Abstract: A flow-through carbon adsorption device is provided with leads for imposing an electric current and with a temperature sensor at the desorption flow exit. The temperature sensor and electric current source are controlled by a controller. In adsorption mode, no current flows through the device. Hydrocarbons are adsorbed in the device before reaching atmosphere. In desorption mode, the temperature sensor and electric source are activated by the controller. Electric energy is converted to heat energy within the device. Air is drawn in reverse flow through the device. Because desorption is endothermic, the carbon bed becomes progressively cooler during desorption. When desorption is complete, the temperature of the device begins to rise and the controller shuts down the temperature probe and the electric heating system. Thus, full desorption of the device is assured without significant waste of electricity or compromise of subsequent adsorptive capacity of the device after desorption is complete.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer and close-coupled fuel cell system by recycling a percentage of the anode exhaust syngas directly into the reformer in a range between about 20% and about 60%. Oxygen is supplied to the reformer at start-up. Under equilibrium conditions, oxygen required for reforming of hydrocarbon fuel is derived entirely from endothermic reforming of water and carbon dioxide in the recycled syngas. Recycling of anode syngas into the reformer increases fuel efficiency, adds excess water to the reformate to increase protection against anode coking, and protects the fuel cell stack against air- and water-borne contaminants. A method for producing an excess amount of syngas for exporting for other purposes is also provided.

Abstract: A system utilizes a single receiver to simultaneously receive and demodulate both amplitude shift keying (ASK) messages and frequency shift keying (FSK) messages. The single receiver is used to demodulate the FSK modulated message and the single receiver provides a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) signal that provides an indication of a combined strength of the FSK and ASK messages. The RSSI signal is filtered and then data sliced to provide a digital message that corresponds to a demodulated version of the ASK modulated message.

Abstract: A directional antenna is provided that utilizes an existing light source or simple reflector having a beam directing reflective surface and a transparent cover for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic radio waves. In an aspect, an information signal is impressed across a conductive material formed to a transparent cover and the reflective surface directs electromagnetic radio waves in a predetermined direction. Beam pattern, gain, polarization and wavelength can be selected through the design and positioning of the conductive material from the reflective surface for providing an effective resonant antenna. The radiated information signal may be used to detect an object or communicate with a receiver. The light source or reflector can be attached to a fixed structure or to a mobile vehicle. In the case of a mobile vehicle, the antenna is fully concealed. In an aspect, material costs, manufacturing costs and assembly costs are reduced as compared to presently available antennas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation dissipates energy associated with the telescopic collapse of preferably two steering column members. The first and second steering column members are moveable relative to one another along a collapse path. At least one anvil is fixed with one of the first and second steering column members. A strap extends along a bent path around the at least one anvil to first and second free ends. The apparatus also includes a lock device operative in a first condition to restrain the first free end with respect to the first steering column member and in a second condition to release the first free end of the strap.

Abstract: The activation of a rear view video display in a vehicle is interrupted under specified operating conditions to discourage inappropriate driver reliance on the video display. The video display is automatically activated when the reverse transmission range of the vehicle is selected, but is deactivated if the vehicle speed in the reverse range exceeds a calibrated threshold such as 2-3 MPH. When the vehicle speed falls back below the threshold, the video display is automatically re-activated, thereby encouraging the driver to use the video display only for the purposes for which it was designed, and to use other ways of obtaining a more comprehensive rearward view when backing at speeds in excess of the threshold.

Abstract: A method for providing supplemental internal air cooling to a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. The method involves deactivating the fuel injector to one cylinder for a predetermined time period or temperature decrease, based upon engine operating conditions, and then reactivating the fuel injector. This results in cool air being pumped through the fuel-deactivated cylinder by the reciprocating action of the piston therein, which air-cools the walls, piston, and head of that cylinder from the inside. In response to a controlling algorithm in an Engine Control Module, various of the engine fuel injectors may be deactivated and then reactivated sequentially to provide distributed cooling over the entire engine. The invention is especially useful for motorcycle engines having two or more cylinders when the motorcycles are used at low or stop-and-go speeds, such as in parades or other ceremonial functions.

