Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for receiving data from a satellite radio network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a datagram broadcast via a satellite radio network is received utilizing a receiver. The datagram includes broadcast identifier information that identifies a segment of receivers in the satellite radio network to which the datagram is directed. Utilizing the broadcast identifier information, a determination is made as to whether the recipient receiver is a member of the identified segment of receivers to which the datagram is directed. If the recipient receiver is determined to be a member of the identified segment of receivers to which the datagram is directed, then the datagram is processed.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes a housing adapted to be rotated by an automotive engine, a shaft having first and second sections and a first end adapted to be an input to a transmission, and first and second clutch devices positioned with the housing. The first clutch device, which includes a planetary gear set, can be connected to the first section of the shaft to rotate the shaft. The second clutch device can be connected to the second section of the shaft to rotate the shaft. The planetary gear set provides a gear splitting system for use in doubling the number of gear ratios supplied by the transmission.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermoplastic resin composition containing: (a) about 85 to about 95 weight % of a crystalline propylene ethylene block copolymer or a combination of crystalline propylene ethylene copolymer and a propylene homopolymer whose (i) ethylene content ranges from about 2.2 to about 4.2 weight %, (ii) melt flow rate ranges from about 20 to about 30 g/10 minutes, and (iii) isotactic/pentad fraction of propylene homopolymer is greater than or equal to about 94%; (b) about 2 to about 8 weight % ethylene butene rubber whose melt flow rate ranges from about 6 to about 8 g/10 minutes and density ranges from about 0.860 to about 0.865 g/cc and (c) about 2 to about 8 parts by weight talc with an average diameter ranging from about 1 to about 2 &mgr;m. The thermoplastic resin composition is lightweight but maintains good rigidity and heat resistance properties. The thermoplastic resin may be molded into an article, such as those used as parts for an automobile interior.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring effects of various conditions on deposit build up in an exhaust gas recirculation system. The apparatus includes a testing jig having a main branch, a test branch, and a control branch. The test and control branches are connected, at an inlet and outlet, to the main branch. Each branch includes a flow control valve so that fluid flow through the test branch can be equalized with fluid flow through the control branch. A parameter of interest, such as temperature, oil, or humidity, in the test branch is modified, and the jig is connected to an engine exhaust, and the flows are equalized. Pressures and temperatures at various points in the jig are monitored and, after a predetermined period of time or when a pressure drop is sensed, the test is complete and the deposits in the test branch are compared with those in the control branch to determine the effect of the altered parameter.

Abstract: A step garnish is attached to a rear bumper via a plurality of connectors that are adapted to reduce or eliminate damage to a tailgate in the event of a rear impact. The connectors include first connectors that releasably secure a proximal end of the step garnish to a top portion of the bumper body, and second connectors that affix a distal end of the step garnish to the bumper body top portion. In the event of a rear impact, the proximal end of the step garnish is released from the bumper while the distal end of the step garnish remains attached to the bumper body. Accordingly, the step garnish moves up away from damaging contact with the tailgate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring effects of various conditions on deposit build up in an exhaust gas recirculation system. The apparatus includes a testing jig having a main branch, a test branch, and a control branch. The test and control branches are connected, at an inlet and outlet, to the main branch. Each branch includes a flow control valve so that fluid flow through the test branch can be equalized with fluid flow through the control branch. A parameter of interest, such as temperature, oil, or humidity, in the test branch is modified, and the jig is connected to an engine exhaust, and the flows are equalized. Pressures and temperatures at various points in the jig are monitored and, after a predetermined period of time or when a pressure drop is sensed, the test is complete and the deposits in the test branch are compared with those in the control branch to determine the effect of the altered parameter.

Abstract: An ignition system for initiating a fuel cell hydrogen production cycle on demand comprising a module having heat exchanger functions interconnected in an adjacent heater/vaporizer relationship in which a first heat exchanger section in the module is connected to a source of hydrogen enriched gas to provide an initial energy burst to begin the vaporization of liquid hydrocarbons for use in the hydrogen producing cycle; and in which, after system start up, the module section may be inactivated or integrated in the hydrogen producing cycle.

Abstract: A method and system for determining fluidborne noise characteristics of a fluid power pump. The system includes the pump, a reference pipe fluidly connected to a discharge of the pump, three pressure sensors disposed within the reference pipe at predetermined spacings from each other and the pump, first and second loading valves, and a calculating and analysis assembly. The loading valves are selectively and alternatingly actuated to pressurize fluid contained in the system. The calculating and analysis assembly receives signals from the pressure sensors and signals indicative of the rotational speed of the pump. The calculating and analysis assembly uses these signals, together with the known physical characteristics of the reference pipe and the system fluid, to determine the source flow ripple and internal impedance.

