Abstract: A pre-staged electrical connector system including mutually seatable first and second connector halves. A female terminal retainer is seated in the first connector half, having a front face, a rear face and a plurality of terminal cavities for each receiving a portion of a terminal, wherein the terminal has an annular abutment. A plurality of flexible locking fingers extend from the front face, each straddling two adjacent terminal cavities. Each flexible locking finger includes a pair of spaced apart locking shoulders, one for each straddled terminal cavity, each locking shoulder having a terminus. When the female terminal is passed into a terminal cavity from the rear face, the terminus of the locking shoulder thereat interferingly abuts the terminal abutment, thereby preventing rearward withdrawal of the female terminal through the rear face.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for electric motors, such as those used in automotive applications. The system comprises a controller for supplying a desired command current to said electric motor, a sensor for measuring the rotational speed of the motor, a sensor for measuring the actual current supplied to the motor by the controller, a diagnostic control unit adapted to receive the measured rotational speed, measured supplied voltage, and a command current level value as inputs. The diagnostic control unit further comprises circuitry to calculate an estimated actual current drawn by the motor and to signal an error condition if the estimated actual current is not within a calculated valid range.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a sensor so that its output signal will indicate a tooth edge location coinciding with the nominal center line of the sensor, or coinciding with any other specified point on the face of the sensor. The proposed method applies to all types of sensors (magnetic and otherwise) which rely on the comparison between input and reference signals to generate a binary output signal. As a part of the manufacturing process, each sensor is oriented and located with respect to a stationary segment of a target wheel identical to that which will be subsequently used in operation. It is preferred for the segment to include a portion of a tooth, a portion of a slot, and one tooth edge specified as either falling or rising. The tooth edge is precisely aligned with the centerline of the sensor at a desired offset angle with respect to the actual tooth edge measured from the center of the target wheel. Now the reference level is adjusted until the output signal switches state.

Abstract: A liquid cooled fuel rail assembly includes an elongate tubular fuel conduit having a longitudinal central axis and a first diameter. The fuel conduit is configured for carrying fuel and defines at least one port, each port being configured to receive an intake end of a corresponding fuel injector. A first end plug is associated with a first end of the fuel conduit and defines a first bore and a second bore therethrough. The first end plug seals the first end of the fuel conduit. A second end plug is associated with a second end of the fuel conduit and defines a first bore and a second bore therethrough. The second end plug seals the second end of the fuel conduit. A fuel inlet is in fluid communication with the second bore of the first end plug. A fuel outlet is in fluid communication with the second bore of the second end plug. An elongate tubular coolant conduit has a second outside diameter that is less than the first outside diameter of the fuel conduit.

Abstract: A method and circuit for balancing energy levels among first and second battery groups within a battery pack are provided. The first and second battery groups are connected across a first current bus that may, for example, provide power for an electric motor of an electric vehicle. The first battery group is also connected across a second current bus that may, for example, provide current to vehicle electrical systems such as lighting systems. The method includes the steps of generating a first state of charge value indicative of a first energy level in the first battery group and generating a second state of charge value indicative of a second energy level in the second battery group. The method also includes the step of controlling the first energy level responsive to the first and second state of charge values.

Abstract: A detector of position of rotation of a target wheel via the outputs of a differential sensor employing two matched MRs to extract position of rotation information from the target wheel. The target wheel is provided with wide and narrow slots or teeth circumferentially arranged such that, for example, 24 zones are created wherein each zone ranges from the center of a wide slot to the center of a narrow slot, and wherein each zone occupies 15 degrees circumferentially. The two matched MRs of the sensor are powered by matched current sources and matched magnetic biasing and are aligned in the circumferential direction of the target wheel. The MRs generate two angularly offset signals from the passage of a single slot (or tooth) of the target wheel which are input to a signal conditioning circuit. Within the signal conditioning circuit, the two sensor signals are differentially amplified to produce a differential signal whereby the width of the slot is used to encode a binary position pulse.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an exhaust constituent sensor comprising a planar sensing element securely held in place within a tubular inner shield by known methods. Improved thermal management of the sensor is provided by disposing a thermally conductive material between said planar sensing element and said tubular shield. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermally conductive material comprises a high thermal conductivity metal mesh which transfers heat within said tubular shield to said tubular shield via thermal conduction. The heat is then dissipated into the surrounding environment via thermal convection at an outer surface of the tubular shield. By optionally disposing an annular heat fin on the outer surface of the tubular shield, a greater amount of heat is dissipated into the surrounding environment via thermal convection in less time.

