Abstract: A tonometer sensor for disposition in proximity to a portion of a surface of eye comprises a substrate including a contact surface for making contact with the surface portion of the eye. The contact surface includes an outer non-compliant region and in inner compliant region fabricated as an impedance element that varies in impedance as the inner region changes shape. A first region of material is responsive to a non-invasive external force to press the contact surface against the surface portion of the eye and cause the compliant region to change shape in proportion to an intraocular pressure of the eye. A second region of conductive material is electrically coupled to the impedance element of the compliant region and is responsive to an external signal for energizing the impedance element so that the intraocular pressure may be determined.

Abstract: A retainer member formed of bone secures tissue against movement relative to a portion of a bone in a patient's body. The retainer member is utilized to form an opening in a compact outer layer of a portion of the bone in the patient's body. The retainer member formed of bone is advantageously enclosed in a tubular member or sleeve to prevent breaking of the retainer member during the forming of the opening in the bone. The extent of movement of the retainer member into the bone in the patient's body is determined as the retainer member is moved into the bone. A suture may be connected with the retainer member and used to connect tissue with the bone. The retainer member may be positioned across a fracture in a bone to hold portions of the bone on opposite sides of the fracture against movement relative to each other. The retainer member may be used at a joint between end portions of bones to immobilize the joint.

Abstract: A remote convenience system (10) and an associated function remotely control convenience functions at a vehicle (16). A receiver/controller (14), located at the vehicle (16), receives vehicle remote convenience function request signals (30) that convey remote function request messages and controls vehicle systems (e.g., 48, 50, 52, and 68) to perform the remotely requested vehicle functions. The receiver/controller (14) includes a messaging processing portion (110) for providing a signal (e.g., 128/130) to activate an at-vehicle alarm component (e.g., 50/52) and for providing a signal (132) to activate a remote assistance-summoning component (68). A portable transmitter outputs the remote convenience function request signals (30) to cause remote control performance. The transmitter (12) includes a manually actuatable emergency pushbutton switch (94). The switch (94) is actuatable in a first operation mode (e.g.

Abstract: A belt retractor for an occupant restraint system comprises a frame, a belt reel rotatably mounted in the frame, an electric motor drive coupled to the belt reel, a locking mechanism for selectively blocking the belt reel, and a vehicle-sensitive sensor. The locking mechanism is actuated by an actuator. An electronic control unit is provided with an input interface and an output interface. The vehicle-sensitive sensor is connected to the input interface, and the actuator and the electric motor drive are connected to the output interface.

Abstract: An electric assist steering system (10) includes a torque sensor (16) that provides an applied torque signal (24) indicative of applied steering torque. A motor position sensor (36) provides a motor position signal (40) indicative of the relative position between the rotor and the stator of an AC permanent magnet electric assist motor (22). A first controller (26) controls energization of the electric assist motor and a second controller (54) calculates a DQ vector value in response to applied steering torque and motor position. The second controller (54) also transforms the monitored motor current and position into DQ values. The second controller (54) compares the DQ values responsive to applied steering torque with the DQ value from monitored motor current and position. The electric assist motor (22) is disabled if the comparison indicates inconsistent results.

Abstract: A motor control strategy for use in combination with an electric motor (1) having a number of phase windings (201, 202, 203) is disclosed, the motor (1) being adapted to produce an output torque in response to current in the windings comprising the steps of during normal operation generating a motor torque demand signal indicative of the output torque required from the motor (1), applying a first set of currents to the windings of the motor in response to the motor torque demand signal to produce a first output torque from the motor and during a test operation to enable diagnostics to be performed generating a motor current demand signal indicative of the total current required in the motor windings (201, 202, 203) and adjusting the currents applied to one or more of the windings in response to both the torque demand signal and the motor current demand signal, whereby the adjusted currents produced in the windings are substantially equal to the total current demanded by the motor current demand signal regardl

Abstract: A gas bag module comprises a gas bag, a first ejection channel, in which part of the gas bag is located, and a flexible cover surrounding the gas bag in areas which are not located within the ejection channel. The cover is provided with a tearing line which allows the gas bag to emerge from the cover.

