Abstract: A boot with O-ring seal for sealing around an article such as a universal joint housing includes a boot having a hollow body adapted to tightly receive the article. An O-ring extends lengthwise within an internal annular groove in the body. The O-ring, in its natural free state condition, has a radial dimension which is greater than the depth of the groove so that when the article is received in the body the O-ring is deformed and makes sealing contact with the article. The O-ring, in its natural free state condition, has an axial dimension which is less than the width of the groove by an amount such that when the article is received in the body and the O-ring makes sealing contact with the article, the O-ring is deformed into the space between the side walls of the groove.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive strain sensor includes a Hall effect sensor for measuring the change in magnetic flux a magnetic circuit including a magnetostrictive element. A strain sensing apparatus includes one or more magnetic elements defining a magnetic circuit having a gap, and including a magnetostrictive element adapted to receive a load force. A Hall effect sensor is disposed within the gap for sensing a change in magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. The Hall effect sensor may include a programmable circuit for zeroing and calibrating the sensing apparatus, and for providing temperature compensation. The magnetostrictive element may be magnetized to form the magnetized element, and may be formed from material known as TERFENOL-D.

Abstract: An upper steering shaft assembly for a steering column and method of construction therefore having a tubular shaft section and a stub shaft section fabricated separately from one another. The tubular shaft section has a main body portion and a splined portion. The stub shaft section has a shaft portion and a hub engagement portion comprising a splined segment and a tapered portion. A connection end extends axially from the shaft portion of the stub shaft section and is disposed within the main body portion of the tubular shaft section and the tubular shaft section and the stub shaft section are fixedly attached to each other.

Abstract: An assembly for optoelectronically sensing position includes a light source, a coded element, and a plurality of photosensors. Holes are disposed in the coded element to define a plurality of digital codes. The light passes through the holes in the coded element to illuminate the photosensors. The holes are sized and the photosensors are positioned such that the light is transmitted to more than one of the photosensors through each of the holes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein in an exemplary embodiment is a method for providing variable assist in an active steering system of a vehicle. The method comprises: receiving an input signal that includes at least one of, a variable ratio command signal, a stability command signal, a hand wheel position signal, a vehicle speed signal indicative of a speed of the vehicle, a signal indicative of an operator selected function, and a signal indicative a vehicle operating mode. The method also comprises: generating an assist command to an assist mechanism responsive to the input signal wherein the assist mechanism is operatively coupled to the differential actuator and a road wheel of the steering system to provide an assist torque responsive to the motion of the output shaft. The active steering system includes a hand wheel operatively coupled to an input of a differential actuator and a motor operatively coupled to the differential actuator.

Abstract: A method, computer usable medium including a program, and a system for braking a vehicle during brake failure. The method and computer usable medium include the steps of determining a brake force lost corresponding to a failed brake, and determining a brake force reserve corresponding to at least one non-failed brake. At least one command brake force is determined based on the brake force lost and the brake force reserve. The at least one command brake force is applied to the at least one non-failed brake wherein at least one of an undesired yaw moment and a yaw moment rate of change are limited to predetermined values. The system includes a plurality of brake assemblies wherein a command brake force is applied to at least one non-failed brake.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a steering column for operatively mounting a hand controller used for controlling the steering of the vehicle. A support member is disposed adjacent the steering column and is coupled thereto by a rake pivot connection which enables the steering column to pivot about an axis of the rake pivot connection relative to the support member along a rake adjustment path for adjusting a rake position of the steering column. A torsion spring is disposed about the axis between the steering column and the support member to provide a constant spring bias force therebetween. The torsion spring preferably provides near-equilibrium support of the column through its full rake adjust travel. The torsion spring further is readily adaptable to telescopic-type columns and does not interfere with the telescopic adjustment.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering gear is provided. The gear comprises a lower shaft, a pinion gear, a first bearing, and a plurality of stakes. The lower shaft has a first end, a second end, and a shoulder depending radially outward from the lower shaft. The pinion gear is defined in a portion of the lower shaft proximate the first end. The first bearing has a first side, a second side, and an inner edge. The inner edge is disposed on the lower shaft such that the first side abuts the shoulder. The stakes have a first section that conforms to a radius defined at an intersection of the second side and the inner edge of the first bearing, and a second section resting against the second side of the first bearing.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system for a vehicle that provides synchronization capability to an actuator of a steerable device and an actuator of a steering input device includes a steering input device actuator operably connected to the steering input device of the vehicle and a steerable device actuator operably connected to the steerable device of the vehicle. The steerable device actuator is disposed in electronic communication with the steering input device actuator. The electronic communication is defined such that synchronous positioning of the steering input device actuator and the steerable device actuator can be effectuated by the system upon startup of the vehicle. A method of using the system includes initiating operation of the system by turning on an ignition switch of the vehicle and evaluating an initial condition of the vehicle. The initial condition is associated to the positions of the steering input device actuator and the steerable device actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system vacuum booster tandem power piston connection design such that the primary piston and the secondary piston are positioned together forming the tandem power piston. A connection design that provides direct alignment between the primary piston and secondary piston upon assembly and also provides an airtight seal between the primary piston and the secondary piston when assembling the tandem power piston.

