Abstract: An improved, more efficient method of operation for a vehicle heating and air conditioning system electrically positions a temperature control actuator in accordance with a first temperature control schedule for coordinated control of compressor capacity and re-heating of the discharge air when air conditioning is enabled, in accordance with a second temperature control schedule when air conditioning is disabled. Both first and second temperature control schedules position the temperature control actuator as a function of the setting of the driver-manipulated temperature selector.

Abstract: An electrical clip connector has a terminal clip which is electrically mated to a ground stud by hand. The terminal clip is protected by an erogonomically friendly housing which supports the functional requirements of the terminal clip. The housing has a hoop portion which defines a through hole orientated concentrically to a bore defined by a resilient barrel segment of the terminal clip. Communicating transversely with the rough hole is a channel carried by a first portion of the housing which encases a first arm of the terminal clip engaged to a circumferential first end of the barrel segment. A second or activation arm of the terminal clip extends from an opposite end of the barrel segment and crosses over the first arm so that compression of the arms toward one-another causes the loop segment to enlarge for receipt of the ground stud. The second arm is encased by a second portion of the housing which is preferably hinged to the first portion near the hoop portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining a uniform gap between the periphery of an airbag module and its surrounding structure, comprising: at least one bushing having a protrusion depending outwardly from a surface of the bushing; and at least one insulator having a first bushing opening being configured to allow a portion the bushing to be slidably received therein, the bushing opening being configured to define a limit of travel of the portion of the bushings within the bushing opening.

Abstract: A wireless local area network communication system for a vehicle to provide a voice and/or data connection from a wireless wide area network to a wireless local area network and on to a vehicle wired bus is disclosed. The communication system includes a wireless electronic communication device disposed in or in proximity to the vehicle for communication with the wireless wide area network, a wireless local area network unit disposed in the vehicle in such a manner as to communicate with the wireless electronic communication device and with a wired vehicle bus disposed within the vehicle, and a plurality of electronic devices disposed in or in proximity to the vehicle and in communication with the local area network unit or the wireless electronic communication device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a canister (1) of an evaporated fuel processing system comprising a housing (2) enclosing adsorbing chambers (4, 5) connected in series, where the first adsorbing chamber is connected to a fuel tank (19) and to an intake pipe (20) of an internal combustion engine and the last or outlet adsorbing chamber (5) comprises an atmospheric port. A perforated plate (21) is positioned inside the outlet adsorbing chamber (5) across a vapors flow path. To meet the emission standards and to ensure the proper canister behavior during tank (19) refueling, the perforated plate (21) comprises at least one vapor channel (26) with a valve (27a), extending inside the outlet adsorbing chamber for a distance (h) less than or equal to the thickness (H) of adsorbent layer behind the perforated plate. During use, the valve opens in response to increased pressure to reduce flow resistance through the outlet absorbing chamber, but otherwise remains closed to maximize vapor flow through the absorbent layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a magnetorheological piston and damper assembly. The piston includes a piston body including at least one bypass port and an annular gap formed therein. The bypass port is in fluid communication with the annular gap. The bypass port includes a longitudinal portion extending substantially parallel to a piston longitudinal axis, and a bend portion extending substantially away from the longitudinal axis. The annular gap is spaced apart from the longitudinal portion and extends substantially parallel to the piston longitudinal axis. During operation, fluid flows through the bypass port and annular gap. The damper assembly includes a rod and a housing including the fluid carried therein. The piston is slidably carried in the housing and operably attached to the rod.

Abstract: A thermally conductive film is attached to an integrated circuit (IC) wafer through a number of steps. Initially, a thermally conductive film is positioned on a first side of a block. Next, an IC wafer that includes a plurality of chips is positioned with its non-active side in contact with the film. Then, a first surface of an elastomer pad is positioned in contact with an active side of the wafer. Next, a predetermined pressure is applied between a second side of the block that is opposite the first side and a second surface of the elastomer pad that is opposite the first surface. Finally, the film, the block, the wafer and the elastomer pad are heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time while a predetermined pressure is applied to bond the film to the wafer without bonding the film to the block.

Abstract: A method for resistance welding/brazing a tube to a container. A tube is obtained having an axially-extending first portion and a tube form which extends transversely from the first portion. A container is obtained having an orifice. A support tool is obtained with an expandable head. The tube form is positioned proximate the outer surface of the container and surrounding the orifice. The unexpanded head of the support tool is passed through the orifice of the container. The head of the support tool is expanded inside the container. The inner surface of the container is supported with the expanded head of the support tool. A resistance current path is created through the tube form and the container creating a weld/braze zone which includes at least some of the tube form and at least some of the container.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to transducers, methods of making transducers and methods of converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy. The transducers comprise an elastomeric film disposed between two electrodes wherein at least one electrode can be a compliant electrode. The elastomeric film comprises a polyphosphazene.

Abstract: A pressure transducer suitable for use as a component of a passive occupant detection system installed in a passenger vehicle. The transducer comprises first and second contact members separated by a spacing member. The first contact member has on a surface thereof a primary contact comprising first and second terminations and portions spaced apart in a first direction. The second contact member has on a surface thereof a plurality of secondary contacts crossing and facing the spaced-apart portions of the primary contact through an opening in the spacing member. Application of an increasing force causes the contact members to move toward each other, causing an increasing number of the spaced-apart portions to be shorted out by the secondary contacts and causing an increasing number of secondary contacts to contact the primary contact, thereby altering the electrical path between the terminations of the primary contact.

