Abstract: A lightweight towing cross member assembly 10 is disclosed. The cross member assembly 10 includes relatively lightweight front and rear cross members 12, 14, and reinforcement plates 16, 18 which offer added support to the assembly 10. The heavy-gauge, load-bearing plates 16, 18 are localized in the areas of high stress (i.e., the center of the assembly 10), and provide the assembly 10 with the load-bearing ability and towing performance of prior towing cross member assemblies, which are manufactured solely from heavy-gauge materials.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus 10 for interconnecting automotive electrical circuits and components. In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes at least one channel 73 formed by an opposing pair of rails 66, and a backplane 20. The backplane includes an “omega-shaped” cavity 38. The assembly further includes a first flexible circuit 16 disposed within the backplane 20, an elastomeric member 22 residing upon the circuit 16, and a card 14 which is movably disposed within the rails 66 and which supports a second flexible circuit 30. The card 14 is movable between a first position which is remote from the cavity 38 and a second position in which portions of the card 14 and the second flexible circuit 30 penetrate the cavity 38, thereby deforming the elastomeric member 22 and securely and electrically connecting the first flexible circuit 16 to the second flexible circuit 30.

Abstract: A control strategy for use in combination with a hybrid electric vehicle 10 including a propulsion system 12 having an engine 14 and a starter/alternator 16 which is operatively coupled to crankshaft 18 of engine 14. The control strategy utilizes the starter/alternator 16 as an “active” flywheel and implements a variable parameter notch filter and a lead compensator to attenuate crankshaft speed oscillations.

Abstract: A valve assembly 10 for use in a compressor. Valve assembly 10 includes a generally cylindrical stator member or assembly 12 and an inner valve or member 14 which is slidably engaged within stator assembly 12. Stator assembly 12 includes a conventional electrically operated coil 20 which is coupled to a conventional controller 98. Controller 98 selectively connects and disconnects coil 20 to and from a conventional battery 96, thereby allowing coil 20 to selectively receive electrical power. When coil 20 receives electrical power, a movable member 68 within member 14 is actuated, thereby creating a communication passage between a relatively high pressure chamber 84 and a relatively low pressure chamber 88.

Abstract: A system 10 for estimating sensor error. In the preferred embodiment, the system 10 includes a module 12 and a linear neuron 14, and is adapted to accurately estimate scale factor and bias error of a yaw rate sensor within an integrated navigation system.

Abstract: A steering wheel heating assembly 10 which electively provides a relatively high voltage electrical signal to a heating element 16 which is coupled to a steering wheel, effective to heat the steering wheel. The assembly 10 includes a temperature sensor 28 which senses or monitors the temperature of the steering wheel and which communicates the monitored sensor to a controller 26. Should the temperature of the steering wheel be above a certain value, the controller 26 prevents the relatively high voltage signal from being communicated to the heating element 16. The controller 26 may also monitor the operating speed of the engine and prevent such signal communication when the engine is not being operated.

Abstract: A vehicle console 12 which is adapted to store a child safety seat 50 and which is further adapted to operatively and movably support and position the child safety seat 50 within the vehicle 10. More particularly, the console 12 includes a pair of child seat attachment members 24, 26 which removably connect the child safety seat to the console 12, and a lip or flange portion 19 which allows the child safety seat 50 to be securely supported by the console 12 when deployed within the vehicle 10.