Abstract: An adaptive dilution mixture control system for internal combustion engines including an apparatus for measuring a combustion force within a combustion chamber communicating with an apparatus for calculating the real-time work output of the engine from the measured combustion force, and an apparatus for controlling the variable dilution of the fuel-air mixture delivered to the combustion chamber to achieve a desired work output, the controlling apparatus responsive to the real-time work output. The apparatus for controlling the variable fuel-air mixture dilution includes a compensator for comparing the real-time work output and other engine parameters to an adaptive optimizing control model, and calculating the desired work output. Also included is a fuel injection system, and an exhaust recirculation valve to vary the dilution of the fuel-air mixture to achieve the desired work output. The adaptive optimizing control model is adapted to change over time based on a change in engine conditions.

Abstract: A method of making a photochromic polysiloxane includes the steps of forming a photochromic spironaphthooxazine monomer including an alkene terminated side and, by addition reaction, covalently bonding the alkene carbon to [SiH] moieties of a siloxane polymer. Novel spironaphthooxazine monomers and photochromic polysiloxanes are disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel filler module fits in the filler pipe of an automotive fuel tank and includes a spring biased trap door that cooperates with a fuel nozzle restrictor to seal an open end of the filler pipe automatically when a fuel nozzle is withdrawn. The fuel filler module also includes a fuel nozzle guide that is part of a vent system for venting the fuel tank during the refuelling process and a splash guard feature that prevents splash back at the end of the refuelling process. The fuel filler module comprises four-snap together components that are largely plastic parts or assemblies of plastic parts that are designed for easy molding to facilitate economical manufacture.

Abstract: A container (10) of the type having side walls and top and bottom ends, the top end (2) including an access hole 4 surrounded by an upstanding neck (5) adapted to receive a suitable closure, wherein the neck is integrally formed from the material of the top end. There is also provided a closure (12) comprising a cap having a top (13) and a skirt (15) extending downwardly therefrom, the skirt having an internal thread (12a) to engage the external thread of the neck, wherein the top (13a) of the cap is formed in a concave shape, the opposite surface (13b) being convex and extending downwardly towards the interior of the cap.

Abstract: The mixing bucket and integral mold (10) has frustoconical walls (12), a bottom wall (14), a bottom rim (32) and top rim (24). A lid (16) closes and seals the bucket. A bail (28) is provided for lifting and carrying the bucket. A flange (38) that is integral with the bottom wall (14) and inside the bottom rim (32) reinforces and supports the bottom wall and forms a mold cavity (36). Agitators (60) each of which has a base, an integral post (68) and agitation surfaces (72) are attached to the inside surface of the frustoconical walls (12) along two helixes (62,64). The agitation surfaces are shaped and oriented to agitate and mix material when the bucket is rolled on its side walls (12). The agitation surfaces can be shaped and oriented to merely divide the material being mixed, to move material toward the lid (16), to move material toward the bottom wall (14), to move material radially inward toward the central axis (18) or to move material radially outward toward the side walls (12).

Abstract: An electromagnet for a relay and contactor assembly having an L-shaped armature pivotally secured to an L-shaped core for minimizing flux dispersion and magneto-motive force requirements. One arm of the core is pivotally connected to one leg of the armature. A coil utilizing a minimum amount of copper material is wound around the core near its vertex. Several groups of contacts are located on the side of the pivot opposite the coil and are operated by an extension arm attached to the armature. The L-shaped armature and the L-shaped core create two working air gaps which cooperatively attract and maintain the armature in its energized position when the coil is energized. A spring may bias the armature toward a de-energized position. Alternatively, the armature may be biased by gravity toward the de-energized position.

Abstract: A retractable speaker assembly for an automobile is disclosed which includes a housing containing at least one loudspeaker, a first actuator for selectively moving the housing between a retracted position and an extended position, and a second actuator for rotating the housing sideways so that the speaker can be directed toward the left or right side of the automobile interior.

Abstract: The electromagnetic clutch (10) includes a rotor assembly (12), an armature assembly (14) and a field assembly (16). The field assembly (16) includes a ring and flange assembly (86). A terminal passage (104) is provided through the base portion (100) of the circular ring 96 with a U-shaped cross-section that form as a toroidal chamber (98). An electromagnetic coil (90) is encased in a bobbin (88) and a cap (92) and inserted into the toroidal chamber with a bobbin terminal post (110) extending into the terminal passage (104). A terminal housing (120) with a terminal sleeve (142) telescopically receives the bobbin terminal post (110) and the terminal sleeve (142) extends into the terminal passage (104). Leads (112 and 114) from the electromagnetic coil (90) extend into the terminal housing (120). Terminals (122) are housed in terminal apertures (136 and 138) in the terminal housing ( 120) and are in contact with the leads (112 and 114).

Abstract: A one-way clutch has an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of locking elements that are disposed between the races and that move with respect to one of the races when the clutch is overrunning. The clutch includes at least one end bearing for maintaining concentricity of the races that also adjusts the supply of lubricant inside the one-way clutch hydrodynamically. Several configurations and combinations for the end bearing are disclosed.

