Abstract: A diagnostic system for monitoring catalyst performance in an exhaust system comprises a plurality of treatment devices catalytically treating an exhaust gas stream, and a plurality of gas sensors for monitoring the catalyst performance of the treatment devices to determine when sulfur poisoning occurs. An on-board diagnostic system receives signals from the gas sensors, and, based upon response time differentials between sensors, determines whether the treatment devices are experiencing sulfur poisoning.

Abstract: A camshaft phaser wherein camshaft oscillatory torque resulting from opening and closing of an associated engine valve is employed to controllably adjust the degree of advance or retard of the rotor. All advance chambers communicate with a first annular passage, and all retard chambers communicate with a second annular passage. Valve means connecting the first and second annular passages are controllable by a solenoid-actuated piston to permit selective flow of oil between the advance and retard chambers to alter the angular position of the rotor with respect to the stator. The solenoid windings are selectively actuable in response to an engine control module. Preferably, the phaser is a sealed unit, filled with oil at manufacture and requires no oil connection with the oil recirculation system of an engine upon which the phaser is mounted. The phaser is independent of engine oil pressure for actuation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic occupant detection and classification system transmits an ultrasonic signal and receives a composite signal containing interference created between the transmitted ultrasonic signal and a reflection of that signal from a moving occupant. A signal component of the received, composite signal is extracted by amplitude demodulation and bandpass filtered to derive a frequency characteristic that is compared to stored frequency data; and the derived and stored data are compared to identify frequencies characteristic of respiration and/or other movements characteristic of living beings.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, comprising: a exhaust manifold for providing fluid communication of exhaust of the plurality of cylinders to a catalytic converter, the exhaust manifold comprising a first exhaust pipe and a second exhaust pipe, the first exhaust pipe being in fluid communication with the second exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe being in fluid communication with the catalytic converter, the first exhaust pipe providing a first fluid path for exhaust of a first plurality of cylinders of the engine and the second exhaust pipe providing a second fluid path for exhaust of a second plurality of cylinders of the engine, the second fluid path being shorter than the first fluid path; a controller for determining whether to deactivate the first plurality of cylinders in accordance with a predetermined engine starting condition, wherein deactivation of the first plurality of cylinders causes the second plurality of cylinders to operate at a cond

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomeric compositions and processes for preparing the compositions comprising a blend of polypropylene, styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer elastomer, linear low density polyethylene, peroxide crosslinking agent and a crosslinking coagent. The peroxide crosslinking agent and crosslinking coagent provide a crosslinking system. The compositions improve melt strength and increase resistance to flow and tear. The composition may further comprise mineral oil, antioxidant, colorant, a processing aid and stabilizer and mixtures thereof. The processes for preparing thermoplastic elastomeric compositions are particularly useful in microcellular injection molding to form articles with improved surface characteristics.

Abstract: An ultra accurate gas injection system with vehicle transient air simulation is provided. The device includes an input device, at least one mass flow device, an air flow device, a controller, such as a PC based controller, and an output device. The air flow device issues an air flow rate signal indicative of at least the actual air flow rate and receives an air flow control signal. The controller issues gas and air flow control signals, repeatedly reads the air flow rate signal and compares the actual air flow rate with the target air flow rate. The controller adjusts the air flow control signal such that the actual air flow rate is substantially equal to the target air flow rate. The mass flow device injects at least one gas into the air stream which is subsequently emitted into the external system to simulate exhaust gas from a vehicle.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive strain sensor includes a Hall effect sensor for measuring the change in magnetic flux a magnetic circuit including a magnetostrictive element. A strain sensing apparatus includes one or more magnetic elements defining a magnetic circuit having a gap, and including a magnetostrictive element adapted to receive a load force. A Hall effect sensor is disposed within the gap for sensing a change in magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. The Hall effect sensor may include a programmable circuit for zeroing and calibrating the sensing apparatus, and for providing temperature compensation. The magnetostrictive element may be magnetized to form the magnetized element, and may be formed from material known as TERFENOL-D.

Abstract: An air bag module, having a housing with at least one vent opening; an inflatable cushion being stored in an un-deployed position in the housing; an inflator for inflating the inflatable cushion, the inflator being in fluid communication with the inflatable cushion; a deployable member being configured to cover the at least one vent opening; a tether element being secured to the inflatable cushion at one end and the deployable member at the other; an actuator adapted to restrain or release the tether element wherein the deployable member is pulled away from the at least one vent opening when the actuator releases the tether, the at least one vent opening is in fluid communication with the inflatable cushion when the deployable member is pulled away.

Abstract: The present invention includes a low insertion force connector assembly capable of providing an electrical interface to a circuit board. The connector assembly includes a housing and electrically conductive terminals mounted in the housing. The connector assembly further includes slide and wedge members which are inserted into the housing along with a connective end portion of a flexible flat cable pressing exposed conductors on the flexible flat cable against terminal contact arms.

Abstract: An air bag safety system for cushioning restraint of a vehicle occupant during an impact event. The safety system includes a variable depth inflatable air bag cushion inflated by a gas emitting inflator within an inflator housing. A cover element of substantially pliable material is located in adjustable relation to a vent opening across a wall of the housing. The cover element is selectively displaceable relative to the vent opening in response to the inflation depth of the air bag cushion so as to adjust venting characteristics across the housing.

