Abstract: A method for providing supplemental internal air cooling to a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. The method involves deactivating the fuel injector to one cylinder for a predetermined time period or temperature decrease, based upon engine operating conditions, and then reactivating the fuel injector. This results in cool air being pumped through the fuel-deactivated cylinder by the reciprocating action of the piston therein, which air-cools the walls, piston, and head of that cylinder from the inside. In response to a controlling algorithm in an Engine Control Module, various of the engine fuel injectors may be deactivated and then reactivated sequentially to provide distributed cooling over the entire engine. The invention is especially useful for motorcycle engines having two or more cylinders when the motorcycles are used at low or stop-and-go speeds, such as in parades or other ceremonial functions.

Abstract: A system utilizes a single receiver to simultaneously receive and demodulate both amplitude shift keying (ASK) messages and frequency shift keying (FSK) messages. The single receiver is used to demodulate the FSK modulated message and the single receiver provides a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) signal that provides an indication of a combined strength of the FSK and ASK messages. The RSSI signal is filtered and then data sliced to provide a digital message that corresponds to a demodulated version of the ASK modulated message.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation dissipates energy associated with the telescopic collapse of preferably two steering column members. The first and second steering column members are moveable relative to one another along a collapse path. At least one anvil is fixed with one of the first and second steering column members. A strap extends along a bent path around the at least one anvil to first and second free ends. The apparatus also includes a lock device operative in a first condition to restrain the first free end with respect to the first steering column member and in a second condition to release the first free end of the strap.

Abstract: A flow-through carbon adsorption device is provided with leads for imposing an electric current and with a temperature sensor at the desorption flow exit. The temperature sensor and electric current source are controlled by a controller. In adsorption mode, no current flows through the device. Hydrocarbons are adsorbed in the device before reaching atmosphere. In desorption mode, the temperature sensor and electric source are activated by the controller. Electric energy is converted to heat energy within the device. Air is drawn in reverse flow through the device. Because desorption is endothermic, the carbon bed becomes progressively cooler during desorption. When desorption is complete, the temperature of the device begins to rise and the controller shuts down the temperature probe and the electric heating system. Thus, full desorption of the device is assured without significant waste of electricity or compromise of subsequent adsorptive capacity of the device after desorption is complete.

Abstract: A directional antenna is provided that utilizes an existing light source or simple reflector having a beam directing reflective surface and a transparent cover for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic radio waves. In an aspect, an information signal is impressed across a conductive material formed to a transparent cover and the reflective surface directs electromagnetic radio waves in a predetermined direction. Beam pattern, gain, polarization and wavelength can be selected through the design and positioning of the conductive material from the reflective surface for providing an effective resonant antenna. The radiated information signal may be used to detect an object or communicate with a receiver. The light source or reflector can be attached to a fixed structure or to a mobile vehicle. In the case of a mobile vehicle, the antenna is fully concealed. In an aspect, material costs, manufacturing costs and assembly costs are reduced as compared to presently available antennas.

Abstract: The activation of a rear view video display in a vehicle is interrupted under specified operating conditions to discourage inappropriate driver reliance on the video display. The video display is automatically activated when the reverse transmission range of the vehicle is selected, but is deactivated if the vehicle speed in the reverse range exceeds a calibrated threshold such as 2-3 MPH. When the vehicle speed falls back below the threshold, the video display is automatically re-activated, thereby encouraging the driver to use the video display only for the purposes for which it was designed, and to use other ways of obtaining a more comprehensive rearward view when backing at speeds in excess of the threshold.

Abstract: An inflation device for an airbag module, the inflation device comprising: a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber having a first volume of inflation gas and the second chamber having a second volume of inflation gas; a first inflation opening for allowing the first volume of inflation gas to pass therethrough and a first sealing member, the first sealing member sealing the first inflation opening; a second inflation opening for allowing the second volume of inflation gas to pass therethrough and a second sealing member, the second sealing member sealing the second inflation opening, the second inflation opening being substantially smaller than the first inflation opening; a conduit member for providing fluid communication with the first inflation opening and the second inflation opening; an initiator for removing a portion of the first sealing member from the first inflation opening; and a puncture device disposed within the conduit member, the puncture device being configured to remove a por

Abstract: A brushless DC motor and Hall Effect commutation sensors are mounted on a common circuit board, and ferromagnetic elements partially embedded in the motor stator in proximity to the periphery of the rotor magnetically couple the rotor magnet to the Hall Effect sensors. Preferably, the ferromagnetic elements are embedded in the stator adjacent the radial periphery of the rotor magnet. Alternately, the ferromagnetic elements can be embedded in the stator adjacent the axial periphery of the rotor magnet.

Abstract: A steering system includes a differential transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft, a rotary input device attached to the input shaft, a movable steering effector in operable communication with the output shaft, an angular-to-linear converter which converts a rotative motion of the output shaft to a linear motion that acts to move the steering effector. The motion of the steering effector enables path alteration of a vehicle. The steering system also includes an electromotive actuator in operable communication with the differential transmission. An activated electromotive actuator provides an active alteration of a speed change between a speed of the input shaft and a speed of the output shaft and a deactivated electromotive actuator provides a default speed change between the speed of the input shaft and the speed of the output shaft.

Abstract: The device (6) includes a sealed casing (10) provided, in its lower part, with a bowl (22) for collection of a residual liquid, and an assembly (30) for purging the residual liquid which comprises means for evacuation of the liquid collected in the bowl and means for connecting the casing to the open air. The means for evacuation of the liquid include an orifice (36) formed in the wall of the casing substantially at the level of the bottom of the bowl (22). The means for connection to the open air include an orifice (34) formed in the wall of the casing (10) substantially opposite the orifice (36) for evacuation of the liquid.

