Abstract: A system and method for digital steering sensor fault detection comprises monitoring steering wheel position information from a digital steering wheel position sensor at set time intervals, determining steering wheel position information for the current time interval and the previous time interval, and advancing a value change counter if the steering wheel position information for the current time interval is the same as for the previous time interval; monitoring vehicle speed, and advancing a speed cycle counter when the vehicle speed crosses a first threshold speed after crossing a second threshold speed; and setting fault bit information if the value change counter is zero after the speed cycle counter reaches a speed cycle limit. The steering wheel position information can be for a plurality of digital steering wheel position sensor outputs and provide corresponding fault bits, which can be compared to a fault table to diagnose a particular fault.

Abstract: An assembly for actuating a parking brake comprises a screw, a nut mounted for translation on the screw, and a cable connected between the brake and the nut. A compliant element is mounted on the screw, and is adapted to expand axially with a change in tension in the cable.

Abstract: A trailer braking system for use in vehicles with automated braking systems, such as anti-lock brake systems (ABS) or traction control systems (TCS), integrates the trailer brake controller physically and functionally into the on-board controller for the automated braking system of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: The problem of providing air from a vehicle engine compartment to a breather port of a vacuum booster mounted on a wall separating the engine compartment from the passenger compartment is solved by adapting the wall to provide an air passage, when the rear wall of the booster is bearing against the wall.

Abstract: A constant velocity stroking joint includes an inner race mounted to a shaft and accommodated for angular pivotal movement within an intermediate race to provide angulation to the joint assembly. The intermediate race is disposed within an outer race and a plurality of recirculating ball spline tracks is formed therebetween and accommodated in a plurality of spline balls. The endless tracks support the spline balls for free rolling, recirculating movement during axial stroking of the intermediate race within the outer race through its full range of axial stroke.

Abstract: An improved vehicle radar system and control aids the vehicle driver during both parking and back-up maneuvers. The radar system is equipped with both long range and short range radar detection antennas, an RF switch for selecting the active antenna, and a range bin having a depth that is adjustable “on the fly”. The back-up aid function is provided by activating the RF switch to select the long range antenna and setting the range bin to a relatively large depth to cover the long range in a short time. The parking aid function is provided by activating the RF switch to select the short range antenna, and setting the range bin to a relatively short depth to achieve high close range accuracy.

Abstract: A vehicle rollover detection apparatus and method are provided for detecting an overturn condition of the vehicle. The rollover detection apparatus includes an angular rate sensor sensing angular rate of the vehicle, and a vertical accelerometer for sensing vertical acceleration of the vehicle. A controller processes the sensed angular rate signal and integrates it to produce an attitude angle. The vertical acceleration signal is processed to determine an inclination angle of the vehicle. The rollover detection apparatus adjusts the attitude angle as a function of the inclination angle and compares the adjusted attitude angle and the processed angular rate signal to a threshold level to provide a vehicle overturn condition output signal. Additionally, the rollover detection apparatus detects a near-rollover event and adjusts the variable threshold in response thereto to prevent deployment of a vehicle overturn condition, thus providing immunity to such events.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake system containing four isolation piston assemblies each of which is comprised of a cylinder, a piston, and a pair of hydraulic lines. The cylinder has only two apertures, and the piston is disposed in the cylinder. The first hydraulic line communicates between a wheel brake and a first side of the piston through one of the apertures. The second hydraulic line communicates between an accumulator and a second side of the piston through the other of the apertures. The system components are arranged in a compact, easy to manufacture package.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an outer race, inner race, and balls interposed therebetween. The balls are seated in apertures of a cage. The inner wall profile of the cage has a cross section contour through the longitudinal axis that is radial about a radius that has its center origins offset from the center point of the cage along the ball center plane. The outer wall profile also has a cross sectional contour that is radial about a radius with its center also offset from the center point along the ball center plane of the cage and from the radial center of the inner wall radius.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid formulation comprising magnetizable particles dispersed in a multi-component liquid vehicle comprising an organoclay stabilization mixture. At least one organoclay is selected for each liquid vehicle component, each organoclay having a surface chemistry that renders it preferentially compatible with the surface functionality of one of the liquid components relative to its compatibility to the remaining components whereby it is effective to stabilize, or gel, that component. A method of making an MR fluid is also provided in which liquid vehicle components are blended together, the organoclay mixture is added to the blend, and magnetizable particles are suspended therein, resulting in a stable MR fluid of suitable viscosity and yield stress.

Abstract: A torque sensing apparatus for use with a brake caliper having opposing brake pads positioned on opposite sides of a rotor. The brake caliper causes the brake pads to apply a braking force against the rotor that generates a braking torque. A torque transfer device is supported by the brake caliper and is in contact with one of the brake pads. The torque transfer device is resiliently movable with respect to the brake caliper in response to the braking torque. A torque sensor is positioned in a sensing relationship relative to the torque transfer device. Thus, the torque sensor provides an output signal related to a change of position of the torque transfer device and the braking torque. The torque sensor includes a magnet mounted on the torque transfer device and a magnet field sensor, for example, a Hall Effect sensor, is mounted on the brake caliper.

