Abstract: A magnetic sensor has magnetically sensitive element located at a side surface, instead of the bottom surface, of a bias magnet, the magnet being located adjacent a magnetic target wheel, wherein the bias magnet is magnetized parallel to the direction of motion of the teeth/slots of the target wheel. The output may be of a single or double frequency. Sampling of output slope can provide information regarding direction of movement of the target wheel. In a second embodiment the bias magnet is magnetized perpendicular to the movement.

Abstract: An improved system for more uniformly distributing gaseous fuel over the anode surface of a fuel cell, comprising an interconnect subassembly for electrically connecting anodes and cathodes of adjacent fuel cells in a fuel cell stack. The subassembly includes a perforated plate disposed adjacent the anode surface. The plate may be parallel to or inclined to the anode surface and forms a first wall of a fuel plenum for uniformly distributing fuel via the perforations over the entire surface of the anode. The second wall of the plenum is a plate separating the fuel flow from air flowing across the cathode. Electrical continuity across the interconnect subassembly may be provided, for example, by non-planar upsets such as bumps and dimples in the two plenum plate components, or by metallic foam or filaments disposed between the plates and the electrodes.

Abstract: A diffraction grating device operable as a reflection or transmission grating, and a method of manufacturing and using any number of such grating devices so that each device is individually electrically addressable to diffract radiation of different wavelengths. The grating device comprises first and second sets of interdigitated elements so that each element of the first set defines an element pair with an immediately adjacent element of the second set, a first gap is defined between the elements of each element pair, and a second gap is defined between each adjacent pair of element pairs. The elements of an element pair are selectively movable toward and away from each other. As such, the widths of the gaps can be selectively sized to diffract radiation of a desired wavelength.

Abstract: A method is directed to controlling a differential within an active antilock brake system. The method provides for receiving a secondary axle wheel speed, receiving a vehicle speed, determining a difference value between the vehicle speed and the secondary axle wheel speed, and activating the differential responsive to the difference value. The step of activating the differential responsive to the difference value may include steps for comparing the difference value to a threshold value and activating the differential based on the comparison.

Abstract: A fuel tank interface assembly is provided. The assembly provides interface and control to a plurality of different types of components. Some of the components may be situated inside the tank. A connector is sealingly mounted through a single opening in the tank and is configured to provide at least two electrical leads for each different type of component in the tank. A unitary control unit is electrically coupled to the connector and is configured to provide control to each of the plurality of different type of components through the at least two electrical leads.

Abstract: A steering column switch having a switch element and a switch lever, wherein the switch lever is designed from first and second modules. Because of the modular design, different grip pieces can be accommodated by the same switch element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the concentration of soot particles in engine oil. A microwave signal having a varying frequency is applied to a transmission line having a probe tip exposed to the engine oil. A voltage is read at a stationary detection point along the length of the transmission line for each applied frequency. The applied frequency when the probe voltage is equal to a null voltage of a standing wave within the transmission line is compared to a reference frequency determined when the probe voltage is equal to a null voltage for a known concentration of soot particles. The concentration is calculated based upon the result of the comparison. Preferably, a reference probe receives the same input signal. A known relationship between the reference probe and the transmission line is then used to eliminate temperature effects on the applied frequency.

Abstract: A flow rate of unconnected first and second fluid flows is matched or not matched, such as, but not limited to, matching or not matching the flow rate of the replacement water stream with the waste water stream in kidney dialysis. First and second flow paths are interconnected so substantially the same flow from a first positive displacement pump in the first path encounters a flow-rate transducer in the second path. A first set of transducer readings are taken for various values of the controllable first pump speed of the first pump. The first and second flow paths are disconnected, and a second set of transducer readings are taken for various values of the controllable second pump speed of the second pump. The flow rates are substantially matched or not matching by controlling one of the first and second pump speeds using the other of the pump speeds and the first and second sets of readings.

Abstract: A lead tester assembly 10 is provided, for use with a circuit board 12 populated with a plurality of electronic components 18 each including at least one lead 20 protruding through the circuit board 16. A conductive plate element 32 is positioned below the circuit board 16 and is movable between a test active position 24 and a test inactive position 26. At least one sleeve element 38 is mounted to and is in electrical communication with the conductive plate element 32. A movable sensor 36 is in electrical communication with the at least one sleeve element 38 when the conductive plate element 32 is in said test inactive position 26. A non-conductive probe 46, slidably positioned within the sleeve element 38, is movable between a lead absent position 50 and a lead present position 52 upon engaging one of the leads 20. The non-conductive probe 46 forces the movable sensor 36 out of electrical communication with the sleeve element 38 when in the lead present position 52.

Abstract: In an unified control of a plurality of active chassis systems a role of each chassis system in applying a corrective net force and a corrective moment to a vehicle is determined. In determining the roles, control influence coefficients and a control authority of each active chassis system is determined. An activation status of each active chassis system based on the control influence coefficients and the control authority is subsequently determined.

