Abstract: A manually-operated control for generating a vector signal comprises a handle with an elongate axis pivotally mounted to the housing for universal rotation about a pivot point on the axis of the handle. An imaged surface moves in two directions with the rotation of the handle about two perpendicular axes intersecting at the pivot point. A camera and LED are focused on the imaged surface. A microprocessor-based controller inputs and processes images sequentially input from the camera for detecting and quantifying the movement of the imaged surface in two directions and generates a vector signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating a temperature of an electric machine comprising obtaining a temperature value responsive to a temperature signal from a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor is operatively connected to and transmitting the temperature signal corresponding to a measured temperature to a controller. The controller executes a temperature estimation process; and is operatively connected to a switching device, where the switching device is operatively connected between the electric machine and a power source, the switching device being responsive to the controller. Also disclosed is a storage medium encoded with a machine-readable computer program code for estimating an operating temperature of an electric machine. The storage medium includes instructions for causing controller to implement method for estimating an operating temperature of an electric machine as described above.

Abstract: A MR fluid formulation based upon a silicone liquid vehicle thickened with a treated fumed metal oxide and doped with one or more chemicals having hydrogen-bonding capability for use with natural rubber mounts. The MR fluid is resistant to settling of the magnetizable particles upon contact of the fluid with natural rubber. In one exemplary embodiment, the doping chemical is one or a combination of propylene glycol and a bifunctional ethoxylated amine.

Abstract: A movable target having individually identifiable magnetic irregularities and a stationary magnetosensitive array and circuit for sensing the magnetic irregularities to thereby provide position of the moveable target relative to a fixed initial location. A method to determine a present position of the target origin including the steps of: identifying a magnetic irregularity of the moveable target; determining a first distance, Y, equal to a distance of the identified magnetic irregularity to a target origin; determining a second distance, X, equal to a distance of the identified magnetic irregularity to the array origin; and determining a distance, L, of the target origin with respect to the fixed initial location, according to a relation: L=L0+X?Y.

Abstract: A distributed computer-implemented diagnostic system for determining a diagnostic state of a component. The component exhibits measurable characteristics. The system includes a database that stores reference component characteristic data. A computer server is connected to the database, and a computer client is connected to the computer server via a network. The client computer provides data requests to the server computer in order to retrieve the component characteristic data from the database. A portable computer is connected to the computer client in order to have data access to the retrieved component characteristic data and to provide the component characteristic data for performing diagnosis. The diagnostic state of the component is determined based upon the retrieved component characteristic data as provided by the portable computer and upon at least one of the measurable characteristics of the component.

Abstract: A sensor element can comprise a co-fired heater section, a sensing section, and a third insulating layer disposed between the electrode portion and the temperature sensor. The heater section can comprise a heater, a shield, and a temperature sensor, with a first insulating layer disposed between the heater and the shield, and a second insulating layer disposed between the shield and the temperature sensor. The sensing section can comprise an electrode portion and a sensing portion, wherein the sensing portion is disposed on a side of the electrode portion opposite the heater section.

Abstract: A brake pedal (1) for a vehicle, in particular, a motor vehicle, includes a framework structure (2) mounted for rotation about a first rotation spindle (3) connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle. A peg (5) is fixed to one end (4a) of a pedal web (4) and slides in a slot (21) provided in the framework structure (2). A movement mechanism (7) causes the peg to slide in the slot, defining a length (L) between the rotation spindle of the framework structure and the other end (4b) of the pedal web. A first link (8) is connected to the framework structure and is mounted for rotation about a second rotation spindle (9) connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle. The first link includes a connection (13) for receiving an end of the rod of the brake booster of the vehicle at a distance (R) from the second rotation spindle. The brake pedal operates to provide a constant step-down ratio (L/R).

Abstract: A system for bringing an internal combustion engine to a stop at a predetermined angular position of an engine shaft, such as a crankshaft or a camshaft, with respect to the engine's valves. The optimum shaft stop position is the point wherein the fewest lifters are collapsed the least amount. Exemplary methods and apparatus include using the engine starter motor to jog the stopped engine to the desired position; using the engine alternator to impose a variable electromagnetic load on the engine to bring the engine to a stop at the desired position; using variable firing of cylinders to control the deceleration profile to bring the engine to a stop at the desired position; and providing one or more detents formed in the shaft and using a shaft follower to control the stop position of the shaft by engaging the follower into a detent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the functionality and sensitivity of an infrared sensor to infrared radiation. The method and apparatus are adapted for testing an infrared sensor having a diaphragm containing a heating element and a transducer that generates an output responsive to temperature. The method entails placing the infrared sensor in a controlled environment, and then exposing the diaphragm of the sensor to different levels of thermal radiation so as to obtain outputs of the transducer at different output levels. In the absence of exposure of the diaphragm to thermal radiation, flowing current through the heating element at different input levels so that the output of the transducer returns to the different output levels obtained using thermal radiation, the input difference between the input levels can be computed and used to assess the functionality and the sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle. The steering column assembly (10) includes first and second steering column members (12, 14) engaged for movement relative to one another along one of a tilting path (16) and a telescoping path. The steering column assembly (10) also includes an electric lock (18) operable in a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration to selectively lock the first and second steering column members (12, 14). When the electric lock (10) is in the locked configuration, the first and second steering column members (12, 14) are locked with respect to one another. When the electric lock (10) is in the unlocked configuration, the first and second steering column members (12, 14) are moveable with respect to one another. The steering column assembly (10) also includes a sensor (20) operable to sense a condition corresponding to a vehicle crash. The sensor (20) emits a signal corresponding to the condition.