Abstract: A distributed vehicle safety system (10) includes a plurality of devices (16), each of which performs a function associated with safety at a vehicle (12). A bus (18) conveys communication regarding the devices (16). An isolation device (28) is associated with each device (16) and electronically isolates one of the devices from the bus (18) upon occurrence of a fault condition. Preferably, the system (10) includes a plurality of control circuitries (26), each for controlling a respective one of the devices (16), and the control circuitry is isolated with the associated device (i.e., each control circuitry/device arrangement is isolated). In one embodiment, a plurality of bus connector/bus plug mated pairs (20 and 22) connects the plurality of control circuitry/device arrangements (26 and 16) to the bus (18). Each connector/bus plug pair (20 and 22) includes a switch (e.g.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operation of a brushless motor is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of monitoring the current flowing into or out of the windings of the motor using a current measurement circuit to produce an output signal indicative of the current; measuring the output of the current measurement circuit when the instantaneous current flow through the current measurement circuit is known to be substantially zero; and producing a modified output signal which is compensated for any differences between the actual measured output signal value and an ideal output signal value. The method enables any drift in the output signal to be compensated “on-line” whilst the is running.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument includes a plurality of strings which are connected string posts of tuning devices on a head portion of the musical instrument. The string posts of the tuning devices are disposed in a linear array on the head portion of the musical instrument. A linear edge of the head portion extends parallel to a plane containing the central axes of the string posts in the linear array. In addition, the head portion has a nonlinear edge with arcuate recesses. Actuators for some of the tuning devices are movable in the recesses along the nonlinear edge during manual rotation of the actuators. Actuators for some of the tuning devices are disposed along the linear edge. At least some of the actuators along the nonlinear edge are longer than actuators along the linear edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in casting a metal article includes a furnace assembly into which a mold is raised and a fluidized bed adjacent to the furnace assembly. The mold is filled with molten metal and lowered into the fluidized bed. The molten metal is solidified in the mold as it is lowered into the fluidized bed. The mold and fluidized bed are then lowered. The mold may be supported on a grid or support member having openings through which gas and particulate in the fluidized bed can flow. A stirrer member may be moved in the fluidized bed to promote uniform distribution of particulate in the flow of gas. Gas may be conducted from the support member for the mold into a container which holds the fluidized bed. Gas at different pressures may be conducted into the fluidized bed at different locations in the fluidized bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module, comprising a module cover which has at least one opening flap movable upon activation of the module. An axis is provided relative to which the opening flap moves when it is opened, and a tether is provided between the at least one opening flap and a part of the gas bag module. In an open condition of the module cover the opening flap is fixed on the one hand to the module by means of the tether and on the other hand is fixed to the module cover via the axis. The axis and the tether are arranged with respect to the opening flap in such a manner and the opening flap has such a strength that its geometry is changed by the tether when it is swivelled open so that the opening flap moves outwardly by a smaller amount than without the tether.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism, in particular for connecting a belt tensioner drive with a belt spool of a belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt, comprises a driving part, an intermediate part, a driven part, a form-fitting coupling and a force-fitting coupling. The form-fitting coupling and the force-fitting coupling are connected in series. The coupling mechanism has an initial state in which the form-fitting coupling is engaged and the force-fitting coupling is disengaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel including a steering wheel hub which has an axial direction and a steering wheel rim which has an inner and an outer face and is provided with a foam casing. The steering wheel further includes at least one spoke connecting the steering wheel hub with the steering wheel rim, and an insert which is visible from the exterior on at least one of the inner face facing the steering wheel hub and the outer face facing away therefrom. The insert is a surrounding ring which has first segment sections on a periphery of the steering wheel rim and which are visible from the exterior. The insert further has second segment sections alternating with the first sections. The second sections are not visible from the exterior and are embedded in the foam casing.

