Patents Assigned to Delphi Technologies
  • Capacitive sensor for determining linear or angular position
    Patent number: 7049828
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor includes an electrode member with two spaced-apart electrodes and an air gap therebetween. A position reference plate, which can be straight for sensing linear position or curvilinear for sensing angular position, is disposed in the air gap, with the electrode member being attached to a moving component and the reference plate mounted on a stationary object or vice-versa. The reference plate is formed with an opening, the width of which varies throughout the length of the opening, so that the capacitance between the electrodes varies depending on the position of the plate relative to the electrode member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlos A. Urquidi
  • Level shift circuits and related methods
    Patent number: 7049876
    Abstract: A level shifting circuit functions by taking an input signal, producing a complement of the input signal, applying the input signal and its complement to comparable voltage divider pairs to set up a differential input signal that is applied to a comparator that produces a shifted output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Heaston
  • Steering column with tubular structure
    Patent number: 7048306
    Abstract: A steering column assembly has a hand wheel rotatable about an axis having at least one guide member and at least one guide bracket. A guide member is spaced adjacent the axis of the hand wheel and a guide bracket and a guide member have surfaces supporting and guiding the guide member and the guide bracket for relative sliding movement therebetween. At least one shear member acting between the guide member and the guide bracket maintain the guide member within the guide bracket. The shear member is shearable under a predetermined force permitting the guide member and the guide bracket to move relative to one another. Additionally, a mounting plate supporting the hand wheel and at least one guide member may provide for controllable relative movement between the hand wheel and the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard K. Riefe
  • Variable threshold comparator interface circuit
    Patent number: 7049859
    Abstract: A signal processing circuit includes a comparator having a fixed and a variable reference input for detection of a positive quasi-sinusoidal waveform pulse. A signal detection circuit includes a low pass input filter, a voltage input clamp, a variable detection threshold, and a zero crossing detector. The circuit produces an approximately square wave output substantially coinciding with the positive pulse of the quasi-sinusoidal waveform received, from a variable reluctance sensor. The circuit has a positive to negative zero crossing detector armed by a variable threshold of the positive quasi-sinusoidal pulse, thus providing variable noise immunity and a fixed phase relationship between the input and output signal for an input signal having a variable amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Boyer, Daniel R. Harshbarger
  • Fuel injection system
    Patent number: 7047941
    Abstract: A fuel injection system for supplying pressurized fuel to a fuel injector, the fuel injection system comprising an accumulator volume for supplying fuel at a first injectable pressure level to the fuel injector through a fuel supply passage, a pump arrangement for increasing the pressure of fuel supplied to the injector to a second injectable pressure level, and a valve arrangement operable between a first position in which fuel at the first injectable pressure level is supplied to the injector and a second position in which communication between the injector and the accumulator volume is broken so as to permit fuel at the second injectable pressure to be supplied to the injector. The injection system may include a valve arrangement in the form of a three-position valve or may include a shut off valve for controlling the supply of fuel through the fuel supply passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Draper, Anthony T. Harcombe, Andrew R. Knight, Lukhbir S. Panesar
  • Sealed electronic module with fastenerless circuit board support post
    Patent number: 7048564
    Abstract: A sealed electronic module includes a housing having an open end and a circuit board that is both peripherally and centrally supported within the housing, where potting material applied to the exposed face of the circuit board peripherally and centrally affixes the circuit board to the housing and also environmentally seals the module. The central support for the circuit board is provided by a support post that is integral with the housing. A reduced size tip of the support post extends through an opening formed in a central area of the circuit board, and potting material applied to the exposed face of the circuit board for sealing the module also flows into the circuit board opening around the tip of the support post. The cured potting material structurally bonds the periphery of the circuit board to the housing walls and the central area of the circuit board to the housing support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee R. Hinze
  • Electrical package employing segmented connector and solder joint
    Patent number: 7049171
    Abstract: An electronic package is provided having a connector and a solder joint that is less susceptible to thermal fatigue. The package includes a die including a first electrically conductive connecting surface having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a substrate including electrical circuitry and a second electrically conductive connecting surface having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The package further includes a solder joint connecting the first connecting surface to the second connecting surface. One of the first and second connecting surfaces includes a plurality of pads spaced from each other. By employing an electrical connection having a plurality of pads spaced from each other, the solder joint is relieved to reduce fatigue caused by thermal cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric A. Brauer
