Abstract: A variable displacement swash plate type compressor which incorporates an impeller attached to a drive shaft, and a plurality of blades for, efficiently directing lubricating oil to a shaft seal. The impeller provides a mist of lubricating oil to the crankcase, and the blades direct lubricating oil to a shaft seal. The impeller and blades maximize the distribution and flow of lubricating oil to the crank chamber under all operating conditions providing cooling and lubrication to the internal moving components within the crankcase.

Abstract: A multimedia/personal computer-based system for operating information, communication, and entertainment devices in a mobile vehicle uses a power management strategy which reduces power consumption and boot-up time in a manner which facilitates use of a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor system. A loosely coupled power management strategy utilizes a low power microprocessor off board of the main motherboard for switching a plurality of regulated voltages to the main motherboard and other devices. The use of a separate board for input/output processing and power management provides for more robust power management and facilitates adaptation of the system for inclusion in different vehicles using different input/output devices and networks.

Abstract: A switched bandwidth filter in a digital signal processor selectively provides a first bandwidth characteristic or a second bandwidth characteristic by loading separate first and second sets of filter coefficients into the digital filter. When switching between bandwidth characteristics, the coefficients of a selected filter section are slewed and the coefficients of all other sections are swapped at a time separate from the slewing. Thus, the benefits of slewing are obtained with minimal computation or storage requirements.

Abstract: A method improving paint adhesion to thermoplastic olefins. The method comprises providing a thermoplastic olefin prepared from a TPO blend comprising maleated polypropylene and amine-terminated polyether. A paint is provided comprising a base paint and a paint adhesion promoter selected from the group consisting of a chlorinated polyolefin, a hydrogenated poly(butadiene)diol, and mixtures thereof. The paint is applied to the thermoplastic olefin.

Abstract: In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for controlling vehicle deceleration are provided. The method includes determining a speed of the vehicle, and setting a maximum allowed vehicle deceleration based on the vehicle speed determined. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving an input signal indicative of a speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of setting a maximum allowed vehicle deceleration based on the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A variable displacement swash plate type compressor which incorporates a swash plate slidably mounted on a drive shaft, the swash plate having side walls that taper toward one another for constant point contact with a ball bearing of an associated piston which results in a smaller required diameter for the swash plate and smoother operation of the compressor over prior art structures.

Abstract: An accumulator for an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle includes a housing having an interior chamber and an inlet tube connected to the housing to allow refrigerant and oil to enter the interior chamber of the housing. The accumulator also includes an outlet tube connected to the housing to allow refrigerant and oil to exit the interior chamber of the housing and a single insert disposed in the interior chamber of the housing to allow refrigerant liquid/vapor separation, insulation, and oil return.

Abstract: In prior art scroll-type compressors, a cavity is formed in the interior of the compressor of a sufficient size to allow a misplaced or extra steel spherical ball to become lodged therein and cause seizure of the compressor. The present invention modifies a plate of the counterweight assembly or adds an additional component plate on the drive shaft of the compressor to prevent the introduction of an extra or misplaced steel spherical ball into this cavity during compressor assembly or repair.

Abstract: An accumulator insulator bracket for an accumulator in an air conditioning system includes a housing having a cylindrical shape with a first closed end, a second closed end and a wall extending between the first closed end and the second closed end. The housing is longitudinally divided into a first housing member and a second housing member. The accumulator insulating bracket also includes an air flow directing rib extending radially from and axially along an interior portion of the housing wall, such that the rib defines an insulating air pocket between the wall and the accumulator and supports the accumulator.

Abstract: A seamless passenger side inflatable restraint system for a motor vehicle includes an instrument panel having a deployment opening and a deployment door integral with the instrument panel and closing the deployment opening. The seamless passenger side inflatable restraint system also includes a side inflatable restraint module disposed within the instrument panel and aligned with the deployment opening. The seamless passenger side inflatable restraint system further includes a door reinforcement connected to the deployment door and operatively connected to the instrument panel to rotate the deployment door and retain the deployment door to the instrument panel after inflation of an air bag of the side inflatable restraint module.

Abstract: A low impedance stereo audio bus interface between multiple audio transmitters and a receiver. The bus has a core transmitter circuit associated with each output of the multiple audio transmitters and each core transmitter circuit generates a pair of balanced differentiated outputs. The pair of balanced differentiated outputs of the core transmitter circuits are connected in parallel to a core receiver circuit, which recombine the pair of balanced differentiated signals to reproduce the original stereo signals at the input to the receiver. The bus may contain optional circuits to perform functions not performed elsewhere in the transmitter or receiver.

