Abstract: A leak-testing technique and apparatus for differential pressure sensor arrays is provided. A reference pressure sensor array is provided, wherein a seal is disposed between the reference pressure sensor array and a target differential pressure sensor array. A probe socket is utilized to communicate with each individual sensor in the reference pressure sensor array. The target pressure sensor array and the reference pressure sensor array are sealed via a pressure plate and plunger assembly. The target pressure sensor array, seal, and reference pressure sensor array are exposed to a first pressure. The target differential pressure sensor array, seal, and reference pressure sensor array are then exposed to a second pressure. The probe socket verifies that all reference pressure sensors continue to output the first pressure. If the probe socket identifies a reference pressure sensor that reads the second pressure, then the corresponding target pressure sensor is identified as being defective because of leakage.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical terminal element with a crimp section and a socket section which forms a receiving chamber for a plug and which has a substantially rectangular cross-section, wherein in each case a locking projection is provided in the region of an insertion opening for the plug on opposed first side walls of the socket section. The invention further concerns a terminal element housing with at least one receiving chamber for receiving an electrical terminal element of this kind.

Abstract: Binary files in an executable file system can be directly executed by the central processing unit at the location in which the binary files are stored. A pre-runtime tool can traverse a replica directory hierarchy in a host/loading computer to fill an internal data structure which can be used to generate a binary file that can be loaded directly into the embedded computer. The central processing unit (CPU) and its components such as the address bus, data bus, and program counter, can directly interact with unit of storage interface mechanisms, such as read/write means, identifying location means, and concatenation means. In some embodiments, the page size in the memory management unit (MMU) of the CPU is set to the same size as the unit of storage.

Abstract: An integrated switch-indicator unit includes a light emitting diode (LED) structure for providing a plurality of indicators and an overlay input device integrated with the LED structure. The overlay input device includes a non-conductive substrate and a plurality of conductive electrode pairs. The plurality of conductive electrode pairs are formed on the substrate and each form a proximity sensitive region and include a first electrode that receives an input signal and a second electrode that provides an output signal. The first and second electrodes are capacitively coupled and the capacitance of the electrode pair changes when a conductive member, e.g., a user's finger, is located near the electrode pair.

Abstract: A filter-balun combination for filtering an RF input signal and balancing output RF signals is provided. The filter-balun combination is formed in a multi-layer planar substrate having multiple dielectric layers and multiple planar device layers having conducting material. The filter section includes first and second symmetrical inductors formed in the substrate. The inductors provide filtering for an input signal. The balun section includes a balun central transmission line connected to an output of the filter, and two output structures for providing the output from the filter-balun combination. The central transmission line follows a path through the substrate that includes first and second coil areas. The input line is sandwiched between upper and lower transmission lines in the first and second coil areas. The output of the filter-balun combination is a filtered, balanced signal at each of the two balun output structures.

Abstract: A capacitive load cell includes upper and lower capacitor plates and an intermediate dielectric comprising two or more layers of compressible material with diverse compressibility characteristics. The most easily compressed dielectric layer provides sensitivity to low occupant weight, while the less easily compressed dielectric layer(s) provide sensitivity to medium and high occupant weight.

Abstract: A novel air flow control valve for an air outlet in an HVAC housing provides for strong, even seal pressure all the way around the edge of the opening. In stead of a swinging door hinged at one edge of the opening, in which seal pressure is strong on the hinge edge but weaker on the opposite edge, a flat panel is moved straight toward and away from the opening. In the closed position, the sealing pressure is even all the way around. The sealing panel is moved back and forth by a rotary cam mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat exchanger operable, for example, with Stirling cooling system. The heat exchanger includes a first member having an inner surface defining a flow path for a working fluid. The first member also includes an outer surface spaced from the inner surface. The heat exchanger also includes a second member cooperating with the first member to define a first substantially enclosed heat exchanging chamber having a height and extending along at least a portion of the outer surface. The heat exchanger also includes at least one first blind conduit including an opening communicating with the first substantially enclosed heat exchanging chamber and a distal end spaced from the opening. The second member and the at least one first blind conduit cooperate with one another to define an enclosed path for a two-phase fluid to move along back and forth between the outer surface and the distal end.

Abstract: An injection nozzle for an internal combustion engine has a valve member moveable within a bore of a nozzle body, and a seating surface defining a seat cone angle the valve member including a first frustoconical valve region, a second frustoconical valve region, and an annular groove defining, in part, a delivery chamber in communication with at least one nozzle outlet. The annular groove is disposed intermediate the first and second valve regions such that a first seating line is defined at the mutual interface between the first valve region and the annular groove and is engageable with the seating surface to control delivery of fuel from a first supply chamber to the deliver chamber, and a second seating line is defined at the mutual interface between the second valve region and the annular groove and is engageable with the seating surface to control delivery from a second supply chamber to the delivery chamber.

Abstract: An internal pulse damper for use in a fuel rail for an internal combustion engine. The damper is formed from a length of tubular metal stock having a flat oval cross-section and ends flattened by crimping to form a captive-air pillow. The end crimps are improved through use of tooling to eliminate a creased sidewall area vulnerable to stress failure in prior art pulse dampers. Such tooling includes constraints to prevent the tubing sides from flaring out and forming a longitudinal crease adjacent the end crimp during squeezing-shut of the tube end.

