Abstract: A method of detecting a rotor condition of a dc motor is provided. The motor 14 is part of a motor control circuit 10 having a free-wheeling diode 20 in parallel with the motor 14. The method establishes a threshold voltage for back emf voltage evaluation. The motor is energized to operate at a certain speed. Current is cut-off to the motor via a switch 16 for a time sufficient for current through the free-wheeling diode to decay to zero. The back emf voltage detected at leads of the motor is then compared via a comparator 21 to the threshold voltage.

Abstract: An intake manifold includes a plenum volume 14 mounted for movement within a housing 20 in response to a drive system 22 to define an effective runner length. A multiple of deformable runner passages 18 include a flexible section 26 such that as the plenum 14 extends and retracts within the housing 20, the flexible section 26 accommodates the difference in length while the housing 20 provides structural support therefor. An intake conduit 12 likewise includes a flexible section 26 to accommodate movement of the plenum 14. In operation at low engine speeds, the plenum 14 is driven to extend the deformable runner passages 18 to increase the length between the plenum 14 and the engine cylinders 16. As the engine speed increases, the plenum 14 is driven to shorten the deformable runner 18 for maximum speed operation.

Abstract: An air induction system for an internal combustion engine utilizes localized heat generation to produce a desired acoustic profile that attenuates noise propagated through the air induction system. The noise propagated through the air induction system varies over time to form a variable noise profile. A heat generating mechanism, such as a laser array or electric spark generator, produces a predetermined amount of heat within a localized area adjacent to an inlet to the air duct housing. The predetermined amount of heat is an amount of heat sufficient to produce a desired acoustic energy as a result of rapid air expansion at the localized area. A controller varies the predetermined amount of heat over time to produce a desired acoustic profile that cancels the variable noise profile.

Abstract: An improved hearing prosthetic implant and method of stimulating are disclosed. The method comprises stimulating an electrode array using a set of current stimuli having different geometries, so as to provide a more regular and monotonic set of pitch percepts for a user. In one embodiment, this may be achieved by combining different modes of stimulation for a patient, so that some channels utilise one mode and other channels utilise one or more different modes.

Abstract: A fuel vapor purge system includes a fuel tank, an intake passage, a fuel vapor storage canister in fluid communication with the fuel tank, a vapor purge passage in fluid communication with the intake passage and the fuel vapor storage canister, and a closing member movably mounted in the intake passage. The closing member has a first position where the closing member blocks fluid communication between the intake passage and the vapor purge passage and is outside of a fluid stream of the intake passage when fluid is flowing through the intake passage and a second position where the closing member opens fluid communication between the intake passage and the vapor purge passage and extends into the fluid stream of the intake passage when fluid is flowing through the intake passage.

Abstract: An intake manifold assembly (10) includes a plenum volume (14) and a variable volume assembly (20). The variable volume assembly (20) includes a deformable member (22) and a resilient member (24). The resilient member (24) positions the deformable member (22) at a predetermined position in response to a vacuum pressure within the plenum (14) to define a volume within the deformable member (22) to change the operational characteristics of the intake manifold assembly (10).

Abstract: An intake manifold includes a plenum volume 14 mounted for movement within a housing 20 in response to a drive system 22 to define an effective runner length. A multiple of deformable runner passages 18 include a flexible section 26 such that as the plenum 14 extends and retracts within the housing 20, the flexible section 26 accommodates the difference in length while the housing 20 provides structural support therefor. An intake conduit 12 likewise includes a flexible section 26 to accommodate movement of the plenum 14. In operation at low engine speeds, the plenum 14 is driven to extend the deformable runner passages 18 to increase the length between the plenum 14 and the engine cylinders 16. As the engine speed increases, the plenum 14 is driven to shorten the deformable runner 18 for maximum speed operation.

