Abstract: A catalytic converter for an exhaust system of a motor vehicle comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a first brick positioned inside the housing adjacent the inlet for initiating catalytic light-off functions of exhaust gases flowing through the first brick; a second brick positioned adjacent the first brick downstream of the inlet for three way conversion of exhaust gases flowing through the second brick; a third brick positioned adjacent the second brick downstream of the inlet for hydrocarbon adsorption and oxidation of exhaust gases flowing through the third brick; and a fourth brick positioned adjacent and spaced from the third brick downstream of the inlet for light-off of exhaust gases flowing through the fourth brick; wherein the third brick is substantially annular with a through bore extending axially therethrough; and wherein the second brick has a closed bore extending axially and opening into the through bore of the third brick.

Abstract: A novel method is proposed for controlling the torque of a PM brushless motor with sinusoidal back-emfs without current sensors by computing the required input phase voltages with measured rotor position and speed and known machine parameters. These voltages are fed to the machine at an angle computed in terms of input parameters and the phase voltage with respect to their back-emfs so that phase currents are aligned with their back-emfs to exactly mimic the performance of the current mode controller.

Abstract: A traction control for a motor vehicle derives a target delta velocity as the sum of a longitudinal velocity of the vehicle and a target delta velocity derived from one or more of a longitudinal acceleration, a lateral acceleration and a turn curvature. The vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement system of the type becoming active when a vehicle yaw rate error is sensed for providing braking control of individual wheels of the motor vehicle to reduce the vehicle yaw rate error below a predetermined value. In response to activity of the vehicle stability enhancement system in reducing a vehicle yaw rate error, the target delta velocity, and thus the target velocity, is bounding between a maximum target velocity value and a minimum target velocity value, at least one of which is derived from an estimated coefficient of friction between the vehicle drive wheels and the drive surface.

Abstract: A magneto-rheological damping device comprises a core element for carrying a magnetic flux and a magnetic flux generator positioned adjacent to a portion of the core element and operable to generate a magnetic flux in the core element. A sleeve is positioned over the core element and magnetic flux generator and includes a plurality of protrusions extending generally radially outwardly from a center of the core element. A flux ring surrounds the core element and sleeve and defining a passage between flux ring and core element for the flow of a magneto-rheological fluid. The sleeve protrusions are configured to engage the flux ring and secure the flux ring in a concentric position around the core element and sleeve.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a microelectronic device package is provided. The method includes a continuous processing mode of microelectronic device packages wherein process steps for fabricating the microelectronic device package are performed resulting in savings from the removal of more expensive batch processing steps.

Abstract: A damper assembly is provided including a telescopic damper having a piston rod extending from a first end. A mount assembly is mounted on the piston rod. A dust tube is provided the damper assembly including a substantially closed end, the closed end positioned between the telescopic damper and the mount assembly. The closed end of the dust tube includes an opening for receiving the piston rod and a rate surface for contacting a bumper portion of the mount assembly when the damper assembly contracts.

Abstract: An electrically operated actuator (10) for a slideable door (8) of a motor vehicle (6) includes a planetary gear set (12) having a sun gear (22), a number of pinion gears (24) rotatably mounted on a planet carrier (26) and interengaging with the sun gear, and a ring gear (28) interengaging with the pinion gears, the sun gear, planet carrier and ring gear being rotatable about an axis (A). An electrical motor (14) is connected to the ring gear to rotate the ring gear about the axis and an electrically actuated brake (16) is connected to the sun gear to brake rotation of the sun gear about the axis. A cable drum (18) is rotatably driven by the planet carrier (26). A cable (20) is wound around the cable drum and connected to the slidable door.

Abstract: A canister purge system for throttleless internal combustion engine intake systems includes a plurality of purge ports, each of which is adapted for connection to an intake port of an internal combustion engine. An evaporative emissions canister is in fluid connection with each purge port. Each purge port includes a valve responsive to pressure changes in the intake port and permitting vapor flow from the evaporative emissions canister into the intake port when a vacuum condition is present in the intake port. The valves prevent flow from the intake port to the evaporative emissions canister when a vacuum is not present in the intake port.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly for an automotive drum brake is provided. The parking brake assembly replaces a conventional mechanical strut with an electronic strut actuator subassembly that provides for parking brake engagement and disengagement, sensing of brake lining wear and adjustment of brake shoe-to-drum clearance.

Abstract: A filter for a fuel injection device, comprising a plurality of filter elements arranged within a housing such that, in use, fluid is directed through clearances of predetermined size between respective mutually adjacent ones of the elements for preventing the passage of oversized contaminant particles carried in the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing enhanced charging efficiency and a reduction in charge system cost when charging segmented batteries. A current switching device routes charging current from a charge source to a selected segment of the battery, while the remaining segments are in a relaxation mode and are not receiving charge current. A segment selection device periodically reconfigures the current switching device to route charging current to another segment of the battery. As a result, each of the series-connected cells of the battery are subject to alternating charging and relaxation periods until the battery has achieved a desired state of charge.

