engine drive only, electric and engine drive combined, and charging of the chargeable energy storage device. 1. A system for operating a hybrid vehicle , said system comprising:a chargeable energy storage device for storing electrical energy;a single dynamo configured to operate in a motor mode for propelling the vehicle, and operate in a generator mode for charging the energy storage device;an engine configured to operate at an engine speed; anda torque coupling device configured to variably couple the engine to the dynamo, wherein said system is configured to (a) operate in a first mode wherein the dynamo is coupled to the energy storage device to operate the dynamo in the motor mode for propelling the vehicle, the engine is not operated, and the engine is not coupled to the dynamo, (b) operate in a second mode wherein the dynamo is coupled to the energy storage device to operate the dynamo in the motor mode for propelling the vehicle, and the dynamo is coupled to the engine such that the engine is motored by the dynamo for starting the engine, (c) operate in a third mode wherein the dynamo is coupled to the energy storage device to operate the dynamo in the motor mode for propelling the vehicle, and the engine is operated at an engine speed less than a speed threshold whereby the engine does not propel the vehicle, and (d) operate in a fourth mode wherein the engine is operated at an engine speed equal to or greater than the speed threshold for propelling the vehicle.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the dynamo is configured ...

System for Adding Sulfur to a Fuel Cell Stack System for Improved Fuel Cell Stability

A system for adding sulfur to a reformate stream feeding a fuel cell stack, having a sulfur source for providing sulfur to the reformate stream and a metering device in fluid connection with the sulfur source and the reformate stream. The metering device injects sulfur from the sulfur source to the reformate stream at a predetermined rate, thereby providing a conditioned reformate stream to the fuel cell stack. The system provides a conditioned reformate stream having a predetermined sulfur concentration that gives an acceptable balance of minimal drop in initial power with the desired maximum stability of operation over prolonged periods for the fuel cell stack. 1. A system for adding sulfur to a reformate stream feeding a fuel cell stack , comprising:a sulfur source for providing sulfur to said reformate stream; anda metering device in fluid connection with said sulfur source and said reformate stream, wherein said metering device injects sulfur from said sulfur source to said reformate stream at a predetermined rate, thereby providing a conditioned reformate stream to said fuel cell stack.2. The system for adding sulfur to a reformate stream feeding a fuel cell stack of claim 1 , further comprising a controller in communication with said metering device claim 1 , wherein said controller is adapted to adjust said predetermined rate that said metering device injects sulfur to said reformate stream.3. The system for adding sulfur to a reformate stream feeding a fuel cell stack of claim 2 , wherein said sulfur source comprises HS.4. The system for adding sulfur to a reformate stream feeding a fuel cell stack of claim 3 , wherein said predetermined rate provides for a sulfur concentration in said conditioned reformate stream that gives an acceptable balance of minimal drop in initial power with the desired maximum stability of operation over prolonged periods for said fuel cell stack.5. The system for adding sulfur to a reformate stream feeding a fuel cell stack of ...

Camshaft Phaser with Independent Phasing and Lock Pin Control

A camshaft phaser is provided for varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an engine. The camshaft phaser includes a stator having lobes. A rotor disposed within the stator includes vanes interspersed with the stator lobes to define alternating advance and retard chambers. A lock pin is provided for selective engagement with a lock pin seat for preventing relative rotation between the rotor and stator. Pressurized oil disengages the lock pin from the seat while oil is vented for engaging the lock pin with the seat. A phase relationship control valve is located coaxially within the rotor to control the flow of oil into and out of the chambers. A lock pin oil passage communicates oil to and from the lock pin based on input from a lock pin control valve located outside of the camshaft phaser. The control valves are operational independent of each other.

