Abstract: An electrical interconnect for a solid-oxide fuel cell stack assembly, including a novel sintering paste and an improved manufacturing process for an anode and cathode electrical contacts is disclosed. On the anode side, the paste contains a metallic oxide such as NiO, and an amount of sacrificial pore-forming particles, such as carbon particles or polymer spheres, which are vaporized during sintering of the paste, resulting in a very porous connection having good electrical conductivity and good adhesion. A preferred level of pore-former in the paste is about 40 volume percent. On the cathode side, the paste contains a noble metal such as for example, gold, platinum, palladium or rhodium, and an amount of the sacrificial pore-forming particles. The paste may be applied to the surfaces in a grid pattern or, because the resulting contact is porous after sintering, it may be applied as a continuous layer.

Abstract: A converter and method for converting wirelessly streamed data to USB compatible data is provided. The converter includes a USB connector for interfacing with a first electronic device that is USB ready to provide USB compatible data, such as file and directory data structure. The converter also includes a wireless communication link that is adapted to receive wirelessly streamed data from a second electronic device. The converter further includes control circuitry for processing the wirelessly streamed data and converting the streamed data to USB compatible data that is compatible with the USB ready first electronic device such that the streamed data from the second electronic device may be used by the first electronic device.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus includes a transformer having a central core, a primary winding disposed thereabout, a secondary winding disposed outwardly of the primary winding, and an outer core or shield disposed outwardly of the secondary winding. The central and outer cores and the primary and secondary windings define a magnetic circuit through which magnetic flux flows during various phases of operation. An end-of-spark natural ringing of the secondary voltage is suppressed and limited by a control winding disposed in relation in the magnetic circuit. The control winding has a pair of terminals across which is connected a diode. The diode is oriented so that during a spark event, it is reverse biased but after the spark event it becomes forward-biased when the secondary voltage is positive so as to selectively facilitate dissipation of any residual electrical charge.

Abstract: Medium-range and global network information and control for a vehicle is achieved with a portable wireless key fob, a user-provided nomadic device, and a vehicle-installed telematics unit including a medium-range RF transceiver and a wireless network transceiver. The fob includes a medium-range RF transceiver for bi-directional communication with the telematics unit, and a short-range wireless transceiver for bi-directional communication with the nomadic device. The fob communicates with the telematics unit in a conventional manner, and also relays information between the telematics unit and the nomadic device. If a communication initiated via the fob cannot be completed because the fob is out of range, the communication is sent to the nomadic device for network transmission to the telematics unit. If a communication initiated via the nomadic device cannot be completed due to inadequate signal reception, the communication is sent to the fob for RF transmission to the telematics unit.

Abstract: A vehicle audio system 30 reconfigures with a PDAD 32 device by sending a series of queries through a supported channel, preferably a UART channel to the PDAD with the PDAD sending back requested control information 42 and meta-data housing information 46.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for actively illuminating and monitoring a subject, such as a driver of a vehicle. The system includes a video imaging camera orientated to generate images of the subject eye(s). The system also includes first and second light sources offset from each other and operable to illuminate the subject. The system further includes a controller for controlling illumination of the first and second light sources such that when the imaging camera detects sufficient glare, the controller controls the first and second light sources to minimize the glare. This is achieved by turning off the illuminating source causing the glare.

Abstract: A voltage tap apparatus functions as both a voltage tap and a cell isolator for conductive case battery cells that are joined end-to-end in a series chain. The apparatus includes conductive leadframe elements partially encased in a plastic frame that engages the joined cells about their juncture, with portions of the lead-frame elements exposed to electrically contact the conductive cases of the cells. In a first embodiment, the plastic frame is in the form of a hinged clamp that closes about the juncture of the cells, and the lead-frame elements are routed to terminals formed on one end of the frame. In a second embodiment, the plastic frame and a connector are mounted on a printed circuit board and the leadframe elements in the plastic frame couple the battery cells to the connector.

Abstract: A device for electrically interconnecting two relatively rotating members, such as a vehicle steering wheel and steering column assembly, has a stationary housing portion carried with the steering column assembly and a moving housing portion carried with the steering wheel. A plurality of flexible, electrically conductive wires are spirally wound around the device between the two housing portions. Each conductive wire is guided in a direction-reversing loop formed therein. Each conductive wire is affixed at each of its two respective ends at electrical terminals.

Abstract: A collision detection system and method of estimating a crossing location are provided. The system includes a first sensor for sensing an object in a field of view and sensing a first range defined as the distance between the object and the first sensor. The system also includes a second sensor for sensing the object in the field of view and sensing a second range defined by the distance between the object and the second sensor. The system further includes a controller for processing the first and second range measurements and estimating a crossing location of the object as a function of the first and second range measurements. The crossing location is estimated using range and range rate in a W-plane in one embodiment and using a time domain approach in another embodiment.

