Abstract: A fuel pump (10) has a housing (12) which houses a motor (14) with a shaft (16) extending therefrom and an impeller (18) fitted thereupon for pumping fuel from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine. The impeller (18) has a plurality of radially extending curved vanes (30) on an outer circumference (34) separated by a plurality of partitions (32) interposed between the vanes (30), the vanes (30) and partitions (32) defining a plurality of partly elliptical vane grooves (50). The vanes (30) are convexly curved in the direction of rotation (40) and have an obtuse inlet angle (.theta..sub.1) and an acute outlet angle (.theta..sub.2).

Abstract: A control for electrically heated catalysts in a motor vehicle catalytic converter governs a switch for alternatively coupling an alternator output to the motor vehicle battery and a heating element of the catalytic converter. The control monitors electrical power delivered to the catalytic converter, preferably as a function of engine speed, field current and alternator output voltage, to infer actual temperature and compare it with the desired temperature at which the electrically heated catalyst is intended to operate. The control also preferably includes a field current adjuster to improve the power output to the catalytic converter when the switch couples the alternator output to the electrically heated catalyst. A switch actuator responsive to detection of the power delivered to the catalytic converter at a predetermined threshold actuates a switch to return the alternator to a charging connection with the vehicle battery.

Abstract: The amplitude of peak to peak air to fuel ratio variation of an internal combustion engine is modulated as a function of catalyst temperature.

Abstract: An air/fuel control system (8) and method for an engine (28) having two engine banks coupled to a single catalytic converter (50). First and second exhaust gas oxygen sensors (44, 55) are coupled to respective first and second exhaust manifolds (56, 57). A feedback signal is generated by a PI controller responsive to an average (104-120) of the first and second sensor outputs (44, 45). An adjustment signal is generated (440-448) by another PI controller responsive to a difference between the first and second sensor outputs (44, 45). Fuel delivered to the first engine bank (300a-306a) is adjusted by a first modified feedback signal generated by adding the adjustment term to the feedback signal (450-454). And, fuel delivered to the second engine bank (300b-306b) is adjusted by a second modified feedback signal generated by adding the adjustment term to the feedback signal (460-462).

Abstract: Parameters for operation of a number of vehicle operating subsystems are stored in a vehicle controller and selected to control and configure the operating subsystems. Control and configuration can be based on individual recognized operators of the vehicle or an operating mode can be selected for the vehicle. For example, sport, cruise, luxury, off-road or other performance modes can be set up and selected. If a vehicle is to be operated by an authorized person who is not a recognized operator or is not authorized to select a mode of operation, default operating characteristic parameters are stored and selected. If the authorized person is to be restricted in the possible operation of the vehicle, a further set of limited operating characteristic parameters are stored and selected, preferably by entry of control signals corresponding to a security code. For example, if a valet is parking the vehicle, the limited operating parameters are selected.

Abstract: An air/fuel control system for an engine (28) provides an air/fuel indicating signal linearly related to average engine air/fuel operation from a two-state exhaust gas oxygen sensor (44). Fuel delivered to the engine is modulated with a periodic signal (144). Adaptive feedback control (steps 200-280) adaptively learns a desired amplitude for the periodic signal to generate the air/fuel indicating signal with desired sensitivity and operating range.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing a know-good die integrated circuit is disclosed. The test apparatus uses conductive straps extending across trenches. The straps align with bond pads on the integrated circuit. When the bond pads are brought into contact with the straps, the straps exert a counterforce in the opposite direction to ensure a good electrical contact while testing the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A dipole antenna for use in motor vehicles is provided. The antenna comprises a primary linear element, a secondary element extending from the distal end of the primary element in a generally perpendicular manner and a tertiary element extending from the primary element intermediate to the distal end and a breakpoint in the primary element. The antenna generally represents an "F" shape and is electrically insulated from ground. Further, the antenna may be closely spaced to a ground plane portion of the vehicle to which the receiving device is grounded, thereby providing a directional antenna useful in a passive entry system.

Abstract: Sound, vibration and motion are sensed within a motor vehicle to detect glass breakage and unauthorized intrusion into the interior or passenger compartment of the vehicle. Sound and vibration sensing are used to detect glass breakage with motion detection by means of radar or microwaves being utilized for intrusion detection to provide reliable recurring entry detection. The system may be operated to activate the motion sensing only after glass breakage is detected to permit persons and pets to occupy a motor vehicle having a security sensor system which is fully armed. Numerical values are assigned to specific physical sounds and vibrations with the resulting totals being compared to a threshold to determine whether glass breakage has occurred.

Abstract: A retaining assembly is provided for an amplifier or other component to be inserted in a compartment formed in the instrument panel of an automotive vehicle. The assembly includes at least one clip having a pair of vertically spaced latching tongues carried on resilient arms to permit snap fit engagement of the component in the compartment without substantial modification to the instrument panel. A locating pin aids in support of the component, and the assembly provides the sole vertical support.

