Abstract: A valve control and diagnostic system uses physical stops to determine whether a connection between the valve motor and the valves has become degraded. The method can detect degradation in both the opening and closing direction, as well as in multi-valve systems, such as used on internal combustion engines.

Abstract: An automotive body includes a floor pan and a door for accessing a passenger compartment, a cross member attached to the floor pan and extending laterally under the floor pan, and a longitudinally extending frame rail underlying the floor and cross member. A flexible tensile member fastened between the frame rail and the cross member arrests lateral displacement of the door relative to the frame rail resulting from side impact upon the door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a speed limiter in a vehicle. The speed limiting value which is to be complied with is set by activating a key (7) on an input device (8) one or more times. That speed limiting value of the predefined speed limiting values which is the next highest in relation to the current speed of the vehicle is selected. If the current speed of the vehicle is higher than the highest predefined speed limiting value, the speed of the vehicle plus a speed difference is accepted as the speed limiting value. In exceptional situations, the speed limiter can be temporarily suspended, it being possible for an exceptional situation to be, in particular, the upward transgression of the predefined speed limiting value or a (rapid) depression of the gas pedal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating industrial wastewaters, preferably wastewaters from the metal-processing industry, preferably suitable for treating the wastewater in such a manner that it can be recycled back to the production. In the process the wastewater passes through a sequence of treatment steps consisting of a chemical/physical flocculation/precipitation, a filter system, a biological wastewater purification stage and also a nanofiltration unit.

Abstract: A collision warning and countermeasure system (10) for an automotive vehicle (12) is provided. The system (10) includes a velocity sensor (18) that generates a vehicle velocity signal. A multi-mode object detection sensor (28) generates an object detection signal. The multi-mode object detection sensor (28) operates in a detection mode in response to the vehicle velocity signal. A controller (26) is electrically coupled to the velocity sensor (18) and the multi-mode object detection sensor (28) and generates a countermeasure signal in response to the object detection signal. A method of performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying a rear cargo compartment of an automotive vehicle includes a decklid capable of enclosing for storage the vehicle's backlite. With or without to backlite enclosed within the decklid, the decklid may remain attached to the vehicle in its conventional position, may be moved to a stowage location within the vehicle, or may be detached from the automotive vehicle entirely and stowed in an external location.

Abstract: A washer system which includes a first reservoir containing a freezable washer liquid and having a drain port therein. The drain port is in fluid communication with the freezable washer liquid when the first reservoir is in at least a full state. The washer system also includes a temperature sensor for measuring a critical temperature corresponding to approximately a freezing temperature of the freezable washer liquid, a drain plug sealingly communicating with the drain port, and an electrical control unit in operative communication with the temperature sensor and the drain plug. The electrical control unit controls the drain plug to drain the liquid from the first reservoir in response to the critical temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist an operator in loading a bicycle onto a substantially vertical bicycle rack attached to an automotive vehicle, includes a base that attaches to the upper portion of the bicycle rack, and a substantially U-shaped hook, having one end that pivots at its base end and having another end that engages the inner rim portion of bicycle wheel when the bicycle is lifted into the proximity of the upper portion of the bicycle rack. The present apparatus and method of loading of a bicycle assists an operator in loading a bicycle by fully supporting the weight of the bicycle while the operator positions and secures the bicycle to the bicycle rack for transport.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an internal combustion engine, such engine being coupled to a transmission. The engine is controlled in response to a torque command fed to a controller for controlling such engine. The method includes calculating a torque, tq_tx on the engine from the transmission, and initializing and/or limiting a torque command to such controller as a function of the calculated torque, tq_tx.

Abstract: An arrangement of a flex circuit relay 7 is provided. The flex circuit relay 7 has a first substrate 10. A first connective member 24 is connected on the first substrate 10. A second flexible substrate 20 is provided having a contact portion 30 spaced away from the first substrate 10 in a first position and being spaced adjacent to the first substrate 10 in a second position. A second conductive member 26 is provided on the second substrate 20 for making contact with the first conductive member 24. A piezoelectric actuator 28 is connected with the second substrate 20 to cause the second substrate contact portion 30 to move between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (12) for a spare tire of a vehicle (10) includes an indicator (52) and a timer (44) that generates a first time signal corresponding to the time the spare tire is used as a rolling tire and a second time signal corresponding to a time the spare tire is stowed. The temperature sensor (34) generates a temperature profile and a controller (22) that is coupled to the indicator, the timer, and the temperature sensor generates a spare tire warning signal in response to the temperature profile, the first time signal, and the second time signal.

Abstract: An accumulator 114 is provided in an engine 7 camshaft 73 having at least one lobe and an internal cavity 170. A compliance member 174 is provided for pressurizing the fluid within the internal cavity 170.

Abstract: In a fire simulation system, a fire in a clean room is simulated. A material of the type that would burn in the clean room fire is burned in a burn cell and air and combustion products are circulated through the burn cell and a secondary exposure cell in parallel. Clean room filters are provided at the top of the burn cell and the secondary exposure cell and both cells have perforated floors. A primary exposure loop may also be connected in the circulation system to receive unfiltered air and combustion products from the bum cell. The material and/or equipment to be tested for fire damage is placed in the secondary exposure cell and/or the primary exposure loop for a predetermined time and then is removed from the cell and exposed to a controlled humidity. Following the controlled humidity exposure, the material and/or equipment is evaluated for damage.

Abstract: A conductivity sensor (16) and control circuit (18) for determining the conductivity of a fluid is provided. Conductivity sensor (16) is formed of a first annular electrode (24) spaced apart from a second annular electrode (26) having a tubular portion (28) therebetween. The first annular electrode (24) and the second annular electrode (26) are coupled to a control circuit (18). The control circuit (18) preferably includes a square wave generating circuit (40), a current-to-voltage converter circuit (42) coupled to one of the electrodes, a buffer circuit (44) coupled to the other one of the electrodes, a synchronous detector circuit (46). The synchronous detector circuit (46) is operated using the square wave from square wave generator circuit (40). By oscillating between a negative and positive gain, a constant direct current output corresponding to the conductivity of the fluid between the first annular electrode and second annular electrode is provided.

Abstract: A system (40) for starting an internal combustion engine (12) of an automotive vehicle (10) has a controller (54) coupled to a starter/generator (42). The engine (12) has a crankshaft (50) and an engine accessory assembly that includes an electric motor (76) and a clutch (74). The controller (54) initiates the rotation of the crankshaft (50) with the starter/generator (42) and the electric motor (76) engaged to the crankshaft through the clutch (74), simultaneously. The controller (54) starts the engine (12) when the crankshaft (50) reaches a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) having a vehicle body includes a sensor system (16) having housing (52) oriented within the vehicle body. Positioned within the housing (52) are a roll angular rate sensor (31), a yaw angular rate sensor (30), a pitch angular rate sensor (32), a lateral acceleration sensor (27), a longitudinal acceleration sensor (28), and a vertical acceleration sensor (29). The vehicle (10) also has a safety system (38). The controller (26) determines a roll misalignment angle, a pitch misalignment angle and a yaw misalignment angle as a function of the sensor outputs of the roll rate, the pitch rate, the yaw rate, the lateral acceleration, the longitudinal acceleration and the vertical acceleration.