Abstract: A ceramic connector body for a high temperature electrical connector, such as those used in high temperature gas sensors, incorporates a pair of opposing ceramic body portions which are operative for pivoting engagement and to be fixed in a connector body retainer which also enables their pivoting, hinged movement. The pivoting engagement permits the ceramic body portions to hinge open to receive a gas sensor with a low insertion force and a hinge close to provide the desired contact force. The ceramic body portions are also operative to house conductive terminals which provide electrical contact for power and signal communication with a gas sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable flow mixing valve for use in a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning module. The module is particularly suited for use in a vehicle. The variable flow mixing valve includes drive means which drive a mixing door and a baffle between various positions in order to allow a relatively warm flow of air, from a first chamber, to mix with a relatively cool flow of air from a second chamber. The baffle and door are linked in such a way as to provide an aperture therebetween through which, in use, the first and/or second flows of air pass. A parking area is also provided for the baffle and is shaped in order to reflect airflow back toward the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A urea strainer includes a mesh for removing impurities from urea passing therethrough and heatable wires to heat the urea as it passes through the mesh. The urea is provided to an emission control system of a diesel engine.

Abstract: An optical system and method for controlling light propagation along a light path. An optical element such as a lens is formed of a first light transmitting material and has a surface finish effective to scatter light impinging on the surface. Index matching material contacts to a portion of the surface so as to reduce or nullify the scattering effects of the surface finish within the portion. This allows the first optical element to have surfaces that have been generally prepared for scattering light and then later selectively negate the scattering effects of the surface finish by contacting portions of the surface with index matching material. As such, light in the optical element directed toward a surface or boundary within selected portion propagates into or out of the optical element. Light outside of the selected portion is scattered. Such an arrangement helps to reduce image degradation due to light outside of the light path being reflected about within the optical system.

Abstract: A microwave circuit assembly including a flip-chip attachable integrated circuit die attached to a substrate by an interconnect device. The integrated circuit die and the substrate have microstrip transmission lines that are electrically coupled through the interconnect device. The interconnect device forms a transmission line configured to electrically couple the microstrip transmission line on the substrate to the microstrip transmission line on the integrated circuit die The interconnect device includes stubs to enhance the ground elements of the interconnect device transmission line and provide a microwave short for the integrated circuit die.

Abstract: Where the additional data throughput is added using an amplitude offset or a combination of phase and amplitude offset, the legacy differential demodulator does not recover the amplitude information. The present invention provides a method for demodulating amplitude offsets in a differential modulation system in order to recover the amplitude information. The demodulated amplitude information may be used to recover the additional Level 2 data transmitted as an amplitude offset or combination phase and amplitude offset in a differential multiple phase shift keying (D-MPSK) transmission, such as across adjacent OFDM symbols and/or adjacent frequency subcarriers.

Abstract: A vehicle system interface comprises an antenna configured to receive a digital radio signal, a digital radio receiver circuit configured to receive the digital radio signal from the antenna and to obtain digital audio data from the digital radio signal, an FM modulator and transmitter circuit, and a microprocessor in operable communication with the digital radio receiver circuit and the FM modulator and transmitter circuit. The microprocessor is configured to generate a first message requesting a series of FM radio signal levels and the microprocessor is also configured to select a suitable FM radio frequency from the series of FM radio frequencies. The microprocessor is also configured to induce the FM modulator and transmitter circuit to broadcast the digital audio data in an FM radio signal over the suitable FM radio frequency.

Abstract: The improved pull-pull cable assembly includes a self-adjusting tensioning assembly for taking up any additional cable length gained relative to the sheathing length when the pull-pull pulley assembly is bent or looped. The self-adjusting tensioning assembly is contained within the interior compartment of one of the two pulleys and includes a biasing member simultaneously urging the first and second ends of the cable across the center of the pulley, thereby pulling or taking-up any relative increase in cable length into the interior compartment to maintain proper cable tension.

Abstract: An occupant presence sensor apparatus disposed in a seat includes first and second substantially non-compliant force translation plates generally parallel to the seating surface of the seat, an elastomeric mat disposed between the first and second force translation plates, and a switch mechanism disposed between the first and second force translation plates within an opening formed in the elastomeric mat. The elastomeric mat includes a distributed array of hollow protuberances that extend toward and contact the force translation plates, and the mat has a stiffness that normally provides a clearance between the switch mechanism and one of the force translation plates. When an occupant of specified or higher weight sits on the seating surface, the protuberances collapse and the force translation plates activate the switch mechanism.

Abstract: A diagnosable magnetic switch assembly and method for determining a seat occupant. A network in the assembly includes a resistor in series with a magnetic switch, and a resistor in parallel with the series combination. Such an arrangement provides distinct assembly resistance values when the magnetic switch is open or closed, and thereby provides a means for diagnosing the operational state of the diagnosable magnetic switch assembly. The diagnosable magnetic switch assembly may be included in a seat occupant indicator system that embeds the seat occupant indicator system and a magnet in a cushion of a seat assembly. When the seat assembly is occupied, the magnet is separated from the seat occupant indicator system by a sufficient distance so the seat occupant indicator system is in an open state. When an occupant sits in the seat assembly, the magnet and the seat occupant indicator system are brought closer together so that the magnetic field operate the seat occupant indicator system to a closed state.

Abstract: High priority data and low priority digital data are transmitted as primary and secondary data in hierarchically modulated, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) from an earth-orbiting satellite. To enable the transmitter amplifier to be operated with less back-off from saturation without clipping, the low priority OFDM symbols have fewer samples than the high priority OFDM symbols, and the high priority samples on which the low priority samples are superimposed are selected according to a first deterministic rule using sample power comparisons of the high priority samples to concentrate the low priority samples on those high priority samples having lower (optimally, the lowest) sample power. The low priority samples are distributed on the selected high priority samples according to a second deterministic rule relating the original low priority sample order to the original high priority sample order.