Abstract: A reconfigurable rollover event detection methodology utilizes an existing body of vehicle sensor data. A number of different algorithms or look-up modules develop rollover detection outputs based on different sets of sensor data, and a meta-algorithm combines the various rollover detection outputs to form a single rollover detection output. The number of individual rollover detection outputs is configurable depending on the extent of the available sensor data in a given vehicle and changes in sensor availability that occur due to sensor and communication failures.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of a cam phaser determines and stores an adaptively updated base offset corresponding to the phase offset of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft for a reference or default position of a cam phaser. Thereafter, the phaser position is determined relative to the base offset. Individual base offsets are preferably determined for each tooth of a toothed cam wheel, and stored in a non-volatile memory device. During engine operation, the base offsets are subject to diagnostic testing and adaptive updating, and the updated base offsets are stored in the non-volatile memory at engine shut-down.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor assembly for a restraint retractor of a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes an acceleration sprocket operatively connected to the restraint retractor. The acceleration sensor assembly also includes an acceleration pawl cooperating with the acceleration sprocket to operatively cause lock up of the restraint retractor. The acceleration sensor assembly includes an inertia member cooperating with the acceleration pawl to move the acceleration pawl when an acceleration force is present and a gimbal to support the inertia member. The acceleration sensor assembly further includes a non-contact damping mechanism cooperating with the gimbal to dampen movement of the gimbal until the acceleration force exceeds a predetermined value and the inertia member actuates the acceleration pawl to engage the acceleration sprocket to operatively cause lock up of the restraint retractor and prevent unwinding of a belt from the restraint retractor.

Abstract: A power generation system and method providing an engine configured to produce hydrogen rich reformate to feed a solid oxide fuel cell includes an engine having an intake and an exhaust; an air supply in fluid communication with the engine intake; a fuel supply in fluid communication with the engine intake; at least one solid oxide fuel cell having an air intake in fluid communication with an air supply, a fuel intake in fluid communication with the engine exhaust, a solid oxide fuel cell effluent and an air effluent. Engines include a free piston gas generator with rich homogenous charge compression, a rich internal combustion engine cylinder system with an oxygen generator, and a rich inlet turbo-generator system with exhaust heat recovery. Oxygen enrichment devices to enhance production of hydrogen rich engine exhaust include pressure swing absorption with oxygen selective materials, and oxygen separators such as an solid oxide fuel cell oxygen separator and a ceramic membrane oxygen separator.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a vehicle electrical system having a data bus includes transmitting calibration data to a calibration data device, such as a memory card, associated with an electronic device, such as a radio, simultaneous to other vehicle assembly steps; and transferring at least a portion of the calibration data from the electronic device to electronic modules coupled to the data bus upon a triggering event, such as application of electric power to the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment device comprises: a substrate; an end-cone with a first end disposed about an end of the substrate and a second end comprising a snorkel; a mat support disposed over at least a portion of the end-cone, wherein the mat support comprises a slit in operable communication with a snorkel slot and a keyhole disposed at the opposite end of the slit as the snorkel slot, and wherein at least a portion of the snorkel protrudes through the snorkel slot; and a shell disposed around the mat support.

Abstract: A disc brake comprises at least two axially slidable brake discs. The brake discs are mounted for axial sliding movement under the dynamic conditions of use by means of a series of circumferentially spaced wire springs or leaf springs each of which simultaneously receives the at least two brake discs on the axially-extending structure of the spring. As a result, initiation of braking causes simultaneous axial sliding movement of the entire spring and multiple disc assembly as a unit, thereby achieving a more balanced braking action and more even friction pad wear.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a vehicle includes an accumulator/dehydrator (A/D) disposed in the suction fluid line for accumulating refrigerant and a heat transfer jacket surrounds the A/D for exchanging heat with the A/D and the refrigerant therein. The heat transfer jacket may define a space between an inner wall of the A/D and an outer wall spaced therefrom with a heat transfer media disposed in the space for cooling by extracting heat from the refrigerant in the A/D. Alternatively, the jacket is defined by a double walled sleeve surrounding the A/D and defining the space for the heat transfer media. Yet another alternative is for the heat transfer jacket to comprise a thermoelectric device.

Abstract: An improved circuit supplies electrical power to a vehicle accessory load, such as a load that is powered through a vehicle accessory load connector or cigarette lighter plug. The circuit utilizes battery voltage comparator and timer switching circuitry to interrupt the supply of power to the accessory load if the engine-driven alternator fails to charge the storage battery for at least a predefined time interval (i.e., when the vehicle engine is not running), and to automatically re-establish electrical power supply to the load when battery charging resumes (i.e., when engine operation resumes).

Abstract: A process for underfilling a bumped die surface using a lamination step and compound film such that solder bumps on the die are exposed during lamination. The compound film comprises a first layer containing an underfill material and a second layer on the first layer. The underfill material and the second layer comprise polymer materials that differ from each other. The compound film is laminated to the die, preferably at the wafer level, so that the underfill material is forced between the solder bumps and fills spaces between the bumps but does not cover the bumps. In contrast, the second layer covers the solder bumps, but is then selectively removed to re-expose the solder bumps and the underfill material therebetween.

