Abstract: An acceleration gauge using solid-state accelerometers positioned along the major axes of a motor vehicle record and display values representing the acceleration forces on the vehicle. The acceleration gauges, of which there are at least two positioned along the major x-y axes, develop signals to a housing having a microprocessor-based system. The housing is connected to either an analog or digital read out system wherein the various accelerations are displayed. The system can be an analog or digital system using discrete wiring or fiber optics to convey light signals. In the preferred embodiment there are three accelerometers positioned a various locations on the motor vehicle and their signals generate relative forward and reverse speed signals and vehicle tilt angles with respect to the horizontal.

Abstract: A solid-state accelerometer module adapted to control the operation of the taillights in a motor vehicle for warning the driver of the trailing motor vehicle of a deceleration of the lead vehicle. A retrofit tail lamp contains the solid-state accelerometer module within its housing and by means of at least two separate lamp filaments, the tail lamp can replace the original tail lamp. A motor vehicle may have a receiving antenna and a transmitting antenna electrically connected to a receiver and a transmitter respectively located in the module. The transmitting-receiving system may be located on two different vehicles so that the following vehicle is quickly notified of the deceleration of the lead vehicle.

Abstract: A venting system venting inflated inflatables at a predetermined time period after inflation utilizes non-flaming pyrotechnic materials. The system is used in the restraint system of a vehicle and senses the initiation of a crash pulse to control the passage of inflation fluid to the inflatable. A pyrotechnic delay column responds to the inflation gas to activate an output member connected to the outside surface of the inflatable to weaken the threads of the fabric. As adjacent threads weaken, a rip is created which very quickly cause the inflatable to deflate. In an alternative embodiment, an initiator responsive to an actuating signal generated by a crash pulse activates the pyrotechnic delay column.

Abstract: The conical valve seat in the valve body of a fuel injector has a circumferential groove means forming a pocket to capture an amount of the fuel that flows through the injector. The needle valve seals and seats on the downstream edge of the groove means, but is not in contact with the upstream edge. The groove means functions to improve "durability wear" of the components and as a result eliminates a "lean shift" in the dynamic flow rate of the injector. In addition the groove means functions as a dampening means to the closing of the needle on the valve seat. In the manufacturing of the conical valve seat, the valve seat is fabricated, the groove means is formed, the valve seat is then hardened and a light grind smoothes out the valve seat.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system 10 utilizing a wireless communications medium 74 for transmitting present position 77 and destination position 75 data to a central processing means 14 for generating a route. The central processing means generates a series of turn-by-turn routing vectors 82-87 comprising the route. The wireless communications medium transmits the turn-by-turn routing vectors to the vehicle for display either audibly or visually or both to the vehicle operator 34. A vehicle identification means can be used for updating the routing vectors upon subsequent transmissions.

Abstract: An injector needle/armature assembly stroke is controlled so as to minimize opening and closing impact forces. The controlled motion eliminates or significantly reduces the problems associated with valve bounce, providing less acoustic emission, reduced wear, improved spray characteristics and better flow regulation. The current applied to the electromagnetic coil of the injector in accordance with a modified injector timing pulse waveform serves to reduce impact velocities at each end of the armature stroke. The waveform can be optimized for a class of injectors with a pulse width modulated waveform, repeatedly re-energizing and de-energizing the electromagnetic coil in accordance with an optimized on/off pulse train.

Abstract: An air assist top feed fuel injector having a nozzle end for delivering fuel to an engine induction passage includes a retainer shroud on the injector nozzle end for directing air adjacent the nozzle end for atomizing the fuel. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer shroud is an integral member including an interconnected end cap, a central seal retainer and a connecting sleeve between the cap and retainer. The member directs assist air around the nozzle to atomize the fuel and retains lower and central seal rings that prevent leakage from or into the air passages. Alternative embodiments include separate end cap, upper ring retainer and lower ring retainer members or integral upper and lower retainer members that coact to similarly direct and prevent leakage of assist air.

Abstract: An occupant sensing and crash behavior system for a motor vehicle determines the presence and location of an occupant to then control the deployment of supplemental restraint systems such as air bags or inflatable seat/shoulder belts. Crash anticipation and crash severity sensors provide additional inputs to the system to determine the behavior of the crash and the occupants therein. An infrared sensor emits a plurality of beams to determine the location and position of the occupant as does a proximity sensor located on the air bag door or the occupant seat. Occupant weight plus the presence and orientation of a child seat are considered. Seat belt control is provided to control the length of the seat belt during an impact or crash.

Abstract: An air assist fuel injector wherein a shroud member is snapped on the outside of the valve body to provide a path for assist air to atomize the fuel exiting the injector. Located on the bottom surface of the shroud is a belleville washer to preload air deflection disks against the bottom of the valve body. Snap-on connectors cooperate with the valve body to locate and retain the shroud to the valve body.

Abstract: A fuel system is provided for supplying a second fuel different from a first supplied fuel substantially simultaneously to a plurality of injectors. In one form, an inner tube within an outer housing has a plurality of openings spaced from inlets to the fuel injectors for supplying the second fuel substantially simultaneously to each of the injectors, the number of outlets being less than the number of inlets. In a second form, the inner tube within the housing has a plurality of differently sized orifices increasing in size with increasing distance relative to the fuel inlet to the inner tube for supplying fuel substantially simultaneously to fuel injectors in registration with the orifices. In a further form, multiple inner tubes are used.