Abstract: A fuel system comprising a unit pump/injector and a cam actuated plunger pump arranged to supply an auxiliary fluid to the injector, wherein the plunger pump is located adjacent the unit pump/injector.

Abstract: A snap ring closure system is particularly useful in securing a rod guide in an end of a tube of a hydraulic damper. The snap ring closure system utilizes an end cap or rod guide having a double-lobed groove and a peripheral flange about its outer end. The double-lobed groove includes an outer lobe and an inner lobe of a lesser depth than the outer lobe. A groove is formed on the tube and is positioned to design with the doubled-lobed groove when the end cap is inserted in the tube. The end cap includes a first snap ring in the outer lobe which expands outwardly into the tube groove when the cap is first inserted. The cap is secured by engagement of the first snap ring with the inner more shallow lobe. A second snap ring is placed between the flange and the end of the tube to remove any play between the end cap and tube.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an engine includes a continuous endoskeletal injector tube enclosing an imperforate continuous passage for fuel flow from an inlet end to an outlet end of the tube. A valve seat, injection valve, tubular magnetic pole, biasing spring and adjusting sleeve are mounted within the tube, optionally with other elements, all being exposed to fuel in the passage defined by the tube. A solenoid coil and a magnetic body together with mounting components and seals are mounted on the exterior of the tube where they are protected from exposure to the fuel, which is restricted to passage within the continuous tube. The body, pole and armature form a magnetic flux concentrating path operative to attract the armature to the pole and open the valve when the coil is energized. The solenoid coil may be preassembled with its connector in a body forming a separate coil assembly for subsequent installation on the injector tube.

Abstract: A governor comprising a metering valve member slidable within a bore to control the degree by which an outlet is obscured, the valve member and bore together defining first and second chambers. The governor also comprises a restricted flow passage whereby fuel can flow from the first chamber to the second chamber at a restricted rate, and a control valve controlling communication between the second chamber and a low pressure reservoir. The control valve is adjustable by means of a centrifugal weight mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a combustion condition such as misfire in an internal combustion engine. During an initial charging operation, a make voltage is developed across a secondary winding of the ignition coil, and thence across the electrodes of a spark plug. After combustion, the ignition coil is recharged to thereby again develop the make voltage across the secondary winding to bias the spark plug. The make voltage provides the bias across the spark plug electrodes to cause an ion current flow if combustion has in-fact occurred. The ion current is sensed with a sensing resistor.

Abstract: A single-operation valve assembly useful in such braking system applications, as well as others, includes a flow passage and a valve member located within the flow passage at a first position in which the valve member prevents fluid flow from an upstream side of the valve member to a downstream side of the valve member. The valve member and flow passage are configured for movement of the valve member from the first position along the flow passage to a second position along the flow passage when a pressure difference between the upstream side of the valve member and the downstream side of the valve member exceeds a threshold level. The valve member and the flow passage are also configured for free flow of fluid along the flow passage in either direction when the valve member moves to the second position. Thus, in a braking system circuit the subject valve assembly does not interfere with fluid flow in the circuit after the valve member has been blown to the second position.

Abstract: A window antenna is provided for receiving electromagnetic radio waves from a motor vehicle. The vehicle has a metallic structure that forms an aperture with a window glass disposed within. The window glass has an upper region and a substantially horizontal top edge that interfaces with the metallic structure. The antenna is formed from an electrically conducting material affixed to the window glass. The antenna includes a horizontally elongate principal element that is substantially parallel to and spaced from the upper edge portion of the window. The principal element electrically connects to a connecting element which extends downwardly therefrom. The connecting element electrically connects to an auxiliary element that is spaced below the principal element by an amount sufficient that no significant coupling is formed therewith.

