Abstract: A pivot assembly for a vehicle external mirror having a mirror head mounted to a mirror base, the assembly comprising a first member (20), a second member (30), the first and second members (20, 30) mounted in or being part of the mirror base and the mirror head respectively, the first and second members (20, 30) having respectively first and second detent sides (24, 34), inner sides (26, 36) and apertures (28, 38) extending from the detent side (24, 34) to the inner sides (26, 36) respectively, detent means (56, 59), a spigot (50), a spring (60), means (56, 72) for applying a pre-load to the spring (60), the initial relative rotation between the second member (30) and the first member (20) in a first direction causes loading of the spring (60), the pre-load is maintained during subsequent relative rotations between the second (30) and the first member (20).

Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, a hard metal disk is positioned between the transducer and the structure to help couple the sound energy from the transducer into the structure. A predetermined force is applied to the transducer and a pulse duration and a pulse frequency of the sound signal are selected so that the sound energy induces acoustic chaos in the structure, thus generating increased thermal energy. A thermal imaging camera images the structure when it is heated by the sound signal.

Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a warning light actuatable in conjunction with the vehicle turn signals to alert adjacent motor vehicles of an anticipated turn. The warning light is integrated into a first decorative cover member and may be connected to the vehicle turn signal circuit by way of connectable electrical leads or by an integrally formed plug and outlet arrangement. A second decorative cover member may be substituted for the first decorative cover member when it is not desired to incorporate the warning light.

Abstract: An anti-coking valve arrangement having a valve body that defines a passage for the flow of fluid medium. Valve seat and valve member positioned within the valve body and function to control the flow of fluid medium. A first anti-coking device is operably associated with the valve stem. A second anti-coking device is operably associated with the bearing guide member. A third anti-coking device is operably associated with the valve member and the valve seat. A fourth anti-coking device is operably associated with the valve stem and the bearing guide. A fifth anti-coking device is operably associated with the bearing guide. A sixth anti-coking device is operably associated between the valve stem and the bearing guide.

Abstract: A diversity receiver circuit system (10) including a primary channel (20) and a diversity channel (22), where analog input signals are converted to differential signals in both channels (20, 22). The receiver circuit system (10) includes a multiplexer (14) and a variable gain amplifier (12) formed on a single RF integrated circuit chip (16), where the multiplexer (14) is positioned before the amplifier (12). The differential signals in the primary channel (20) and the diversity channel (22) are applied to an amplified path (72, 78) and a non-amplified path (76, 82) in the multiplexer (14). A control signal selects one of the amplified primary channel signal, the non-amplified primary channel signal, the amplified diversity channel signal or the non-amplified diversity channel signal.

Abstract: A method is provided for seeding laser system (10) for single longitudinal mode oscillation. The method includes coupling laser system (10) to be seeded for single mode output to a seed laser radiation source (12). Next, the frequency capture range (44) and spacing (46) of the axial modes (42) of the cavity (24) of the laser system (10) are determined. A seed spectrum (36) is then generated from the seed laser radiation source (12) with a bandwidth (40) corresponding to the axial mode spacing (46). The seed spectrum (36) includes a comb of discrete frequency components (38) with one or more of the discrete frequency components (38) being within the frequency capture range (44) of at least one of the axial modes (42). The seed spectrum (36) is then injected into the cavity (24) such that at least one of the axial modes (42) oscillates with the seed radiation.

Abstract: Collector optics (70) for an EUV radiation source (10) for collecting EUV radiation (78). The collector optics (70) includes an elliptical dish reflector (72) where light generated at a focal point (76) of the reflector (72) is collected by the reflector (72) and is directed to a collection location (82). A frustal annular reflector (90) is positioned around an outer edge (84) of the dish reflector (72) to collect more of the EUV radiation (78) that may otherwise be lost. The radiation (78) reflected by the annular reflector (90) is directed to a center axicon reflector (94) positioned between the focal point (76) of the dish reflector (72) and the collection location (82) to redirect the radiation (78) reflected by the annular reflector (90) to be within a predetermined collection angle.

Abstract: A brake band shifting mechanism for an automatic transmission. The brake band shifting mechanism includes a brake band encircling a brake drum of the transmission. A first end of the brake band is mounted to a secured portion of the transmission by a first linkage and a second end of the brake band is mounted to a two-stage servo by a second linkage. The servo provides selective apply and release pressure to the second linkage to control the compression or expansion of the brake band. In operation, the brake band is quickly compressed to the brake drum during the first stage of the servo, and then fine adjustments are made to control the speed of the brake drum during the second stage of the servo, where inputs from position and speed sensors in the transmission are used to control the adjustment of the brake band.

