Abstract: A method of aligning a sensor device attached to an automobile includes the steps of positioning a first detection object relative to the automobile and generating a plurality of beams at the sensor device. A beam crossing point common to first and second adjacent beams is selected, and the sensor alignment is verified by determining whether the beam crossing point is coincident with the first detection object.

Abstract: A pump includes a pump casing and an impeller. The pump casing has an axis and comprises a cover having a face surface and a body positioned about the axis. A channel is defined in the face surface of the cover. An inlet opening extends through the cover and is coupled to the channel. The channel has a first section and a second section. The first section extends from the inlet opening and is continually sloped relative to the face surface of the cover. The first section has a length of about 40 to about 90 degrees, as measured circumferentially on the face surface of the cover about the axis. The first section includes an inlet ramp, a main ramp, and a secondary ramp, with the secondary ramp being positioned between the main ramp and the inlet ramp, and the inlet ramp being positioned adjacent the inlet opening. Each ramp has at least one depth and at least one slope.

Abstract: A vehicle regenerative-type fuel pump which reduces the possible accumulation and effects of contamination relative to impellers with outer ring members. The outlet port on the pump cover member is enlarged and the C-shaped grove is positioned radially outwardly, which causes an increased outlet area and fluid flow around and through the impeller and through the outlet port.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system having a housing and cover member with a throttle valve, gear mechanism, motor, and failsafe or default mechanism. A spring member positioned between the housing and sector gear member which is attached to the throttle valve shaft, biases the throttle valve plate member toward the closed position. A spring-biased plunger member biases the throttle plate member from its closed position to a default or “limp-home” position. In order to reduce contact between the spring member of the default mechanism and the plunger member, the spring member can have an hourglass shape and/or the outer surface of the plunger member can be minimized.

Abstract: A vehicle regenerative-type fuel pump which reduces the possible accumulation and effects of contamination relative to impellers with outer ring members. The outer ring members have 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: An electronic throttle control system having a housing and cover member with a throttle valve, gear mechanism, motor, and failsafe mechanism. A spring member positioned between the housing and sector gear member which is attached to the throttle valve shaft, biases the throttle valve plate member toward the closed position. A spring-biased plunger member biases the throttle plate member from its closed position to a default or “limp-home” position. A stop shoulder on the sector gear is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plunger mechanism midway through the default range of travel of the sector gear and plunger member. This reduces stresses on the components and minimizes friction and wear on the gear train mechanism.

Abstract: An adapting engine system 10 including at least one pressure sensor 12 positioned within a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, an engine control processor 14 receiving data from the pressure sensor 12 and using the data to determine engine position periodically throughout the life of the engine, and memory 16.

Abstract: A method to absorb magnetic fields begins by placing an electronic unit into a fixture. The electronic unit contains at least one electrical component, such as a microchip, that requires a reduction of a magnetic field. The microchip can be surrounded by a containment apparatus, such as a mold, into which encapsulant is poured. Exclusion devices, such as masks, protect components that should not be coated. Once the electronic unit is prepared, it is exposed to magnetic field interference. At this point, encapsulant is poured into all molds on the electronic unit. Ferrite particles comprise a portion of the encapsulant and initially are randomly distributed throughout. When the ferrite particles are exposed to a magnetic field, they migrate along the generated field lines and absorb the magnetic field. After the new distribution of ferrite particles occurs, the encapsulant can be cured.

Abstract: A fuel delivery module for an automotive fuel delivery system includes a reservoir and a fuel pump. The fuel pump delivers fuel from the tank to the reservoir via a fuel tank inlet and reservoir outlet and from the reservoir to the engine via a reservoir inlet and engine outlet. The reservoir is formed with a plurality of contaminant traps for collecting contaminants contained in the fuel as the fuel is pumped through the reservoir such that the contaminants settle unto said contaminant traps thereby reducing the amount of contaminants entering the reservoir inlet.