Abstract: A guide assembly for a rod of a motor vehicle strut comprises a rod guide, a seal cover, and a retainer. The seal cover engages the rod guide, and defames an area therebetween. The retainer is engaged with the seal cover. A first O-ring is disposed between the seal cover and the rod guide, and a second O-ring is disposed between the rod guide and the retainer.

Abstract: A two stage exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve delivers a wide range of EGR flow while operating with reduced valve actuating forces allowing use of a reduced cost actuator such as a solenoid with smaller sized coil and armature. An attached valve body mounts concentric dual pintle valves including a larger first valve, which engages a valve seat in the valve body to control exhaust gas flow between inlet and outlet openings and a smaller second valve positioned inside the first valve and engaging a second valve seat in the head of the first valve. The second valve controls a low flow passage inside the first valve. The solenoid armature engages only the smaller second valve during a first stage of its stroke so that the smaller valve is opened first and flow control is maintained in a low flow range. Exhaust and intake differential pressures acting on the second valve are overcome by a smaller armature force because of the smaller area of the second valve.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnostics and ascertaining status of an electric machine coupled to a polyphase bus. The method and system include: detecting a rotational position with a position encoder coupled to the electric machine; controlling an inverter having an input coupled to a direct current bus and an output coupled to the polyphase bus, where the inverter is responsive to commands from a controller coupled to the inverter and to the position encoder. The method and system further include measuring a current from the direct current bus; capturing a torque current; calculating a current error; establishing a bound limit for the torque current; comparing the current error to the bound limit. The method and system also include: determining whether a fault exists by evaluating if the bound limit has been exceeded; incrementing a fault counter if a fault exists; decrementing a fault counter if no fault exists; and indicating a failure if the fault counter exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A vehicle solenoid valve includes an inlet port circumscribed by a rounded cup-shaped valve seat and an outlet port. A two-piece poppet is installed within the valve and includes a non-magnetic poppet shaft connected to a frustum-shaped poppet head. The poppet head includes an integrally formed, rounded nose that is sized and shaped to engage the rounded cup-shaped valve seat. The poppet is movable between an open configuration, wherein the rounded nose is distanced from the valve seat, and a closed configuration, wherein the rounded nose engages the valve seat to block fluid communication through the valve.

Abstract: An improved method of producing a fluid filled elastomeric bladder for occupant weight sensing involves annealing the bladder material prior to its installation in a vehicle seat so as to quickly relieve initial stress due to stretching of the bladder material which occurs during fluid injection. In a preferred implementation, the initial stress is relieved by immersing the fluid-filled bladders in heated water for a time period on the order of 60 seconds or more. Alternatively, the bladder material may be heated with steam or radiant heat, by injecting heated fluid into the bladder, or by injecting heated air into an empty bladder before fluid injection. In each case the initial stress is quickly relieved, substantially eliminating a potential source of error in the sensed weight.

Abstract: A brake caliper. A motor rotates a ball screw which translates a ball nut and a first drive pin. Translation of the first drive pin rotates a first brake lever attached to an eccentric cam shaft having a cam portion. Rotation of the cam portion on the eccentric cam shaft translates a piston shaft assembly, a piston head attached to the piston shaft assembly, and a first brake pad attached to the piston head. The first brake lever is attachable to, and rotatable by, a manually-actuated parking brake cable. This allows operation of the parking brake to stop the vehicle in an emergency should the motor fail to operate from whatever cause including loss of power.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magneto-rheological controlled damping assembly that eliminates contact between the piston and the damping cylinder and that maintains a constant volume for the magneto-rheological fluid within the damping cylinder, therefore substantially reducing abrasion and wear to the damping apparatus components and increasing the performance and the life of the damping apparatus.

Abstract: A retainer system for use in a tripot type universal joint is provided. The universal joint includes a spider having a plurality of rollers thereon. The rollers travel in drive channels within a housing of the joint. The retainer system comprises a retaining ring, having generally planar small diameter segments and generally planar and axially offset large diameter segments. The small diameter and large diameter segments are connected by blocking segments. The retainer system also comprises an annular groove having a retaining ring movement portion. The retaining ring movement portion allows for movement of the small diameter segments and blocking segments between an uncompressed state and a compressed state. In the compressed state, the spider can be inserted into the housing, because the blocking segments move out of the drive channels.

Abstract: A supplemental restraint assembly for a vehicle having a side impact air bag with an interwoven self-tensioning tether/lace. A side air bag is secured to the vehicle roof rail between the front and rear pillars. A tether/lace extends between and is secured to the front and rear pillars. The tether/lace is secured to the air bag and traverses a plurality of spaced-apart guides formed at discrete points along the air bag. When the side impact air bag is inflated the distance between the guides increases thereby taking up slack in the tether/lace thereby inducing tension therein. The air bag is thus held firmly in place when inflated and allows the tether/lace to be stored up through the pillars and along the roof rail in a non-deployed stored state.

Abstract: A thick-film conductor, a method for forming the conductor, and a method for attaching a surface-mount circuit device to the conductor with a solder connection. The conductor is formed of a thick-film conductive ink that would normally produce a solderable conductor, but is rendered unsolderable by additions of a fine inorganic particulate material. A solderable region, preferably a pillar, is then selectively formed on the unsolderable conductor to determine the distribution and height of the solder connection on the conductor. In order to suitably affect the solderability of the conductor, the particulate material is present as a fine dispersion and in a sufficient quantity, but not in quantities that significantly affect the electrical, mechanical and processing characteristics of the conductor.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column having thereon an electric power assist apparatus including a tubular mast jacket, a structural housing, a socket in an end wall of the housing consisting of an annular seat and a cylindrical guide wall, and an annular plate attached to the mast jacket. The plate plugs into the socket and bears flush against the seat with the edge of the plate fitted in the cylindrical guide wall of the socket so that the centerlines of the mast jacket and the housing are precisely aligned. A C-shaped retainer in an annular groove in the cylindrical guide wall overlaps the plate to prevent dislodgment of the mast jacket from the housing. The retainer has a beveled shoulder which bears on an edge of the groove and converts circumferential expansion of the retainer into longitudinal thrust on the plate to eliminate lash between the plate and the housing.

