Abstract: A flexural-mode, micromechanical resonator utilizing a non-intrusive support structure to achieve measured Q's as high as 8,400 at VHF frequencies from 30-90 MHz is manufactured using polysilicon surface micromachining technology. Also, a method for extending the operating frequency of the resonator as well as other types of micromechanical resonators is disclosed. One embodiment of the method is called a differential-signaling technique. The other embodiment of the method is called a dimple-down technique. The support structure includes one or more torsional-mode support springs in the form of beams that effectively isolate a resonator beam from its anchors via quarter-wavelength impedance transformations, minimizing anchor dissipation and allowing the resonator to achieve high Q with high stiffness in the VHF frequency range. The resonator also includes one or more spacers in the form of dimples formed on the flexural resonator beam or the substrate.

Abstract: A planar overrunning coupling for transfer of torque from a driving member to a driven member in one direction and which permits freewheeling motion between the members upon a torque reversal, the coupling comprising coupling plates situated in close proximity with a strut retainer plate disposed between them, one plate being connected to the driving member and the other plate being connected to the driven member, each plate having strut recesses, a series of struts located in the recesses of one plate so that each strut may be pivoted, thereby allowing the struts to engage the companion recesses in the other coupling plate, the retainer having angularly spaced apertures that register with the struts to permit pivotal movement of the struts when the retainer plate is in one rotary position, the retainer plate, when it is in a second rotary position, preventing pivotal motion of the struts, thereby permitting freewheeling relative motion of the coupling plates.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a direct injection engine provided with an injector for injecting fuel directly into a combustion chamber in a cylinder thereof and a throttle valve is switchable between a stratified charge combustion mode and a uniform charge combustion mode. The control device predicts switching to the uniform charge combustion mode based on a change in the target load Piobj during engine acceleration in the stratified charge combustion mode, and corrects the target load Piobj so that the opening of the throttle valve approaches the opening suited for the uniform charge combustion mode prior to the switching to the uniform charge combustion mode when such combustion mode switching has been predicted. This control device prevents torque shock due to the combustion mode switching during engine acceleration without causing a deterioration in fuel economy or in vehicle acceleration performance.

Abstract: An array and method for standardizing the location of cartridges within a data storage library are provided. The array includes at least one storage cell for receiving at least a portion of a cartridge, where the storage cell includes a first side wall and a second side wall substantially parallel to the first side wall, and the first side wall has a resilient member that is mountable thereon. Upon insertion of a cartridge into the storage cell, the resilient member is operable to engage a first side face of the cartridge and dispose a second side face of the cartridge in contact with the second side wall, defining a reference width position. Depending on the dimensions of the cartridge, either a back abutment or at least one stop extending generally perpendicularly from the first or second side wall preferably engages a back face of the cartridge to limit its depth within the storage cell, such that a reference depth position forward from the storage cell is established.

Abstract: A method of reporting accounting information to acquiring banks includes compiling accounting information from different processing systems to a mainframe. The accounting information is then routed to a database residing on a server operable with the World Wide Web (WWW). Different reports of the accounting information are then accessed with a client station operable with the server.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting cold engine operation include determining at least two fluid temperatures and providing an output signal based on the at least two temperatures. Preferably, an engine coolant temperature, an intercooler temperature, and an engine air temperature are determined via appropriate temperature sensors. In one embodiment, the cold engine output signal is activated or asserted if any one of the at least two fluid temperatures is below a corresponding temperature threshold. The cold engine output signal is deactivated when all of the fluid temperatures are above corresponding temperature thresholds (plus hysteresis where applicable). An optional user-selectable parameter provides for actuation of the cold engine output only during idle. The cold engine output signal may be used to control various accessories including coolant heating systems, shutters, or the like.

Abstract: An optoelectronic position detecting device for determining the absolute path or angle of two bodies which are moved relative to each other, comprising a light source 3, a transmitter element 2 which is partially exposed to light by the light source 3 and comprises a coding and which transmitter element 2 is coupled to the movement of the movable body, wherein the coding is provided in the form of a scanning trace 6, which is produced by virtue of the exposure to light, and a reference trace 7, and comprising a photosensitive line sensor 4 which is disposed in a fixed manner with respect to the transmitter element 2 for the purpose of scanning the code traces 6, 7 of the transmitter element 2, which output signals of the line sensor 4 influence an electronic evalutating unit for the purpose of determining the absolute path or angle, is determined by virtue of the fact that the transmitter element 2 is formed as a light-guiding body, into whose edge peripheral surface are coupled the light beams emitted by the

