Abstract: A remote zone connector (26) includes a circuit board (36) that has an onboard circuit (38) with a node (90). The node (90) is configured for an electrical device (28) that has a capability level of at least semi-smart. Multiple electrical connections (40) are electrically coupled to the circuit board (36). A remote zone connector housing (42) securely retains the circuit board (36) and engages with the plurality of electrical connections (40). The remote zone connector housing (42) includes a supply mating section (66) and multiple device mating sections (68).

Abstract: A fuel cell power generation system is disclosed which includes a primary fuel cell stack for generating a first quantity of electric power, an auxiliary fuel cell stack for generating a second quantity of electric power, a fuel handling subsystem for feeding a fuel containing hydrogen to the primary fuel cell stack and the auxiliary fuel cell stack, an oxidant handling subsystem including a compressor for feeding an oxidant containing oxygen to the primary fuel cell stack, and a controller electrically connected to the primary fuel cell stack, the auxiliary fuel cell stack, the fuel handling subsystem and the oxidant handling subsystem for controlling operation of the fuel cell power generation system.

Abstract: A four-stroke internal combustion engine is disclosed wherein fuel and exhaust vapors are purged from the manifolds and each cylinder when the engine is shut down to minimize emissions on subsequent startup. The engine includes a cylinder, a reciprocating piston within the cylinder, and a cylinder head. An exhaust port with an exhaust valve communicates with the cylinder and an exhaust manifold with an emissions control device. An intake port with an intake valve communicates with the cylinder. Upon engine shutdown, a controller sends signals to a variable valve timing system for opening the exhaust valve when the piston is in upward motion, later closing the exhaust valve when the piston is in upward motion, opening the intake valve when the piston is in downward motion, later closing the intake valve when the piston is in downward motion, and opening the exhaust valve when the piston is in upward motion.

Abstract: A throttle body and an air control system that integrates the electronic engine control modules, sensors, actuators, and associated wiring on a throttle body is disclosed. In one version of the invention, there is provided a throttle body including a throttle body wall defining an airflow passage in the throttle body, a movable throttle plate that substantially conforms to the interior dimensions of the air flow passage, an engine control device (such as a sensor or an actuator) attached to the throttle body wall, and engine control electronics mounted to the throttle body wall in spaced apart relationship with the engine control device, the engine control electronics being electrically connected with the engine control device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lead-free electrical solder paste having primary solder powder and an additive metal powder component that does not melt during the soldering process. Metal powders may be either elemental metal or a metal alloy. The primary powder is the same as is used in conventional solder paste. The additive powder has a melting point substantially higher than the melting point of the primary powder. The primary powder comprises between 80-99% Sn and 1-20% Ag. The additive powder metal is selected from the metal group comprising Sn, Ni, Cu, Ag, and Bi and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a blow-molded hinge assembly includes blow-molding a first member having a first body. The first body is made from two layers of plastic parison that are molded to form a generally solid plastic T-shaped tongue portion having barrel protrusions. A second member having a second body is also blow-molded. The second body has a recessed portion integrally formed therein. The recessed portion has opposed keyways receiving the barrel protrusions. The recessed portion has slots receiving the T-shaped tongue portion. The second member is formed by blow-molding the recessed portion around a T-shaped slide. The slide has a rounded portion that forms the keyways and a flat portion that forms the slots. After blow-molding the second member, the slide is removed from the recessed portion.

Abstract: A four-stroke reciprocating internal combustion engine that uses stratified exhaust gas recirculation to improve combustion is disclosed. The engine includes at least one combustion chamber defined by a cylinder, a reciprocating piston contained within the cylinder, and a cylinder head. Each combustion chamber is in fluid communication with at least one intake port and at least one exhaust port. At least one intake port includes an associated intake valve and an intake flow motion generating device for creating an intake fluid flow near the intake port. At least one exhaust port includes an exhaust valve that opens during the intake stroke at part load, and an exhaust flow motion generating device for creating an exhaust fluid flow near the exhaust port during the intake stroke at part load.

Abstract: A four-stroke reciprocating internal combustion engine that uses stratified exhaust gas recirculation to improve combustion is disclosed. The engine includes at least one combustion chamber defined by a cylinder, a reciprocating piston contained within the cylinder, and a cylinder head. Each combustion chamber is in fluid communication with at least one intake port and at least one exhaust port. At least one intake port includes an associated intake valve, an intake flow motion generating device and an associated intake flow direction control device for creating an intake fluid flow near the center of the cylinder. At least one exhaust port includes an exhaust valve that opens during the intake stroke at part load, an exhaust flow motion generating device and an associated exhaust flow direction control device for creating an exhaust fluid flow near the outer periphery of the combustion chamber during the intake stroke at part load.

Abstract: A component (10) to be balanced is fixtured between rotatable fixtures (22, 24) that establish a simulated rotational centerline and is rotated to a preselected rotational speed where the magnitude and angular location of maximum imbalance is determined. An automatic control system (50) generates a laser light pulse locally at the location of imbalance while the component is rotated to remove material of the location with the laser light pulse having a power and/or duration dependent on the amount of material that needs to be removed from the location of imbalance. The sequence is repeated by the automatic control system for additional revolutions of the component until the balance satisfies a preselected balance tolerance range.

Abstract: Duct structure (22) is disposed in an engine compartment (10) of an automotive vehicle and comprises a main air passageway (32) that runs from an intake (34) at one end to an outlet (36) at an opposite end. A section of the length of passageway (32) is disposed to run alongside a vertical wall of the casing of a battery (24) that is toward an engine (12). Heat impinging on the duct structure is dissipated to the airflow through the passageway. Various features are integrated with the duct structure including resonators (38, 40), a deflector (48), and a battery enclosure (50) for containment of electrolyte that is accidentally spewed or leaked from the battery casing so that the liquid does not entrain with the intake airflow to the engine.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a film-covered article. A moveable press having first and second mold surfaces is moved to an open position. The first mold surface has a sealing surface, and the second mold surface has a cutting surface. A thin flexible film having an offal portion is placed between the first and second mold surfaces. The offal portion is positioned between the sealing and cutting surfaces and acts as a seal between the mold halves. The press is moved to the closed position. The cutting surface contacts the film and partially cuts the offal portion along a perimeter of the film. The offal portion remains positioned between the cutting and sealing surfaces and seals the space between the first and second mold surfaces.

Abstract: A cutting tool [10] for use in forming circular and non-circular holes in a workpiece [16] includes a boring shaft [12] that is rotatable about an axis [15] and a boring head [14] that is secured to the boring shaft [12]. A cutting blade [46] extends beneath the bottom surface of the boring head [14] and is spaced apart from the axis [15]. A slug pin [58] extends from the bottom surface of the boring body to pierce and retain the slug after it has been cut to prevent it from falling into the workpiece [16].