Abstract: A fuel injector including a control valve arrangement for controlling fuel pressure within a control chamber comprises a control valve member which is movable between a first position in which the control chamber communicates with a source of high pressure fuel and a second position in which the control chamber communicates with a low pressure fuel drain and communication between the control chamber and the source of high pressure fuel is broken. The control valve arrangement includes a restricted flow path for restricting the rate of flow of fuel from the source of high pressure fuel to the control chamber when the control valve member is moved towards its first position. The provision of the restricted flow path prevents unbalanced hydraulic forces acting on the control valve member when it moves towards its first position, which can otherwise lead to valve needle dither between injecting and non-injecting states.

Abstract: A method for assembling an electrical bobbin requires a spool of wire extending between first and second leads, a housing having first and second opening, and first and second terminal posts, each having a predetermined width. The method includes the step of placing the spool of wire into the housing. The first lead is then extended through the first opening. Like the first lead, the second lead is then extended through the second opening. The first terminal post is extended into the first opening and the second terminal post is extended into the second opening. The first lead is wrapped around the first terminal post to create a first wire wrap. The second lead is wrapped around the second terminal post to create a second wire wrap. The first wire wrap is soldered to the first terminal post. The second wire wrap is soldered to the second terminal post.

Abstract: A jump start protection circuit having a normally open switch and a resistor positioned in parallel intermediate to a battery and a jump start post. A controller manipulates the switch between an open position and closed position, the closed position connects the jump start post to the battery and the open position disconnects the jump start post from the battery. The controller measures voltages at the battery and jump start post and is capable of receiving one or more additional inputs. The controller closes the switch when acceptable jump start conditions are detected. The controller can open the switch or maintain the switch in an open position. The jump start circuit provides protection against attempts to charge a battery with incorrect polarity connections and attempts to charge a battery from a potentially hazardous higher voltage power source.

Abstract: A structure and methodology of fabrication for a cost effective multipole motor adapted to high volume manufacture. The apparatus includes a low cost housing within which a stator assembly comprised of interchangeable stator electromagnets is installed. A rotor assembly including a plurality of sense magnets and motor magnets integrated onto a rotor shaft is also used. A cover assembly is attached to complete the device. The cover assembly includes a lead frame interconnection assembly and a magnetic sensor adapted to detect the passing of sense magnets to determine the position of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A pintle bushing assembly for a poppet valve assembly including a tolerance ring which is disposable between the pintle bushing and a bore in the body of the valve to both seal and center the bushing in the bore. The tolerance ring includes a plurality of radially-extending dimples which are deformable during assembly such that the valve pintle can be aligned coaxially with the valve seat under all conditions. An axial flange on the tolerance ring is sealed against axial surfaces of the valve body adjacent the bore and a flange on the bushing to prevent leakage past the bushing.

Abstract: An electrical connection is achieved via crimping a conventional terminal about a solid conductor. The terminal has first and second wings projecting laterally outward and in opposite directions from a base portion. An inner surface of the base portion is in electrical contact with the conductor side opposite the groove, and the outreaching wings are curled about the conductor and extend into the groove. An outer surface, opposite the inner surface, of the first and second wings engage each other within the groove to prevent spring-back of the wings out of the groove thereby assuring structural mechanical integrity of the electrical connection.

Abstract: A method of making composite electric machine components. Magnetic segments and non-magnetic segments are separately formed to green strength, and then arranged adjacent to each other in a desired magnetic pattern. A small amount of powder material is added in-between the segments, and the whole assembly is then sintered to form a sinterbonded composite component of high structural integrity.

Abstract: A seat bladder weight estimation apparatus includes an interface panel having multiple regions of substantial rigidity separated by regions of insubstantial rigidity. The regions of substantial rigidity limit sensitivity to seat foam variations, and the regions of insubstantial rigidity permit differential movement and angulation of the rigid regions for regional transfer of occupant weight to the bladder. The regional transfer of occupant weight to the bladder allows regional variation of the bladder sensitivity to occupant weight through various bladder geometry design features.

Abstract: A NOx control for an exhaust is provided. The NOx control includes a nickel compound and a NOx adsorber. Systems for treating an exhaust gas are also provided, including use of a non-thermal plasma reactor and a NOx control, and optionally a particulate trap.

Abstract: An immobilizer monitors the ignition status of a motor vehicle, in a low power sleep mode or while performing other tasks, and is responsive to a change in ignition status between an off state and an on state to become active from the sleep mode or to interrupt the other tasks. If the change is to an on state, the immobilizer initiates ignition control module interrogation of an ignition control module to check for a valid key in the ignition, authorizes or prevents engine operation according to the result and returns to the sleep mode when finished. If the change is to the off state, the immobilizer again initiates ignition control module interrogation of the ignition control module to check for a valid key in the ignition and sets a key in status datum true or false according to the result. Either the immobilizer itself or a separate body computer responsive to the key in status datum provides a key in ignition warning when a key in status datum of true is detected simultaneously with an open driver door.