Abstract: A strain sensor includes a load carrying body configured to strain in response to a load applied along a load path. The sensor further includes a magnetostrictive electrical conductor affixed to the body but out of the load path. Application of the load causes the body to strain, which in turn results in a proportional stress being imparted to the magnetostrictive conductor, altering its magnetic permeability. A circuit is electrically connected to the conductor to detect such changes in permeability, which are indicative of the applied load.

Abstract: An oil distribution system for an internal combustion engine comprising a longitudinal bore in the engine head or block connected to an engine oil pump. A longitudinal insert is disposed in the engine bore, the insert being formed and disposed to define segmented galleries within the bore, a first oil gallery being in communication with the engine camshaft bearings and a second oil gallery being in communication with switchable cam followers in the engine. The two galleries are separated but connected by one or more oil control valves. Thus, the camshaft bearings are exposed to high engine oil pressure at all times independent of the switchable cam followers; likewise, the switchable cam followers may be latched and unlatched at any time or condition deemed beneficial for engine operation without jeopardizing lubrication sufficiency to the camshaft bearings.

Abstract: An improved overmolded electronic assembly includes a backplate, a circuit substrate on the backplate, at least one electronic component mounted on the circuit substrate, conductive traces on the circuit substrate which together with the electronic component(s) defines a circuit device, an electrical connector, a metal ring on an outer side of a thermoplastic wall member of the electrical connector, and an overmold body. The metal ring circumscribes external connector pins of the electrical connector, and the overmold body together with the backplate and thermoplastic wall member of the electrical connector sealingly encase the circuit substrate and the circuit device defined on the substrate, with the overmold body having a peripheral edge in adhesive contact with the metal ring. The invention avoids delamination problems associate with similar arrangements which do not incorporate a metal ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: self-tuning engine control algorithms using inputs from transducers that measure pressure in the engine cylinders, and from an engine crankshaft rotational position sensor; methods of processing the input signals to “self-tune” or learn accurate values for a) pressure transducer voltage offset, b) crank position encoder error and c) engine compression ratio; improved pressure-ratio-based algorithms for calculating cylinder heat release fraction as a function of crank angle.

Abstract: MOSFETs are provided to connect the sensor input terminals of a ratiometric output sensor to a pair of power terminals, and the gate of each MOSFET is coupled to the opposite power terminal so that both MOSFETs are rendered conducting to power the sensor when a supply voltage of a predetermined polarity is connected across the power terminals but one of the MOSFETs is rendered non-conducting when a voltage of the opposite polarity is so applied. The MOSFET that is rendered non-conducting is oriented so that any internal source-drain diode does not bypass current around the MOSFET when voltage of the opposite polarity is applied. Optionally, over-voltage protection is provided by an input voltage sensor controlling the other MOSFET through a third MOSFET.

Abstract: An electronic device that facilitates improved electrical and thermal performance and/or allows fabrication of smaller electronic devices exhibiting excellent performance characteristics, especially for devices operating at microwave frequencies, includes an input/output pad, and a carbon nanotube extending from the input/output pad to provide wafer-level nano-interconnect for flip chip interconnections and die stacking on a substrate.

Abstract: An indicator device for vehicles includes a fixed support mounted in the vicinity of a steering column, an actuation lever, a moveable finger mechanically connected to the actuation lever, and safety means. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the moveable finger is mounted on the fixed support slidingly between a position of engagement of its free end, pivoting of the moveable finger being possible only in the engagement position. Return means are provided to return the finger into its disengaged position. The moveable finger and the fixed support each include an indexing surface, and the two surfaces are superimposed as to co-operate with an elastic push button on the end of the actuation lever.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprising a valve member which is engageable with a valve seating to control fuel delivery from the injector, an actuator arrangement and an amplifier arrangement for transmitting movement of the actuator arrangement to the valve member. The amplifier arrangement comprises a piston member with which the actuator arrangement is cooperable to apply a retracting force to the piston member, and a control chamber for fluid. The amplifier arrangement preferably comprises a mechanical coupling arrangement for coupling movement of the piston member to the valve member upon application of an initial retracting force to the piston member.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for steering travel limit determination for electric power steering. Exemplary embodiments include a method, computer program product and system incorporating the method, for implementing steering travel limit determination for electric power steering, including measuring end of travel positions of a handwheel of a vehicle, recording the end of travel positions, comparing the end of travel positions with current travel limit values and recording new travel limits with respect to the end of travel positions.