Abstract: Described is a battery cover having a moveable handle which assists in movement of the battery comprising a molded cover securely attached to the battery; the cover having a slotted space in which the handle snugly fits during non-use thereof; the handle being comprised of a U shaped configuration wherein the closed end of the U is configured for engagement to assist in moving manually the battery and wherein the legs of the U are each comprised of a generally arcuate member having a step shaped indentation, the handle pivoting about the circular members when moving from a lowered position to a raised position; and a locking member in contact with the generally arcuate member such that when the handle is in the slotted space of the cover the locking member is in contact with a curved portion of the arcuate member and when the handle is in a raised position the step portion of the arcuate member engages the locking member to maintain the handle in a locked raised position.

Abstract: A canister for an evaporative emissions control system that comprises a canister package with an interchangeable cartridge. The specific cartridge selected for use in the canister package is determined primarily based upon emissions regulatory requirements of the device that uses the canister. The need for a common canister package with an interchangeable cartridge simplifies packaging and assembly of the canister into any device, whether a vehicle or a stationary device, or a handheld tool. For example, a common canister package reduces need for testing, development and certification associated with use of multiple canister packages on a common vehicle platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a preheated micro-reformer system is disclosed comprising a reformer and a micro-reformer in fluid communication with the reformer. The micro-reformer being electrically preheatable. An apparatus comprising a micro-reformer including a first zone and a second zone, the first zone being preheatable to a first temperature and the second zone being preheatable to a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature. A method of using a micro-reformer that is electrically preheatable is disclosed comprising initiating an electrically preheatable micro-reformer. The micro-reformer is preheated. The preheating can be accomplished by converting electrical energy into thermal energy. A method of using a preheated micro-reformer is disclosed comprising preheating a first zone, preheating a second zone to a temperature higher than the first zone, vaporizing a fuel air mixture in the first zone, and reforming the fuel air mixture in the second zone.

Abstract: A fastening structure for an antenna module assembly is disclosed. The fastening structure for an assembly includes a cover, a gasket inner seal, a circuit board including at least one antenna element, and a base. The gasket inner seal is placed over the circuit board. The gasket inner seal and circuit board are intermediately located between the cover and the base. The base includes a plurality of beveled snap-tab receiving portions integrally located about a base perimeter. The beveled snap-tab receiving portions engage an inner perimeter of the cover defined by flexible snap-tabs to fasten and matingly secure the cover to the base.

Abstract: A speed control apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a poppet valve seat and a poppet valve pintle assembly disposed coaxially for variably regulating the flow of air into the engine across the valve seat. The pintle is axially positioned by a stepper motor actuator responsive to an engine speed sensor and electronic controller. The controller varies the axial position of the pintle in accordance with a programmed algorithm to provide any desired engine speed, and especially a fixed engine speed, under a range of engine loads. The invention eliminates the need for a governor, rotary mechanical throttle, and cable or mechanical linkages, and is especially useful for small engine applications such as in powering a portable electric generator, yard equipment, or outboard motor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a catalyst configuration, comprises: a substrate, a NiO layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the NiO layer comprises greater than or equal to about 75 wt % of the NiO in the catalyst configuration; and a catalyst layer comprising a NOx adsorbing catalyst. In another embodiment, a catalyst configuration, comprises: a substrate, a catalyst layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the catalyst layer comprises a NOx adsorbing catalyst and thermally treated NiO. In one embodiment, the method for making a NOx adsorber comprises: thermally treating NiO to a temperature of about a maximum catalyst application temperature minus 100° C. and the maximum catalyst application temperature, disposing a catalyst configuration on the substrate, wherein the catalyst configuration comprises the thermally treated NiO and a NOx adsorption catalyst, and disposing the substrate in a housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring relative displacement between a first shaft and a second shaft includes first and second rotor assemblies. The first rotor assembly is coupled to the first shaft and is centered on an axis. The second rotor assembly is coupled to the second shaft. The second rotor assembly has first and second stator plates. Each of the first and second stator plates includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces are parallel. The first and second stator plates include a plurality of teeth extending in a direction radial of the axis. The first and second stator plates form a gap between the lower surface of the first stator plate and the upper surface of the second stator plate. The apparatus further includes at least one magnet having a magnetic field and disposed on the first rotor assembly and a sensing device disposed within the gap for sensing a magnetic flux of the magnetic field.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a method, system and storage medium for fuel driveability index detection. The system includes an engine and an oxygen sensor disposed within the exhaust gas passage of the engine. An engine control module is operatively connected to the engine. The engine control module has a processor for obtaining a first input signal indicating a first oxygen sensor voltage, obtaining a second input signal indicating a second oxygen sensor voltage at a period subsequent to the first input signal, determining a first voltage trend based on the first input signal and the second input signal and determining whether the first voltage trend is decreasing at a rate greater than a first voltage threshold rate.

Abstract: A cable drive assembly for opening and closing a sliding vehicle door has first and second drums that are drivingly connected to each other via a tension spring that biases the drums in opposite directions. The drums include a catch that holds the first and second drums in a cocked condition where the spring is tensioned to provide slack in a closed loop cable to facilitate inserting a traveler attached to the cable into a track. The cocked drums are manually rotated in a drum housing in one direction to move the traveler and insert it into the track. After the traveler is inserted, the cocked drums are manually rotated in the opposite direction. This releases the catch so that the tensioned spring takes up the slack in the closed loop cable.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for eye tracking, including: an illuminator; reflection apparatus to reflect illumination from the illuminator onto a surface of a windshield of a vehicle in which the windshield is installed, such that the illumination is reflected onto at least an eye of a person in the vehicle, and to reflect an image of the at least an eye, and a sensor to receive a reflection of the image of the at least an eye reflected by the reflection apparatus and to produce an output signal representative thereof.