Abstract: A motor control system employed in a mechanism including displacers driven by motors, for example, a vehicle seat control system, includes motor operation parameter detection or simulation as inputs to adaptive algorithms to simplify the control system. The adaptive algorithms compensate for the interference with detection of generated or sensed pulses in previous pulse counting implementations. The seat control permits additional functions to be performed without numerous sensors, power controls and robust demands required in previous systems for controlling motors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for alleviating excessive pressure development on a body area are provided. The apparatus is preferably embodied in a cushion, and includes a bottom surface and a top surface which is spaced from the bottom surface and has a plurality of channels formed therethrough. A compressible inner layer is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of elongate, inflexible members are supported by the inner layer and are disposed at least partially within the channels. The members have first ends that extend at least partially through the channels to project beyond the top surface, where the members are located at a neutral position in the absence of pressure. In operation, pressure applied to the first ends causes the members to be displaced axially along the channels away from the neutral position and toward the bottom surface without deformation.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling position of a tape head relative to a tape includes sensing the servo track of a tape with servo read elements of the tape head. A position error signal is then generated for each servo read element. indicative of a position of the servo read element relative to the servo track. The position error signal from each servo read element is then determined to be either an unexpected or an expected position error signal. A position error signal is unexpected when at least one measured parameter based on a function of movement of the position of the servo read element relative to the servo track is greater than a predetermined threshold limit and is expected when the at least one measured parameter is lesser than the predetermined threshold limit.

Abstract: A computer based method optimizes the performance of a product with a plurality of characteristics such as measurements and associated tolerances, using a performance rating based on a performance factor and a contribution parameter set. A characteristic tree has nodes corresponding to characteristics. A design limit and a process capability are determined for each node. Each node has a contribution parameter set with each parameter representing the contribution of a contributor to variations in the characteristic corresponding to that node. An output is generated based on the performance rating and the characteristic tree, with the performance rating for each node based on the performance factor and the contribution parameter set for that node, to illustrate the connectivity among different performance areas for the product.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a software program over a cable network includes a head-end server operative to compress a plurality of software programs and transmit the compressed software programs over the cable network at a plurality of corresponding predetermined scheduled times. A primary processor in communication with the cable network receives a selected one of the plurality of software programs at the corresponding predetermined scheduled time, decompresses the program and stores it. A secondary processor in communication with the primary processor includes navigational software and drivers to enable the primary processor to select and receive the software program from the cable network without upstream communication to the head-end server.

Abstract: An air bag system includes an inflatable air bag and a housing surrounding the air bag. The housing has first and second portions that are moveable away from each other upon inflation of the air bag. Furthermore, the first and second portions have first and second receptacles, respectively, that are engageable with first and second engaging members, respectively, of a cover material, for securing the cover material to the housing.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for inspecting a low gloss surface (12) of an object (14) at a vision station utilizing a regular, extended pattern of infrared radiation. The system includes an infrared radiation source (10) and an infrared image converter and/or infrared cameras (16) to automatically locate a surface defect in the object. A signal processor processes a first set of electrical signals from the infrared cameras to obtain a second set of electrical signals which represent pattern distortions in the reflected infrared radiation signal caused by the surface defect in order to locate the surface defect in the object. The second set of electrical signals may be processed to classify the surface defect in the object as being an “in-dent” or an “out-dent”.

Abstract: A touchpad assembly and method for providing a signal to a computer indicative of the location and applied pressure of an object touching the touchpad assembly is provided. The touchpad assembly includes X and Y position and pressure sensitive semiconductor resistance sensor layers. The X and Y sensors have a pair of spaced apart X and Y conductive traces running across opposite ends such that a resistance RX connects the pair of X traces and a resistance RY connects the pair of Y traces. The X and Y sensors come into contact at a contact point when an object asserts a pressure on the touchpad. The contact point is connected to each trace by a variable pressure resistance RZ associated with the X and Y sensors and variable position resistances of the X and Y resistances. First and second pair of timing capacitors are connected to respective ones of the pairs of X and Y traces.

Abstract: A steering column support bracket for a vehicle that is attached to HVAC ducts extending transversely across the vehicle that are located between the dashboard and the front of dashboard cowl. The steering column support bracket is attached to the hinge pillar, the front of dashboard cowl and is connected by a brace to the compartment pan of the vehicle. Several embodiments of steering column support brackets are disclosed that are designed to engage the HVAC ducts. The steering column support bracket may be formed as a C-shaped structure, an under duct configuration, or in a clam shell structure. In addition to supporting the steering column of the vehicle, the steering column support bracket may support brake switches, a power steering motor, and a cruise control system.

Abstract: A stackable case for retaining and transporting containers having radially outward projecting lids includes a bottom panel member having a lower surface and an upper surface with a plurality of container support areas therein. It further includes a pair of opposing side walls and a pair of opposing end walls integrally formed with and projecting upward from the bottom panel member, the side walls having a lower wall portion and a plurality of spaced upwardly projecting pylons which includes four corner pylons defining four corners of the case. The lower wall portion has a plurality of raised projections disposed thereon which define a lower plane sufficiently spaced from the upper surface of the bottom panel member to receive the lid of the container securely therebetween.

Abstract: A fuel injector pump for an internal combustion engine including a camshaft-driven fuel delivery plunger, a solenoid valve for controlling transfer of liquid fuel from a fuel plunger cavity to a fuel injector nozzle, and a snubber valve located between the fuel injector nozzle and the plunger whereby unrestricted fuel flow is distributed to the injector nozzle and reverse flow from the nozzle to the plunger chamber is restricted so that cavitation in the fuel delivery passage extending to the nozzle will be avoided and undesirable pressure peaks at the fuel pump are avoided.