Abstract: A fuel cell system in accordance with the invention includes a single, central electronic controller (CPU) for controlling at least the Air Handling sub-system, the Reformer sub-system, the Power Electronics sub-system, and the Customer Interface sub-system. The central controller provides a central location for easier serviceability; increases data transport efficiency by eliminating lengthy links between distributed controllers; eliminates the need for multiple mechanical enclosures; allows for controller thermo conditioning in one mechanical enclosure; and reduces parasitic power losses by employing a single power supply.

Abstract: The device (6) includes a sealed casing (10) provided, in its lower part, with a bowl (22) for collection of a residual liquid, and an assembly (30) for purging the residual liquid which comprises means for evacuation of the liquid collected in the bowl and means for connecting the casing to the open air. The means for evacuation of the liquid include an orifice (36) formed in the wall of the casing substantially at the level of the bottom of the bowl (22). The means for connection to the open air include an orifice (34) formed in the wall of the casing (10) substantially opposite the orifice (36) for evacuation of the liquid.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring the immediate vicinity of a motor vehicle comprises an infrared emitter that is arranged behind a lens and a receiver for reflected infrared radiation, as well as an evaluation unit for detecting the presence of an object in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle, wherein a signal can be forwarded from the evaluation unit to a control device in the motor vehicle. In order to also ensure the proper function of the sensor when the lens is soiled, an infrared emitter and a receiver are provided for measuring the transparency of the lens, wherein the evaluation unit is able to increase the power of the infrared emitter for monitoring the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle if it determines that the lens transparency is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second steering column members disposed for movement relative to one another. The apparatus also includes an anvil associated with one of the first and second steering column members. The anvil is spaced from the other of the first and second steering column members. The apparatus also includes a strap having a mounting end fixedly associated with the other of the first and second steering column members. The strap also includes a free end spaced from the mounting end. The strap is drawable over the anvil in response to movement between the first and second steering column members. The strap also includes a slot extending away from the mounting end to the free end. The slot has a length and a variable width along at least a portion of its length.

Abstract: A belt tension sensor includes an armature that is displaced in relation to belt tension and an optical sensing mechanism that detects armature displacement as a measure of belt tension. In a first mechanization, a lens element is mounted on the armature for movement therewith, and light emitted by a light source passes through the lens element before impinging on a light responsive element; the lens element variably diffuses the emitted light in relation to the belt tension, and the light impinging on the light responsive element provides a measure of the belt tension. In a second mechanization, the armature includes a protuberance that abuts and variably collapses a compressible optical waveguide to vary its optical transmissivity in relation to the armature displacement, and the optical transmissivity of the optical waveguide provides a measure of the belt tension.

Abstract: A steering system includes a differential transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft, a rotary input device attached to the input shaft, a movable steering effector in operable communication with the output shaft, an angular-to-linear converter which converts a rotative motion of the output shaft to a linear motion that acts to move the steering effector. The motion of the steering effector enables path alteration of a vehicle. The steering system also includes an electromotive actuator in operable communication with the differential transmission. An activated electromotive actuator provides an active alteration of a speed change between a speed of the input shaft and a speed of the output shaft and a deactivated electromotive actuator provides a default speed change between the speed of the input shaft and the speed of the output shaft.

Abstract: A method is specified for controlling a combustion engine in a motor vehicle, namely for optimally adjusting an air/fuel ratio which is distinguished in that the air/fuel ratio is the result of a regulation process. Individual aspects of the invention further address a regulation method particularly suitable for such regulation in consideration of the available input values and readings. For the purposes of supporting regulation, an adaptation method is specified which can also be used independently of the regulation method or with other regulation methods and which enables the regulation to be continuously adapted to the respective operating conditions, such as, for example, the engine operational performance, and signs of wear and tear and disruptions due to deposits etc. which accompany it.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly includes hollow reinforcing members that define openings for receiving supports therein. An end cap is disposed in each open end of cylindrical header tanks and each of the header tanks includes a tubeless length (X) extending inwardly a predetermined distance from each end cap. An inlet and an outlet are disposed in a tubeless length (X). The ends of the reinforcing members extending over the tubeless lengths (X) of the header tanks which include a slot outside each end cap with a tab extending from each end of reinforcing members and into the adjacent slot. All of the components are brazed together in one operation.

Abstract: A method/system for measuring cylinder pressures of an internal combustion engine includes a crank angle sensor utilized to generate pressure readings at known angular intervals. Additional time-based pressure measurements are taken in selected angular windows between a pair of the angle-based pressure readings. Because the angle-based pressure measurements and the time-based pressure measurements occur at known times, the pressure as a function of the crank angle for the time-based pressure measurements can be determined. The cylinder pressure measurements can be utilized to calculate combustion parameters used for closed-loop engine control of fuel supply or other engine inputs.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly that makes use of a low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate, and a process for producing the assembly. The substrate contains at least first and second regions formed by a plurality of first ceramic layers and at least one second ceramic layer, respectively, that are superimposed and bonded to each other. Conductor lines are present on at least some of the first ceramic layers so as to be between adjacent pairs of the layers. Electrically-conductive vias electrically interconnect the conductor lines on different first ceramic layers, and a surface-mount IC device is mounted to the substrate. The first ceramic layers are formed of electrically-nonconductive materials, while the one or more second ceramic layers contain thermally-conductive particles dispersed in a matrix of electrically-non-conductive materials, such that the one or more second ceramic layers are more thermally conductive than the first ceramic layers.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a load displacement system allowing transient loads of the steering mechanism to be displaced. The steering system also includes a first coupling mechanism coupling an electric motor to a rack housing, and a second coupling mechanism coupling a ball nut to a rack and method.