Abstract: A circuit device that make use of graded ferroelectric structures and techniques by which such structures can be excited by external and internal stimuli to render the device useful for a variety of circuit applications. The device comprises at least two ferroelectric films, each of the films having a graded dipole moment in a thickness direction normal to the surfaces thereof. The graded dipole moment of each film is effective to produce a change in the dipole charge density, and hence an apparent net charge, on the first and second surfaces of each film when an alternating electric field is applied to the film and additional energy is imparted to the film. By providing an electrical connection between the films, changes in the dipole charge density of the films generated by application of the alternating electric field yield a device charge separation output that differs from the individual changes in the dipole charge density of the films.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount is provided having a body with first and second fluid chambers and a decoupler subassembly interposed between to partially define the first and second fluid chambers. The decoupler subassembly comprises first and second flexible decoupler members operatively sealed together to form a third fluid chamber. The first and second chambers may be substantially filled with a magneto-rheological fluid. The third chamber may be filled with a standard hydraulic fluid, like glycol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for limiting current and voltage in a PM electric machine comprising: receiving a command indicative of a desired position control; obtaining a velocity value indicative of the rotational velocity of the electric machine; and computing a first voltage threshold for the electric machine based on a selected operating condition. If the voltage command exceeds the first voltage threshold, the method also includes establishing a modified voltage command as substantially equivalent to the first voltage threshold, otherwise establishing a modified voltage command as substantially equivalent to the voltage command.

Abstract: A collapsible steering assembly features a guide bracket for attachment to a vehicle. A steering mechanism is interconnected with the guide bracket by a steering mechanism support. A plurality of guide rods are arranged about a common collapse axis and extend in non-parallel relationship to a longitudinal axis of the steering mechanism. The guide rods support the steering mechanism for axial movement along the collapse axis in response to a predetermined collapse force on the steering mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides a locking pin for a steering column lock assembly. The locking pin includes a dual taper defined by the first and second truncated cone portions. The first truncated cone portion narrows at a first angle and the second truncated cone portion narrows at a second angle, wherein the first and second angles are different from one another. The second angle can be less than the first angle. The dual taper of the locking pin reduces the likelihood that extreme torsion will not induce camming forces urging the locking pin out of engagement with a locking plate connected to the steering shaft.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is employed for packaging an electrical component within the connector housing. The connector housing is substantially closed with an opening for receiving a mating connector along a predetermined line of insertion. First and second conductor elements are retained within the housing in spaced apart relationship. Each conductor element defines an electrical contact, which extends substantially parallel to the line of insertion for engaging mating contacts carried by the mating connector. One or more of the conductor elements define a terminal for receiving a lead from an associated electrical component. The lead receiving terminal is accessible through the housing opening. Means are provided for guiding and positioning the electrical component during the insertion process.

Abstract: A process for forming magnetic targets for position and speed sensors, and magnetic targets formed according to the process. The targets are formed on a conductor-clad substrate by first applying a layer of photoresist material and then patterning and etching the photoresist to form trenches defining the shape and dimensions of the targets. Magnetic material is formed in the trenches and magnetized to form the targets.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is manufactured by assembling a bundle of pipes to a pair of header tanks by inserting the ends of the pipes into corresponding holes in the header tanks. The ends of the pipes include a brazing material. The assembled heater core is placed into an adapted enclosure, and heated, for example, by induction or laser heating, to a temperature above the melting temperature of the brazing material to mechanically fix the ends of the pipes to the holes. Subsequently, the heater is switched off and the heat exchanger is cooled within the enclosure.

Abstract: A small profile fuel level sensor has a small float located in a vertically-oriented housing in a fuel tank, and instead of sliding against two resistive strips that output a level signal as fuel level changes, the float is drawn to and rolls against the two strips owing to the presence of a magnetic strip on the side of the resistive strips that is opposite the float. Accordingly, with the magnetic strip attracting the float against the resistive strips to force rollable contact therebetween instead of slidable contact, much less friction must be overcome to move the float and, hence, use of a relatively small float and overall small sensor assembly is facilitated.

Abstract: Thermally managing high-power IC devices through the use of a circuit assembly comprising a ceramic substrate and an organic substrate. The ceramic substrate has at least one circuit component on a first surface thereof and a periphery defining a lateral surface surrounding the first surface. The organic substrate also comprises a first surface and a periphery defining a lateral surface surrounding the first surface. A portion of the lateral surface of the organic substrate is adjacent a portion of the lateral surface of the ceramic substrate so as to define an interface therebetween. At least one conductor common to both the ceramic and organic substrates and bridging the interface therebetween serves to physically connect the ceramic and organic substrates together.