POPPET VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR CONTROLLING A PNEUMATIC ACTUATOR

A poppet valve assembly to control a pneumatic actuator may include a housing having a central bore. A first module may be disposed within the central bore, and the first module may have a first and second poppet valve. A second module may also be disposed within the central bore, and the second module may have a third and fourth poppet valve. A supply of pressurized fluid may be in fluid communication with a plurality of control valves such that pressurized fluid from the control valves opens and closes the poppet valves. The supply of pressurized fluid may also be in fluid communication with the first module and the second module such that the opening and closing of the poppet valves controls the position of the pneumatic actuator. 1. A poppet valve assembly comprising:a valve housing having a central bore;a first module disposed within the central bore, the first module comprising a first normally closed poppet valve and a second normally closed poppet valve, wherein each of the first and second normally closed poppet valves has an open position and a closed position;a central port formed in the first module, wherein the central port of the first module is adapted to be coupled to a first volume of a pneumatic cylinder;an exhaust port formed in the first module such that the central port is in fluid communication with the exhaust port when the first poppet valve is in the open position; anda supply port formed in the first module such that the central port is in fluid communication with the supply port when second poppet valve is in the open position,wherein the supply port is configured to be in fluid communication with a supply of pressurized fluid such that when the second poppet valve is in the open position, pressurized fluid is provided to the first volume of the pneumatic cylinder, andwherein the exhaust port is configured to vent pressurized fluid from the first volume of the pneumatic cylinder when the first poppet valve is in the open position.2. The ...

THERMOELECTRIC HEAT EXCHANGER CAPABLE OF PROVIDING TWO DIFFERENT DISCHARGE TEMPERATURES

A thermoelectric heat exchanger and a thermoelectric heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) configured to provide a cooled fluid or air stream and a heated fluid or air stream. The thermoelectric heat exchanger may include a plurality thermoelectric devices (TEDs), also known as thermoelectric coolers (TECs) or Peltier coolers, in thermal communication. The thermoelectric devices may be arranged in a three dimensional array to provide compact packaging for the thermoelectric heat exchanger assembly. The thermoelectric heat exchanger may be configured to transfer thermal energy between a first thermoelectric device and a second thermoelectric device via evaporation and condensation of a working fluid or refrigerant contained within the thermoelectric heat exchanger. 1. A cross flow heat exchanger assembly configured to heat a first portion of a fluid flowing through said assembly and cool a second portion of the fluid flowing through said assembly , wherein the first portion is segregated from the second portion , said assembly comprising:a first thermoelectric device configured to heat said first portion of the fluid;a second thermoelectric device configured to cool said second portion of the fluid; anda heat pipe configured to transfer thermal energy between the first thermoelectric device and the second thermoelectric device via evaporation and condensation of a working fluid contained within the heat pipe.2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the assembly further comprises:a first fin thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device and disposed within said first portion of the fluid; anda second fin thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device and disposed within said second portion of the fluid.3. The assembly of claim 2 , wherein the assembly further comprises:a bulkhead disposed between the first fin and the second fin configured to segregate said first portion and said second portion.4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ...

VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION BASED ON A NOMADIC DEVICE LOCATION

A vehicle security system for a vehicle equipped with a passive keyless entry/passive start (PEPS) security system including a nomadic device configured to determine a present location of the nomadic device (e.g. key fob, smart phone), and a controller configured to control a security-status based on the present location. The controller determines the security status based on the proximity of the nomadic device in order to thwart theft of the vehicle using a relay attack. 1. A vehicle security system for a vehicle equipped with a passive keyless entry/passive start (PEPS) security system , said system comprising:a nomadic device configured to determine a present location of the nomadic device; anda controller configured to control a security-status based on the present location.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the security-status includes at least a secure-state and a ready-state.3. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the nomadic device is configured to transmit the present location when a location request is received from the controller.4. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to determine a vehicle location.5. The system in accordance with claim 4 , wherein the controller determines a distance between the nomadic device and the vehicle based on the present location and the vehicle location.6. The system in accordance with claim 5 , wherein the security-status includes at least a secure-state and a ready-state claim 5 , and the security-status is restricted to the secure-state if the distance is greater than a maximum range.7. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the nomadic device is configured to determine a vehicle location.8. The system in accordance with claim 7 , wherein the nomadic device is configured to determine a distance between the nomadic device and the vehicle based on the present location and the vehicle location.9. The system in accordance with claim 8 , wherein the ...

