Abstract: An electrical connector has male terminals that are retained in terminal cavities of a connector body by rigid lock nibs and flexible cantilever beams that push the terminals against the rigid lock nibs. The male terminal have blades that project into a socket at a mating end of the connector body. A stabilizer that is disposed into the socket shifts between a preload position allowing terminal insertion into locked engagement in the connector body, and a stabilize position stabilizing the blades in the socket and enhancing the terminal retention in the terminal cavities.

Abstract: A compressor includes a housing and a drive shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and rotatably supported by the housing. A pocket is defined in the drive shaft and extends to a bottom portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the pocket. A pair of sealing lip portions disposed between the housing circumscribing the drive shaft. A pair of channels is defined in the drive shaft with one of the channels exposed between the spaced lip portions to deliver a lubricant therebetween under pressure.

Abstract: An electronic package having enhanced heat dissipation is provided exhibiting dual conductive heat paths in opposing directions. The package includes a substrate having electrical conductors thereon and a flip chip mounted to the substrate. The flip chip has a first surface, solder bumps on the first surface, and a second surface oppositely disposed from the first surface. The flip chip is mounted to the substrate such that the solder bumps are registered with the conductors on the substrate. The package further includes a stamped metal heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the second surface of the flip chip. The heat sink includes a cavity formed adjacent to the flip chip containing a thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining a velocity and a direction of travel of a vehicle on a roadway are provided. The method includes selecting a portion of the roadway and determining a cellular phone base station that is within a desired distance from the portion of the roadway, from a plurality of cellular phone base stations. The method further includes inducing a cellular phone base station to transmit a first message to a first global positioning system transceiver unit disposed in a first vehicle. The first message requests a first position coordinate from the first GPS transceiver unit. The method further includes receiving a second message from the first GPS transceiver unit having the first position coordinate and a first time value, and inducing the cellular phone base station to transmit a third message to the first GPS transceiver unit. The third message requests a second position coordinate of the first GPS transceiver unit.

Abstract: A steering column assembly is disclosed featuring a steering column carried by a release bracket having parallel connecting walls interposed between spaced sidewalls of a mounting bracket, which is for attachment to a vehicle subassembly. Shear capsules are releasably disposed within respective rearwardly-opening primary notches on the connecting walls. The capsules are connected to the mounting bracket by being disposed in respective secondary notches on the sidewalls. The capsules shear in response to an axial shear force above a predetermined threshold value and release the connecting walls to permit the steering column to collapse.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling a rear brake hydraulic circuit having a fluid storage element and a master cylinder supplying a volume of pressurized brake fluid to the rear brakes during the braking cycle in a pump-less anti-lock brake apparatus controlling the rotational speeds, during a braking cycle, of only the rear brakes of a vehicle having at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel, and front and rear brakes acting on the front and rear wheels respectively, by determining whether the vehicle is operating lightly loaded at a light vehicle weight (LVW) or heavily loaded at a gross vehicle weight (GVW), providing rear dynamic proportioning (RDP) when a predetermined deceleration rate is exceeded during the braking event with the vehicle operating at LVW, and inhibiting RDP when the vehicle is operating at GVW. The apparatus and method also provide rear pressure control (RPC) during anti-lock braking.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing data utilized in a redundant, closed-loop feedback control system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes configuring a plurality of control nodes within the control system, with each of the plurality of control nodes transmitting and receiving data through a common communication bus. At each of the plurality of control nodes during a given control loop time T=N, the receipt of externally generated data with respect to each control node is verified, the externally generated data having been generated during a preceding control loop time T=N?1. At each of the plurality of control nodes during the given control loop time T=N, output control data is calculated using the externally generated data. During the given control loop time T=N, the calculated output control data from each individual control node is further transmitted over the communication bus to be later utilized by other control nodes during a subsequent control loop time T=N+1.

Abstract: A locking device for selectively preventing telescoping movement between first and second members and tilting movement associated with the first and second members. The locking device includes an electric motor for generating a moving force. The locking device also includes a first locking portion associated with the electric motor to move between first locked and unlocked positions in response to the moving force. The first locking portion selectively prevents telescoping movement between the first and second members. The locking device also includes a second locking portion spaced from the first locking portion. The second locking portion is also associated with the electric motor to move between second locked and unlocked positions in response to the moving force. The second locking portion selectively prevents tilting movement associated with the first and second members.

Abstract: A telescoping steering column assembly of the present invention includes a lower jacket disposed in telescoping relationship within an upper jacket along a longitudinal axes, and a brake supported by the upper jacket for frictional engagement with the lower jacket. The brake presents an inclined surface sloping longitudinally of the jackets. A cam device of the assembly is rotatable into and out of engagement with the inclined surface. The cam device includes a lever to move the brake upwardly, to engage the lower jacket with the upper jacket, and downwardly, to disengage the jackets in different modes of operation of the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention creates a virtual sensor plane by arraying two one-dimensional light sensors at right angles to one another wherein the shaft of a joystick extends perpendicularly through the virtual sensor plane. With this configuration, the sensor plane can detect traditional joystick rotation around a point along its axis as well as a herein-disclosed true rotation of the joystick around the joystick axis itself. Between the light sources and lenses which enable light detection and the optical, rather than mechanical or electromechanical, nature of the light sensors, wear surfaces in the joystick are minimized or eliminated everywhere except, where applicable, in the universal joint at the base of joystick configurations which include such a universal joint.

