Abstract: A processor is responsive to a thermistor temperature (Tth) adjacent a FET and to a drain-to-source voltage (VDS) of the FET. The processor stores the characteristics of the PET and a thermal model of the system hardware and uses a first set of equations to determine the temperature (TJ) at the junction of the PET in a stable region of operation where TJ?Tth is nearly constant. The processor is further responsive to a step change in successive measurements of VDS indicative of a lag of Tth relative to TJ. In this step-change region, the processor then resolves TJ based upon a second set of equations.

Abstract: An eye tracking method tracks a subject's eye template by correlation between successive video frames, and periodically updates the eye template based on detected characteristic eye or eyelid movement such as blinking, eyelash movement and iris movement. In the absence of eyelid motion detection, a state vector corresponding to the center of the subject's eye is determined by a correlation technique, and when eyelid motion is detected, the state vector is determined based on the location of the detected motion.

Abstract: An electrical connection device comprises a bifurcated contact to establish an electrical connection with a mating contact, the bifurcated contact having at least two limbs, at least one web region between the limbs, and an electrically conductive jacket that is in contact with said web region. The bifurcated contact includes a region wherein the jacket at least partially surrounds the two limbs, which provide a plurality of contact positions within the jacket.

Abstract: A flexible member, comprising: an inner core member, comprising a plurality of strands of liquid crystal polymers cooperating with each other to define and provide the inner core member; an outer sheath disposed about the inner core member, the outer sheath defining an inner opening for receiving the inner core member therein, the inner core member being slidably received within the outer sheath, wherein the flexible member is capable of being disposed about a curved surface, wherein a lubricant is disposed upon an exterior surface of the outer sheath and the outer sheath further comprises an end-fitting member disposed about a portion of the flexible connector, the portion of the flexible connector comprising an engagement surface for securement of the end fitting thereto.

Abstract: A system for underfilling in a chip package includes an underfill mixture that ameliorates the CTE mismatch that typically exists between a packaged die and a resin-impregnated fiberglass mounting substrate. In one embodiment, the system includes an underfill mixture that comprises a principal underfill composition of a rigid octaaminophenyl silsesquioxane (OAPS) that is used as a curing agent for a tetrafunctional, low viscosity, and relatively rigid TGMX epoxy resin. An embodiment is also directed to the assembly of a flip chip package that uses the underfill mixture.

Abstract: A brake booster apparatus having a housing with oppositely disposed first and second walls. A first connector is disposed in the first wall and a second connector is disposed in the second wall. An elongate hollow member is deformationally engaged to each of the first and second connectors. The various embodiments of the invention include embodiments wherein the hollow member is deformed to engage the hollow member and connectors and embodiments wherein the first and second connectors are deformed to engage the hollow member and connectors. The deformational engagement mechanically attaches and sealingly engages the hollow member with each of the first and second connectors. The hollow member defines a passage through the apparatus from the first wall to the second wall of the housing. A method of manufacturing a brake booster is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical splice assembly includes a bus plate having a plurality of coplanar, spaced male blades extending from the bus plate in cantilever fashion, a plurality of female terminals attached to the male blades, and a generally U-shaped housing of extrudable shape. The housing has an elongate open end portion defining a terminal receiving cavity, a closed end portion and an intermediate portion defining a slot that communicates with the terminal receiving cavity. The bus plate is at least partially disposed in the slot and the spaced male blades are at least partially disposed in the terminal receiving cavity along with the female terminals attached to them. The bus plate is a sheet metal stamping and the housing is an extrusion. The female terminals are attached to selected ones of the male blades to form a sub-assembly that is inserted laterally into the housing so the bus plate is at least partially disposed in the slot and the female terminals are disposed in the terminal receiving cavity.

Abstract: A heat sink removes heat from an electronic device and comprises a base, a lid. An inner ring of first fins extend radially outwardly first length from an inner circle and extend axially a first height from the top surface of the base, and an outer ring of second fins extend radially inwardly a second length from an outer periphery and extend axially a second height from the top surface of the base. A confining plate extends radially above the fins and is spaced below the bottom surface of the lid whereby coolant fluid flows from an inlet opening of the lid through the center opening of the confining plate and radially outwardly through the fins and upward around the outer edge of the confining plate and into the space above the confining plate to an outlet opening. A nozzle having a throat is disposed above the lid and extends below the lid to the confining plate. A flow diverter extends upwardly from the top surface of the base and into and through the throat of the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for absorbing energy in response to a vehicle crash. The apparatus includes a knee bolster disposable in a vehicle for absorbing an impact from at least one knee of a driver. The apparatus also includes a connecting device associated with the knee bolster. The connecting device includes a breakable portion for releasably connecting the knee bolster to the vehicle such that the knee bolster breaks away from the vehicle under predetermined conditions. The method according to the invention includes the step of disposing a knee bolster in a vehicle for absorbing an impact from at least one knee of a driver. The method also includes the step of releasably connecting the knee bolster to the vehicle such that the knee bolster breaks away from the vehicle under predetermined conditions with a connecting device associated with the knee bolster and having a breakable portion.

Abstract: A rollover detection system for a vehicle comprises at least one sensor for the detection of the angle of rotation of the vehicle and/or at least one angular rate sensor, an electronic control device connected to the sensors as well as at least one safety device which can be activated via the control device in the event of a rollover scenario detected with reference to the sensor data. At least one irreversible safety device and at least one reversible safety device are provided. The control device distinguishes between at least one stage of a lower degree of severity and at least one stage of a higher degree of severity of the rollover scenario in the detection of a respective rollover scenario with reference to the sensor data in order to activate at least one reversible safety device in the case of a lower degree of severity and to activate at least one irreversible safety device in the case of a higher degree of severity.

