Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and retrieving device usage for a device at a vehicle including storing a vehicle data record in the telematics unit, monitoring the device usage for device data, storing the device data at the vehicle, requesting the telematics unit to upload the device data, and transmitting the device data from the telematics unit to a remote location. At least one of the monitoring and the requesting is performed in accordance with the vehicle data record.

Abstract: An expandable clamp includes a band and a worm gear mechanism. The band makes an imaginary circumference and has a number of slots spaced apart from one another along the imaginary circumference. The worm gear mechanism is connected to the band and operates to radially expand and contract the imaginary circumference of the band. The worm gear mechanism includes a worm gear that has a threaded shank that engages the slots when the worm gear is rotated which causes the radial expansion and contraction of the imaginary circumference.

Abstract: A system and method for data communication over a cellular communications network that allows the transmission of digital data over a voice channel of the communications network. Digital data is encoded into DBPSK data using differential binary phase shift keying encoding. The DBPSK data is then sent across the cellular network using a vocoder having a linear predictive or other speech compression codec. At the receiving end, the DBPSK data is demodulated back into the original digital data. This approach permits data communication via a CDMA, GSM, or other type of voice traffic channel at a low bit error rate.

Abstract: A system and method for data communication over a cellular communications network that allows the transmission of digital data over a voice channel using a vocoder that operates in different modes depending upon characteristics of the inputted signal it receives. To prepare the digital data for transmission, one or more carrier signals are encoded with the digital data using one of a number of modulation schemes that utilize differential phase shift keying to give the modulated carrier signal certain periodicity and energy characteristics that allow it to be transmitted by the vocoder at full rate. The modulation schemes include DPSK using either a single or multiple frequency carriers, combined FSK-DPSK modulation, combined ASK-DPSK, as well as PSK with a phase tracker in the demodulator. These modulation schemes permit data communication via a CDMA, GSM, or other type of voice traffic channel at a low bit error rate.

Abstract: Some articles such as automobile components that have been constructed from steel and/or aluminum alloy parts are now being fitted with magnesium parts whose surfaces may need to be protected against corrosion. To do this an e-coating pre-film may be formed on the part's magnesium surfaces by exposing it to a conventional e-coating emulsion. And there is no need to supply a current or potential to the part or component. Magnesium's high reactivity with acidic or neutral aqueous mediums is itself a sufficient driving force to facilitate the deposition of an e-coating pre-film. At the same time any steel or aluminum alloy parts will remain unaffected. The article with a protective e-coating pre-film formed solely on its magnesium surfaces may now be advanced through a paint-line that includes conventional processes aimed at treating the component's steel and aluminum alloy parts. The process may be practiced where the magnesium surface comprises a magnesium-containing conversion or anodized coating.

Abstract: A vehicle telematics unit or other electronic hardware in a vehicle authenticates an incoming SMS message and provides additional security features above and beyond those inherent to the SMS protocol. A call center uses a mathematical function to derive a security code, and then sends an SMS message to the vehicle. The telematics unit can utilize the transmitted information to authenticate the sender of the SMS message and/or its contents. One group of suitable mathematical functions utilizes keyed-hash message authentication codes (HMACs).

Abstract: A method and system for distributing files to remote receiving units such as passenger vehicles. The method includes the steps of (a) creating a file broadcast schedule that identifies a plurality of files and that includes scheduling information indicating when the files will be transmitted, (b) sending the file broadcast schedule to a number of remote receiving units via wireless transmission, (c) analyzing the file broadcast schedule at one or more of the remote receiving units by identifying at least one specific file intended for receipt and storage at that receiving unit and by determining from the scheduling information a scheduled time at which the specific file is intended to be received, (d) monitoring a digital satellite transmission channel at the scheduled time for the specific file, and (e) upon receiving the specific file, storing it at the remote receiving unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing automated vehicle diagnostic function within a mobile vehicle communication system. The method includes configuring a primary diagnostic script for a telematics equipped mobile vehicle, providing the primary diagnostic script to the mobile vehicle, executing the primary diagnostic script, and collecting diagnostic data based on the executed primary diagnostic script. The primary diagnostic script may recreate known problem sequences when executed or may trigger data capture when specific conditions exist. The step of configuring the primary diagnostic script may include determining at least one diagnostic script based on diagnostic options and retrieving the at least one determined diagnostic script. One or more diagnostic scripts may be combined into the primary diagnostic script.

Abstract: Mixed-metal automotive vehicle bodies-in-white comprising ferrous metal surfaces, zinc surfaces, aluminum alloy surfaces, and magnesium alloy surfaces are cleaned and immersed in an aqueous bath comprising an adhesion promoter and an aqueous electrocoat bath (the adhesion promoter may be in the electrocoat bath. The adhesion promoter, which may be a cerium salt, is selected to react with each metal in the body surfaces to form an oxide layer that provides corrosion resistance for the surface and adherence for the deposited polymeric paint coating. The body is cathodic in the electrocoat deposition.

