Abstract: A method is provided for aligning the center frequency of an infrared transmitter. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a voltage-controlled oscillator for driving the infrared transmitter, where the oscillator is adapted to receive a bias voltage from a microprocessor; (b) applying a bias voltage to the oscillator; (c) receiving an output signal from the infrared transmitter into an infrared receiver; (d) determining a frequency associated with the output signal; and (e) adjusting the bias voltage based on the frequency associated with the output signal, thereby aligning the center frequency of the infrared transmitter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing connecting straps and end terminals for lead batteries by filling selected cavities of the mold is disclosed. The mold has cavities for casting connecting straps and an end terminal. Molten lead is filled up to an amount of lead sufficient to fill the preselected cavities of the mold. The content of the mold is brought together with inverted plate lugs of grouped battery plates to fuse the plate lugs together with the content of the mold prior to solidification. The method and apparatus includes a first mold block having at least three mold cavities in an upper face thereof, whereby at least two preselected cavities of the at least three mold cavities are translationally aligned to be filled with lead.

Abstract: An electrically driven refrigeration system (10), in particular for a vehicle air conditioner, comprises a compressor (12), an electric motor (14) for driving the compressor (12), an electronic controller (16) for controlling the motor (14), a condenser (18), an expansion device (20) and an evaporator (20). These elements are interconnected in such a way as to form a refrigeration circuit for circulating a refrigerant from the compressor (12) through the condenser (18), the expansion device (20) and the evaporator (22) back to the compressor (12). The electronic controller (16) is arranged in such a way as to be in thermal exchange relationship with the refrigerant at a point of the refrigeration circuit situated between the compressor outlet (26) and the condenser outlet (28).

Abstract: A brake apparatus and method utilize an electric power brake booster for operating a push rod actuated hydraulic master cylinder. The existing vehicle electrical system provides electric power for the power brake booster, thus eliminating the need for engine driven or auxiliary pressure/vacuum sources. The electric power brake booster includes an electrically powered actuator having an output shaft adapted for operative connection to the master cylinder, and an input for receipt of a signal indicative of force applied to the push rod. The electrically powered actuator augments the force applied to the push rod in response to the signal indicative of the force applied to the push rod. The booster may include a sensor for sensing force applied to the push rod and generating the signal indicative of the force applied to the push rod.

Abstract: A disc brake system (10) comprises a disc (12,14), and a hub (16) which is arranged to rotate about an axis (18) thereof. The system (10) also comprises a mounting arrangement (20,22) by which the disc (12,14) is mounted on the hub (16) so that the hub and the disc rotate as a unit about the axis (18) and the disc can perform axial sliding movement on said hub. The mounting arrangement comprises a plurality of axially-extending grooves (20) formed in the hub (16) and teeth (22) projecting from the disc (12,14) into the grooves. The system (10) also comprises springs (32,42) located in at least some of the grooves (20) and engaging the teeth (22) acting to apply radial force between the disc (12,14) and the hub (16).

Abstract: A drive-by wire steering system is provided. The system comprises a steering shaft and a center feel mechanism. The steering shaft is configured for a first angular displacement about a first axis. The steering shaft has a first geared portion and a first end connectable to a vehicle's steering wheel. The center feel mechanism comprises a cam face, an urging member and a second geared portion. The first geared portion and the second geared portion are operatively engaged such that the first angular displacement of the steering shaft imparts a second angular displacement about a second axis to the center feel mechanism. The cam face and the urging member are configured to generate a retuning torque to the center feel mechanism. The retuning torque has a direction opposite the second angular displacement.

Abstract: A three-step cam-profile-switching roller finger follower includes a body with low-lift, high-lift and medium-lift body sections. Low, high and medium cam followers are carried by the low-lift, high-lift and medium-lift body sections, respectively. At least one locking assembly selectively couples together and decouples the low and high-lift body sections, and selectively couples together and decouples the low and medium-lift body sections.

Abstract: A system for battery-based activation of a voltage regulator has a voltage detection circuit that measures the voltage produced by a battery, for example, an automotive system battery. The system further includes a voltage regulation unit, which is activated when the voltage that the battery produces is below a threshold value indicative of an attempt to start an engine. To begin regulation, a field current signal of a generator is strobed to create a battery voltage signal that exceeds the minimum reference value. If the battery voltage signal is above a minimum reference value, the battery voltage signal will be analyzed to ensure that neither voltage spiking nor a no load change condition caused the anomaly. Once these safety checks are complete, the battery voltage signal can be regulated.

Abstract: An air conditioning system with alternate refrigerant includes isolates an evaporator (22) from the rest of the system not with a conventional, high pressure resisting shut off valve, but by establishing a pair of independent refrigerant loops from the standard single loop when the system shuts down. A valve housing (28) has three ports on one side, an upper port (34) connected to the condenser outlet (16), a central port (36) connected to the compressor inlet (10), and a lower port (38) connected to the evaporator outlet (24). On the other side, a single port (40) is connected to the evaporator inlet (20). Inside the valve housing, a movable valve member (30) shifts position between a normal, operating position that interconnects the heat exchangers (14, 22), through the ports in a single loop, and a system off position which, through a different arrangement of the ports, creates a separate, isolation loop for just the evaporator (22).