  • Diesel particulate filter ash removal
    Patent number: 7047731
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for reducing internal combustion engine contaminate and additive particulate matter from a particulate filter the method including accessing the filter and entraining particulate matter in a fluid stream. Further disclosed herein is an internal combustion engine particulate filter system including a canister, a filter media mounted in said canister and an access opening in said canister. Yet still further disclosed herein is a method for determining condition of a particulate filter in situ including establishing a vacuum value for a clean particulate filter in situ, establishing a vacuum value for a used particulate filter in situ; and comparing the established value for the clean filter versus the used filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ralph Foster, Robert D. Wendling, Jarrod C. Sherwood, Egas Jose Desousa
  • Methods of operating a compression ignition engine and a vehicle system
    Patent number: 7047909
    Abstract: A method of operating a compression ignition engine comprises introducing enriching component to a combustion chamber of the compression ignition engine, wherein the enriching component comprises hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; introducing bulk fuel to the combustion chamber; heating a glow plug to cause the enriching component to release thermal energy; and initiating combustion of the bulk fuel with the released thermal energy from the enriching component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean J Botti
  • Method for selectively reconfiguring a sensor according to applicable sensing requirements and reconfigurable sensor
    Patent number: 7050917
    Abstract: Reconfigurable sensor and method for selectively reconfiguring a sensor are provided. The reconfiguration of the sensor may be performed according to applicable requirements for sensing the position of an object. The method allows providing an array of sensing elements. The method further allows selecting at least one of the sensing elements of the array to supply a sensing element output signal. One or more operational parameters of the one sensing element may be adjusted to meet the applicable sensing requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thaddeus Schroeder
  • Dual feed hydraulic lash adjuster
    Patent number: 7047925
    Abstract: An improved dual feed hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA), for use in an internal combustion engine, comprising a hollow body and a plunger assembly disposed in a bore of the engine. A one-piece plunger body includes a first chamber for forming a low-pressure oil reservoir and receiving a lash adjustment mechanism, and a second chamber open at one end and partially closed hemispherically for supporting a rocker arm and providing valve deactivating oil thereto for an auxiliary valve actuation system. The first and second chambers are separated by a transverse web, optionally having a small-diameter passage therethrough for air evacuation. The one-piece plunger body provides a high degree of resistance to side loads which may be imposed on the HLA in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick J. Hendriksma, Timothy W. Kunz
  • Fuel tank vent valve
    Patent number: 7047997
    Abstract: A device and method for venting a tank comprising an intermediate shutoff valve as part of a cover that closes a tank opening. The intermediate shutoff valve is placed between an existing valve and a vent port in a liquid storage tank. The shutoff valve is operable to substantially fluidly seal the vent port when the vent valve is displaced greater than a predetermined amount. The intermediate shutoff valve facilitates complete removal of the existing vent valve during an impact wherein a wall of the storage tank impacts the existing valve. Upon impact, the intermediate shutoff valve is operable to close and seal a tank opening created by the displacement and removal of the existing vent valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Elizabeth Beyer, Ulf Sawert, Mark K. Wolfenden, Chris I. Witherspoon, Robert A. Roth, Thomas J. Mott, Michael Allen Pittenger, William L. Villaire
  • Slush moldable thermoplastic polyolefin formulation for interior skin
    Publication number: 20060100380
    Abstract: A thermoplastic polyolefin composition suitable for slush molding comprising a blend of polypropylene, styrenic elastomer, linear low density polyethylene and a hydrocarbon-based process oil. Optional components include an ethylene copolymer elastomer, polymer additives such as polymer surface modifiers, powder flow additives, stabilizers and/or color pigments. The compositions exhibit a low melt viscosity during processing and improved surface quality for the molded article. An exemplary composition includes about 20-50 wt. % polypropylene or copolymer thereof, about 20-60 wt. % of a styrenic elastomer, about 5-50 wt. % linear low density polyethylene, and about 2-25 wt. % of a hydrocarbon-based process oil. The zero shear viscosity of the composition suitable for slush molding is in the range of about 300-900 Pa·s over a processing temperature range of 180-260° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Applicant: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Srimannarayana Kakarala, Sandip Patel, Thomas Ellis
  • Fabrication of thick film electrical components
    Patent number: 7042331
