Abstract: A simplified, low cost method for preparing a non-thermal plasma reactor comprises forming cell building blocks of material having a high dielectric constant, printing a conductive print onto the cell walls, assembling the cells into a multi-cell stack, providing electrical connections for connecting said cells to a high voltage source, applying insulation to said multi-cell stack, and inserting the multi-cell stack into a non-thermal plasma reactor housing. The simplified design eliminates the need for spacers between individual cells, thus reducing the total number of components. The method employing formed shape building blocks provides flexibility and may be used in conjunction with conventional processing methods. The printing sequence is defined from the top of the multi-cell stack to the bottom, further minimizing the number of components. Use of a three-dimensional conductive print further simplifies preparation by eliminating the need for a secondary conductive print along the edge of the stack.

Abstract: A voltage power supply circuit is provided that uses the voltage output of an oscillator to provide a high voltage DC output to drive a liquid crystal display device. A controller IC opens and closes an FET to allow the EMF of an inductor to generate a DC voltage that exceeds the battery voltage source for the liquid crystal display device. Accordingly, the oscillator circuit that drives a back light display for a liquid crystal device is simultaneously used to generate the high voltage DC source for the liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly (20) providing variable energy absorption from an energy transmitting component (10) is mounted upon a mounting bracket (16) for mounting the energy absorbing assembly (20) to the energy transmitting component (10). An elongated strap (22) immovably secured at a first end (24) absorbs energy received from the energy transmitting component (10) during a collision. Cooperating anvils (30A,B) are slidably received by the mounting bracket (16) and the elongated strap (22) is interwoven between the anvils (30). The anvils (30A,B) include generally parallel axes (a) along which each anvil (30A, 30B) defines stepped diameters (A,B,C,D), and are slidable along the axes (a) in response to a predetermined force to provide variable energy absorption relative to the stepped diameters (A,B,C,D).

Abstract: A bipolar plate for use in a fuel cell assembly having channels for conveying oxygen and fuel along the cathode and anode surfaces of adjacent fuel cell units. The channels are separated by lands for making electrical and mechanical contact with the respective cathode and anode surfaces and preferably are so configured as to provide the minimum area required for satisfactory electrical contact and mechanical support. The lands and channels preferably are formed as peaks and valleys or as raised or recessed dimples for making electrical/mechanical contact with the cathode and anode surfaces and are coated in those contact areas with corrosion-resistant metal such as gold, platinum, ruthenium, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An ignition coil cassette having bushings retained by an irregularity of the bushings being encased by epoxy. As a result, the process by which the bushings are installed into the ignition coil cassette avoids the cost associated with the overmolding installation process, and further avoids the potential for damage associated with the ultrasonic insertion process. The irregularity is located generally adjacent one end of each of the bushings and may be, for example, in the form of an undercut or a protrusion.

Abstract: A system and method for using vehicle operator intent to adjust a vehicle control system, comprising: at least one vehicle control system associated with a vehicle, the vehicle control system being enabled to execute computer programs, the vehicle control system being enabled to receive data signals, at least one sensor for sensing vehicle operator intent, the sensor being enabled for transmitting data signals to the vehicle control system, and a computer program for developing a response command in relation to a representation of vehicle operator intent, the representation further comprising received data signals.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma reactor for conversion of exhaust gas constituents is characterized by a reactor element prepared from a curved, swept-shaped substrate specifically designed for fabrication via extrusion. The as-extruded curved substrate comprises a thick outer wall surrounding a plurality of channels separated by dielectric barriers. Selected channels are coated with a conductive material to form conductor channels. The prepared reactor element preferably comprises multiple concentric exhaust channels, multiple concentric conductor channels having alternating polarity, each connected to its respective polarity via bus paths, in-line structural support ligaments for providing optimal structural support while preventing exhaust leakage, and thick outer walls providing high crush resistance and allowing robust mounting into the reactor housing. The nested, concentric arrangement and curved shape substrate advantageously enhances the reactor's ability to adapt to fit various vehicle sizes.

Abstract: Fault detection circuitry is provided for a PWM driver responsive to a PWM input signal to produce a PWM output signal, and includes a first circuit producing a scaled switching signal as a scaled representation of the PWM input signal. A second circuit is configured to produce a combined switching signal as a combination of the PWM output signal and the scaled switching signal, and a third circuit is configured to convert the combined switching signal to an analog output signal indicative of one or more fault conditions associated with the PWM driver. A number of comparators may be included with each responsive to the analog output signal and to a different one of a corresponding number of different references voltages, to produce a fault signal indicative of a particular one of the one or more fault conditions.

Abstract: An electrical clip connector has a terminal clip which is electrically mated to a ground stud by hand. The terminal clip is protected by an erogonomically friendly housing which supports the functional requirements of the terminal clip. The housing has a hoop portion which defines a through hole orientated concentrically to a bore defined by a resilient barrel segment of the terminal clip. Communicating transversely with the rough hole is a channel carried by a first portion of the housing which encases a first arm of the terminal clip engaged to a circumferential first end of the barrel segment. A second or activation arm of the terminal clip extends from an opposite end of the barrel segment and crosses over the first arm so that compression of the arms toward one-another causes the loop segment to enlarge for receipt of the ground stud. The second arm is encased by a second portion of the housing which is preferably hinged to the first portion near the hoop portion.

