Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a rotor for an electrical machine comprises a shaft having a radially-reduced portion, the shaft defining an axis of rotation of the rotor. The rotor additionally includes a pole piece having a bore, the pole piece mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith about the axis. Further, the rotor comprises a member located about the shaft in the radially reduced portion and interference fit within the bore of the pole piece. In a second embodiment of the present invention, an electrical machine comprises a rotor which further comprises a shaft defining an axis of rotation of the rotor, a pole piece affixed to the shaft for rotation therewith and a rotor stop slip fit onto the shaft and bearing against the pole piece. The rotor stop also bears against another component of the electrical machine to define an axial position of the rotor within the electrical machine.

Abstract: A vehicle window wiper system has wipers 12 with a range of motion between an in-wipe position I and an out-wipe position O when the wiper system is in a run mode, and a variable park range for the wipers between the in-wipe position I and a depressed park position P when the system is in a park mode. The wiper system has a reversible motor 40 for rotating a shaft 42 in a first direction when in the run mode and through a first predetermined arc in a counter direction when in the park mode. A clutch mechanism 38 mechanically connected with the shaft 42 has a lock pin 64 which operates to prevent reverse rotation of the clutch mechanism 38 when in the run mode and to secure the clutch mechanism 38 in a predetermined position when in the park mode. The lock pin 64 also stabilizes the clutch mechanism 38 when the wiper system is transitioning from the park mode to the run mode.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint includes an inner race having an outer surface with ball tracks. An outer race having an inner surface with ball tracks corresponding to the ball tracks of the inner race is provided adjacent the inner race. Balls are provided between the ball tracks of the inner and outer races. A stem assembly, including ball pockets and a spherical surface provided therebetween, is secured to the outer race. A cage is provided between the inner and outer races. The cage has apertures for the balls, a spherical surface corresponding with the spherical surface of the stem assembly. The spherical surface is positioned in an abutting condition with the stem, and a spring section is provided between the spherical surface of the cage and the ball apertures.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for compressing viscous material through openings in a stencil is disclosed. The novel apparatus has a compression headcap which provides a contained environment to direct and to aid the flow of pressurized viscous material through the openings in the stencil. The compression headcap includes two generally parallel wiper blades that are biased into sliding communication with the stencil. Longitudinal diffuser plates guide and equalize the flow of the viscous material into the volume between two generally parallel wiper blades.

Abstract: A novel arrangement for electrically heating the lower section of an automobile glazing unit is disclosed. An embodiment of the arrangement includes a heating grid pattern employing vertical shorting bars to prevent complete inoperability of individual heating conductors. An alternate embodiment of the arrangement includes heating conductors of varying electrical resistance to achieve greater heat generation at desired locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for substantially eliminating backlash in drivetrain gears of a vehicle propelled by an electric motor. The method includes detecting whether brakes of the vehicle are applied. The method further comprises only if the brakes are applied, applying a torque from the electric motor to move at least some teeth of the gears into contact with one another. The present invention further provides a system for substantially eliminating backlash in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of wheels and a drivetrain coupled to at least one of said wheels and comprising engaging gears. The embodiment also includes brakes proximate to at least one of the wheels and adapted to selectively apply braking torque to the at least one of the wheels to which the brakes are proximate.

Abstract: A transreflective instrument display has a generally planar reverse image light emitting display panel, a transflector surface positioned at a predetermined angle with respect to the display panel. The transflector has a P-plane reflectance and S-plane reflectance. A illuminated pointer is positioned behind the transflector. The display is formed of light transmitted from the pointer and reflecting light from said display panel simultaneously to form an image. The transflector is preferably coated with a coating that increases the reflectivity of the P-plane polarization of the transflector.

Abstract: A solder pump includes a pump body having a solder reservoir and pump chamber formed therein in fluid communication with each other. A nozzle portion is provided in communication with the pump chamber for dispensing solder. A thin movable diaphragm is positioned adjacent the pump chamber and movable into the pump chamber for selectively pressurizing solder in the pump chamber for dispensing solder through the nozzle portion. A diaphragm clamp is secured to the body for supporting the diaphragm. The clamp includes an internal channel extending therein and enclosed by the diaphragm. The channel is provided in communication with a source of pressurized air for selectively forcing the diaphragm into the pump chamber. An adjustable stop is positioned within the pump chamber adjacent the diaphragm for limiting movement of the diaphragm into the pump chamber.

