Abstract: An accumulator (24) for an air conditioning system (10) comprising a housing (26) having a first end wall (28), a second end wall (30), and a side wall (32) joining the end walls; a fluid outlet pipe (36) mounted in, and passing through, the first end wall; and a fluid inlet pipe (34) mounted in, and passing through, the first end wall; wherein the outlet pipe has an open end (38) inside the housing positioned adjacent the first end wall; and wherein the inlet pipe comprises a first section (40) and a second section (42) inside the housing, the first section being attached at one end (44) to the first end wall and being attached at the other end (46) to the second section, the second section being open at at least one end (48) with the or each open end facing a portion (50) of the side wall. Reduces the risk of liquid refrigerant fluid passing into the outlet pipe.

Abstract: A heater for a gas sensor has a first thermistor element and a second thermistor element arranged in an electrically parallel configuration. Each thermistor element may be deposited onto a substrate such that the first thermistor element extends about a perimeter of the substrate and the second thermistor element extends across a portion of the substrate intermediate the perimeter of the substrate. The thermistor elements are preferably fabricated of materials having differing thermal coefficients of resistivity. A method of heating the gas sensor includes disposing the two thermistor elements in an electrically parallel configuration over a surface of the substrate and passing an electric current through the elements.

Abstract: A MOSFET control circuit for use in generators with dual windings. The MOSFET switch consists of two or more MOSFETs connected between the upper and lower windings of a three-phase generator to permit the windings to operate in series or in parallel. The gate of one of the MOSFETs is controlled by a gate drive circuit that turns the MOSFET ON when the windings are to operate in series. The MOSFET is OFF when the windings are to operate in parallel.

Abstract: The sensor of the present invention comprises a solid electolyte with an electrode disposed on both sides thereof and an electrical lead connected to each electrode. The solid electrolyte is yttria doped zirconia. The first electrode, the sensing electrode, is exposed to the sensing gas such as an exhaust gas. The second electrode, the reference electrode, is exposed to a reference gas, wherein at least one of the sensing electrode and the reference electrode comprises a noble metal, platinum, metal oxide and alumina or in mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A battery pack is provided having at least first and second battery modules, and which in one embodiment has ten modules. Each battery module includes a respective first terminal extending from one end of the module and a respective second terminal extending from the other end of the module. The battery pack further includes a conductive interface having a first opening configured to receive the first terminal of the first battery module and a second opening configured to receive the second terminal of the second battery module to thereby provide an electrical series connection. The interface electrically couples the terminals of the two battery modules. The battery pack may further include an electrically non-conductive buss terminal holder configured to receive and position the first and second battery modules and the conductive interface.

Abstract: A system, device and method of sealing a fluid accumulator assembly to a modulator body in a hydraulic fluid brake system provides a fluid modulator having a body with at least one fluid passageway formed therein. At least one socket is formed in a surface of the body in communication with the at least one fluid passageway. An accumulator assembly includes a housing with an open end. The open end includes a tapered lead-in, the tapered lead-in being positioned in the socket. The socket includes a seizing taper configuration, the angle of the seizing taper being complementary to an angled portion of the tapered lead-in. The housing of the accumulator includes a stake groove. Material from the body is staked into the stake groove, retaining the accumulator to the body thereby.

Abstract: An airbag which is provided with an airbag mouth (16) for connection to a gas generator has in the interior of the airbag a deflection device (18) in the region of the airbag mouth (16) which at least partly laterally deflects a gas flow which emerges from the airbag mouth (16).

Abstract: An air lift shock absorber for an automotive suspension system includes a damping piston slidable within a housing, a piston rod extending from the housing to a top mount assembly including a rigid top mount housing and a force absorbing member within the housing for transferring damping forces from the piston to the top mount housing. A jounce bumper absorbs impact forces from the housing. An air lift mechanism includes an inflatable sleeve and a pressure retainer connecting the inflatable sleeve with a flexible force receiving member that is bonded to the pressure retainer and to the top mount housing. The flexible force receiving member allows the pressure retainer to flex relative to the top mount during normal operation of the suspension system and also provides a force transmitting path for transferring forces from the air lift mechanism and the jounce bumper to the top mount housing independent of the resilient force absorbing member within the top mount housing that transfers damping forces.

Abstract: A check valve plunger assembly for use in a fluid channel is provided. The check valve plunger assembly includes a check valve plunger having a first end, a second end, and a body portion. The body portion extends between the first and second end of the check valve plunger. The plunger assembly also includes an integral breakaway retention device having a ring shaped portion. The retention device is capable of being positioned around the check valve plunger such that the ring shaped portion surrounds at least a portion of the first end of the check valve plunger. Breakaway connectors are provided which connect the first end of the check valve plunger with the ring shaped portion of the retention device. After assembly, the check valve plunger is separated from the breakaway connectors and the plunger is able to freely move within the fluid channel. The present invention also provides a method of inserting this check valve plunger within the fluid channel.

Abstract: A governor for use in an engine, the governor including a drive shaft and a plurality of weights carried by the drive shaft. The weights are rotatable with the drive shaft and are moveable relative to the drive shaft. A lever is moveable in response to movement of the weights, the lever being moveable against the action of a return biasing arrangement. The governor further includes a further arrangement for holding at least one of the weights against movement so as to permit adjustment of the operating speed of the governor.

