Abstract: An energy absorber comprises a helically coiled stores of at least partially yielding material that is drawn over a roller, or two rollers on perpendicular rotational axes, and securely fixed to a base that is attached to fragile structure such as a roof so that when an external force of sufficient size is applied to the roller or rollers through a connecting attachment eye the coil together with roller or rollers moves away from the attachment to the base whilst the coiled material is deployed over the roller or rollers. The absorber may be housed in a casing that is fixed to the base such that the strength of the fixing to the base is sufficient to withstand a pre-determined load after which the fixing fails and the housing moves with the coiled store providing protection for both the coiled store and fragile structure.

Abstract: A target command generator for use in a control system for an automatic transmission having a simple planetary gearset in series with a multiple-ratio gearset, the target command generator providing input for a controller for the simple planetary gearset to achieve synchronized control of pressure operated friction elements of the gearsets to effect smooth swap-shifts during an overall transmission ratio change.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for use with a vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a seatback having a frame, a head restraint arrangement, an impact target arrangement, and a ratchet screw mechanism. The impact target arrangement is attached to the head restraint arrangement and moveably attached to the frame. The ratchet screw mechanism includes a first threaded member and a second threaded member. Upon application of a rearward force on the impact target arrangement, the first threaded member at least partially disengages the second threaded member to allow the head restraint arrangement to move from an initial position to a support position.

Abstract: Gas focusing flow cytometers are fabricatable employing simple and inexpensive manufacturing techniques. When such cytometers or conventional cytometers are combined with fiber optical light paths and laser diode and semiconductor photodetectors, light weight and handheld, optionally disposable devices which maintain high performance are possible.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a painted plastic component such as painted air bag covers, side cladding or exterior bumpers, which includes a painted film sheet and a one-piece thermoplastic elastomeric structural carrier. A bottom contact surface of the film sheet bonds with a front contact surface of the structural carrier by diffusion between the contact surfaces thereof within a mold cavity of an injection mold separate from the mold cavity of a vacuum mold which is utilized to vacuum-mold the film sheet to form the desired painted plastic component.

Abstract: A collapsible cushion for integration into an automobile seat is provided. The collapsible cushion includes a first cushion plate and a second cushion plate with a plurality of springs interposed between the plates. The first plurality of springs is rotatably attached to both the first cushion plate and the second cushion plate such that each spring pivots when the collapsible seat cushion is collapsed. A seat suitable for inclusion in a automobile incorporates the collapsible cushion of the invention.

Abstract: A bath apparatus for bathing a body part, such as feet, includes a bath chamber for containing fluid and receiving the user's feet therein. The bath apparatus includes a heater for heating the bath chamber fluid, and a fluid pump for directing streams of water into the bath chamber to massage the user's feet. A float switch is provided so that the heater and the fluid pump only operate if there is an adequate amount of fluid in the bath chamber. The bath apparatus also includes a selection device disposed within the bath chamber, that is configured to be actuated by the user's feet when they are submerged within the bath chamber fluid. This provides a higher water pressure only after the feet are disposed within the bath chamber, thereby reducing the likelihood that water will be expelled from the bath chamber.

Abstract: A routing conduit assembly for routing fiber optic jumpers from a raceway includes interconnected hood, curved neck, and vertical body conduits. The conduits have slits which are aligned with one another when the conduits form the assembly. A connector connects the vertical body conduit to a horizontally oriented raceway to mount the assembly to the raceway with the hood conduit positioned above the raceway. The connector includes a fulcrum component which enables the assembly to tilt relative to the raceway. A support stabilizer connects to the vertical body conduit for receiving tubular containers such that the tubular containers are aligned and secured with respect to the assembly. The conduit slits receive jumpers from the raceway for the assembly to enclose and route between the raceway and fiber optic equipment located below the raceway such that the jumpers transition between horizontal and vertical orientations while maintaining a minimum bend radius.

Abstract: A method apparatus and article of manufacturing for using a computer to electronically clear and cash a check submitted to an on-line merchant from an on-line consumer by electronic means is provided. First, an input of check information submitted by a consumer by electronic means is accepted. Next the accuracy of the check information is verified and then is presented for clearing through the Federal Reserve's Automated Clearing House. Finally, the consumer's checking account from which the check was drawn is debited by the amount indicated in the check information and the merchant's account is credited by the amount indicated in the check information.

