Abstract: A method and an apparatus 10 for interconnecting automotive electrical circuits and components. In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes at least one channel 73 formed by an opposing pair of rails 66, and a backplane 20. The backplane includes an “omega-shaped” cavity 38. The assembly further includes a first flexible circuit 16 disposed within the backplane 20, an elastomeric member 22 residing upon the circuit 16, and a card 14 which is movably disposed within the rails 66 and which supports a second flexible circuit 30. The card 14 is movable between a first position which is remote from the cavity 38 and a second position in which portions of the card 14 and the second flexible circuit 30 penetrate the cavity 38, thereby deforming the elastomeric member 22 and securely and electrically connecting the first flexible circuit 16 to the second flexible circuit 30.

Abstract: A valve assembly 10 for use in a compressor. Valve assembly 10 includes a generally cylindrical stator member or assembly 12 and an inner valve or member 14 which is slidably engaged within stator assembly 12. Stator assembly 12 includes a conventional electrically operated coil 20 which is coupled to a conventional controller 98. Controller 98 selectively connects and disconnects coil 20 to and from a conventional battery 96, thereby allowing coil 20 to selectively receive electrical power. When coil 20 receives electrical power, a movable member 68 within member 14 is actuated, thereby creating a communication passage between a relatively high pressure chamber 84 and a relatively low pressure chamber 88.

Abstract: A system 10 for estimating sensor error. In the preferred embodiment, the system 10 includes a module 12 and a linear neuron 14, and is adapted to accurately estimate scale factor and bias error of a yaw rate sensor within an integrated navigation system.