Abstract: An occupant position and weight estimation apparatus includes an elastomeric seat bladder having physically isolated central and peripheral fluid-filled chambers corresponding to central and peripheral areas of the seat. The fluid pressure in the peripheral chamber is primarily activated by a child or infant seat, whereas the fluid pressure in the central chamber is primarily activated by a normally seated occupant. The chambers have extensions or fingers that are interdigitated so that shifting of a normally seated occupant from the central area of the seat to a peripheral region of the seat is easily detected based on changes in the relative fluid pressures in the central and peripheral chambers. An extension of the peripheral chamber at the middle forward portion of the seat that is not engaged by a normally seated occupant can also be used to detect an out-of-position occupant in close proximity to a frontal air bag.

Abstract: A vehicle climate control is compensated for direct and indirect infrared heat loading due to solar radiation based on a mean radiant temperature sensor and a cabin air temperature sensor. The mean radiant temperature sensor include a temperature responsive element such as a thermistor enclosed in a hollow spherical housing that blocks visible light but absorbs infrared radiation. The difference between the mean radiant temperature and the cabin air temperature provides a measure of the total infrared heat loading on the cabin and is used to increase the cooling capacity of the climate control system.

Abstract: In a solid-oxide fuel cell assembly, a co-flow heat exchanger is provided in the flow paths of the reformate gas and the cathode air ahead of the fuel cell stack, the reformate gas being on one side of the exchanger and the cathode air being on the other. The reformate gas is at a substantially higher temperature than is desired in the stack, and the cathode gas is substantially cooler than desired. In the co-flow heat exchanger, the temperatures of the reformate and cathode streams converge to nearly the same temperature at the outlet of the exchanger. Preferably, the heat exchanger is formed within an integrated component manifold (ICM) for a solid-oxide fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A fuel pump module assembly for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a reservoir adapted to be disposed in the fuel tank. The fuel pump module assembly also includes a fuel pump disposed in the reservoir to pump fuel from the fuel tank to an engine of the vehicle. The fuel pump module assembly includes a filter disposed in the reservoir and having an inlet fluidly connected to the fuel pump and having a first outlet fluidly connected to the engine and a second outlet. The fuel pump module assembly further includes a regulating valve disposed in the reservoir and fluidly connected to the second outlet to control fuel supply pressure to the engine.

Abstract: An accumulator fuel system for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of engine cylinders, includes an accumulator fuel volume for supplying high pressure fuel to one or more of a plurality of injectors, each of which is arranged to supply fuel to an associated one of the engine cylinders. The accumulator fuel volume is integrated within an engine component, where the engine component provides a purpose other than that solely of an accumulator volume for storing high pressure fuel. The accumulator fuel volume is therefore defined in an existing engine component, to reduce part count, weight and cost. In one embodiment the accumulator fuel volume is defined within a rocker shaft of the engine and in another embodiment within the engine cylinder head.

Abstract: In a two-step roller finger cam follower, a slider arm for engaging a high-lift cam lobe is pivotally mounted to the body and can variably engage a latch pin slidably disposed in a latch pin channel. A second channel in the body opens onto the slider arm and contains a timing pin that rides on an eccentric surface of the slider arm to extend or retract the timing pin. A bore between the latch pin channel and the timing pin channel contains a ball controlled by the timing pin to lock the latch pin into an engaged or disengaged position. The cam lobe has an undercut region such that the latch pin is allowed to move between engaged and disengaged position only when the slider arm is in the undercut region of the cam lobe. The latch pin can move only when the timing pin permits.

Abstract: A controller (32) for a vehicular system (10) that includes a hand-wheel (16) and an electric motor (34) includes a torque-assist function (56) responsive to a signal representing the torque applied to the hand-wheel (16) for providing a torque-assist command to the motor (34), and a steering-pull compensator (52) responsive to a signal representing a valid ignition cycle for modifying the torque-assist command to the motor (34) by an offset corresponding to a detected steering-pull condition; where the method of control includes receiving the signal indicative of the torque applied to the hand-wheel (16), providing a torque-assist command to the motor (34) in response to the received torque signal, detecting an enabling signal related to the signal representing a valid ignition cycle, quantifying a steering-pull condition in response to the received and detected signals, and modifying the torque-assist command to the motor (34) by an offset corresponding to the quantified steering-pull condition.

Abstract: A sealed electronic module includes a housing having an open end for receiving a circuit board, and a slotted side wall for receiving a connector header mounted on the circuit board. The connector header fits snugly in the side wall slot and includes an integral trough that engages the interior face of the side wall to form a U-shaped channel that surrounds the sides and bottom of the slot. The housing is positioned with its open end upward, and potting material is dispensed onto the exposed surface of the circuit board in a single step to seal the circuit board to the housing. A portion of the potting material flows into and fills the U-shaped channel to seal the connector header to the housing.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a brake system of a braked vehicle during a turn, the vehicle having four wheels. The control system is configured to selectively modify a brake pressure applied to each of the wheels by the brake system. The control system is configured to receive a driver input relating to a brake pressure sought to be applied. The control system includes a controller for monitoring a slip status of each of the four wheels during a turn. The controller is configured to direct the brake system to independently increase, decrease, or hold the brake pressure applied to each of the four wheels based at least in part upon slip status of each respective wheel. The controller is configured to direct the brake system to modify the brake pressure applied to each of the wheels such that the brake pressure applied to a given wheel of the four wheels is always equal to or less than the brake pressure sought to be applied.

