Abstract: A method for providing a functional visualization of a spreadsheet. The method includes correlating spreadsheet cells with both data entities and calculation entities in an influence diagram, and then automatically updating the entities in the influence diagram in response to changes made to the spreadsheet, or automatically updating the spreadsheet in response to changes made to the entities in the influence diagram. The method includes identifying one or more cells in a spreadsheet as a data cell or a calculation cell, and then identifying corresponding data entities and calculation entities in the influence diagram. The entities in the influence diagram can have predetermined attributes (color, shape, images, etc.) depending on their function.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for removing metallic buildup from forming surfaces of metal forming dies while the dies are in a press and operating at elevated temperatures. The cleaning apparatus includes a programmable positioner having a robotic arm with an end effector carrying a brush assembly. The brush assembly includes a rotary drive motor rotatably carrying a metallic wire brush. The brush has a plurality of radially extending plain carbon steel bristles having tips adapted for removing metallic buildup from the forming surfaces of dies. The positioner operates to move the rotatable wire brush in a predetermined path that engages the brush with the forming surfaces of the dies for sweeping and cleaning metallic buildup from the forming surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to vehicle having a conveniently storable passenger seat. The seat is collapsible into an on-floor or stowed position. A user can stow the seat using only one hand. A release member is activated to permit the seat to move from an upright position to the collapsed position. A tub area which stows the seat is concealed by a floor covering member which has flippers that automatically retract upon activation of the release member. The seat is also capable of reclining. Moreover, the seat remains adjustable in the forward and rearward directions with respect to the vehicle cab. This type of arrangement is ideal for passenger vehicles with two or more rows of seating, like SUVs, vans, and minivans.

Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a material or have configurations that provide a shape changing capability and/or change in flexural modulus property to the hook elements. In this manner, the shape and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction in the shear and/or pull-off forces.

Abstract: A load floor assembly includes a load floor and a frame. The frame supports the load floor, and the load floor is movable with respect to the frame between a first position in which the load floor is entirely located within a vehicle cargo area, and a second position in which at least a portion of the load floor extends rearward of a rear body opening. The load floor is preferably movable to a third position forward of the first position in which increased vehicle body floor space is exposed adjacent to the rear body opening. A ramp surface supports the forward portion of the load floor in the third position to prevent a cantilevered condition. The load floor preferably includes two handles that are operative to disengage a latch for selective movement of the load floor between the positions.

Abstract: A magnetic force sensor assembly for a workholding fixture includes a magnetic force switch operatively supported by a base of a component disposed on the workholding fixture. The magnetic force sensor assembly also includes a sensor operatively supported by the base of the component to sense a position change of the magnetic force switch and inform a controller that there is sufficient magnetic force between the workholding fixture and the base.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission is provided with a selectable (reversible) braking one-way clutch operative to brake rotation of a member of a planetary gear set of the transmission when the transmission is in reverse and first speed. First and second rotating input clutches are slipped when the vehicle is launched in reverse or first speed. The transmission is preferably characterized by the absence of a torque converter, but the invention may be implemented with a torque converter if desired.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a communication component, an integral display operatively connected to the communication component, an operator input component operatively connected to the display and a processing component operatively connected to the communication component, to the display and to the operator input component. The communication component communicates with external electronic devices via a common software interface to send data to and receive data from the devices and to send control signals to the devices to control the operation of the devices. The processing component processes an operator's input to the operator input component and data received by the communication component to formulate the control signals. A method of controlling external electrical components is also provided.

Abstract: Hydraulic actuator as an element of a system for controlling an engine valve is presented. The actuator includes a fluidic actuation chamber, defined by an actuation piston that increases chamber volume as the actuation piston is urged away from a neutral. Chamber includes a high pressure fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A fluidic actuator control chamber, defined by a control piston connected to the actuation piston that increases chamber volume as the actuation piston is urged away from neutral. A control fluid outlet is connected to a fluid control spool valve. The fluid outlet of the actuation chamber is fluidly connected to an inlet of the control valve. There is a valve actuation plunger operably connected to the actuation piston, and a drain outlet to maintain a fluidic backpressure to the actuator control chamber.

