Abstract: A method and system ensures that a certain amount of fuel is delivered by a fuel injector at each injection cycle over the life of the fuel injector. The injector has an armature that moves between open and close positions. A base time for the armature to move from the open position to the close position is established. A present time for the armature to move from the open position to the close position is compared to the base time. If the present time is greater than the base time by a predetermined amount, then 1) a present injector duration time is set to be greater than an original injector duration time to ensure that the certain amount of fuel is delivered by the fuel injector, or 2) a change in service condition is indicated for the fuel injector.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating a resolver are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment receives at least one output signal from the resolver, the resolver detecting a current position of a rotor coupled to the resolver; determines if the current position of the rotor is detected by a first pole-pair of the resolver or if the current position is detected by a second pole-pair of the resolver; in response to determining that the current position of the rotor is detected by the first pole-pair, synchronizes the output signal from the resolver with a first resolver angle error information; and in response to determining that the current position of the rotor is detected by the second pole-pair, synchronizes the output signal from the resolver with a second resolver angle error information.

Abstract: A climate control system includes the interim heating/cooling component that operates in the interim duration prior to the heating and cooling systems reaching a desired state of readiness. The interim heating/cooling device uses the Peltier effect to transfer heat between first and second sides depending on a polarity of current. Controlling which of the two sides is heated provides the desired heating or cooling of the air. Once the heating or cooling system reaches the desired state of readiness, the interim heating/cooling device is turned off.

Abstract: A system is provided for generating data packets of a message according to a first protocol, then analyzing the message according to a second protocol. The system determines if the message provides a correct checksum according to the second protocol. If the message provides the correct checksum according to the second protocol, the system alters the message and transmits the message according to the first protocol.

Abstract: Control structure controls movement of a high pressure fuel pump piston of a fuel system. The piston is constructed and arranged to be inserted into or withdrawn from a pumping chamber to control a flow of fuel from the pumping chamber. The control structure includes a rocker arm with an associated roller follower. The roller follower is constructed and arranged to engage a camshaft of an engine. The rocker arm is operatively associated with the piston such that movement of the camshaft causes movement of the rocker arm and thus movement of the piston. The control structure also includes actuator structure associated with the rocker arm and constructed and arranged to vary a percentage of camshaft motion imparted to the piston via the rocker arm.

Abstract: A direct fuel injector (10) includes a body (12) having a passage between inlet and outlet ends. A seat (16) is at the outlet end and a closure member (28) is associated with the seat. A needle member (30) is associated with the closure member and is movable with respect to a pole piece (35) between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A spring (42) biases the needle member to the first position. An armature (32) is free-floating with respect to the needle member. An intermediate pole structure (38) is coupled with the needle member and is disposed between the pole piece and the armature and is decoupled there-from. An armature stop (40) is coupled to the needle member and is spaced from the intermediate pole structure. An electromagnetic coil (46) is associated with the pole piece, intermediate pole structure and armature. The injector reduces bounce of the needle assembly.

Abstract: A pump unit (12) includes a pump housing (14), a pump cover (16), and an impeller (18) between the pump housing and pump cover. The pump housing and pump cover define a first channel (32) and a second channel (34) each having an inlet and an outlet. The impeller has first vanes (36) cooperating with the first channel and second vanes (38) cooperating with the second channel. The outlet of the second channel is constructed and arranged to provide fuel to an engine upon rotation of the impeller. A jet pump (38) is fluidly connected with the outlet of the first channel such that as the impeller rotates, the jet pump causes fuel to be drawn into the reservoir (37). Connecting structure (44, 44?) fluidly connects the first and second channels such that upon rotation of the impeller, fuel in the second channel flows into the first channel to prime the first channel.

Abstract: A display is provided that includes a display surface and a bezel. The bezel includes a top surface and a bottom surface and the bottom surface of the bezel covers a first area of display surface leaving a second area of the display surface uncovered. At least one graphical indicator is disposed at the bezel. The display is configured and arranged to produce and emit light from one or more selected portions of the first area of the display surface such that the emitted light passes through the bezel and is effective to illuminate the at least one graphical indicator.

Abstract: An exemplary vehicle instrument panel includes gauges for communicating various vehicle operating parameters and conditions that include self-emitting displays. The exemplary vehicle gauge includes the display that is self-emitting. The exemplary display is a self-emitting programmable display that can be operated and programmed to electronically generate text, symbols and graphics. Moreover, all of the display area making up the gauge face can be programmed and actuated to display electronically generated images to provide desired information and data.