Abstract: A rubber hose of an air supply assembly is secured to a resonator by an inserted internal tube. A tapered insertion end of the internal tube is inserted into the rubber hose and slides along an angled surface of the rubber hose. The tapered insertion end presses the rubber hose against a hose neck of the resonator to retain and seal the rubber hose. A retention end of the internal tube secures the tube to the resonator. The retention end includes a recessed portion positioned between a pair of flanges. The tube neck of the resonator engages the recessed portion, the flanges securing the internal tube in place.

Abstract: An engine cooling module 10 which includes a shroud 12, a heat exchanger 18, a fan 14, a motor 13 for driving fan 14, and a plurality of air dams 1. Shroud 12, circumscribing the fan, has a main opening to allow air to pass through the fan to or from a heat exchanger 18. Fan 14 is associated with the shroud 12 to be adjacent to the fan opening to permit air moved by the fan to pass through the heat exchanger. Air dams 1 allow air to flow more easily in one direction than the opposite direction. In the fan flow direction, air dams 1 provide relatively little resistance to the flow. In the direction opposite to fan flow direction, air dams 1 provide more resistance than as compared to the resistance when air flows in the fan flow direction. Under ram air conditions (e.g., when the vehicle is moving), the use of air dams can reduce the load on the fan's motor by cooling properties of ram air, while reducing recirculation, thereby increasing efficiency.

Abstract: A method for creating a hot melt foamed form for an air induction system. A block of thermal mastic elastomer is melted and blended with nitrogen gas to create a foamed material. The foamed material is applied by robotic techniques over a base material on the surface of a polypropylene glass lower shell. After the foamed material cures, a polypropylene glass cover is applied over the foamed material form to create an air tight dust/water seal. The cover does not adhere to the cured foamed material and is removable when service is necessary. The foam material can also be dispensed into a mold and then transferred to the base, allowing for changes in the shape and profile of the foamed material. This method can also be employed to create an isolation pad on an air induction system to absorb engine shock. The thermal mastic elastomer can also be employed to create a seal between the cover neck of an air induction assembly and a mass air flow sensor.

Abstract: A vacuum generating device and method include a member defining a passage, a first valve, a second valve, and a fluid communication conduit. The passage extends between a first end and a second end, and includes a constriction defining an orifice. The first valve connects the first end of the member and an ambient environment. The first valve is adjustable between first and second configurations. The first configuration permits generally unrestricted fluid flow between the orifice and the ambient environment. The second configuration substantially prevents fluid flow between the orifice and the ambient environment. The second valve has a first port and a second port. The first port is adapted for fluid communication with a pressure source at a first pressure level. The fluid communication conduit connects the second end of the member and the second port of the second valve. The fluid communication conduit includes a fluid communication tap at a second pressure level.

Abstract: An air mass flow controller valve containing at least two air channels that deliver desired air mass amount from a single inlet to fuel cell(s) through at least one channel of the at least two air channels. Preferably, a single housing encloses the inlet, two air channels and actuating devices. Each air channel includes an actuating device that actuates an associated closure member to regulate air flow from the inlet through the air channel as a function of a signal from an air mass sensor or a controller signal. The signal from each air mass sensor can be directly coupled to the actuating device, or the signal can be used as an error correction signal to feed back control the actuating device associated with the air mass sensor and the air channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operating a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus that includes a housing and a pressure operable device. The housing defines an interior chamber and includes first and second ports that communicate with the interior chamber. The pressure operable device separates the interior chamber into a first portion in fluid communication with the first port and a second portion in fluid communication with a second port. The pressure operable device includes a poppet movable along an axis and a seal adapted to cooperatively engage the poppet. A first arrangement of the pressure operable device occurs when there is a first negative pressure level at the first port relative to the second port, and the seal is in a first deformed configuration. A second arrangement of the pressure operable device permits a first fluid flow from the second port to the first port when the seal is in a second deformed configuration.

