Abstract: A position sensor system including a magnet, a magnetic flux sensor positioned a distance away from the magnet, the magnetic flux sensor and the magnet defining a flux path therebetween, and a flux guide positioned in the flux path to guide magnetic flux to the magnetic flux sensor.

Abstract: Means for attenuating the seating force of a cam-actuated poppet valve such as an exhaust gas recirculation valve in an internal combustion engine including a shock-absorber disposed between the valve stem and valve head. In a currently preferred embodiment, the shock-absorber is a wave washer disposed around the valve stem and captured between the valve stem and the valve head, between which axial motion is allowed. After the valve head engages the valve seat to close the valve, any further travel of the actuator cam and valve stem is absorbed by compression of the wave washer, thus attenuating additional force on elements of the valve actuation train. In opening the valve, the reverse occurs, in that initial motion of the actuator cam and valve stem serves to relieve compression of the wave washer, followed by removal of the valve head from the valve seat.

Abstract: A non-contacting, magnet-based, rotary and linear travel absolute position sensor each include a stationary galvanomagnetic sensing element disposed in an air gap or slot of a movable magnet/flux concentrator assembly. The assembly has a first flux concentrator comprising ferromagnetic material having opposing magnet ends, and a second flux concentrator also comprising ferromagnetic material having opposing magnet ends but that is spaced apart from the first flux concentrator by a pair of magnets to form the air gap or slot. The magnet ends of each flux concentrator have a respective magnet area configured to engage a corresponding magnet and is configured in size and shape to cover the magnet. Additionally, the flux concentrators are configured in geometry to decrease in cross-sectional area from the inboard side of the magnet ends towards the center region of the concentrators, specifically the center of travel together provide improved linearity and signal to noise ratio of the output position signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a catalytic converter; forming a shell having a welding deformation detail; inserting and housing a catalyst substrate inside the shell, wherein a mat support material is disposed between the shell and the catalyst substrate; welding an end cone having a flange to the shell by applying a deformation force to the flange causing deformation of welding deformation detail.

Abstract: A knob assembly comprising a rotary knob, a rotary actuated potentiometer and an electronic display. The rotary knob has a central opening and is configured to rotate. The rotary actuated potentiometer is actuated by rotation of the rotary knob. The electronic display is located within the central opening of the rotary knob. The electronic display does not rotate with rotation of the rotary knob.

Abstract: A child restraint system with a child seat monitoring system and a method for monitoring a child seat are provided. The child restraint system is adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The child restraint system includes a child seat having a carrier portion and a handle coupled to the carrier portion. The child restraint system further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the handle for generating a first signal indicative of a temperature in a predetermined region of the child seat.

Abstract: A combustible gas inflator and a method for filling and sealing the inflator are provided. The inflator includes an enclosure configured to receive and store the combustible gas under pressure. The enclosure has an outer wall comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a fill aperture extending therethrough. The fill aperture has a first aperture portion and a second aperture portion. The first aperture portion is proximate the exterior surface and the second aperture portion is proximate the interior surface, wherein the first aperture portion is larger than the second aperture portion. The inflator further includes a sealing member configured to seal the fill aperture. The sealing member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to sealingly engage a portion of the second aperture portion and the second portion is configured to sealingly engage a portion of the first aperture portion.

Abstract: A partially overmolded component having a precisely defined overmolding edge includes a component having a protruding elongate rib and the overmolding having a terminal edge abutting the protruding elongate rib. The rib defines surfaces that provide a greater area of contact between the component and an overmolding tool and a more tortuous flow path to bleed-through.

Abstract: A spreader plate for an electronic component cooling assembly has a flat lower surface and a substantially arcuate upper surface of larger surface area than the lower surface which is generally convex and arcuate in cross section, and which decreases in thickness, as measured between the lower and upper surfaces, moving from the central area out to the periphery. This allows the heat flux lines to be more evenly spaced and regular in length, as compared to a typical plate with flat upper and lower surfaces of equal surface area.

Abstract: A control system for controlling energization of a plurality of valves in a vehicle hydraulic system. The control system includes a plurality of sensors for measuring various dynamic conditions and operational aspects of the vehicle, a signal processing circuit coupled to the plurality of sensors for determining a desired energization of the plurality of valves dependent upon measurements by at least a portion of the plurality of sensors, and a driver circuit coupled to the signal processing circuit for generating, responsive to the desired energization of the plurality of valves as determined by the signal processing circuit, a control signal to energize the plurality of valves to the desired energization. The control system receives inputs from the plurality of vehicle sensors. These inputs are processed, and the processed inputs and signals derived from the inputs are forwarded to the driver circuit for use in generating a control signal for operating the vehicle valve system.

Abstract: A system for establishing a vehicle parameter including collecting signals from a satellite and deriving a reference vehicle parameter from the satellite signals. Signals from a vehicle sensor are also collected and an estimated vehicle parameter is derived therefrom. Once the satellite signals and the estimated vehicle parameter signals are collected, parameters for a correction algorithm are generated and thereafter, the correction algorithm is applied to vehicle sensor signals to generate a corrected vehicle parameter or to generate a vehicle tire status parameter.

