Abstract: A sensing assembly senses angular speed and position of a device that rotates about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is defined with respect to a frame. The sensing assembly includes an encoder target wheel that is fixedly secured to the device. The encoder target wheel rotates about the axis of rotation with the device being measured. A first Hall effect sensor is fixedly secured to the frame at a predetermined distance from the axis of rotation. The first Hall effect sensor has a first output line and transmits a first output thereover. A second Hall effect sensor is also fixedly secured to the frame at the same predetermined distance from the axis of rotation. The second Hall effect sensor is offset from the first Hall effect sensor by ninety degrees. The second Hall effect sensor has a second output line and transmits a second output thereover. A controller is electrically connected to the first and second Hall effect sensors. The controller receives the first and second outputs.

Abstract: A pyromechanical battery pole disconnect element, includes a housing (1) in which an electrical conductor is located, a pyrotechnic active element (14) including a breaking piston with a disconnect element (7) to sever the electrical conductor at an isolating point (11), and a pyrotechnic charge to drive the disconnect element (7). All of the current-conducting components except the active element (14) are combined to form a one-piece battery terminal clamp element (5).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for customizing the pressure within an inflatable cushion of an air bag module is provided. The method comprises determining whether additional venting of an air bag is required. A sensing and diagnostic module will receive its relative inputs from a plurality of sensors and will determine whether vents in an inflatable cushion should be opened to allow diffusion of an inflation gas. The apparatus allowing vents to open at specified times to allow for diffusion of the inflation gas.

Abstract: An integrated gear shift selector switch assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a park position switch and a brake transmission shift interlock switch combined in a unitized housing as an integrated structure. The park position switch has a movable component that moves within the housing between a park and non-park position corresponding to a movement of a gear shift selector lever from a park to at least one non-park position. The brake transmission shift interlock switch also has a movable component supported by the switch housing for movement in to and out of selective locking engagement with the movable component of the park position switch to selectively unlock and lock the gear shift selector lever in the park position.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for operating a vehicle packages mechanical components and electrical devices normally found in or around the steering column of the vehicle into a single unit. An on-board processor accepts signals from the electrical devices, which may include motor actuators for steering column adjustments and/or pedal position adjustments. The on-board processor connects to a vehicle communications bus to communicate data received from the electrical devices to various systems throughout the vehicle. The on-board processor also receives data from the various systems. The steering column assembly also includes a display connected to the on-board processor. The display and on-board processor moves with the steering column as it is adjusted for telescope and/or tilt position. The operator receives information about the operation of the vehicle from the display.

Abstract: A no-flow underfill material and process suitable for underfilling a bumped circuit component. The underfill material initially comprises a dielectric polymer material in which is dispersed a precursor capable of reacting to form an inorganic filler. The underfill process generally entails dispensing the underfill material over terminals on a substrate, and then placing the component on the substrate so that the underfill material is penetrated by the bumps on the component and the bumps contact the terminals on the substrate. The bumps are then reflowed to form solid electrical interconnects that are encapsulated by the resulting underfill layer. The precursor may be reacted to form the inorganic filler either during or after reflow.

Abstract: A technique for calibrating a current control circuit includes a number of steps. One step includes setting a conduction time of a low-side switch, which is coupled between a low-side of the load and ground, to provide a desired load current to a load. Another step includes determining a high-side load current on a high-side of the load, which is coupled to a power source, when a low-side load current on the low-side of the load transitions through a first predetermined reference level. Yet another step includes establishing a first correction factor based upon the high-side load current and the low-side load current. Still another step includes adjusting the conduction time of the low-side switch based on the first correction factor to provide the desired load current to the load.

Abstract: A solenoid assembly is used with a valve assembly to regulate the flow of fluid therethrough. The solenoid assembly includes a solenoid frame extending between a first end and a second end. A primary plate is disposed adjacent the first end of the solenoid frame. The primary plate includes a flux concentrating cylinder extending out therefrom. A secondary plate is disposed adjacent the second end of the solenoid frame. A bobbin is disposed within the solenoid frame between the primary and secondary plates. The bobbin defines a core and has a wire coil wrapped about the core. The wire coil receives an electric current to induce a magnetic field thereabout. The solenoid assembly also includes a plunger that is extendable through a portion of the core of the bobbin and is movable at a defined force with respect to the bobbin. The plunger moves in response to changes in the magnetic field. The plunger includes a flux extension extending out therefrom coaxially with the plunger.

Abstract: A computer cabinet includes a top panel and at least one side panel connected to the top panel and a fan assembly. The fan assembly includes a fan and a fan housing. The fan housing has a top half and bottom half. The top half and the bottom half form an internal cavity. An air inlet is located within one of the top and bottom halves. The fan is located within the internal cavity and directs air from the air inlet towards an open end of the housing.

Abstract: A delashing assembly includes a tightening device for tightening a nut in relation to a main shaft supported on bearings and a wireless interface, wherein torque information is received by the tightening device over the wireless interface. A main shaft and main nut assembly, as well as a steering system, may include the delashing assembly. A method of delashing the main shaft and main nut assembly includes providing a tightening device on a first end of the main shaft and sending torque information from a second end of the main shaft to the tightening device over the wireless interface.

Abstract: A motor assembly, such as an electro-mechanical-brake (EMB) motor assembly includes an electric motor, a latch gear, a solenoid, and a spring. The latch gear is non-rotatably attached to the drive shaft of the motor. The spring is operatively connected to the solenoid and has a spring projection which is longitudinally-deflectable by energizing the solenoid. The gear tooth is shaped to longitudinally retain the spring projection when the latch gear rotates the gear tooth into engagement with the longitudinally-deflected spring projection. In one example, the latch gear is a parking-brake latch gear and the motor assembly provides a parking brake function for an EMB electric motor which also is used for applying and releasing a vehicle's driving brakes.