Abstract: An arrangement (10) and method for identifying a vehicle tire (20) to a vehicle-based tire condition unit (38) that utilizes the tire identification. An ECU (40) and an indication and control panel (42) of the vehicle-based tire condition unit (38) cooperate to prompt a person to spin the tire (20). A signal that is indicative of the tire being spun is provided to the vehicle-based tire condition unit (38). In one embodiment, the signal is provided by a wheel speed sensor (36). In another embodiment, the signal is provided by a sensor transponder (22) at the tire (20).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for attaching to bone comprises a one-piece, homogeneous screw (12) engageable by a driver for driving the screw into bone. The screw (12) has a shaft portion (20) and a head portion (40) extending from the shaft portion. The shaft portion (20) has an outer surface (26) with a thread convolution (28). The head portion (40) includes oppositely disposed first and second axial ends (42 and 44) and a peripheral surface (50) extending between the ends. The first axial end (42) adjoins the shaft portion (20). The second axial end (44) includes an end surface (46). The head portion (40) has a plurality of slots (60) extending axially from the end surface (46) to the first axial end (42). The slots (60) further extend through the peripheral surface (50) of the head portion (40) and radially inward from the peripheral surface of the head portion. In accordance with another feature, the apparatus (10) further comprises a screwdriver (14) for driving the screw (12) into bone (130).

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (13) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) having a deflated condition and being inflatable into a position to help protect the vehicle occupant. The apparatus (12) also comprises a housing (10) for mounting in the vehicle. The housing (10) includes a chamber (61) receiving the inflatable device in the deflated condition. The housing (10) includes a first housing part (60) having a locking rib (80), and a second housing part (90) having a locking groove (110) and an opening (114) into the locking groove. The locking rib (80) is movable in a first direction (70) through the opening (114) into the locking groove (110) for releasably closing the housing (10) with the inflatable device (14) inside the chamber. The first housing part (60) has a tool receiving portion (82) adjacent the locking rib (80).

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) and an inflator (20) for providing inflation fluid for the inflatable device. The inflator (20) has a relatively large diameter body portion (24) and a relatively small diameter neck portion (40) extending from the body portion. The neck portion (40) has an inflation fluid outlet (42). The occupant protection apparatus (10) also comprises a conduit (50) for directing inflation fluid from the inflator (20) into the inflatable device (14). The conduit (50) has a relatively large diameter main body portion (60) secured on the body portion (24) of the inflator (20) by interfitting portions (80, 34) of the main body portion and the body portion of the inflator. The main body portion (60) of the conduit (50) defines a fluid chamber (70) around the neck portion (40) of the inflator (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for switching the value of a spring constant K used in a spring mass model (54, 56, 60, 70, 76) for modeling a vehicle occupant in an occupant restraint system (20) includes a sensor (22) for sensing a crash event and providing a crash signal (40) indicative thereof. The spring mass model adjusts the acceleration signal and determines a virtual velocity value (72) and a virtual displacement value (78). The spring value K of the spring mass model is controlled in response to the determined virtual velocity value and the determined virtual displacement value relative to associated switching quadrants defined by predetermined velocity and displacement thresholds.

Abstract: A system (10) for a vehicle (12) that has a plurality of inflatable tires (14-20), wherein the system has a plurality of sensor units (22-28) associated with the plurality of tires. Each of the sensor units (e.g., 22) senses inflation pressure of the associated tire (e.g., 14) and transmits a signal (e.g., 30) indicative of the sensed tire inflation pressure. A portable unit (44) of the system (10) is located remote from the vehicle (12) and is operable by a person (66) to transmit a signal (48) that conveys a remote control function request. The portable unit (44) also receives a signal (46) indicative of sensed tire inflation pressure and provides an indication of tire inflation pressure to the person (66). A control/communication unit (40) is located at the vehicle and receives the signal (48) conveying the remote function request and causes performance of the remotely requested function. The control/communication unit (40) also receives the signals (e.g., 30) transmitted from the sensor units (e.g.