Abstract: A speed control and stall protection system 10 for an electric DC brush motor includes a DC brush motor M. At least one relay K3 is connected between the motor and a power supply. A speed sensing circuit 20 is constructed and arranged to generate a signal indicative of a speed of the motor. A motor control and protection circuit 116 is constructed and arranged to receive 1) the signal from the speed sensing circuit and 2) a control signal input for operating the at least one relay to control operation of the motor. When a stall condition is determined based on the signal from the speed sensing circuit, the motor control and protection circuit is constructed and arranged to control the at least one relay to disconnect power to the motor.

Abstract: A diffuser for an air mass flow controller for fuel cells that includes a housing, an inlet, a first bank of outlets, and a second bank of outlets. The housing has walls, which define a volume. The inlet is disposed along a first axis and is coupled to a first one of the walls. The first bank of outlets is disposed along a second axis and is coupled to a second one of the walls. The first bank of outlets is in fluid communication with the inlet. The second bank of outlets is disposed along a third axis and is coupled to the second wall. The second bank of outlets is in fluid communication with the inlet and the first bank of outlets.

Abstract: A canister purge valve for use in an evaporative emission control system. The valve includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The housing further includes a guide element having a bobbin section. A valve shaft is slidably mounted to the guide element, wherein the valve shaft includes a permanent magnet and a valve element. The valve element is movable between a closed position wherein the inlet port is closed and an open position wherein the inlet port is opened. A pick coil is formed on the bobbin adjacent the magnet. The pick coil generates a first magnetic field having a polarity that is oriented to cause a magnetic attraction with the magnet to move the magnet and thus the valve element to the open position. In addition, a release coil is formed on the bobbin adjacent to the magnet, wherein the release coil generates a second magnetic field having a polarity that is oriented to cause the magnet to be repelled to move the magnet and thus the valve element to the closed position.

Abstract: A choke 20 is provided for suppressing radio-frequency interference of a brush-type motor. The choke includes a single wire having a portion wound about a coil axis A to define a plurality of coils 24 including two outermost coils 26 and 28. An attaching structure 30 extends from one of the outermost coils and includes a loop structure 42. The loop structure is constructed and arranged to be inserted into a slot 58 in a brush card 48 and moved into hooked relation with a retaining member 60 of the brush card that is associated with the slot so as secure the choke to the brush card. At least a portion of the attaching structure is constructed and arranged to be in electrical connection with a brush 56 of a motor when the choke is secured to the brush card. An elongated end portion 44 of the choke extends directly from the other of the outermost coils.

Abstract: A choke 20 is provided for suppressing radio-frequency interference of a brush-type motor. The choke includes a single wire having a portion wound about a coil axis A to define a plurality of coils 24 including two outermost coils 26 and 28. An attaching structure 30 extends from one of the outermost coils and includes a loop structure 42. The loop structure is constructed and arranged to be inserted into a slot 58 in a brush card 48 and moved into hooked relation with a retaining member 60 of the brush card that is associated with the slot so as secure the choke to the brush card. At least a portion of the attaching structure is constructed and arranged to be in electrical connection with a brush 56 of a motor when the choke is secured to the brush card. An elongated end portion 44 of the choke extends directly from the other of the outermost coils.

Abstract: A vehicle component assembly (20) has a component body (22) that includes a first portion (30) and a second portion (32). A selected section (26) of a wire harness (24) is secured into the component body (22) using an adhesive (28). In one example, the adhesive (28) surrounds the conductor (25) of the wire harness (24). The adhesive (28) secures the component body portions (30) and (32) together.

Abstract: A cooling system includes multiple cooling fans, each driven by a corresponding fan motor controller. Each fan motor controller includes electronic commutation circuitry that is responsive to a modulated signal to control the speed of the associated motor and fan. The controller for one motor includes a microcontroller that receives a single control signal from an external control unit and translates that control signal into the modulated signals provided to all of the other motor controllers. In one embodiment, the microcontroller can adjust the duty cycle of the modulated control signals, and can stagger the on-off times of the signals to minimize conducted RFI emissions.