Abstract: A dual gauge lead frame 36 is provided, including at least one mating surface 14 and a plurality of terminal arms 16 formed into a flat circuit surface 12 having a first gauge 32. Each of the plurality of terminal arms 16 includes a fold over terminal arm portion 28 folded over and coined into a base terminal arm portion 26 to form a plurality of end posts 30. The plurality of end posts 30 form a second gauge 34.

Abstract: A method and circuit for detecting a change in inductance of a variable inductance element. An oscillating signal has a frequency that varies with inductance of the element. An intermediate voltage is produced at a level that varies according to frequency of the oscillating signal. The intermediate voltage is scaled to produce an output voltage.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle suspension system is described. A method for receiving vehicle acceleration data, determining a suspension mode based on the acceleration data, and configuring properties of the vehicle suspension system responsive to the suspension mode determination is provided. A method and system is described for a computer readable medium containing a computer program comprising computer readable code for determining a suspension mode based on received acceleration data acceleration data and, computer readable code for configuring properties of the vehicle suspension system responsive to the suspension mode determination.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system comprising a damper having a lower mount end and an upper mount end and a spring having a lower end and an upper end positioned around the damper. The spring and the damper have a common central axis. An adjustment assembly is operably attached at the lower mount end of the damper and the lower end of the spring is operably attached to and supported by the adjustment assembly thereby allowing the position of the lower end of the spring to continuously vary along the central axis of the damper. The method comprising supporting a lower end of a spring positioned around a damper and moving the end of the spring for adjusting vehicle ride height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for short circuit protection to a motor vehicle starter circuit. The invention includes providing a switching mechanism positioned intermediate to a DC power source and the starter. A controller manipulates the switching mechanism between an open position and a closed position, the closed position connecting the starter circuit to the DC power source and the open position disconnecting the starter circuit from the DC power source.

Abstract: A method of constructing a battery using a control unit to cause battery components to be drawn through an automated conveyor system and between indexed positions on the conveyor system is provided. Positive terminals for a battery are attached to a first carrier strip having indexing apertures. Negative terminals for a battery are attached to a second carrier strip having indexing apertures. Spools, controlled by control unit, are engaged in the indexing apertures of the first and second carrier strips and rotated for movement of carrier strips and terminals through indexed construction positions.

Abstract: An interactive energy absorbing system including a steering column housing that is moveable along a collapse stroke corresponding to a force of impact by an operator. The interactive energy absorbing system includes an energy absorbing component that exerts a resistant force for resisting the movement of the steering column housing along its collapse stroke. The energy absorbing component includes a deformable strap that engages a stationary reaction member and a moveable reaction member. The stationary and moveable reaction members have an adjustable total active surface area for engaging the deformable strap and generating the resistance force. The moveable reaction member moves to adjust the total active surface area due to mechanical translation corresponding to the force of impact by the operator.

Abstract: A powertrain mount comprises an orifice plate including two tracks, a control track and an isolation track. The control track is spirally formed within the orifice plate, which has an exit and entrance on either side of the plate. The control track provides damping to control damping from engine bounce; whereas, the isolation track controllably provides dynamic rate dip. The isolation track is formed between an alignment plate and rotatable track member, each having an exit and entrance, respectively. The rotatable track member and the alignment plate are sealingly engaged and affixed to a decoupler and an annular area disposed about the orifice plate of the powertrain mount. The exit of the alignment plate is adjacent the decoupler. The rotatable track member forms a cavity with the molded body of the powertrain mount, with the entrance exposed to fluid within the cavity for controlling and minimizing vibrations within the powertrain.

Abstract: An improved HVAC control method immediately closes an air inlet valve to provide full cabin air recirculation when an outside air quality sensor detects polluted air, and thereafter progressively re-opens the air inlet valve at a determined rate when the air quality sensor detects unpolluted air. Preferably, the air quality sensor quantifies the pollution level of the outside air, and the opening rate of the air inlet valve is determined based on the detected pollution level. Following a high level of detected air pollution, the valve is re-opened at a relatively slow rate, and following a low level of detected air pollution, the valve is re-opened at a relatively fast rate.

Abstract: A U flow radiator 10 with a header tank 12 split into inlet and outlet sides I and O by a lengthwise divider wall 18 has a coolant inlet consisting of a cylindrical pipe 22. A hollow cylindrical barrel 24 co extensive and coaxial with pipe 22 and extending across divider wall 18, with cut outs 26 and 28 opening respectively into both sides I and O. A thin walled, hollow cylindrical sleeve 30 turns within barrel 24 with windows 36 and 38 that alternately block or open the cut outs 26 and 28, or open both partially. A rotary actuator 40 turns sleeve 30 within barrel 24. Coolant can be selectively routed all to the tank outlet side O, by passing the radiator 10 for quick warm up. After warm up, coolant can be routed to I or O in desired proportions to increase or decrease cooling capacity. With high engine cooling demand, all coolant is routed to the inlet side I and all coolant passes through radiator 10.

