Abstract: An antenna including a first FM portion and first and second AM portions. The first AM portion at least partially circumscribes the first FM portion and the second AM portion at least partially circumscribes the first AM portion and at least partially circumscribes the first FM portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the feel back torque of a motor provides for receiving a difference between a desired motor position and an actual motor position; filtering the difference into two or more frequency bands; and applying a gain to one or more of the filtered frequency bands in correspondence with the received signal or a low-pass portion of the received signal to provide a motor command.

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 boot with O-ring seal for sealing around an article such as a universal joint housing includes a boot having a hollow body adapted to tightly receive the article. An O-ring extends lengthwise within an internal annular groove in the body. The O-ring, in its natural free state condition, has a radial dimension which is greater than the depth of the groove so that when the article is received in the body the O-ring is deformed and makes sealing contact with the article. The O-ring, in its natural free state condition, has an axial dimension which is less than the width of the groove by an amount such that when the article is received in the body and the O-ring makes sealing contact with the article, the O-ring is deformed into the space between the side walls of the groove.

Abstract: A steering input device for a steer-by-wire system is provided. The input device comprises a first shaft and a hand wheel. The first shaft is rotatably installed in a first housing. The hand wheel is connected to the first shaft such that the hand wheel and the first shaft drive one another. The hand wheel has a range of motion of between about ±45 degrees and about ±90 degrees. The hand wheel also has an outer dimension of about 12 inches. The range of motion and the outer dimension allow the steering input device to be installed in a vehicle in a non-conventional position relative to a twentieth century conventional position including at least one of the hand wheel extending from the first shaft extending along a length defining the vehicle on one of two sides thereof and the hand weel extending rearward in the vehicle farther than an instrument panel.

Abstract: A compound valve assembly for controlling oil flow includes a first and a second valve. The first valve is a pressure relief valve including a spring-biased plunger in a side gallery opening off a primary oil supply gallery leading to a pressure-actuated device. The relief spring allows oil above a predetermined pressure to displace the plunger and to be returned to an oil sump. The side gallery is closable by a secondary valve seat and a solenoid-actuated valve head. A passage through the plunger leads to the second valve seat. When the solenoid is deactivated, oil flows through the passage, through the second valve, and is returned to the sump. When high pressure is desired at the device, the solenoid closes the second valve. Captive oil assumes the same pressure as the supply pressure, and the relief valve function is disabled, causing high pressure oil to flow to the device.

Abstract: A frontal air bag system for a vehicle including an inflator mounted to vehicle structure and an air bag operatively connected to the inflator and mounted to a pillar of the vehicle. The frontal air bag system also includes a trim molding covering the air bag and mounted to the pillar. The air bag, inflated by the inflator, is extended downward and sideways in front of an occupant seated in the vehicle.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a method, system and storage medium for fuel driveability index detection. The system includes an engine and an oxygen sensor disposed within the exhaust gas passage of the engine. An engine control module is operatively connected to the engine. The engine control module has a processor for obtaining a first input signal indicating a first oxygen sensor voltage, obtaining a second input signal indicating a second oxygen sensor voltage at a period subsequent to the first input signal, determining a first voltage trend based on the first input signal and the second input signal and determining whether the first voltage trend is decreasing at a rate greater than a first voltage threshold rate.

Abstract: A pulse count motor control device that connects to a central control unit through a first interface and to at least one motor through a second interface. A microprocessor integrated into the motor control device then allows it to directly monitor and drive the motor or motors in accordance with pulse count technology methods.

Abstract: Analog signal conditioning circuitry is provided for processing an analog signal generated by a sensor to remove DC offset. The signal conditioning circuitry includes an amplifier having the first input receiving an analog input signal and a second input receiving a reference signal. The amplifier includes an output providing an analog output signal defined by an amplified representation of the analog input signal and the reference signal. The circuitry includes a feedback circuit having an input coupled to the amplifier output and an output coupled to the first input of the amplifier for providing an analog feedback signal. The feedback circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog amplifier output to a digital signal, a digital controller for processing the digital signal, and a digital to analog converter for converting the processed digital signal to an analog feedback signal.

Abstract: A fuel strainer assembly includes a filtration member and an inlet connector connected to the filtration member for connection to an inlet of a fuel pump. The fuel strainer assembly also includes a push pad connected to the filtration member. The fuel strainer assembly further includes a compression retainer operatively supported by the push pad to engage the inlet connector to cause an interference fit between the inlet connector and the inlet of the fuel pump to secure the inlet connector to the fuel pump.

