Abstract: An antenna system and a method for communicating signals by a dual circularly polarized antenna system are provided. The antenna system includes a substantially straight microstrip segment and a plurality of substantially straight microstrip projections. The plurality of microstrip projections extend from the microstrip segment in pairs at a predetermined angle, wherein each microstrip projection of the pair of microstrip projections extends from substantially the same location on the microstrip segment. A first microstrip projection extends from the microstrip segment on a first side of the microstrip segment and a second microstrip projection extends from the microstrip segment on a second side of the microstrip segment, such that the first and second microstrip projections at least one of emit and receive circularly polarized radiation in a first direction and circularly polarized radiation in a second direction simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal-plastic hybrid heat exchanger including the steps of providing a plurality of metallic fins, providing a plastic tank with a melting point above a predetermined temperature and having a header plate that includes a plurality slots, and providing a plurality of plastic tubes with a melting point above the predetermined temperature. The plastic tubes are inserted into the corresponding slots of the plastic tank to form an assembly. The metal fins are inserted between the plastic tubes of the assembly. A thermoplastic adhesive is applied onto the mating surfaces of the metal fins and the plastic tubes, and onto mating surfaces of the slots and the plastic tubes of the assembly. The metal plastic heat exchanger assembly is then heated with infrared radiation to the predetermined temperature to cure the thermoplastic adhesive, thereby bonding the metal fins and the slotted headers to the tubes.

Abstract: A plastic case surrounds a primary winding of a multicharge ignition system, and has a rib in which the high voltage end is routed back to the low voltage end, so that the low and high voltage ends can be closely juxtaposed with each other while advantageously permitting the primary winding to have one and only one winding layer to reduce resistance and size. The rib of the case extends into the slot of the magnetic shields of the winding.

Abstract: A system and methods for evaluating the response of an optical digital disk player to vibration encountered during playback of optical digital disks are provided. The system includes a simulator configured to provide digital simulated output signals simulating the output of an optical digital disk player encountering vibration during playback of an optical digital disk. The system also includes digital-to-analog converter circuitry to convert the digital simulated output signals to analog simulated output signals and provide the analog simulated output signals to processing circuitry. The processing circuitry generates control signals based on the value of the analog simulated output signals, and provides the control signals as outputs.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat exchanger assembly having a housing which defines a boiling chamber extending along an axis between opposite ends. A plurality of first condensing tubes extend axially and downwardly in one direction at a first predetermined angle to and below the axis (A) from the housing and a plurality of second condensing tubes extend axially and upwardly in the opposite direction at the same predetermined angle to and above the axis (A) from the housing. The volume of refrigerant in the housing is greater than the volume of the second condensing tubes and the volume of the boiling chamber.

Abstract: A dual NOx trap system for reducing NOx emissions from an internal combustion engine. The system is plumbed and controlled such that the NOx adsorption time of a trap is decoupled from the NOx regeneration time. A trap is taken out of service for regeneration only for the minimum required regeneration time and then is placed back into service. Because regeneration times are short relative to adsorption times, during most of the working life of the assembly both of the traps are in service in NOx-trapping mode. Thus, higher NOx-trapping efficiencies are provided over most of the working life of the system because each unit volume of catalyst is in service for more than 50% of the time, permitting a smaller volume of catalyst for each trap than in a prior art system. Further, shorter off-line regeneration times result in reduced cooling of the traps during regeneration.

Abstract: A system and method of a stereo receiving system, including a plurality of antennas, a receiving device, a plurality of summing devices, a phase lock loop device, a controllable phase shifter device, and a gain-control device. The plurality of antennas receive RF signals having a common frequency but potentially different phases. The receiving device is in electrical communication with the plurality of antennas. The plurality of summing devices are in electrical communication between at least one of the plurality of antennas and the receiving device. The phase lock loop device is in electrical communication with the receiving device. The gain-control device is in electrical communication between the plurality of antennas and the receiving device, wherein the gain-control device controls a signal-to-noise ratio of the RF signals aligned from the plurality of antennas.

Abstract: A motor control system and method are provided for detecting current ripple in a commutated DC motor and further determining position and speed of the motor based on the detected ripple current. Ripples in the motor current are detected and a ripple frequency is calculated based on the time between successive ripples. A ripple count between successive frequencies is determined and the ripple count is compared to a threshold value, and an estimated ripple frequency is determined from a motor model when the ripple count exceeds the threshold value. A corrected ripple count is calculated from a ratio of the calculated ripple frequency and the estimated ripple frequency, and motor position and motor speed are determined based on the corrected ripple count.

Abstract: A system for determining whether a lead is securely inserted into a connector includes an actuator for moving the lead to a plurality of positions, a position sensor for measuring a position of the lead relative to the connector, and a force sensor for measuring an actual force exerted on the lead at each of the plurality of positions to define an actual force signature. A processor compares the actual force signature to a predetermined force signature to determine whether the lead is disposed within the opening of the connector. The method includes the steps of moving the lead to a plurality of positions, establishing an actual force signature, and establishing a predetermined force signature. If the actual force signature is within the predetermined force signature, then the lead is securely inserted into the opening.