Abstract: A sponson for a watercraft includes a nose; a trailing end; and a base extending between the nose and the trailing end; wherein the base is non-linear in shape in a direction from the nose to the trailing end. The sponson can include an outboard surface extending between the nose and the trailing end; wherein the outboard surface is configured to reduce the water pressure during cornering.

Abstract: An assembly for sealing a front door and a rear door in a door opening on a vehicle lacking a conventional, separate B-pillar. The front door carries an adaptor at a lower rear end thereof that defines a generally sharp corner over which a portion of the front door seal extends. The rear door defines a sealing surface that is engaged by the portion of the front door seal extending over the adaptor. The rear door includes a rear door seal, a portion of which extends over an outer surface of the rear door and is engaged a sealing surface provided by the front door. At least a portion of the rear door seal and sealing surface are integrally formed by a sealing boot disposed over a lower end of the rear door so as to create a seal-to-seal type engagement between the front and rear doors.

Abstract: A pair of foldable rear seats for a motor vehicle includes a support stub fixed to the vehicle and a pair elongated support arms pivotally connected to the support stub. A pair of seat bottoms are pivotally connected to each of the respective support arms, such that each seat bottom is pivotable between a vertical folded position and a horizontal open position. Further, a pair of seat backs are each pivotally connected to a rear portion of each respective seat bottom in order to fold into the respective seat bottom from an open position. A headrest is slidably disposed on each seat back. Furthermore, a pair of seat legs are each pivotally connected to the seat bottom at an outer portion thereof so that when the seat bottom is in the open state, the seat leg, in its open position, extends from the seat bottom to the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A friction coupling includes a friction member including a brake surface and a clutch surface in a different plane from the brake surface; a spring abutting the friction member; a brake member proximate to the brake surface; the brake member mounted relative to the friction member to permit relative rotation; and a brake actuator connected to the brake member. The friction member can include an insert.

Abstract: A center console assembly including a rear wall and a pair of sidewalls, the sidewalls being interconnected at a forward end thereof by a bar member assembly. The bar member assembly includes an upper bar member and a lower bar member. The upper bar member defines a first catch that a latch of an upper lid is releasably secured thereto. The lower bar member defines a second catch that a latch of a front panel assembly is secured thereto. The front panel assembly and sidewalls cooperate to releasably retain the front panel assembly in a partially open position or a full open position. The front panel assembly holds a mobile telephone and other small items, such stored items being accessible when the front panel assembly is in one of the open positions.

Abstract: An improved connecting rod assembly and method for making a connecting rod wherein the installation of the bearing sleeve members in the large bearing end of the connecting rod is improved. The connecting rod is forged, and then notches are cut in the large bearing end to define a separation plane about which the large bearing end is subsequently separated to form a cap member and a body member. Sleeve bearing members are inserted into the cap member and body member. Free ends of the sleeve bearing members project beyond associated surfaces of the cap and body members a predetermined distance. Upon compressive re-attachment of the cap member to the body member, the free ends of the bearing members are compressed and deformed to provide protrusions that extend into the notch. The protrusions help to prevent rotation of the bearing members relative to the bearing housing.

Abstract: A differential includes: a driving member; a first driven member; a second driven member; and a coupling between the driving member and each of the driven members, the coupling includes: an input member connected to one of the driving member, the first driven member and the second driven member; an output member connected to another one of the first driven member and the second driven member, wherein there is a first space between the output member and the input member; a magneto-rheological fluid located in the space; and at least one electromagnet proximate the space.

Abstract: A method of treating the surface of a substrate by thermally spraying large size particles, >10 micrometers, of a composition such as a metal hydroxide, carbonate, or nitrate directly onto the substrate whereby a small size particle coating, <5 microns and more particularly <3, is formed on the substrate, enhancing the surface area and porosity properties of the substrate, and substrates with metal oxide surfaces produced thereby.

Abstract: A friction coupling includes a friction member including a brake surface and a clutch surface in a different plane from the brake surface; a spring abutting the friction member; a brake member proximate to the brake surface; the brake member mounted relative to the friction member to permit relative rotation; and a brake actuator connected to the brake member.