Abstract: A phase compensation circuit, for use with an FM reception system, includes a delay circuit and a control circuit. The delay circuit receives a composite input signal that exhibits a variable phase error and provides a plurality of selectable discrete delays. The control circuit is coupled to the delay circuit and receives a control signal whose value corresponds to the phase error associated with the composite input signal. The control circuit selects one of the plurality of selectable discrete delays responsive to the control signal, which is utilized to delay the composite input signal to provide a phase compensated composite output signal.

Abstract: A method of treating a gas sensor comprising: disposing the gas sensor in a basic agent solution comprising a basic agent selected from the group consisting of Group IA of the Periodic Table of Elements, Group IIA of the Periodic Table of Elements, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing metals, wherein the gas sensor comprises an electrolyte disposed between and in ionic communication with a first electrode and a second electrode; disposing the gas sensor in an acidic agent solution; wetting at least a portion of a porous protective layer of the gas sensor with an alkaline-carbonate solution; and heating the gas sensor.

Abstract: An optical torque sensor comprises a radiation source emitting radiation of at least one wavelength. At least one sensor senses the emitted radiation and generates at least one intensity signal indicative of the intensity of the emitted radiation. At least one signal conditioner is receptive of the emitted radiation and is positioned on a shaft between the radiation source and the at least one sensor thereby conditioning the emitted radiation. A circuit is receptive of the at least one intensity signal and determines the torque acting upon the shaft and compensates for the attenuation of the emitted radiation.

Abstract: A system and a method for sending and receiving electronic messages through a radio that incorporates a modem for connecting to a personal digital assistant and a cellular phone by way of a communication port. The communication port provides a cellular link to an Internet service provider for two-way electronic message transfers by the personal digital assistant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and control scheme to operate a motor-driven actuator. This includes determining actuator force on an external device, determining a command force, and monitoring actuator position. A determination is made whether to operate in a force-control mode or a position-control mode. Both the force-control mode and the position-control mode employ a common feedback control method (e.g. PI or PID). The system operates the actuator in the force-control mode, using actuator force as feedback to the control scheme when the controller determines that the force sensor is operating in its linear range. When the force sensor is operating outside or near the limits of its linear range, the control scheme determines a pseudo-force, comprising estimated force based upon measured position. The pseudo-force is input to the common feedback control method to control the actuator.

Abstract: A method of operating a directed relief valve (28) for an air conditioning system (10) preferably for a vehicle. The air conditioning system (10) includes a compressor (12), a condenser (16), an expansion device (20), and an evaporator connected to one another by refrigerant lines. The system (10) also includes the directed relief valve (28), which is disposed inline with at least one of the refrigerant lines to ventilate the refrigerant. The directed relief valve (28) includes a detonable squib (36) that explodes in response to a ventilation signal. A controller (40) generates the ventilation signal in response to a refrigerant leak being detected by a sensor (38). The sensor (38) is preferably located within an air space (27) and adjacent to the evaporator (22). If there is a malfunction of one of a plurality of sensors (38), a partial malfunction message is sent to the operator.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for providing an improved controlled airflow within a vacuum booster system. The system includes a vacuum booster assembly having a primary chamber and a secondary chamber, and an outer tube having a first end and a second end, the first end in communication with the secondary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly. The system additionally includes an airflow control assembly operably coupled to the second end of the outer tube, and an inner tube, concentric to the outer tube, having a first end and a second end, the first end operably coupled to the airflow control assembly, the second end in communication with the primary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly. In the system, air flows from the primary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly to the airflow control assembly within the inner tube and air flows from the airflow control assembly to the secondary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly within the outer tube.

Abstract: A sensor system is provided configured to communicate data to a processing module of a vehicle, the processing module configured to perform computational analysis based on the data received from the sensor system, the sensor system including a means for determining a condition of an ignition switch for cranking an engine of the vehicle and a means for determining a running condition of the engine. Computational analysis of the received operational parameter data may be used to detect a catastrophic lubricant loss. Other computational analysis associated with the vehicle may be performed based on the operational parameter data. A method is provided for determining a condition of at least one operational parameter associated with an internal combustion engine of a vehicle and performing computational analysis associated with the vehicle based on the condition of the at least one operational parameter.

Abstract: A seat frame-based occupant weight estimation load cell transfers the seat force to a floor bracket through a spherical ball and a ball actuator. The ball is in contact with the force sensor and has minimal contact area with either the ball actuator or the force sensor so that the transfer of forces not functionally related to occupant weight is minimized. The ball actuator is coupled to the seat frame, and a sensor bracket aligns the ball actuator with respect to the sensor. The sensor bracket is domed to securely anchor the seat to the floor bracket in the event of an inverse overload. A spring disposed between the ball actuator and the dome of the sensor bracket biases the ball against the force sensor to preload the force sensor for enabling off-loading detection.

Abstract: A knob retainer system including a knob having a cavity and an opening into said cavity and a retainer adapted to fit within the knob cavity. The retainer includes wing portions and a cantilevered barbed portion. When the retainer is placed inside of the knob cavity and the actuating lever is manipulated between the retainer and an upper wall of the knob cavity, the actuating lever downwardly depresses the retainer thereby causing stakes located in the retainer to positively engage a portion of the cavity wall thereby preventing the retainer from moving with respect to the knob. The retainer is also fitted with a cantilevered portion which terminates in a barbed end. The barbed end positively engages an engagement surface on the actuating lever thereby preventing the actuating lever from pulling away from the knob/retainer assembly. The actuating lever is easily removed from the knob/retainer assembly by use of a specialized tool.