Abstract: Thermoelectric devices have an electrically conductive connector for connecting thermoelectric modules. The electrically conductive connector is a compliant mechanism having a first connecting region and a second connecting region that are rigid bodies and an elastically deformable region that is a flexible member positioned between the first and second connecting regions. The electrically conductive compliant mechanism connector enables facile manufacture and assembly of thermoelectric devices of various sizes and shapes that are conformable to irregularly shaped objects and body parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of thermoelectric compositions and devices. Thermoelectric compositions comprise thermoelectric material in a flexible membrane that comprises structural material and voids. Thermoelectric subassemblies comprise thermoelectric material and electrical contact material along and on and surrounding structural material of the flexible membrane. Thermoelectric subassemblies can comprise thermoelectric elements positioned end-to-end in a flexible membrane that can be bent and positioned in a housing that can be adapted to accommodate various types of thermoelectric devices. Methods for making and using thermoelectric compositions, subassemblies, and devices are described.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic sensor is provided for analyzing strain induced by a force causing mechanical deformation of a region of a substrate. The sensor includes a substrate that has a non-deformable region and a mechanically deformable region, the mechanically deformable region coupled to the non-deformable region by a linking structure. The sensor also has a transformer having a magnetic flux guide. The flux guide includes a magnetoelastic section having a magnetoelastic subsection configured to be strainable by deformation of the mechanically deformable region. In transformer embodiments, one or more drive coil and/or pickup coil has a width greater than the minimal width of the linking structure. Sensor embodiments include numerous configurations. The sensor is useful in methods for analyzing strain and force.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic sensor is provided for analyzing strain induced by a force causing mechanical deformation of a region of a substrate. The sensor comprises a substrate comprising a non-deformable region and a mechanically deformable region, the mechanically deformable region coupled to the non-deformable region by a linking structure. The sensor further comprises a transformer having a magnetic flux guide, the flux guide comprising a magnetoelastic section having a magnetoelastic subsection configured to be strainable by deformation of the mechanically deformable region. In transformer embodiments, one or more drive coil and/or pickup coil has a width greater than the minimal width of the linking structure. Sensor embodiments include numerous configurations. Methods of using the sensor for analyzing strain and force are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of thermoelectric compositions and devices. Thermoelectric compositions comprise thermoelectric material in a flexible membrane that comprises structural material and voids. Thermoelectric subassemblies comprise thermoelectric material and electrical contact material along and on and surrounding structural material of the flexible membrane. Thermoelectric subassemblies can comprise thermoelectric elements positioned end-to-end in a flexible membrane that can be bent and positioned in a housing that can be adapted to accommodate various types of thermoelectric devices. Methods for making and using thermoelectric compositions, subassemblies, and devices are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining human beings from terrain or man-made obstacles is provided. A long-wave infrared camera along with additional devices such as a color camera, two cameras in stereo configuration, and/or a LADAR scanner are used such that the physical scene captured in one image is the same from all of the devices. The images may be processed such that areas of interest representing characteristics of human beings are labeled likely human. The processing may include determining the physical size, range, and relative locations of the objects found in the images. The system, method and apparatus may be used in unmanned vehicles or autonomous machines, as a driving aid to a manned vehicle or system, or as part of a security system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining human beings from terrain or man-made obstacles is provided. A long-wave infrared camera along with additional devices such as a color camera, two cameras in stereo configuration, and/or a LADAR scanner are used such that the physical scene captured in one image is the same from all of the devices. The images may be processed such that areas of interest representing characteristics of human beings are labeled likely human. The processing may include determining the physical size, range, and relative locations of the objects found in the images. The system, method and apparatus may be used in unmanned vehicles or autonomous machines, as a driving aid to a manned vehicle or system, or as part of a security system.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine is provided which includes the step of determining a desired intake manifold pressure or gas density, based at least in part on a value indicative of a difference between a desired engine speed and an actual engine speed. The method further includes the steps of determining a value indicative of an intake manifold pressure, and adjusting the intake manifold pressure, based at least in part on a difference between the desired intake manifold pressure and the determined value indicative of intake manifold pressure. A software control algorithm for operating an internal combustion engine is provided. The control algorithm includes a first closed loop algorithm for determining a desired intake manifold pressure or gas density, and a second closed loop algorithm for adjusting throttle position, based at least in part on a difference between the desired intake manifold pressure or density and a determined value indicative thereof.

Abstract: An engine braking system includes a pump associated with a source of fluid, the pump supplying pressurized fluid to fuel injectors associated with the engine. An electronic controller is associated with the engine and determines a desired engine braking level as a function of various engine operating conditions and operator inputs. The engine controller produces a pump signal as a function of the desired engine braking level.

Abstract: An engine braking system includes a pump associated with a source of fluid, the pump supplying pressurized fluid to fuel injectors associated with the engine. An electronic controller is associated with the engine and determines a desired engine braking level as a function of various engine operating conditions and operator inputs. The engine controller produces a pump signal as a function of the desired engine braking level.

Abstract: Exhaust gas re-circulation is achieved internally in an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves actuated by a camshaft. A controller monitors at least one engine parameter and automatically actuates an electrically actuated fluid operated brake actuator at a predetermined timing of movement of an engine piston to cause the actuator to maintain the exhaust valve at an intermediate position between a full open position and a closed position of the exhaust valve and cause exhaust gasses to be delivered from the exhaust manifold to the combustion chamber of the engine.

Abstract: Exhaust gas re-circulation is achieved internally in an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves actuated by a camshaft. A controller monitors at least one engine parameter and automatically actuates an electrically actuated fluid operated brake actuator at a predetermined timing of movement of an engine piston to cause the actuator to maintain the exhaust valve at an intermediate position between a full open position and a closed position of the exhaust valve and cause exhaust gasses to be delivered from the exhaust manifold to the combustion chamber of the engine.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling combustion engine compression braking having the variable timing of the dwell period of at least one exhaust valve by an electronic control module within each one of the engine cylinders during a braking event as well as the variable timing of the commencement or onset of the braking event. The system and method thus facilitate the proper performance of the braking event as a function of engine speed and prevents interference or physical impact with the cam driving elements used for achieving the normal or regular exhaust valve event.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling combustion engine compression braking has the variable timing of the opening of at least one exhaust valve by an electronic control module within each one of the engine cylinders and within a time range of 15°-150° before the top-dead-center position of each cylinder piston during each compression stroke such that variable compression braking power levels, and attendant noise levels, can be obtained as required or desired dependent upon various road, vehicle, and vehicle location parameters. The system and method facilitate a wide range of braking power levels or values, the braking power is smoothly modulated as a result of all of the designated exhaust valves of the cylinders being activated, and the braking power levels can also be generated as a function of engine speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining a fuel injection delay of a fuel injector located within an engine, during the operation of the engine. The fuel injector includes a solenoid that is electrically connected to a controller. The invention includes the steps of generating an injection command signal, determining a time of said injection command signal generation, and sensing a start of injection. The start of injection is dynamically sensed during the operation of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling an actuation of a compression brake associated with a combustion engine. The engine includes a fluid circuit for delivering a fluid to the compression brake. The engine also includes a cylinder having an associated exhaust valve. The method includes the steps of establishing a desired timing of an actuation of the brake, determining an air pressure of the engine, and determining a desired fluid pressure in response to the timing and the air pressure.