Abstract: A high-resolution position sensing apparatus for determining the angular position of a throttle plate located in an electronic throttle and controlled by a PCM includes a first throttle position sensor and a second throttle position sensor. The first throttle position sensor is coupled to the throttle plate and generates a first throttle position sensor output signal. The first throttle position sensor output signal is a negative slope signal and is affine to the position of the throttle plate from full closed to full open. The second throttle position sensor is also coupled to the throttle plate and generates a second throttle position sensor output signal. The second throttle position sensor output signal is a positive slope signal and is affine to the position of the throttle plate from full closed to approximately one-half open. Because the second sensor is used over a smaller range it may be used to achieve a higher signal resolution over that smaller range.

Abstract: A system and a method for dynamically estimating the vehicle longitudinal and lateral velocities based on information gathered from four sensors measuring the longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, wheel speed and yaw rate. The present invention provides a linear-parameter-varying state observer in conjunction with a gain scheduled state observer to provide good estimation of the vehicle motion in linear and non-linear ranges. The present invention is not dependent on variations in vehicle parameters, requires low computing power, and achieves improved estimation by adjusting the observer gains according to the changing yaw rate.

Abstract: A method for controlling a positioning device of an internal combustion engine includes the steps of: providing an electric motor for actuating the positioning device with the positioning device applying a torque to the motor which changes sign over the positioning range; generating a drive signal for the motor in the context of a position control based upon a commanded position, whereby the drive signal controls the current through the motor; and, changing the drive signal to abruptly change the motor voltage when the position command is in the region of the torque reversal.

Abstract: A method of making an article, such as an electrical connector includes an injection-molded plastic substrate and a pattern of injection-molded metal conductors supported on and mechanically interlocked with the substrate, wherein one of the substrate and the conductors is over-molded onto the other of the substrate and the conductors.

Abstract: In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for controlling vehicle deceleration are provided. The method includes determining a speed of the vehicle, and setting a maximum allowed vehicle deceleration based on the vehicle speed determined. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving an input signal indicative of a speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of setting a maximum allowed vehicle deceleration based on the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A pedestalled LED 10 including a light emitting diode element 12 and a tower element 14 for use on the wave soldered side of a circuit board 16. The light emitting diode element 12 and the tower element 14 are capable of withstanding exposure to wave solder 22.

Abstract: An attachment system, which couples an inboard constant velocity joint to a mating component, is disclosed. The system includes a stub shaft having an end portion and a first connector integrally formed with the end portion. The first connector includes a polygon-shaped cross-section and a first groove formed therein. A circlip is located in the first groove at the first connector. The system further includes a second connector, which engages the first connector and includes a sleeve which is sized to receive the first connector. The second connector is integrally formed within the mating component. The second connector also has a second groove formed therein which receives the circlip.

Abstract: A misalignment detection system (12) for steering systems of an automotive vehicle (10) includes a logic device (14) coupled to a vehicle speed sensor (18) and a steering wheel angle sensor (20). The logic device is also coupled to a memory (16) that is used to store a steering wheel ratio map and a historic steering wheel angle or a wheel angle value derived from an automobile manufacturer's wheel alignment specification. The logic device (14) compares the signal from the steering wheel angle sensor (20) with the stored value of either the historic steering wheel angle or the value derived from the manufacturer's alignment specifications at a given vehicle speed to determine error. An indicator (28) may provide an indication to the vehicle operator to signal the presence of the misalignment condition of the steering system.

Abstract: A tubular fuel pressure damper for use in a fuel rail. The tubular fuel pressure damper includes a first and second end and an inner surface defining a cavity. The first and second ends of the fuel pressure damper are closed by crimping to form contact areas. The contact areas may be additionally sealed by welding, soldering or other means.

Abstract: A self-aligning cartridge pump 10 is provided including a pumping mechanism 24, a curved upper plate 30, and a retaining ring 32. The curved upper plate 30 is in communication with the retaining ring 32 such that the self-aligning cartridge pump 10 can pivot into proper alignment.