Abstract: A thermally conductive film is attached to an integrated circuit (IC) wafer through a number of steps. Initially, a thermally conductive film is positioned on a first side of a block. Next, an IC wafer that includes a plurality of chips is positioned with its non-active side in contact with the film. Then, a first surface of an elastomer pad is positioned in contact with an active side of the wafer. Next, a predetermined pressure is applied between a second side of the block that is opposite the first side and a second surface of the elastomer pad that is opposite the first surface. Finally, the film, the block, the wafer and the elastomer pad are heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time while a predetermined pressure is applied to bond the film to the wafer without bonding the film to the block.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve having a reciprocating pintle shaft supported by a sleeve bushing and having a labyrinthine pathway between a valve operating chamber and a shaft/bushing interface to minimize intrusion of exhaust gases into the interface. The labyrinthine pathway is formed between fixed annular elements of the valve body and shaft bushing and a movable annular element of the valve head telescopically disposed between the fixed elements.

Abstract: A pressure transducer suitable for use as a component of a passive occupant detection system installed in a passenger vehicle. The transducer comprises first and second contact members separated by a spacing member. The first contact member has on a surface thereof a primary contact comprising first and second terminations and portions spaced apart in a first direction. The second contact member has on a surface thereof a plurality of secondary contacts crossing and facing the spaced-apart portions of the primary contact through an opening in the spacing member. Application of an increasing force causes the contact members to move toward each other, causing an increasing number of the spaced-apart portions to be shorted out by the secondary contacts and causing an increasing number of secondary contacts to contact the primary contact, thereby altering the electrical path between the terminations of the primary contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a canister (1) of an evaporated fuel processing system comprising a housing (2) enclosing adsorbing chambers (4, 5) connected in series, where the first adsorbing chamber is connected to a fuel tank (19) and to an intake pipe (20) of an internal combustion engine and the last or outlet adsorbing chamber (5) comprises an atmospheric port. A perforated plate (21) is positioned inside the outlet adsorbing chamber (5) across a vapors flow path. To meet the emission standards and to ensure the proper canister behavior during tank (19) refueling, the perforated plate (21) comprises at least one vapor channel (26) with a valve (27a), extending inside the outlet adsorbing chamber for a distance (h) less than or equal to the thickness (H) of adsorbent layer behind the perforated plate. During use, the valve opens in response to increased pressure to reduce flow resistance through the outlet absorbing chamber, but otherwise remains closed to maximize vapor flow through the absorbent layer.

Abstract: A process for forming a metal, preferably steel, roller bearing comprising the steps of providing a hardened steel cylindrical blank having end face surfaces, a lateral surface defining an outer diameter, and a centered circular bore whose surface defines an inner diameter; hard turning the surface of the bore to a specified inner diameter; and hard turning the lateral surface of the blank to achieve, in a single set up, a final form of the bearing having a specified outer diameter with a radial crown.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to transducers, methods of making transducers and methods of converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy. The transducers comprise an elastomeric film disposed between two electrodes wherein at least one electrode can be a compliant electrode. The elastomeric film comprises a polyphosphazene.

Abstract: Linear velocity sensor and method for reducing non-linearity in the output signal of the sensor are provided. The sensor comprises a ferromagnetic housing including an opening. The sensor further comprises a spool disposed in the housing. The spool includes a bore for receiving a slidable ferromagnetic rod. The ferromagnetic rod may be extendable through the opening in the housing. A magnet is mounted at the one end of the rod distal from the opening when the rod is substantially inserted in the bore. A coil is wound on the spool. The number of turns of the coil is arranged to taperingly increase as the coil progresses from an end of the spool proximate the opening in the housing to the opposite end of the spool. The tapering arrangement for the number of turns of the coil is selected to reduce non-linearity of an output signal of the coil indicative of linear velocity.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for sensing angular position of one object relative to another object. A capacitor is formed between a transmitter capacitor plate having a pair of transmitter electrodes and a receiver capacitor plate having preferably eight receiver electrodes forming four receiver electrode pairs. A dielectric rotor rotates between the plates, the rotor having first and second segments each subtending 67.5 which are mutually separated by a vacancy subtending 45 degrees, and further having a third segment subtending 45 degrees disposed between the first and second segments diametrically opposite the vacancy. An electrical circuit measures net charge induced on each of the receiver electrode pairs, wherein the charges indicate the angular position of said rotor relative to said transmitter and receiver capacitor plates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining a uniform gap between the periphery of an airbag module and its surrounding structure, comprising: at least one bushing having a protrusion depending outwardly from a surface of the bushing; and at least one insulator having a first bushing opening being configured to allow a portion the bushing to be slidably received therein, the bushing opening being configured to define a limit of travel of the portion of the bushings within the bushing opening.

Abstract: A method of determining the rubbing friction torque involves characterizing fuel cutoff engine deceleration, and calculating the rubbing friction torque for any combination of engine speed and powertrain temperature is calculated in accordance with a base point rubbing friction torque RFTbase determined at a base powertrain temperature Tbase and fuel cutoff characterization data. The calibration data characterizing fuel cutoff engine deceleration is obtained by alternately enabling and cutting off engine fuel delivery to cycle the engine speed between specified set points, and measuring and recording the engine deceleration during intervals of fuel cutoff.

Abstract: An improved, more efficient method of operation for a vehicle heating and air conditioning system electrically positions a temperature control actuator in accordance with a first temperature control schedule for coordinated control of compressor capacity and re-heating of the discharge air when air conditioning is enabled, in accordance with a second temperature control schedule when air conditioning is disabled. Both first and second temperature control schedules position the temperature control actuator as a function of the setting of the driver-manipulated temperature selector.