Abstract: A vehicle stability monitoring system and a method and an article of manufacture for determining vehicle stability are provided. The vehicle stability monitoring system includes a plurality of vehicle sensors generating a plurality of signals. The vehicle stability monitoring system further includes a computer operably communicating with the plurality of vehicle sensors. The computer is configured to calculate a first value indicative of vehicle stability at a first predetermined time based on the plurality of signals.

Abstract: A test system and method of analyzing a pin to circuit connection on a substrate is provided. The method includes applying thermal energy to the pin or the substrate at a location outside of the pin to circuit interface, and measuring infrared radiation near the pin to circuit interface. The method also includes the step of analyzing the measured infrared radiation to determine thermal energy distribution near the pin to circuit interface resulting from thermal conductivity at the interface. The method further includes the step of determining sufficiency of the pin to circuit electrical and mechanical connection based on the determined thermal energy distribution.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a column jacket extending along a longitudinal axis and a steering shaft rotatably supported by the column jacket. A power assist module includes a housing coupled to the column jacket and a motor. The motor applies a torque to the steering shaft. An isolator connection interconnects the housing and the column jacket to permit rotational flexure of the power assist module relative to the column jacket, i.e., the power assist module may rotate relative to the column jacket, thereby preventing undesirable rotation of a lever mounted to the column jacket in response to the motor applying the torque to the steering shaft.

Abstract: A joint assembly for coupling first and second rotating parts, including a first joint member for mounting to the first rotating part, a second joint member including a centering flange having a first length disposed about an axis for mounting to the second rotating part, and at least one torque-transmitting element disposed between the first and second joint members for operatively coupling the first and second joint members. The centering flange has a contact section configured for being in a substantially interference fit with the second rotating part when mounting the centering flange to the second rotating part. The contact section has a second length substantially smaller than the first length of the centering flange such that the substantially interference fit between the centering flange and the second rotating part provides alignment between the centering flange and the second rotating part while minimizing forces necessary to mount the centering flange to the second rotating part.

Abstract: A technique for providing management of a motor vehicle information system includes a number of steps. Initially, a wake-up message is received from a portable transmitter. In general, the wake-up message, unique to the portable transmitter, is provided responsive to user activation of a button that is electrically coupled to the portable transmitter. Next, it is determined whether power capability of the motor vehicle is adequate responsive to receipt of the wake-up message. When the motor vehicle power capability is adequate, power is provided to a wireless interface, a vehicle information system and a mass storage device, all of which are located within the motor vehicle. Information is then received via the wireless interface and stored in the mass storage device, when the power capability of the motor vehicle is adequate.

Abstract: An engine data acquisition and control system measures cylinder pressure at a high degree of resolution and then processes it for portions of the combustion cycle of interest for performing combustion calculations. The data are utilized to calculate combustion parameters, and the combustion parameters may be utilized to control the engine's fuel and/or spark timing/duration, and other variables affecting the combustion process. The system architecture provides for acquisition of very large amounts of data without unduly loading the CPU.

Abstract: A receiver is disclosed. The receiver includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a system controller, a national broadcast demodulator, a local broadcast demodulator, and an information output select device. The first antenna for receives a signal from a satellite that contains information of national interest. The second antenna receives a signal from a land-based transmitter that contains information of local interest. The national broadcast demodulator is coupled to the first antenna and the system controller. The national broadcast demodulator provides a first interrupt indicator to the system controller. The local broadcast demodulator is coupled to the second antenna and the system controller. The local broadcast demodulator provides a second interrupt indicator to the system controller.

Abstract: An electronic assembly including a vertical mount connector header is overmolded to form an encapsulated module. Conductor pins retained in the connector header are coupled to a circuit board to support the connector header with respect to the circuit board, leaving an open space between the connector header and the circuit board. The electronic assembly is then placed in a mold for plastic encapsulation. The floor of the mold has a well sized to accommodate the conductor pins and shroud of the connector header, and the connector header has a peripheral flange that seats against the floor of the mold to keep encapsulant out of the well. Encapsulant fills open spaces inboard of the connector header, and a connector insert disposed between the connector header and the floor of the well prevents distention of the connector header and circuit board due to the packing pressure of the encapsulant.