Abstract: A method and device provides for the testing and validation of a control module for receiving wireless data and communications utilizes a transmission line coupler mounted proximate the control module generates a signal that couples to an antenna of the control module. The control module produces a signal in response to coupling of the antenna with the signal produced by the transmission line coupler. The resulting signal is utilized to check, verify and validate operation of the control module.

Abstract: A dial gauge assembly includes a single circuit board that supports light emitting diodes for both illuminating a pointer and backlighting a liquid crystal display. The dial gauge assembly controls illumination of the pointer by switching on and off a plurality of segments disposed within the LCD.

Abstract: An example vehicle instrument panel includes a speaker for producing alert and warning sounds. A membrane prevents water from intruding into the speaker assembly and instrument panel. The membrane is spaced apart from the speaker and over an open end of the speaker housing. Sound energy from the speaker travels through an open space against the membrane. The membrane possesses acoustic properties to receive and pass on the sound energy.

Abstract: Communications are maintained between a base station and a stolen vehicle tracking (SVT) module disposed with a vehicle. At the SVT module at the vehicle, it is determined whether jamming is occurring with communications between the SVT module and the base station and a temperature is measured at the SVT module. When jamming is detected, an adjustment is determined for a frequency of an oscillator of the SVT module and the adjustment is based at least in part upon the temperature. The frequency of operation of an oscillator is adjusted according to the adjustment. A message is transmitted to the base station according to the adjusted frequency.

Abstract: A vehicle control panel includes knobs and a touch sensitive interface in the place of conventional mechanically activated buttons. The substitution is implemented without modification to the bezel or console assembly and with many components common to consoles utilizing conventional mechanically activated buttons.

Abstract: A reservoir-less fuel delivery module (10) for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a flange (26) constructed and arranged to be mounted to an opening in a fuel tank of a vehicle. The module includes a pump and filter structure (20) having a fuel pump (14) and a fuel filter (24) surrounding at least a portion of the fuel pump for filtering fuel exiting the fuel pump. The module includes a mounting member (30) to which the pump and filter structure is mounted. Clip structure (34) couples the mounting member to the flange so that the pump is decoupled from the flange.

Abstract: A multi-stage power supply uses a boost stage and an inverter stage to boost the voltage value of a DC power supply to a desired level, and then convert the power into an AC form. The multi-stage power supply additionally has a controller which can simultaneously control the boost stage and the inverter stage using counter-synchronous signals.

Abstract: A method of designing a sensor assembly having a housing, a first magnet and a second magnet includes forming each of the first magnet and the second magnet into a wedge shape. The method further includes tilting each of the first magnet and the second magnet at an angle within the housing.

Abstract: A spring-actuator assembly (10) is provided for a fuel pressure regulator. The assembly includes a housing (30) and a washer spring (10) received in the housing. The washer spring has a body (12) with a top surface (13) and a bottom surface (15). The body includes an opening (14) there-through and a plurality of pleats (16, 16?) therein so that that first faces (20) of the top surface are disposed on a plane that is different from a plane of second faces (22) of the top surface. At least certain first faces define contact points (24). The assembly also includes an actuating member (26) disposed at least partially in the opening and engaging the contact points of the certain first faces such that a fluid flow passage (36) are defined between the washer spring and the actuating ball for dampening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a venturi tube 10? having a certain fluid flow direction is provided. The method provides a first core member 11 in a mold. The first core member has a periphery and an end 21 of a certain size. A second core member 17 is provided in the mold upstream of the first core member. The second core member has a periphery and an end 22 with a size that is less than the certain size. At least a portion of the end of the second core member is disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the end of the first core member such that a step is defined between the first and second core members. Material is molded about the peripheries of the first and second core members such that the peripheries define a stepped fluid flow surface of a venturi tube, and so that any resulting flash occurs only in the certain flow direction.

Abstract: A switch panel assembly includes a plurality of selectively enabled switches for actuating only those available features. A plurality of available actuateable features are represented on the switch panel by graphics that are hidden in a non-illuminated condition and reveled when backlit. Each of individual switch and corresponding LED are selectively enabled and become visible and actuateable when those corresponding features are available to provide a single device operable without physical modification for many features assembled in many different combinations.