Apparatus having plurality of openings to access removable electronic devices some of which have electrical connections using no circuit board trace

An electrical current-carrying apparatus includes a housing containing a plurality of electronic devices that also includes a plurality of removable electronic devices. The housing further defines a plurality of openings so that the removable devices are accessible through at least one of the plurality of openings. The housing receivably couples at least one wire cable that is in electrical communication with the electronic devices. When the at least one wire cable is receivably coupled to the housing and the at least one removable device needs accessed, the at least one removable electronic device is accessed through at least one of the plurality of openings while the at least one coupled wire cable remains attached to the housing. A relay and fuse electronic circuit arrangement and a fuse electronic circuit arrangement each effectively utilize the allotted packaging space within the apparatus while also conserving the use of circuit board trace.

EVAPORATOR PHASE CHANGE THERMAL SIPHON

An evaporator having a manifold and a plurality of refrigerant tubes extending downward in the direction of gravity from the manifold. The evaporator includes at least one PCM housing engaging the upper portion of the refrigerant tube for storing a phase change material. When operating in a first operating mode, heat is transferred from the phase change material to the refrigerant to freeze and cool the phase change material. When operating in a second operating mode, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the frozen phase change material to condense the refrigerant. The condensed refrigerant falls downwardly through the tubes and receives heat from a flow of air to cool the air and evaporate the refrigerant. The evaporated refrigerant rises upwardly back to the low pressure of the cold manifold. 1. An evaporator for an air conditioning system , comprising:a first manifold;a second manifold spaced from and substantially parallel with said first manifold;a plurality of refrigerant tubes hydraulically connecting said first and second manifolds for a refrigerant flow therebetween, wherein said plurality of refrigerant tubes includes an upper region and a lower region with respect to gravity; anda first PCM housing configured to contain a phase change material such that the phase change material is in thermal contact with at least one of said plurality of refrigerant tubes, wherein the only portion of said at least one of said plurality of refrigerant tubes that the phase change material is in thermal contact with is the upper region.2. The evaporator for an air conditioning system of claim 1 , further comprising a second PCM housing configured to contain a phase change material such that the phase change material is in thermal contact with said at least one of said plurality of refrigerant tubes claim 1 , wherein the only portion of said at least one of said plurality of refrigerant tubes that the phase change material is in thermal contact with is the upper ...

System and Method of Providing Quick Thermal Comfort with Reduced Energy by Using Directed Spot Conditioning

A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and a method of controlling a HVAC system that is configured to provide a perceived comfortable ambient environment to an occupant seated in a vehicle cabin. The system includes a nozzle configured to direct an air stream from the HVAC system to the location of a thermally sensitive portion of the body of the occupant. The system also includes a controller configured to determine an air stream temperature and an air stream flow rate necessary to establish the desired heat supply rate for the sensitive portion and provide a comfortable thermal environment by thermally isolating the occupant from the ambient vehicle cabin temperature. The system may include a sensor to determine the location of the sensitive portion. The nozzle may include a thermoelectric device to heat or cool the air stream. 1. A heating , ventilation , and air conditioning (HVAC) system configured to provide a perceived comfortable ambient environment to an occupant seated in a vehicle cabin , said system comprising:a first nozzle configured to direct a first air stream from the HVAC system;a servo mechanism coupled to the first nozzle configured to articulate the first nozzle in order to direct the first air stream to a desired location; and identify a sensitive portion of a body of the occupant that is more sensitive to heat loss than other portions of the body,', 'determine an ambient temperature of the vehicle cabin,', 'determine a desired heat supply rate for the sensitive portion, wherein the desired heat supply rate includes a steady-state heat supply rate based on a difference between a comfortable heat loss rate for the sensitive portion and an actual heat loss rate for the sensitive portion at the ambient temperature;', 'determine a comfortable skin temperature for the sensitive portion,', 'determine a flow rate for the first air stream and a stream temperature for the first air stream based on at least the desired heat supply ...