Abstract: An inflation device for an airbag module, the inflation device comprising: a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber having a first volume of inflation gas and the second chamber having a second volume of inflation gas; a first inflation opening for allowing the first volume of inflation gas to pass therethrough and a first sealing member, the first sealing member sealing the first inflation opening; a second inflation opening for allowing the second volume of inflation gas to pass therethrough and a second sealing member, the second sealing member sealing the second inflation opening, the second inflation opening being substantially smaller than the first inflation opening; a conduit member for providing fluid communication with the first inflation opening and the second inflation opening; an initiator for removing a portion of the first sealing member from the first inflation opening; and a puncture device disposed within the conduit member, the puncture device being configured to remove a por

Abstract: A tire pump includes a passive air pump which is attachable to a component of a vehicle wheel assembly. The vehicle wheel assembly has a vehicle wheel, a tire valve stem attached to the vehicle wheel, and a tire mounted on the vehicle wheel and containing a gas. The passive air pump has an air inlet in direct fluid communication with the atmosphere and has an air outlet in direct fluid communication with the gas in the tire. The passive air pump is operable by transient pressure pulses of the gas in the tire to suck in an air volume from the atmosphere through the air inlet after a present one of the transient pressure pulses and to pump at least some of the sucked-in air volume through the air outlet into the tire during a future one of the transient pressure pulses.

Abstract: An electronics assembly is provided having a carrier that provides a controlled height variability between electronics packages and a heat sink device. The electronics assembly includes a substrate and electronics packages connected to the substrate. The assembly also includes a heat sink device positioned in thermal communication with a first side of the electronics packages. The assembly further includes a carrier disposed between the substrate and the heat sink device. The carrier has a resilient wall that biases the electronics packages towards the heat sink device such that a controlled bond line is provided between the first side of the electronics packages and the heat sink device.

Abstract: A system and method for an electronically scanned antenna is provided in which phase shifters are deposited en masse along with other electronically scanned antenna components on a wafer scale substrate using a thin film process. Alternative wafer scale sizes may be utilized to furnish a required antenna aperture area. Significant processing costs for radar and communication systems are saved utilizing the present invention as compared with contemporary discrete phase shifters that are individually mounted on an antenna. In an aspect, the phase shifter is made up of a base electrode, a barium strontanate titanate (BST) ferroelectric varactor and a top electrode. The BST ferroelectric material is a voltage variable dielectric, which generates a radiation phase. The radiation phase is regulated by a phase shifter control. The radiation phase generates an electromagnetic field about a radiating element and electromagnetic radio waves are radiated from the radiating element.

Abstract: Valve lift variation associated with a deactivation roller hydraulic valve DRVHL (DRHVL) can result in unacceptable valve overlap and idle conditions for an internal combustion engine. Two sources of length variation in a DRHVL are leakdown and residual mechanical lash. Total length variation is the sum of these two factors, and each factor has an associated tolerance. In the prior art, the two factors are independent, resulting in a total population variation that is the sum of the two independent variations. A DRHVL assembly process in accordance with the invention includes the step of associating leakdown test results for individual lash adjusters with residual lash results by adjusting the residual lash characteristics of individual DRHVL assemblies to complement the leakdown characteristics in minimizing total length variation in the population of assembled DRHVLs.

Abstract: An electronics assembly is provided having a heat pipe device for cooling electronics. The assembly includes a substrate and an electronics package supported on the substrate. The assembly also includes a heat pipe device in thermal communication with an exposed surface of the electronics package. The heat pipe device includes a thermal conductive pipe having an internal volume and an open end. The heat pipe device also includes a thermal conductive end cap positioned to close the open end of the pipe. The end cap has an outer surface for receiving in thermal communication an electronics package. The heat pipe device further includes a cooling fluid disposed in the internal volume of the pipe for transferring thermal energy from the end cap to the outside environment.

