Abstract: In a fuel cell system, a reformer supplies reformate to a fuel cell stack. A portion of the reformate flow is diverted for analysis by a hydrocarbon analysis system. Residual hydrocarbons in the reformate may damage the anodes of the fuel cell stack. Although incompletely-reformed reformate may include a variety of hydrocarbon compounds, the invention simply measures methane as an indicator of the overall performance level of the reformer. A currently preferred embodiment includes a catalytic combustion methane sensor. Combustion air and reformate are delivered in a fixed ratio to the sensor via positive displacement pumps. The system can provide alarm means or optionally a shut-off means to protect a fuel cell stack from elevated levels of hydrocarbons in the reformate stream.

Abstract: A system and method for co-simulation of hardware and software includes determining hardware executable times, associated with each of a plurality of functions included within an application code. Estimated timing annotations, which correspond to the determined hardware executable times, are then inserted into each of the functions. The application code is compiled for simulation and the compiled application code is then executed on a host computer system. Adjustments may be made to the estimated timing annotations to evaluate potential architecture changes in either target hardware or software algorithms.

Abstract: A vision-based occupant classification method utilizes a static classification routine for achieving highly accurate occupant classification, a dynamic detection routine for quickly responding to changes in occupant position, and a category state change routine for detecting potential changes in occupant category. The static classification routine determines an initial classification of the occupant, after which the dynamic detection routine monitors for changes in occupant position and the category state change routine monitors for a potential change in occupant category. If category state change routine detects a potential change in occupant category, the static classification routine is re-executed to re-classify the occupant. The category state change routine identifies a composite optical flow vector associated with occupant movement, and detects a potential change in occupant category when the composite flow vector crosses one or more pre-defined entry/exit motion gates.

Abstract: A method for coordinating engine throttle position with camshaft phaser motion during transient engine operation such that desired internal residual dilution is maintained. A dilution model for residual mass fraction and a table of desired dilution values are embedded in the engine control algorithm. The dilution model is applied to calculate the desired throttle and camshaft phaser positions for the next intake event. In a first method, if the throttle is capable of changing the airflow into the engine cylinders faster than the camshaft phasers can respond, the throttle is modulated to maintain desired dilution levels while the phasers are allowed to move as fast as they can. In a second method, if the phaser response faster than the engine intake port airflow response to a throttle position change, the throttle is allowed to move as fast as it can while phaser motion is modulated to maintain desired dilution levels.

Abstract: The piezoelectric element of an engine knock sensor is held between upper and lower ring-shaped bases by two identical clips that extend through the piezoelectric element and engage each base. Each clip has a ring-shaped flange engaging a groove circumscribing the inner wall of one of the bases, with the flanges of the clips engaging opposite bases. Also, each clip has three legs that engage a groove in the opposite base. Each clip leg is disposed between two legs of the other clip.

Abstract: A two-step roller finger follower having a high-lift follower portion that rotates relative to a low-lift follower portion about a pivot shaft, including a lost-motion compression spring disposed in a linear bore formed in the high-lift portion to exert force against an curved pad on the back side of the valve pallet of the low-lift portion. The spring is retained and guided in its bore by a spring retainer having a planar bottom for engaging the curved pad. Preferably the retainer is a cup positioned in the spring bore such that the stroke of the cup is limited, to prevent leak-down of the associated hydraulic lash adjuster. Driving the spring by a linear-acting retainer in a linear bore causes the spring to be compressed linearly, resulting in a highly stable and predictable spring rate.

Abstract: A high-density pass-through filter apparatus slips over the terminal blade of a standard pass-through electrical connector within an opening in the bulkhead of an electronic module to which the connector is fastened. The filter apparatus retains a large number of axially oriented and axially terminated capacitive filter components which are electrically coupled at one end to the connector terminal and at the other end to a peripheral ring that resiliently engages the periphery of the bulkhead opening.

Abstract: A modular fuel cell cassette for use in assembling a fuel cell stack comprising a metal separator plate and a metal cell-mounting plate joined at their edges to form a hollow cassette. A fuel cell subassembly is attached to the mounting plate and extends through an opening in the mounting plate. The plates include openings to form chimney manifolds for supply and exhaust of fuel gas to the anode and air to the cathode. A conductive interconnect element extends from the fuel cell subassembly to make contact with the next cassette in a stack. The anode openings in the mounting plate and separator plate are separated by spacer rings such that the cassette is incompressible. A fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of cassettes, the mounting plate of one cassette being attached to, and insulated from, the separator plate of the next-adjacent cassette by a dielectric seal surrounding the interconnect.

Abstract: A method for distributing lock pin ejections evenly over all the switchable mechanisms in a plurality of switchable mechanisms: establishing a limiting number of lock pin ejections; designating a primary switchable mechanism for the mode change upon command from an engine control module (ECM); employing the designated primary switchable mechanism until the limit is reached; designating another switchable mechanism a primary; employing the second primary mechanism until the limit is reached again; and designating sequentially each of the remaining switchable mechanisms as primary switchable mechanisms, each until the limit is reached again. The ECM counts the activation commands and switches the primary designation when the limit is reached so that each mechanism has the same exposure to ejections, and the number of ejections per mechanism is evenly distributed.