Abstract: A heating and air-conditioning (HVAC) module for an automotive vehicle wherein the electric motor for the blower includes a double walled motor housing for noise abatement. The housing defines a cup-shaped inner casing with an open end and a closed end. An outer casing surrounds and is integrally connected to the inner casing by an integral flange. The outer casing extends upwardly from the flange to a rim to define a space surrounding the inner casing. An end cap includes a groove to engage the rim and extends over and in spaced relationship to the closed end of the inner casing. The end cap is held in place by fasteners threadedly engaging posts extending upwardly from the flange, with one of the posts extending upwardly from a female electrical connector that extends radially between the outer casing and the inner casing for supplying electrical power to the motor.

Abstract: A combined gasoline and hydrogen fueling system for a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine, including, preferably, a rapid-start catalytic reformer for producing reformate gas containing hydrogen from gasoline. The reformate from the reformer is swept by air into the intake manifold of the cold engine where it is mixed with intake air and then drawn into the cylinders and ignited conventionally to start the engine. A computer-based reformer control system optimizes the amount of reformate formed and the resulting reformate/air mixture. The reformer control system interfaces or is integral with a computer-based gasoline and air supply system for the engine, the two systems cooperating to optimize a mixture of gasoline and reformate in the intake manifold at all times during warming of the engine and its exhaust catalyst to steady-state operating temperature. Preferably, flow of reformate is terminated thereafter.

Abstract: In a vehicle frame, a console frame structure is assembled to a chassis or main frame structure using a flap retainer. The chassis includes a bracket having a slot with a forward closed end and a rear open end. The console frame structure includes a post that is inserted into the slot for assembly. A flap retainer is attached to the bracket adjacent the slot and includes a fixed portion attached near the closed end and a free portion adjacent the open end. The flap retainer defines an opening sized and shaped for receiving the post. During assembly, the flap retainer flexes so that the free portion is spaced apart from the open end of the slot to allow the post to be inserted. The flap retainer returns to a retaining position to capture the post within the opening of the flap retainer. In the event of a vehicle impact, the flap retainer secures the post to prevent the console frame structure from becoming dislodged.

Abstract: An integrated torque and position sensor is set forth for measuring the relative rotational movement between an input and an output shaft and for measuring the final angle position of the output shaft. The integrated sensor includes a wheel that rotates with the shaft. An incremental sensing mechanism detects the incremental rotation of the shaft. In response to the shaft rotating to a predetermined angle, an actuation mechanism engages the wheel with a change gear for every new revolution in which the shaft passes. A segment sensing mechanism detects the segment in which the shaft is disposed. A method is set forth to calibrate and compensate the electrical outputs generated by the integrated torque and position sensor. The method produces common amplitudes and establishes a common angle with an expected phase angle shift for the electrical outputs.

Abstract: A leak-testing technique and apparatus for differential pressure sensor arrays is provided. A reference pressure sensor array is provided, wherein a seal is disposed between the reference pressure sensor array and a target differential pressure sensor array. A probe socket is utilized to communicate with each individual sensor in the reference pressure sensor array. The target pressure sensor array and the reference pressure sensor array are sealed via a pressure plate and plunger assembly. The target pressure sensor array, seal, and reference pressure sensor array are exposed to a first pressure. The target differential pressure sensor array, seal, and reference pressure sensor array are then exposed to a second pressure. The probe socket verifies that all reference pressure sensors continue to output the first pressure. If the probe socket identifies a reference pressure sensor that reads the second pressure, then the corresponding target pressure sensor is identified as being defective because of leakage.

Abstract: An airflow metering device, including a conventional airflow sensing device signally connected to a signal processor is shown, having an input flow signal correlatable to a magnitude of mass air flowing past the airflow sensing device. The signal processor is operable to determine a flow correction factor based upon a direction and magnitude of the mass air flowing past the airflow sensing device. The output of the airflow metering device is an accurate measure of airflow, and comprises the input flow signal of the airflow sensing device adjusted by the flow correction factor determined by the signal processor.

Abstract: Binary files in an executable file system can be directly executed by the central processing unit at the location in which the binary files are stored. A pre-runtime tool can traverse a replica directory hierarchy in a host/loading computer to fill an internal data structure which can be used to generate a binary file that can be loaded directly into the embedded computer. The central processing unit (CPU) and its components such as the address bus, data bus, and program counter, can directly interact with unit of storage interface mechanisms, such as read/write means, identifying location means, and concatenation means. In some embodiments, the page size in the memory management unit (MMU) of the CPU is set to the same size as the unit of storage.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat exchanger operable, for example, with Stirling cooling system. The heat exchanger includes a first member having an inner surface defining a flow path for a working fluid. The first member also includes an outer surface spaced from the inner surface. The heat exchanger also includes a second member cooperating with the first member to define a first substantially enclosed heat exchanging chamber having a height and extending along at least a portion of the outer surface. The heat exchanger also includes at least one first blind conduit including an opening communicating with the first substantially enclosed heat exchanging chamber and a distal end spaced from the opening. The second member and the at least one first blind conduit cooperate with one another to define an enclosed path for a two-phase fluid to move along back and forth between the outer surface and the distal end.

Abstract: A capacitive load cell includes upper and lower capacitor plates and an intermediate dielectric comprising two or more layers of compressible material with diverse compressibility characteristics. The most easily compressed dielectric layer provides sensitivity to low occupant weight, while the less easily compressed dielectric layer(s) provide sensitivity to medium and high occupant weight.

Abstract: An integrated switch-indicator unit includes a light emitting diode (LED) structure for providing a plurality of indicators and an overlay input device integrated with the LED structure. The overlay input device includes a non-conductive substrate and a plurality of conductive electrode pairs. The plurality of conductive electrode pairs are formed on the substrate and each form a proximity sensitive region and include a first electrode that receives an input signal and a second electrode that provides an output signal. The first and second electrodes are capacitively coupled and the capacitance of the electrode pair changes when a conductive member, e.g., a user's finger, is located near the electrode pair.