Abstract: A battery protection system for a battery having a switching mechanism positioned intermediate to the positive terminal and an electrical load of the battery. A controller manipulates the switching mechanism between an open position and a closed position, the closed position connects the electrical load to the battery and the open position disconnects the electrical load from the battery. The battery protection system utilizes a battery state-of-charge detection system, which instructs the controller to open the switching mechanism when the detection system detects a battery state-of-charge that is lower than a threshold value. The battery protection system is also equipped with a vehicle status detection system, which instructs the controller to close the switching mechanism when a vehicle startup condition is detected by the vehicle status detection system.

Abstract: A weight sensing system is provided for use with a seat disposed within an occupant compartment of the vehicle. The weight sensing system includes a sensing mechanism positioned on a seat frame of the seat for measuring a strain on the seat frame due to a seated occupant weight.

Abstract: A floated fuel strainer assembly for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a strainer adapted to be connected to an inlet of either one of a fuel pump and fuel reservoir disposed in the fuel tank. The floated fuel strainer assembly also includes a float connected to the strainer to elevate the strainer off a bottom of the fuel tank as a fuel level rises in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A conductor pad, formable on a substrate or a printed circuit board, for conducing the reduction of gas voids in solder when an electronic device is soldered to the conductor pad, wherein the conductor pad includes a uniform and electrically conductive base layer having an interface surface, and also includes a patterned layer formed on the interface surface of the base layer, wherein one of the base layer and the patterned layer is substantially non-wettable and the other is substantially wettable, and wherein the base layer and the patterned layer cooperatively define strips of non-wettable surface areas which extend across the interface surface of the base layer. The strips of non-wettable surface areas can be defined upon the interface surface of the base layer in various ways to thereby create various non-wettable patterns upon the base layer. Preferably, the base layer is substantially wettable, and the patterned layer is both substantially non-wettable and electrically conductive.

Abstract: A closed loop steer by wire control system has three main components, a steering wheel unit, a roadwheel unit, and a master control unit. Signals generated by sensors in the steering wheel unit and roadwheel unit are passed back to the master control unit for processing. These signals include tie-rod force signals, and a steering wheel position signal. The master control unit uses these signals to calculate a steering wheel reaction torque signal which is sent back to the steering wheel unit to provide the operator with tactile feedback, while roadwheel command signals are sent to roadwheel units to provide steering direction. An Ackerman correction unit is also used to correct the left and right roadwheel positions to track about a common center.

Abstract: This present invention provides a device for retaining an inflator within an air bag module housing in a sealing manner. In a first embodiment, the device comprises an inflator seal member and an inflator seal retainer. The inflator seal member is disposed about an outer surface of the inflator by disposing the inflator through a central opening formed in the inflator seal member. The inflator seal member further has a flange which is received within a retaining groove formed in the module housing for partially locating the inflator within an internal cavity formed in the module housing. The inflator seal retainer is designed to provide high quality seal retention between the inflator and the module housing. In a broad sense, the inflator seal retainer comprises a symmetric star shaped member having spring-like properties. The inflator seal retainer is formed so that it includes a plurality of peaks radially disposed about an opening defined by the inflator seal retainer.

Abstract: A roll control actuator (34) for installation between first and second axially aligned parts (14,16) of a torsion bar (12) has a cylindrical housing (36) connectable by an end wall (38) to the second part of the torsion bar. A rod (40) is positioned inside the housing, extends out of the other end (42) of the housing, and is connectable to the second part of the torsion bar. A cylindrical inner sleeve (46) is positioned inside the housing between the housing and the rod; and the housing, the rod, and the inner sleeve are coaxial on an axis (A), with the rod being rotatable about the axis relative to the housing.

Abstract: An airbag which is provided with an airbag mouth (16) for connection to a gas generator has in the interior of the airbag a deflection device (18) in the region of the airbag mouth (16) which at least partly laterally deflects a gas flow which emerges from the airbag mouth (16).

Abstract: A temperature dependent current generating circuit includes a circuitry for producing a first voltage that is substantially constant over temperature, circuitry for producing a second voltage that increases with increasing temperature, wherein the second voltage intersects the first voltage at a predefined temperature, and a comparator circuit receiving the first and second voltages. The comparator circuit is responsive to the first and second voltages to source a compensation current below the predefined temperature; i.e., when the second voltage is below the first voltage, and to sink the compensation current above the predefined temperature; i.e., when the second voltage is above the first voltage.

