Abstract: A valve assembly (112) includes a first member (120) having a cavity (136). A poppet (142) is located in the cavity (136) in the first member (120). The poppet (142) is axially movable relative to the first member (120) within the cavity (136). A poppet seat (138) has a passage (148) for conducting fluid toward the cavity (136). The poppet seat (138) engages the first member (120) and extends axially into the cavity (136) in the first member. The poppet seat (138) is axially movable relative to the first member (120). The poppet (142) is biased into engagement with the poppet seat (138) to close the passage (148) in the poppet seat. A locking member (172) engages the poppet seat (138) and the first member (120) to fix the poppet seat to the first member in any one of a plurality of axial positions relative to the first member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing lamella packets (e.g. 70) such as those used for adjustable steering columns in automobiles. According to the invention, at least one of the lamellae (e.g. 71) is provided with a collar (71.1) and is joined to another lamella (e.g. 72) so that the collar (71.1) of the first lamella (71) is supported against the other lamella (72) whereby defining the width (B) of a space between the lamellae (71, 72). Both lamellae (71, 72) are welded at at least one location of the collar (71.1). The welding is preferably carried out by resistance welding. In order to obtain defined ratios, the edge of the lamella collar (71.1) is preferably provided with projecting points (Z). The method is, among other things, advantageous in that the same material quality can be used for all lamellae (1–74).

Abstract: A component including a base body of a relatively hard material and a coating of a relatively soft material, wherein the coating covers at least a main surface area of the base body. The main surface area is delimited by an outer periphery and an edge portion of the coating extends from the periphery and comprises a reinforcement made of a relatively hard material and engages the base body.

Abstract: A system evaluates a data cleansing application. The system includes a collection of records cleansed by the data cleansing application, a plurality of dirtying functions for operating upon the collection to introduce errors to the collection, and a record of the errors introduced to the cleansed collection. The plurality of dirtying functions produces a collection of dirty records.

Abstract: A method of creating an image of a radiation source includes detecting radiation associated with a first location of the radiation source. Data corresponding to the radiation associated with the first location is processed to provide a first value. The first value is employed to generate a first portion of the image associated with the first location. Radiation associated with a second location of the radiation source is detected. Data corresponding to the radiation associated with second location is processed to provide a second value. The second value is employed to generate a second portion of the image associated with the second location.

Abstract: A methodology is provided for transferring a file from a first entity to a second entity over a network. The methodology may include receiving a first one of a plurality of blocks at the second entity, receiving a second one of said plurality of blocks at the second entity, receiving a last one of the plurality of blocks at the second entity, and assembling the first one of the plurality of blocks and the second one of the plurality of blocks into a single file at the second entity after receiving the last one of the plurality of blocks.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis (10) includes a first end (16) a furcated second end (18), and an anchoring means (20). The first end has a longitudinally extending central lumen (32) and means (40) for laterally supporting the first end. The furcated second end (18) includes at least two branches (64) that extend from an intersection of the furcated second end. Each of the branches (64) includes a longitudinal support means (84) and a branch lumen (78) in fluid communication with the central lumen (32) of the first end (16). The anchoring means (20) secures the first end (18) within a vasculature.

Abstract: A tire condition sensor unit (e.g., 18A) is for use within a tire condition communication system (10). The sensor unit (e.g., 18A) is for association with a tire (e.g., 14A) of a vehicle (12) and, via a method, communicates a tire condition to a vehicle-based unit (28). A sensor (58) senses the tire condition. Radio frequency transmit circuitry and an antenna (68 and 22) transmit a radio frequency signal (e.g., 24A) that indicates the sensed tire condition. In one aspect, a low frequency antenna and a signal detector (48 and 52) receive a low frequency initiation signal that causes transmission of the radio frequency signal indicative of the sensed tire condition. In another aspect, the radio frequency signal is also indicative of a fixed identification.

Abstract: An automatic powershift gearbox with at least one gearbox assembly for selecting the respective gear ratios and with at least one multiple-disk clutch capable of being actuated in a controlled manner for holding or releasing individual elements of the planet gear, which allows gear shift operations without interrupting the torque flow. The multiple-disk clutch comprises a first and a second disk set which are in mutual engagement and can be brought into friction engagement by axial compression against one another. The first disk set is connected with a first shaft, and the second disk set is connected with a second shaft. The multiple-disk clutch is coupled by a transmission with an electric machine comprising a rotor and a stator, for bringing the two disk sets into and out of friction engagement by means of the electric machine. The rotor of the electric machine is supported rotatably and axially movable on one of the shafts by means of a gearbox for converting a rotary motion into a thrust motion.

