Abstract: A valve actuator assembly for an engine includes a movable engine valve, a movable spool valve and four on/off valves. An intermediate channel interconnects the spool valve and first and second on/off valves. A driving channel connects the spool valve and a first fluid chamber for driving the engine valve. First and second feedback channels communicate between the second and third fluid chambers and fourth and fifth fluid chambers of the spool valve. Third and fourth on/off valves enable and disable the feedback channels to improve valve controllability.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid containing magnetorheological particles which are resistant to oxidation having regions rich in diffused nitrogen located therein and a method for producing such magnetorheological fluid.

Abstract: A plurality of interior door components such as a window lift mechanism, a lock assembly, and a horizontal energy absorbing member are coupled to a door substructure. A finished exterior door panel having a class-A surface is adhesively bonded to the substructure, disposing the door interior components between the finished exterior door panel and a portion of the door substructure. The assembled door is coupled to a previously painted vehicle body.

Abstract: An extendable bumper system for a vehicle, the extendable bumper system comprising: a bumper structure; a laterally extending bumper segment slideably located within the bumper structure; and an actuator in operable communication between the bumper structure and the laterally extending bumper segment. An extendable bumper system for a modular vehicle, the extendable bumper system comprising: a bumper structure located on a moveable platform; a laterally extending bumper segment slideably located within the bumper structure; and a lateral bumper rail located on a body pod and configured to receive the laterally extending bumper segment.

Abstract: A weld gun having a linkage, which relates pivotal motion of a pair of laterally opposed facing electrodes of the weld gun in a predetermined manner. Based upon the predetermined motion of the electrodes a welding robot positions the electrodes of the weld gun on opposite sides of a workpiece to be welded so that the electrodes simultaneously engage the workpiece on opposite sides.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis is controlled remotely using a drive-by-wire system and a propulsion system, such as fuel cell technology. The remote control feature takes advantage of drive-by-wire technology in that the control signals used in powering, driving and controlling a chassis are electrical as opposed to mechanical signals. In this manner, the electrical impulses are used to remotely control the vehicle, which enables remote movement of the chassis during manufacturing, assembly, and shipping, as well as parking and docking and undocking of the chassis with a corresponding body.

Abstract: A chassis subassembly module having a portion of a chassis structural frame and vehicular componentry facilitates the assembly of a chassis having systems responsive to non-mechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface. A method of employing chassis subassembly modules to assemble chassis is also provided.

Abstract: A mechanical mechanism is disclosed for supplementing the action of a pressurized working gas in hot blow forming of a sheet material. Opposing complementary heated forming tools grip the sheet material and form a shaping surface on one side of the sheet and a gas pressure chamber on the other side. An internal complementary mechanical forming device is located inside the pressure chamber. The device is operated by an internal rotatable shaft supported through the chamber defining tool wall. The internal shaft is coupled outside the tool wall to an external shaft for external activation of the mechanical forming device. The external shaft and coupling are enclosed in a housing structure that provide a pressure seal, thrust support and thermal insulation for the external activation mechanism.

Abstract: A system for determining a quality of a fluid includes an impedance cell immersed in the fluid and impedance instrumentation that communicates with the impedance cell. A controller measures a first impedance of the fluid using an electrical signal at a first frequency, measures a second impedance of the fluid using an electrical signal at a second frequency and measures a third impedance of the fluid using an electrical signal at a third frequency. The controller determines a permittivity and a resistivity of the fluid based on the first, second and third impedances. The quality of the fluid is evaluated based on the permittivity and the resistivity.

Abstract: A magneto-electrohydraulic power steering system for a vehicle includes a magneto-electrohydraulic power steering pump interconnecting a power steering gear of the vehicle and a drive shaft of an engine of the vehicle. The magneto-electrohydraulic power steering system also includes a controller operatively connected to the magneto-electrohydraulic power steering pump to generate a current signal to vary a speed of the magneto-electrohydraulic power steering pump.

Abstract: Sand mold for shaping molten metal cast into the mold. The mold includes sand, a thermally oxidizable polymer amongst the grains of the sand, and a catalyst coating on the gains for promoting the thermal oxidation and breakdown of the polymer in the course of removing the sand from the casting and/or reclaiming the sand for reuse. The catalyst coating adheres so tenaciously to the grains of sand that the sand can withstand repeated casting and sand reclamation cycles without the need to replenish the catalyst.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy is disclosed that is suitable for casting and machining cylinder blocks for engines, especially gasoline fuel engines for automotive vehicles. The casting has the strength and wear resistance to piston/seal scuffing for such engines. The alloy comprises, by weight, 9.5 to 12.5% silicon, 0.1 to 1.5% iron, 1.5 to 4.5% copper, 0.2 to 3% manganese, 0.1 to 0.6% magnesium, 2.0% max zinc, 0 to 1.5% nickel, 0.25% maximum titanium, up to 0.05% strontium and the balance aluminum, where the weight ratio of manganese to iron is 1.2 to 1.75 or higher when the iron content is equal to or greater than 0.4% and the weight ratio of manganese to iron is at least 0.6 to 1.2 when the iron content is less than 0.4% of the alloy.

