Abstract: A modular CPU cooling unit designed to fit within the available space within an existing box or cabinet containing a CPU. The fan, pump and liquid to air cross flow heat exchanger are fitted within the available volume with the fan spaced away from the heat exchanger a suitable distance to pull air through the entire face area of the heat exchanger, even though it is considerably larger than the fan.

Abstract: A method for controlling dual independent camshaft phasers in an internal combustion engine. The method has three basic steps: a) first, determining if rate balancing between the two phasers is required; b) second, determining the optimal rate balancing commands; and c) third, applying the determined rate balancing commands to the appropriate phaser(s). In determining the rate balancing commands, there are three possible phaser options: the intake phaser requires priority; the exhaust phaser requires priority; or neither phaser requires priority. Lookup tables are stored in the engine controller for each option. When either phaser has priority, the other phaser is actuated after a delay based upon the position error of the priority phaser, generally at a lower phase rate. When neither phaser has priority, both phasers are actuated at a rate consistent with oil-delivery capabilities of the engine.

Abstract: A cargo sensing apparatus for a cargo container such as a semi-trailer includes a laser line scanning unit. In a preferred embodiment, first and second laser line generators are mechanically scanned in synchronism with a solid-state imager to identify and map the contents of the cargo container. The map is analyzed to detect cargo items stored in the container, and the cargo status is reported to a remote location.

Abstract: A boot for a universal joint including a first sleeve portion defining a first circular opening and a second sleeve portion spaced from the first sleeve portion along a boot axis, the second sleeve portion defining a second circular opening having a smaller diameter than the first circular opening, the boot also including a plurality of convolutions defined along the boot axis between the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion by a plurality of roots extending radially inward toward the boot axis and by a plurality of crests extending radially outward away from the boot axis, the plurality of roots including a first root and a second root immediately adjacent to one another, the first root being closer than the second root to the first sleeve portion, the first root extending radially further than the second root toward the boot axis.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining whether an operator of a vehicle has an impaired cognitive state are provided. The method includes determining an intoxication indication value indicative of whether the operator is intoxicated, utilizing a controller. The method further includes determining a drowsiness indication value indicative of whether the operator is drowsy, utilizing the controller. The method further includes determining a fatigue indication value indicative of whether the operator is fatigued, utilizing the controller. The method further includes determining a cognitively impaired indication value based on at least one of the intoxication indication value, the drowsiness indication value, and the fatigue indication value. The method further includes generating a signal indicating that the operator is cognitively impaired when the cognitively impaired indication value is greater than a threshold cognitively impaired indication value, utilizing the controller.

Abstract: A local network comprises at least one master and a plurality of slaves which can be controlled by the master via a data bus, with at least one slave being arranged in an unprotected region and at least one slave being arranged in n protected region. In this connection, data originating from a respective slave in the unprotected region can admittedly be transmitted via the data bus to the master, but not to any slave in the unprotected region.

Abstract: A child restraint system with a child seat monitoring system and a method for monitoring a child seat are provided. The child restraint system is adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The child restraint system includes a child seat having a carrier portion and a handle coupled to the carrier portion. The child restraint system further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the handle for generating a first signal indicative of a temperature in a predetermined region of the child seat.

Abstract: A knob assembly comprising a rotary knob, a rotary actuated potentiometer and an electronic display. The rotary knob has a central opening and is configured to rotate. The rotary actuated potentiometer is actuated by rotation of the rotary knob. The electronic display is located within the central opening of the rotary knob. The electronic display does not rotate with rotation of the rotary knob.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a catalytic converter; forming a shell having a welding deformation detail; inserting and housing a catalyst substrate inside the shell, wherein a mat support material is disposed between the shell and the catalyst substrate; welding an end cone having a flange to the shell by applying a deformation force to the flange causing deformation of welding deformation detail.

Abstract: Means for attenuating the seating force of a cam-actuated poppet valve such as an exhaust gas recirculation valve in an internal combustion engine including a shock-absorber disposed between the valve stem and valve head. In a currently preferred embodiment, the shock-absorber is a wave washer disposed around the valve stem and captured between the valve stem and the valve head, between which axial motion is allowed. After the valve head engages the valve seat to close the valve, any further travel of the actuator cam and valve stem is absorbed by compression of the wave washer, thus attenuating additional force on elements of the valve actuation train. In opening the valve, the reverse occurs, in that initial motion of the actuator cam and valve stem serves to relieve compression of the wave washer, followed by removal of the valve head from the valve seat.

Abstract: A position sensor system including a magnet, a magnetic flux sensor positioned a distance away from the magnet, the magnetic flux sensor and the magnet defining a flux path therebetween, and a flux guide positioned in the flux path to guide magnetic flux to the magnetic flux sensor.

