Abstract: The piezoelectric element of an engine knock sensor is held between upper and lower ring-shaped bases by two identical clips that extend through the piezoelectric element and engage each base. Each clip has a ring-shaped flange engaging a groove circumscribing the inner wall of one of the bases, with the flanges of the clips engaging opposite bases. Also, each clip has three legs that engage a groove in the opposite base. Each clip leg is disposed between two legs of the other clip.

Abstract: A frame-based occupant weight estimation apparatus for a vehicle seat includes compliant load transfer mechanisms interposed between the seat frame and floor brackets bolted to the vehicle floor. The compliant load transfer mechanisms translate the seat loads to a central location for measurement by a set of force sensors. The load transfer mechanisms preload the force sensor to enable off-loading detection, and an overload device securely anchors the seat to the floor bracket without interfering with normal load measurement.

Abstract: A system and method for co-simulation of hardware and software includes determining hardware executable times, associated with each of a plurality of functions included within an application code. Estimated timing annotations, which correspond to the determined hardware executable times, are then inserted into each of the functions. The application code is compiled for simulation and the compiled application code is then executed on a host computer system. Adjustments may be made to the estimated timing annotations to evaluate potential architecture changes in either target hardware or software algorithms.

Abstract: A modular fuel cell cassette for use in assembling a fuel cell stack comprising a metal separator plate and a metal cell-mounting plate joined at their edges to form a hollow cassette. A fuel cell subassembly is attached to the mounting plate and extends through an opening in the mounting plate. The plates include openings to form chimney manifolds for supply and exhaust of fuel gas to the anode and air to the cathode. A conductive interconnect element extends from the fuel cell subassembly to make contact with the next cassette in a stack. The anode openings in the mounting plate and separator plate are separated by spacer rings such that the cassette is incompressible. A fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of cassettes, the mounting plate of one cassette being attached to, and insulated from, the separator plate of the next-adjacent cassette by a dielectric seal surrounding the interconnect.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus wherein the apparatus includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The housing also includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture is positioned to communicate with a first fluid source at a first pressure. The second aperture is positioned to communicate with a second fluid source at a second pressure. The first pressure is greater than the second pressure. The apparatus also includes a first piston disposed in the housing. The first piston is moveable between the first and second ends. The first piston includes a front surface communicating with the second aperture and a back surface communicating with the first aperture. The first piston also includes a first passageway communicating with the front and back surfaces. The apparatus also includes a three-way valve fluidly disposed between the first aperture and the back surface and between the front surface and the back surface.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement for use in a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine includes an inner core (30) comprising a plurality of laminates (30a) and a first outer pole (32) for receiving at least a part of the inner core (30), wherein the inner core (30) and the outer pole (32) together define a first volume (46) for receiving a first electromagnetic winding. An injector is provided in which the actuator arrangement controls a valve arrangement, either a spill valve or a nozzle control valve, or both, so as to control injection by the injector.

Abstract: A technique for forming anti-stiction bumps on a bottom surface of a micro-electro mechanical (MEM) structure includes a number of process steps. The MEM structure is fabricated from an assembly that includes a support substrate bonded to a single-crystal semiconductor layer, via an insulator layer. A plurality of holes are formed through the single-crystal semiconductor layer to the insulator layer on an interior portion of a defined movable structure. A portion of the insulator layer underneath the holes is removed. The holes are then filled with a conformal film that extends below a lower surface of the defined movable structure to provide a plurality of anti-stiction bumps. A trench is then formed through the single-crystal semiconductor layer to the insulator layer to form the defined movable structure. Finally, a remainder of the insulator layer underneath the defined movable structure is removed to free the defined movable structure.

Abstract: The present invention involves methods and systems for issuing a collision warning to a driver at timing based on the driver's attitude level. The methods involve the steps of determining the driver attitude level based on the driver's actions in a plurality of driving conditions, determining timing for issuing warning based on the driver attitude level, and issuing warning based on the determined timing. The systems include a first device for collecting data associated with driver attitude, and a second device connected to the first device for determining a driver attitude level. The second device includes a processor for processing the data by applying pre-determined algorithm to determine the driver attitude level. The systems may further include a third device connected to the second device for determining timing for issuing warning corresponding to the driver attitude level, and issuing a warning according to the determined timing.

Abstract: A flexible drive member attachment is connected to a flexible drive member by a yoke having side walls connected by a bridge wall that has a stud connecting the attachment to a driven member. A coupler is disposed between the side walls and attached to the bridge wall. The coupler has teeth that extend through respective windows of the flexible drive member. An outer shoe engages each side wall of the yoke. Each outer shoe has a forward flange engaging the bridge wall and a rearward flange that extends through a rearward slot of the associated side wall. Each rearward flange has fingers that extend behind the flexible drive member and through spaces between adjacent teeth of the coupler and into sockets of the other shoe. The flexible drive member may be a drive chain or a drive belt having spaced windows.

Abstract: A method of interfacing an electromagnetic sensor with a controller in a motor control system, the method including: applying an excitation signal to the electromagnetic sensor; receiving a first electromagnetic sensor output signal based on the excitation signal, the first electromagnetic sensor signal comprising an amplitude modulated signal corresponding to a position of a rotor of the electromagnetic sensor; and receiving a second electromagnetic sensor output signal based on the excitation signal, the second electromagnetic sensor signal comprising another amplitude modulated signal corresponding to the position of the rotor of the electromagnetic sensor.