Abstract: A susceptor for a semiconductor wafer to be placed on during deposition of a layer on a front surface of the semiconductor wafer by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), has a gas-permeable structure with a porosity of at least 15% and a density of from 0.5 to 1.5 g/cm3. There is also a semiconductor wafer having a back surface and a front surface which has been coated by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and a polished or etched back surface. The nanotopography of the back surface, expressed as the height fluctuation PV (=peak to valley), is less than 5 nm. There is a process for producing the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle to reduce exhaust emissions is provided. The vehicle includes an engine, a motor, a battery for operating the motor, and a catalyst for reducing exhaust gas emissions. The vehicle is operated in a first mode when at least one predetermined condition is met. The first mode includes providing at least some of the desired vehicle output power with the motor. The engine is operated to quickly increase the temperature of the catalyst when the output power from the battery is within a first predetermined range. When the output power of the battery is outside the first predetermined range, the operation of the engine is adjusted to drive battery operation into the first predetermined range. When the at least one predetermined condition is not met, the vehicle is operated in a second mode based at least partly on driver demand and battery requirements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing electric machines comprised of geometrically patterned arrays of permanent magnets, soft magnetic materials, and electrical conductors deposited by kinetic spraying methods directly atop a carrier. The magnets and planar coils of the present invention may be integrally formed atop carriers to form electrical machines such as motors, generators, alternators, solenoids, and actuators. The manufacturing techniques used in this invention may produce highly defined articles that do not require additional shaping or attaching steps. Very high-purity permanent and soft magnetic materials, and conductors with low oxidation are produced.

Abstract: A composite mirror adapted for use as an outside rearview mirror of a motor vehicle includes a main or primary viewing mirror and an auxiliary blindzone viewing mirror juxtaposed to expose the vehicle blindzone to the vehicle operator. The main viewing mirror is generally of unit magnification. The auxiliary mirror is generally composed of a convex surface that can be either attached atop the surface of the main viewing mirror or placed within a cut-out region of the main viewing mirror. The auxiliary mirror can be partially recessed below the surface of the main viewing mirror and can have a skirt for minimizing undesirable reflections in the main viewing mirror.

Abstract: A high spatial resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is provided. The system includes a support structure including a gantry mounted to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation. The system further includes a first assembly including an X-ray source mounted on the gantry to rotate therewith for generating a cone X-ray beam and a second assembly including a planar X-ray detector mounted on the gantry to rotate therewith. The detector is spaced from the source on the gantry for enabling a human or other animal body part to be interposed therebetween so as to be scanned by the X-ray beam to obtain a complete CT scan and generating output data representative thereof. The output data is a two-dimensional electronic representation of an area of the detector on which an X-ray beam impinges. A data processor processes the output data to obtain an image of the body part.

Abstract: A vacuum or hermetic packaged micromachined or MEMS device and methods for manufacturing the device so that the device has at least one substantially vertical feedthrough are provided. In a first embodiment, the method includes: providing a MEMS device fabricated on a first side of a substrate and located within a vacuum or hermetic cavity; forming at least one hole completely through the substrate between first and second sides of the substrate after the step of providing; and forming a path of electrically conductive material connecting the MEMS device and the second side of the substrate through the at least one hole to form the at least one substantially vertical feedthrough.

Abstract: An integrated cooling system having two separate evaporator coils is provided. Each evaporator coil has its own shutoff, thereby allowing for individual control over the cooling of each of two vehicle spaces. The evaporator coils may be disposed within the vehicle to cool the passenger compartment and a battery compartment, respectively. The separate control afforded by the cooling system provides the flexibility of shutting off cooling to the vehicle passenger compartment for the comfort of the vehicle occupants, while still providing cooling to the battery, as needed. The cooling system includes a number of control features which provide for automatically shutting off cooling to one or more of the evaporator coils based on parameters such as air temperature and refrigerant pressure.

Abstract: Broadband communication systems and methods of the type utilizing xDSL packet-based technologies are configured to provide packet-based point-to-multipoint communication between an upstream xDSL modem and a plurality of downstream xDSL modems. The system preferably includes a twisted pair connecting the upstream xDSL modem to the plurality of downstream xDSL modems, with each downstream xDSL modem being in communication with a corresponding tap along the twisted pair.