Abstract: A combustible gas inflator and a method for filling and sealing the inflator are provided. The inflator includes an enclosure configured to receive and store the combustible gas under pressure. The enclosure has an outer wall comprising an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a fill aperture extending therethrough. The fill aperture has a first aperture portion and a second aperture portion. The first aperture portion is proximate the exterior surface and the second aperture portion is proximate the interior surface, wherein the first aperture portion is larger than the second aperture portion. The inflator further includes a sealing member configured to seal the fill aperture. The sealing member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to sealingly engage a portion of the second aperture portion and the second portion is configured to sealingly engage a portion of the first aperture portion.

Abstract: A non-contacting, magnet-based, rotary and linear travel absolute position sensor each include a stationary galvanomagnetic sensing element disposed in an air gap or slot of a movable magnet/flux concentrator assembly. The assembly has a first flux concentrator comprising ferromagnetic material having opposing magnet ends, and a second flux concentrator also comprising ferromagnetic material having opposing magnet ends but that is spaced apart from the first flux concentrator by a pair of magnets to form the air gap or slot. The magnet ends of each flux concentrator have a respective magnet area configured to engage a corresponding magnet and is configured in size and shape to cover the magnet. Additionally, the flux concentrators are configured in geometry to decrease in cross-sectional area from the inboard side of the magnet ends towards the center region of the concentrators, specifically the center of travel together provide improved linearity and signal to noise ratio of the output position signal.

Abstract: A partially overmolded component having a precisely defined overmolding edge includes a component having a protruding elongate rib and the overmolding having a terminal edge abutting the protruding elongate rib. The rib defines surfaces that provide a greater area of contact between the component and an overmolding tool and a more tortuous flow path to bleed-through.

Abstract: A spreader plate for an electronic component cooling assembly has a flat lower surface and a substantially arcuate upper surface of larger surface area than the lower surface which is generally convex and arcuate in cross section, and which decreases in thickness, as measured between the lower and upper surfaces, moving from the central area out to the periphery. This allows the heat flux lines to be more evenly spaced and regular in length, as compared to a typical plate with flat upper and lower surfaces of equal surface area.

Abstract: A control system for controlling energization of a plurality of valves in a vehicle hydraulic system. The control system includes a plurality of sensors for measuring various dynamic conditions and operational aspects of the vehicle, a signal processing circuit coupled to the plurality of sensors for determining a desired energization of the plurality of valves dependent upon measurements by at least a portion of the plurality of sensors, and a driver circuit coupled to the signal processing circuit for generating, responsive to the desired energization of the plurality of valves as determined by the signal processing circuit, a control signal to energize the plurality of valves to the desired energization. The control system receives inputs from the plurality of vehicle sensors. These inputs are processed, and the processed inputs and signals derived from the inputs are forwarded to the driver circuit for use in generating a control signal for operating the vehicle valve system.

Abstract: A system for establishing a vehicle parameter including collecting signals from a satellite and deriving a reference vehicle parameter from the satellite signals. Signals from a vehicle sensor are also collected and an estimated vehicle parameter is derived therefrom. Once the satellite signals and the estimated vehicle parameter signals are collected, parameters for a correction algorithm are generated and thereafter, the correction algorithm is applied to vehicle sensor signals to generate a corrected vehicle parameter or to generate a vehicle tire status parameter.

Abstract: An improved overmolded electronic assembly includes a backplate, a circuit substrate on the backplate, at least one electronic component mounted on the circuit substrate, conductive traces on the circuit substrate which together with the electronic component(s) defines a circuit device, an electrical connector, a metal ring on an outer side of a thermoplastic wall member of the electrical connector, and an overmold body. The metal ring circumscribes external connector pins of the electrical connector, and the overmold body together with the backplate and thermoplastic wall member of the electrical connector sealingly encase the circuit substrate and the circuit device defined on the substrate, with the overmold body having a peripheral edge in adhesive contact with the metal ring. The invention avoids delamination problems associate with similar arrangements which do not incorporate a metal ring.

Abstract: An oil distribution system for an internal combustion engine comprising a longitudinal bore in the engine head or block connected to an engine oil pump. A longitudinal insert is disposed in the engine bore, the insert being formed and disposed to define segmented galleries within the bore, a first oil gallery being in communication with the engine camshaft bearings and a second oil gallery being in communication with switchable cam followers in the engine. The two galleries are separated but connected by one or more oil control valves. Thus, the camshaft bearings are exposed to high engine oil pressure at all times independent of the switchable cam followers; likewise, the switchable cam followers may be latched and unlatched at any time or condition deemed beneficial for engine operation without jeopardizing lubrication sufficiency to the camshaft bearings.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly preferably has a collapsible steering shaft that extends rotatably along a centerline and a collapsible column that houses and co-extends with the shaft. The column preferably has inner and outer jackets that retract axially to collapse the column. An energy absorbing device has a member engaged between the inner and outer jackets and controls the collapse of the column generally via a high load stage and a low load stage of operation. The member is preferably elongated axially having a distal end that is looped over and spaced radially outward from the remainder of the member. The distal end is attached disengagably to the outer jacket via a pin received in a hole in the distal end and a fuse engaged operably to the pin and attached to the outer jacket.