Abstract: An optical torque sensor comprises a radiation source emitting radiation of at least one wavelength. At least one sensor senses the emitted radiation and generates at least one intensity signal indicative of the intensity of the emitted radiation. At least one signal conditioner is receptive of the emitted radiation and is positioned on a shaft between the radiation source and the at least one sensor thereby conditioning the emitted radiation. A circuit is receptive of the at least one intensity signal and determines the torque acting upon the shaft and compensates for the attenuation of the emitted radiation.

Abstract: A disc brake comprises at least two axially slidable brake discs. The brake discs are mounted for axial sliding movement under the dynamic conditions of use by means of a series of circumferentially spaced wire springs or leaf springs each of which simultaneously receives the at least two brake discs on the axially-extending structure of the spring. As a result, initiation of braking causes simultaneous axial sliding movement of the entire spring and multiple disc assembly as a unit, thereby achieving a more balanced braking action and more even friction pad wear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and control scheme to operate a motor-driven actuator. This includes determining actuator force on an external device, determining a command force, and monitoring actuator position. A determination is made whether to operate in a force-control mode or a position-control mode. Both the force-control mode and the position-control mode employ a common feedback control method (e.g. PI or PID). The system operates the actuator in the force-control mode, using actuator force as feedback to the control scheme when the controller determines that the force sensor is operating in its linear range. When the force sensor is operating outside or near the limits of its linear range, the control scheme determines a pseudo-force, comprising estimated force based upon measured position. The pseudo-force is input to the common feedback control method to control the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for providing an improved controlled airflow within a vacuum booster system. The system includes a vacuum booster assembly having a primary chamber and a secondary chamber, and an outer tube having a first end and a second end, the first end in communication with the secondary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly. The system additionally includes an airflow control assembly operably coupled to the second end of the outer tube, and an inner tube, concentric to the outer tube, having a first end and a second end, the first end operably coupled to the airflow control assembly, the second end in communication with the primary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly. In the system, air flows from the primary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly to the airflow control assembly within the inner tube and air flows from the airflow control assembly to the secondary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly within the outer tube.

Abstract: A method for implementing active deadtime control of an inverter associated with an electric motor is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving a command voltage signal indicative of a desired load to be driven by the motor. Based upon the value of the command voltage signal, a determined value of deadtime is applied to switching circuitry in the inverter, wherein the value of deadtime relates to an amount of time in which the switching of a device in the switching circuitry is delayed so as to prevent a short circuit condition within the inverter.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column is used with motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a frame. The steering column has an outer jacket and a stationery bracket. The outer jacket is releasably coupled to the frame. The stationery bracket is coupled to the frame. The outer jacket and stationery bracket are collapsible in response to release of the outer jacket from the frame. An electrically actuated brake mechanism is coupled between the stationery bracket and the outer jacket and provides an infinitely variable resistive force to the collapse of the outer jacket and the stationery bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle locating system includes a first transmitter within the vehicle, the first transmitter is configured to transmit a location signal; and a key fob including: a receiver, a direction indicator, and wherein the direction indicator is configured to point towards the first transmitter in response to receipt of the location signal by the receiver.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, a computer usable medium including a program, and a system for operating a vehicle control system. A plurality of measured vehicle variables is determined. At least one suspension force is determined based on at least one of the determined measured vehicle variables. At least one tire vertical force is determined based on the at least one determined suspension force and at least one of the determined measured vehicle variables. At least one tire longitudinal force is determined based on at least one of the determined measured vehicle variables. At least one axle lateral force is determined based on at least one of the determined measured vehicle variables. At least one tire lateral force is determined based on the at least one determined axle lateral force and the at least one determined tire vertical force.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system comprising a damper having a lower mount end and an upper mount end and a spring having a lower end and an upper end positioned around the damper. The spring and the damper have a common central axis. An adjustment assembly is operably attached at the lower mount end of the damper and the lower end of the spring is operably attached to and supported by the adjustment assembly thereby allowing the position of the lower end of the spring to continuously vary along the central axis of the damper. The method comprising supporting a lower end of a spring positioned around a damper and moving the end of the spring for adjusting vehicle ride height.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating a parameter of an electric machine, including a controller and a switching device, the controller responsive to at least one of: a current sensor, and a temperature sensor. Where the controller executes a parameter estimation process, which is responsive to at least one of: a current value, a torque command and the resultant of the parameter estimation process representing an estimated parameter of the electric machine. The parameter estimation includes a method for estimating a temperature of the electric machine comprising: a temperature sensor operatively connected to and transmitting a temperature signal corresponding to a measured temperature to a controller, which executes a temperature estimation process responsive to a temperature signal from a temperature sensor.