Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a vehicle crash discrimination system (10) comprises a plurality of coil sensors (18) permanently mounted to a vehicle pillar, and a magnet 20 either mounted to a door (14) edge surface juxtaposed to the coils, or to the pillar if a suitable ferromagnetic flux collector is mounted on the door edge. The shape, size and spacing of the coils is predetermined to provide output signals in the coils responsive to the change in the magnetic field caused by movement of the door surface. The change in magnetic field is analyzed to indicate a vehicle crash.

Abstract: An automotive radar incorporates a repetitive randomized equivalent LFM sequence of frequencies for improved immunity to jamming from other automotive radars. Each frequency in the sequence is of sufficient duration to travel round trip over the detection range of the radar. The Doppler shift in the received signal is estimated by performing a spectral analysis on similar frequency components of the received signal, and is then removed from the entire received signal. The received signal is then reordered so as to form an equivalent LFM received signal, and is compared with a similarly reordered image of the transmitted signal so as to estimate the range to the target. The randomization sequence, initial start frequency, or initial start time of the repetitive sequence are varied to minimize the effects of jamming by other radars, and this variation can be directionally dependent.

Abstract: A foil air bearing for a rotatable shaft comprises a plurality of discrete air chambers disposed in a circumferential array. Each of the chambers has a radially displaceable radially inner wall for positioning a bearing foil disposed radially inwardly thereof. A like plurality of valves control the flow of pressurized air to the air chambers, respectively. Sensors respond to radial deflection of the shaft so as to control the flow of pressurized air to the chambers, selectively, thereby to compensate for radial deflection of the shaft.

Abstract: A suspension spring comprises a plurality of spring elements, each comprising a central portion, a pair of torsional helical coils adjacent thereto, and respective arms coupled to the respective helical coils. A load applied to the central portion of each spring element by a load distributor is reacted by the distal ends of the respective arms, thereby causing flexure of the arms and torsional displacement of the helical coils. The helical coils provide a means for increasing spring compliance and for reducing the stress in the respective arms and central portion of the spring elements, while the plurality of spring elements provides for improved lateral stability in comparison with a single element spring having the same vertical compliance.

Abstract: A thread insert comprises an externally threaded housing with an internally threaded floating nut therein. Diametrically spaced ears on the nut are engaged in diametrically spaced grooves in the housing, respectively, to limit relative rotation between the nut and the housing yet permit radial movement of the nut relative to the housing. A single split ring locks the nut into the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle crash sensing system for making omnidirectional acceleration measurements comprises 1) an assembly (26) of at least three preferably self-testable accelerometers (10, 12, 14) mounted in an array on a substantially common plane (16) with axes (18, 20, 22) both skewed relative to one another and intersecting a region near a point, and 2) an electronic control module (30). The accelerometer signals (A, B, C) provide a redundant measure of the associated acceleration vector (R). The magnitudes of components for associated acceleration basis vectors are calculated from the accelerometer signals (A, B, C) and used in the detection of crashes for associated safety restraint systems (801, 802, 803, 804).

Abstract: A hydrostatic weight sensor comprises a continuous flexible sensing tube incorporated within the seat. A fluid is contained therein and a pressure sensor is operatively coupled thereto. The continuous flexible sensing tube may be arranged in a spiral or serpentine pattern, or comprise a plurality of segments each in fluid communication with a central port. A load applied to the seat causes the continuous flexible sensing tube to deform, thereby increasing the pressure of the fluid contained therein. A signal processor calculates the weight of the occupant from the pressure signal, and controls a safety restraint system responsive to the weight measurement.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a bridgewire initiator used to ignite a booster charge in an airbag inflator. A pair of connectors are electrically connected to a bridgewire disposed within a charge holder containing an ignition composition. The ignition composition is biased against the bridgewire by an output cup having a concave end telescoped over the charge holder. When firing current is applied to the connectors the bridgewire is electrically heated thereby igniting the booster charge.

Abstract: An autoignition composition for the gas generator of a vehicle occupant restraint system that is thermally stable at temperatures up to 110.degree. C., autoignites between 150.degree. C. and 175.degree. C., produces minimal toxic gases upon combustion, provides for a reduced gas inflator size, and can be safely produced using simple processing methods. By mixing an alkali metal nitrite with a nitrogen-based fuel, the resulting gas generants autoignite at or below 175.degree. C. The addition of an alkaline earth metal nitrite or nitrate provides the stability needed to additionally function as a booster and/or a gas generant.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide ultraviolet hardening type ink compositions with a temperature-sensitive color change property, which has both the hardening property and the printing strength of UV ink and also has an excellent light resistance.[Solution] Ultraviolet hardening type ink compositions comprising microcapsules with a temperature-sensitive color change property and a photopolymerization initiator, wherein said microcapsules contain no ultraviolet absorber and have the mean diameter of 0.5-50 .mu.m whereas said photopolymerization initiator comprises at least one of the compounds selected from ace tophenone type compounds and benzophenone type compounds.

Abstract: A plurality of ultrasonic transmitters, at distinct locations and with distinct transmitting frequencies, direct beams of ultrasonic sound waves at a one or more detection regions of space. The amplitude of the ultrasonic sound waves is sufficient to generate from each detection region a sound wave having a frequency corresponding to the difference of the frequencies of the respective ultrasonic sound waves. A receiver disposed proximate to the ultrasonic transmitters detects the generated sound wave. An object occupying the detection region blocks one or more of the beams, and is detected therein when the magnitude of the generated sound wave is below a threshold. In another aspect of the instant invention, the ultrasonic transmitters are adapted to transmit pulses forming relatively broad spherical wavefronts which intersect to form a circular detection region which propagate with time, thereby enabling the detection of a profile of an object.

