Abstract: A single die MR sensor having three MR elements each being preferably composed of a number of serially connected MR segments for use in linear position sensing schemes. The MR sensor is, generally, aligned in the direction of movement of a magnetic target. The middle MR element is the actual position sensor. The two outer MR elements serve as reference sensors which sense the magnetic field at the limits of the position sensing range. The cooperating magnetic target assures that one of the two outer MR elements is always exposed to some maximum magnetic field, BMAX, corresponding to a position XMAX, and the other MR element is always exposed to some minimum magnetic field, BMIN, corresponding to a position XMIN, and wherein a portion of the middle MR element is exposed to BMAX and another portion of the middle MR element is exposed to BMIN, wherein the position, X, of the target is computed assuming uniformity of the middle MR element along its length.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bias and measuring circuit that improves the ion sense measurement and ignition performance of an Ion Sense Ignition system where the ion current signal processing is implemented remote from the ignition coil. Specifically, the bias and measuring circuit of the invention reduces the effects of secondary harness capacitance on the ion current signal, minimizes the effects of harness electrical leakage and reduces the chances for “spark-on-make” (an ignition firing when the ignition coil primary is initially energized).

Abstract: A method for measuring fluid level uses data sensed by an oil level sensor to determine the level of oil in a motor vehicle oil pan. The oil level sensor can include a receiver tube oriented upright in the oil pan of the vehicle. A level tube is disposed in the receiver tube and below the level tube is a reference tube. A circuit is electrically connected to the tubes for outputting a signal representative of oil level in the oil pan. As the engine oil level decreases within the level tube, the output of the sensor drops. The method includes providing a series of signals to the sensor and recording the output from the sensor with the sensor in a variety of configurations. This information is then processed to determine the ratio of measured oil in the oil pan to the proper operating oil level.

Abstract: A multipurpose console for use in a vehicle, the console has an upper portion and a lower portion. A pair of mounting flanges are fixedly secured to the lower portion, the mounting flanges each having a plurality of openings to allow a mounting member of a vehicle seat to pass therethrough. The multipurpose console is releasably secured to the vehicle through the securement of a removable seat having a locking mechanism passing through one of the plurality of openings and the pair of mounting flanges. The console includes many features that can be sold as part of the console or be added on at a later time. The console fits between the two middle row seats and extends up between the two front row seats. The unit can be mounted into the vehicle by placing the side flange holes over the seat floor attachment then adding the seats which snap into the floor inside these two holes on the center side of both middle row seat.

Abstract: A voltage sensing system that has a pair of input leads having a first input lead, and a second input lead each sensing a non-grounded voltage, and an amplifier coupled to the pair of input leads, the amplifier generating an amplifier output voltage in response to a voltage on the first input lead, a voltage on the second input lead and an offset voltage. The system further includes a controller for receiving the amplifier output voltage and determining an operating range, and an offset voltage generator for generating the offset voltage, the offset voltage generator altering the offset voltage in response to the operating range determined by the controller. An oxygen sensing system using a sample resistance for sensing a bi-directional current may be coupled to the voltage sensing system. A method for sensing air-to-fuel ratio includes sampling an input voltage drop derived from a pumping current across a sampling resistance. The input voltage is indicative of air-to-fuel ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric motor system with reduced torque ripple comprising a sinusoidally magnetized permanent magnet, a sinusoidal inverter, a higher resolution position sensor, a composite iron stator yoke, a composite reinforced plastic rotor core and shaft; and a high gear ratio gear reduction box. The novel combination of magnet, inverter, sensor, plastic rotor core and shaft and high gear ratio gear box substantially reduces the torque ripple on the shaft of said motor system.

Abstract: A method for measuring fluid level uses data sensed by an oil level sensor to determine the level of oil in a motor vehicle oil pan. The oil level sensor can include a receiver tube oriented upright in the oil pan of the vehicle. A level tube is disposed in the receiver tube and below the level tube is a reference tube. A circuit is electrically connected to the tubes for outputting a signal representative of oil level in the oil pan. As the engine oil level decreases within the level tube, the output of the sensor drops. The method includes providing a series of signals to the sensor and recording the output from the sensor with the sensor in a variety of configurations. This information is then processed to determine the ratio of measured oil in the oil pan to the proper operating oil level.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an object out of a plurality of materials having differing structural characteristics and capable of being placed in a molten state, the melted materials are deposited in an open mold having a pair of complementary mold portions. Various non-melted but possibly pre-heated structural, reinforcing, or energy absorbing materials can be placed in the mold with the melted materials. A closing force is applied to the mold and the item is removed after it has cured. According to one embodiment, a molding apparatus is provided to form a cross car beam with integral HVAC ductwork and knee energy absorbers.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an amplified effect in an asymmetrical hysteretic system is disclosed. The asymmetrical hysteretic system comprises a transponent, a bias that externally grades the transponent, an energy source that drives the transponent, and a small stimulus amplified by a gain factor of the transponent. A method for generating an amplified effect in an asymmetrical hysteretic system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ball screw apparatus includes a cylindrical screw shaft having a spiral groove in an outside peripheral surface, a cylindrical ball nut surrounding the screw shaft and having a spiral groove in an inside peripheral surface, and a plurality of bearing balls rotatably interposed the two spiral grooves, which are aligned and spaced apart such that the bearing balls are free to rotate as the ball nut rotates about and moves along the screw shaft. One or more of the screw shaft and the ball nut may include a spiral wire coil and a coil shape retention device. The opposed peripheral surfaces of adjacent coils of each spiral wire coil form the walls of one of the spiral grooves. Each coil shape retention device prevents the associated spiral wire coil from changing shape when the ball nut moves spirally relative to the screw shaft.

