Abstract: A vehicle braking system vacuum booster tandem power piston connection design such that the primary piston and the secondary piston are positioned together forming the tandem power piston. A connection design that provides direct alignment between the primary piston and secondary piston upon assembly and also provides an airtight seal between the primary piston and the secondary piston when assembling the tandem power piston.

Abstract: An automotive ignition diagnostic system includes an ion current detection circuit producing a buffered representation of an ion current flowing across an electrode gap of an ignition plug in response to a bias voltage applied thereto. An ignition diagnostic circuit is responsive to the buffered representation of the ion current to charge a single integration capacitor. The diagnostic circuit is operable to produce an output signal having a pulse width defined by the amount of charge on the capacitor. When the ion current flows following a combustion event, the width of the output signal is controlled as a function of the quality of combustion in the corresponding cylinder. However, if sufficient ion current flows prior to combustion, the width of the output signal is controlled to indicate a fouled ignition plug.

Abstract: Winding machine and method for shielding the winding machine relative to debris during a winding operation are provided. The method allows providing at least one winding assembly. The method further allows feeding a respective strand of wire to the winding assembly, wherein the strand of wire is fed into the assembly through the bottom thereof. A shield is provided for the winding assembly. The shield is configured to include a window at the bottom thereof for allowing passage of the strand of wire. The shield further includes lateral and top sections configured to partially enclose the assembly, wherein the lateral section extends sufficiently beneath the assembly so that any debris therein egresses from the assembly through the window and is prevented from being propelled into any adjacent assemblies, thus reducing the occurrence of debris-induced faults.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering gear is provided. The gear comprises a lower shaft, a pinion gear, a first bearing, and a plurality of stakes. The lower shaft has a first end, a second end, and a shoulder depending radially outward from the lower shaft. The pinion gear is defined in a portion of the lower shaft proximate the first end. The first bearing has a first side, a second side, and an inner edge. The inner edge is disposed on the lower shaft such that the first side abuts the shoulder. The stakes have a first section that conforms to a radius defined at an intersection of the second side and the inner edge of the first bearing, and a second section resting against the second side of the first bearing.

Abstract: In order to improve the reliability of a system, sub-system or component, a method for controlling the operation of a system, sub-system or component, comprises the steps of a) repeatedly recording an operation time of said system, sub-system or component and at least one further parameter relevant to system, sub-system or component aging b) evaluating a usage profile based on said recorded operation time and said at least one further parameter, said usage profile being indicative of the accumulated stress at the time of the evaluation, and c) if a difference between said evaluated usage profile and a nominal usage value at the time of the evaluation exceeds a predetermined threshold value, adjusting an operation parameter of said system, sub-system or component.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system for a vehicle that provides synchronization capability to an actuator of a steerable device and an actuator of a steering input device includes a steering input device actuator operably connected to the steering input device of the vehicle and a steerable device actuator operably connected to the steerable device of the vehicle. The steerable device actuator is disposed in electronic communication with the steering input device actuator. The electronic communication is defined such that synchronous positioning of the steering input device actuator and the steerable device actuator can be effectuated by the system upon startup of the vehicle. A method of using the system includes initiating operation of the system by turning on an ignition switch of the vehicle and evaluating an initial condition of the vehicle. The initial condition is associated to the positions of the steering input device actuator and the steerable device actuator.

Abstract: A piston and ring assembly for a compressor that may be used in a vehicle air conditioning system. The assembly comprises a piston and a ring located within a cylinder bore. The ring has a frustoconical shape and the piston has a complementary frustoconical groove. The ring is a parallelogram in cross-section.

Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter which includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical outer surface and an inner wall, the inner wall defining at least one annular pin chamber therein. The outer surface defining at least one annular groove in fluid communication with a high-pressure oil gallery of an engine, the lifter body having a lower end configured for engaging cam of the engine.

Abstract: An instrument panel cover arrangement used for covering an airbag module mounted beneath an instrument panel cover in a vehicle and method of making the same is disclosed. The arrangement includes a rigid substrate forming the instrument panel cover and having inner and outer surfaces and a hidden door configured in the substrate aligned with the underlying airbag module. The hidden door is removably securely to the substrate so as to be flushly aligned with the outer surface of the substrate and is defined by a thinned portion relative to the substrate outlining a perimeter of the hidden door. The thinned portion defines a first relief in the inner surface of the substrate. A plurality of cut lines generally define an airbag deployment opening and extend entirely through the substrate at a location corresponding to the first relief.

