Abstract: A system 10 for synchronizing the phase angle of an alternating current power source (“APS”) 12 with the phase angle of a power grid 14. The system 10 provides for reliable synchronization between the phase angle of the APS 12 and the phase angle of the power grid 14 during both normal and abnormal operating conditions.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle 10 including a power take off assembly 20 which is selectively operated by a source of energy which may comprise the cooperative combination of a battery 22 and a motor 16 while the internal combustion engine 12 is deactivated, thereby allowing for a quiet and efficient operation.

Abstract: A vehicle image acquisition and display assembly 10 which is deployed within conventional vehicle rear-view mirror housing or shroud members 20, 22 and which selectively provides images of areas/regions and/or objects residing within the front and/or along the side of a vehicle 12

Abstract: A nozzle 10 which receives first and second materials 24, 30 and which has an outlet aperture 18. The first material 24 is received within the outlet aperture 18 and is atomized by the second material 30 within the outlet aperture 18 before it is emitted from the nozzle 10 and applied to a targeted location and/or object 26.

Abstract: A servo assembly 22 for selectively engaging a brake band 14 in an automotive vehicle is disclosed. Servo assembly 22 includes a piston 26 at least partially encased in a housing 24 and a first and second supply 111, 132 of hydraulic fluid which selectively actuate the piston to engage the brake band.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly 10 including a first inlet aperture 12 which receives material 14 which is to be selectively emitted from assembly 10. Assembly 10 includes an outlet aperture 16 having several apertures 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26 which are respectively separated by substantially identical elements 28, 30, 32, and 34. Elements 28-34 cooperatively form a plurality of passages or channels 40-50 through assembly 10. A centrally disposed channel 44 is relatively narrower than the other channels 40, 42, 46, and 50, and channels 42, 46 are relatively narrower than outermost channels 46, 50, thereby causing material 14 to be emitted at a substantially similar and/or uniform velocity at each point or location within outlet aperture 16.

Abstract: A method 30 for making a relatively low profile catalytic converter assembly 10 which is selectively deployed upon a vehicle 14. The catalytic converter assembly 10 is formed from a generally hollow tube or member 34 which is selectively expanded within a die 31. The expanded member 34 receives a pair of catalytic substrate members 54, 56, thereby forming a low profile catalytic converter assembly 10.

Abstract: A headrest storage structure 10 for securely and efficiently storing a headrest 16 of a vehicle seat 14 when the seat 14 is not in use. The structure includes a socket assembly 60 which is operatively disposed within a trim panel 18 of a vehicle 12 and which includes a pair of apertures 30, 32 which selectively receive headrest attachment members 34, 36, thereby securing the headrest to the vehicle trim 18.

Abstract: A method for making a relatively low profile catalytic converter canister 72, 80, 153 which is selectively and operatively deployed upon a vehicle 14 and which may be selectively used to form a catalytic converter assembly.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly 12 having shroud members 26, 28 which selectively emit a material 21 along at least one edge of emitted material 25. The selectively emitted material 21 substantially prevents and/or eliminates the turbulent shear layer which is formed within the emitted material 25.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal system 10 for an automotive vehicle. The system 10 substantially ensures that adjustable pedals 20 are not adjusted when any one or more of the pedals 20 are depressed and/or when the vehicle is being driven.

Abstract: A nozzle 10 having an outlet aperture 26, the outlet aperture 26 having at least one injector 40,42 which is disposed within the aperture 26 and which injects a material 17 within the aperture 26, effective to allow the material to be atomized and to be emitted from the aperture 26 at a substantially identical velocity at each point within the aperture 26.

Abstract: An cylinder air charge estimation assembly 12 for use with an internal combustion engine 10 having at least one cylinder 14. Assembly 12 dynamically estimates the amount of air contained within the at least cylinder 14 of the engine 10 by the dynamic use of one of two unique air charge estimation techniques.

Abstract: A valve timing system and method 10 is provided which automatically compensates for variations in the compression ratios of cylinders 12 of an internal combustion engine 30. Valve timing system 10 includes a controller 24 and actuators 26, 28 which selectively actuate valves 14, 16 in response to signals received from controller 24. In one embodiment, controller 24 is effective to cause each of the cylinders 12 to have a substantially uniform susceptibility to knock.

Abstract: An mounting bracket 50 which attaches an alternator 18 to a vehicle engine 14 and which substantially reduces the amount of noise which is produced by the alternator 18 as the engine is idling.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for compressing viscous material through openings in a stencil is disclosed. The novel apparatus has a compression head cap which provides a contained environment to direct and to aid the flow of pressurized viscous material through the openings in the stencil. The apparatus further includes a selectively expandable diaphragm which selectively and expandably allows the viscous material to be dispensed into the compression head cap.

Abstract: A water jacket 10 which includes an outer core 12 and a plurality of pre-formed bridge cores 14. The water jacket 10 allows for the selective creation of cylinder bores 16 which have a substantially uniform and circular cross sectional area.

Abstract: A shaft assembly and method of manufacture are provided. A molded member is attached to the shaft. An axially extending groove is provided in the shaft, the groove having a bottom and a pair of radially projecting sides. A member is molded onto the shaft. A portion of the member flows into the groove and engages the groove sides, thereby fixing the member to the shaft.

Abstract: A parking pawl assembly 10 is provided for use in combination with a vehicle of the type including a transmission assembly 12 having an output shaft 14, a park gear 16, and a shifter or shifting assembly 18, which is operatively and selectively used to actuate a conventional park rod 20 in a known and conventional manner. The parking pawl assembly 10 includes a selectively and pivotally movable pawl member 22, a generally cylindrical hub member 24, which is fixedly coupled to park gear 16, a cam assembly 26, which is fixedly coupled to pawl member 22 and which abuttingly engages hub member 24, and a return spring 28 which is operatively coupled to cam assembly 26. Cam assembly 26 ensures that pawl member 22 consistently engages park gear 16 at a relatively constant speed, and further ensures that a spring 42 within park rod 20 is compressed each time the transmission 12 is shifted into “park”.

Abstract: A system 10 is provided for ventilating hydrogen gas from a vehicle 12 which includes one or more fuel cells 14. System 10 includes a control module or controller 16, vehicle sensors 20, several fans 22, and several hydrogen gas sensors 18 which are operatively and communicatively coupled to a hydrogen gas detection module 26. Hydrogen gas detection module 26, sensors 20 and fans 22 are each communicatively connected to controller 16. Controller 16 is effective to selectively and periodically activate fans 22 in response to signals received from module 26 (e.g., sensors 18) and sensors 20, thereby substantially preventing hydrogen gas from pocketing or collecting in areas of vehicle 12.