Abstract: Power converters such as power modules configured as inverters employ modularized approaches. In some aspects, semiconductor devices are thermally coupled directly to thermally conductive substrates without intervening dielectric or insulative structures. Additionally, or alternatively, semiconductor devices are thermally coupled to thermally conductive substrates with relatively large surface areas before heat transferred from the semiconductor devices encounters a dielectric or electrically insulating structure with correspondingly high thermal impedance.

Abstract: A pump unit 12 includes a pump housing 14, a pump cover 16, and an impeller 18 between the pump housing and pump cover. The pump housing and pump cover define a first channel 32 and a second channel 34 each having an inlet and an outlet. The impeller has first vanes 36 cooperating with the first channel and second vanes 38 cooperating with the second channel. The outlet of the second channel is constructed and arranged to provide fuel to an engine upon rotation of the impeller. A jet pump 38 is fluidly connected with the outlet of the first channel such that as the impeller rotates, the jet pump causes fuel to be drawn into the reservoir 37. Connecting structure 44 fluidly connects the first and second channels such that upon rotation of the impeller, fuel in the second channel flows into the first channel to prime the first channel.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly includes a mother board and a daughter board. The daughter board is defined by a plurality of frangible connections to the mother board and is disposed on a common plane with the mother board. After all the electronic devices are installed to the mother board and the daughter board on a common plane the frangible connections are broken to allow the daughter board to be moved to a desired position relative to the mother board. The electrical conductors that connect the daughter board to the mother board are semi-rigid to provide movement while maintaining a desired position of the daughter board relative to the mother board.

Abstract: A keyless ignition system for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that communicates through a wireless link with a start/stop button. The start/stop button includes a plurality of lighting sources to selectively illuminate the start/stop button for communicating current state of a vehicle operating parameter. The lighting sources are powered by a wireless power generating device within the start/stop button.

Abstract: Unlike known wheel-speed sensors, the wheel-speed sensor in accordance with the present invention is readily serviceable without disassembly of major components of the wheel assemblies and is relatively simple, and thus less expensive to manufacture, than known wheel-speed sensors. Two embodiments of the wheel-speed sensor in accordance with the present invention are disclosed. One embodiment relates to a “between-the-rows” wheel-speed sensor which includes a magnetic exciter ring that is adapted to be affixed to a rotating axle between rolling element rows of a wheel bearing. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the wheel-speed sensor is configured to form a grease seal which typically inserts into the end of an axle tube. A wheel-speed sensor utilizes a multiple pole magnetic exciter ring that is adapted to be attached to a rotating axle shaft. The wheel-speed sensor includes a two-piece stator which also functions as a grease seal which concentrates flux from a rotating multiple pole exciter ring.

Abstract: A power converter integrates at least one planar transformer comprising a multi-layer transformer substrate and/or at least one planar inductor comprising a multi-layer inductor substrate with a number of power semiconductor switches physically and thermally coupled to a heat sink via one or more multi-layer switch substrates.

Abstract: Power converters such as power modules configured as inverters employ modularized approaches. In some aspects, semiconductor devices are thermally coupled directly to thermally conductive substrates without intervening dielectric or insulative structures. Additionally, or alternatively, semiconductor devices are thermally coupled to thermally conductive substrates with relatively large surface areas before heat transferred from the semiconductor devices encounters a dielectric or electrically insulating structure with correspondingly high thermal impedance.

Abstract: A flange assembly 23 of a fuel supply unit includes a flange 22 constructed and arranged to be mounted to a fuel tank and a strut support structure 18 separate from the flange. The support structure includes a body 20 and at least a pair of strut supports 30 integral with the body and disposed in spaced relation. Each strut support is constructed and arranged to engage and support a strut. The body 20 is coupled to the flange 22 at one of a plurality of possible orientations such that the strut supports 30 are located at one of a plurality of selectable positions with respect to the flange 22.

