Abstract: Non-invasive measurement of blood glucose is achieved by transmitting a ring of electromagnetic radiation to the surface of a subject (S) by a ring illuminator (22). The radiation diffuses into the subject illuminated and emits a portion of the radiation in area (E2) displaced from the illuminated area. A CCD camera (40) collects at least a portion of the emitted radiation and generates detection signals which are processed by a processor (100) in order to measure blood glucose concentration. The processing may be synchronized with the heart beat of the subject by an electrocardiogram (74).

Abstract: A shaker system (10) that employs a mechanical amplifier (40) for increasing the shaking capacity of the shaker (14). The mechanical amplifier (40) includes a spring (54) positioned within a support column (42) where the spring (54) is attached to an interface ring (24) supporting the load (26) to be tested at one end and the ground at an opposite end. The spring (54) can take on different configurations, and in one embodiment is a sinusoidal spring (54) having half-circle sections (60) of a predetermined radius to satisfy the resonant frequency requirements for a particular load. The resonant frequency of the spring (54) causes the shaking to be amplified, meeting the testing requirements.

Abstract: A two part fastener (10) for clamping together first and second members (20, 22) that have an opening (40). The fastener (10) comprises a base (12) having a plurality of legs (80, 90) resiliently biased outwardly away from each other and insertable through the opening (40). A knob (14) connected with the base (12) is manually rotatable relative to the base to control the position of the legs (80, 90). The knob (14) has a first position of rotation relative to the base (12) in which blocking portions (80, 90) of the legs are in a blocking position to block removal of the legs through the opening (40). In a second position of rotation the knob (14) blocks inward movement of the blocking portions (88, 98) of the legs (80, 90) from the blocking position, thereby blocking removal of the fastener 10. In a third position of rotation the knob (14) holds the blocking portions (88, 98) of the legs (80, 90) inward from the blocking position, thereby enabling removal of the fastener (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a foot pedal and a steering column to a vehicle, the apparatus having a mounting bracket (10) connectable with a vehicle frame. The foot pedal (26) which controls a vehicle operation is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket (10) by a pivot shaft (30). The steering column (50) is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket (10) by the pivot shaft (30). The steering column (50) includes a steering column member (90) connectable with a steering wheel (94) and rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A locking mechanism (140) locks the steering column (50) in any one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the mounting bracket (10).

Abstract: A damper valve (70) located between a control valve (18) and a power steering motor (22) in a hydraulic power-assisted steering system (10). The damper valve (70) comprises a housing (72) having axially opposite first and second end portions (76 and 78) and an intermediate portion (80) interposed between the first and second end portions (76 and 78). The first end portion (76) is for fluid communication with the control valve (18) and the second end portion (78) is for fluid communication with the power steering motor (22). A flow restricting element (114) is located within the housing (72) and is movable through portions of the housing (72) including the intermediate portion (80) by fluid flow through the housing (72). The damper valve (70) further includes a biasing element (106) for restraining movement of the flow restricting element (114) toward the first end portion (76) of the housing (72).