Abstract: Methods for semisolid manufacturing of precision parts, turbine rotors for example, comprised of a plurality of high melting point alloys are given. Generally, a semisolid/thixotropic process is operated under vacuum utilizing a removable mold. The process preferably comprises a vacuum chamber, an inductive heater to bring a high melting point multi-alloy slug to a thixotropic phase, a supercooled mold comprised of a low melting point alloy or metal, and a plunger that accelerates and injects the high melting point slug into the low melting point mold. As the formed part cools, the supercooled low melting point mold heats up to its melting point upon which separation from the formed part occurs. Supercooling of the removable mold permits the use of thixotropic methods for high melting point alloys. Thixotropic forging of a multi-alloy assembly tailors its mechanical properties to achieve optimized properties in specific locations of the final product.

Abstract: A method and system (10) for detecting vehicle occupant type and position utilizes a single camera unit (12) positioned, for example at the driver or passenger side A-pillar, to generate image data of the front seating area of the vehicle. The present invention distinguishes between objects, forwardly or rearwardly facing child seats, and occupants, by periodically mapping the image taken of the interior of the vehicle into an image profile (104), and utilizing image profile matching with stored profile data (110) to determine the occupant or object type. The system and method of the present invention track occupant type and position in both parallel and perpendicular directions relative to a fixed structure such as the vehicle instrument panel to optimize both the efficiency and safety in controlling deployment of a occupant safety device, such as an air bag (28).

Abstract: A gas generator of an airbag passenger restraint device wherein the gas generator comprises a propellant tube having first and second end closures. The second end closure contains an end cap dual spring subassembly that substantially reduces the vibrations within the generator assembly and propellant. The liberation of fluorocarbons and other undesirable byproducts caused by end cap reactivity is eliminated by employing an inert end cap. By reducing the vibratory effect, inflator performance variability and noise level are substantially reduced.

Abstract: A system for extracting free oil from industrial processing fluids comprises a coalescing cartridge having a plurality of vertically oriented polymeric elements therein past which fluid is free to flow without obstruction thereby supplying fluid to a tank having a plurality of settling chambers. Free oil is removed from the processing fluid through oleophilic attraction between the free oil and the surface of the polymeric elements. Remaining free oil is further separated from the processing fluid through gravitational attraction. A plurality of weirs and baffles interposed between the settling chambers provide continuous return of purified processing fluid to the system. A plurality of solenoid actuated valves provide periodic decanting of separated free oil.

Abstract: A lubricant contains a fire-resistant water/glycol mixture combined with polytetrafluoroethylene, and is useful in the hydraulic systems of die casting machines, for example. The addition of polytetrafluoroethylene enhances the lubricity of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids thereby reducing the associated equipment maintenance. A preferred lubricant is formed by sequentially and homogeneously blending its constituents thereby prolonging the shelf life of the final product.

Abstract: A portable, electronic imaging system (100) includes a compact housing (102) extending across and beyond the eyes of the user, a wide field of view binocular viewfinder imaging subsystem (104) operating on an image produced by a pop-up electronic display subsystem (124) when positioned within the housing in a first configuration, speakers (106) integrally mounted with the housing, an internal, interactive electronic control subsystem (108) to control the functions of the system, and an external input/output interface (110) to facilitate connection with a plurality of optional external devices. The pop-up display allows positioning of the display in a second configuration so that the image produced thereon can be viewed externally from the housing (102).

Abstract: A membrane weight sensor incorporates a plurality of membrane switch elements, each characterized by a distinct activation force threshold determined by the effective diameter and activation travel distance of the associated membrane. A plurality of membrane switch elements is incorporated into a single membrane switch pad. The membrane switch pad is aligned with a pair of first and second plates, one of which incorporates a plurality of protrusions, each operatively coupled to a different membrane switch element for purposes of deflecting the associated membrane. The signals from each of the associated switch elements are encoded and combined so as to form a single analog output signal having a plurality of discrete levels indicative of the amount of force applied to the membrane weight sensor.

Abstract: A hydrostatic weight sensor comprises one or more fluid containing bladders in fluid communication with one another and with a pressure sensor, each constructed from a plurality of sheets of semi-rigid material sealably connected at the periphery thereof so as to form one or more enclosed volumes, and filled with a fluid so as to cause deformation of the bladder faces. The hydrostatic weight sensor is located within the seat, and the pressure of the fluid contained therein is responsive to the applied load. In another embodiment, a plurality of sheets of semi-rigid material are sealed at a periphery and are secured to one another at a plurality of locations within the periphery so as to create a plurality of fluid containing zones which can hinge with respect to one another. The sensing fluid is either a liquid, a Bingham plastic, or a thixotropic material.

Abstract: A method and system for ozone injection into a livestock building is described. Ozone is homogeneously transferred, preferably from a remote location, throughout the air in the building at levels considered safe by OSHA. Ozone thus affects a reduction in dust, flies, and relative humidity, thereby inhibiting primary disease-causing vectors.Ozone is also homogeneously distributed through an upper stratum of manure liquid contained within a pit in the building thereby creating an aerobic "cap", while still maintaining an anaerobic lower stratum. A perforated tube or plurality of tubes fixed within the upper stratum serves to distribute the ozone. Ozone applied in this environment unexpectedly inhibits the fly population through retardation of larvae maturation. Alternately, a buoyant vehicle propelled across the surface 19 of the liquid may also serve to distribute the ozone and create the ozonated "cap".