Abstract: An alternator rotor assembly 30 is provided, including a rear pole piece 34 having a rear pole base portion 58 and a plurality of rear pole finger portions 60 each having a rear pole fingertip 62. The plurality of rear pole finger portions 60 are positioned to form a plurality of rear pole finger gaps 64. The alternator rotor assembly 30 further includes a front pole piece 32 having a front pole base portion 50 and a plurality of front pole finger portions 52 each having a front pole fingertip 54. The plurality of front pole finger portions 52 are positioned to form a plurality of front pole finger gaps 56. The rear pole piece 34 and the front pole piece 32 are assembled such that the rear pole finger portions 60 are positioned within the front pole finger gaps 56 and the front pole finger portions 52 are positioned within the rear pole finger gaps 64. The alternator rotor assembly 30 further includes a plurality of link elements 70.

Abstract: An adaptive seat belt system (10) for an automotive vehicle (12). The system (10) includes a seat belt (16) extensible about an occupant (42) of a seat system (14). A seat belt tension sensor (18) is coupled to the seat belt (16) and generates a seat belt tension signal. A seat belt actuator (20) is mechanically coupled to the seat belt (16) and adjusts tension of the seat belt (16). A controller (26) is electrically coupled to the tensioner sensor (18) and the actuator (20). The controller (26) generates a seat belt tension adjustment signal in response to the seat belt tension signal and adjusts tension of the seat belt (16) in response to the seat belt tension adjustment signal. A method for performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A differential assembly 10 is provided, including a first differential side gear 24 and the second differential side gear 26. An eddy current retarder 40 is utilized to create an adjustable resistant torque between the first differential side gear 24 and the second differential side gear 26.

Abstract: An electromechanical engine valve actuation system 10 is provided including a control element 16, a first actuator 18, a second actuator 20, an armature element 26 and a motion detector 32. The control element 16 controls the first actuator 18 and the second actuator 20 in response to the motion detector 32 in order to reduce the impact of the armature element 26.

Abstract: A mass air flow sensor 10 including a housing 14, an air foil element 16, and at least one sensor element 22 mounted on the surface of the air foil element 16, whereby disruption to the air flow is minimized and performance of the mass air flow sensor 10 in lower air flows is improved.

Abstract: A pedestalled LED 10 including a light emitting diode element 12 and a tower element 14 for use on the wave soldered side of a circuit board 16. The light emitting diode element 12 and the tower element 14 are capable of withstanding exposure to wave solder 22.

Abstract: An attachment system, which couples an inboard constant velocity joint to a mating component, is disclosed. The system includes a stub shaft having an end portion and a first connector integrally formed with the end portion. The first connector includes a polygon-shaped cross-section and a first groove formed therein. A circlip is located in the first groove at the first connector. The system further includes a second connector, which engages the first connector and includes a sleeve which is sized to receive the first connector. The second connector is integrally formed within the mating component. The second connector also has a second groove formed therein which receives the circlip.

Abstract: A self-aligning cartridge pump 10 is provided including a pumping mechanism 24, a curved upper plate 30, and a retaining ring 32. The curved upper plate 30 is in communication with the retaining ring 32 such that the self-aligning cartridge pump 10 can pivot into proper alignment.

Abstract: A vehicle regenerative-type fuel pump which reduces the possible accumulation and effects of contamination relative to impellers with outer ring members. The impellers for the pump have outer ring members with non-uniform configurations (slanted, curved, grooved, etc.) which reduce the affects of contamination which can cause wear and roughing of the outer surface resulting in higher torque and reduced pump efficiencies.

Abstract: A simulated steering feel system 10 is provided including a magneto-rheological fluid rotary resistance device 12. The magneto-rheological fluid rotary resistance device 12 is utilized to impart improved feedback, torque to a steering wheel 32.

Abstract: A method of controlling a retarder brake system of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of determining an operator braking input indicative of a desired vehicle deceleration and generating a desired retarder torque value (DT) corresponding to the desired vehicle deceleration value. The method further includes determining a wheel speed value for each wheel of the vehicle and generating a front-to-rear wheel slip (FRS) value indicative of rear wheel lockup as a function of the wheel speed values. A retarder torque reduction (TR) value is also generated as a function of the FRS value. A desired retarder torque command (TC) is then generated as a function of the DT and TR values. The method also includes the step of controlling the retarder as a function of the retarder torque command to achieve the desired vehicle deceleration. Thus, the TR value reduced the retarding torque which would otherwise be applied in response to the driver input, to prevent driven wheel lockup.

Abstract: An airbag plate for use in an airbag assembly incorporates a protruding push retainer feature to irreversibly secure the airbag plate to an instrument panel upper. The protruding push retainer feature may use a plurality of contact arms or an upwardly exposed flange region, with or without barbs, as a positive retaining feature. The instrument panel upper is coupled to the airbag plate by inserting a raised boss on the engine side of the instrument panel upper through a corresponding protruding push retainer contained on the airbag plate. This push retainer feature then bites into the boss to aid in preventing the airbag plate from separating from the instrument panel upper when an airbag is deployed.

Abstract: A variable displacement pump (28) having a combination inlet port (71) and an outlet (76) formed integrally on the rear body (32). By integrating the combination inlet port (71) and outlet (76) on the rear body (32), this invention simplifies the manufacture of the pump (28) as compared with known variable displacement pumps.

Abstract: A method of controlling torque transfer from a torque input source to an outlet source in which an electronically controllable magnetorheological fluid-based torque limiting device is coupled to either a differential pinion gear, a side gear, both the differential pinion gear and side gear, or both side gears of a differential assembly. By introducing current through electronically controllable magnetorheological fluid-based torque-limiting device during a turning or spin-out condition, and thereby increasing the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid within the torque limiting device, the amount of torque that is transferred to the output source through the differential assembly can be controlled.