Abstract: A deactivation valve lifter includes a lifter body. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine and at least one annular pin chamber. A pin housing includes a pin housing bottom. The pin housing bottom defines at least one pin stop aperture and a radially directed pin bore. A deactivation pin assembly is disposed within the pin bore and includes pin members. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the lifter body. A portion of each pin member may be disposed within the annular pin chamber to thereby selectively couple and decouple the lifter body to the pin housing. A drain aperture defined by the pin housing bottom extends from the pin bore to an outside surface of the pin housing. A stop pin is disposed in the at least one pin stop aperture for limiting the inward motion of the pin members.

Abstract: An electronics assembly is provided having a substrate and at least one electronics package supported on the substrate. The electronics package also has electrical circuitry and first and second side surfaces. The assembly further includes a first heat sink device positioned in thermal communication with the first side surface of the electronics package, and a second heat sink device positioned in thermal communication with the second side surface of the electronics package.

Abstract: An over-molded beaded driving cable which has an inner core, a plurality of inner core structures. An outer jacket may encompass the inner core and inner core structures. Each of a plurality of outer beads concentrically surrounds an inner core structure. The outer beads are over-molded in this position, forming an interlocking inner core structure and outer bead configuration capable of high load and high flexible performance. An end fitting placed at each end portion of the inner core provides for a driving cable assembly with a variety of end fitting configurations, including a closed loop connection, for automotive and non-automotive applications. Alternatively, the over-molded beaded driving cable has a plurality of clamps and/or pins surrounded by the outer beads respectively. The cables may also be provided with seamless connection structure for forming closed loops.

Abstract: A method for making a subsurface electrical contact on a micro-electrical-mechanical-systems (MEMS) device. The contact is formed by depositing a layer of polycrystalline silicon onto a surface within a cavity buried under a device silicon layer. The polycrystalline silicon layer is deposited in the cavity through holes etched through the device silicon and reseals the cavity during the polycrystalline silicon deposition step. The polycrystalline silicon layer can then be masked and etched, or etched back to expose the device layer of the micromachined device. Through the layer of polycrystalline silicon, a center hub of the device may be electrically contacted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are NOx sensors and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, a method for sensing NOx comprises: contacting a first NOx electrode with the gas, contacting a second NOx electrode with the gas, determining a NO2 emf between the first NOX electrode and a first reference electrode, determining a NOx emf between the second NOx electrode and a second reference electrode, and determining a NO2 concentration and a NO concentration using the NO2 emf and the NOx emf. The first electrode can be at a first temperature of greater than or equal to about 700° C., and the second electrode can be at a second temperature of about 500° C. to about 650° C.

Abstract: A solid-oxide fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells connected in series and disposed as two stacks side-by-side in head-to-tail configuration, connected in series across one end and having cathode and anode current collectors mounted side-by-side on a stack base at the other end. Each current collector is a flat plate extending from the stack footprint. Surrounding the stacks is a cover-sealing flange so formed that when the cover is in place a thermal jacket is formed around the stacks. The current collectors are electrically insulated from the sealing flange and cover by a gasket, and extend outwards from the flange for electrical attachment to a load. This arrangement permits the stacks to be fully assembled and the stack cover secured and sealed in place without need for passing electrical leads through openings in the cover which must be subsequently sealed.

Abstract: Video components attributable to ambient lighting in a stream of digital images of a scene illuminated by both ambient and active sources are eliminated in each image frame, leaving only video components attributable to the active source. The spectrum of the active source is encompassed by the ambient source, and spectral filtering defines a primary channel comprising video components in a primary spectrum encompassing both active and ambient lighting and a secondary channel comprising video components in a secondary spectrum encompassing only ambient lighting. The pixels of the secondary channel are scaled by a factor correlating the spectral reflectances of the primary and secondary spectra, and the scaled secondary channel is subtracted from the primary channel to produce an ambient corrected image. The pixels of the ambient corrected image are further scaled to compensate for spectral filter bleeding of the active source into the secondary channel.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for a tilting and telescoping steering column. The drive mechanism can selectively tilt the steering wheel or telescope the steering column in response to input from the driver. A single drive mechanism controls the tilting movement and the telescoping movement. The invention includes a locking device for locking the single drive mechanism in one of first and second modes of operation corresponding to tilting movement and telescoping movement. A pivoting device for engaging the locking device is provided. The pivoting device can be a lever arm or can be a solenoid mounted to the steering column.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling reformate delivered to an electrochemical cell in an electric power system. The system comprises: a reformate pressure sensor disposed in the reformate and configured to measure reformate pressure; a controllable valve configured to control the flow of reformate to the electrochemical cell; and a controller coupled to the reformate pressure sensor and the controllable valve. The controller receives a reformate pressure signal from the reformate pressure sensor, a controllable valve position signal from the controllable valve, and transmits a controllable valve command to the controllable valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical plug connector comprising a first plug part, a second plug part which can be plugged together with the first plug part and an insertion part which is supported displaceably at the first plug part in the plug-in direction and cooperates with at least one spring element of the first plug part, with the insertion part being able to be pushed into the first plug part by the second plug part against the restoring force of the spring element on the plugging together of the plug parts, and with the spring element being substantially relaxed with separated plug parts and in the completely plugged together state of the plug connector.