Abstract: An electronic package having circulated submersed cooling fluid and method are provided. The electronic package has a housing defining a sealed enclosure and electronic devices located in the housing. The electronic devices have thermal emitting electrical circuitry. A dielectric fluid, such as a liquid, is located in the housing in heat transfer relationship with the electronic devices. A fluid circulator, such as a piezo fan, is located in the housing in contact with the dielectric liquid for circulating the dielectric liquid to cool the electronic devices.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for moving thermal energy with respect to at least one of a beverage and a food product positioned in a vehicle or a stationary beverage machine. The apparatus includes a vortex tube positionable in a vehicle or a stationary beverage machine. The vortex tube includes an inlet and a cold outlet and a hot outlet. The vortex tube divides a primary air stream received in the inlet into a cold air sub-stream exiting the cold outlet and an a hot air sub-stream exiting the hot outlet. The apparatus also includes a containing member having a first wall with an inner surface for receiving a product. The containing member also includes a second wall surrounding the first wall to define a first cavity. The apparatus also includes a first fluid line extending between the first cavity and one of the cold and hot outlets for communicating one of the cold and hot air sub-streams to the first cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle steering device may include a rotatable input shaft, a motor in communication with an input augmentation shaft, the input augmentation shaft and the input shaft sharing a longitudinal axis, and the motor further having a stator stationary with respect to rotation of the input shaft. The vehicle steering device may further include a differential mechanism for providing variable ratio steering to the steering device. The differential mechanism may be a harmonic drive differential or a planetary gearing system. In one embodiment, an external wave generator may be used within the harmonic drive differential gearing mechanism. The vehicle steering device may include a sensorless synchronous machine.

Abstract: A frame-based occupant weight estimation apparatus for a vehicle seat includes compliant load transfer mechanisms interposed between the seat frame and floor brackets bolted to the vehicle floor. The compliant load transfer mechanisms translate the seat loads to a central location for measurement by a set of force sensors. The load transfer mechanisms preload the force sensor to enable off-loading detection, and an overload device securely anchors the seat to the floor bracket without interfering with normal load measurement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of horizontally structured CAD/CAM modeling, comprising: establishing a coordinate system; adding a base feature; adding a form feature; where the form feature exhibits an associative relationship with the coordinate system. Also disclosed herein is a horizontally structured CAD/CAM model, comprising: a coordinate system; a base feature; a form feature; where the form feature exhibits an associative relationship with the coordinate system. Further disclosed is a storage medium encoded with a machine-readable computer program code for horizontally structured CAD/CAM modeling. The storage medium including instructions for causing a computer to implement the method of horizontally structured CAD/CAM modeling and manufacturing. Additionally disclosed is a computer data signal for horizontally structured CAD/CAM modeling. The computer data signal comprising code configured to cause a processor to implement a method of horizontally structured CAD/CAM modeling and manufacturing.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus including first and second steering column members engaged for pivotal movement relative to one another. The apparatus also includes a third steering column member supporting the first steering column member for sliding movement along an axis. The apparatus also includes a positive lock engaged with the first and second steering column members. The positive lock can operate in a locked configuration to prevent the pivotal movement. The positive lock can also operate in an unlocked configuration to allow the pivotal movement. The apparatus also includes a friction lock engaged with said first and third steering column members. The friction lock can operate in a locked configuration to prevent the sliding movement. The friction lock can also operate in an unlocked configuration to allow the sliding movement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in an exemplary embodiment, is a position sensor assembly including a circular-shaped or rhombus-shaped magnet and at least one magnetic flux density sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, wherein rotation of the magnet is detected by the at least one sensor. The magnet may be positioned coaxially with the longitudinal axis of a rotor shaft of a motor and provided within a support. A position extraction algorithm may be employed using the output from the sensors to detect the position of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: An actuator having a housing that defines an interior volume and a primary driver that includes either a piezoelectric element or a magnetorestrictive element. The primary driver has first and second opposing ends and defines a longitudinal length therebetween. The first end of the primary driver is bearingly engaged with a reaction surface that is fixed relative to the housing. The second end of the primary driver longitudinally moves a bearing surface that partially defines a closed working chamber having a fixed quantity of an incompressible medium. An actuating rod extends through an orifice in the housing and has a first end projecting outwardly and a second end disposed within the working chamber. The cross sectional area of the orifice is less than the effective area of the bearing surface whereby the travel distance of the rod is amplified relative to the change in length of the primary driver.

Abstract: A system for co-generation of electricity combining a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer, an SOFC assembly and a generator driven by a gas turbine. The fuel cell assembly recycles a high percentage of anode exhaust gas into the reformer. Oxygen for reforming is derived from water in an endothermic process. The stack exit temperature is normally above 800° C. DC power from the fuel cell assembly and AC power from the gas turbine generator are directed to a power conditioner. Anode exhaust gas including carbon monoxide and hydrogen is divided into a plurality of portions by which heat may be added to the reforming, gas turbine, and cathode air heating processes. Water may be recovered from the exhaust. A power system in accordance with the invention is capable of operating at a higher total efficiency than either the fuel cell component or the gas turbine component alone.

Abstract: A target wheel for a camshaft phaser stamped and drawn from sheet metal stock. The hub region of the target wheel may be drawn such that it extends through the phaser cover plate and seals directly against the face of the rotor, allowing a shorter cam bolt and resulting in reduction in mass and cost of the phaser. Alternatively, a separate hub is formed and then attached to a simplified stamped and drawn target wheel, or a target wheel hub is formed integrally with the rotor and extends through the cover plate to mate with a simplified stamped and drawn target wheel. Preferably, the hub is formed having a neck extending through a central opening in the target wheel, which neck is peened over during assembly to secure the wheel to the hub.

Abstract: A strap with rotatably mounted clip fabricated in a single molding operation. The strap includes a strap retention member and a plurality of teeth. The rotatable clip includes a clip member, a pedestal and a head. The pedestal is retained in a pedestal opening formed through the strap. In fabrication, a top mold insert is slid into a top of first and second mold halves and a bottom mold insert is slid into a bottom of the first and second mold halves. Plastic is then injected into the first and second mold halves to independently and separately form the strap and the clip in a single molding process, wherein the inserts provide a space between the pedestal opening and the pedestal to allow the clip to rotate relative to the strap.