Abstract: A lockup clutch for a torque converter (10) has a piston (63) with a tapered face (67) that engages a grooved friction material (61). The edge (71) of the piston face (67) extends outward away from the center portion (69) of the piston face (67) toward the friction material (61). The friction material (61) is arranged in a pattern of concentric lands (80, 82, 84) defining annular grooves (86) between adjacent lands with an innermost land (82) being free of radial grooves (92) and all other lands being connected by radial grooves (92) in communication with the interior of the torque converter housing (12, 14) through the torus circuit cavity. The innermost land (82) blocks fluid flow from the torus flow circuit cavity when the piston (63) engages the disk (61) in a hard lockup condition but permits fluid flow during a soft lockup condition.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a tubular coupling comprising a first tube, a cage disposed on an end portion of the first tube, a bead for retaining the cage on the end portion of the first tube and a second tube telescopically engageable with the first tube. The coupling further include a spring disposed around the cage for preventing telescopic disengagement of the second tube from the first tube as well as a plurality of o-rings disposed on the end of the first tube. One of the o-rings is disposed at the pivot point of the coupling, the pivot point being defined as the midpoint of the distance between a first contact point and a second contact point between the first tube and the second tube when the tubes are engaged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a sensor in a vehicle in a manner to properly orient the axis of sensitivity of the sensor includes a lead frame having a substantially planar base portion with a plurality of leads extending from opposing ends thereof. The lead frame comprises a support plate portion extending perpendicularly from the base portion. A sensor and optional integrated circuit chip are mounted on the support plate portion. The lead frame further includes at least one support leg extending angularly between the base portion and support plate portion for rigidly supporting the support plate portion with respect to the base portion. Accordingly, a sensor, such as an accelerometer, may be positioned in the vehicle in a position mounted perpendicularly with respect to the mounting surface of the assembly in the vehicle for properly orienting the axis of sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: A heated assembly is provided for vaporization of fuel in an internal combustion engine. The heated assembly includes a grid disposed in an inlet runner of the internal combustion engine. The assembly also includes structure for heating the grid during cold start of the internal combustion engine and vaporizing fuel in the inlet runner of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for a removable accessory has a transponder with a transponder security code located in the removable accessory. A remote sensing coil is operatively coupled to the transponder. A memory stores a security code corresponding to the transponder. A control module coupled to the remote sensing coil and the memory generates an interrogate signal and receives a response signal through the remote sensing coil. The transponder generating a response signal in the form of a transponder security code in response to the interrogate signal. The control module compares the transponder security code to the stored security code. If the transponder security code is not equal to the stored security code, a predetermined function is disabled. An output means is coupled to the control module for providing an indication to a vehicle operator of the disabled predetermined function.

Abstract: The connections of speakers in an automotive audio system are automatically checked during the assembly process to determine whether any speakers are shorted or have wires incorrectly connected to battery voltage or to ground. A signal diagnostic line can be used to indicate a plurality of different conditions. In addition, the actions of an audio limiting function can be monitored to detect shorts.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an automotive instrument panel that conceals an airbag. The steps of manufacturing the instrument panel include providing a molded substrate having first and second surfaces and an aperture therethough, and a metal door having a generally U-shaped slot secured to the second surface of the substrate with a plurality of attaching posts. The slot has first and second ends being spaced apart a distance greater than the length of the aperture. The slot defines a flap in the door. The flap has a width greater than the width of the aperture. The door and substrate assembly is placed within a mold tool and a pre-molded covering is juxtaposed the substrate. A quantity of foam is injected between the substrate and covering and secures the covering to the substrate.

Abstract: A vehicular radio reception antenna is concealed within a body trim piece such as a spoiler or a luggage rack. A supporting body panel is utilized as a ground plane and a conductive loop is concealed within the trim piece. A transmission line connects two opposite sides of the resulting slot. Capacitors are used to connect the conducting loop to the sheet metal ground plane in order to form a dual slot/monopole antenna for receiving both FM and AM signals. An integrated mounting structure provides both mechanical and electrical connection of the trim piece and antenna in a single integrated assembly part.

Abstract: The invention is nitrate-free method to manufacture a blue soda-lime-silica glass composition and improving the ultraviolet light absorption thereof while maintaining a high visible light transmission. The method comprises the steps of: adding colorants, during molten glass formation, consisting essentially of a manganese compound along with a cobalt compound, iron oxide and optionally titanium oxide to a soda-lime-silica base glass composition, and adding no sodium nitrate into the batch during molten glass formation, the materials are adding in quantities sufficient to form said blue glass composition having at a 4.0 mm. thickness: 477-494 dominant wavelength and 6-40% purity of excitation. The blue glass composition, by weight, comprises a base glass composition of: 68 to 75% SiO.sub.2, 10 to 18% Na.sub.2 O, 5 to 15% CaO, 0 to 10% MgO, 0 to 5% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and 0 to 5% K.sub.2 O, where CaO+MgO is 6 to 15% and Na.sub.2 O+K.sub.2 O is 10 to 20%; and colorants consisting essentially of: 0.4 to 2.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle includes a transfer case for controlling the delivery of power between the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. A clutch in the transfer case controls the amount of power delivered to the front and rear wheels in response to a clutch PulseWidth Modulated (PWM) signal which is generated by an electronic powertrain controller. The powertrain controller receives a first signal which is indicative of the rotational speed of a front driveshaft, which transfers motive power from the transfer case to a pair of front wheels, and a second signal which is indicative of the rotational speed of a rear driveshaft, which transfers motive power from the transfer case to a pair of rear wheels.

Abstract: A single chip sensor processor includes an integrated analog to digital converter (A/D) and digital filter. Analog acceleration signals from a sensor is converted and digitally filtered on-chip in parallel with other processor software executions to effectively increases the bandwidth of the system. The results of the sensor processor calculations may be communicated to a remote microcontroller for deploying a vehicle air bag.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery system for an automotive vehicle includes a fuel tank, a first vapor recovery canister, a second vapor recovery canister, and a bypass flow metering element. The first canister has an inlet communicating directly with the fuel tank and an outlet. The second canister has an inlet communicating directly with the outlet of the first canister. The bypass flow metering element is disposed between the inlet and outlet of the first canister and directs a predetermined portion of the vapor from the tank directly to the inlet of the second canister, thereby reducing the vapor flow restriction through the system.