Abstract: A unitary, “hollow out” piston is molded or forged with only two tools, which move along a single parting direction, with a pair of arcuate side walls that provide maximal outer surface area with minimal thickness and weight. The thin walls are internally fortified by a cruciform support structure that is molded integrally by the same tools. No post forming machining steps are needed to reduce weight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing gap variation between an airbag module and a steering wheel insert while acting as a horn switch for a horn. The apparatus includes a contact spring disposed between the airbag module and the steering wheel insert. The spring has at least two raised locations having one side of each raised location biasing the airbag module in a first direction while an opposite second side thereof electrically connects with a contact when the airbag module is biased in a second direction opposite said first direction to actuate the horn. An insulative spring retainer has one surface disposed on the steering wheel insert and an opposite surface configured to retain the contact spring. The retainer is further configured to operably couple with the steering wheel insert and includes at least one contact aligned with a corresponding raised location to actuate the horn upon electrical contact therebetween.

Abstract: A magnetic force sensor and method for measuring a force applied to an object. A magnetostrictive element mounted on at least a portion of the object is subjected to a prestress. A conductive coil is wound around at least a portion of the magnetostrictive element. An excitation source, which includes one of a current source and a voltage source, excites the conductive coil. A detection circuit detects one of an induced voltage across the conductive coil and a voltage drop across a resistor in series with the conductive coil. The detected voltage can be used to determine the applied force. A second coil can be used in a bipolar sensor or to correct for variations in ambient conditions.

Abstract: An energy absorber may be used with the motor vehicle steering column of a motor vehicle is provided. The steering column includes a tubular mast jacket and a steering shaft. The tubular mast jacket has an upper end and a lower end. The steering shaft is located and rotatable within the mast jacket. Thee mast jacket and steering shaft are centered along a longitudinal center line. The mast jacket further includes an outer jacket with a top line parallel to the center line and located at a top of the mast jacket. The energy absorber includes a sleeve and a lower mounting bracket. The sleeve has a first end and a second end and forms a sleeve bore for receiving the lower end of the mast jacket. The lower mounting bracket is mounted on a body structure of the motor vehicle and defines a lower mounted bracket bore for receiving the second end of the sleeve. The energy absorber further includes a convex anvil located on at the second end of the sleeve, and generally being centered along the top line.

Abstract: A deployment flap for use with an inflatable cushion is provided. The deployment flap includes a fabric or other flexible, foldable material; a plurality of securement tabs each having a weakened area; and a cover area defined in the fabric. The fabric is connectable to the inflatable cushion to cause the inflatable cushion to be biased in a selected direction upon inflation of the inflatable cushion. The cover area covers the inflatable cushion prior to inflation of the inflatable cushion. The securement tabs secure the fabric to a retainer. The weakened area releases the fabric from the retainer upon the inflation of the inflatable cushion.

Abstract: A power electronics module includes a heat sink and an electronic package having a first layer in direct thermal communication with the heat sink. At least one electronic component is disposed between the first layer and a second layer. A thermally conductive element is in direct thermal communication with the second layer and carries heat from a first portion of the second layer to a second portion of the second layer such that the heat is transferred from the second portion of the second layer to the heat sink through the first layer.

Abstract: An advance arrangement controls timing of fuel delivery by a fuel pump for use in an engine. The advance arrangement includes an advance piston, a servo piston, a light load piston, and an arrangement. The advance piston is slidable within a first bore and cooperates, in use, with a cam arrangement of a fuel pump to adjust the timing of fuel delivery by the pump. A surface associated with the advance piston is exposed to fuel pressure within a first control chamber. The servo piston is slidable within a further bore provided in the advance piston to control the pressure of fuel within the first control chamber. The servo piston is responsive to speed dependent fuel pressure variations within a servo control chamber, thereby to permit adjustment of the timing in response to engine speed. The light load piston is moveable relative to the advance piston against the action of a light load control spring in response to fuel pressure variations within a light load control chamber.

Abstract: The plug contact element for the at least partial pushing through an opening, in particular a round opening, in an elastic material along a push through direction of the plug contact element comprises a housing part having at least two wall regions which are substantially planar and inclined with respect to one another at least at a front side of the housing part and which are connected to one another via an arched or bent connection region, with the housing part having at least one indentation which opens to a front side of the housing part which lies in the push through direction and of which the indentation edge at least partly forms a front-side edge of the arched or bent connection region, with the indentation edge having an apex or a tangent which is orthogonal to the push through direction, the apex or tangent being provided only at the boundary between the connection region and one of the bordering wall regions or at one of the bordering wall regions.

Abstract: A solid-oxide fuel cell system having “hot” components, e.g., the fuel cell stacks, the fuel reformer, tail gas combuster, heat exchangers, and fuel/air manifold, contained in a “hot zone” within a thermal enclosure intended specifically for minimizing heat transfer to its exterior and having no significant structural or protective function for its contents. A two-part clamshell arrangement allows all piping and leads which must pass through the enclosure to do so at the join line between the parts, thus eliminating need for ports and fittings in the thermal enclosure. A separate and larger structural enclosure surrounds the thermal enclosure, defining a “cool zone” outside the thermal enclosure for incorporation of “cool” components, e.g., the air supply system and the electronic control system, and providing structural protection for all components of the fuel cell system.