Abstract: An improved overmolded electronic assembly includes a backplate, a circuit substrate on the backplate, at least one electronic component mounted on the circuit substrate, conductive traces on the circuit substrate which together with the electronic component(s) defines a circuit device, an electrical connector, a metal ring on an outer side of a thermoplastic wall member of the electrical connector, and an overmold body. The metal ring circumscribes external connector pins of the electrical connector, and the overmold body together with the backplate and thermoplastic wall member of the electrical connector sealingly encase the circuit substrate and the circuit device defined on the substrate, with the overmold body having a peripheral edge in adhesive contact with the metal ring. The invention avoids delamination problems associate with similar arrangements which do not incorporate a metal ring.

Abstract: An oil distribution system for an internal combustion engine comprising a longitudinal bore in the engine head or block connected to an engine oil pump. A longitudinal insert is disposed in the engine bore, the insert being formed and disposed to define segmented galleries within the bore, a first oil gallery being in communication with the engine camshaft bearings and a second oil gallery being in communication with switchable cam followers in the engine. The two galleries are separated but connected by one or more oil control valves. Thus, the camshaft bearings are exposed to high engine oil pressure at all times independent of the switchable cam followers; likewise, the switchable cam followers may be latched and unlatched at any time or condition deemed beneficial for engine operation without jeopardizing lubrication sufficiency to the camshaft bearings.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly preferably has a collapsible steering shaft that extends rotatably along a centerline and a collapsible column that houses and co-extends with the shaft. The column preferably has inner and outer jackets that retract axially to collapse the column. An energy absorbing device has a member engaged between the inner and outer jackets and controls the collapse of the column generally via a high load stage and a low load stage of operation. The member is preferably elongated axially having a distal end that is looped over and spaced radially outward from the remainder of the member. The distal end is attached disengagably to the outer jacket via a pin received in a hole in the distal end and a fuse engaged operably to the pin and attached to the outer jacket.

Abstract: A strain sensor includes a load carrying body configured to strain in response to a load applied along a load path. The sensor further includes a magnetostrictive electrical conductor affixed to the body but out of the load path. Application of the load causes the body to strain, which in turn results in a proportional stress being imparted to the magnetostrictive conductor, altering its magnetic permeability. A circuit is electrically connected to the conductor to detect such changes in permeability, which are indicative of the applied load.

Abstract: A technique for providing better detection of close range truck trailers for a motor vehicle with Stop and Go Adaptive Cruise Control determines if a range parameter to a target requires modification if such target is a truck trailer, for example. Truck trailer geometry is such that a standard adaptive cruise control system may have difficulty accurately determining the range to the rearmost position of the truck. The technique determines an initial range from the motor vehicle to a target. Then, the technique determines whether the range rate of the target is above a predetermined rate. When the range rate of the target is not above the predetermined rate, the technique determines whether the initial range to the target is less than a current range to the target. If so, the technique provides an adjusted range, which is then utilized in the control operation of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An improved O-ring retainer arrangement for retaining an O-ring on a fuel tube of a fuel injector. An overmolded hard plastic ring is disposed on the cylindrical outer surface of the fuel tube. The end of the fuel tube is radially flared to retain the ring on the tube, the radial extent of the flare being less than or equal to the radial thickness of the ring such that the flare cannot come into contact with the bore of a fuel rail socket. The ring is formed such that axial compressive forces exerted on the ring are outside the fuel tube body and preferably are directly opposed, thus exerting no toroidal torque on the ring. The ring is free to move axially on the fuel tube surface. In one aspect of the invention, the ring can move freely along only a limited region on the fuel tube.

Abstract: A flow meter for measuring a flow rate of a flow of a fluid includes a housing member including a first section configured to matingly couple with a second section. The flow meter further includes an integrally formed laminar flow member removably held within at least a portion of the first section of the housing member. The laminar flow member includes a body and a plurality of channels integrally formed within the body, wherein each of the plurality of channels is substantially continuous in the longitudinal direction and substantially continuous in the transverse direction.

Abstract: An indicator device for vehicles includes a fixed support mounted in the vicinity of a steering column, an actuation lever, a moveable finger mechanically connected to the actuation lever, and safety means. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the moveable finger is mounted on the fixed support slidingly between a position of engagement of its free end, pivoting of the moveable finger being possible only in the engagement position. Return means are provided to return the finger into its disengaged position. The moveable finger and the fixed support each include an indexing surface, and the two surfaces are superimposed as to co-operate with an elastic push button on the end of the actuation lever.

Abstract: An electronic device that facilitates improved electrical and thermal performance and/or allows fabrication of smaller electronic devices exhibiting excellent performance characteristics, especially for devices operating at microwave frequencies, includes an input/output pad, and a carbon nanotube extending from the input/output pad to provide wafer-level nano-interconnect for flip chip interconnections and die stacking on a substrate.