Abstract: Knee support element for motor vehicles for absorbing energy in a knee region in case of a crash of the vehicle, including a first deformation element for absorbing energy upon impact of the knees in a first impact zone and a second deformation element for absorbing energy upon impact of the knees in a second impact zone, where the first deformation element is linked to the second deformation element in order to deform the second deformation element and thereby limit the resistance of the second deformation element against deformation, upon impact on the first impact zone.

Abstract: A rotor-locking mechanism for a vane-type camshaft phaser. A locking pin is disposed in the rotor and is permitted to travel into a well in either the rear cover or the front cover of the phaser. The pin is urged into the well by a return spring, and the end of the pin end is exposed to oil pressure for unlocking the pin. A first channel is provided between the advance-oil feed and the end of the pin, and a second channel is provided between the retard-oil feed and the end of the pin. The channels may be formed in either of the covers. The pin is unlocked whenever a predetermined oil pressure is exceeded in either the advance or retard oil feeds, permitting the pin to be unlocked through most modes of engine operation and to be locked only under specific predetermined low-pressure conditions, such as during engine starting.

Abstract: A detector for detecting the operational status of one or more fuel pumps in a fuel system of a vehicle, the system comprising an accumulator volume for storing high pressure fuel, one or more injectors arranged in fluid communication with the accumulator volume and one or more high pressure fuel pumps arranged in fluid communication with the accumulator volume so as to supply high pressure fuel thereto, the operation of the one or more fuel pumps being controlled by a filling pulse signal from a control means, the detector comprising inputs for receiving data representing at least one current system parameter; processing means arranged to compare the at least one current system parameter against one or more predetermined system parameters in order to identify the operational status of the one or more fuel pumps.

Abstract: In a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having intake valve deactivation apparatus providing de-activation of the intake valves of selected cylinders during engine operation, correct cylinder activation status is verified by measuring gas pressure in a conduit conducting combustion related gases through the cylinders of the engine, detecting consecutive pulses in the pressure due to predetermined activations of the intake valves, comparing the time periods between the consecutive pulses to reference time periods based on crankshaft position and corresponding to expected time periods between the consecutive pulses and providing verification signals and cylinder identification of faulty intake valve deactivation or activation in response to the comparisons.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly and method of connecting an electrical connector to a substrate are provided. The electrical connector assembly includes a substrate having first electrical circuitry formed on a surface, an elastomer, and second electrical circuitry disposed at least partially between the substrate and the elastomer. Elements of the second electrical circuitry are pressed into contact with contact pads of the first electrical circuitry. The electrical connector assembly also includes a holder securing the elastomer in a compressed state to provide a pressure contact between the circuit elements and the contact pads.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan assembly including a housing having a lower surface and a parallel inlet wall that defines an inlet opening. A shaft is supported by the housing for rotating about an axis. A plurality of fan blades are disposed about the shaft and extend radially from the axis for drawing air axially into the fan blades and blowing air radially outwardly. The housing defines a scroll wall that spirals about the axis and defines an outlet air passage that extends substantially tangentially to the axis. The fan blades include extensions that extend through the inlet opening and outside of the inlet wall.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling valve stiffness in a power steering system. The method includes the step of engaging a pinion and a spool shaft with respect to one another for turning at least two wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a steering wheel from an on-center orientation. The method also includes the step of variably assisting movement of the pinion with a hydraulic power steering device having a valve movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The method also includes the step of moving the valve from the open configuration to the closed configuration in response to rotation of the spool shaft relative to the pinion from an on-center orientation to assist the pinion in rotation for turning the at least two wheels.

Abstract: An imaging system for use in a vehicle is disclosed wherein the imaging system images an object spaced apart from the vehicle in a first configuration and images an object supported by the vehicle in a second configuration. The imaging system may include a fluid lens. An imaging system for use in a vehicle is disclosed wherein the imaging system has a first configuration corresponding to a first imaging application and a second configuration corresponding to a second imaging application. The imaging system may include a fluid lens.

Abstract: A valvetrain system mechanization for an internal combustion engine using compression ignition, including homogeneous charge compression ignition, having two intake and one or more exhaust valves per cylinder. The valves are operated by dual overhead camshafts having two-step cams. The intake and exhaust camshafts are provided with phasers for varying the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. A two-step roller finger follower is disposed for each valve between the cam lobes and the valve stem. The two sets of intake and exhaust valves are controlled by separate oil control valves. Swirl of gases may be introduced by mismatching the lifts of the valves. The valve opening times, closing times, lifts, fuel injection, compression ratio, and exhaust gas recirculation may be varied to optimize combustion conditions for a range of engine operating modes.