Abstract: A lead tester assembly 10 is provided, for use with a circuit board 12 populated with a plurality of electronic components 18 each including at least one lead 20 protruding through the circuit board 16. A conductive plate element 32 is positioned below the circuit board 16 and is movable between a test active position 24 and a test inactive position 26. At least one sleeve element 38 is mounted to and is in electrical communication with the conductive plate element 32. A movable sensor 36 is in electrical communication with the at least one sleeve element 38 when the conductive plate element 32 is in said test inactive position 26. A non-conductive probe 46, slidably positioned within the sleeve element 38, is movable between a lead absent position 50 and a lead present position 52 upon engaging one of the leads 20. The non-conductive probe 46 forces the movable sensor 36 out of electrical communication with the sleeve element 38 when in the lead present position 52.

Abstract: A fuel injector including a control valve arrangement for controlling fuel pressure within a control chamber comprises a control valve member which is movable between a first position in which the control chamber communicates with a source of high pressure fuel and a second position in which the control chamber communicates with a low pressure fuel drain and communication between the control chamber and the source of high pressure fuel is broken. The control valve arrangement includes a restricted flow path for restricting the rate of flow of fuel from the source of high pressure fuel to the control chamber when the control valve member is moved towards its first position. The provision of the restricted flow path prevents unbalanced hydraulic forces acting on the control valve member when it moves towards its first position, which can otherwise lead to valve needle dither between injecting and non-injecting states.

Abstract: An electrical connection is achieved via crimping a conventional terminal about a solid conductor. The terminal has first and second wings projecting laterally outward and in opposite directions from a base portion. An inner surface of the base portion is in electrical contact with the conductor side opposite the groove, and the outreaching wings are curled about the conductor and extend into the groove. An outer surface, opposite the inner surface, of the first and second wings engage each other within the groove to prevent spring-back of the wings out of the groove thereby assuring structural mechanical integrity of the electrical connection.

Abstract: A jump start protection circuit having a normally open switch and a resistor positioned in parallel intermediate to a battery and a jump start post. A controller manipulates the switch between an open position and closed position, the closed position connects the jump start post to the battery and the open position disconnects the jump start post from the battery. The controller measures voltages at the battery and jump start post and is capable of receiving one or more additional inputs. The controller closes the switch when acceptable jump start conditions are detected. The controller can open the switch or maintain the switch in an open position. The jump start circuit provides protection against attempts to charge a battery with incorrect polarity connections and attempts to charge a battery from a potentially hazardous higher voltage power source.

Abstract: In an unified control of a plurality of active chassis systems a role of each chassis system in applying a corrective net force and a corrective moment to a vehicle is determined. In determining the roles, control influence coefficients and a control authority of each active chassis system is determined. An activation status of each active chassis system based on the control influence coefficients and the control authority is subsequently determined.

Abstract: A method for assembling an electrical bobbin requires a spool of wire extending between first and second leads, a housing having first and second opening, and first and second terminal posts, each having a predetermined width. The method includes the step of placing the spool of wire into the housing. The first lead is then extended through the first opening. Like the first lead, the second lead is then extended through the second opening. The first terminal post is extended into the first opening and the second terminal post is extended into the second opening. The first lead is wrapped around the first terminal post to create a first wire wrap. The second lead is wrapped around the second terminal post to create a second wire wrap. The first wire wrap is soldered to the first terminal post. The second wire wrap is soldered to the second terminal post.

Abstract: A steering column switch having a switch element and a switch lever, wherein the switch lever is designed from first and second modules. Because of the modular design, different grip pieces can be accommodated by the same switch element.

Abstract: A structure and methodology of fabrication for a cost effective multipole motor adapted to high volume manufacture. The apparatus includes a low cost housing within which a stator assembly comprised of interchangeable stator electromagnets is installed. A rotor assembly including a plurality of sense magnets and motor magnets integrated onto a rotor shaft is also used. A cover assembly is attached to complete the device. The cover assembly includes a lead frame interconnection assembly and a magnetic sensor adapted to detect the passing of sense magnets to determine the position of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A fuel tank interface assembly is provided. The assembly provides interface and control to a plurality of different types of components. Some of the components may be situated inside the tank. A connector is sealingly mounted through a single opening in the tank and is configured to provide at least two electrical leads for each different type of component in the tank. A unitary control unit is electrically coupled to the connector and is configured to provide control to each of the plurality of different type of components through the at least two electrical leads.

Abstract: A flow rate of unconnected first and second fluid flows is matched or not matched, such as, but not limited to, matching or not matching the flow rate of the replacement water stream with the waste water stream in kidney dialysis. First and second flow paths are interconnected so substantially the same flow from a first positive displacement pump in the first path encounters a flow-rate transducer in the second path. A first set of transducer readings are taken for various values of the controllable first pump speed of the first pump. The first and second flow paths are disconnected, and a second set of transducer readings are taken for various values of the controllable second pump speed of the second pump. The flow rates are substantially matched or not matching by controlling one of the first and second pump speeds using the other of the pump speeds and the first and second sets of readings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the concentration of soot particles in engine oil. A microwave signal having a varying frequency is applied to a transmission line having a probe tip exposed to the engine oil. A voltage is read at a stationary detection point along the length of the transmission line for each applied frequency. The applied frequency when the probe voltage is equal to a null voltage of a standing wave within the transmission line is compared to a reference frequency determined when the probe voltage is equal to a null voltage for a known concentration of soot particles. The concentration is calculated based upon the result of the comparison. Preferably, a reference probe receives the same input signal. A known relationship between the reference probe and the transmission line is then used to eliminate temperature effects on the applied frequency.