Abstract: A robust, easy to mount probe sensor includes an elongated body enclosing a sensor element and an integral flange extending away from the body. The body and flange are formed of material having a relatively low characteristic yield point. First and second generally parallel closely spaced through passages extend through the flange. An insert formed of material having a relatively high characteristic yield point is disposed in one of the passages. A fastener including a shank portion which extends through the other passageway includes an enlarged head which overlays the insert containing passageway and engages an attachment structure to effect directed compressive loading of the probe sensor flange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column module for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering angle sensor (13) that is inserted into a module housing (1,2). The rotor of the steering angle sensor is assigned to a steering column and co-operates with at least one fixed measuring wheel (37), in which angular modifications of the steering column are registered by electronic measuring sensors (22), operating as the stator and connected to the vehicle electric system by means of a central printed circuit board (6). The measuring sensors (22) are fastened to the printed circuit board (6) and the measuring wheel or wheels (37) is/are mounted in a housing (38) that is fixed to the printed circuit board (6).

Abstract: An optical information processing circuit assembly includes an optically transmissive substrate and a resiliently compressible circuit member affixed to the substrate and defining an opening therethrough with a number of leads disposed about the opening. An integrated imaging circuit defines a corresponding number of pads wherein the pads align with and electrically contact the leads. An optically transmissive medium may be disposed between and in contact with the substrate and the integrated imaging circuit to allow light transmission therethrough from the substrate to the imaging circuit. In one embodiment, resilient bumps are provided between the integrated imaging circuit and the resiliently compressible circuit member to form the electrical connection therebetween. Alternatively, solder bumps may replace the resilient bumps. Additional circuit components may be similarly mounted to the resiliently compressible circuit member to complete the assembly.

Abstract: An internally insulated exhaust aftertreatment device with a converter body, an end cone assembly and a sealing device inserted in an annular area between the external shell and the substrate of the converter body. The sealing device is sealingly engaged between an inner end cone and the insulating material. The sealing device comprises a wire-mesh ring-shaped device conformable to the annulus between the substrate and the shell, and may have a substantially round cross-sectional area, a C-shaped cross-sectional area, or an L-shaped cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an electric machine using voltage mode control comprising: receiving a voltage command, the voltage command corresponding to a voltage control command for a position control loop, the position control loop configured to control a position of the electric machine; receiving a motor velocity signal; and determining a q-axis current. The method also includes computing a d-axis current to supplement the torque if a magnitude of a voltage supply for exciting the electric machine is not sufficient to provide a torque corresponding to the q-axis current, otherwise establishing the d-axis current at about zero; and generating command voltages for controlling the electric machine corresponding to the q-axis current and the d-axis current.

Abstract: Welded structures having a first and a second member formed from sheet metal, tubes, and similar shapes, are economically fabricated through use of a method for joining a second member to a first member having a folded rim extending therefrom. The folded rim defines an air gap within the folded rim. The first and second members are joined together by forcing the folded rim against the second member under sufficient pressure to flatten the folded rim to a point that there remains substantially no air gap inside the folded rim, and resistance welding together the first and second members. The second member and the rim respectively define faying surfaces thereof. The air gap inside the folded rim extends generally parallel to the faying surfaces. The faying surfaces of the rim and second member are forced against one another by applying pressure through the folded rim in a direction generally perpendicular to the faying surfaces.

Abstract: A brushless DC motor and Hall Effect commutation sensors are mounted on a common circuit board, and ferromagnetic elements partially embedded in the motor stator in proximity to the periphery of the rotor magnetically couple the rotor magnet to the Hall Effect sensors. Preferably, the ferromagnetic elements are embedded in the stator adjacent the radial periphery of the rotor magnet. Alternately, the ferromagnetic elements can be embedded in the stator adjacent the axial periphery of the rotor magnet.