Abstract: A minimum joint thickness can be assured by incorporating beads or particles having a diameter corresponding to the joint thickness desired and which are infusible at the brazing temperature. Preferably such particles are formed of high-melting metals, metal oxides, ceramics, or cermets and are mixed into the alloy paste prior to fusing. In a preferred embodiment, the particle-containing paste is mixed with a non-flux carrier to facilitate application to the elements to be brazed. Exemplary application methods may include painting, rolling, screening, or extrusion dispensing. Brazing alloys in accordance with the invention are useful in bonding ceramics to ceramics, ceramics to metals, and metals to metals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting a steering wheel in a vehicle during normal vehicle handling and is breakable in response to an impact situation. The apparatus includes a member attachable to a vehicle and a steering column connected to the member for sliding movement. The apparatus also includes a capsule for connecting the member and the steering column to one another to prevent the sliding movement during normal vehicle handling. The capsule maintains the member and the steering column relative to one another, overcoming forces urging movement between the member and the steering column relative to one another, up to a first predetermined level of force. When the forces reach the first predetermined level, such as in an impact situation, the capsule breaks and releases the member and the steering column relative to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling a rear brake hydraulic circuit having a fluid storage element and a master cylinder supplying a volume of pressurized brake fluid to the rear brakes during the braking cycle in a pump-less anti-lock brake apparatus controlling the rotational speeds, during a braking cycle, of only the rear brakes of a vehicle having at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel, and front and rear brakes acting on the front and rear wheels respectively, by determining whether the vehicle is operating lightly loaded at a light vehicle weight (LVW) or heavily loaded at a gross vehicle weight (GVW), providing rear dynamic proportioning (RDP) when a predetermined deceleration rate is exceeded during the braking event with the vehicle operating at LVW, and inhibiting RDP when the vehicle is operating at GVW. The apparatus and method also provide rear pressure control (RPC) during anti-lock braking.

Abstract: A steering column assembly is disclosed featuring a steering column carried by a release bracket having parallel connecting walls interposed between spaced sidewalls of a mounting bracket, which is for attachment to a vehicle subassembly. Shear capsules are releasably disposed within respective rearwardly-opening primary notches on the connecting walls. The capsules are connected to the mounting bracket by being disposed in respective secondary notches on the sidewalls. The capsules shear in response to an axial shear force above a predetermined threshold value and release the connecting walls to permit the steering column to collapse.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing data utilized in a redundant, closed-loop feedback control system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes configuring a plurality of control nodes within the control system, with each of the plurality of control nodes transmitting and receiving data through a common communication bus. At each of the plurality of control nodes during a given control loop time T=N, the receipt of externally generated data with respect to each control node is verified, the externally generated data having been generated during a preceding control loop time T=N?1. At each of the plurality of control nodes during the given control loop time T=N, output control data is calculated using the externally generated data. During the given control loop time T=N, the calculated output control data from each individual control node is further transmitted over the communication bus to be later utilized by other control nodes during a subsequent control loop time T=N+1.

Abstract: An extended rich mode engine configured and operated extremely rich of stoichiometric to produce a substantially continuous hydrogen rich engine exhaust. Oxygen enrichment devices further optimize production of hydrogen rich engine exhaust. Engines include a free piston gas generator with rich homogenous charge compression, a rich internal combustion engine cylinder system with an oxygen generator, and a rich inlet turbo-generator system with exhaust heat recovery. Oxygen enrichment devices to enhance production of hydrogen rich engine exhaust include pressure swing absorption with oxygen selective materials, and oxygen separators such as a solid oxide fuel cell oxygen separator and a ceramic membrane oxygen separator.

Abstract: An antenna having a plurality of elongated conductors is disclosed. The elongated conductors have a substantially straight portion and a substantially helical portion.

Abstract: An electronic package having enhanced heat dissipation is provided exhibiting dual conductive heat paths in opposing directions. The package includes a substrate having electrical conductors thereon and a flip chip mounted to the substrate. The flip chip has a first surface, solder bumps on the first surface, and a second surface oppositely disposed from the first surface. The flip chip is mounted to the substrate such that the solder bumps are registered with the conductors on the substrate. The package further includes a stamped metal heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the second surface of the flip chip. The heat sink includes a cavity formed adjacent to the flip chip containing a thermally conductive material.

Abstract: An electrical connector has male terminals that are retained in terminal cavities of a connector body by rigid lock nibs and flexible cantilever beams that push the terminals against the rigid lock nibs. The male terminal have blades that project into a socket at a mating end of the connector body. A stabilizer that is disposed into the socket shifts between a preload position allowing terminal insertion into locked engagement in the connector body, and a stabilize position stabilizing the blades in the socket and enhancing the terminal retention in the terminal cavities.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining a velocity and a direction of travel of a vehicle on a roadway are provided. The method includes selecting a portion of the roadway and determining a cellular phone base station that is within a desired distance from the portion of the roadway, from a plurality of cellular phone base stations. The method further includes inducing a cellular phone base station to transmit a first message to a first global positioning system transceiver unit disposed in a first vehicle. The first message requests a first position coordinate from the first GPS transceiver unit. The method further includes receiving a second message from the first GPS transceiver unit having the first position coordinate and a first time value, and inducing the cellular phone base station to transmit a third message to the first GPS transceiver unit. The third message requests a second position coordinate of the first GPS transceiver unit.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improved monitoring and controlling of mechanically commutated DC motors. The system and method include DC motors, pulse-count driver circuitry for driving the motors, motor position sensing circuitry, and motor control circuitry. The system and method provide for improved motor current waveform sensing that is able to effectively reject false brake pulses, avoid erroneous processing due to fluctuating battery voltage levels, and reduce the sensitivity to variations in motor current signals due to dynamic motor load, manufacturing variation, system aging, temperature, brush bounce, EMI, and other factors. The system and method also include an improved ability to multiplex additional external motor drivers to the motor control circuitry, select between sequential and simultaneous drive modes using an SPI bit, and monitor the system controller for an error condition and simultaneously driver motors in response to the error condition.