Abstract: An apparatus (34) and associated method are provided for vehicle occupant sensing. An EM energy driver component (36) and associated EM energy source (40) provide a modulated beam (44, e.g., IR light), and a movable reflection component (46) scans the beam onto an occupant location. A detector (92) detects beam reflection and a phase determination component (96) processes phase information that is provided to a controller (24). Within the controller (24) processing (114, 116, and 118) provides mapping of occupant contours and determination of an occupant characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at packages, coupling members and method for application of a coupling member. The device comprises coupling members (4, 8) with non-circular coupling portions (5, 9) which fit together only if they have the same non-circular shape. The non-circular coupling portions (5, 9) are also located relative to the package (1) such that a conduit (13) for discharging product (3) from the package (1) attains a predetermined position in relation thereto or the conduit (13) can be rotated to such a position.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system (30) comprises first and second lap belts (32 and 34), first and second shoulder belts (36 and 38), and a buckle assembly (90) for interconnecting the lap belts (32 and 34) and the shoulder belts (36 and 38). The vehicle restraint system (30) also comprises first and second lap belt retractors (46 and 104) for the first and second lap belts (32 and 34), respectively. A linking mechanism (218) connects the first and second lap belt retractors (46 and 104) and is adapted to transfer motion between the first and second lap belt retractors (46 and 104). As a result, the first and second lap belts (32 and 34) are retracted in unison and by equal amounts during retraction and are withdrawn in unison and by equal amounts during withdrawal from the first and second lap belt retractors (46 and 104).

Abstract: A switch assembly includes switch contacts, a snap action type switch actuation mechanism, a cam block having a cam surface which is engaged by cam follower, and a manually movable push button. Upper and lower force transmitting pins extend in opposite directions from the cam block to a push button and the snap action mechanism. The cam block and force transmitting pins are integrally formed as one piece. The upper force transmitting pin is connected with the push button by a snap connection. The switch actuation mechanism includes upper and lower actuator members each of which has a main section and a pair of bearing sections. The main sections and bearing sections of each of the actuator members are integrally formed as one piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in cutting wood and reducing dust accumulation on the wood includes first and second bands. The first band cuts the wood and creates saw dust during cutting of the wood. The second band removes saw dust from a kerf formed in the wood by the first band during cutting of the wood. The first band may be driven at a speed which is at least twice as great as the speed at which the second band is driven.

Abstract: An airbag for a restraint system in motor vehicles comprises a wall made of fabric. One surface of the fabric is subjected to a plasma treatment in order to increase the heat resistance of the fabric. There is also proposed a method of producing such airbag and a method of inflating it.

Abstract: A compliant pin (10) is adapted to be pressed into a through-hole (12) of a printed circuit board (14) and have electrical contact with opposing surfaces of a side wall (16) of the through-hole. The compliant pin (10) includes a portion (30) insertable in the through-hole (12) that includes spaced deflectable beam portions (32) having outer surfaces (54 and 56) spaced apart a distance greater than the spacing of the opposing surfaces of the side wall (16). The beam portions (32) engage the side wall (16) and deflect toward each other when the portion (30) is inserted in the through-hole (12) and provide a frictional engagement between the beam portions and the side wall. The frictional engagement provides a retention force for retaining the portion (30) in the through-hole (12). The portion (30) includes an opening (50) that extends through the portion and defines inner surfaces (52) of said beam portions (32) opposite the outer surfaces (54 and 56).

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically retroperfusing a coronary vein includes an intraluminal cannula having a main body portion extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is for connecting to an artery outside of the pericardium to automatically supply oxygenated blood from the artery for retroperfusion. The main body portion and the distal end portion are insertable through a vein that is fluidly connected with the coronary vein and into the coronary vein. An expandable stent is attached to the distal end portion for expanding radially into engagement with the interior wall of the coronary vein to secure the distal end portion at a desired location within the coronary vein. Occluding structure for at least partially occluding the coronary vein is provided at the distal end to decrease the back-flow of blood into the right atrium during retroperfusion. The cannula includes passages that allow a limited amount of blood to bypass the occluding structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically retroperfusing a coronary vein includes an intraluminal cannula having a main body portion extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is for connecting to an artery outside of the pericardium to automatically supply oxygenated blood from the artery for retroperfusion. The main body portion and the distal end portion are insertable through a vein that is fluidly connected with the coronary vein and into the coronary vein. An expandable stent is attached to the distal end portion for expanding radially into engagement with the interior wall of the coronary vein to secure the distal end portion at a desired location within the coronary vein. Occluding structure for at least partially occluding the coronary vein is provided at the distal end to decrease the back-flow of blood into the right atrium during retroperfusion.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) helps to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a windshield (70) and a roof (40) including a front header (54). The apparatus (10) includes an inflatable windshield curtain (80) inflatable away from the roof (40) to a position between the windshield (70) and a vehicle occupant. The windshield curtain (80) has a stored condition in which the windshield curtain is positioned in a recess (90) that extends into a forward facing surface (92) of the front header (54).

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for recognizing and determining a location of an object (40) in an area of interest (31) comprises an imaging device (61) for obtaining an image of the area of interest. At least three identifying marks (104) are located at predetermined positions in the area of interest (31). The apparatus (20) also comprises a memory (78) in which the predetermined positions of the at least three identifying marks (104) are stored. A controller (80) determines whether the imaging device (61) is calibrated properly by analyzing the image obtained by the imaging device to determine whether positions of the at least three identifying marks (104) in the obtained image correspond to the predetermined positions stored in the memory (78). The controller (80) is also adapted to determine whether a view of the area of interest (31) from the imaging device (61) is obstructed.