Abstract: An interior light assembly for motor vehicles has a frame and at least one lens arranged in the frame. At least one illumination element is arranged behind the at least one lens in the interior of the light assembly, and at least one electroluminescent film is additionally arranged behind the at least one lens n the interior of the light assembly. The electroluminescent film rests against a backside of the at least one lens, wherein the electroluminescent film has a contour identical to the contour of the at least one lens. The frame surrounds the at least one lens.

Abstract: A hand-held sound source for use in an infrared or thermal imaging system that detects sub-surface defects in a structure. The sound source includes a transducer that is positioned against the structure to emit a sound signal into the structure. The sound source further includes an adjustable spring that pushes the transducer against the structure with a predetermined amount of force so that the sound energy is effectively coupled into the structure. The sound source also includes three stabilizing legs that stabilize the transducer on the structure. The length of each leg can be adjustable relative to the length of the other legs so that the sound source can be used against irregular surfaces.

Abstract: A method of using algorithmic control to operate and protect an actuator. The first control strategy uses a soft stop control method where an actuator is driven toward a stop. The actuator control system senses when the actuator is nearing the stop. A control strategy is implemented where the actuator movement is dampened prior to reaching the stop so that the actuator does not strike the stop abruptly. Another control strategy of the present invention involves using the actuator control system to monitor and calculate the integral value of the electrical current flowing though the actuator to determine if the actuator is operating beyond on its suggested operating range. This strategy will help to maximize actuator operation while preventing damage due to overheating.

Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by a sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, the sound signal has one or more frequencies that are at or near an eigen-mode of the structure.

Abstract: Controlling the solar torque imposed on a spacecraft (10) in flight by providing a film (52) with variable absorptive, reflective, emissive and/or transmissive properties on the sun side of a thermal shield (50) of the spacecraft (10). As the orientation of the thermal shield (50) changes relative to the sun line, the absorptive, reflective, emissive and/or transmissive properties of the shield (50) change to cause the shield's (50) center of solar pressure to change, thus aligning it with the spacecraft (10) center of mass (24) as viewed from the direction of the sun line. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the spacecraft (100) is provided with a plurality of control vanes (110–116) that have a variable absorptive, transmissive, reflective and emissive property to maintain the spacecraft (100) stably pointed towards the sun.

Abstract: A selectively operable extendable fulcrum device is described. The device includes a casing with a slot to selectively guide and lock a selectively telescoping rod into place when extended. A ridge on the inside of the casing provides a resting place for a compression spring. The compression spring is operable to selectively retract the telescoping rod back into its retracted position and keeps the telescoping rod and fulcrum head assembly securely in place when retracted. The fulcrum head provides added leverage needed to pull out nails from materials when it is retracted as well as providing added leverage for longer nails when the fulcrum head is extended. The casing and the associated components of the device can be press fit into any conventional hammer head member.

Abstract: A pivot arrangement between a mirror head and a mirror mounting bracket of a rear vision mirror for a motor vehicle which uses a disc spring with a negative spring rate over part of its travel. The disc spring has a height to thickness ratio of greater than ?2(1.414).

Abstract: An exterior mirror for a vehicle, which is forward foldable for storage and shipment of a vehicle. The mirror may also fold to the rear and includes lights and accessories in the sail and the mirror casing.

Abstract: A connector for a fluid conduit is provided herein. The connector includes a conduit structure and an annular seal member. The conduit structure has a frustro-conical surface and a seal groove. The frustro-conical surface may be an external surface or an internal surface, depending upon the desired configuration of the connector. The seal groove is formed into the frustro-conical surface along an axis perpendicular to the frustro-conical surface. The seal groove is preferably defined by a constant radius. The annular seal member is coupled to the conduit structure and disposed at least partially in the seal groove.

Abstract: A control system for a variable displacement pump. The control system is operably associated with an engine control unit for passively or actively controlling the output of the pump in response to signals from the engine control unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified intake manifold having short runner valves in the manifold tuning valve. Anti-chatter devices are disclosed for reducing shaft chatter without placing friction on the shafts. A lost motion linkage is used to ensure closure of the short runner valves. Radiused seating surfaces are used for seating of the manifold tuning valve.

Abstract: A rear view mirror for a motor vehicle comprising a case containing a mounting platform which has a concave part-spherical recess. A reflective member is secured to a mirror carrier which has a hollow projection with a part-spherical outer surface dimensioned to be a sliding fit in the recess a part-spherical inner surface and a diametrically oriented slot. A stem is secured to the mounting platform so as to project from the center of the recess and has a T-shaped crosshead dimensioned to pass through the slot when aligned therewith and to engage with the part-spherical inner surface of the hollow projection when aligned transversely to the slot. A lever on the mounting platform engages with a slot in the mirror carrier to prevent relative angular movement between the mirror carrier and the mounting platform about said stem.