Abstract: A tubular polymeric membrane fuel cell mechanically integrated through upper and lower manifolds that also acts as power leads to the fuel cell. The fuel cell of the present invention can be stacked and multiple fuel cell stacks can be arranged in a series and parallel format. According to the manifold design of the present invention, the dual-purpose manifolds allow the fuel cell system to operate under low parasitic power loss conditions, thereby simplifying and improving the system. In addition, the mechanically integrated fuel cell structure of the present invention does not require external clamping. The manifold design of the present invention mechanically integrates the fuel cells and the fuel cell stacks without the need for external clamping.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel sensor suited for sensing the level of fuel in a motor vehicle fuel tank. The fuel tank includes an interior mounting to which the fuel sensor is affixed. The fuel sensor has a cantilever member extending in a substantially horizontal direction from the mounting to a free end. The cantilever member is substantially rigid but can be deflected in the vertical direction. A probe is affixed at the free end of the cantilever member to extend in a substantially vertical orientation approximately the full height of the fuel tank. A stabilizer member is affixed at one end to the mounting and at an opposing end to the probe. The stabilizer member has a pivot segment between the ends permitting the probe to move vertically but not horizontally. According to Archimedes's principle, the probe encounters a buoyant force equal to the weight of displaced fuel which induces strain in the cantilever member.

Abstract: A variable capacity swash plate type compressor (10) incorporates an anti-rotation structure (60) formed on each piston (52). Each piston (52) is disposed in a cylinder (14) of a cylinder block (12). The cylinder block (12) is disposed in a crankcase (18). The anti-rotation structure (60) restricts rotation of a piston (52) within a cylinder (14) by cooperating with an inner surface of the crankcase (18).

Abstract: A circuit (100) in which two I.C.'s (102, 104) are under control of a single microcontroller that issues operating commands to the two I.C.'s via shared communication lines, including a clock line, a serial data line, and a chip enable line. The two I.C.'s use differing communication protocols. For example, a first I.C. uses a common shift register protocol and has a serial data output while a second I.C. uses a C2B communication protocol. The chip enable line provides chip enable signal pulses (120) that are suitable for the chip enable input of the second I.C. (104). An interface circuit (106) on the same board that contains the two I.C.'s, interfaces the chip enable line to a strobe input of the first I.C. (102) to create strobe signal pulses suitable for the protocol of the first I.C. (102). The interface circuit performs timing and voltage limiting functions. Data enters the second I.C. only after having been clocked through the first I.C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a sealant ring within a throttle body assembly comprising an essentially cylindrical housing defined by an essentially cylindrical wall and an essentially circular plate pivotally disposed on the wall wherein an essentially annular gap is formed between the plate and the wall. The method comprises depositing an essentially continuous ring of sealant composition around the throttle body assembly. The essentially continuous ring covers the essentially annular gap. The sealant composition is dispensed from a needle applicator which is disposed above the annular gap and which travels in an essentially circular motion around the throttle body. The sealant composition, upon drying, forms an essentially continuous seal covering the gap of the throttle body.

Abstract: A multimedia/personal computer-based system for operating information, communication, and entertainment devices in a mobile vehicle uses a power management strategy which reduces power consumption and boot-up time in a manner which facilitates use of a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor system. A power management fault strategy detects fault conditions and restores proper operation without user intervention. A low power microprocessor off-board of the main motherboard switches a plurality of regulated voltages to the main motherboard and other devices. The main application microprocessor on the main motherboard sends periodic status messages to the low power microprocessor.

Abstract: A variable capacity swash plate type compressor 10, which incorporates an inlet port 40 disposed in a crankcase 36 leading to a crank chamber 38. The inlet port 40 places the crank chamber 38 in the active flow path of a refrigerant gas for the compressor 10 and eliminates the need for an orifice tube in fluid communication with a discharge chamber 22 and the crank chamber 38 thereby increasing the maximum capacity of the compressor 10.

Abstract: An air conditioning (A/C) system and method of controlling same is provided for a vehicle. The A/C system includes an evaporator, a desiccant dryer located downstream of the evaporator, and a compressor fluidly connected to the air evaporator. The A/C system also includes a plurality of sensors to provide inputs relating to temperature of the evaporator and relative humidity of an occupant compartment of the vehicle. The A/C system further includes an electronic control unit electrically connected to the sensors to receive the inputs therefrom and electrically connected to the desiccant dryer and the compressor to turn the desiccant dryer and the compressor On and Off to control the temperature and relative humidity of air to the occupant compartment.

Abstract: A single heat exchanger includes a first core and a second core and a connecting mechanism interconnecting the first core and the second core. The first core and the second core are positioned at an angle relative to each other via the connecting mechanism.