Abstract: A power steering pump having a plate disposed between a first surface and an intake chamber, wherein an intake flow channel defined by the first surface is in fluid communication with the intake chamber through an opening extending through the plate, the plate opening having opposed terminal ends. The intake flow channel defined by the first surface is configured to direct fluid flow through the plate opening into the intake chamber at a location through the plate opening that is intermediate and spaced from the two terminal ends of the plate opening. Also, a power steering pump having a plate disposed between a first surface and a pair of intake chambers, wherein a pair of intake flow channels defined by the first surface are in fluid communication with the intake chambers through a corresponding pair of openings extending through the plate.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine, the system comprising a common rail fuel reservoir having a primary rail axis and comprising a plurality of outlets at spaced locations along said rail axis and a plurality of fuel injectors arranged at spaced locations with respect to said rail axis. Each injector comprises an injector inlet, said plurality of fuel injectors defining first and second groups of injectors.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket and a lower jacket partially disposed within said upper jacket. A bushing is disposed between the upper jacket and the lower jacket. The upper jacket and the lower jacket are collapsible along a longitudinal axis in response to a collision event. A first roller mechanism and a second roller mechanism are mounted to the upper jacket near a forward end and a rearward end of the bushing respectively for engaging the lower jacket in rolling engagement. The first and second roller mechanisms resist a resultant force caused by a bending moment created by a transverse load applied to a distal end of the upper jacket to minimize an increase in a sliding frictional force between the bushing and the lower jacket.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect for a fuel cell assembly comprising a peripheral frame formed of one or more materials having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of adjacent elements to which the interconnect must be bonded and a central portion formed of a corrosion-resistant material for conducting electric current between adjacent fuel cells. Preferably, the central portion is attached to the peripheral frame via a brazed corrugated lap joint for relieving thermal expansion differences between the frame and the central portion. Preferably, the joint includes an interlayer of a ductile material, for example, a nickel, copper, silver or gold layer, which helps to relieve thermal stress between the frame and the central portion.

Abstract: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is provided for an integrated circuit. Snap back from a lower initial critical voltage and critical current is provided, as compared to contemporary designs. A dynamic region having doped regions is formed on a substrate, interconnects contacting the dynamic region. The dynamic region includes an Nwell region, a Pwell region and shallow diffusions, defining a PNP region, an NPN region and a voltage Breakdown region. In an aspect, the Nwell region includes a first N+ contact, a first P+ contact and an N+ doped enhancement, while the Pwell region includes a second N+ contact, a second P+ contact and a P+ doped enhancement. The N+ doped enhancement contacts the P+ doped enhancement forming the breakdown voltage region therebetween, in one case forming a buried breakdown voltage junction.

Abstract: A connection position assurance retainer may include mechanisms for retaining connectors. For example, a female connector and a male connector may be mated and retained. Male and female terminals, the female terminal including a terminal insert, may also be provided.

Abstract: A receiver system and method thereof are provided, wherein the receiver system includes a plurality of antenna elements, a receiver device, and a switching system. The antenna elements are configured to receive a signal including first and second antenna elements. The receiver device is in communication with the first and second antenna elements. The switching system switches between the antenna elements using a first switching device, to electrically connect the receiver device when a digital signal is available, and the digital signal received by the first antenna element has a greater signal quality than the digital signal received by other antenna elements. The switching system also switches among the antenna elements to electrically connect the receiver device and the first antenna element to receive the analog signal using a second switching device when the digital signal is unavailable.

Abstract: A series of electric terminals in which each member of the series has an identical receptacle portion at one end and a unique cable attachment portion at an opposite end is manufactured by forming a generic strip of partially formed terminals having a receptacle portion at one end in a first progressive die forming operation for all members of the series of electric terminals. Strips of completely formed electric terminals of particular members of the series of electric terminals are then completed in respective unique die progressive die forming operations using the generic strip of partially formed terminals. A modular die may be used for forming the strips of completely formed electric terminals from the intermediate generic the strip of partially formed terminals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for checking and/or calibrating a passenger recognition device arranged in a vehicle seat, in the case of which device a child's seat can be pressed against a vehicle seat and in the case of which method a vehicle seat is loaded with a child's seat and a corresponding reaction from the passenger recognition device in the vehicle seat is evaluated.

Abstract: The invention proposes a steering column module intended to be mounted on a steering column, in particular of a motor vehicle, including a casing on which is mounted a rotary electrical connector which comprises a rotor and a stator, of the type including an angular indexing sleeve which is moveable between an indexing position in which it locks the rotor in a determined angular position relative to the stator, and a neutral position in which the rotor can rotate relative to the stator, wherein said module includes a detachable cover which is arranged on the so as to cover the upper axial end section of the indexing sleeve in order to prevent access to the indexing sleeve.

Abstract: A mounting device includes a base plate for supporting an electrical coil and includes two or more legs that are substantially L-shaped. Each leg has a first end and a second end and the first end is secured to the base plate and the second end is in a direction away from the base plate. A contact pin extends through the second end of each leg and the legs are capable of resilient movement relative to the base plate.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a first jacket defining a first bore and a second jacket defining a second bore aligned with the first bore prior to collapse of the first jacket and the second jacket. A jacket connector extends through the bores to interconnect the first jacket and the second jacket. The jacket connector includes a pre-determined shear resistance, above which the jacket connector is sheared to permit telescopic movement between the first jacket and the second jacket. Accordingly, in response to an axial load greater than the pre-determined shear resistance of the jacket connector being applied to one of the first jacket and the second jacket, the jacket connector shears, permitting the telescopic movement. The jacket connector includes a pin defining a pin bore. The pin bore defines a cross sectional area, with the pre-determined shear resistance depending upon the cross sectional area of the pin bore.