Abstract: A USB hub module which is configured to enable a vehicle's embedded USB host to connect to multiple mobile devices through a USB hub, regardless of whether the mobile devices are configured to act as USB hosts or USB devices, without providing USB OTG controllers or additional vehicle wiring or inhibiting functionality of consumer devices connected the module while one consumer device connected to the module operates in USB host mode. Preferably, the module is configured so that no additional cabling or hardware changes are required to the head unit. The module can be employed between the embedded USB host, USB hub and at least one consumer accessible USB port. When the consumer device is acting as a USB host, signals between the consumer device and the vehicle's embedded USB host are processed through a bridge, thereby rendering the consumer device compatible with the embedded USB host.

Abstract: A heater includes a heater housing with a support plate secured to one end. A fuel cell stack assembly is disposed within the heater housing and includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent. The fuel cell stack assembly includes a fuel cell manifold for receiving the fuel and distributing the fuel to the plurality of fuel cells and for receiving the oxidizing agent and distributing the oxidizing agent to the plurality of fuel cells. A fuel supply conduit supplies the fuel to the fuel cell manifold and an oxidizing agent supply conduit supplies the oxidizing agent to the fuel cell manifold. The fuel cell stack assembly is supported on the support plate by one of the fuel supply conduit and the oxidizing agent supply conduit.

Abstract: A heater includes a heater housing extending along a heater axis; a fuel cell stack assembly disposed within the heater housing and having a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent; an electric resistive heating element disposed within the heater housing and electrically connected to the fuel cell stack assembly; and a first thermal switch located between the fuel cell stack assembly and the electric resistive heating element. The first thermal switch is closed to place the fuel cell stack assembly in electrical communication with the electric resistive heating element when the fuel cell stack assembly is electrochemically active and is open to prevent electrical communication between the fuel cell stack assembly and the electric resistive heating element when the fuel cell stack assembly is not electrochemically active.

Abstract: A method for verifying the validity of an output of a particulate matter sensor mounted in an engine exhaust system downstream of a diesel particulate filter, the particulate matter sensor including a pair of electrodes spaced apart from each other, includes initiating regeneration of the diesel particulate filter, applying and maintaining a higher than nominal voltage across the electrodes following the step of initiating regeneration of the diesel particulate filter, and measuring an electrical parameter across the electrodes while the higher voltage is applied across the electrodes, where the electrical parameter is indicative of an amount of soot accumulated on the sensor. The reading of accumulated soot is evaluated to determine whether the sensor is indicating that the amount of accumulated soot is within an expected range based on a clean diesel particulate filter and the elevated applied voltage.

Abstract: A cognitive-driver-assist system includes an object-detection device, an operator-detection device, a control-override device, and a controller. The object-detection device is operable to detect when an object is proximate to a host-vehicle. The operator-detection device is operable to determine when an operator of the host-vehicle is aware of the object. The control-override device is operable to limit operator-authority of the operator while the operator is driving the host-vehicle. The controller is configured to operate the control-override device in accordance with the operator-authority to override the operator and avoid interference with the object when the operator is not aware of the object.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a mounting-device used for automatically mounting a contact-part attached to an electrical line with a connector-housing includes the steps of providing the mounting-device, marking a plurality of marking-points, capturing an image of the plurality of marking-points, and determining the positions of the plurality of marking-points. The mounting-device comprises a holder for the connector-housing, a positioning-device that includes a moveable-gripper that includes a marking-device, a camera configured to capture an image of a portion of the holder, and a control unit in communication with the positioning-device, the camera, and the moveable-gripper. The control unit determines the positions of the marking-points based on the image. The positions are indicative of an actual insertion-position of the contact-part into the connector-housing by the moveable-gripper. The control unit stores the positions of the marking-points in a memory of the control unit.

