Abstract: An armature lift assembly for a fuel injector is disclosed. The assembly includes a body having an upstream end, a downstream end, and a longitudinal body channel extending therethrough and an armature/needle assembly which is reciprocably disposed in the body along the longitudinal body channel. The assembly further includes a first tube having an upstream end, a downstream end fixedly connected to the upstream end of the body, and a first tube channel. The assembly also includes a second tube located within the first tube channel and fixedly connected to the first tube. The second tube has an upstream end and a downstream end. The downstream end of the second tube is spaced a distance from the upstream end of the armature/needle assembly approximately equal to a lift distance of the armature/needle assembly. A method of setting armature/needle lift in a fuel injector is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated fuel rail portion and mounting bracket assembly is provided. The assembly includes an elongated support portion and at least one mounting bracket integrally connected to the elongated support portion. A method of forming the assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An improved and low cost electrical connection for use in circuit boards for key fobs incorporates a plurality of generally cylindrical pin members which are symmetric about a central axis. The use of the symmetric pin allows automatic insertion of the pin in that the orientation of the pin relative to the board is unimportant. The pin has a generally tapered transition portion which provides a contact surface for the battery, and this transition portion is also symmetric such that the orientation of the pin relative to the board is unimportant. Further, a stop face on the pin provides a stop for insertion of the pin into the circuit board such that the pin is at the desired height relative to the battery and such that the transition portion will provide electrical contact to the battery.

Abstract: A system for preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle having a passive entry system uses a bi-directional radio frequency, or RF-RF, signal. When using a RF-RF signal system, the signal from vehicle to a driver's ID device is non-directional and not significantly distance limited. Consequently, a thief may be able to activate the entry system and gain access to the vehicle when the driver's ID device is simply within range. The inventive passive entry system interrogates the ID device periodically following parking and locking of the vehicle. The signal strength levels received by the vehicle from the ID device are stored and a signal strength threshold level is computed. Upon a request for entry to the vehicle, a current signal strength level is compared to the signal strength threshold level. Based on that comparison, it is determined whether the request is valid or unauthorized. If the request for entry is deemed unauthorized, then access to the vehicle is not granted.

Abstract: An improved immobilizer system for a vehicle utilizes the immobilizer key to provide a signal to the immobilizer control that is utilized to control a vehicle function in addition to the immobilizer. In one embodiment the additional function is the detection of a key in the ignition. Thus, should a vehicle door open, or some other change in status occur, the control determines whether the key is still in the ignition. If so, a warning signal is sent. Other uses of determining whether a key is still in the ignition will also come within the scope of this embodiment. In a second feature, the identification code on the key is utilized to provide an indication of a particular user such that a memory position can be recalled based upon the particular user.

Abstract: A remote signaling system includes a transmitter having an oscillator portion. In one example, the oscillator is a Colpitts oscillator having a transistor. An antenna of the transmitter is directly coupled to the emitter of the transistor. With this connection, transmitter efficiency and reliability is increased without introducing additional cost into the system. In one example, the remote signalling device is a transmitter for a remote keyless entry system. In another example, the signalling device is part of a sensor arrangement for monitoring a selected condition of at least one selected vehicle component.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the operating integrity of a dual sensor system takes in signals from each of the sensors in the dual sensor system. The signals are preferably generally on the same cycle, and the control evaluates whether a single sensor has sent two consecutive cycle signals to the control without a corresponding cycle from the other of the sensors. If so, an indication is made that the other of the sensors may be failing, or is intermittent. Preferably the sensors are associated with wheel speed indicators and the control is an ABS control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a valve position includes the step of providing a non-actuating alternating current signal (24) to a drive coil signal (22). As a valve plunger (14) moves within the coil, the non-actuating signal changes. By monitoring (26,29) the non-actuating signal a control can predict when the plunger reaches a particular position. This invention thus provides a simplified way of detecting an end of travel position (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A fuel injector comprises a tube assembly, a seat secured at an end of the tube assembly, a stem assembly movable with respect to the seat, a first set of piezoelectric elements connected to the stem assembly, and a second set of piezoelectric elements connected to the first set of piezoelectric elements. The tube assembly has a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and a second end and the seat defines an opening. The stem assembly moves along the axis between a first position wherein the stem assembly contiguously engages the seat such that fuel flow through the opening is prevented and a second position wherein the stem assembly is spaced from the seat such that fuel flow through the opening is permitted. The first set of piezoelectric elements electromechanically extend and contract along the axis in response to a first electric field, and the second set of piezoelectric elements electromechanically extend and contract along the axis in response to a second electric field.

Abstract: A fuel injector including a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and a second end, a seat secured at the second end of the tube assembly and defining an opening. An armature assembly is movable along the longitudinal axis between first and second positions with respect to the seat. The armature includes a first set of passages permitting fluid flow therethrough and a second set of passages permitting vapor flow therethrough. Additionally, a method of dissipating fuel vapors in a fuel injector includes providing the armature with a first set of passages permitting fluid flow therethrough and a second set of passages permitting vapor flow therethrough.