Abstract: A diamond coated cutting tool is disclosed having a either steel or cemented carbide substrate. The interior layer disposed between the diamond coating and the substrate inhibits the diffusion of carbon and other species.

Abstract: An article suitable for arc-welded metallurgical bonding having a first part having a lower surface, and a second part having an upper surface is disclosed. The lower surface of the first part is disposed at the upper surface of the second part to provide for a faying surface thereat. The faying surface has a plurality of channels with a depth equal to or greater than about 1 micron and equal to or less than about 1000 microns. The article is suitable for arc-welded metallurgical bonding at the faying surface. The plurality of channels has a repetitive pattern of channels arranged along a path of the faying surface in a direction of the metallurgical bonding action.

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and four or five selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and three interconnecting members. The powertrain includes an engine that is selectively connectable to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the input shaft and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: Headphone storage concepts provided include (i) a headrest forming a compartment configured for storage of an item within the compartment; (ii) a headrest cooperatively configured for receiving headphones such that the headphones are removably secured to the headrest; (iii) a headrest having earphones pivotably attached thereto; (iv) a seat forming a compartment (in wing bolsters or in an underseat, rearward-opening drawer) for storage of an item; and (v) headphones with rotatable earphones to provide a slimmer profile for storage.

Abstract: A reconfigurable tool and/or die geometry and methods of use generally comprise forming at least a portion of a shape defining surface with a shape memory material. In response to an activation signal, the shape memory material changes geometry of the shape defining surface to provide a means for forming parts with different geometries from the same tool and/or die. In an alternative embodiment, an insert for a tool and/or die can be used, wherein the insert has at least a portion of its shape defining surface formed of a shape memory material. Also disclosed are processes for forming a first part with a defined geometry and a second part with a defined geometry different from the first part defined geometry using a reconfigurable tool and/or die as well as a reconfigurable insert with a standard tool and/or die.

Abstract: A torque compensation method for controlling a direct-injection gasoline engine during regeneration of a lean NOx trap disposed in an exhaust path of the engine determines a desired torque in accordance with driver demands, cruise control settings or idle control. An estimate of torque loss attributable to stratified to homogeneous transitioning to effect the regeneration is determined and a compensating control torque to the engine is provided in an amount sufficient to compensate for the estimated decrease in engine torque to thereby maintain the desired torque level during the lean NOx trap regeneration.

Abstract: A method for controlling a direct-injection gasoline engine during regeneration of a lean NOx trap disposed in an exhaust path of the engine includes determining the current air-fuel ratio and comparing the current air-fuel ratio to a lean limit air-fuel ratio. Transitions from lean stratified engine operation to rich homogenous engine operation are delayed until the current air-fuel ratio reaches the lean limit air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: A method and system to avoid collision of piston and engine valves is provided. This facilitates use of a fully flexible variable valve actuation system over its operating range, without arbitrary constraints. Included is actuation control of the engine valve, determination of a crank angle at which to initiate engine valve opening, and determination of a desired valve lift, and, duration of valve open time. Opening profile for the engine valve is estimated. A first and a second crank angle are calculated, based upon the estimated opening profile. The crank angle to initiate engine valve opening is determined by adding a safety margin to the second crank angle. The method determines a maximum valve lift, given the duration of valve open time and an engine valve opening crank angle, and a minimum duration of valve open time, given a valve lift and an engine valve opening crank angle.

Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow about a vehicle. The system comprises a fluid flow control device, an obstacle sensor for detecting obstacles, and a controller. The fluid flow control device has a body with at least one surface and an actuation means in operative communication with the surface. The actuation means is operative to alter at least one attribute of the fluid flow control device in response to a control signal. The controller has control logic for generating the control signal in response to the obstacle sensor.

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and four selectable torque-transfer devices (two clutches and two brakes). The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.