Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling valve stiffness in a power steering system. The method includes the step of engaging a pinion and a spool shaft with respect to one another for turning at least two wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a steering wheel from an on-center orientation. The method also includes the step of variably assisting movement of the pinion with a hydraulic power steering device having a valve movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The method also includes the step of moving the valve from the open configuration to the closed configuration in response to rotation of the spool shaft relative to the pinion from an on-center orientation to assist the pinion in rotation for turning the at least two wheels.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for adjusting a position of a steering wheel. The invention includes a steering column for supporting the steering wheel. A telescoping mechanism and a tilting mechanism are associated with the steering column to move the steering column. The invention also includes a motor having a rotatable shaft for generating a moving force. A first linkage is selectively engageable with the rotatable shaft to transmit the moving force to the telescoping mechanism. A second linkage is selectively engageable with the rotatable shaft to transmit the moving force to the tilting mechanism.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for operating a vehicle packages mechanical components and electrical devices normally found in or around the steering column of the vehicle into a single unit. An on-board processor accepts signals from the electrical devices, which may include a steering sensor, an acceleration pedal sensor, a brake pedal sensor, a turn signal switch, a cruise control switch, a windshield wiper switch, etc. The on-board processor connects to a vehicle communications bus to communicate data received from the electrical devices to various systems throughout the vehicle. The on-board processor also receives data from the various systems. The steering column assembly also includes a display connected to the on-board processor. The operator receives information about the operation of the vehicle from the display. All components, including the on-board processor, are operatively connected to a column support, allowing the steering column assembly to be installed as a unit.

Abstract: A method for generatig a fault tolerant sensor signal for a motor control system in a vehicle steering system. The method includes receiving at least three sensor signals indicative of a sensed parameter and generating a plurality of parameter pair signals responsive to the at least one sensor signal of the at least three sensor signals. Additionally, the method includes selecting one parameter pair signal of the plurality of parameter pair signals and generating a measured parameter signal responsive to the selecting.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing motor damping network integrity, the motor damping network configured for selective short-circuiting of the windings of a motor in a motor control system. The apparatus includes a motor controller with a motor drive portion thereof electrically isolated from the windings of the motor. A resonant network is based on the windings of the motor, the damping network, and a remaining non-isolated portion of the controller. An amplifier circuit applies an excitation signal to the resonant network. A detector circuit detects a response of the resonant network based on the excitation signal. A state of the damping network is determined based on the response.

Abstract: A method of horizontally structured manufacturing process modeling for large process models comprising: selecting a blank for machining into an actual part; and establishing a coordinate system. The method also includes: creating a master process model in a first file comprising: a virtual blank corresponding to said blank and a manufacturing feature; virtual machining of the manufacturing feature into the virtual blank, the manufacturing feature exhibiting an associative relationship with the coordinate system; and generating a group reference link of selected manufacturing features of the master process model. The method also includes generating an in-process model in a separate file from the first file employing the group reference link, the in-process model exhibiting another associative relationship with the master process model. The method also includes generating manufacturing instructions to create the actual part by machining the manufacturing feature into the blank.

Abstract: An electrical connector provides terminal position assurance and wire cover features in a single integrated structure. The connector has a body defining a cavity for receiving one or more terminal carriers having aligned terminal receiving passageways opening at an end surface. A slide member cooperates with the connector body to positionally fix the terminal carrier and to integrally support the wire cover to overlay the end surface to dress conductors emerging there from in a preferred orientation.

Abstract: A vehicular communications network is disclosed. The network comprises a communications channel for propagating a signal therealong; a nodal communications system; and a signal coupling system coupled to the communications channel and to the nodal communications system for coupling a signal between the communications channel and the nodal communications system.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for absorbing energy in a collapsible steering column of a vehicle. A portion of the apparatus is deformable in response to an excessive frontal impacting force to the steering column so that injury to the vehicle operator is reduced. The apparatus includes a first steering column member and a second steering column member connected to one another such that the first steering column member slides relative to the second steering column member. The apparatus also includes a first anvil associated with a said first steering column member and a second anvil associated with said second steering column member. The apparatus also includes an energy absorbing member having a first portion extending around and operable to be drawn over said first anvil and a second portion extending around and operable to be drawn over said second anvil.

Abstract: A vehicular steering column assembly (16) comprises a support bracket (26) which is joined to an outer, non-rotating sleeve (22). A release capsule (30) is releasably joined to a mounting surface (28) of the support bracket (26) via a plurality of spherical bodies (56) whose protruding crowns (52) are seated in corresponding longitudinally-extending furrows (54) in the release capsule (30). Upon the application of sufficient force to the steering column (16), such as during a collision, the support bracket (26) is urged out of engagement with the release capsule (30) with the respective furrows (54) sliding over the crowns (52). The sliding engagement between the crowns (52) and the furrows (54) can be adjusted to establish a highly predictable and consistent release force and which is capable of increasing the frequency value for the steering column (16).