Abstract: A fuel rail for a fuel injection system is disclosed. The fuel rail includes a first portion including a generally elongated base, at least one mounting bracket and a plurality of fuel cup openings in the generally elongated base. The fuel rail also comprises a second, generally U-shaped, portion having a first and second opposing sides. Each of the first and second opposing sides are sealingly connected to the generally elongated base with a laser weld. The second portion also has a supply end having a fuel supply opening, and a closed end, distal from the supply end. The closed end and the supply end are sealingly connected to the generally elongated base with a laser weld. A method of manufacturing the fuel rail is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel injection system includes at least two fuel injectors; each fuel injector including at least one fuel inlet and at least one vapor outlet, the at least one vapor outlet being located vertically higher than the at least one fuel inlet; at least two pods, one fuel injector being inserted in each pod, respectively; each pod including a fuel inlet connection in fluid communication with the at least one fuel inlet of the injector and a fuel return connection in fluid communication with the at least one vapor outlet of the injector, the fuel return connection being located vertically higher than the fuel inlet connection; and a fuel supply line connected to the fuel inlet connection of each of the pods and a fuel return line connected to the fuel return connection of each of the pods such that the pods with the injectors inserted therein are connected in a parallel arrangement.

Abstract: A car locator system includes a hand held locator which receives information with regard to the location of a vehicle and then stores that information for display on the hand held locator. The hand held locator could be a key fob having buttons to command operation to the vehicle. When a command signal is transmitted to the vehicle, the vehicle then transmits its position location to the hand held location for storage. In this way, an operator will be able to have an indication of the location of the vehicle. The vehicle can communicate with GPS satellites to determine its location, or may communicate with ground based local transmitters. The ground based local transmitters can be programmed to provide an indication of the location of the vehicle within a parking lot.

Abstract: Sensors are mounted within a seat structure for measuring seat occupant weight. The sensors can be mounted in any one of various sensor configurations. So that common hardware can be used for each different sensor configuration, a virtual matrix is created and output from the sensors is mapped into the virtual matrix. The virtual matrix includes virtual cell locations that do not have a corresponding sensor output; i.e., there are fewer physical cells (sensors) than virtual cell locations in the virtual matrix. A weight output signal from each sensor is mapped into the corresponding position in the virtual matrix and the remaining virtual cell locations have values assigned to them based on data supplied by the surrounding physical cells. Seat occupant weight is determined based on output from the virtual matrix and the occupant is placed into one of the various occupant classifications. Deployment force of a restraint system is controlled based on the classification of the seat occupant.

Abstract: An antenna system includes a diplexer connected to at least two vehicle electronic components which communicate through signals in spaced apart frequency bands. The antenna is coupled to the diplexer at a common branch. The radio is connected to a first equipment branch of the diplexer by a first transmission line and the RKE system is connected to a second equipment branch of the diplexer unit by a second transmission line. In a preferred embodiment, the first transmission line is of a length equal to one forth the wavelength of the second signal, while the second transmission line is of a length equal to one forth the wavelength of the first signal. Accordingly, by relating the length of the first and second transmission lines, each operates as a short in relation to the signal carried by the other which substantially eliminates attenuation.

Abstract: An optical sensing system is used to measure engine torque. A pair of patterns are formed on a driveshaft between a transmission and axle differential. The patterns are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance and are formed about the circumference of the driveshaft. Lasers and photo receivers are used to scan the patterns as the driveshaft rotates. Data from the photo receives is used to determine the angle of twist on the driveshaft which is proportional to the engine torque. The torque for each cylinder can be measured by generating a torque profile for every two revolutions of the driveshaft. The torque profile is read in 120 degree increments for a six cylinder engine and in 90 degree increments for an eight cylinder engine, for example.

Abstract: An assembly having a support structure and a body attached to the support structure by a retention member. The support structure having a pocket proximate a surface. The pocket having a wall, which defines a chamber, with a first end connected to the surface and a second end projecting away from the surface. A lip disposed proximate the second end of the wall, and a port projects from the surface into the chamber. The body at least partially disposed within the chamber of the pocket, and a retention device attaching the body to the wall of the pocket by engaging both the body and the lip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel injector having a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet, and a fuel passageway extending from the fuel inlet to the fuel outlet along a longitudinal axis. The fuel injector includes an armature disposed within the body, a cylindrical needle operatively connected to the armature, the needle having a support portion and a flow control portion, and a seat disposed at the fuel outlet. The fuel injector also includes a ball operatively connected to the support portion of the needle such that the flow control portion protrudes from the ball toward the seat.

Abstract: A clip for mounting a fuel rail to an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The fuel rail has an outer surface and a projection on the outer surface. The engine has a retaining feature. The clip includes a body extending in a plane and first, second, and third pairs of rail legs extending from the body generally perpendicular to the plane. The second pair of rail legs is generally aligned with and disposed from a respective one of the first pair of rail legs by a predetermined distance. The third pair of rail legs is located distal from the first and second pairs of rail legs. Each of the third pair of rail legs is generally aligned with a respective one of the first pair of rail legs. A free end of each of the pairs of rail legs includes a generally concave surface juxtaposed from and biased toward the other leg of each of the first, second, and third pairs of rail legs. The clip further includes a pair of mounting legs extending from the body generally perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: A flow-through pressure regulator includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet offset along a longitudinal axis. The housing is separated by a divider into a first chamber and a second chamber. The divider has a passage that communicates the first chamber with the second chamber. The passage includes a first section extending along the longitudinal axis and a second section extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A closure member permits or inhibits flow through the passage.