Abstract: A smart actuator and method includes an actuating device adapted to deliver a selected driving torque to a geartrain that is coupled to an output shaft and adapted to selectively convey the driving torque from the actuating device to the output shaft to achieve a selected shaft position. At least one logic and control device operates the various aspects of the smart actuator. The geartrain includes at least one locking gear including locking features defining a plurality of gear positions. A position lock solenoid is adapted to engage the locking gear at a selected gear position once the geartrain has achieved the selected shaft position on the output shaft. The position lock solenoid then holds the gear at the selected gear position. The actuating device is shut off after the position lock solenoid has engaged the locking gear thereby achieving and holding a high torque without driving a lot of current.

Abstract: A speed control apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a poppet valve seat and a poppet valve pintle assembly disposed coaxially for variably regulating the flow of air into the engine across the valve seat. The pintle is axially positioned by a stepper motor actuator responsive to an engine speed sensor and electronic controller. The controller varies the axial position of the pintle in accordance with a programmed algorithm to provide any desired engine speed, and especially a fixed engine speed, under a range of engine loads. The invention eliminates the need for a governor, rotary mechanical throttle, and cable or mechanical linkages, and is especially useful for small engine applications such as in powering a portable electric generator, yard equipment, or outboard motor.

Abstract: A multi-disc brake system for automotive vehicles includes a plurality of discs slideably supported on a hub and a plurality of brake pad assemblies slideably supported on a bridge projecting from a stationary knuckle body. The pad assemblies are moved by a piston into selective braking engagement with the discs. An outer pad retainer is bolted to the bridge. A supplemental mechanical interlock feature couples the retainer releasably but securely to the bridge independently of the bolts. The pad retainer may alternatively be formed as one piece with the bridge and the bridge formed with a slideway having an access opening for installing and removing the pad assemblies for slideable movement therealong. The discs may further be supported on the hub by a supplemental support which enables sliding movement of the discs along the hub but limits the travel beyond at least one end of the hub so that discs remain on the hub independently of any support provided by the interleaved brake pad assemblies.

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: Device and method for forming the device are provided. The device is exposed to vibration events from time-to-time and includes at least one component assembled therein. The device includes a spool including a bore defined by an inner section of the spool. The inner section that defines the bore may be configured to receive that component. The device further includes a rib situated on the inner section near an entrance to the bore. The rib may extend about the periphery of the bore entrance. The rib is configured to provide a tight interference-fit upon assembly of the component into the bore, and thus avoid vibration-induced effects between the inner section of the spool and the component therein.

Abstract: A method for detecting a contact point of a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism includes an actuator controlled by a motor. The method includes the steps of establishing a parameter of the motor and a derivative of the parameter and, if the parameter has passed a previous value under no load conditions and the amplitude of the derivative of the parameter has passed a predetermined threshold, responsively establishing a zero position of the motor.

Abstract: A shaft assembly having an inner shaft extending lengthwise within an outer shaft, and a slip joint enabling relative axial movement between the shafts. The slip joint includes roller tracks on the outer shaft, and rollers on the inner shaft in rolling engagement with the roller tracks.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a cover adapted to close an opening in the fuel tank and an internal port operatively supported by the cover. The cover assembly also includes a fill limiting vent valve attached to the internal port to vent the fuel tank through the cover. The internal port includes at least one convolute therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to passively monitor the performance of an electrical circuit designed to drive to a remote electric motor, including faults that occur intermittently. The invention is capable of identifying the location and type of malfunction in the event of the fault, using a fault verification operation. This includes implementing a predetermined operating mode using electrical circuits to the remote-drive electric motor, and monitoring continuously each of the inputs of the remote-drive electric motor, and communicating this information to an external controller.

Abstract: A detection system and method of detecting the presence of a heat-emitting object near a stopped host vehicle are provided. The detection system includes a thermal detector mounted on the host vehicle for detecting thermal radiation in a coverage zone, such as a blind spot zone. A sensor detects if the host vehicle is stopped. A controller monitors temperature of the coverage zone while the vehicle is stopped and determines the presence of an object in the coverage zone based on a change in temperature.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly that makes use of a low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate, and a process for producing the assembly. The substrate contains at least first and second regions formed by a plurality of first ceramic layers and at least one second ceramic layer, respectively, that are superimposed and bonded to each other. Conductor lines are present on at least some of the first ceramic layers so as to be between adjacent pairs of the layers. Electrically-conductive vias electrically interconnect the conductor lines on different first ceramic layers, and a surface-mount IC device is mounted to the substrate. The first ceramic layers are formed of electrically-nonconductive materials, while the one or more second ceramic layers contain thermally-conductive particles dispersed in a matrix of electrically-non-conductive materials, such that the one or more second ceramic layers are more thermally conductive than the first ceramic layers.