Abstract: A method and circuit is provided which controls and monitors a load through a single I/O pin of a microprocessor. A predriver circuit including a level shifter responds to a driver control signal from the microprocessor to control energization of a power driver connected in a load circuit. The predriver circuit also includes a monitor stage for detecting fault conditions of the load circuit. The output of the monitor stage is connected with the I/O pin which is configured as either an input or an output pin under microprocessor program control.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a coating to glass including a support surface for supporting a glass pane, a print screen having a screen support frame defining a perimeter of the print screen disposed above the support surface to apply a coating over the print screen. The print screen is deflected into contact with the glass pane at predetermined points thereon and the coating is moved over the print screen to deposit the coating on the predetermined points on the glass pane when the print screen is so deflected. The apparatus also includes a vapor manifold having a predetermined width disposed within the perimeter defined by the screen support frame and coupled to a source of vapor. The vapor manifold distributes a vapor blanket over the print screen and the glass pane, thereby reducing the rate at which the coating on the glass pane dries and impede evaporation of the coating from the print screen.

Abstract: A turbine wheel of a torque converter for an automatic transmission is formed of fiber-reinforced plastic resin molded about a powder metal hub having a disc formed with tabs extending radially from a central flange, and openings extending through the thickness of the disc at angularly spaced intervals. The plastic resin of the turbine wheel fills the spaces between the tabs, extends through the holes formed through the disc, and forms a bond to the surface of the disc on which it is molded.

Abstract: An air intake manifold assembly (20) includes an intake manifold housing (22), made of a light weight material, and a pressure relief disk (38). The pressure relief disk (38) is mounted over a relief disk hole (26) in the housing (22). The pressure relief disk (38) engages the housing (22) to form a seal during normal engine operation. Should the manifold assembly (20) experience an induction backfire, pressure relief disk (38) includes a feature (52) that will rupture at a predetermined positive pressure, thus allowing for escape of the air while minimizing the potential for damage to the housing (22) and other components on the engine that are near to the intake manifold assembly (20).

Abstract: A method for programming a lock to accept a key. The device will erase all the codes currently stored in the memory and program a new key value. The process requires several steps of turning the key to one of two positions when an LED is illuminated to indicate that the key must be rotated. After successful responses, all the codes currently stored are cleared and the security code of the new key is stored.

Abstract: An adjustable rotary action switch assembly for a vehicle seat includes a base member operatively connected to a seat portion of a vehicle seat, a first actuator member operatively connected to a back portion of the vehicle seat, a second actuator member operatively connected to a recliner mechanism interconnecting the seat portion and back portion, contacts disposed between the base member and the first actuator member for opening and closing circuits indicative of inclination of the back portion relative to the seat portion, and adjuster structure cooperating with the second actuator member and the contacts for adjusting contact between the contacts and one of the circuits upon movement of the recliner mechanism.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing the loss of a signal ground in an automotive electronic system having a source of electrical power and both a signal ground and a power ground, includes a first sensor coupled to the power ground and between the signal ground and the source of electrical power for generating a first signal responsive to the voltage on the signal ground differing from the voltage on the power ground by more than a first predetermined limit. A latching semiconductor switch is coupled to the first sensor and between the signal ground and the power ground for latching the electrical coupling of the signal ground to the power ground responsive to receiving the first signal.

Abstract: A tool for removing a retaining cap from a hose clamp has a handle to which is attached a retaining cap nest having a cap receiving portion for receiving the capped ears of the hose clamp, an opening in an end of the receiving portion for accepting an uncapped portion of the capped ears, and a pair of lands, one on either side of the opening, for pushing against the legs of the cap during removal from the ears. In one embodiment, the nest has a pair of symmetrically shaped half-sections attached to the jaws of a locking pliers type tool which are placed around the capped ears. When the handles of the tool are squeezed together, a nest is formed capable of retaining the cap after removal from the ears. A preferred embodiment has a handle with a hollow cylindrical jacket attached thereto surrounding a pneumatically operated rod to which is affixed a unitary nest. When in an extended position, the nest can be positioned to grasp the hose clamp retaining cap in the receiving portion.

Abstract: A control system and method for motor vehicles uses generic control modules which communicate over a vehicle trunkline to accommodate applications of varying functional content and complexity. The vehicle trunkline provides power distribution and a number of communication channels for the various generic control modules which include controller modules, interface modules, and combination controller/interface modules. Each generic control module is connected to the vehicle trunkline via a standardized connector. The combination modules and interface modules are connected to system actuators and sensors with relatively short, simple overlay wiring. The system allows distributed computation for the control of functions and utilizes communication networks to reduce the number of conductors required while increasing the utilization of processing capabilities.

Abstract: An improved electronic mass airflow sensor circuit and method for manufacturing that circuit are disclosed. The circuit includes primary and secondary sensor elements having non-zero temperature coefficients of resistance. The circuit further includes a thick film resistor electrically connected to the secondary sensor element to form a combination element such that resistance ratio of the primary sensor element to the combination element remains constant over varying temperatures. The method includes the steps of detecting the resistance of the primary and secondary sensor elements, generating primary and secondary electrical signals corresponding thereto, and placing the thick film resistor in electrical contact with the secondary sensor element to form the combination element.