Abstract: A variable end-of-travel stop mechanism, for controlling the rotation of a steering shaft in a steer-by-wire steering system having a controller, includes a first clutch assembly having a first roller clutch engaged to the steering shaft, a first rotary brake engaged to the first roller clutch, and a first electrical connector connected to the first brake and in signal communication with the controller. The first clutch assembly is operative to prevent the rotation of the steering column in a first direction when activated. The stop mechanism further includes a second clutch assembly having a second roller clutch engaged to the steering shaft, a second rotary brake engaged to the second roller clutch and a second electrical connector connected to the second brake and in signal communication with the controller. The second clutch assembly is operative to prevent the rotation of the steering column in a second direction counter to the first direction when activated.

Abstract: The snap-on steering column shroud assembly includes an upper shroud and a lower shroud. The upper shroud has an upper steering shaft passage portion that is positioned vertically, axially and angularly relative to the upper steering shaft. A front edge is moved toward the steering column to move upper shroud cantilever snap fasteners into engagement with the steering column. Force is applied manually to force the upper shroud snap fasteners into a retaining position. A lower shroud is aligned with the upper shroud by alignment posts and alignment post receivers and then raised into contact with the steering column. Lower shroud cantilevered snap fasteners are manually forced into a lower shroud retaining position on the steering column. Snap connectors and snap receivers connect the upper shroud to the lower shroud.

Abstract: A gas sensor is disclosed comprising an oxygen pump cell having at least one exterior pump electrode and at least one interior pump electrode disposed on opposite sides of a first solid electrolyte layer. An emf cell having a first and second emf electrodes and first and second reference gas electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of a second solid electrolyte layer. At least one insulating layer is in contact with the first and second emf electrodes. At least one via hole is disposed through the first solid electrolyte layer. At least one air channel is disposed through at least one insulating layer. An air vent is disposed in at least one insulating layer in contact with the first and second reference gas electrodes. A heater is disposed in thermal communication with the sensor. And at least five electrical leads are in electrical communication with said sensor. A method of using a gas sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for a vehicle brake system comprises a piston disposed in a bore, a reservoir, and a solenoid. A channel is in fluid communication between the bore and the reservoir, and the solenoid is disposed in the channel. The solenoid is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the solenoid blocks fluid communication between the bore and the reservoir.

Abstract: A heat sink structure is provided for a rectifier assembly of an air-cooled generator. The heat sink structure comprises a substantially annular base having inner and outer edges. The inner and/or outer edges have (has) a cooling fin arrangement projecting out from the base. The heat sink structure is provided with diode mounts. Each diode mount is adapted to retain a respective diode in a thermally conductive (and preferably press-fit) manner. Heat from each diode is transferred to the base and cooling fin arrangement, to provide a heat sink effect. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a heat sink structure. The method comprises the steps of configuring a sheet of thermally conductive material to include a substantially annular base and radial extensions of the base, and bending the radial extensions so that the radial extensions are substantially perpendicular to the annular base. Perpendicular extensions or prongs thus are defined. A rectifier assembly is provided.

Abstract: A bell crank assembly is mounted on an automotive door module of a vehicle that includes a panel. The panel supports a door latch assembly that includes a lock mechanism that is operated by a sill button and rod inside the vehicle that is located on the inner or dry side of the panel and moveable vertically with respect to the panel. The lock mechanism is operated by the sill button and rod via a generally horizontal rod that is located on the exterior or wet side of panel. The bell crank assembly connects the sill button rod to the exterior rod through an extruded hole in the panel. The bell crank assembly includes an inboard lever and an outboard lever. The inboard lever has an input end that is attached to the sill button rod and an output end. The output end has a round boss that fits in the extruded hole of the panel with a running fit to provide an axle for pivoting bell crank assembly with respect to panel.

Abstract: A valve-deactivation hydraulic valve lifter including a conventional hydraulic lash adjuster means disposed within a pin housing slidably disposed in a lifter body. A transverse bore in the pin housing contains opposed locking pins for selectively engaging a circumferential groove including a locking surface in the lifter body whereby the lifter body and the pin housing may be engaged or disengaged to activate or deactivate a pushrod controlling an engine valve. Ends of the locking pins are spherical so that the pins cannot become stuck in corners in the groove. The groove corner is rounded be either a positive radius or a negative radius to remove a sharp corner known to be an originating and propagating point for stress failure of the lifter body in prior art lifters. The edge of each pin and the edge of the locking surface are chamfered to prevent damage to these edges during locking and unlocking. A second surface intermediate an outer surface of the pin housing and the transverse bore is also provided.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of an engine fuel system including at least one fuel injector, a high pressure fuel pump for delivering fuel to the injector and a pressure sensor arranged to provide an output signal indicative of the pressure of fuel delivered to the injector, comprises the steps of controlling the rate of flow of fuel delivered from the pump to the injector by means of a metering valve arrangement supplied with a control current, measuring the speed of the engine and monitoring the status of the pressure sensor so as to determine whether a fault condition has occurred within the sensor. In the event that a fault condition has occurred in the pressure sensor, the control current supplied to the metering valve arrangement is varied in response to the measured engine speed signal so as to maintain operation of the engine at a substantially constant, predetermined engine speed. The invention also relates a fuel system for implementing the control method.

Abstract: A splash shield for a vehicle wheel disc brake assembly is provided. Each wheel disc brake assembly includes a brake rotor having an inner brake surface and a splash shield. The splash shield includes a central attachment portion. Extending from the central attachment portion is a flange-shaped shield portion. The shield portion has an outer surface with a plurality of generally radially extending vanes formed on the outer surface of the shield portion, the vanes being positioned adjacent the inner brake surface of the brake rotor when the splash shield is mounted to the vehicle.