Abstract: A rollover detection apparatus and method are provided for anticipating a potential vehicle rollover event. The apparatus includes an input for receiving a plurality of input signals including sensed parameters of the vehicle. A first memory buffer stores data representative of one or more predetermined driving scenarios that represent possible rollover scenarios. A second memory buffer stores data representative of a history of recent conditions of the vehicle based on the plurality of sensed vehicle parameters. The apparatus further includes a processor for comparing the data representative of a history of recent driving events to the data representative of one or more predetermined driving scenarios. The processor further determines a possible rollover event of the vehicle based on the comparison and generates an output signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a combined image includes a first reflector, a second reflector, a third reflector, and a camera. In some embodiments, one or more of the reflectors may be movable between a first position and a second position. Additionally, the apparatus may change position to alter the target view of the apparatus.

Abstract: A ferrule for a light guide comprises a continuous metal sleeve which has a first tubular section and, at an axial spacing therefrom, a coaxial second tubular section which are connected to one another via an intermediate section, and a first plastic molded part formed around the free end of the first tubular section and a second plastic molded part which is provided at an axial spacing therefrom and which is formed around the ends of the two tubular sections adjacent to the intermediate section and around the intermediate section.

Abstract: Thermoplastic compositions containing metal materials and a method for preparing the same. The compositions are formed into particles having diameters suitable for a rotational thermoforming processing. The compositions are particularly applicable for use in slush molding processes where efficient heat transfer to the material is desired to form improved surface quality thermoplastic skin. A preferred method for preparing thermoplastic compositions containing metal material into a slush moldable powder comprises melt compounding the composition to form pellets, and further processing the pellets by cryogenic pulverization. A preferred method for forming micropellets uses an extruder having a gear pump to increase the melt pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the front suspension containing elastic (14) and damping (11) elements, for vehicles with front steerable wheel, such as bicycles, motor-bicycles, motorcycles or tricycles. To minimise the total mass of the unsprung suspension elements, by relocating the elastic and the damping elements to the springing side, the suspension contains at least one cable (10) connected at one end to the upper part of the front wheel fork (1), able to shift in relation to the fork column (6) of the handle bar (7), and at the other end to the elastic element (14) and/or the damping element (11), supported on at least one end by the vehicle frame (8), wherein the cable (10) goes through the handle bar (7) steering axis. The cable (10) is preferably led on at least one leading element (16) supported by the vehicle frame. Optionally, the cable (10) may be connected on the other end to the fork (18) of the vehicle rear suspension.

Abstract: A universal anchor for a vehicle, comprising: a magnet being fixedly secured to an anchor portion defining an opening; a flux deflector movably mounted to the anchor for movement in a range defined by a first position and a second position, the flux deflector effectively blocking said opening when said flux deflector is in said first position; a magnet fixedly secured to the anchor; a sensing switch configured to detect the magnetic field of the magnet, wherein the magnetic field is increased as the flux deflector moves from the first position towards the second position, the sensing switch providing a detectable signal when the magnetic field is increased.

Abstract: A process for making a microelectromechanical device having a moveable component defined by a gap pattern in a semiconductor layer of a silicon-on-insulator wafer involves the use of a plurality of deep reactive ion etching steps at various etch depths that are used to allow a buried oxide layer of the silicon-on-insulator wafer to be exposed in selected areas before the entire moveable component of the resulting device is freed for movement. This method allows wet release techniques to be used to remove the buried oxide layer without developing stiction problems. This is achieved by utilizing deep reactive ion etching to free the moveable component after a selected portion of the buried oxide layer has been removed by wet etching.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount provides passive rate dip performance through use of a secondary orifice track-mass resiliently constrained within a first orifice track for reciprocating movement within the first orifice track under conditions such as engine idle, and constrained against reciprocating motion within the first orifice track for conditions imposing large amplitude, low frequency loads on the mount.

Abstract: A capacitive load cell includes upper and lower capacitor plates and an intermediate array of dielectric pads formed of silicone-impregnated open-cell urethane foam (i.e., gel pads). The silicone essentially displaces air that would otherwise be trapped in the foam, contributing to a dielectric having minimal humidity-related variability. The upper capacitor plate is defined by an array of individual charge plates, the lower capacitor plate defines a ground plane conductor common to each of the charge plates, and the dielectric pads are disposed between the ground plane conductor and each of the charge plates, leaving channels between adjacent dielectric pads. When occupant weight is applied to the seat, the dielectric pads transmitting the weight distend laterally into the channels to reduce the separation between the respective upper and lower capacitor plates, and the consequent change in capacitance is detected as a measure of the applied force and the force distribution.