Abstract: An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) assembly for an electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), often referred to as, optionally having one of at least two interchangeable power supply cords with plugs that conform to different technical standards, such as National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) 5-15P or 6-20P. The interchangeable power supply cord plugs each include a thermistor adapted to monitor plug temperatures. The electronic module is configured to disable charging until a proper resistance of the thermistor in the plug is detected. The electronic module is also configured to automatically switch between 120 volt and 240 volt operation based on which of the interchangeable power supply cords is connected to the electronic module.

Abstract: A bus bar connector system and an electrical distribution center suitable for use in a motor vehicle including such a bus bar connection system is presented. The bus bar connector system includes a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a spring clip configured to apply a contact force to the first and second bus bars effective to bring at least a portion the first and second bus bars into intimate contact with one another. The spring clip may comprise two longitudinal spring arms each extending from a lateral spring base interconnecting the spring arms. These spring arms are angled toward one another and end portions of the spring arms may be angled away from one another, thereby forming an hourglass or X-shaped spring clip. The end portions of the spring arms may be configured to retain the spring clip within a slot defined by a connector housing.

Abstract: An electrical distribution center includes a bracket. A mounting plate is secured to the bracket and includes an aperture having a perimeter. An electrical connector is disposed within the aperture and includes locating structure that is captured between the perimeter and the bracket to align and to retain the electrical connector relative to the bracket. One locating structure includes spring arms that cooperate with notches provided by the aperture. Another locating structure includes an edge captured beneath a periphery of the aperture. The mounting plate is snap-fit to the bracket over the electrical connectors.

Abstract: A system which is configured to enable a vehicle's embedded USB Host system to connect to multiple mobile devices through a USB Hub, regardless of whether the mobile devices are configured to act as USB Hosts or USB Devices, without the need to add or provide OTG controllers in the system or additional vehicle wiring, or inhibiting the functionality of any consumer devices operating in USB Device mode connected to a vehicle system Hub while another consumer device connected to the same Hub operates in USB Host mode. Preferably, the system is configured to provide that no additional cabling is required, and no hardware changes are required to be made to the HU. The system can be employed between a vehicle's embedded USB Host, USB Hub and at least one consumer accessible USB port.

Abstract: An electrical center for distributing electrical power to an electrical system of a vehicle is provided. A housing of the electrical center includes a shroud that protrudes outward from a sidewall of the housing. A fuse assembly which is configured to fit into the housing includes a tab that protrudes outward from the sidewall. A sleeve is configured to engage the shroud and the tab such that a receptacle for a connector of the electrical system is formed on the sidewall.

Abstract: A system for detecting faults in a motor includes a drive circuit, a detection circuit, and a controller. The drive circuit is configured to apply a drive signal to a motor. The detection circuit is configured to detect a response signal generated when the drive signal is applied to the motor. The controller is configured to determine a motor fault based on a comparison of the response signal to an expected signal for the drive signal applied to the motor. The drive signal is selected to generate a rotating magnetic field in the motor with a rotation-frequency greater than a maximum mechanical-response-frequency of the motor.

Abstract: An environmentally sealed electrical housing assembly with an integrated connector and a method for manufacturing same is presented. The assembly includes a non-accessible electrical component, such an electromechanical relay, and a plurality of terminals connected to a circuit board. A dielectric housing encases the non-accessible electrical component. The housing is in intimate contact with the non-accessible electrical component, thereby sealing it from the environment. The housing defines an integral perimeter wall that surrounds the terminals, forming a connector shroud. Removable electrical components, such as fuse assemblies, may be attached to the terminals inside the shroud. When a sealed mating connector is attached to the housing, the removable components are also sealed from the environment. The assembly allows distribution of power switching functions and circuit protection to be distributed to a location near the electrical load instead of a central location, such as a bussed electrical center.