HEAT EXCHANGER ASSEMBLY

A heat exchanger assembly that includes an outlet header/manifold defining an outlet cavity, an outlet tube in fluidic communication with the outlet cavity, and a heat exchanger core. The outlet tube and the outlet cavity cooperate to reduce a temperature value range across the heat exchanger core by equalizing refrigerant distribution between the refrigerant tubes within the heat exchanger core. The length of the heat exchanger headers/manifolds may be increased for a predetermined packaging width because the outlet tube and inlet conduit may exit the headers/manifolds perpendicularly rather than axially, allowing the heat exchanger core width to be increased. The increased heat exchanger core width allows additional refrigerant tubes to be included in the heat exchanger core, providing decreased air pressure difference for air flowing through the heat exchanger assembly and increased heat capacity of the heat exchanger assembly. 1. A heat exchanger assembly , comprising:an inlet header defining an inlet cavity extending along an inlet header axis;an outlet header defining an outlet cavity extending along an outlet header axis, wherein the outlet header defines an opening oriented substantially perpendicular to the outlet header axis;a heat exchanger core including a plurality of refrigerant tubes each extending between the outlet cavity and the inlet cavity, wherein the outlet cavity and inlet cavity are in fluidic communication through the refrigerant tubes; andan outlet tube sealably coupled to said opening, wherein the outlet tube and the outlet cavity cooperate to reduce a temperature value range across the heat exchanger core.2. The heat exchanger assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said opening defines a sharp edged entrance claim 1 , wherein the sharp edged entrance induces a pressure difference between the outlet cavity and the outlet tube when refrigerant flows from the outlet cavity into the outlet tube that influences the temperature value ...

LIGHTWEIGHT AUDIO SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS AND METHOD

A housing assembly for a lightweight electronic device for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a one-piece case formed of a layered composite structure including polymer based, electrically insulating sheet material and electrically conductive sheet material that is compression molded or hydroformed to provide three-dimensional case details to accept one or more electronic devices such as circuit boards required for electrical control and display of vehicle based systems. The conductive sheet material is preferably a wire mesh which provides shielding from electrical anomalies and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. Major components and subassemblies are self-fixturing during the final assembly process, eliminating the need for dedicated tools, fixtures and assembly equipment. 1. A method of fabricating an automotive electronic system housing assembly including a contoured case and at least one discrete closure member cooperatively enclosing at least one electronic component , said method comprising the steps of:forming a generally planer composite preform blank consisting of at least one layer of relatively rigid polymer sheet material and at least one layer of electrically conductive sheet material capable of shielding said electronic component from electrical anomalies;positioning said preform blank within a compression mold apparatus wherein said blank registers with a contoured die form within said apparatus;actuating said compression mold apparatus, whereby areas of said preform blank are selectively distended to substantially conform to said contoured die to form said case to net shape; andreleasing and removing said case from said apparatus.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of trimming and/or punching said case to final net shape.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of pre-heating said perform blank prior to positioning it within said ...

FUEL INJECTOR HEATER ELEMENT CONTROL VIA SINGLE DATA LINE

A system, heated fuel injector, and controller for closed-loop temperature control of a heated fuel injector having simultaneous two-way data communication over a single-line data connection. The system includes a voltage source to output a heater enable signal and a variable current sink configured to draw a current value indicative of a temperature value related to the heated fuel injector. The heater signal and the current value are simultaneously present on the single-line data connection. The configuration reduces the effect of ground shift on the accuracy of determining a feedback signal from the heated fuel injector. The feedback signal is a temperature value related to the heated fuel injector and is indicated by a current value. Because the feedback signal is a current value, the feedback signal is generally immune from being influenced by ground shift between the controller and the heated fuel injector.

