Abstract: A collision detection system and method of estimating a miss distance are provided. The collision detection system includes a sensor for sensing an object in a field of view. The sensor measures range and range rate of the object. The collision detection system further includes a controller for estimating a miss distance as a function of the measured range and range rate, without requiring a measured azimuth angle measurement.

Abstract: A radar includes fixed beam radar transmitter and receiver antennae that utilize mixed polarization to optimize the object detection field-of-view through an intervening plastic fascia. The transmitter antenna transmits radar energy with slant polarization, a first receiver antenna designed for short-range wide-angle object detection passes only horizontally polarized radar energy, and a second receiver antenna designed for long-range narrow-angle object detection passes only vertically polarized radar energy.

Abstract: A satellite tracking system includes a vehicle having an attitude measuring device for measuring an attitude of the vehicle. An antenna is mounted on the vehicle. An antenna pointing device is coupled to the antenna and points the antenna in a direction dependent upon the attitude measured by the attitude measuring device and a location of a satellite.

Abstract: A lead-containing glass material of the type suitable for use in a wafer bonding process, wherein the moisture resistance of the glass material is increased by the presence of a lead phosphate coating on an outer exposed surface of the material, thereby acting as a barrier to reaction of moisture with the lead of the glass material. A source of reactive phosphate ions is applied to the glass material so as to spontaneously form the desired lead phosphate coating.

Abstract: Transitory audio information that is subject to interruption is provided without loss of content. Transitory audio information received from an audio source is audibly provided until an interrupt signal is received. The transitory audio information is buffered while a message associated with the interrupt signal is audibly provided. Upon conclusion of the message, the buffered transitory audio information is audibly provided.

Abstract: A technique for identifying beam images of a beam matrix includes a number of steps. Initially, a plurality of light beams of a beam matrix, which are arranged in rows and columns, are received after reflection from a surface of a target. Next, a reference light beam is located in the beam matrix. Then, a row pivot beam is located in the beam matrix based on the reference beam. Next, remaining reference row beams of a reference row that includes the row pivot beam and the reference beam are located. Then, a column pivot beam in the beam matrix is located based on the reference beam. Next, remaining reference column beams of a reference column that includes the column pivot beam and the reference beam are located. Finally, remaining ones of the light beams in the beam matrix are located.

Abstract: A method for generating multiple high-resolution PWM signals in which software interrupts are introduced at predetermined intervals to generate multiple high-resolution PWM signals from a conventional microprocessor. The software determines the purpose of the interrupt in an interrupt subroutine. An interrupt occurs when a compare register equals the timer. Another interrupt occurs when the timer overflows. The interrupts are the key to generating the multiple high-resolution PWM signals.

Abstract: An air bag restraint system and control system for controlling an air bag in a vehicle and compensating for ambient temperature variations. The control system includes a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of an air bag device, and an air bag controller for controlling actuation of an air bag. The controller controls restraining force produced by the air bag as a function of the sensed temperature. Accordingly, the air bag compensates to changes in temperature so as to optimize the air bag performance.

Abstract: An elastomeric seat bladder for a vehicle occupant weight estimation system includes a plurality of elastomeric tethers defined by bands or sheets of elastomeric material coupling upper and lower layers of the bladder within a peripheral weld in order to reduce fluid pooling and distention or bulging of the bladder due to localized loading. The elastomeric tethers are spot or seam welded to upper and lower sheets of the bladder; they extend to limit distension where required, and otherwise partially or fully collapse to minimize vertical shunting of occupant weight through the bladder.

Abstract: A method and assembly (10) for conducting heat from a semiconductor device, such as a power flip chip (12). The assembly (10) is generally constructed to dissipate heat from the flip chip (12) when mounted to a flexible or rigid substrate (20). Heat is conducted from the flip chip (12) through upper and lower pedestals (26, 28) each of which includes a pliable pre-cured silicone adhesive pad (32, 36). The pre-cured silicon adhesive pads (32, 36) promote thermal contact while also decoupling any lateral mechanical strains that may arise as a result of different thermal expansion and movement between the flip chips (12). The housing portions (16, 18) form a housing (14) when assembled, with each housing portion (16, 18) including a configured edge (37, 41) that controls the travel of the pedestals (26, 28) toward each other, to thereby limit the pressure exerted on the flip chip (12) disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle security apparatus for preventing unauthorized use of a vehicle includes an antenna communicating with at least one remote device. Detection circuitry detects damage to and/or removal of the antenna. An operator authentication device determines whether a operator has authorization to operate the vehicle. A shutdown device at least partially disables the vehicle if the detection circuitry detects the damage to and/or removal of the antenna, and if the operator authentication device determines that the operator does not have authorization to operate the vehicle.