Abstract: A 3/2 normally closed module includes a main body, a housing and a magnetically energizable coil. The main body includes a bore, an armature and a rod. The housing includes first and second valve seats and is configured to receive a first and second ball. The housing also includes a first, a second and a third port. When the module is in an energized state, current flows through the coil, generating a magnetic field. The magnetic field forces the armature against the rod, which in turn, forces the first ball to engage the first valve seat. As the first ball engages the first valve seat, the first ball forces the second ball to disengage from the second valve seat. As a result, a fluid flow path is created between the first and second ports. When the module is in a de-energized state, a spring, disposed between the main body and the second ball, forces the second ball to engage with the second valve seat.

Abstract: A process for forming a metal, preferably steel, roller bearing comprising the steps of providing a hardened steel cylindrical blank having end face surfaces, a lateral surface defining an outer diameter, and a centered circular bore whose surface defines an inner diameter; hard turning the surface of the bore to a specified inner diameter; and hard turning the lateral surface of the blank to achieve, in a single set up, a final form of the bearing having a specified outer diameter with a radial crown.

Abstract: Linear velocity sensor and method for reducing non-linearity in the output signal of the sensor are provided. The sensor comprises a ferromagnetic housing including an opening. The sensor further comprises a spool disposed in the housing. The spool includes a bore for receiving a slidable ferromagnetic rod. The ferromagnetic rod may be extendable through the opening in the housing. A magnet is mounted at the one end of the rod distal from the opening when the rod is substantially inserted in the bore. A coil is wound on the spool. The number of turns of the coil is arranged to taperingly increase as the coil progresses from an end of the spool proximate the opening in the housing to the opposite end of the spool. The tapering arrangement for the number of turns of the coil is selected to reduce non-linearity of an output signal of the coil indicative of linear velocity.

Abstract: A condenser (10) with a return header tank (14) has a receiver tank (22) physically attached along side a return header tank (14). The bottom of receiver tank (22) is closed by an end cap (42) that is attached during the single, high temperature braze process that forms the entire condenser. The desiccant cartridge assembly (24) of the invention has components of a material and design that allow it to be installed within tank (22) before the end cap (42) is attached during the braze process, with no subsequent steps.

Abstract: The container is connected to a tube (1) defining an opening (2) of the container to the outside, the opening being able to be closed by a plug (3) suitable to be introduced by axial sliding into the tube (1). The plug (3) is associated with a plate (7) co-operating with axial locking means (8, 9) provided in the tube (1) and allowing the plate (7) to extend transversally in this in front of the plug (3) to prevent the removal of this when there is an over-pressure in the container. The axial locking means (8, 9) of the plate (7) include a first slot (8) in the wall of the tube (1) and a second slot (9) diametrically opposed to the first slot (8). The plate (7) is suitable to be introduced transversally into the tubular element (1) through the first slot (8) and to project outside the tubular element through the second slot (9).

Abstract: A new kinetic spray process is disclosed that enables the coating to withstand severe bending and stress without delamination. The method includes use of a low pressure kinetic spray supersonic nozzle having a throat located between a converging region and a diverging region. A main gas temperature is raised to from 1000 to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit and the coating particles are directly injected into the diverging region of the nozzle at a point after the throat. The particles are entrained in the flow of the gas and accelerated to a velocity sufficient to result in partial melting of the particles upon impact on a substrate positioned opposite the nozzle and adherence of the particles to the substrate. The coating also has a desirable shinny surface. The method finds special application in coating substrates for use in formation of electrical connections.

Abstract: A torque sensing apparatus for picking up a magnetic field of a magnetostrictive material disposed on a shaft, the torque sensing apparatus having: a first integrating ring; a second integrating ring; a first fluxgate return strip and a second fluxgate return strip each being connected to the first integrating ring at one end and the second integrating ring at the other end; an excitation coil; and a feedback coil; wherein the first integrating ring and the second integrating ring are configured to be positioned to pick up flux signals along the entire periphery of the ends of the magnetostrictive material.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an engine coolant crossover assembly includes a crossover conduit member carrying an integral liquid cooled alternator and liquid cooled exhaust gas recirculation valve. The integration of one or both of these parts into the coolant crossover eliminates many parts from the total assembly. These parts include; attachment brackets, coolant hoses, hose clamps, cast mounting blocks, coolant tubes and attachment bolts. Reduction of these parts reduces system costs, assembly time, mass and potential coolant leak paths. A temperature sensor and a thermostat housing may also be included in the crossover assembly. The assembly may also be made part of an intake manifold for an integrated air fuel module of a V-type engine.

Abstract: A variable force actuator with a double needle poppet assembly includes a housing in which a first poppet and a second poppet are slidably disposed. The second poppet fits within the first poppet, and both poppets move when a nearby coil is energized to establish, in combination, a fluid flow configuration in response to the amount of energy applied to the coil.

Abstract: A two-piece electromagnetic shield includes an electrically conductive first cover and an electrically conductive second cover. The first cover has a plurality of mating protrusions approximate a lower edge of the first cover. The second cover has a plurality of mating recesses approximate a lower edge of the second cover, which each receive one of the mating protrusions of the first cover to interlock the first and second covers. The mating protrusions are formed on different first mating arms that extend from the lower edge of the first cover.