Abstract: A mounting mechanism for an inflatable restraint system includes a spring housing having a spring cavity and a plurality of first apertures extending therethrough. The spring housing is adapted to be disposed adjacent and connected to a support structure and aligned with a plurality of second apertures extending through the support structure. The mounting mechanism also includes a spring disposed in the spring cavity and extending across the first apertures and adapted to retain a plurality of mounting members of an inflatable restraint module extending through the first apertures and the second apertures to the support structure. The spring includes at least one torsion coil to reduce a bending moment of the spring when deflected by the mounting members of the inflatable restraint module.

Abstract: A horn switch assembly (26) is mounted on inner surface (28) of airbag cover (16). Horn switch assembly (26) includes a sensor (30) coupled to cover (16), and a load and rate sensing device (32) arranged to interact with sensor (30) and with a vehicle horn. Deflection of outer surface (18) of airbag cover (16) applies a force to sensor (30). Deflection of outer surface (18) of airbag cover (16) may be caused by an operator action of pressing on airbag cover (16). In which case, the increase in the magnitude of the force on sensor (30) will be rapid, and load and rate sensing device (32) will cause the vehicle horn to sound. Alternatively, deflection of outer surface (18) of airbag cover (16) may be caused by shrinkage of airbag cover (16) due to an ambient temperature drop. In which case, the increase in the magnitude of the force on sensor (30) will be slow, and load and rate sensing device (32) will not cause the horn to sound.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit structure that includes a metal substrate, an inorganic electrical insulator layer and at least one inorganic thick-film passive circuit element, such as a thick-film resistor, capacitor or conductor. An interface layer is provided between the insulator layer and the circuit element to prevent the detrimental effects of interlayer diffusion. The composition of the interface layer is selected to prevent the diffusion of constituents from the inorganic insulator layer, and to have a CTE near that of the circuit element to reduce thermal fatigue. As a result, the passive circuit element can be formed of essentially any one of a number of conventional inorganic thick-film materials that are widely used on alumina substrates.

Abstract: An improved performance and cost-effective control for an automatic motor vehicle HVAC system in which the system variables are controlled without regard to a measured in-car temperature during steady-state conditions, and in which the steady-state control is modified during transient conditions by a time-dependent open-loop compensation term, INCAR. The initial value of INCAR, a target value and a time rate of change are initialized as a function of environmental and system conditions at the onset of the transient condition. At ignition key-on, INCAR is initialized in accordance with an estimate of the in-car temperature, and exponentially adjusted toward a predetermined reference temperature (target), such as 75°, at a rate determined by the initial temperature, preferably with adjustments being made for door opening and closing.

Abstract: An improved deployment method for a vehicular supplemental restraint system having an acceleration sensor and a restraint device to be deployed for occupant protection in a crash event, where the deployment is initiated when a filtered version of the acceleration signal exceeds a deployment threshold that is periodically adjusted based on one or more secondary measures of crash severity, including a vehicle speed measurement at the onset of the crash event, and the level of event progression. In a first embodiment, the vehicle speed measurement pertains to the ground or absolute speed of the vehicle at the onset of the crash event; in a second embodiment, the vehicle speed measure pertains to the vehicle speed relative to a detected obstacle at the onset of the crash event.

Abstract: A removable connector edge clip has a support plate, a first arm integrally attached to the first end of the support plate by a first bight and a second arm integrally attached to the second end of the support plate by a second bight. The first arm confronts a lower surface of the support plate in generally parallel fashion to form a panel edge clamp at the first end of the clip. The support plate has a first spring blade inclined downwardly toward the first arm and the first bight for biasingly engaging a panel edge inserted into the panel edge clamp. The first arm has a barb for retaining the panel edge inserted into the panel edge clamp. The second arm confronts an upper surface of the support plate in generally parallel fashion to form a connector attachment at the second end of the clip. The connector attachment includes a second spring blade inclined downwardly toward the second bight and the support plate and a detent tang inclined upwardly toward the second bight and away from the second arm.