OVER-TORQUE PROTECTOR DEVICE FOR A COMPRESSOR

An over-torque protector device including a drive pulley and a drive hub. A plurality of receptacles extends from a pulley face, and a plurality of links extends from a drive hub plate. Each link has a first end pivotably engaged to the plate and a second end provided with coupling means for releasably coupling the drive hub and the drive pulley for unified rotation through operative engagement with the receptacles in a device engaged state, the coupling means and the receptacles out of operative engagement in a device released state. The coupling means and the receptacles have relative axial movements induced by relative rotation between the drive pulley and the drive hub. Transition from the device engaged state to the device released state is induced by the relative axial movements of the coupling means and the receptacles. 1. An over-torque protector device for a compressor having a drive shaft , said device having engaged and released states and comprising:a drive pulley defining a substantially central opening about a central axis and a face, said drive pulley comprising a plurality of receptacles extending from said face; and a plate spaced from said drive pulley face and defining an opening for receiving the drive shaft, said drive hub being adapted for rotatably fixed engagement with the drive shaft, and', 'a plurality of links extending from said plate, each said link having a first end pivotably engaged to said plate and a second end provided with coupling means for releasably coupling said drive hub and said drive pulley for unified rotation about said central axis through operative engagement with said receptacles in said device engaged state, said coupling means being out of operative engagement with said receptacles, and said drive hub being uncoupled from said drive pulley, in said device released state;, 'a drive hub comprisingwherein relative rotation between said drive pulley and said drive hub about said central axis is imparted by driven ...

VISION BASED NIGHT-TIME REAR COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM, CONTROLLER, AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME

A night-time rear collision warning system that includes a camera and a controller. The system identifies a bright spot corresponding to a light source present in the field of view of the camera, determines if the bright spot corresponds to headlights of an approaching vehicle, and determines if a collision is likely. The headlights of a distant approaching vehicle may appear as a single bright spot and so the bright spot is classified as a fused spot. By analyzing bright spots from headlights, the system is able to operate at night when no other information regarding the size or shape of the approaching vehicle is available. 1. A night-time rear collision warning system comprising:a camera configured to output an image signal corresponding to a field of view behind a vehicle; anda controller configured toa) process the image signal into a sequence of images,b) identify a bright spot in an image as corresponding to a light source present in the field of view,c) determine if the bright spot is indicative of a vehicle spot,d) determine if the vehicle spot is classified as a fused spot,e) determine, based on the classification of the vehicle spot and changes of a vehicle spot size in the sequence of images, if a collision is likely, andf) if a collision is likely, output an indication that a collision is likely.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the vehicle spot is classified as a fused spot if the vehicle spot has a saturated pixel count greater than a fused spot threshold.3. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to determine if the image includes a pair of bright spots indicative of a vehicle spot.4. The system in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the controller is further configured to classify the vehicle spot as a lost pair spot if a subsequent image indicates that the vehicle spot includes only one of the pair of bright spots.5. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the controller is further ...

LIGHT DISTRIBUTION PATTERN CONTROL USING OBJECT DETECTION AND ELECTROWETTING LENSES

A system, controller, and method for controlling a light distribution pattern. A light source and an electrowetting lens cooperate to vary a light distribution pattern of light from the light source. An object detector is used by a controller determine the location of an object and operate the electrowetting lens in order to control the light distribution pattern based on the location of the object. The electrowetting lens provides for faster redirecting of light toward an object when compared to mechanical based system. The light source may be an array of light emitting diodes to provide a reliable, energy efficient source of light. 1. A system for controlling a light distribution pattern , said system comprising:a light source operable to emit light;an electrowetting lens operable to vary a light distribution pattern of light from the light source into an area;an object detector configured to indicate a location of an object; anda controller configured to operate the electrowetting lens in order to control the light distribution pattern into the area based on the location of the object indicated by the object detector.2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the light source and the electrowetting lens form a lamp for a building structure.3. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the light source and the electrowetting lens form a headlight for a vehicle.4. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to determine if the object is moving toward the area.5. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to operate the electrowetting lens in order to direct light toward the object.6. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.7. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the electrowetting lens comprises a plurality of electrowetting prisms.8. The system in accordance with claim 7 , wherein the ...

