Abstract: A manifold assembly for use in a compressor having a compression chamber for compressing a refrigerant is disclosed. The manifold assembly includes a housing coupled to an intake port and an exhaust port. The housing includes an outer wall and at least one inner wall to define a suction chamber for guiding the refrigerant from the intake port to the compression chamber and to define a discharge chamber for guiding the refrigerant from the compression chamber to the exhaust port. A baffle is connected to the housing. The baffle defines a first fluid cavity and an exit cavity that are in operative communication with each other and the compression chamber. The baffle eliminates acoustic resonance of the refrigerant in the discharge chamber. Other embodiments of the subject invention are disclosed that include a first and second piston for compressing the refrigerant and an air-conditioning system for circulating the refrigerant to remove heat from an interior of a vehicle.

Abstract: An engine control module 10 is provided, including a die-cast base portion 12 having a plurality of die cast post elements 24. A cover element 14 is positioned such that each of the plurality of die-cast post elements 24 project through a plurality of cover holes 34 formed in the cover element 14. The plurality of die-cast post elements 24 are staked such that the cover element 14 is secured to the base portion. 12.

Abstract: A solder alloy containing indium, lead, silver and copper as its alloying constituents, and a soldering process employing the solder alloy. The solder alloy consists essentially of, by weight, about 50% to about 65% indium, about 0.5% to about 3.0% silver, up to about 3.0% copper, the balance lead and incidental impurities. The alloy preferably has a solidus temperature in a range of about 173° C. to about 178° C., and a liquidus temperature in a range of about 187° C. to about 196° C. As such, the alloy can be used in a reflow process with a peak reflow temperature of about 220° C. to about 240° C., and is therefore compatible with most circuit components and can be simultaneously reflowed with 63Sn-37Pb solder.

Abstract: A control system for a plurality of motor vehicle chassis subsystems comprises a reference model, a state estimator, a feedforward controller, and a feedback controller. The reference model computes desired states of the chassis subsystems. The state estimator estimates actual states of the vehicle. The feedforward controller computes a control value based on input from the reference model, and the feedback controller computes a control value by comparing the estimates of actual states with the desired states.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly has a first connector with preferably two oppositely protruding cam followers and a second connector having a pivoting cam lever having preferably two lever arms. The two lever arms respectively engage the earn followers when the first connector is initially staged and locked partially into a cavity defined by the second connector, and as the cam lever pivots from an open position and towards a mated position. The first connector, once locked in the staged position within the forward cavity of the second connector, can not be easily or inadvertently withdrawn, thus, proper orientation of the cam followers to the cam lever is assured for initial cam engagement. The assembly is locked in the staged position by the snap fitting of a tab, which projects laterally from the first connector, into a close ended groove carried by a flex wall which is cantilevered from the second connector.

Abstract: A vehicle closure has a power operated vehicle compartment latch that includes a fork bolt, a detent lever having a release tab and a stop tab, and an eccentric post on an electric motor driven wheel. The detent lever is driven to a release position by the motor via the post and the release tab to unlatch the vehicle closure. The post engages the stop tab to stall the electric motor after the detent is driven to the release position which allows the fork bolt to move to an open or unlatch position. The stop tab is disabled when the fork bolt is moved to the latch position.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sensor element has an electrolyte body, an inner electrode disposed on an inner surface of the electrolyte body, an outer electrode disposed on an outer surface of the electrolyte body, and a ground isolating coating disposed over the outer electrode. The ground isolating coating is typically alumina and extends from an active end of the electrolyte body toward an opposing end of the electrolyte body. The invention also includes a method for constructing a gas sensor element, the steps of which comprise forming an electrolyte body having an inner surface and an outer surface, applying an electrode ink to the inner surface to form an inner electrode and to the outer surface to form an outer electrode, and depositing a combination poison resistant/ground isolating coating, which is typically alumina, over the outer surface such that the combination coating extends from an active end of the electrolyte body toward an opposing end of the electrolyte body.

Abstract: A non-contact Hall Effect position sensor integral to a master cylinder for an automotive hydraulic braking system provides reliable brake pedal position information without regard to the geometry and placement of the brake pedal input, decreasing the complexity of integration into each type of automobile. Moreover, reliable performance of brake position sensing is provided by avoiding use of contact sensors that are subject to wear and performance variation.

Abstract: A high density wirebond connector assembly (10), is provided including an enclosure (12), a circuit board (14), a high density connector (16), a connector housing (18), and a plurality of pin contacts (20). Every two rows of pin contacts (20) merge onto a single shelf (22) to provide a high density contact surface (31). The circuit board (14) is comprised of a plurality of laminate layers (32) and rows of wirebond pads (34) positioned on the laminate layers (32). A plurality of wirebonds (36) run between individual pin contacts (20) and individual wirebond pads (34). By creating a high density contact surface (31) in combination with decreasing the distance between the wirebond pads (34) and the pin contacts (20), a smaller, lighter, cheaper, and vibrationally resistant high density connector assembly (10) is provided.

Abstract: A multiple switch module which is adapatable for inclusion in stalk switches, including a central cylinder, a multi-switch unit located within the central cylinder, a selections annulus rotatably mounted concentrically outside the central cylinder and operably connected by a cross-bar to a first rotary switch of the multi-switch unit, a selections cylinder rotatably mounted to a forward end of the central cylinder and operably connected to a second rotary switch of the multi-switch unit, and a selection button biasably mounted in reciprocable relation to the selections cylinder and operably connected to a momentary switch of the multi-switch unit. A slot system is formed in the central cylinder to accommodate rotative movement of the cross-bar relative to the central cylinder.