Abstract: A cable laying attachment for an engine driven tiller has a cutter wheel with a plurality of countersunk carbide tips in the teeth of the cutter wheel; the cutter wheel being connected to a tine drive shaft connected to a transmission for transferring power from the engine for automatically cutting a trench to a desired depth as the tiller is driven forwardly by a pair of engine driven wheels and a trailing arm and feed tube are connected to a protective cowl on the transmission housing that guards the cutter wheel; the trailing arm and feed tube receiving and placing wire from a spool into the trench; the trailing arm serves to displace the cut trench material while positioning the outlet end of the feed tube so as to locate a wire or cable at the bottom of the trench formed by the cutter wheel.

Abstract: A gasketing device for forming a molded interior trim component for a vehicle utilizes a flexible planar gasket compressed between mold halves to prevent foaming material from entering the gasket area. The gasket is adapted to be secured to a structural insert and has a flexible peripheral edge that seals against the inside surface of a bezel on the insert. The gasket extends through the opening defined by the bezel to seal against a skin shell. The method includes mounting the gasket on the insert. The insert and gasket are placed on a mold half with an opposing mold half having a skin shell thereon. A foaming formulation is placed between the skin shell and insert and allowed to foam about the gasket to secure the insert to the skin shell. The product is removed, the skin shell over the gasket cut and peeled away to form an opening in the shell dimensioned smaller than the dimensions of the peripheral edge of the gasket.

Abstract: A high gloss color finish for a plastic article is formed by coating and curing a colored primer layer (12) onto a plastic substrate (10). A light transmissive basecoat (14) is applied and cured onto the primer layer (12) to form a substrate (10) with a colored surface. Indium islands (20) are vacuum deposited onto the basecoat (12) to a thickness up to 100 Angstroms to form a visually macroscopically continuous layer (21). The island layer (21) is etched to remove smaller sized islands. A transparent topcoat (24) is applied onto the basecoat and indium islands and cured in place.

Abstract: A remote control cable assembly (10) for transmitting motion in a curved path comprises a motion transmitting core element (12) and a conduit (14) slidably supporting the core element. There is also a terminal (16) disposed on one end of the core element (12) for transmitting axial reciprocating motion from the core element to an element to be controlled. The terminal (16) telescopes within a housing (44) disposed on the end of the conduit (14). The housing (44) includes a flexible tang or hook (28) for biasing from a non-limiting position in which the terminal (16) can be telescopingly inserted into the housing (44), to a limiting position after the terminal has been inserted into the housing so that the tang retains the terminal within the housing during shipping of the assembly (10).

Abstract: A hollow core instrument panel provides the look and feel of a urethane filled instrument panel without the associated disadvantages. A rigid retainer substrate provides a skeletal superstructure. A hollow shell applique is attached to the retainer substrate for providing a decorative exterior. The hollow shell applique includes a resilient upper wall, a lower wall, contoured to matingly engage the retainer substrate, a forward end wall and a rearward end wall. One or more ribs may be provided intermediate the forward and rearward end walls. The forward and rearward end walls are hook-shaped for mechanically clamping about the edges of the retainer substrate. Vent holes prevent pressure build-up within the hollow shell applique.

Abstract: A method is provided for potentiating the efflux of cholesterol from the macrophage, the method including the steps of increasing the affinity of high-density lipoprotein for macrophages by the administration of a serum amyloid A/high-density lipoprotein complex, exposing the macrophage to the complex, and potentiating macrophage cholesterol efflux.

Abstract: A mouse yoke assembly for interfacing with a computer through the sensing mechanism of a mouse including a housing and a control member movably supported by the housing. The housing is adapted to support a mouse thereon and relative to the control member such that movement of the control member is sensed by the sensing mechanism of the mouse. The assembly includes a clamp member for removably mounting the housing to a support structure to immobilize the housing as the control member is moved relative to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for manufacturing multiple thin walled hollow shells for parts such as automobile door panels, arm rests, and instrument panels from thermoplastic plastisol includes a pair of plastisol charge boxes each forming a separate compartment and members for joining the charge boxes with an open ended mold. The mold has a divider rib thereon that is inaccessible by straight vertical engagement of a seal assembly on the divider. An indexable divider wall is operatively connected between the charge boxes so that the divider wall can be selectively extended and retracted at an angle with respect to the vertical and against the mold at the divider rib thereon for allowing separation of the casting surfaces having different colors fixed thereon and the subsequent fusing of the casting surfaces to one another at the divider.

Abstract: A self piercing cover assembly for concealing an air bag restraint system in a vehicle passenger compartment has a plurality of retractable cutter blades that are attached to the underside of an invisible door beneath the instrument panel by leaf springs. When the air bag inflates, it pushes the cutter blades out against the bias of springs to cut through the instrument panel at several locations along the front edge of the door making it easier for the door to swing open. The cutter blades retract under the action of the leaf springs so that the cutting edges are below the surface of the cover assembly to protect against contact with the cutting edges after the air bag collapses.

Abstract: A high speed spindle has a motor and tool adjustment mechanism which aligns spaced bearing means to rigidly support the spindle shaft at high speed operation and to prevent excessive lateral loading of a bearing unit of the tool adjustment mechanism. The unitary motor and tool adjustment mechanism are joined together as a single unitary assembly which is mountable on a machine tool base without requiring alignment and preassembly of the motor and tool adjustment mechanism at field locations.