Abstract: A roll control actuator (34) for installation between first and second axially aligned parts (14,16) of a torsion bar (12) has a cylindrical housing (36) connectable by an end wall (38) to the second part of the torsion bar. A rod (40) is positioned inside the housing, extends out of the other end (42) of the housing, and is connectable to the second part of the torsion bar. A cylindrical inner sleeve (46) is positioned inside the housing between the housing and the rod; and the housing, the rod, and the inner sleeve are coaxial on an axis (A), with the rod being rotatable about the axis relative to the housing.

Abstract: An adaptive hydraulic engine mount for mounting an engine to a frame of a motor vehicle includes a pumping chamber and reservoir filled with damping fluid and an orifice track or damping channel communicating the pumping chamber with the reservoir. A decoupling diaphragm responds to pressure level in a control cavity to control pumping of damping fluid through the damping channel, thereby controlling the dynamic stiffness of the mount. Upon actuation of a control valve, the pressure level in the control cavity is changed to achieve a level of damping greater than the low damping level. According to another embodiment of the invention, the control cavity can be communicated with engine vacuum to achieve maximum damping, or air may be trapped in the control cavity to achieve an intermediate level of damping, or the control cavity may be communicated to atmosphere to provide low levels of damping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching valve (10) comprising a valve body (20) in which a flow passage (24) is formed which opens with its one end into a work space (42). A valve plate (44) is accommodated in the work space (42) and can be moved between a closure position and an opening position. A closure element (50) is arranged between the valve plate (44) and the opening (26) of the flow passage (24) and closes the latter when the valve plate (44) is located in its closure position.

Abstract: A temperature dependent current generating circuit includes a circuitry for producing a first voltage that is substantially constant over temperature, circuitry for producing a second voltage that increases with increasing temperature, wherein the second voltage intersects the first voltage at a predefined temperature, and a comparator circuit receiving the first and second voltages. The comparator circuit is responsive to the first and second voltages to source a compensation current below the predefined temperature; i.e., when the second voltage is below the first voltage, and to sink the compensation current above the predefined temperature; i.e., when the second voltage is above the first voltage.

Abstract: Apparatus for the connection of an optical fibre via its end, which is provided with a connection piece (1), to an electro-optical or opto-electrical converter (2) having a housing (3), an optical lens (16) which is inserted in the housing and is accessible with one side from the outside, an apparatus for the conversion of light into electrical signals or vice versa which is arranged in the housing (3) and an electrical signal output (5), with, for the improvement of the performance of the system, in particular for the reduction of the damping at the connection point, mechanical connection means (8, 12) being moulded at the converter housing (3) through which an optical fibre can be secured at the converter housing (3) with its end surface lying opposite to the optical lens (16).

Abstract: A low vent pressure master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm assembly is used to keep brake fluid in the reservoir but allow air to freely pass to and from atmosphere. The diaphragm assembly includes a flexible sealing component having an aperture and a fluid flow restrictive material bonded to the flexible sealing component covering the aperture. The fluid flow restrictive material allows a limited amount of brake fluid to pass through but allows air to freely pass through. The flexible sealing component is preferably made from a rubber material. The fluid flow restrictive material is preferably made from a material such as nylon that is either mesh or has small pores.

Abstract: A method for locating an injector ball valve guide in alignment with a valve seat mounted in a common recess of an injector valve body. The valve guide is a disk that has a central opening which guides a valve ball of an associated valve member. During assembly, the guide disk is aligned with the valve seat by a locating tool having an oversized ball on a load rod. The oversized ball is fitted closely within the central opening of the guide and is seated on the ball seat to align the seat and opening. The valve seat and guide disk are then locked in the recess by crimping edges of the recess against the valve seat. The locating tool is removed and assembly of the remaining injector components is completed. The method simplifies alignment of the seat and guide components. In a variation of the method, the guide is aligned with and fixed to the valve seat with the oversized ball in place to form an aligned subassembly for subsequent installation into a fuel injector.

Abstract: A satellite crash sensor for a motor vehicle occupant restraint system that provides multi-stage deploy signaling in a manner that detects a second stage deploy crash event having an initial velocity rise followed by a loss of velocity that delays the continuation of the velocity rise. The sensor derives a velocity value from an accelerometer signal. The initiation of a possible crash event is detected and a clock count indicating a time progression into the event is initiated. A constant second stage threshold value and data defining a first stage threshold varying as function of the clock count are stored. Only for a time indicated by a first predetermined value of the clock count, a second stage datum is stored if the velocity exceeds the second stage threshold value.

Abstract: An electrical connection position assurance system that includes a pair of electrically connected contacts (46) affixed on a pivotably mounted arm (16). When the arm (16) is moved to its engage position, the contacts protrude through respective openings (52) in a harness wire dress cover (12) to close a pilot circuit (56) that has terminals (54) mounted below openings (52). The pilot circuit (56) is operably connected to a computer circuit (66) which controls illumination of an indicator light (68) depending upon whether pilot circuit (56) is closed by contacts (46).

Abstract: This present invention provides a device for retaining an inflator within an air bag module housing in a sealing manner. In a first embodiment, the device comprises an inflator seal member and an inflator seal retainer. The inflator seal member is disposed about an outer surface of the inflator by disposing the inflator through a central opening formed in the inflator seal member. The inflator seal member further has a flange which is received within a retaining groove formed in the module housing for partially locating the inflator within an internal cavity formed in the module housing. The inflator seal retainer is designed to provide high quality seal retention between the inflator and the module housing. In a broad sense, the inflator seal retainer comprises a symmetric star shaped member having spring-like properties. The inflator seal retainer is formed so that it includes a plurality of peaks radially disposed about an opening defined by the inflator seal retainer.