Abstract: A suspension for a motor vehicle comprises a control arm connected to each of a pair of wheels, a torsion bar, and a height actuator. The torsion bar is connected to each control arm, and is rotatable in first and second directions. The height actuator is connected between the torsion bars, and is operable to lower a sprung mass of the vehicle by rotating the torsion bars in the first directions, and to raise the sprung mass by rotating the torsion bars in the second directions. A roll actuator is also connected between the height actuator and the sprung mass.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a system for monitoring an enclosure for a set of parameters and for opening the enclosure upon detecting the set of parameters is provided. The system comprises a sensing device disposed in the enclosure for detecting a plurality of events in the enclosure, a comparator connected to the sensing device for comparing the plurality of events to the set of parameters, a timer connected to the comparator for determining a time elapse of the plurality of events, a signal device connected to the timer for transmitting a signal when the plurality of events reaches or exceeds the set of parameters, and a controller connected to the signal device for receiving the signal and for opening the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment the enclosure comprises a trunk of a vehicle and the parameters include a maximum carbon dioxide gas concentration, a maximum air temperature, and motion.

Abstract: A multiple cavity electrical header connector and associated box-type female terminal. The header is made in a one-piece as an injection molded connector body having a generally rectangular cross sectional configuration and a low-profile when mounted with its longitudinal axis parallel to the planar mounting surface of an associated printed circuit board. The header front face mates with a system module with male terminal blades protruding therefrom to be individually received in the female terminals individually carried in the header cavities. The header connector body is side-cored to provide resilient flex lock arms integrally joined to the header body that in their free state protrude one into each cavity space. Each arm is yieldably flexed back by an associated terminal when such is inserted into the cavity, and then snaps out and holds the terminal locked in its cavity. The header cavities are arranged in two parallel rows with their blade entrances opening to the header front face.

Abstract: An improved weight estimation apparatus in which an elastomeric bladder is supported on a semi-rigid backer board which is installed in a vehicle seat between the seat cushion and an underlying spring suspension. The bladder is secured onto the backer board, and the backer board is attached to the seat, enabling proper and consistent placement of the bladder relative to the seat surface. The backer board provides the reaction surface for the bladder, and masks non-uniformities of the seat structure. Additionally, the backer board will reduce or eliminate the effect of objects lying on the floor under the seat, which might otherwise pinch the bladder and produce weight estimation errors. Further, the board tends to protect the bladder from damage due to sharp objects, pinching by the suspension elements, and the effects of wires or cables routed through the seat.

Abstract: A speech recognition driven system provides a speech model based on a biometric signature. Initially, the speech recognition driven system receives a biometric signature from a user of the system. Based upon the received biometric signature, the system selects a speech model. The selected speech model is utilized to determine whether a voice input provided by the user corresponds to a speech selectable task that is recognized by the speech recognition driven system. When the voice input provided by the user corresponds to the speech selectable task, the system causes the speech selectable task to be performed. In one embodiment, the biometric signature is an image of the user's face. When face recognition technology is implemented, the image of the user's face is utilized to select a speech model.

Abstract: An association method for a multi-slope FMCW radar identifies candidate combinations of frequency components as being correctly or incorrectly associated based on calculated range-rate. Range and range-rate are calculated for various pairs of frequency components emanating from like-polarity slopes of the transmitted waveform, and pairs having similar ranges and range-rates are combined to form candidate associations. The range and range rate of the candidate associations are then computed using all four frequency components, and ambiguous candidate associations are resolved by selecting the candidate associations having similar range rates.

Abstract: A master brake cylinder for use in a braking system of a vehicle, which contains pistons, having seals molded thereon. Overmolding the elastomer directly onto the pistons forms the seals. Also disclosed are improved master brake cylinder pistons having seals for automotive and other vehicles, and master brake cylinders which comprise brake fluid resistant, synthetic elastomer seals molded directly onto the piston of the master brake cylinder.

Abstract: Electrical arc suppression when terminals under load are connected/unconnected is provided via an applied magnetic field causing the arc path to be lengthened, with the consequences that the voltage necessary for the arc to be sustained is increased and the arc energy is decreased. In a preferred form, at least one magnet with a high permeability flux return path is placed adjacent the terminal proximity zone of initial/final touching of mating terminals. The magnetic field increases the arc length, and thereby suppresses the arc by increasing the voltage necessary to sustain the arc and decreasing the energy of the arc.

Abstract: An automobile steering column switch includes a support rigidly mounted to the steering column tube of an automobile steering column. The support comprises at least one of a wiper switch, blinker switch, and driving light switch. The support includes a printed circuit board provided with electrical contacts to which the at least one of a wiper switch, blinker switch and driving light switch and an ignition starter switch are coupled. The support is configured in one piece and provided with an accommodation space for the ignition starter switch. The support with the switches can be mounted as a pre-assembled module to the steering column 2.

Abstract: A vibration damper assembly to dampen the vibration generated in a motor vehicle and transmitted through, for example, a steering assembly. The vibration damper assembly includes a rotor disposed within a housing. The rotor is operatively connected to a velocity generating member such as a pinion that is integrated with the steering assembly. A conductive sleeve is disposed between the housing and the rotor. A coil engages the sleeve and is capable of generating a magnetic field that is transmitted through the sleeve. A plate separates the rotor from the sleeve thereby defining a viscous fluid chamber and a Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid chamber between the rotor and the sleeve. The viscous fluid chamber includes a Newtonian fluid and the MR fluid chamber includes a MR fluid having sheer properties reactive to the magnetic field.