Abstract: A method provides wiring associated with a flange of a fuel delivery module for use in a fuel tank of a vehicle. The method includes molding a plastic flange 12 of a fuel delivery module, with the flange defining an inside region 11 and an outside region 7. At least one terminal 20? is provided that is accessible from the outside region of the flange. An electrical connection 28 is established between the at least one terminal and a wire 16?. In one embodiment, plastic material 25 is molded directly over a) the connection 28, b) at least a portion 32 of the wire 16? and c) at least a portion 34 of the terminal 20? to seal the connection, the portion of the wire, and the portion of the terminal between the inside region and outside region of the flange. In another embodiment a pre-formed plastic body encapsulates the connection 28 and the body is placed in a flange mold and plastic material is over molded to encapsulate the portion of the terminal while molding the flange.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes an inductive heater that generates heat inductively in a structure to rapidly heat fuel within the fuel injector. Wires are connected to the inductive heater and are arranged outside of a fuel flow path.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a common coil that both actuates a pole-piece and provides inductive heating to a fuel flow path. In one example, a first magnetic field is generated to move the pole-piece in response to a DC signal. A structure within the fuel injector near the fuel flow path is excited and heated in response to a AC signal to the coil that generates a second magnetic field.

Abstract: A low-frequency PWM-modulated signal and a high-frequency, unmodulated signal for generating a high-frequency PWM-modulated signal is employed directly for driving an output stage of a device for noise suppression. The low-frequency signal and the high-frequency signal is advantageously provided by a microcontroller which already has an AD converter on the input side. The microcontroller furthermore already makes a PWM output signal with a high bit width available which has the high resolution necessary for driving the loudspeaker.

Abstract: A vehicle passive start and entry system includes a controller that sends signals through a low frequency antenna to an identification device. The low frequency antenna is disposed within the vehicle cabin and proximate a source that generates extraneous electronic noise that may interfere with the transmission between the passive start and entry system and the identification device. Placing the low frequency transmitting antenna proximate these noise generating devices and locations prevents and provides for a uniform consistent and uninterrupted signal between the passive start and entry system and the identification device.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil that induces a time varying magnetic field into a second coil that is utilized to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector. The second coil generates a second magnetic field generated by a current induced by the first coil into the second coil. The induced current is generated by an alternating current signal that is interposed onto a direct current signal sent to the first coil. The second coil also is electrically connected to pass current induced from the first coil into a component in thermal contact with the flowing fuel. The current from the secondary coil resistibly heats the component to provide an alternate mode of heating fuel flow.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil driven by a direct current driver and a second coil driven by an alternating current driver where both the first coil and the second coil share a common connection to reduce the number of external terminal connections. The second coil generates a second magnetic field that is utilized to heat a component in thermal contact with the fuel flow that in turn heats fuel before exiting the fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil that induces a time varying magnetic field into a second coil that is utilized to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector. A first coil receives a first signal from a driver to generate a first magnetic field that moves an armature between an open and closed position. The second coil generates a second magnetic field generated by a current induced by the first coil into the second coil. The induced current is generated by an alternating current signal that is interposed onto a direct current signal sent to the first coil. The alternating current signal produces a time varying second magnetic field that induces heating of a magnetically active component with the fuel flow that in turn heats the fuel.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes an actuator and a heater. A common driver provides a first signal superimposed, for example, over a second signal to power both the actuator and the heater.

Abstract: A controller with configurable connections between data processing components that is optimized to provide a particular function such as temperature control is provided. In one embodiment, the controller includes a number of configurable inputs and outputs that may be used with digital and/or analog signals. The controller includes a data processor with a plurality of data processing components including a first and a second loop control function. The inputs and outputs which are configurable to the loop control functions are defined as a set of allowed inputs and outputs for each of the loop control functions. The set of allowed inputs and outputs for the first loop control function is a subset of the set of allowed inputs and outputs for the second loop control function.

Abstract: A method of using a tool for punching orifice that has wall surfaces extending at an angle relative to a generally planar surface of a workpiece. The method includes sequentially forming two spaced apart impressions formed in the workpiece between first and second generally planar surfaces spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the workpiece. The two spaced apart impressions form a first orifice wall surface disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the generally planar surface facing the tool and a second orifice wall surface disposed at an acute angle with respect to the generally planar surface, and coincidental with the punching process, a retention arrangement that secures the workpiece during the forming of the orifice.

Abstract: An electrical power converter system adjusts a wakeup voltage periodically, to permit earlier connection and/or operation, to increase performance. The electrical power converter system selects between a mathematically adjusted wakeup voltage based on at least one previous period, and a table derived wakeup voltage that takes into account historical information. The electrical power converter system is particularly suited to applications with periodicity such as solar based photovoltaic power generation.