Abstract: A fuel injector is provided for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes an injector body having an axially extending fuel passage for fuel flow, an injection valve movable in the passage for controlling fuel flow therein, a valve seat adjustably positioned into an outlet end of the fuel passage, and a valve seat retainer for applying an axial load onto the valve seat and securely attaching the valve seat into the fuel passage of the injector body.

Abstract: An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event. The air bag assembly includes an inflator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions and an air bag cushion in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant. One or more profile restraining tether elements extend from locations on the air bag cushion to a releasable anchor structure so as to shorten the operative length of the profile restraining tether elements. An actuation mechanism activatable in response to a signal from a sensor measuring occupant conditions is used to release the tether elements from the releasable anchor thereby extending the operative profile of the air bag cushion upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle speed sensor includes a hollow generally cylindrical sensor housing (102) with an open proximal end (112). Within the interior of the sensor housing (102) is a sensing structure and coupled to the open proximal end (112) of the sensor housing (102) is a connector housing (134). The connector housing (134) forms an engagement groove (146) and the sensor housing forms an engagement rib (148). To establish a desired sensor length, the sensor housing (102) is slid relative to the connector housing (134). The engagement rib (148) is then heat staked to the groove (146).

Abstract: A vehicle solenoid valve includes a coil case with a plunger housing disposed therein. The plunger housing establishes a first fluid communication path and a second fluid communication path. Reciprocably disposed within the plunger housing is a plunger. The plunger is movable between a de-energized configuration wherein fluid communication through the first fluid communication path is permitted and fluid communication through the second fluid communication path is blocked, an energized configuration, wherein fluid communication through the first fluid communication path is blocked and fluid communication through the second fluid communication path is permitted, and a pressure relief configuration, wherein, while the valve is energized, fluid pressure on the plunger surpasses a predetermined pressure level to overcome an opposing magnetic force on the plunger and permit fluid communication through the first fluid communication path.

Abstract: A two-stage parallel spring solenoid valve (100) includes a coil housing (102) with a plunger tube (108) disposed therein. Disposed within the distal end (112) of the plunger tube (108) is a valve body (128) that includes a valve seat (138). A plunger assembly (160) is disposed within the plunger tube (108) and includes a plunger (162) and a plunger rod (184). An external spring (170) and an internal spring (190) are installed in parallel with each other within the plunger assembly (160). The valve (100) is movable from a closed configuration wherein the plunger rod (184) is seated against the valve seat (138) to block fluid flow through the valve (100), to an intermediate configuration wherein the plunger (162) further compresses the external spring (170) and the internal spring (190) and the plunger rod (184) remains seated against the valve seat (138), and to an open configuration, wherein the plunger rod (184) is distanced from the valve seat (138) to permit fluid flow through the valve (100).

Abstract: A retainer assembly is provided for attaching a splined shaft with a splined hub. The retainer assembly is particularly useful in a constant velocity joint to attach the halfshaft with an inner hub (either an inner race or spider assembly). The retainer comprises specifically designed grooves at the outboard end of the splined shaft and splined bore of the hub. The grooves are located outside of the splined area. A retaining ring is also provided. The retaining ring has a specific geometry that includes a pair of opposing legs that are integrally connected to provide a v-shaped cross section and are flexible with respect to one another. The first of the legs of the retaining ring engages the groove on the shaft and the second of the legs engages the groove on the hub to prevent relative axial movement between the shaft and the hub when in the retained position. A method of assembling the retainer is also provided.

Abstract: The fluid reservoir of a hydraulic system is fitted with a nozzle having a constricted primary discharge opening for directing an accelerated jet stream of hydraulic fluid returned to the reservoir from a pump back to an inlet of the pump. The jet stream aspirates additional fluid from the reservoir to boost the supply to the pump to minimize cavitation for quiet operation. The nozzle includes at least one bleed hole located upstream of the primary discharge opening through which a fraction of the fluid stream escapes into the reservoir and is permitted to dwell for a time sufficient to allow natural separation of entrained gas from the fractional stream before being drawn into the reservoir outlet by the jet stream.

Abstract: A NOx adsorber catalyst system for treatment of gases in an exhaust discharge passage of an internal combustion engine comprising: a first adsorber catalyst supporting effective amounts of at least one noble metal component and a Ba component; and, a second adsorber catalyst supporting effective amounts of at least one noble metal catalyst, a Ba component, and a K component.

Abstract: An improved releasable and reusable self-sealing plug for mechanically sealing a bore. A cylindrical body is formed on its outer surface to retain radial sealing means such as an O-ring. An oversize annular cap at the outer end of the body limits ingress of the plug into a bore, and a pair of opposed, flexible limbs terminating in flanges beyond the inner end of the body are compressed radially during insertion of the plug and spring out at completion of insertion to grip the inner entrance to the bore, thus holding the O-ring and plug in the bore. Insertion may be accomplished manually without the aid of tools. The plug cannot be driven out by pressure on the bore, but is easily removed by recompression of the limbs and flanges and withdrawal of the plug by, for example, needle-nose pliers. The plug may be formed inexpensively and easily by injection molding of a suitable plastic polymer.