    Abstract: A thick-film resistor component may include a thick film component formed between a thick-film resistor and an electrically conductive sheet, wherein a portion of the sheet is selectively removed to form resistor contacts while exposing a portion of the thick-film component. Electrical terminals to a thick-film resistor may be sized to reduce stress and/or be selectively positioned relative to the resistor to define a desired resistor value. A thick-film resistor may include one or more resistor segments configured to be selectively open-circuited to incrementally adjust the value of the resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiming Zhou, Dwadasi H. Sarma, Carl W. Berlin, John D Myers, M. Ray Fairchild
  • Catalyst, an exhaust emission control device and a method of using the same
    Patent number: 7041622
    Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst, an emission control device, and a method for treating exhaust gas. In one embodiment, the catalyst comprises: a catalytic metal component and a macro-pore component. The macro-pore component comprises an oxygen storage component and an aluminum oxide component, wherein the oxygen storage component, the aluminum oxide component, or both comprise pores, and wherein greater than or equal to about 40% of a macro-pore component pore volume, based on a total macro-pore component pore volume, is associated with pores greater than 120 ?in diameter. In another embodiment, the method for treating an exhaust gas comprises: contacting the exhaust gas with the catalyst at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to reduce the concentration of a material in the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Nunan
  • Current determination in a permanent magnet electric machine
    Patent number: 7042227
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a torque current in an electric machine coupled to a polyphase bus. The method comprises: detecting a rotational position of the electric machine with a position encoder; controlling an inverter comprising a plurality of switching devices, the inverter having an input coupled to a direct current bus, and an output coupled to the polyphase bus. Where the inverter is responsive to commands from a controller coupled to the inverter and to the position encoder. The method also includes measuring a current from the direct current bus; and capturing the current at a predefined interval of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sayeed A. Mir, Dennis B. Skellenger, Roy Alan McCann, Mark Philip Colosky
  • Controlling an electric motor
    Patent number: 7042189
    Abstract: In one method for controlling an electric motor, current turn-on and turn-off rotor-position angles for each motor phase are chosen to substantially maximize the absolute value of average motor torque when the motor is operating in two different quadrants of motor torque and motor speed. The first quadrant has positive motor torque and positive motor speed. The second quadrant has negative torque and positive speed. The third quadrant has negative torque and negative speed. The fourth quadrant has positive torque and negative speed. In another method, the motor is operated in at least one of the first and third quadrants and in at least one of the second and fourth quadrants, wherein the absolute value of motor speed is limited when the motor is operating in the first or third quadrants but not in the second or fourth quadrants. In one example, the motor operates a vehicle brake caliper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc., The University of Akron
    Inventors: Syed A. Hossain, Iqbal Husain, Bruno P. B. Lequesne, Avoki M. Omekanda, Harald Klode
  • Method and apparatus for fuel/air preparation in a fuel cell
    Patent number: 7037349
    Abstract: A fast start-up catalytic reformer for producing hydrogen-rich reformate from hydrocarbon fuel includes a reactor having an inlet for receiving a flow of fuel and a flow of air, a reforming catalyst disposed within a reforming chamber in the reactor, and an outlet for discharging the produced reformate stream. An ignition device within the reactor tube ignites a first lean mixture in combustion mode to generate exhaust gases to warm the catalyst which also warms the wall of the reactor adjacent the catalyst. The reactor then switches over to a rich fuel/air mixture during reforming mode. A jacket concentrically surrounds the reactor, defining a mixing chamber therebetween which communicates with the reforming chamber via openings in the wall of the reactor. Fuel entering the reformer in combustion mode is injected directly into the reforming chamber to provide rapid warming of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Dauer, Michael R. Salemi, Richard F. Nashburn, John Kirwan
  • Compensated open-loop control of oxygen sensor heater
    Patent number: 7036351
    Abstract: An oxygen sensor heater control determines heater activation based on an open-loop control parameter and a correction factor that compensates for part-to-part variability. Following a cold start where the heater temperature can be reliably estimated, the engine controller predicts the resistance of the heating element and heater circuit at the desired operating temperature of the sensor, and computes the correction factor for heater activation based on the predicted resistance values and nominal resistance values. At least one predicted value is stored in non-volatile memory, and used to compute the correction factor following a warm or hot start of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Craig Smith
  • Torque limiting assembly
    Patent number: 7037201
    Abstract: A torque limiting device features spring arms that extend resiliently and spirally from a driven member to distal ends rotatably supporting cams that engage cam posts on a drive member to transmit rotation from the drive member to the driven member. In response to a predetermined reactive force, the spring arms are resilient and move radially, and the cams rotate to allow the distal ends to spring past the cam posts in response to a predetermined reactive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil K. McCoy, John F. Quesada