Abstract: An adaptive hydraulic engine mount for mounting an engine to a frame of a motor vehicle includes a pumping chamber and reservoir filled with damping fluid and an orifice track or damping channel communicating the pumping chamber with the reservoir. A decoupling diaphragm responds to pressure level in a control cavity to control pumping of damping fluid through the damping channel, thereby controlling the dynamic stiffness of the mount. Upon actuation of a control valve, the pressure level in the control cavity is changed to achieve a level of damping greater than the low damping level. According to another embodiment of the invention, the control cavity can be communicated with engine vacuum to achieve maximum damping, or air may be trapped in the control cavity to achieve an intermediate level of damping, or the control cavity may be communicated to atmosphere to provide low levels of damping.

Abstract: An electrical connection position assurance system that includes a pair of electrically connected contacts (46) affixed on a pivotably mounted arm (16). When the arm (16) is moved to its engage position, the contacts protrude through respective openings (52) in a harness wire dress cover (12) to close a pilot circuit (56) that has terminals (54) mounted below openings (52). The pilot circuit (56) is operably connected to a computer circuit (66) which controls illumination of an indicator light (68) depending upon whether pilot circuit (56) is closed by contacts (46).

Abstract: A system, device and method of sealing a fluid accumulator assembly to a modulator body in a hydraulic fluid brake system provides a fluid modulator having a body with at least one fluid passageway formed therein. At least one socket is formed in a surface of the body in communication with the at least one fluid passageway. An accumulator assembly includes a housing with an open end. The open end includes a tapered lead-in, the tapered lead-in being positioned in the socket. The socket includes a seizing taper configuration, the angle of the seizing taper being complementary to an angled portion of the tapered lead-in. The housing of the accumulator includes a stake groove. Material from the body is staked into the stake groove, retaining the accumulator to the body thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus 10 and method of ultrasonic injection molding a plastic part including: providing plastic pellets 12; passing the pellets into a defined space 14 in an ultrasonic horn apparatus 16; applying ultrasonic energy to the horn thereby permitting flow of the melted plastic; applying a force to a plunger 18 which forces the melted plastic into a mold 24 of a desired shape; and recovering the desired part.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a pre-ignition combustion condition in an internal combustion engine. An ion sensing circuit measures an ion current during the ignition coil charging time. An ion current level above a predetermined reference level indicates pre-ignition combustion. A powertrain control module is responsive to a pre-ignition signal for discontinuing delivery of fuel to the cylinder in which the ion current was measured.

Abstract: The sensor is formed by disposing an electrolyte between and in intimate contact with a first electrode on the one side and a second electrode on the other side to form an assembly, heating the assembly, treating the assembly with an alkaline solution and removing the impurities to obtain optimal sensor performance. Alternatively, an electrolyte is formed, sintered, treated with alkaline solution, and then the electrodes are applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching valve (10) comprising a valve body (20) in which a flow passage (24) is formed which opens with its one end into a work space (42). A valve plate (44) is accommodated in the work space (42) and can be moved between a closure position and an opening position. A closure element (50) is arranged between the valve plate (44) and the opening (26) of the flow passage (24) and closes the latter when the valve plate (44) is located in its closure position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the speed of a vehicle, the apparatus manipulates a cable having one end secured to a throttle and the other secured to a motor for applying a force to the cable. A motor controller provides commands to the motor and the motor controller receives an input in the form of a vehicle velocity setting and in response to the value of the setting setting the motor controller instructs the motor to pull the cable a predetermined distance corresponding to a predetermined throttle position, the predetermined distance is stored in a lookup table and the predetermined throttle position corresponds to a vehicle velocity that is similar to the vehicle velocity setting.

Abstract: Improved control for a hydraulic system useful in automotive braking applications, particularly in dry interface automotive braking applications, includes the use of a valve for holding pressure in a hydraulic system constant while relieving the pressure load on the pressure source. Preferably, the valve is a normally-open solenoid valve that is closed and opened in response to a desired pressure being sensed at a pressure actuated mechanism, such as a brake caliper. The use of the improved control for a hydraulic system improves brake response times during ABS applications, and increases the energy efficiency and life expectancy of the pressure providing motor.

Abstract: A reduced noise automotive ventilation system uses two blowers, a front mounted blower that pulls outside air in, and a rear mounted fan that exhausts interior air from the cabin space. By pulling and pushing in series, the speed of each blower is reduced, and the attendant blower noise is considerably reduced. In addition, a closed floor duct routes recirculated air from the rear to the front blower, eliminating the conventional open blower noise path to the vehicle interior in recirculation mode.

Abstract: An electrical control popout actuator mechanism preferably integrated with a trimmer potentiometer is vertically mounted directly to a printed circuit board. The electrical control popout actuator mechanism has a cam cylinder member, a spring biasing member, a shaft member, and a follower member which allow it to extend during use and retract when not in use. Flanges on said follower member follow cooperating cam paths to allow activation of the mechanism.