Abstract: A method for passively starting an electric power steering (“EPS”) system includes disabling assist torque upon power-up, detecting an index pulse upon a movement of a steering column across one of a plurality of reference positions, enabling assist torque for the EPS system upon detecting the index pulse, receiving a variable input torque command indicative of an external steering input, and ramping a variable assist motor torque towards the variable input torque command after enabling assist torque for the EPS system until the variable assist torque is substantially equal to the variable input torque command; wherein an EPS system apparatus includes a steering wheel for receiving operator inputs coupled to a steering column, a motor coupled to the steering column for applying torque assist to the column, an encoder coupled to the motor for determining the angular displacement of the steering column where the encoder comprises at least one track and a set of sensors for sensing the at least one t

Abstract: A flash programmable microprocessor-based control module is operated in a manner to protect the integrity of event data stored in the programmable memory of the module while permitting authorized manufacturing and field alteration of the programmable memory with a Download and Execute routine. The Download and Execute routine is resident in a designated sector of the module's read-only memory, and download access to the module's random access memory after module manufacture has been completed is denied. During manufacture of the module, and during field programming of the controller prior to the writing of event data, the programmable memory may be externally altered by an authorized service tool by transferring the Download and Execute routine from read-only memory to random access memory for execution by the module's microprocessor, and downloading the new data or code over a data link coupling the service tool to the module.

Abstract: A vibration damper assembly to dampen the vibration generated in a motor vehicle and transmitted through, for example, a steering assembly. The vibration damper assembly includes a rotor disposed within a housing. The rotor is operatively connected to a velocity generating member such as a pinion that is integrated with the steering assembly. A conductive sleeve is disposed between the housing and the rotor. A coil engages the sleeve and is capable of generating a magnetic field that is transmitted through the sleeve. A plate separates the rotor from the sleeve thereby defining a viscous fluid chamber and a Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid chamber between the rotor and the sleeve. The viscous fluid chamber includes a Newtonian fluid and the MR fluid chamber includes a MR fluid having sheer properties reactive to the magnetic field.

Abstract: A method and fixture is provided for calibrating an instrumented fastener. The fixture includes an upper member. A cap member of the fixture can be removably attached to the upper member. The cap member can include an opening formed therein to receive an upper portion of the fastener. A lower member can be positioned adjacent the cap member, the lower member including an opening formed therein. A removable insert can be positioned in the lower member opening to receive a lower portion of the fastener.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electromagnetically operated actuator for a valve arrangement. The valve arrangement is responsive to an actuator armature. The actuator has a winding and is preferably of the two-stage lift type. The method includes applying a first, low voltage to the actuator, using a first voltage source, to generate a relatively low rate of current increase through the actuator winding, thereby to impart a force to the armature to cause the armature to move relatively slowly from a rest position to a first intermediate position. The method also includes applying a second, higher voltage to the actuator, using a second voltage source coupled to the first voltage source through a regeneration path, to generate a relatively high rate of current increase through the actuator winding, thereby to impart a force to the armature to cause the armature to move relatively quickly from the first intermediate position to a second position.

Abstract: A disc brake (10) comprising at least two discs (12, 14), and a hub (16) which is arranged to rotate about an axis (18) thereof. The system (10) also comprises mounting arrangement (20,22) by which the discs (12, 14) are mounted on the hub (16) so that the hub and the discs rotate as a unit about the axis (18) and the discs can perform axial sliding movement on the hub. The system (10) also comprises a plurality of leaf springs (42) mounted on the hub (16) and engaging the discs (12, 14) so that the springs apply force between the discs and the hub. The leaf springs (42) are arranged in groups, one spring in each group acting on each disc, at least one spring in each group being retained in position by a connection (44) to another spring in the group.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for retaining a component within a hydraulic control unit of a vehicular braking system. The system comprises a housing and a component wherein the housing includes an angled lead in formed in an opening of the housing and an outer retaining portion. The component includes an inner portion that is angled to contact the angled lead in at a single point. The component includes an outer portion to contact the retaining portion of the housing when deformed. A deformed portion of the housing retains a device, such as the component.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper assembly is provided which includes a cup member with a threaded opening formed therein. A piston rod includes a threaded portion, which is engaged in the threaded opening. An electrical connector including a terminal portion is received in an opening formed in the piston rod. The threaded engagement between the piston rod and the cup member is a predetermined length that reduces deflection of the cup member to reduce transfer of load to the terminal portion of the electrical connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strut spring seat support to support a coil spring and attachable to other vehicle suspension system components. The strut spring seat support comprises a spring seat bracket and a lower spring seat. In a preferred embodiment, the spring seat bracket is welded to the reservoir tube and the lower spring seat is positioned around the reservoir tube and projection welded to the spring seat bracket.