Abstract: A device and a method for recognizing the occupancy of a seat has two sensor mats which independently of one another detect the pressure exerted on them.

Abstract: A current distribution bus comprises an electrically conductive conduit which has been brought into a flattened shape at least regionally by pressing and whose end sections are made in sleeve shape for the connection of electrical leads.

Abstract: A plurality of direct die cooled semiconductor power device packages are vertically stacked with both coolant and electrical interfacing to form a liquid cooled power electronic circuit. The packages are individually identical, and selectively oriented prior to stacking in order to form the desired circuit connections and laterally stagger the package leads.

Abstract: Prior art fuel line check valves remain closed after engine off and cool down. Diurnal heating and the resultant pressure increase in the fuel line causes fuel vapor emissions through small openings in the fuel line (e.g., at the injector tips). The invention provides a check valve for a vehicle fuel line which opens in response to engine cooling and remains open while the engine is off to relieve subsequent increasing pressure in the fuel line due to diurnal heating thereof.

Abstract: A power striker assembly effects final positioning of a vehicle closure member and includes a fixed frame and a striker member carried on a striker plate for selective engagement of a latch carried on the closure member, to displace the closure member from a presented position to a cinched position. Guide means interconnects the frame and striker plate to effect simultaneous translational and rotational displacement of the striker plate between end limits of travel to produce linear displacement of the striker member. An actuator selectively displaces the striker plate between its end limits of travel in response to a control signal. Finally, an interlock fixes the striker plate in the cinched position in the absence of the control signal.

Abstract: An improved vertical integrated circuit device package that eliminates or reduces the need for wire bond connections and/or solder connections is provided. The package includes a vertical device having electrodes on opposite surfaces, and a compressed spring member that is used to establish compression electrical connections between the electrodes and corresponding electrically conductive elements.

Abstract: An electrical connector terminal housing adapted for carrying an electrical terminal, and including a rear wall, a front wall, and sidewalls longitudinally extending between the front and rear walls. A first transverse wall and a second transverse wall longitudinally extend at least partially between the rear and front walls. A cradle is disposed between at least one of the sidewalls and the second transverse wall and is adapted for engagement with corresponding surfaces of the electrical terminal.

Abstract: A plastic component is attached to a mounting structure by a fastener that extends at least into a mounting hole in the plastic component. The mounting hole is located near an edge corner of a cantilevered mounting tab that forms part of the plastic component. The mounting tab comprises a generally flat plate that has a depending flange that extends around a rounded corner near which the mounting hole is located and a depending sleeve that is contiguous with the mounting hole. The mounting tab has a break away portion so that the plastic component can be removed for recycling easily. Three variations of the breakaway portion are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a compact disc includes an actuator for rotating the compact disc. An air-moving device is driven by the actuator and moves air about the compact disc.

Abstract: A detecting device for a vehicle and method thereof is provided. The device includes a first infrared detector, a second infared detector, and a controller. The first infrared detector is configured to repeatedly measure a temperature of a first target area by receiving infrared radiation of the first target area over a sampling period. The second infrared detector is configured to repeatedly measure a temperature of a second target area by receiving infrared radiation of the second target area over the sampling period. The controller is configured to receive and store the plurality of first and second signals, wherein the controller repeatedly compares a plurality of correlation values to a predetermined tolerance range above a minimum threshold value, wherein the correlation values are determined by repeatedly comparing a plurality of time delayed signals of the second plurality of signals to a real time signal of the plurality of first signals.

Abstract: A child restraint system includes an electronic control unit having an event data recorder for storing data relating to proper adjustment or installation of the child restraint system. The control unit receives an electrical signal from one or more sensors mounted on the child seat and determines conditions of the child seat based upon the value of the property indicated by the signal. The event data recorder is configured to store the resulting data and to allow the stored data to be retrieved in response to an inquiry. Thus, in the event of a vehicle accident or other incident, the electronic control unit may be connected to an external diagnostic unit, and the relevant data may be downloaded to the diagnostic unit for evaluation.