Abstract: A logic for detecting vehicle rollover includes a first main activation path activated by vehicle lateral acceleration and a second main activation path activated by vehicle vertical acceleration. The logic also includes a first additional activation path activated by vehicle roll angle, a second additional activation path activated by vehicle roll rate, and a third additional activation path activated by vehicle longitudinal acceleration. Activation of each path results from the sensor specific for that path when the output exceeds a threshold value. Logic activation occurs when at least one main activation path and at least one additional activation path are activated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating a heater-core air discharge temperature of an HVAC system. According to the invention, the method uses a model of the heat exchanger. This heat exchanger efficiency model maps a heat exchanger efficiency to a set of actual operating parameters by generating a heat exchanger efficiency coefficient based on said second set of actual operating parameters.

Abstract: A modular drive assembly for a sliding door, comprising: a guide track having a hinge slidably received therein; a pair of pulleys disposed on either end of the guide track; a pair of cables each having an end that is secured to the hinge and the other end is secured to a cable drum of a motor drive unit mounted to the guide track, the motor drive unit being configured to rotate the cable drum, wherein the cable drum is also capable of freely rotating within the motor drive unit when the motor drive unit is not rotating the cable drum, wherein rotation of the cable drum causes the hinge to move in the guide track as one of the cables wraps onto the cable drum while the other one of the cables wraps off of the cable drum.

Abstract: A child restraint system includes a belt assembly for restraining a child occupant and a control unit for monitoring proper adjustment of the belt assembly. The belt assembly may include a belt harness affixed to the child restraint system or a vehicle belt seat. The child restraint system also includes a sensor for detecting the presence of the child occupant, a sensor for determining whether the belt assembly is properly adjusted, and a sensor for determining whether the vehicle is in motion. The control unit provides an alert signal if the child is present, the vehicle is in motion and the belt assembly is not properly adjusted.

Abstract: A tilt sensor system (10) is provided comprising a housing (12), a magnetized region (13) within the housing (12), and a magnetized, articulated pendulum (14) magnetically coupled to the magnetized region (13) for suspending the pendulum (14) within the housing (12). In a particular embodiment, the tilt sensor system (10) is incorporated into a park brake system (50) including a park brake for securing a portion of a vehicle in a static condition, and a control system for actuating the park brake responsive to a tilt measurement from the tilt sensor system. In addition, the tilt sensor system (10) may be incorporated into (or functionally coupled to) other vehicle control systems adapted for receiving tilt-related information from the tilt sensor system for use in performing respective vehicle control functions.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer and close-coupled fuel cell system by recycling a percentage of the anode exhaust syngas directly into the reformer in a range between about 20% and about 60%. Oxygen is supplied to the reformer at start-up. Under equilibrium conditions, oxygen required for reforming of hydrocarbon fuel is derived entirely from endothermic reforming of water and carbon dioxide in the recycled syngas. Recycling of anode syngas into the reformer increases fuel efficiency, adds excess water to the reformate to increase protection against anode coking, and protects the fuel cell stack against air- and water-borne contaminants. A method for producing an excess amount of syngas for exporting for other purposes is also provided.

Abstract: A flow-through carbon adsorption device is provided with leads for imposing an electric current and with a temperature sensor at the desorption flow exit. The temperature sensor and electric current source are controlled by a controller. In adsorption mode, no current flows through the device. Hydrocarbons are adsorbed in the device before reaching atmosphere. In desorption mode, the temperature sensor and electric source are activated by the controller. Electric energy is converted to heat energy within the device. Air is drawn in reverse flow through the device. Because desorption is endothermic, the carbon bed becomes progressively cooler during desorption. When desorption is complete, the temperature of the device begins to rise and the controller shuts down the temperature probe and the electric heating system. Thus, full desorption of the device is assured without significant waste of electricity or compromise of subsequent adsorptive capacity of the device after desorption is complete.

Abstract: A system utilizes a single receiver to simultaneously receive and demodulate both amplitude shift keying (ASK) messages and frequency shift keying (FSK) messages. The single receiver is used to demodulate the FSK modulated message and the single receiver provides a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) signal that provides an indication of a combined strength of the FSK and ASK messages. The RSSI signal is filtered and then data sliced to provide a digital message that corresponds to a demodulated version of the ASK modulated message.

Abstract: A method for providing supplemental internal air cooling to a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. The method involves deactivating the fuel injector to one cylinder for a predetermined time period or temperature decrease, based upon engine operating conditions, and then reactivating the fuel injector. This results in cool air being pumped through the fuel-deactivated cylinder by the reciprocating action of the piston therein, which air-cools the walls, piston, and head of that cylinder from the inside. In response to a controlling algorithm in an Engine Control Module, various of the engine fuel injectors may be deactivated and then reactivated sequentially to provide distributed cooling over the entire engine. The invention is especially useful for motorcycle engines having two or more cylinders when the motorcycles are used at low or stop-and-go speeds, such as in parades or other ceremonial functions.

Abstract: A directional antenna is provided that utilizes an existing light source or simple reflector having a beam directing reflective surface and a transparent cover for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic radio waves. In an aspect, an information signal is impressed across a conductive material formed to a transparent cover and the reflective surface directs electromagnetic radio waves in a predetermined direction. Beam pattern, gain, polarization and wavelength can be selected through the design and positioning of the conductive material from the reflective surface for providing an effective resonant antenna. The radiated information signal may be used to detect an object or communicate with a receiver. The light source or reflector can be attached to a fixed structure or to a mobile vehicle. In the case of a mobile vehicle, the antenna is fully concealed. In an aspect, material costs, manufacturing costs and assembly costs are reduced as compared to presently available antennas.