Abstract: A linear dual channel hydraulic control unit for a motor vehicle, having a motor section with an output shaft having a first output shaft end and an opposing second output shaft end. A rotationally adjustable wobble plate having an apex portion is fixed onto either end of the output shaft. A hydraulic block is mated onto either end of the motor section. Each hydraulic block includes an inlet for fluid communication with a braking fluid source and an outlet for fluid communication with a braking system brake, a pump cavity housing a pumping assembly and having an opening disposed on a first end, and first and second valve cavities housing first and second fluid control valves. Mated to each hydraulic block is a control sections providing first and second solenoid coils receiving portions of the first and second fluid control valves.

Abstract: A system and a method for streaming data between a portable server computing device and a client computing device are provided. The method includes transmitting an RF signal having streaming data from a first audio file from the portable server computing device to a client computing device. The method further includes emitting sound corresponding to the streaming data in the RF signal from the client computing device, in response to the client computing device receiving the RF signal.

Abstract: A vane-type camshaft phaser for an internal combustion engine, in which an intermediate locking pin and seat are provided for locking the camshaft phaser at a position intermediate of its full advanced and retard positions, one of the locking pin and seat having a non-circular cross section, and the cross-sectional shapes of the locking pin and seat being substantially dissimilar to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides for a collapsible steering column assembly and method for applying a varying resultant force to resist the collapse of the steering column assembly during an emergency condition. The steering column assembly includes a column jacket adapted to be releasably coupled to the frame for movement along the longitudinal axis L in the emergency condition. The column jacket includes an anvil and is supported by a support bracket. An absorbing strap secured to the supporting bracket is routed around the anvil. The absorbing strap is plastically deformed as the column jacket moves along axis L and an actuator supported by the support bracket applies a force against the absorbing strap. The actuator selectively varies the applied for as the absorbing strap is drawn over the anvil in the emergency condition to optimize the resultant force for the emergency condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for assembling a first component, such as a switch pad, to a second component, such as a circuit board.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a condenser tube having a pre-determined tube length and multiple channels including the steps of forming an aperture in a flat strip of metal; moving the flat strip through a plurality of forming operations to fold into an enclosed tube containing channels, which channels include the aperture in their sides and bottoms; and severing the enclosed tube across the aperture to separate the enclosed tube into one condenser tube. The aperture eliminates the need for the channel sides to be severed, hence only the portion of the condenser tube enclosing the channels requires severing. Each pair of apertures is spaced from the next pair of apertures by the pre-determined tube length so that each sever produces one condensing tube of the pre-determined tube length with the apertures being divided into open notches. The invention also includes a heat exchanger utilizing the condenser tube with channel sides containing portions of the apertures.

Abstract: A sensor circuit is coupled to a sensing element for determining a property, such as a dielectric constant, of a fuel. The circuit includes an excitation voltage signal generator, a synchronization trigger and a processing circuit configured to generate an output signal indicative of the fuel property. The excitation signal is applied to the sensing element to produce an induced current signal. The synchronization trigger generates a trigger signal when the excitation signal crosses zero volts, at which time the real (resistive) component of the induced current signal is zero. The induced signal is therefore wholly representative of the imaginary component attributable to a capacitance of the fuel, which in turn is dependent on the dielectric constant (and thus ethanol concentration) of the fuel blend. The processing circuit is configured to sample the induced signal in response to the trigger signal and produce the output signal.

Abstract: An automotive tire pressure monitor with diversity antenna system employs a RF transmitter within each wheel/tire assembly and a vehicle mounted receiver with multiple receiving antennas. A first, primary antenna is located adjacent one vehicle window and a secondary antenna is located adjacent another vehicle window opposite the primary antenna. Both antennas are coupled to a receiver via a switch. The receiver feeds a processor, which is encoded to select the optimal antenna/receiver configuration based upon absolute signal strength (signal to noise), signal quality (completeness of encoded data) or signal reception rate. The signal received from the optimized antenna/receiver configuration is processed and transmitted to the host vehicle for system intervention and or display to an operator.

Abstract: An assembly includes a semiconductor die disposed between an upper substrate and a lower substrate. A circuit board that defines a through hole is spaced axially below the upper substrate to define a gap between the upper substrate and the circuit board. An upper heat sink is thermally connected to the upper substrate by an upper thermal interface material to transfer heat in a first dissipation path to the upper heat sink. A lower heat sink is thermally connected to the lower substrate by a lower thermal interface material to transfer heat in a second dissipation path to the lower heat sink. A plurality of first interconnectors are disposed in the gap to solder the upper substrate to the circuit board. The assembly is distinguished by a plurality of second interconnectors that are disposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate to position the lower substrate in the through hole of the circuit board.

Abstract: A variable venting assembly for an inflator, the assembly comprising: a nozzle having an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a valve member movably mounted to the nozzle for movement between an open position and a closed position, the valve member having a shaft member and a head portion secured to the shaft member, the head portion being configured to seal the outlet opening when the valve member is in the closed position; a biasing member located between a portion of the nozzle and a surface of the shaft member, the biasing member providing a biasing force to maintain the valve member in the closed position; and a bleed orifice providing a fluid path through the nozzle, the bleed orifice providing the fluid path regardless of the position of the valve member.

Abstract: Occupant displacement corresponding to sensed acceleration in a crash event is determined and used to enable and disable deployment of supplemental restraints based on crash severity. The determined occupant displacement is compared to a first threshold calibrated to discriminate against disturbances due to rough roads and other non-crash events, and a second threshold calibrated to discriminate against non-deployment crash events. Deployment of supplemental restraints based on crash severity is enabled only when the determined displacement is between the first and second thresholds.