Transreflective vehicle mirror system

A transreflective vehicle mirror system configured to be attached to a vehicle. The system includes an interior unit and/or exterior unit, each of which includes various arrangements of a transreflective layer optionally combined with a transparent display layer and/or a variable tint layer. The units can be configured and operated in a variety of ways to provide the same and/or enhanced features/functions normally associated with conventional side view mirrors, rear view mirrors (with or without an integrated information display), fold down visors (with or without a vanity mirror), and graduated tinting commonly found on the upper portion of automobile windshields. The interior unit and exterior unit can operate to a transparent state so that a field of view or direction viewed by the operator is not obstructed as is the case with conventional rear and side view mirrors, and fold-down sun-visors.

VEHICLE FRONT LIGHTING ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEMS HAVING A VARIABLE TINT ELECTROWETTING ELEMENT

A vehicle front lighting assembly, or headlight assembly, that includes one or more variable tint electrowetting elements overlying a portion of the assembly lens surface. The variable tint electrowetting element is configured to operate to a transparent state whereby the hue of light passing therethrough is not changed, and a tinted state where the hue of light passing therethrough is changed. Alternatively, the variable tint electrowetting element is configured to operate to the tinted state and an opaque state where light is blocked from passing through the electrowetting element. The assembly may use light emitting diodes (LED) as an alternative to more conventional light sources. 1. A vehicle front lighting assembly comprising:a light source configured to project light toward a lens surface; anda variable tint electrowetting element overlying a portion of the lens surface, wherein the variable tint electrowetting element is operable to a transparent state where the hue of light passing therethrough is not substantially changed, and operable to a tinted state where the hue of light passing therethrough is changed.2. The assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.3. The assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises an array of light emitting diodes.4. The assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the variable tint electrowetting element provides a turn indicator for a vehicle.5. The assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the assembly further comprises an electrowetting prism overlying a portion of the lens surface claim 1 , said prism configured to variably direct light passing therethrough.6. The assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the assembly further comprises an electrowetting prism overlying the variable tint electrowetting element claim 1 , said prism configured to variably direct light passing therethrough.7. A vehicle front lighting system comprising:a ...

AXIALLY COMPACT COUPLING FOR A CAMSHAFT PHASER ACTUATED BY ELECTRIC MOTOR

A camshaft phaser includes a housing with a harmonic gear drive unit disposed therein. The harmonic gear drive unit includes a circular spline and a dynamic spline, a flexspline disposed within the circular spline and the dynamic spline, a wave generator disposed within the flexspline, and a rotational actuator connectable to the wave generator. A coupling adapter is disposed coaxially within the housing bore and fixed to the wave generator and supported in the housing by a bearing which is press fit onto a bearing surface of the coupling adapter. The coupling adapter has a coupling adapter bore with opposing drive lugs extending radially inward therefrom which are axially coincident with the bearing surface. A coupling of the rotational actuator is disposed within the coupling adapter bore and has opposing drive slots which receive the opposing drive lugs, thereby transmitting motion from the coupling to the coupling adapter. 1. A camshaft phaser for controllably varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an internal combustion engine , said camshaft phaser comprising:a housing having a housing bore with a longitudinal axis;a harmonic gear drive unit disposed within said housing, said harmonic gear drive unit comprising a circular spline and an axially adjacent dynamic spline, a flexspline disposed within said circular spline and said dynamic spline, a wave generator disposed within said flexspline, and a rotational actuator connectable to said wave generator such that rotation of said wave generator causes relative rotation between said circular spline and said dynamic spline, wherein one of said circular spline and said dynamic spline is fixed to said housing in order to prevent relative rotation therebetween;a hub rotatably disposed within said housing axially adjacent to said harmonic gear drive unit and attachable to said camshaft and fixed to the other of said circular spline and said dynamic spline in order to prevent relative ...