Abstract: A mounting anchor for a motor vehicle includes a locking bar, a first switch, a first movable plate, a second switch and a second movable plate. The first switch is positioned adjacent a first side of the locking bar and the first movable plate is positioned to slidably engage a groove on the first side of the locking bar. The first movable plate includes a first activation area for receiving a portion of the first switch and a first aperture for receiving a first rotatable arm. The second switch is positioned adjacent a second side of the locking bar, which is opposite the first side of the locking bar. The second movable plate is positioned to slidably engage a groove on the second side of the locking bar and includes a second activation area for receiving a portion of the second switch and a second aperture for receiving a second rotatable arm.

Abstract: A tire pressure sensor array includes a control module to which a receiver is connected. Four tire pressure sensors communicate with the control module via the receiver. Each tire pressure sensor includes a pressure switch that is electrically connected to a digital state machine. The digital state machine is connected to a transmitter and communicates pressure information to the transmitter. In turn, the transmitter communicates the pressure information to the receiver which communicates the pressure information to the control module.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel processing device, in particular for an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle, comprises a tank port (14) and an atmospheric port (26); a first adsorbent chamber (16) between the tank port (14) and the atmospheric port (26), the first adsorbent chamber (16) being filled with an adsorbent material (18); and a volume compensator (24) for compacting the adsorbent material (18) in the first adsorbent chamber (16). The volume compensator (24) comprises a base (34); a compacting plate (30); and a spring (32) arranged between the base (34) and the compacting plate (30). The volume compensator (24) further comprises resilient connecting means (36) connecting the compacting plate (30) to the base (34), the resilient connecting means (36) being formed in one piece with the compacting plate (30) and the base (34) and being arranged such that the spring (32) can be inserted between the base (34) and the compacting plate (30).

Abstract: A camshaft phaser wherein camshaft oscillatory torque resulting from opening and closing of an associated engine valve is employed to controllably adjust the degree of advance or retard of the rotor. All advance chambers communicate with a first annular passage, and all retard chambers communicate with a second annular passage. Valve means connecting the first and second annular passages are controllable by a solenoid-actuated piston to permit selective flow of oil between the advance and retard chambers to alter the angular position of the rotor with respect to the stator. The solenoid windings are selectively actuable in response to an engine control module. Preferably, the phaser is a sealed unit, filled with oil at manufacture and requires no oil connection with the oil recirculation system of an engine upon which the phaser is mounted. The phaser is independent of engine oil pressure for actuation.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive strain sensor includes a Hall effect sensor for measuring the change in magnetic flux a magnetic circuit including a magnetostrictive element. A strain sensing apparatus includes one or more magnetic elements defining a magnetic circuit having a gap, and including a magnetostrictive element adapted to receive a load force. A Hall effect sensor is disposed within the gap for sensing a change in magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. The Hall effect sensor may include a programmable circuit for zeroing and calibrating the sensing apparatus, and for providing temperature compensation. The magnetostrictive element may be magnetized to form the magnetized element, and may be formed from material known as TERFENOL-D.

Abstract: An ultra accurate gas injection system with vehicle transient air simulation is provided. The device includes an input device, at least one mass flow device, an air flow device, a controller, such as a PC based controller, and an output device. The air flow device issues an air flow rate signal indicative of at least the actual air flow rate and receives an air flow control signal. The controller issues gas and air flow control signals, repeatedly reads the air flow rate signal and compares the actual air flow rate with the target air flow rate. The controller adjusts the air flow control signal such that the actual air flow rate is substantially equal to the target air flow rate. The mass flow device injects at least one gas into the air stream which is subsequently emitted into the external system to simulate exhaust gas from a vehicle.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomeric compositions and processes for preparing the compositions comprising a blend of polypropylene, styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer elastomer, linear low density polyethylene, peroxide crosslinking agent and a crosslinking coagent. The peroxide crosslinking agent and crosslinking coagent provide a crosslinking system. The compositions improve melt strength and increase resistance to flow and tear. The composition may further comprise mineral oil, antioxidant, colorant, a processing aid and stabilizer and mixtures thereof. The processes for preparing thermoplastic elastomeric compositions are particularly useful in microcellular injection molding to form articles with improved surface characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention includes a low insertion force connector assembly capable of providing an electrical interface to a circuit board. The connector assembly includes a housing and electrically conductive terminals mounted in the housing. The connector assembly further includes slide and wedge members which are inserted into the housing along with a connective end portion of a flexible flat cable pressing exposed conductors on the flexible flat cable against terminal contact arms.

Abstract: An air bag module, having a housing with at least one vent opening; an inflatable cushion being stored in an un-deployed position in the housing; an inflator for inflating the inflatable cushion, the inflator being in fluid communication with the inflatable cushion; a deployable member being configured to cover the at least one vent opening; a tether element being secured to the inflatable cushion at one end and the deployable member at the other; an actuator adapted to restrain or release the tether element wherein the deployable member is pulled away from the at least one vent opening when the actuator releases the tether, the at least one vent opening is in fluid communication with the inflatable cushion when the deployable member is pulled away.