Abstract: A system and method for assessing the quality of spot weld joints between pieces of metal includes an ultrasound transducer probing a spot weld joint. The ultrasound transducer transmits ultrasonic radiation into the spot weld joint, receives corresponding echoes, and transforms the echoes into electrical signals. An image reconstructor connected to the ultrasound transducer transforms the electrical signals into numerical data representing an ultrasound image. A neural network connected to the image reconstructor analyzes the numerical data and an output system presents information representing the quality of the spot weld joint. The system is trained to assess the quality of spot weld joints by scanning a spot weld joint with an ultrasound transducer to produce the data set representing the joint; then physically deconstructing the joint to assess the joint quality.

Abstract: A fuel pump controller includes a detecting device for detecting environmental vibrational energy and converting the environmental vibrational energy into an electrical signal. A motor controller is coupled to a fuel pump motor wherein the electrical signal is used by the controller to command the fuel pump motor to operate at one of a plurality of speeds wherein the commanded speed is at least in part a function of the environmental vibrational energy.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle including a display panel and vehicle accessory includes a light source disposed within the display panel that illuminates the display panel. The display panel includes at least one aperture that selectively permits light from the light source to pass through the display panel to illuminate the vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A strut-type synchronizer for coupling a gear to a rotating shaft includes a hub rotating with the shaft, a clutch ring rotatable with the gear, and a friction ring disposed between the hub and the clutch ring. The hub supports several struts for relative axial movement, as urged by an encircling splined sleeve through a detent, into engagement with the friction ring. The friction ring, which does not itself directly engage the sleeve, has a friction surface that is thus urged by the struts into engagement with a complementary friction surface of the clutch ring, whereupon relative rotation between the friction ring and the clutch ring ceases, the detent is overcome, and the sleeve's spline teeth engage complementary spline teeth on the clutch ring to fully engage the synchronizer. The friction surfaces include two axially-spaced frustoconical portions, by which an increased cone torque is achieved during synchronization.

Abstract: A reversible lid of a cargo bin also function as a cargo load floor. The cargo load floor is located behind a rear passenger seat and above a spare tire. When the lid is closed, a first flat loading surface is parallel to the ground upon which the vehicle rests while the opposite side of the lid defines the second flat loading surface that is angled with respect to the ground but 180 degrees to the rear surface of a folded forward rear passenger seat to create a smooth continuous loading surface to slide cargo onto the rear surface of the rear seat. A peripheral protruding portion surrounds the first flat loading surface to retain cargo while grooves in the loading surface may accommodate any deposition of water and mud from cargo. The load floor pivots to open while at opposite corners locking tabs secure into holes to lock the load floor closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing spark-knock within a combustion chamber of a spark-ignition internal combustion engine, whereby a control vane mounted inside the intake runner is arranged to direct a fuel-air charge to a region inside the combustion chamber where spark-knock has been empirically determined to occur.

Abstract: A method of controlling a brushless direct current motor without a position sensor. The motor includes a plurality phase windings adapted to be energized by an active inverter circuit that synchronously applies drive voltages through a plurality of phases to produce drive currents in the phase windings. Back electromotive force voltages are detected when the inverter circuit is inactive for sensorless detection of motor position.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission includes a planetary gear system having a plurality of clutch elements that alters the torque ratio of the transmission. The hydraulic control system includes a line pressure control device for regulating a variable hydraulic line pressure from a maximum line pressure to a fixed fluid line pressure that is lower than the maximum line pressure when an overdrive clutch is applied in a high gear.

Abstract: A bumper beam for an automobile is disclosed, which has a first set of surfaces and a second set of surfaces. The first set of surfaces is inclined at a pre-defined angle with respect to a pre-defined plane. A plurality of slots is provided on the second set of surfaces of the bumper beam, which facilitates the bumper beam to crush during an impact.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling a gear ratio in an automatic transmission of a vehicle. The method includes detecting a desired engine braking condition associated with the vehicle. Once the engine braking condition is determined, a decay factor is determined for reducing the gear ratio of the transmission. The decay factor maintains the gear ratio for a delayed period of time before gradually reducing the gear ratio over time. After determining the decay factor, the gear ratio of the transmission is controlled in accordance with the decay factor.