Abstract: A robust, easy to mount probe sensor includes an elongated body enclosing a sensor element and an integral flange extending away from the body. The body and flange are formed of material having a relatively low characteristic yield point. First and second generally parallel closely spaced through passages extend through the flange. An insert formed of material having a relatively high characteristic yield point is disposed in one of the passages. A fastener including a shank portion which extends through the other passageway includes an enlarged head which overlays the insert containing passageway and engages an attachment structure to effect directed compressive loading of the probe sensor flange.

Abstract: A tire pump includes a passive air pump which is attachable to a component of a vehicle wheel assembly. The vehicle wheel assembly has a vehicle wheel, a tire valve stem attached to the vehicle wheel, and a tire mounted on the vehicle wheel and containing a gas. The passive air pump has an air inlet in direct fluid communication with the atmosphere and has an air outlet in direct fluid communication with the gas in the tire. The passive air pump is operable by transient pressure pulses of the gas in the tire to suck in an air volume from the atmosphere through the air inlet after a present one of the transient pressure pulses and to pump at least some of the sucked-in air volume through the air outlet into the tire during a future one of the transient pressure pulses.

Abstract: An optical information processing circuit assembly includes an optically transmissive substrate and a resiliently compressible circuit member affixed to the substrate and defining an opening therethrough with a number of leads disposed about the opening. An integrated imaging circuit defines a corresponding number of pads wherein the pads align with and electrically contact the leads. An optically transmissive medium may be disposed between and in contact with the substrate and the integrated imaging circuit to allow light transmission therethrough from the substrate to the imaging circuit. In one embodiment, resilient bumps are provided between the integrated imaging circuit and the resiliently compressible circuit member to form the electrical connection therebetween. Alternatively, solder bumps may replace the resilient bumps. Additional circuit components may be similarly mounted to the resiliently compressible circuit member to complete the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second steering column members disposed for movement relative to one another. The apparatus also includes an anvil associated with one of the first and second steering column members. The anvil is spaced from the other of the first and second steering column members. The apparatus also includes a strap having a mounting end fixedly associated with the other of the first and second steering column members. The strap also includes a free end spaced from the mounting end. The strap is drawable over the anvil in response to movement between the first and second steering column members. The strap also includes a slot extending away from the mounting end to the free end. The slot has a length and a variable width along at least a portion of its length.

Abstract: A system and method for an electronically scanned antenna is provided in which phase shifters are deposited en masse along with other electronically scanned antenna components on a wafer scale substrate using a thin film process. Alternative wafer scale sizes may be utilized to furnish a required antenna aperture area. Significant processing costs for radar and communication systems are saved utilizing the present invention as compared with contemporary discrete phase shifters that are individually mounted on an antenna. In an aspect, the phase shifter is made up of a base electrode, a barium strontanate titanate (BST) ferroelectric varactor and a top electrode. The BST ferroelectric material is a voltage variable dielectric, which generates a radiation phase. The radiation phase is regulated by a phase shifter control. The radiation phase generates an electromagnetic field about a radiating element and electromagnetic radio waves are radiated from the radiating element.

Abstract: A belt tension sensor includes an armature that is displaced in relation to belt tension and an optical sensing mechanism that detects armature displacement as a measure of belt tension. In a first mechanization, a lens element is mounted on the armature for movement therewith, and light emitted by a light source passes through the lens element before impinging on a light responsive element; the lens element variably diffuses the emitted light in relation to the belt tension, and the light impinging on the light responsive element provides a measure of the belt tension. In a second mechanization, the armature includes a protuberance that abuts and variably collapses a compressible optical waveguide to vary its optical transmissivity in relation to the armature displacement, and the optical transmissivity of the optical waveguide provides a measure of the belt tension.

Abstract: A fuel cell system in accordance with the invention includes a single, central electronic controller (CPU) for controlling at least the Air Handling sub-system, the Reformer sub-system, the Power Electronics sub-system, and the Customer Interface sub-system. The central controller provides a central location for easier serviceability; increases data transport efficiency by eliminating lengthy links between distributed controllers; eliminates the need for multiple mechanical enclosures; allows for controller thermo conditioning in one mechanical enclosure; and reduces parasitic power losses by employing a single power supply.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring the immediate vicinity of a motor vehicle comprises an infrared emitter that is arranged behind a lens and a receiver for reflected infrared radiation, as well as an evaluation unit for detecting the presence of an object in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle, wherein a signal can be forwarded from the evaluation unit to a control device in the motor vehicle. In order to also ensure the proper function of the sensor when the lens is soiled, an infrared emitter and a receiver are provided for measuring the transparency of the lens, wherein the evaluation unit is able to increase the power of the infrared emitter for monitoring the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle if it determines that the lens transparency is reduced.

Abstract: An electronics assembly is provided having a carrier that provides a controlled height variability between electronics packages and a heat sink device. The electronics assembly includes a substrate and electronics packages connected to the substrate. The assembly also includes a heat sink device positioned in thermal communication with a first side of the electronics packages. The assembly further includes a carrier disposed between the substrate and the heat sink device. The carrier has a resilient wall that biases the electronics packages towards the heat sink device such that a controlled bond line is provided between the first side of the electronics packages and the heat sink device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column module for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering angle sensor (13) that is inserted into a module housing (1,2). The rotor of the steering angle sensor is assigned to a steering column and co-operates with at least one fixed measuring wheel (37), in which angular modifications of the steering column are registered by electronic measuring sensors (22), operating as the stator and connected to the vehicle electric system by means of a central printed circuit board (6). The measuring sensors (22) are fastened to the printed circuit board (6) and the measuring wheel or wheels (37) is/are mounted in a housing (38) that is fixed to the printed circuit board (6).