Abstract: A computer-based ordering system for ordering goods and services includes a plurality of self-service client terminals and a server. Each self-service client terminal runs a self-order application including a set of interactive menu screens having buttons that allow the customer to select and customize products for the order. An administration tool application communicates with the server to administer the self-service client terminals. The administration tool application including a menu editor that enables the administrator to create and edit the interactive menu screens provided by the self-order application at the self-service client terminals. The menu editor accesses a library of menu templates containing predefined groupings of buttons, and uses the menu templates, as directed by the administrator, during creation and editing of the interactive menu screens.

Abstract: An active suspension system and method for controlling the height of a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the active suspension system receives information from one or more input sources, including both internal and external vehicle inputs, and uses that information to actively control the vehicle height. By doing so, the active suspension system can reduce aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and improve the vehicle's fuel economy, ride comfort, handling, and other aspects of operation. Some examples of external vehicle inputs that may be used include: short-range road and vehicle information, as well as long-range traffic, road and route information.

Abstract: The invention is related to an exterior rear view mirror assembly with a mirror base and a mirror head comprising at least one of the following features as mirror glass, mirror glass actuator, power fold actuator, lighting elements, indicators and at least one opening for a turn signal indicator light module. The assembly comprises a housing covered by a lens, at least one light guide with a first LED feeding light into the cross sectional area of the light guide, and at least a second LED placed apart the light guide, wherein a decorative, none reflective garnish is fixed between none reflective housing and transparent lens.

Abstract: A corner cam assembly for use with a forming die and including a generally cylindrical inner cam component, an outer cam component, a base, and a retainer unit. Contoured contact surfaces on the inner and outer cam components enable the components to slide past one another during transitions between retracted and extended positions. Some features of the corner cam assembly include helical contact surfaces, guide features that control movement of the cam components, removable work steels, standardized cam components, and being able to form negative and other tight angles, multiple corners and edges, to name but a few.

Abstract: A floor edger and grinding device 10 has a deck 20 pivotably mounted to a rear frame 18 with a handle 16. The deck has a motor 22 mounted thereon that drives two grinder discs 24 in opposite rotational directions. The deck has a skirt 26 and a notch 28 extending along the front edge 27 of the skirt. The discs 24 protrude into the notch 28. A case 50 surrounds the drive gears 38 for protection against dust created by the discs 24.

Abstract: A machine for machining workpieces, for example plastic spectacle lenses, has a workpiece spindle which rotates the workpiece about a workpiece rotation axis, and a fast tool arrangement which moves a turning tool in the direction to and from the workpiece, wherein the workpiece spindle and the fast tool arrangement can moreover be moved relative to one another in a direction transverse to the workpiece rotation axis. A tool holder is connected to the fast tool arrangement and carries the turning tool. An engraving tool is spaced from the workpiece rotation axis and has an essentially point-shaped end facing towards the workpiece. The engraving tool can be moved in the direction of the workpiece and away therefrom in a highly dynamic manner via the tool holder, so that a marking can be produced on the workpiece in particular by a needling engagement of the engraving tool with the workpiece.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removal of condensed, blow-by contaminants with small molecular dimensions from the circulating lubricating engine oil of internal combustion engines, including automotive engines, with a positive crankcase ventilation system are disclosed. These condensable blow-by contaminants include water, alcohols and hydrocarbons with preponderantly seven or fewer carbon atoms. A macroporous structure comprising alumino-silicate particles with micro-pores is at least partially immersed in the circulating oil. The micro-pores are sized to adsorb the small, condensed, blow-by, contaminant molecules but not the larger oil molecules. The particles may be multi-layered, with an inner layer adapted for adsorption of polar molecules. Adsorption is most extensive at lower oil temperatures and decreases as the oil temperature increases. Thus at low temperatures the contaminant molecules may be adsorbed, removed from the oil and temporarily stored in the micropores.

Abstract: A method for providing a trailer equipped with trailer brakes with an electronically controlled trailer braking output to help slow a vehicle/trailer combination as quickly as possible, but in a stable and balanced manner. In situations where a low friction environment is detected, such as a wet or icy road, the present method can brake the trailer in a more aggressive manner than a gain setting would normally allow. This gain-independent segment of the trailer braking output can result in a shorter stopping distance for the vehicle/trailer combination, without causing excessive trailer wheel lockup.

Abstract: A cast aluminum alloy containing up to about 0.35% by weight chromium is heated to a first elevated temperature to homogenize the casting and dissolve the chromium content in an aluminum-based matrix phase. The alloy is then heated at a lower elevated temperature to cause the precipitation of a portion of the chromium as an aluminum-containing and chromium-containing intermetallic compound. A suitable amount of chromium is retained in solid solution in aluminum. Thus, the concentration of dissolved chromium in an aluminum alloy may be controlled to fall within specified ranges which result in improvements in both the strength and ductility of the alloy. Impurity amounts of iron may also be precipitated as intermetallic particles from the aluminum matrix to enhance the ductility of the aluminum-based alloy.