Abstract: A damper, such as a vehicle shock absorber, and a method for attaching a ring to a base cup of a damper. The method includes the step of autogenously welding the ring to the damper base cup. The damper includes a ring autogenously welded to the damper base cup. In one variation, the ring is continuous and the base cup has a substantially convex surface with an outward projection. In another variation, the ring is split and has an end portion having a tab which projects radially outward. In one implementation, the welding consists essentially of drawn arc welding.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a master cylinder having a compact profile. In particular, the master cylinder comprises a hollow body having a continuous outer wall with a continuous thickness. An end wall is integrally formed with the outer wall at a first end to close an end of an integrally formed bore. A number of apertures are formed within the outer wall to provide fluid communication between the outer wall and the bore. A flange is also integrally formed with the outer wall at a second end to define a fully integrated master cylinder. The outer wall further includes thickened sections extending between an inner surface of the bore and a mounting surface with the thickened sections being at least 30 percent smaller than the inner diameter of the bore for providing the compact profile of the integrated master cylinder.

Abstract: A compact rectifier bridge for an air-cooled generator is disclosed. The rectifier bridge comprises a first electrically conductive heat sink to which a first diode is electrically coupled, a second electrically conductive heat sink axially spaced from the first heat sink, and to which a second diode is electrically coupled. The rectifier additionally comprises a diode terminal assembly sandwiched between the first and second heat sinks, and having a lead terminal for electrically connecting leads from the first and second diodes. The lead terminal is radially spaced from said first and second diodes. The rectifier bridge may further comprise an output terminal structure on the first heat sink comprising a compressible tower disposed about an output terminal stud and a cavity in the surface of said heat sink for receiving the output terminal. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the compact rectifier bridge.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle, the steering system includes a rack-independent actuator. The rack-independent actuator has component parts isolated from undesirable loads by two universal joints that isolate mechanical components of the actuator from transient loads that may be encountered by the rack or rack housing.

Abstract: A method of forming a circuit board with electronic assemblies lying in different planes, includes providing a single circuit board with entire electronic assemblies pressed thereon. A channel is then formed in the circuit board of a predetermined depth to divide the circuit board into two separate, but integral portions. The circuit board is then bent at a point between the first and second portions of the circuit board such that the second portion of the circuit board can be bent between 0 and 180 degrees with respect to the first portion of the circuit board.

Abstract: One embodiment of an intumescent composition comprises a halogenated polymer, antimony oxide, and intercalated graphite, while one embodiment of an intumescent additive mixture comprises antimony oxide and intercalated graphite. One embodiment of the method of making an intumescent composition comprises melt blending a halogenated polymer with antimony oxide, and intercalated graphite.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body defining a chamber with a controlled outlet. A stop and seat are spaced from each other and are supported within the chamber in axial alignment with the controlled outlet. A plunger reciprocably moves between the stop and the seat to open and close the controlled outlet through the operation of a solenoid assembly. The solenoid assembly includes a spool supported between two plates. An electrical coil is disposed around the spool for receiving electrical current and generating a magnetic flux. A primary magnetic flux loop forms a path around the spool, through the two plates, the plunger and the stop to move the plunger away from the controlled outlet. An annular magnetic flux regulator made of magnetic conductive material is disposed in the spool to provide a secondary bypass magnetic flux flow path for a portion of the generated magnetic flux during high amp-turn operating conditions.

Abstract: A method of making a ball-screw rack bar for use in a power steering mechanism of an automotive vehicle. Transverse rack teeth are cut in an exterior surface of a first end portion of a length of a bar stock. A ball-screw thread is cut in an exterior surface of a second end portion of the length of bar stock. The first end portion is heat-treated to a first hardness and the second end portion is heat-treated to a second hardness by passing an induction coil scanner lengthwise over the length of bar stock from one end to the other. The ball-screw thread is cut by whirling. Preferably the heat-treating is carried out after the cutting of the transverse rack teeth and before the cutting of the ball-screw thread. The rack bar produced by this method may be solid or hollow. The rack bar may be made by separately forming two lengths of bar stock and butt-welding them together, or they may be made from a solid length of bar stock.

Abstract: A steering column assembly has a hand wheel rotatable about an axis having at least one guide member and at least one guide bracket. A guide member is spaced adjacent the axis of the hand wheel and a guide bracket and a guide member have surfaces supporting and guiding the guide member and the guide bracket for relative sliding movement therebetween. At least one shear member acting between the guide member and the guide bracket maintain the guide member within the guide bracket. The shear member is shearable under a predetermined force permitting the guide member and the guide bracket to move relative to one another. Additionally, a mounting plate supporting the hand wheel and at least one guide member may provide for controllable relative movement between the hand wheel and the guide member.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-link suspension assembly for a vehicle wheel, comprising a wheel carrier, an upper lateral link, a lower lateral link, a toe link, and a longitudinal link. The wheel carrier is oriented along a longitudinal axis of a vehicle body. The upper lateral link is oriented along a lateral axis of the vehicle body near the wheel center and is pivotally connected to the wheel carrier. The lower lateral link is oriented along a lateral axis of the vehicle body near the wheel center and is pivotally connected to the wheel carrier. The toe link is oriented along a lateral axis of the vehicle body behind the wheel center and is pivotally connected to the wheel carrier. The longitudinal link is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body and is pivotally connected to the wheel carrier forward of the wheel center and pivotally connected to the lower lateral link near the wheel center.

Abstract: An improved shape for a tooth of a rotor assembly in an AC generator is generally trapezoidal in shape and includes a base, a tip, and leading and trailing edges. The leading edge comprises a first portion, and a second portion. The first portion extends from the tip toward the base, and the second portion extends from the first portion toward the base. The second portion slopes at a first rate that would cover about one slot pitch were it allowed to continue all the way up to the tip. However, the first slope continues only to a transition point. The first portion is generally parallel to the trailing edge of an adjacent, magnetically opposing rotor tooth. The modified tooth presents a wider tooth cross-section.