Abstract: A non-linear temperature compensation circuit (10) is provided for generating at least dual-slope characteristics responsive to changes in operating temperature of the compensation circuit. The compensation circuit includes a temperature dependent current generator circuit (11) for generating at least one output (I4) substantially proportional to changes in the temperature of the circuit, a current-based dual-slope drift generator (12) for generating a current proportional to absolute temperature, and a summing means (14) for summing both current outputs and generating a compensation drift voltage. The temperature dependent current generator includes a sub-circuit having a first current generator that generates a current (I2) that is relatively independent of temperature, and a second current generator that generates a second current (I3) that decreases with increases in temperature.

Abstract: A sensor and method for measuring the volatility of liquid gasoline by estimating its driveability index includes a sensing element having an interdigitated array of electrically conducting capacitor plates arranged to retain a predetermined volume of gasoline, the volatility of which is to be measured. The sensing element is mounted in a vehicle to be in contact with the flow of gasoline while the engine is running so that a volume certain of gasoline is drawn between and remains within the electrically conducting plates when the engine is turned off. The sensing element is connected to circuitry used to measure the change in capacitance of the sensing element as a function of time while simultaneously measuring the temperature change of the sensing element as the volume of gasoline retained by the sensing element is evaporated over time. The measurements obtained by the circuitry are used in estimating the drivability index of the gasoline.

Abstract: Method and system for controlling the start of a permanent magnet machine are provided. The method allows to assign a parameter value indicative of an estimated initial rotor position of the machine. The method further allows to energize the machine with a level of current being sufficiently high to start rotor motion in a desired direction in the event the initial rotor position estimate is sufficiently close to the actual rotor position of the machine. A sensing action allows to sense whether any incremental changes in rotor position occur in response to the energizing action. In the event no changes in rotor position are sensed, the method allows to incrementally adjust the estimated rotor position by a first set of angular values until changes in rotor position are sensed. In the event changes in rotor position are sensed, the method allows to provide a rotor alignment signal as rotor motion continues. The alignment signal allows to align the estimated rotor position relative to the actual rotor position.

Abstract: A method for and apparatus for preventing oscillations of a vehicle. The engine speed is monitored and filtered, the filtered engine speed being compared to a natural frequency of the vehicle. The natural frequency corresponds to a gear ratio of the vehicle. A torque command is provided to an electric machine coupled to a driveline of the vehicle, the electric machine provides a counteracting torque to the driveline in order to eliminate oscillations in the vehicle.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method for torque control of a PM synchronous machine. The method includes obtaining a torque command signal and a machine speed and determining an operating mode in response to the torque command signal and the machine speed. The operating mode includes a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, a stator phase voltage magnitude is computed and an angle between the stator phase voltage and a stator phase back emf is determined in response to the stator phase voltage magnitude. In the second operating mode, the stator phase voltage is set to a predetermined magnitude and the angle between the stator phase voltage and the stator phase back emf is determined in response to the predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: In an angle-based binary encoded crankshaft position sensing system, a target wheel is coupled to a crankshaft and a single VR sensor is juxtaposed with the target wheel for sensing the angular position of the wheel and, hence, the angular position of the crankshaft. To permit the use of a single VR sensor in conjunction with an angle-based binary encoded system, the periphery of the target wheel is formed with teeth and slots defining a binary pattern. The slots are wider than the teeth, and the depth of the slots relative to the portion of the periphery defining a nominal radius is greater than the height of the teeth relative to the nominal periphery. With this structure, the signal generated by the sensor in response to a slot advantageously is symmetric to the signal generated by the sensor in response to a tooth.

Abstract: A method for compensating the output of an angular position sensor assembly includes placing a first magnetic field sensor such that it is oriented ninety degrees from a second magnetic field sensor. A magnet is placed so that it is equidistant from the sensors. The magnet is rotated, and as it rotates, the signals output by the sensors are sinusoidal waves that are out of phase with each other by ninety degrees (90°). Accordingly, the signals can be squared and summed to determined a temperature compensation signal.

Abstract: A digital signal fuel sensor includes a digital sensor and a wiper assembly for rotation relative to the digital sensor. The digital sensor has a plurality of sensing portions having at least one conductive segment thereon forming a fuel level portion. The wiper assembly also includes a plurality of contact arms extending toward the digital sensor for contacting the sensing portions of the digital sensor as the wiper assembly rotates to produce a binary output.

Abstract: An improved method of determining and preserving soak-related time intervals of an internal combustion engine resets a continuous timer at the end of each engine run period, and reads the value of the continuous timer at specified events during an ignition key cycle. The method measures and preserves the engine soak time preceding the current and previous ignition key cycle, and determines an extended soak time that includes intervals of engine operation that are too short to significantly affect the engine thermal and fuel vapor purge conditions. The determined soak-related times are then utilized by various engine control and/or diagnostic algorithms, such as a hot re-start fuel control algorithm.

Abstract: An improved position control for a solenoid actuated valve, wherein the solenoid is activated based on the combination of a feed-forward component based on a model of the steady state operation of the valve and a closed-loop feedback component that responds to changes in the commanded position and compensates for any inaccuracy in the steady state model. The method involves a valve characterization procedure in which the actual force generated by the solenoid is measured for various combinations of valve position and solenoid current, resulting in a table of coil current in terms of developed force and valve position. In operation, the model is used to estimate the solenoid force required to achieve the commanded valve position under steady state operating conditions, and a controller addresses the table to obtain a feed-forward coil current command as a function of the commanded valve position and the estimated solenoid force.