Abstract: A method of programming one or more relay based electrical devices comprises the steps of selecting an electrical device to program, switching the relay from a first state to a second state, and applying a time varying signal to the relay associated with the selected device. The method also includes the steps of counting signal transitions occurring during the switching of the relay, and comparing the counted signal transitions to a predetermined value. The method further includes the step of programming the device based on the comparison step. Accordingly, the programming methodology advantageously enables programming of the device by employing the switching time period of the relay which allows for elimination of a separate dedicated programming terminal.

Abstract: A multiple-bore throttle valve wherein the valve shaft is restrained from end play at a point between two of the flow bores. A passageway in the valve body between the flow bores intersects the valve shaft bore non-diametrically. The valve shaft has a circumferential groove at the point of intersection. A pin pressed into both the passageway and the groove axially restrains the shaft at that location. Since thermal expansion or contraction of the shaft in its axial direction can proceed only from the point of restraint, a dual-bore valve in accordance with the invention exhibits length changes in each bore equivalent to that of a single bore valve, which is less than half the shaft length change exhibited in at least one bore of a prior art dual-bore throttle valve. Similarly, a triple-bore valve exhibits expansion comparable to individual prior art single-bore and dual-bore valves, and a quadruple-bore valve exhibits expansion comparable to a prior art dual-bore valve.

Abstract: An improved control method variably activates an electric resistance heating element in a vehicle heating system so as to maximize the heating performance without overloading the vehicle generator or discharging the vehicle storage battery. A desired activation level for the heating element is determined based at least in part on the ability of the engine driven generator to develop electrical current, and when enabled, the heating element is activated based on the desired activation level. If a load condition for which the generator is unable to charge the storage battery is detected, the activation level is progressively reduced, and when the load condition is no longer detected, the activation level is progressively increased toward the desired level.

Abstract: An improved motor commutation pulse detection circuit for comparing a filtered motor current signal to a threshold value, where the circuit is responsive to the actual or expected amplitude of the commutation pulses for adjusting the motor current signal or the threshold value so that the compared threshold value is substantially equal in amplitude to minimum amplitude commutation pulses in the compared motor current signal. In one circuit, the threshold value is varied in accordance with the average current flowing through the motor at the time of the commutation event. In another circuit, the threshold is effectively switched between a high value and a low value depending on the mode of operation of the motor. A motor run detection threshold is activated during motor running periods, while a motor brake detection threshold is activated during motor braking.

Abstract: Described is a quick connect/disconnect 10 for an electrical system comprising first and second separated electrical current carrying connectors 43A, 43B, a source of electricity, each with a first and second, respectively, receptors 40A, 40B for receiving a metallic prong; An electrical current carrying buss adapted to carry a pair of the metallic prongs 30A, 30B which cooperatively align, when connected, with the receptors of the current carrying connectors; and An electrically insulated handle 16, 18 that can be raised and lowered, which handle is attached at one end 24 to the buss and the opposite end adapted to be engaged such that in the lowered position the electrical system is connected so as to permit electrical current to pass from the first connector through the first receptor, through the metallic prong, through the buss to the other prong and to the second receptor, then to the second current carrying connector; and when the handle is in the raised position, current does not flow through the bu

Abstract: An intake manifold assembly includes an improved air intake manifold receiving novel side feed fuel injectors. A fuel rail is integrated as a common part defining a common fuel passage integral with the air intake manifold. The common fuel passage supplies the side feed fuel injectors through openings that are spaced away from the injector nozzles toward an opposite connector end of each injector. The injector design concentrates an actuating coil, armature and nozzle valve in a lower or nozzle end of the injector. The fuel is fed from the side feed opening through an axially centered fuel passage that extends through the coil and the associated armature to the injection valve in a manner identical to corresponding top feed injectors. Thus, the performance advantages of top feed injection systems are provided while gaining the reduction in cost attributable to elimination of the separate fuel rail and subassembly. Various arrangements are disclosed for retaining the injectors in the manifold assembly.