Abstract: An axially actuated battery terminal post clamp in which a threaded fastener causes clamping action of a concave post seat onto the convex surface of a battery terminal post, and wherein the threaded fastener is oriented axially, that is, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the battery terminal post. A clamp body has a concave post seat defining a post seat axis, a first sidewall member and a second sidewall member. First and second U-shaped clips are interfaced with the first and second sidewall members and have guide holes, wherein at least one clip has tapered guide holes. A threaded fastener is oriented parallel to the post seat axis and has tapers which interact with the guide holes to cause the diameter of the post seat to decrease as the threaded fastener is actuated.

Abstract: A fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprises a fuel injection apparatus (16) including at least one fuel injector (18), the fuel injection apparatus (16) being arranged to inject fuel at high pressure into an associated combustion space, and a primary supply line (11) through which fuel is supplied from a low pressure reservoir (10) to the fuel injection apparatus (16). The system also includes a return flow line (20) for a return flow of fuel from the fuel injection apparatus (16) to the low pressure reservoir (10), and a filter arrangement (32) including a primary filter (14) arranged within the primary supply line (11) for filtering contaminants in the fuel flow through the primary supply line (11) and a secondary filter (30) arranged within the return flow line (20) for filtering contaminants from the flow through the return flow line (20).

Abstract: The presence of a rear-facing infant seat on a motor vehicle seat is reliably and cost-effectively detected based on the buckle state and tension of the seat belt, and the position of the seat belt relative to the seat bight region where the seat bottom and back cushions meet. These seat belt parameters are measured and applied to a predefined decision matrix to detect the presence of a rear-facing infant seat.

Abstract: The invention is a hemodialysis system in which at least one disposable sensor is combined with a dialysis circuit, in combination with an optional transceiver, to provide real-time or near-real-time patient data. Sensors for any or all of blood pressure, conductivity, temperature, oxygenation, sodium levels, calcium levels, phosphorus levels, urea levels, potassium levels, without limitation, may be included in the blood circuit. Preferably, the sensors are MEMS or ISFET sensors and are positioned in the overall system upstream of, or within the upstream portion of, the dialyzer.

Abstract: A steering column assembly (18) of the type for controlling one or more steerable wheels in a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel (14) interface secured to the free end of a steering column (20). The steering column assembly (18) includes powered telescope adjust and tilt adjust features which a driver (16) uses to adjust the position of the steering wheel (14) for maximum comfort. One or more condition sensors (48) monitor numerous parameters about the vehicle. When an emergency condition is detected, such as the seat belt warning, a door that is ajar, various engine conditions, or erratic driving activity, a haptic controller (50) rapidly vibrates the steering wheel (14) through the telescoping and tilt adjusting motors (32, 40) as a means of alerting the driver (16) to the emergency condition.

Abstract: A process for making a microelectromechanical device having a moveable component defined by a gap pattern in a semiconductor layer of a silicon-on-insulator wafer involves the use of a plurality of deep reactive ion etching steps at various etch depths that are used to allow a buried oxide layer of the silicon-on-insulator wafer to be exposed in selected areas before the entire moveable component of the resulting device is freed for movement. This method allows wet release techniques to be used to remove the buried oxide layer without developing stiction problems. This is achieved by utilizing deep reactive ion etching to free the moveable component after a selected portion of the buried oxide layer has been removed by wet etching.

Abstract: A bearing module for a pintle valve including a pintle bearing, bearing spring, and two-part housing. The bearing has an axial face for sealing against an inner axial surface of the housing. The bearing diameter is less than the diameter of the housing, permitting the bearing to float radially. The housing fits into a port in the valve body and also extends over an axial surface of the body, thus forming a seal against the wall of the port and the surface of the body. The bearing spring, preferably a wave washer, is compressed within the housing as the two housing parts are assembled to form the module. In a currently preferred embodiment, the housing further comprises a coking shield extending along the surface of the pintle shaft within the valve port to reduce the tendency for coking gases to enter the bearing module.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine has a nozzle body (36) provided with a nozzle bore (42), an inner valve (16) which is engageable with an inner valve seating (48) to control fuel delivery through one or more first nozzle outlets (38), and an outer valve (18) which is received within the nozzle bore (42) and engageable with an outer valve seating (48) to control fuel delivery through one or more second nozzle outlets (40). An actuator (14) for controlling movement of the inner and outer valves (16, 18) transmits an actuation force to the valves (16, 18) so as to permit either movement of the inner valve (16) only to provide a first injection state in which fuel is delivered through only the or each of the first outlets (38), or movement of the outer valve (18) only to provide a second injection state in which fuel is delivered through only the or each of the second outlets (40).

Abstract: A method of main reformer startup is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a first supply of fuel and a first supply of air into a micro-reformer. The first supply of fuel is increased to produce a heated reformate in the micro-reformer. The heated reformate is directed through a main reformer in order to heat the main reformer. At least a portion of the heated reformate is burned in the main reformer. A second supply of fuel and a second supply of air is introduced into the main reformer to produce a main supply of reformate. A method for maintaining a vehicle device in standby condition is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control having a piezo actuator that, when energized, will deliver a force to the throttle gear sufficient to free it from a stuck condition.