Abstract: An airbag module is provided. The module includes a housing, an inflator, an inflatable cushion, a vent aperture defined in the housing, and a gas deflecting member. The vent aperture places the interior of the housing in fluid communication with the exterior of the housing. The vent aperture is offset from exhaust ports of the inflator. The gas deflecting member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a first portion of the deflecting member deflects a first amount of the inflation gas to the exterior of the housing. In the second position, a second portion of the deflecting member deflects the inflation gas towards the inflatable cushion. A second amount of the inflation gas is ventable from the housing through the vent aperture when the deflecting member is in the second position.

Abstract: A separator for a bearing comprising a frame including a plurality of cavities for receiving rolling elements and further including a lubrication channel in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of cavities. This separator may be a component of a bearing including an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed in each of the plurality of cavities of the separator and set to be in movable contact with the outer race and inner race of the bearing. A lubricant is introduced into the lubrication channel and flows into each of the plurality of cavities which provides evenly distributed lubrication to each rolling element of the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A valve deactivation system includes a deactivation rocker arm assembly and a free motion spring assembly. The deactivation rocker arm assembly includes an elongate rocker arm defining an aperture. A center post is slidingly disposed within the aperture. The center post is configured for engaging a valve stem of a valve of an internal combustion engine. Coupling means selectively couple together and decouple the center post and the rocker arm. The free motion spring assembly includes an inner spring retainer surrounding a portion of the valve stem. An outer spring retainer surrounds a portion of the valve stem. An inner spring surrounds a portion of the valve stem between the inner spring retainer and a disk cap associated with the valve stem. An outer spring surrounds the inner spring.

Abstract: An improved generator fan serves to draw air into the generator through an inlet in the generator housing, pass the air through the rotor and stator, and direct the air out openings in the generator housing. The fan of the present invention includes a disc and at least one multi-directional blade extending from the disc. The multi-direction blade includes a leading segment extending from the disc between a first radius measured from the axis of rotation and a second radius, the leading segment including a leading edge extending from the disc at an angle of about ninety degrees from the disc, the leading segment extending from the disc with an increasing angle along the length of the leading segment; and a trailing segment extending from the disc between the second radius and a third radius measured from the axis of rotation, the third radius being greater than the second radius and the trailing segment extending from the disc with an angle having a rate of change different than the leading segment.

Abstract: A steering shaft supported by bearings has an end suitable for attaching a hand wheel thereto. A position sensor detects the angular displacement of the steering shaft from a central position and produces a signal indicative of such angular displacement. An electric motor and a transmission apply torque to the steering shaft to provide force-feedback to a user. A variable stopper is configured to stop rotation of the steering shaft at an arbitrary location.

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 ignition coil, spark plug, and pressure sensor for an internal combustion engine are, in a preferred embodiment, integrated into a single assembly and mounted directly on a plug hole of an internal combustion engine. A hard spark plug shell serves as a pressure member and on which a strain gage is affixed. Changes in the pressure in the combustion chamber deform the shell, causing a corresponding change in the resistance of the strain gage. A bridge circuit or the like is used to measure the resistance change thereby providing a direct indication of cylinder pressure.

Abstract: A conductive co-fired body for an electrochemical cell for an exhaust sensor comprises zirconia, yttrium oxide, and alumina. The body comprises about 15 to about 30 weight % monoclinic phase zirconia. This produces an electrochemical cell having low impedance wherein the zirconia body and alumina body are co-fired. One method for manufacturing the electrochemical cell comprises combining zirconia, yttria, and alumina with solvent and dispersant to form a mixture. After, binder is added to the mixture which is then de-aired and cast onto a tape surface. The tape is dried, metallized, and laminated to an unfired alumina surface. The structure is then co-fired to form a body for said electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An oil level/condition sensor includes a first level sensing tube, a common tube, and a second level sensing tube. The tubes are concentric to each other around a central axis. Moreover, the tubes are separated by plastic spacers which insulate the level sensing tubes from the common tube and maintain the concentricity of the tubes. Installed in the end of the first level sensing tube is a coupling/plug and disposed around the coupling/plug is a first condition sensing tube. The coupling/plug insulates the first level sensing tube from the first condition sensing tube and prevents fluid communication therebetween. A second condition sensing tube is attached to the second level sensing tube around the common tube and the first condition sensing tube. A ring-shaped insulator electrically isolates the second condition sensing tube from the second level sensing tube.

Abstract: A plastic honey comb mounting bracket having a center passage surrounds a mast jacket of the steering column. The top of the plastic mounting bracket is clamped flush against a flat panel on a body of the motor vehicle by a pair of spring washers supported below respective ones of a pair of platforms on the mounting bracket by a pair of rigid studs on the vehicle body. The rigid studs are exposed through a pair of vertical slots in the mounting bracket. In some embodiments the spring washers release the plastic mounting bracket for linear translation as a unit with the mast jacket with the path traversed by the mast jacket being defined by the vertical slots in the mounting bracket. In another embodiment, the plastic mounting bracket remains stationary and the path traversed by the mast jacket during its collapse stroke is defined by the center passage in the plastic mounting bracket.