Abstract: Processes for providing rapid release of a hook and loop type releasable fastener system comprise preconditioning the releasable fastener system to effect rapid release. In this manner, minimal energy and time is required for disengagement of the releasable fastener system.

Abstract: A valve actuator assembly for an engine includes a movable engine valve and a movable spool valve. The valve actuator assembly also includes a driving channel interconnecting the spool valve and the engine valve and a feedback channel interconnecting the spool valve and the engine valve. The valve actuator assembly includes an actuator operatively cooperating with the spool valve to position the spool valve to prevent and allow fluid flow in and out of the driving channel to position the engine valve. The valve actuator assembly further includes an on/off valve in fluid communication with the feedback channel to enable and disable the feedback channel to control motion of the spool valve.

Abstract: A cam phaser is mounted on the exhaust camshaft of a diesel engine and is operable to selectively advance timing of only the exhaust valves relative to a nominal position. The purpose of advancing timing of the exhaust valves is to advance valve closing sufficiently to shorten the effective exhaust strokes of the pistons and thus increase the trapped hot exhaust residuals. This occurs when the exhaust valves close earlier than piston top dead center in the normal exhaust stroke phase of engine operation. This increases the in-cylinder temperature so that combustion stability and hydrocarbon emissions are improved.

Abstract: An after-treatment system arrangement and method of operating the after-treatment system arrangement is provided for heating the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The after-treatment system arrangement includes an oxidation device for catalytically oxidizing the exhaust gas and a port in the exhaust-gas stream for selectively introducing a controlled amount of oxygen into the exhaust gas in response to a condition of the exhaust gas. The introduction of oxygen can be selectively controlled in response to the temperature of the exhaust gas downstream of the oxidation device. Simultaneously or alternatively, the introduction of oxygen can be selectively controlled in response to the chemical composition of the exhaust gas. The air-to-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas may also be controlled to further facilitate heating of the exhaust gas. The after-treatment system arrangement can also be controlled to remove pollutant emissions from the exhaust gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensing system for monitoring an environment that includes at least two sensors and a control unit in communication with the sensors. At least one of the sensors is active providing an output signal to the control unit indicative of a sensed property, while the other sensor(s) is inactive and protected from the environment. During operation of the sensing system, if it is determined that the performance of the active sensor is abnormal, the inactive sensor is activated. Subsequently, the output signal of the abnormal sensor is ignored and the control unit utilizes an output signal of the previously inactive, but now active, sensor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for two-stage stretch forming of a sheet metal blank workpiece between a preform tool with a concave cavity and an opposing finish-form punch tool. Both tools are independently heated to different forming temperatures with the preform tool being hotter. Gas pressure is first applied to one side of the workpiece in the first forming stage to balloon it into the cavity of the preform tool. Gas pressure is then applied to the other side of the preformed workpiece to stretch it against the finish-form surface. The hotter preform tool enables faster forming and gas venting in the first stage. The cooler finish-form tool enables the final shaping of the part and its undistorted removal from the punch surface.

Abstract: A method of making a composite article of a graphite-filled polymer mixture that is robust during high shear mixing and compounding, and that exhibits relatively low electrical resistivity after molding. The mixture is formed by shear mixing a liquid polymeric material, graphitized carbon fibers having diameters of less than one micrometer, and glass fibers longer than the carbon fibers. The carbon and glass fibers constitute up to about 25 volume percent and up to about 50 weight percent, respectively, of the mixture, though the addition of as little as about 1 weight percent of the glass fibers has been shown to dramatically reduce resistivity. The mixture is then introduced into a mold so that the glass fibers are substantially oriented parallel to the direction of flow.

Abstract: A telescoping column includes a first tube and a second tube arranged in telescoping fashion. A locking structure is disposed between a surface formed on the first tube and a ramp disposed on the second tube. The locking structure contacts the ramp at a first elongated area of contact, and the locking structure contacts the surface at a second elongated area of contact. Relative movement of the first and second tubes in response to an impact force applied to one of the first and second tubes causes the locking structure to become wedged between the ramp and the surface, and at least a portion of the impact force between the first and second tubes is transmitted through the first and second elongated areas of contact.