Abstract: An improved closed-loop feedback fuel control with a model-based A/F ratio estimator, wherein the estimator, controller and portions of the model are updated on a fixed time interval basis, thereby minimizing the impact of the control on event-based throughput. Engine transport delays and oxygen sensor dynamics are modeled to estimate the sensed A/F ratio, and the estimate is compared with the sensed A/F ratio to adaptively adjust the model and to develop a closed-loop adjustment of the commanded fuel amount. The engine transport delay model is carried out on an engine event basis, but the sensor dynamics model is carried out on a time basis to accurately reflect the analog nature of the sensor. The estimator and the controller are also carried out on a time basis to reduce throughput requirements at higher engine speeds, and the control gain is scheduled to account for differences between the engine event and time update rates.

Abstract: An auxiliary canister operates with a storage canister of an evaporative emissions control system to reduce the amount of fuel vapor emitted from a vehicle to very low levels. The storage canister contains a first sorbent material and has a vent port in communication therewith. The auxiliary canister comprises an enclosure, first and second passages, a heater and a connector. Inside the enclosure, a second sorbent material is in thermal contact with the heater. Attached at one end to the bottom of the enclosure, the first passage is connectable at its other end to the vent port to allow flow between the storage and auxiliary canisters. Attached at one end to a top of the enclosure, the second passage is connectable at its other end to a vent valve of the control system to allow flow between the auxiliary canister and the vent valve. Incorporated into the enclosure, the connector is used to convey electrical power from the vehicle to the heater.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioning system includes a primary, refrigerant loop (10,12,14) and a low pressure secondary loop (22, 24, 26, 28) across which heat is exchanged by a chiller (16). A liquid coolant reservoir (24, 42) in the secondary loop has a provision to allow the majority of its volume to be incorporated incrementally into the system at start up after the reservoir (24, 42) has sat long enough to become heated, so as not to delay the attainment of a suitable passenger comfort level.

Abstract: An electrical connector forms a permanent electrical connection between a flat cable having multiple conductors and a plurality of round wires. The connector comprises a first connector half and a second connector half. The first connector half has a flat cable channel and at least one flat cable access window in communication with the flat cable channel. The second connector half has a plurality of wire channels for receiving round wires, and at least one wire access window in communication with one of the wire channels. Each cable access window is aligned with at least one wire access window to facilitate a permanent connection between a conducting strip of the multiple conductor flat cable and a conducting core of the round wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an incremental angular position of a rotating member of an induction motor. A sensor assembly is positioned adjacent a target wheel attached to the rotating member, the target wheel having a plurality of teeth, separated by slots, angularly spaced around the periphery of the target wheel. The sensor assembly is located proximate the periphery of the target wheel, and includes a plurality of sensors each configured to generate a respective output signal that transitions between first and second states at the passage thereby of each leading and trailing edge of the teeth. The apparatus also includes a processing circuit configured to generate an incremental position signal in response to the output signals. Each sensor is spaced from an adjacent sensor by a predetermined distance equal to 180 degrees divided by n, where n is the number of sensors, and 360 degrees is a tooth-to-tooth distance.

Abstract: An unidirectional ball clutch (100) includes a locking collar (102), a bearing support collar (120), and a coil assembly (132) all disposed on a shaft (110). stablished between the locking collar (102) and the bearing support collar (120) is a bearing channel (127). Preferably, the bearing channel (127) is formed with a constant width portion (129) that leads to a decreasing width portion (131). At least one ball bearing (126) is disposed within the bearing channel (127) between the locking collar (102) and the bearing support collar (120). When the coil assembly (132) is energized, the bearing support collar (120) is magnetically coupled to the coil assembly (132). Accordingly, if the locking collar (102) is rotated in one direction relative to the bearing support collar (120) the bearing wedges itself in the decreasing width portion (131) of the bearing channel (127) and prevents any relative torsional motion between the locking collar (102) and the bearing support collar (120).

Abstract: A supplemental restraint assembly includes an air bag disposed between a vehicle's roof and the headliner adjacent the side of the vehicle. During deployment of the supplemental restraint assembly, the air bag inflates causing the headliner to extend downward towards an occupant's head and upper torso. The headliner forms a reactionary surface between the occupant and the inflated air bag. An extendable frame assembly disposed between the roof and headliner is preferably employed to positively position the headliner reactionary surface during a side impact or rollover event. The frame assembly maintains the headliner in the extended position after the air bag deflates.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a fluid vehicle damper having a cylinder with a valve body is provided. The valve body has an outer surface adjacent to an interior wall of the cylinder and includes first and second opposing surfaces. The valve body defines first and second fluid chambers within the damper, which are adjacent to the first and second surfaces, respectively. Inner and outer annular seats extend from the first surface and define an annular channel therebetween. At least one fluid passageway is connects the annular channel and second surface for providing fluid communication therebetween. A high speed bypass valve assembly is attached to the valve body and is movable between an open position and a closed position adjacent to the annular seats. An orifice disc is interposed between the annular seats and the high speed bypass valve assembly for providing low speed bypass of fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber when the high speed bypass valve assembly is in the closed position.