Abstract: A method of main reformer startup is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a first supply of fuel and a first supply of air into a micro-reformer. The first supply of fuel is increased to produce a heated reformate in the micro-reformer. The heated reformate is directed through a main reformer in order to heat the main reformer. At least a portion of the heated reformate is burned in the main reformer. A second supply of fuel and a second supply of air is introduced into the main reformer to produce a main supply of reformate. A method for maintaining a vehicle device in standby condition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A module is mounted to a object with a fastener and a special washer. The fastener engages the object through a mounting opening in mounting portion of a module case. The washer has a first portion extending obliquely outward and downward to be deformed between the fastener head and an electrically non-conducting surface of the mounting portion and thus increase a mounting force on the module with mounting advancement of the fastener. The washer has a second portion extending axially into the internal opening to contact an electrically conducting insert therein and thus create a series electrical circuit from the typically grounded object through the fastener, washer and insert to a detecting circuit, which verifies that the module is securely mounted with a predetermined mounting force.

Abstract: A pressurized container includes a vessel defining a chamber therein. A housing that is connected to the vessel defines an outlet that is fluidly separated from the chamber by a closure member. A moveable member may be seated within and form a seal with the housing and abut the closure member. Activation of an initiator propels the moveable member through the closure member, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet. The pressurized container might include an obstruction partially blocking an outlet path and another initiator that breaks the obstruction when activated, thereby further opening the outlet path. The pressurized container might include a main path fluidly connected to the outlet, a first secondary path that connects the main path to the chamber, and a second secondary path that also connects the main path to the chamber.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine has a nozzle body (36) provided with a nozzle bore (42), an inner valve (16) which is engageable with an inner valve seating (48) to control fuel delivery through one or more first nozzle outlets (38), and an outer valve (18) which is received within the nozzle bore (42) and engageable with an outer valve seating (48) to control fuel delivery through one or more second nozzle outlets (40). An actuator (14) for controlling movement of the inner and outer valves (16, 18) transmits an actuation force to the valves (16, 18) so as to permit either movement of the inner valve (16) only to provide a first injection state in which fuel is delivered through only the or each of the first outlets (38), or movement of the outer valve (18) only to provide a second injection state in which fuel is delivered through only the or each of the second outlets (40).

Abstract: A bearing module for a pintle valve including a pintle bearing, bearing spring, and two-part housing. The bearing has an axial face for sealing against an inner axial surface of the housing. The bearing diameter is less than the diameter of the housing, permitting the bearing to float radially. The housing fits into a port in the valve body and also extends over an axial surface of the body, thus forming a seal against the wall of the port and the surface of the body. The bearing spring, preferably a wave washer, is compressed within the housing as the two housing parts are assembled to form the module. In a currently preferred embodiment, the housing further comprises a coking shield extending along the surface of the pintle shaft within the valve port to reduce the tendency for coking gases to enter the bearing module.

Abstract: Disclosed herein an evaporative emission treatment device comprising: a housing; and an adsorption member disposed in the housing, the adsorption member comprising an adsorption component comprising an activated carbon textile made from a novoloid precursor.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises at least one chamber for accommodating at least one electrical contact and a seal arranged in the inlet region of the chamber through which the electrical contact is plugged through or pierced through when fitting the connector. Immediately behind and/or immediately in front of the seal viewed in the contact plug-in direction an admission region widened transversely to the contact plug-in direction is provided in each case for the sealing material displaced when the contact is plugged through or pulled out.

Abstract: A method for controlling a voltage mode controlled electric machine comprising: receiving a torque value representative of a desired torque; obtaining a speed value indicative of a rotational velocity of the electric machine; acquiring a phase advance value indicative of a desired phase advance angle; generating a voltage command responsive to the torque value, the position value; the generating is responsive to the torque value, the speed value, and the phase advance value.

Abstract: A steering column assembly (10) of the collapsible type includes a mounting plate (30) for rigid attachment to a vehicle body structure. The mounting plate (30) supports the steering column (12) during normal operation through interconnecting release capsules (24) which allow the steering column (12) to collapse, away from the rigidly attached mounting plate (30), during a frontal collision. An energy absorbing tear strip (44) in formed integrally in the mounting plate (30) and is connected via tab (43) to a fixed connection (42) which adjoins a portion of the column bracket (18). The column bracket (18) moves together with the steering column (12) during a collapse situation. The tear strip (44) simultaneously bends and tears in a peeling fashion as the steering column (12) collapses to provide energy absorption for the assembly (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring current, and particularly bi-directional current, in a field-effect transistor (FET) using drain-to-source voltage measurements. The drain-to-source voltage of the FET is measured and amplified. This signal is then compensated for variations in the temperature of the FET, which affects the impedance of the FET when it is switched on. The output is a signal representative of the direction of the flow of current through the field-effect transistor and the level of the current through the field-effect transistor. Preferably, the measurement only occurs when the FET is switched on.

Abstract: The snap-on steering column shroud assembly includes an upper shroud and a lower shroud. The upper shroud has an upper steering shaft passage portion that is positioned vertically, axially and angularly relative to the upper steering shaft. A front edge is moved toward the steering column to move upper shroud cantilever snap fasteners into engagement with the steering column. Force is applied manually to force the upper shroud snap fasteners into a retaining position. A lower shroud is aligned with the upper shroud by alignment posts and alignment post receivers and then raised into contact with the steering column. Lower shroud cantilevered snap fasteners are manually forced into a lower shroud retaining position on the steering column. Snap connectors and snap receivers connect the upper shroud to the lower shroud.