Abstract: A common rail fuel injector utilizes a piezoelectric actuator (8) to open and close the injector valve (3). Intermediate the piezoelectric actuator and the injector valve are a large diameter first piston (9) in fluid communication with a smaller diameter second piston to multiply the actuation extension of the piezoelectric actuator. The second piston (11) operates a poppet valve (1) to hydraulically control the injector valve.

Abstract: A method and fuel injector for precision setting of valve lift, using a valve body shell (42) telescoped over the valve body (60), the shell (42) having a nonmagnetic extension welded to the valve body shell (42) and to the end of an inlet tube (16) providing a solenoid pole piece, with the valve body (60) and shell (42) adjusted to set the valve lift and thereafter welded together. Interference fit portions stabilize the adjusted position of the members preparatory to welding, and displaced material in a locking groove (102) creates a mechanical interlock between the valve body (60) and shell (42) to stabilize the members in their adjusted positions after welding so that the set lift is minimally affected by weld shrinkage. An external radial groove 18 allows radial bending as the weld cools to minimize axial shift of the parts and thus the effect on the set valve lift.

Abstract: A variably tuned Helmholtz resonator which has a connection establishing fluid communication between fixed volume chamber and a duct of an induction system for an internal combustion engine. The tubular connection has a special configuration which affects changes in open area and length of the tubular connection so as to create a linear relationship between the resonant frequency and the angular position of the tuning plate. The tuning plate is positioned correspondingly to engine speed to provide noise attenuation over a wide range of engine speeds.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting engine valve motion are provided in an internal combustion engine having an electromechanical or electromagnetic valve actuator with a ferrous component that moves in a linear path with the reciprocating motion of an engine valve between its open and closed positions. The apparatus includes a stationary magnetic field source mounted in the actuator and having an axis aligned with the linear path and positioned such that, at its closest position of travel, the ferrous component alters the magnetic field flux of the magnetic field source.

Abstract: A flow straightener and a controlled disturbance element are interposed between the injector needle seat and the discharge orifice disk of a fuel injector. The flow straightener straightens flow eliminating turbulence prior to fuel discharge. The controlled disturbance disturbs the fuel flow providing controlled atomization. A spacer is provided between the flow straightener and the controlled disturbance element as well as between the controlled disturbance element and the discharge orifice disk delimiting flow recovery regions. By varying the diameter and/or height of the spacers, in conjunction with the controlled disturbance element, an adjustable level of flow disturbance can be obtained, leading to variable degrees of atomization. In one arrangement, the flow straightener and the controlled disturbance element are combined into a single flow element performing the functions of both the flow straightener and the controlled disturbance element.

Abstract: An internal heater for a fuel injector includes an array of plates of a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material arranged about the valve element in a square tube shape, and surrounded by a heat insulating polytetrafluorethylene sleeve. The plates are preferably coated with polyimide to be protected from the fuel which flows over both surfaces of the plates. Electrical connections are established by inner and outer bands attached to the plates, with a conductive disc having tabs extending to the bands. Spring-loaded contact pins located radially outward from a seal on the disc have wires extending to the connector body contacts of the injector.

Abstract: Opening and closing times of a fuel injector are accurately determined in accordance with the energy content of an accelerometer trace. The energy content of an accelerometer trace is determined in accordance with a predetermined relation. A line is defined between known points prior to and after the opening or closing time. The normal distance between the line connecting known points and the accelerometer trace energy content is maximum at the inflection point, which corresponds to the opening or closing time. With this data, an ECU can be properly programmed to more accurately control an injector stroke, thereby improving engine performance.

Abstract: In installed position, a filter, comprising a removable particulate filter medium, is disposed in an induction air passage in circumferentially perimetrically sealed relation with the passage side wall. The passage wall has an opening providing for a drawer to be slid into and out of the passage. The drawer has a perimeter that bounds an open center and that supports the filter in covering relation to the open center. Once the drawer has been slid into the passage sufficiently to have passed the filter completely into the passage, the filter abuts the passage wall to prevent further insertion of the filter. Thereupon, continued sliding of the drawer into the passage moves the filter transversely into perimetrically sealed relation with the passage wall, thereby constraining air to pass through the filter medium. The filter is supported in final position by underlying support surfaces on the drawer.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated fuel injector has a housing forming an enclosure which contains a solenoid coil assembly having electrical terminals extending therefrom via which the fuel injector is connected with a connector for selectively energizing the solenoid coil by electric current to operate the fuel injector. A fuel rail delivers pressurized liquid fuel to a fuel inlet which is at one axial end of the injector. Fuel is injected from the enclosure at an axially opposite nozzle outlet end. A valve mechanism is disposed within the enclosure and is operated by the solenoid coil acting through a spring-biased armature to open and close a flow path through the enclosure. The coil orientation allows the injector electrical terminal to be lowered, so the terminals exit from the bottom of the coil.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a fuel rail and an inlet tube having an inlet tube end and a raised annular flange a predetermined distance from its end includes a connector body and an annular clip. The connector body is attached to the fuel rail and includes an outwardly extending shoulder. The annular clip has a periphery with a generally U-shaped cross section including an inner leg and outer leg. The inner leg is inclined inwardly for engaging the inlet tube annular flange and the outer leg includes a resilient locking portion biased inwardly for withdrawal restraining engagement with the connector body outwardly extending shoulder. The annular clip is mountable on the inlet tube beyond the raised annular flange. The inlet tube is telescopingly received in the connector body and axially engaged as the locking portion of the annular clip is urged into engagement with the connector body outwardly extending shoulder.