Abstract: A method of determining timing clearance between a valve stem and a moving member using an electromagnetic actuator comprising electromagnets, an electromagnet for moving the moving member from a closed position towards an open position and an electromagnet for moving the moving member from an open position towards a closed position, each electromagnet being controlled on the basis of a reference electrical characteristic, the method comprising: controlling an electromagnet to obtain a displacement speed for a moving member as the moving member moves from one of a closed position or an open position towards the other one of an open position or a closed position; obtaining values of a reference electrical characteristic for intermediate positions of the moving member; and detecting an intermediate position at which the reference electrical characteristic is subject to a sudden change.

Abstract: A system for testing a battery includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The first capacitor and the second capacitor are configured to be arranged in series in a first arrangement and in parallel in a second arrangement. The first capacitor and the second capacitor may be cycled between the first arrangement and the second arrangement to characterize a response of a battery.

Abstract: Assembly (12) includes a substrate (18) having an aperture (60) extending through the substrate (18) and having a first capping portion (62, 162, 362, 462) at least partially about the aperture (60), a skin (25) having a second capping portion (64, 164, 364, 464), at least one layer (35) between the substrate (18) and the skin (25) and a component (24) extending through the aperture (60). The first capping portion (62, 162, 362, 462) and the second capping portion (64, 164, 364, 464) cooperatively engage one another to close off the at least one compressible layer (35) between the substrate (18) and the skin (25). A method for manufacturing the panel (16) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting and measuring regions of a secondary material deposited onto a moving substrate. The method employs an x-ray source for directing an x-ray beam at the moving substrate, and an x-ray detector to detect an amount of x-ray energy transmitted by the moving sheet of material. Areas of bare substrate will allow for different amounts of x-ray transmission than areas of the substrate containing the secondary material. These differences in transmission and/or absorption can be used to detect the location of a region of secondary material and to determine if it falls within an acceptable range. According to one particular embodiment of the present invention, the method can be used to analyze burn characteristic modifying bands of a secondary material intermittently and repeatedly deposited to a moving web of smoking article paper.

Abstract: A low profile floor console for a vehicle includes a pair of end walls. In a lowered position, the console permits pass through between two spaced apart vehicle seats. When raised, fabric or netting attached, together with the end walls define a storage area. In the preferred embodiment, an add-on module fits over the raised end walls to provide a rigid storage area, and additional functionality, such as a tray, a power port, cup holders, change bins, and the like. The lid of the module may be configured for sliding or pivotal movement to allow access to the interior thereof. Also in the preferred embodiment, the floor console is constructed to trim out a parking brake assembly. In various alternate embodiments, the floor console end walls may be constructed to provide additional functionality, such as internal map pockets, and the console system may be arranged for use at different locations within the vehicle, such as in the cargo area.

Abstract: A device for receiving and processing an elongated workpiece that proceeds along a path is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of clevis-shaped members, each clevis-shaped member being pivotable about a vertical axis and having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending posts. The clevis-shaped members are spaced apart relative to the path, and the posts of each clevis-shaped member defining therebetween a centered workstation disposed along the path. At least one actuator is provided, with the actuator operatively engaging each of the clevis-shaped members such that the each clevis-shaped member will pivot about its vertical axis. Accordingly, in response to operation of the actuators the posts of each of the clevis-shaped members shift in unison to center and clamp the workpiece at the workstation.

Abstract: A ventilated vehicle seat includes a porous upper surface layer, a resinous film non-porous first layer, a non-porous second layer, and a spacer layer. The resinous film non-porous first layer is beneath the upper surface layer and includes ventilation holes. The spacer layer is between the non-porous layers for providing cushioning and for ensuring airflow in lateral, longitudinal and perpendicular directions, even when the seat is occupied. The spacer layer is fixed in position between the first layer and the second layer for preventing slipping of the spacer layer.

Abstract: An overhead system for a vehicle includes a generally transparent panel covering a portion of the roof area of the vehicle, and at least one elongated member coupled to at least one of the generally transparent panel and a structural portion of the vehicle. A system for attaching articles to an overhead portion of an interior of a vehicle includes a generally transparent panel covering a portion of a roof of the vehicle, with at least one elongated member engaging the generally transparent panel, and at least one article adapted for mounting to the elongated member.

Abstract: A system for facilitating training of a tire pressure monitoring system on a vehicle by providing an indication to the exterior of the vehicle. The system includes a receiver circuit configured to detect a wireless message including a tire sensor identifier, a memory configured to receive and store a number of tire sensor identifiers, at least one external indicator on the vehicle configured to provide an indication to the exterior of the vehicle, and a control circuit configured to provide a control signal to the external indicator on the vehicle to indicate to a user to actuate a tire sensor transmitter.

Abstract: A display unit (12) is provided, the display unit including a housing (20) configured for mounting in an interior region of a vehicle, and a screen (30) mounted on the housing for movement between a stowed position wherein the screen is at least partially contained within the housing and a deployed position wherein the screen projects from the housing to reveal a viewing surface (32) of the screen. When the screen is deployed, the viewing surface typically is at an angle of between 45-degrees and 90-degrees from the stowed position.