Abstract: An antenna system is assembled to a dielectric medium on a vehicle and is spaced from an electrically conductive member so as to allow for enhanced antenna performance. The dielectric medium has first and second surfaces and a dielectric thickness between the first and second surfaces. An antenna is mounted to the first surface of the dielectric medium for receiving and/or transmitting signals. An electrically conductive member is mounted to the second surface of the dielectric medium for providing a floating ground that forms a capacitive coupling with the antenna. The electrically conductive member is dielectrically isolated from vehicle electrical ground.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for increasing the convective heat transfer capabilities of a liquid cooler coupled to various system and vehicle components. The apparatus includes a structure placed within a hollow tubing of the liquid cooler to distort the laminar flow of fluid within a center portion of the hollow tubing, which decreases the temperature rise of the fluid along an outer wall of the hollow tubing associated with laminar flow. In preferred embodiments, the structure has an elongated baffle wire or an extruded elongated ridge member. The structure allows the outer surface of the tubing to have increased cooling at a particular liquid flow rate. As a result, there is an increase in heat transfer capability to a coupled system or vehicle component.

Abstract: A planar microstrip antenna includes one or more aperture-fed circular patch radiating elements capacitively coupled to respective parasitic strip elements. The circular patches are symmetrically disposed above respective ground plane apertures, and the parasitic strip elements are annular sectors that are co-planar and concentric with the circular patches, and placed adjacent to the periphery of each circular patch. The disclosed geometry enhances the input impedance bandwidth, and significantly reduces off-boresight radiation variability to provide beam directivity that is more uniform over both frequency and direction.

Abstract: A torque-based occupant weight estimation apparatus for a vehicle seat includes front and rear torsion bars through which the seat frame is coupled to a set of floor brackets. The torsion bars are rotatably mounted on the floor brackets, and linkage arms rigidly coupled to opposing ends of each torsion bar are rotatably coupled to the seat frame so as to convert occupant seat weight into torsion bar torque. Torque sensors coupled to the torsion bars provide an indication of occupant weight.

Abstract: A pressure sensor module is provided with an isolation platform which isolates stress. The pressure sensor module includes a base structure and a cantilever member formed in the base structure by an isolation gap. A pressure sensing element is located on the cantilever member such that the cantilever member provides stress isolation to the pressure sensing element.

Abstract: An object awareness determination system and method of determining awareness of a driver of a vehicle to an object is provided. The system includes an object monitor including an object detection sensor for sensing an object in a field of view and determining a position of the object. The system also includes an eye gaze monitor including an imaging camera oriented to capture images of the vehicle driver including an eye of the driver. The gaze monitor determines an eye gaze vector. The system further has a controller for determining driver awareness of the object based on the detected object position and the eye gaze vector.

Abstract: Thermal overload protection circuitry 14 for an automotive ignition system includes a gate drive circuit (18) responsive to a control signal (ESTB) to produce a drive signal (VGD) for driving a power switching device (22) separate from the protection circuitry (14), and a thermal overload protection circuit (40) configured to supply a first current (I1) to a thermal sensing component (38) associated with, and having an operating temperature defined by, the power switching device (22), wherein the first current (I1) has a magnitude defined by the operating temperature of the thermal sensing component (38). The first current is multiplied by a current controlled current source (60) to produce a second current (I2), and the second current is used to limit the drive signal (VGD) to thereby maintain the operating temperature of the power switching device (22) below an operating temperature limit.

Abstract: A thermopile structure containing improved heat sinks for thermocouples in the detectors is described. The heat sinks are provided without additional processing. The heat sinks are added by using “dummy traces” to the polysilicon mask. The “dummy traces” act as heat sinks to transfer of thermal energy from the narrow metallic traces used in the thermocouple. The “dummy traces” are not electrically connected to the thermopile, therefore they do not affect the electrical resistance of the thermopile. Also, the “dummy trace” does not add significant mass to the thermopile/membrane system; therefore they do not adversely affect the thermal conductance of the system.

Abstract: An electronic package (10) is provided which includes a circuit board (12) having a substrate (14) and circuitry (16) and a surface mount device (22) having a contact terminal (24). A mounting pad (28) is formed on the circuit board (12). The electronic package (10) also includes a solder joint (30) connecting the contact terminal (24) of the surface mount device (22) to the mounting pad (28) on the circuit board (12). The solder joint (30) includes a reflowable solder and a plurality of stand-off members (32 or 42). The stand-off members (32 or 42) provide a separation distance (H) between the circuit board (12) and surface mount device (22) in the range of about 0.01 mm to 0.10 mm.