Abstract: A vehicle regenerative-type fuel pump which reduces the possible accumulation and effects of contamination relative to impellers with outer ring members. The impellers for the pump have outer ring members with non-uniform configurations (slanted, curved, grooved, etc.) which reduce the affects of contamination which can cause wear and roughing of the outer surface resulting in higher torque and reduced pump efficiencies.

Abstract: A simulated steering feel system 10 is provided including a magneto-rheological fluid rotary resistance device 12. The magneto-rheological fluid rotary resistance device 12 is utilized to impart improved feedback, torque to a steering wheel 32.

Abstract: A control panel/display subsystem acts as a device portal for interacting with multiple devices interconnected via a dynamic local network. Display content and the human-machine interface (HMI) implemented using the display subsystem automatically reconfigures itself when new devices are added to the vehicle network. An interface specifier enabling each new device to work with the device portal is obtained either from a local archive or a remote archive via connection with a remote network.

Abstract: An engine output control method for a vehicle having a throttleless internal combustion engine system responsive to a desired engine speed signal. The method includes generating a driver demanded engine speed value corresponding to an operator input and generating a speed control system engine speed value corresponding to a predetermined speed value to permit vehicle operation at a constant speed by a speed control system. The method arbitrates between the driver demanded engine speed value and the speed control system engine speed value to derive a first desired engine speed value. This value is limited by a vehicle speed limit value, engine speed limit value, and transmission speed limit value to generate a second desired engine speed value. The engine is then controlled as a function of the second desired engine speed value and an actual engine speed value. Engine control is accomplished by way of variable valve timing, fueling rate and/or fuel flow, and spark advance.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a multi-layer printed circuit board adapted for reduce interfacial sheer stresses includes a laminate substrate having a top layer forming a first major surface, a middle layer having a predetermined thickness and a bottom layer forming a second major surface opposed to the first major surface. Etch resists are disposed on the first and second surfaces corresponding to reverse images of desired conductor patterns. The first and second surfaces are thereafter etched and the photoresist removed. The laminate substrate is secured via a low modules adhesive layer to a major surface of a base. The middle layer of the laminate substrate is thereafter selectively etched so as to isolate selected portions of the first and second surfaces and to define inner connect regions therebetween having a height equal to the predetermined thickness.

Abstract: An arrangement for reducing noise produced by an engine idle air bypass valve and passage includes positioning an acoustic diverter at the end of the air bypass passage to force the noise away from exterior surfaces of a downstream chamber and toward the internal cavities of the engine such as a cylinder head. The diverter of the present invention reduces noise without causing restriction of air flow through the air bypass passage.

Abstract: A method for controlling a positioning device (34) of an internal combustion engine includes providing an electric motor (30) for actuating the positioning device (34). The positioning device (34) is commanded to change to a commanded position. A control effort required to change to the commanded position is then detected. Whether the control effort exceeds a threshold for a predetermined time period is determined. The control effort is reduced when the control effort exceeds the threshold for the predetermined time period. Each full stop position is relearned each time a close stop is commanded.

Abstract: An electromechanical engine valve actuation system 10 is provided including a loss compensation controller 16, a first actuator 18, a second actuator 20, an armature element 26 and a motion detector 32. The loss compensation controller 16 calculates the mechanical losses of the armature element and controls the first actuator 18 and the second actuator 20 in response to the mechanical losses in order to reduce the impact of the armature element 26.

Abstract: A beam spring capable of substantial elastic deformation in two planes to provide for independent wheel suspension and to commonize suspension mounting systems in a vehicle chassis.

Abstract: An rotor assembly 10 for use with an electrical machine. Assembly 10 includes two opposing and selectively intermeshing pole pieces 12, 14. Each pole piece 12, 14 has a body 16 and a plurality of integrally formed and outwardly extending projections or pole fingers 18. A plurality of magnets 34 are each fixedly secured, by use of swaged portions 36, within a unique one of several slots 38 which are cooperatively formed between a unique one of fingers 18 and a unique portion of body 16 of pole pieces 12, 14.