Abstract: The present invention involves a vehicle for passengers having a passenger safety system. The system has a crash sensor, a vehicle seat with a weight sensor assembly, an air bag and an air bag controller. The crash sensor is capable of providing a signal when the vehicle experiences an impact force of a predetermined magnitude. The vehicle seat is capable of supporting a vehicle occupant, with a seat frame member attached to a vehicle floor pan. The seat frame member has a rigid end and a resiliently flexible end, the resiliently flexible end able to resiliently deflect with respect to the vehicle floor pan upon experiencing a force due to the weight of the vehicle occupant. The sensor assembly has a cantilevered beam, a fulcrum, and a sensing device.

Abstract: A NOx control for an exhaust is provided. The NOx control includes a nickel compound and a NOx adsorber. Systems for treating an exhaust gas are also provided, including use of a non-thermal plasma reactor and a NOx control, and optionally a particulate trap.

Abstract: A composite powder metal disk for a rotor assembly in a circumferential type interior permanent magnet machine. The disk includes an inner ring of magnetically conducting powder metal compacted and sintered to a high density. The disk further includes an outer ring of permanent magnets separated by magnetically non-conducting powder metal compacted and sintered to a high density. The permanent magnets additionally are radially embedded by magnetically conducting powder metal compacted and sintered to a high density with optional intermediate non-conducting powder metal bridges extending radially from the permanent magnets to the outer surface of the disk. A rotor assembly is also provided having a plurality of the composite powder metal disks mounted axially along a shaft with their magnetic configurations aligned. A method for making the composite powder metal disks is further provided including filling a die with the powder metals, compacting the powders, and sintering the compacted powders.

Abstract: A plurality of ignition coils having a combustion detection capability, such as an ion sense capability or cylinder pressure detection capability, are connected to a common communication line. The combustion signals for the plurality of ignition coils is multiplexed on the common communication line. The combustion signal for each ignition coil/cylinder is applied to the common line combined with a respective sync signal such as a current flag signal or a respective electronic spark timing (EST) signal. The sync signals allow each ignition coil to determine when it can transmit its combustion signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sensors, and method for making an using the same. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises: a first electrode disposed on a ceramic substrate, wherein the first electrode comprises an amorphous metal material comprising a first metal selected from the group consisting of a Group 9 metal, a Group 10 metal, a Group 11 metal, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing first metals, and zirconium or at least one of phosphorus and boron.

Abstract: A rotary arm-actuated pintle valve assembly having a pintle valve seat, a pintle shaft, and a valve head forming a pintle valve for regulating flow of gas through a valve body. The shaft extends through a port in a wall of the body. A rotary-arm actuator mounted to the body includes an oscillating motor and shaft. An arm mounted on the motor shaft engages the outer end of the pintle shaft and causes the pintle shaft to reciprocate to open and close the valve. The port permits the pintle to move back and forth radially during actuation of the valve. A floating bearing assembly at the port receives the pintle and slides back and forth as directed by the pintle, all the while maintaining a pneumatic seal around the pintle. A centering element is provided within the valve body to guide the pintle in mating the head with the seat.

Abstract: A variable flow regulator assembly comprises a first stationary exhaust pipe, a second stationary exhaust pipe concentrically disposed within the first stationary exhaust pipe, and a movable exhaust pipe concentrically disposed between the first and second stationary exhaust pipes. The first stationary exhaust pipe includes one or more interference tabs concentrically and circumferentially fitted about its interior surface. The movable exhaust pipe includes one or more interference tabs concentrically and circumferentially fitted about its exterior surface. The interference tabs complimentarily interact and restrict the movement of the variable flow regulator so that the flow maldistribution of the exhaust gas stream entering the catalytic converter can be variably controlled.

Abstract: A seat bladder weight estimation apparatus includes an interface panel having multiple regions of substantial rigidity separated by regions of insubstantial rigidity. The regions of substantial rigidity limit sensitivity to seat foam variations, and the regions of insubstantial rigidity permit differential movement and angulation of the rigid regions for regional transfer of occupant weight to the bladder. The regional transfer of occupant weight to the bladder allows regional variation of the bladder sensitivity to occupant weight through various bladder geometry design features.

Abstract: An immobilizer monitors the ignition status of a motor vehicle, in a low power sleep mode or while performing other tasks, and is responsive to a change in ignition status between an off state and an on state to become active from the sleep mode or to interrupt the other tasks. If the change is to an on state, the immobilizer initiates ignition control module interrogation of an ignition control module to check for a valid key in the ignition, authorizes or prevents engine operation according to the result and returns to the sleep mode when finished. If the change is to the off state, the immobilizer again initiates ignition control module interrogation of the ignition control module to check for a valid key in the ignition and sets a key in status datum true or false according to the result. Either the immobilizer itself or a separate body computer responsive to the key in status datum provides a key in ignition warning when a key in status datum of true is detected simultaneously with an open driver door.