Abstract: The power generation system and method of the present invention employ a solid oxide fuel cell which reforms fuel to a degree which is controlled by the amount of fuel introduced to the solid oxide fuel cell. The effluent is directed preferably through a heat exchanger and then into an engine. This hybrid system more efficiently produces energy, both mechanical and electrical, over conventional systems.

Abstract: A secondary fuel pump assembly for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a reservoir adapted to be disposed in the fuel tank having a top defining an overflow fuel level of the reservoir. The secondary fuel pump assembly also includes a conduit conducting return fuel from an engine of the vehicle to the reservoir and a jet pump having a discharge outlet in the reservoir and an inlet operatively connected to the conduit. The secondary fuel pump assembly includes an overflow fuel member defining a flow path for overflow of fuel in the reservoir and a guide member extending into the overflow fuel member and having at least one aperture extending therethough. The secondary fuel pump assembly further includes a guide disposed over the guide member and movable relative thereto to open and close the at least one aperture and a float connected to the guide to move the guide as a fuel level rises and falls in the reservoir.

Abstract: A two-headed force-balanced poppet valve assembly wherein the spacing of the valve heads along the pintle shaft is directed by the spacing between the valve seats during assembly and wherein at least one of the valve heads is compliantly mounted on the pintle shaft. The valve body has a central chamber separating first and second valves disposed at opposite ends of the chamber for ingress an/or egress of gas or liquid, one of the valves opening into the chamber and the other valve opening out of the chamber. Axial motion of the pintle shaft causes the valves to be opened or closed simultaneously. One of the valve heads is fixed to the pintle shaft and the other valve head is axially slidable on the shaft and is retained thereon by swaging of the shaft. A compression spring is compressedly retained on the shaft inboard of the slidable head to continuously urge the head against the swage, thereby preventing the head from sliding inwardly along the shaft during valve actuation.

Abstract: An ignition coil for a spark ignition engine generally includes primary and secondary windings disposed about a magnetic core. The secondary winding is wound around a spool. The spool includes a cylindrical body having opposite first and second ends and a winding section between the ends. A conical winding surface at one of the ends tapers from a large diameter at the one end to a smaller diameter. A grooved surface extends axially toward another of the ends of the body and extends to adjacent the smaller diameter of the conical surface. The grooved surface contains longitudinally spaced continuous circular grooves that have unequally angled sides. The sides toward the one end are sloped at a greater angle relative to a radial direction than are the sides toward the other end. The secondary winding is wound around the winding section forming a plurality of turns of wire wound one over the other at a desired angle. The grooves are sized such that only one turn of the wire is disposed within each groove.

Abstract: A reconfigurable glove box bin having a main body portion and at least one primary partition. The primary partition is maintained in place by frictional engagement, interference engagement, or a combination of a frictional and interference engagement between at least one inner panel surface or with at least one side panel groove portion upon the inner surface. Additional groove or slot portions may be provided for additional versatility. Furthermore, one or more secondary partitions may be provided to divide compartments into subcompartments.

Abstract: An automotive rear deck lid actuator assembly including an electronic filter that reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) conduction and a shield that limits EMI radiation. The assembly includes a clamshell-type housing closed by a flat metal backplate. An actuator power supply terminal and an actuator ground terminal are supported on the housing and connect the actuator assembly to a vehicle electrical system. An electric motor that drives a latch mechanism is disposed in the housing and includes a motor power supply terminal connected to the actuator power supply terminal and a motor ground terminal connected to the actuator ground terminal. The electronic filter is disposed in the housing is and connected between the motor terminals and the actuator terminals. The shield is disposed in the housing, at least partially surrounds the motor and is connected to ground.