Abstract: A system for automated operation of a host-vehicle includes a sensor, a data-source, and a controller. The sensor is installed in a host-vehicle. The sensor is operable to determine a state-of-awareness of an operator of the host-vehicle. The data-source provides route-data used for automated operation of the host-vehicle. The route-data includes a map and a control-rule for navigating the map. The controller is in communication with the sensor and the data-source. The controller is configured to operate the host-vehicle during automated operation of the host-vehicle in accordance with the route-data. The controller is also configured to modify the control-rule based on the state-of-awareness of the operator.

Abstract: A multiple imager camera includes a block, an imager, and an alignment apparatus. The block is configured to direct an image to a plurality of imagers located proximate to a plurality of apertures defined by the block. The imager of the plurality of imagers is configured to receive the image through an aperture of the plurality of apertures. The alignment apparatus is interposed between the block and the imager. The alignment apparatus is configured to allow for six degrees of freedom to align the imager with the image. The six degrees of freedom include adjustment along a x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis of the aperture, and adjustment about a pitch-axis, a yaw-axis, and a roll-axis of the aperture. The alignment apparatus is further configured to fixedly couple the imager to the block after the imager is aligned with the image.

Abstract: A camshaft phaser includes a camshaft phaser input member connectable to a crankshaft; a camshaft phaser output member connectable to a camshaft; an intermediate member rotatable relative to the camshaft phaser input member such that rotation of the intermediate member relative to the camshaft phaser input member causes the camshaft phaser output member to rotate relative to the camshaft phaser input member; and a rotational actuator configured to selectively rotate the intermediate member relative to the camshaft phaser input member, the rotational actuator comprising. The rotational actuator includes a compound planetary gear set having an input planetary gear set driven by the camshaft phaser input member and an output planetary gear set driven by the input planetary gear set; and an adjusting actuator connected to the compound planetary gear set.

Abstract: A connector assembly, such as a high voltage electrical connector assembly, includes a first connector having a first housing and an intermediate housing attached to the first housing. The intermediate housing is moveable from a first position to a second position. A flexible retaining arm is configured to hold the intermediate housing in the first position. The connector assembly further includes a second connector having a second housing. The second housing defines a release wedge that engages and flexes the retaining arm, thereby releasing the intermediate housing from engagement with the retaining arm and allowing the intermediate housing to move from the first position to the second position as the first connector is connected to the second connector. A terminal in the first housing is enclosed within the intermediate housing in the first position, and protrudes from an aperture in a surface of the intermediate housing in the second position.

Abstract: A pedestrian-intent-detection system for automated operation of a host-vehicle (e.g. automated vehicle) includes an object-detection device and a controller. The object-detection device is operable to detect an object proximate to a host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the object-detection device. The controller is configured to determine when the object detected by the object-detection device is a pedestrian based on a detection-characteristic of the pedestrian indicated by the object-detection device. The controller is further configured to define a size of a caution-area located proximate to the pedestrian based on a behavior-characteristic (e.g. intent) of the pedestrian indicated by the object-detection device. The controller is further configured to operate (e.g. brake, steer) the host-vehicle in order to avoid the caution-area.

Abstract: A radar object detection system includes a radar sensor and a controller. The radar sensor is configured to emit a radar signal toward a defined area proximate to the vehicle, and output a reflection signal indicative of a detected target present in the defined area. The controller is configured to receive the reflection signal from the radar sensor, determine if the detected target corresponds to a trailer towed by the vehicle, and define an exclusion zone characterized as occupied by the trailer and thereby excluded from the defined area where objects can be detected.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a valve member for selectively preventing and permitting flow of fuel through a valve seat by selectively engaging and disengaging the valve seat, an actuator for selectively applying a force to the valve member in order to unseat the valve member from the valve seat, and a return spring which biases the valve member into contact with the valve seat when the actuator is not applying the force to the valve member. A calibration tube is positioned within the fuel tube and holds the return spring in compression so as to set a force on the return spring to achieve a desired dynamic flow of fuel through the fuel injector. The calibration tube includes at least one protrusion extending outward therefrom such that the protrusion engages the fuel tube, thereby creating a spring fit between the calibration tube and the fuel tube.