Abstract: A control module for a wireless communication system in a vehicle having a plurality of operational settings includes a memory, a control circuit and a radio frequency transceiver. The memory is configured to store a plurality of performance characteristics associated with at least one mobile wireless communication device. The control circuit is coupled to the memory and is configured to retrieve at least one performance characteristic for a mobile wireless communication device associated with a vehicle occupant and used in conjunction with the wireless communication system. The control circuit is further configured to adjust at least one operational setting of the wireless communication system based on the at least one performance characteristics of the mobile wireless communication device. The radio frequency transceiver is coupled to the control circuit and is configured to communicate with the mobile wireless communication device.

Abstract: A wireless control system for wireless control of a remote electronic system comprises a trainable transmitter circuit, a receiver circuit, and a control circuit. The trainable transmitter circuit is configured to transmit a wireless control signal having control data which will control the remote electronic system. The receiver circuit is configured to receive a wireless status signal including status data for the remote electronic system sent in response to the wireless control signal. The control circuit is coupled to the trainable transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit and configured to transmit the wireless control signal through the trainable transmitter circuit and to receive the wireless status signal through the receiver circuit.

Abstract: A hydrogen sulfide scrubber includes first and second scrubber tanks with scrubber media contained therein. Scrubbing solution circulators each include a dispenser for dispensing scrubbing solution into contact with the scrubber media, a sump for collecting the scrubbing solution after contact with the scrubber media, and a circulating pump for circulating the scrubbing solution from the sump back to the dispenser after contact with the scrubber media. A polymeric amine supply is provided for supplying a polymeric amine to the scrubbing solution in the second tank. The scrubbing solution in the first tank may be charged with the polymeric amine by a charging line extending from the second tank to the first tank. In other embodiments, a regenerative blower and associated nozzle may be used to generate a scrubbing solution mist in the space beneath the scrubber media and above the sump.

Abstract: A video screen assembly for a vehicle seat is movable between an upper position and a lower position and includes a fitting and a pivoting arm. A belt drive connects the pivoting arm and the video screen such that a torque applied to move the pivoting arm results in a torque being transmitted to move the video screen by preferably a directly proportional angular amount. The video screen can be rotated to a storage position where the vide screen display is protected from cargo with in the vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile audiovisual device includes a central processing unit for operating information, a signal-processing unit connected to the central processing unit for receiving and processing external audio/video signals, a storage control unit connected to the central processing unit for receiving data from the signal-processing unit, and a transmission unit connected to the central processing unit for transmitting the processed external audio/video signals, so as to allow a user to browse required audiovisual data via the mobile audiovisual device in real time.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism for a vehicle seat includes a toothed sector member secured to a seat frame and first and second pivoted pawl members each including a plurality of teeth to engage the teeth of the sector member. The first and second pawl members also each pivot on a cam pin member located at a distal end thereof, the cam pins each have a center axis and an offset axis having by a toothed cam lobe. The toothed cam lobes mesh such that rotation of one cam pin member causes the other cam pin member to totate in the opposite direction. A handle is coupled to at least one of the cam pin members to rotate the cam pin members and cause the pawl members to rotate about a pin connecting the proximal ends of the pawl members. The pawl members are movable between a first or locked position and a second or unlocked position, permitting the seat back to be adjusted with respect to the seat base against the force of a spring.

Abstract: A method for predicting the remaining life of a battery for a vehicle includes obtaining a value representative of the amount of remaining life for a battery in a new and fully charged state and monitoring at least one parameter of the battery during use of the battery. The method also includes obtaining an acceleration factor based on the at least one monitored parameter and estimating the amount of life lost from the battery utilizing the acceleration factor.

Abstract: An automated building service broker can include a Global Positioning System (GPS) data processor for processing GPS data associated with communicatively linked service providers wherein the GPS data corresponds to a geographic position. The automated service broker also can include an event handler for responding to maintenance and repair events received from communicatively linked building systems. Finally, the automated building service broker can include a service provider selector for selecting a particular service provider to respond to a particular received maintenance and repair event received from a particular communicatively linked building system.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for placement within a seat of an automotive vehicle. The insert preferably includes multiple layers, one of which includes a heater for providing an occupant of the seat with warmth. The insert also preferably includes a blower or air pump for providing ventilation and/or cooling to the seat occupant.

Abstract: A heat and gas exchange system for a battery is disclosed. The batter includes a plurality of cells and at least one space between the cells. The system includes a base configured to support the battery. The system also includes a plurality of members coupled to the base. Each of the members is configured to extend at least partially within at least one space between the cells of the battery. A heat and gas exchange system for a battery is also disclosed. A module for a battery for a vehicle is also disclosed. The battery includes a plurality of cells and at least one space between the cells. The module includes a base for supporting the battery. The module also includes a plurality of members coupled to the base. The module also includes a control system configured to provide air through the plurality of members from the space between the cells.