Abstract: An occupant recognition system for vehicles comprises at least one pressure sensor arranged beneath the foam of a vehicle seat, at least one temperature sensor and an electronic control and/or evaluation unit to which the sensors are connected. Means are provided to match the time behavior, in particular the time behavior present on changes in the ambient temperature, of the output signal of the temperature sensor arranged at a distance from the pressure sensor or from the seat foam to the time behavior of the temperature prevailing in the region of the pressure sensor or of the seat foam.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for producing a gas treatment device includes disposing a mat support material about a substrate to form a subassembly; passing at least a portion of the subassembly into a main body portion of a housing that has a first portion having a decreasing internal diameter from a first end to the main body portion, the main body portion extending from the first portion.

Abstract: The present invention creates a virtual sensor plane by arraying two one-dimensional light sensors at right angles to one another wherein the shaft of a joystick extends perpendicularly through the virtual sensor plane. With this configuration, the sensor plane can detect traditional joystick rotation around a point along its axis as well as a herein-disclosed true rotation of the joystick around the joystick axis itself. Between the light sources and lenses which enable light detection and the optical, rather than mechanical or electromechanical, nature of the light sensors, wear surfaces in the joystick are minimized or eliminated everywhere except, where applicable, in the universal joint at the base of joystick configurations which include such a universal joint.

Abstract: In a vehicle frame, a console frame structure is assembled to a chassis or main frame structure using a flap retainer. The chassis includes a bracket having a slot with a forward closed end and a rear open end. The console frame structure includes a post that is inserted into the slot for assembly. A flap retainer is attached to the bracket adjacent the slot and includes a fixed portion attached near the closed end and a free portion adjacent the open end. The flap retainer defines an opening sized and shaped for receiving the post. During assembly, the flap retainer flexes so that the free portion is spaced apart from the open end of the slot to allow the post to be inserted. The flap retainer returns to a retaining position to capture the post within the opening of the flap retainer. In the event of a vehicle impact, the flap retainer secures the post to prevent the console frame structure from becoming dislodged.

Abstract: An integrated torque and position sensor is set forth for measuring the relative rotational movement between an input and an output shaft and for measuring the final angle position of the output shaft. The integrated sensor includes a wheel that rotates with the shaft. An incremental sensing mechanism detects the incremental rotation of the shaft. In response to the shaft rotating to a predetermined angle, an actuation mechanism engages the wheel with a change gear for every new revolution in which the shaft passes. A segment sensing mechanism detects the segment in which the shaft is disposed. A method is set forth to calibrate and compensate the electrical outputs generated by the integrated torque and position sensor. The method produces common amplitudes and establishes a common angle with an expected phase angle shift for the electrical outputs.

Abstract: A novel air flow control valve for an air outlet in an HVAC housing provides for strong, even seal pressure all the way around the edge of the opening. In stead of a swinging door hinged at one edge of the opening, in which seal pressure is strong on the hinge edge but weaker on the opposite edge, a flat panel is moved straight toward and away from the opening. In the closed position, the sealing pressure is even all the way around. The sealing panel is moved back and forth by a rotary cam mechanism.

Abstract: A combined gasoline and hydrogen fueling system for a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine, including, preferably, a rapid-start catalytic reformer for producing reformate gas containing hydrogen from gasoline. The reformate from the reformer is swept by air into the intake manifold of the cold engine where it is mixed with intake air and then drawn into the cylinders and ignited conventionally to start the engine. A computer-based reformer control system optimizes the amount of reformate formed and the resulting reformate/air mixture. The reformer control system interfaces or is integral with a computer-based gasoline and air supply system for the engine, the two systems cooperating to optimize a mixture of gasoline and reformate in the intake manifold at all times during warming of the engine and its exhaust catalyst to steady-state operating temperature. Preferably, flow of reformate is terminated thereafter.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat exchanger operable, for example, with Stirling cooling system. The heat exchanger includes a first member having an inner surface defining a flow path for a working fluid. The first member also includes an outer surface spaced from the inner surface. The heat exchanger also includes a second member cooperating with the first member to define a first substantially enclosed heat exchanging chamber having a height and extending along at least a portion of the outer surface. The heat exchanger also includes at least one first blind conduit including an opening communicating with the first substantially enclosed heat exchanging chamber and a distal end spaced from the opening. The second member and the at least one first blind conduit cooperate with one another to define an enclosed path for a two-phase fluid to move along back and forth between the outer surface and the distal end.

Abstract: A leak-testing technique and apparatus for differential pressure sensor arrays is provided. A reference pressure sensor array is provided, wherein a seal is disposed between the reference pressure sensor array and a target differential pressure sensor array. A probe socket is utilized to communicate with each individual sensor in the reference pressure sensor array. The target pressure sensor array and the reference pressure sensor array are sealed via a pressure plate and plunger assembly. The target pressure sensor array, seal, and reference pressure sensor array are exposed to a first pressure. The target differential pressure sensor array, seal, and reference pressure sensor array are then exposed to a second pressure. The probe socket verifies that all reference pressure sensors continue to output the first pressure. If the probe socket identifies a reference pressure sensor that reads the second pressure, then the corresponding target pressure sensor is identified as being defective because of leakage.