Abstract: The invention provides a snap-in capsule for releasibly connecting a steering column to a vehicle. The snap-in capsule includes a metal insert for reducing creep of the steering column with respect to the vehicle. The metal insert has top and bottom surfaces and a slot extending along an axis for receiving a bolt. The snap-in capsule also includes a plastic capsule body for providing a mechanical fuse between the metal insert and the steering column. The plastic capsule body has a first snap-fit portion being deformable to receive the metal insert and fix the plastic capsule body and the metal insert with respect to one another.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a collapsible steering column assembly. The assembly includes a support for attachment to a vehicle. A steering column is movably supported by the support. An energy absorbing mechanism interconnects the steering column and the support for absorbing energy in response to the steering column moving relative to the support during a collision. The energy absorbing mechanism includes a elongated element and a brake for variably resisting the movement of the elongated element and absorbing the energy during the collision. The elongated element, in combination with the brake, is capable of adjustment to absorb energy at forces of various magnitude such that a universal energy absorbing device may be installed on each type of vehicle. Furthermore, the elongated element retains structural integrity after absorbing the energy and need not be replaced.

Abstract: A wobble joint particularly useful for supporting a wash plate in a wash basket of an automatic washing appliance includes inner and outer races formed with mating part-spherical surfaces having common centers of curvature about a longitudinal axis of the joint. Anti-rotation structure acts between the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation of the races about the longitudinal axis, and cooperates with the part-spherical surfaces to restrict the races to two degrees of tilting movement about respective tilt axes disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to one another, such that one of the races is thereby supported for wobbling movement relative to the other of the races. In a washing appliance application, the wash plate is fixed to the outer race and wobbles relative to the inner race.

Abstract: A method for implementing anti-static steering for vehicle steering systems includes receiving a desired rear wheel angle input and receiving a vehicle speed input. An approved rear wheel angle output is generated using the desired rear wheel angle input and the vehicle speed input, wherein the approved rear wheel angle is based upon one of a plurality of defined operating states, the plurality of operating states including operation at a speed in a first range, operation at a speed in a second range, and transitions therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus measures relative displacement between a first end and a second end of a shaft. The first and second ends being centered on a shaft axis. The apparatus includes first and second ferromagnetic plates. The first ferromagnetic plate has a first side and a second side and is connected to the first end. The first ferromagnetic plate is centered on the shaft axis and has a plurality of ferromagnetic teeth extending from the first side and in a first direction parallel to the shaft. The second ferromagnetic plate has a first side and a second side and is connected to the second end. The second ferromagnetic plate is centered on the shaft axis. The first and second ferromagnetic plates form a gap. The apparatus further includes a plurality of magnets having a magnetic field and a sensing device. The magnets are coupled to the first side of the second ferromagnetic plate. The sensing device is disposed within the gap for sensing a magnetic flux of the magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for selectively preventing the collapse of a collapsible steering column of a vehicle. The invention includes a first steering column member defining first and second opposing surfaces that are fixedly spaced relative to one another. The invention also include a second steering column member connected to the first steering column member for sliding movement The second steering column member defines a third surface opposing and spaced from the first surface. The invention also includes a wedging member selectively moveable between the first and second surfaces for being selectively compressible between the first and third surfaces to limit the sliding movement. The invention selectively prevents the collapse of the steering column.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating a parameter of an electric machine, including a controller and a switching device, the controller executes a parameter estimation process, which is responsive to at least one of: a current value and 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.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus including a housing and a spool disposed in the housing for rotation. The apparatus also includes a wire disposed in the housing and having a first end fixedly engaged with the housing and a second end fixedly engaged with the spool. The wire is moveable between a first configuration generally wound around the spool and a second configuration generally unwound with respect to the spool and arranged along an inner surface of the housing. The wire moves between the first and second configurations in response to relative rotation between the spool and the housing. The apparatus also includes at least one guide member disposed in the housing and movable along an arcuate path. The guide member moves in an opposite direction of rotation of the spool to guide movement of the wire between the spool and the housing.

Abstract: A steering column assembly of the present invention includes a lower support bracket, an upper support bracket, and a jacket disposed within and extending along a longitudinal axis through the lower support bracket and the upper support bracket. The steering column assembly includes a yoke support housing and a plurality of tubes spaced from one another circumferentially about the longitudinal axis and interconnecting the yoke support housing and the upper support bracket. The invention includes a method of fabricating the assembly. An advantage of the present invention is to provide the steering column assembly that achieves a high section modulus, improved and predetermined stiffness characteristics, and improved packaging characteristics to hold various components such as ECL mechanisms, steering tube position sensors, BSTI switches, wires and the like.

Abstract: A telescopic tripot universal joint comprises an outer drive member having three longitudinal drive channels which include two opposing concave side surfaces, an inner drive member having three radial trunnions having a radially outward facing semi-spherical surface for tiltably mounting a drive ball assembly which has a bearing train disposed radially between an inner ball tiltably engaged to the trunnion and an outer ball having a tread face which directly opposes the concave side surfaces of the drive channels. The ball assembly being free to wobble about a Z-axis wherein the assembly pivots about an X-axis disposed laterally to the outer drive member and pivots about a Y-axis disposed longitudinally to the outer drive member. The channel carries a guide rail which extends longitudinally lengthwise to the channel and projects radially inward in order to contact the outer ball when the ball assembly pivots about the X-axis, i.e., tilts relative to the axis of the outer drive member.