Abstract: The present invention involves a magnetic detent action device for switches utilizes the magnetic field interaction of a pair of magnetic members each having a side-by-side multipole magnetic pattern. One magnetic member is fixed relative to a switch body, while the other magnetic member is attached to a switch actuator. The magnetic members have a repeating pattern of north, south, and nonmagnetic portions. The switch body holds the two magnetic members in contact or in closely parallel proximity, and, as the switch actuator is moved, the two magnetic members and their respective magnetic poles move relative to each other creating a switch detent action as the magnetic fields of alike and opposite poles of the two magnetic members pass through each other. The magnetic detent action may be implemented in slide, rotary, or other switches.

Abstract: A steering column switch of a motor vehicle having a blinker switch and a wiper/washer switch in a common housing wherein the switches share an identical design thereby reducing manufacturing, and handling, and stocking costs.

Abstract: A high side reverse voltage and overvoltage protection circuit configuration comprising: a first switching device in operable communication with a transient protected voltage source; a second switching device in operable communication and in series with the first switching device and in operable communication with an unprotected voltage source; a control circuit configured to control the first switching device and the second switching device in operable communication with another transient protected voltage source. The first switching device is configured to provide reverse voltage protection for the transient protected voltage source; and the second switching device is configured to provide overvoltage protection for the transient protected voltage source.

Abstract: A heat sink buffer 10 is provided, including a backplate 20 defining a heat transfer passage 24. A thermally conductive buffer element 22 is positioned within and secured to the heat transfer passage 24 to provide a thermal conduit through the backplate 20.

Abstract: A method identifies a level of each of a plurality of liquids in a reservoir. The method includes using a sensing assembly having first and second electrodes extending along a side of the reservoir, wherein the first and second electrodes combine to form a plurality of capacitors each having a unique capacitance. The method includes the steps of applying an input AC signal voltage to the first electrode. An output AC signal voltage is then measured across the second electrode. The method continues by locating clusters of frequency variations. The method then associates a level identification for each of the plurality of liquids with each of the clusters of frequency variations.

Abstract: An assembly of efficient construction and operation to hold restraining air bag tethers to a shortened operative length under a first set of conditions and to extend such tethers under a second set of conditions. The extension of the restraining tethers is carried out in conjunction with the delivery of an increased volume of inflating gas to the air bag cushion. The air bag assembly may be operated using as few as two activatable initiators to activate inflation stages while simultaneously controlling tether length to effect delivery of a proper volume of inflation gas for a desired cushion profile.

Abstract: A test circuit and method provide testing of a capacitive type microsensor. The method includes applying a first signal having a first voltage potential to an input of a microsensor during a non-test operating mode. The method also includes applying a second voltage signal having a second voltage potential different than the first voltage potential during a test mode. The second voltage potential induces a net differential electrostatic force in the microsensor. The method further includes the steps of monitoring an output signal of the microsensor, comparing the output signal to an expected value when the microsensor is in the test mode, and determining if the microsensor is functioning properly as a function of the comparison.

Abstract: A cooling assembly having a base plate and a condenser plate. An outer wall interconnects the base plate to the condenser plate to define a sealed chamber with a working fluid being disposed within the sealed chamber. Intersecting partition walls are mounted to the condenser plate and are angled downwardly toward the base plate for directing working fluid on the condenser plate down a corner of the walls toward a portion of the base plate. Preferably, the base plate defines a first circumference and the condenser plate defines a second circumference larger than the first circumference such that the outer wall has an angled configuration extending between the base plate and the condenser plate to provide a larger area within the sealed chamber for a vapor phase of the working fluid than a liquid phase of the working fluid.

Abstract: A catalytic converter comprises a catalyst substrate concentrically disposed in a shell and having a mat support material located concentrically in between the catalyst substrate and shell. The catalyst substrate includes structural features located on its outer surface that engage the mat support material. The shear forces exerted between the catalyst substrate and mat support material, in addition to the normally present frictional forces, reduce the axial movement of the catalyst substrate during assembly and operation of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A low-profile integrated catalytic converter with a coupling assembly comprises a catalytic converter with a coupling assembly integrated into the inlet end of the catalytic converter, which is attached to a mounting flange or exhaust pipe. The coupling assembly comprises two or more flexible bellows, joined together at their periphery, and containing a plurality of undulating ribs. The respective ends of the flexible bellows assembly are secured to the catalytic converter. A coupling travel limiter can optionally be concentrically disposed within the bellows assembly to limit the flexibility of the coupling and direct an exhaust gas stream into the catalytic converter.

Abstract: An air bag pressure control system for use in a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a housing, an inflatable cushion, and a dual stage inflator. The inflator generates a quantity of inflation gas to deploy the inflatable cushion from the housing. A vent opening is formed in the housing to selectively direct a portion of the inflation gas towards or away from the inflatable cushion. A sensing and diagnostic module detects an activation event level. A control algorithm tailors an inflation level of the inflatable cushion during deployment according to the activation event level.