Abstract: An initiator (40) for actuating an inflation fluid source (34) for an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a plurality of electrically energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (120-126). In one embodiment, the MEMS devices (120-126) are associated in a one to one relationship with chambers (75-78) containing ignitable material (130). Each one of the MEMS devices (120-126), when energized, generates combustion products, including heat, for igniting the associated ignitable material (130). At least one terminal pin (44-46) is electrically connected with the plurality of MEMS devices (120-126) for receiving an electric signal for energizing at least one of the MEMS devices.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for attaching an electric coil (12) to a printed circuit board includes a spool (14) having a shaft (20) with axially opposite first and second ends (22 and 24). The electric coil (12) is supported on the shaft (20) between the first and second ends (22 and 24). The apparatus (10) further includes at least one compliant pin (16 and 18) having a stem portion (46) and a compliant portion (48). Part of the stem portion (46) extends into the first end (22) of the shaft (20) of the spool (14) and at least partially along the shaft (20) of the spool (14). The compliant portion (48) is located on an end of the compliant pin (16 and 18) and extends outwardly from the first end (22) of the shaft (20) of the spool (14) for attaching to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A system for detecting a predictable time varying signal within a noisy environment. Rather than merely comparing the output of a matched filter implementation to a threshold, a parallel reference is also generated by autocorrelating the weighting function from the matched filter. The original output and this reference are both acted upon by a mathematical operator and the two then compared for closeness of fit using a Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Test, a Mean Square Error Test, or some other test for closeness of fit. A value indicates the closeness of the two curves and is then compared to a threshold to determine whether the signal of interest is present or not.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of controlling secure communication between peripheral components in a communication system. The security level of each peripheral component address in the communication system is fixed. When a message is communicated, a bus access arbiter (122) detects the address of the originating peripheral component, and an address detector (110, 114) detects the address of the destination peripheral component. An address comparison circuit (116) determines whether the address of the destination peripheral component is an address to which the originating peripheral component is permitted to communicate. The address comparison circuit (116) is responsive to the address of the destination peripheral component being an address to which the originating peripheral component is permitted to communicate by permitting communication of messages from the originating peripheral component.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) and an associated method determine signal strength of a received electromagnetic signal (18) that is comprised of a plurality of pulses that convey a remote convenience function request, and which causes performance of the requested function. A comparator (82) has a first input for receiving an electrical signal (78) with a voltage that varies to convey the remote convenience function request. A second input of the comparator (82) receives a threshold voltage value reference signal (86). An output of the comparator (82) provides an output signal (46) that indicates the occurrence of the voltage of the electrical signal (78) exceeding the threshold value of the reference signal (86). A microprocessor (100) and a threshold change trigger (122) of a controller portion (48) adjust the threshold voltage value of the reference signal (86).

Abstract: An antenna system that employs antenna elements for both transmit and receive functions. Signals received by each antenna element are directed to a dual band polarizer that converts the signals to linearly polarized signals, and signals to be transmitted by each antenna element are converted to circularly polarized signals by the polarizer. The orientation of the polarizer and whether the circularly polarized signals are LHCP or RHCP determines whether the linearly polarized signals are vertically or horizontally polarized. A dual-band orthomode transducer is employed to separate the receive and transmit signals into their respective frequency bands based on whether they are vertically or horizontally polarized. The transducer is a waveguide device having only three signal ports. A high pass filter is used to help separate the received signals, and a low pass filter is used to help separate the transmit signals.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear (10) comprises a housing (12) having an axially extending passage (14) and a yoke bore (18) that intersects the axially extending passage (14) within the housing (12). A pinion gear (26) is rotatably mounted in the housing (12). A rack bar (34) extends through the axially extending passage (14) and is movable relative to the pinion gear (26). The rack bar (34) has teeth in meshing engagement with teeth (32) of the pinion gear (26). A yoke assembly (54) is located in the yoke bore (18) of the housing (12) for at least partially supporting and guiding movement of the rack bar (34) relative to the pinion gear (26). The yoke assembly (54) comprises a yoke (56) having first and second roller assemblies (154 and 166) for contacting the rack bar (34) and rotating during movement of the rack bar (34).

Abstract: A system (10) for controlling an active vehicle suspension component (12) and a vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a controller (70). The controller (70) is operatively connected to the active suspension component (12) of a vehicle (50) and the vehicle occupant protection device (14) of the vehicle. The system (10) also includes at least one sensor (72, 74, 76) for sensing acceleration of the vehicle (50) along at least one axis of the vehicle. The at least one sensor (72, 74, 76) is operatively connected to the controller (70) to provide at least one signal indicative of vehicle acceleration along the at least one axis to the controller. The controller (70) is operative to control the active suspension component (12) in response to the at least one signal. The controller (70) is also operative to control the vehicle occupant protection device (14) in response to the at least one signal.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a hydraulic fluid operated automatic transmission (20) for transmitting motive power from an engine (22) of a vehicle (16) to drive wheels (24) of the vehicle. The apparatus (10) also includes a hydraulic fluid power assisted steering gear (12) for effecting steering movement of steerable wheels (14) of the vehicle (16), the steering gear including a fluid motor (19). The apparatus (10) includes one body of hydraulic fluid (30) for operating both the transmission (20) and the steering gear (12), and one reservoir (32). A transmission pump (40) connected with the reservoir (32) pumps fluid (30) between the reservoir and the transmission (20). A power steering pump (34) connected with the reservoir (32) pumps fluid (30) between the reservoir and the motor (19). One of the pumps (40, 34) is operative to pump fluid (30) between the reservoir (32) and a cooler (50).

Abstract: A switch pod assembly (10) includes a hub portion (30) fixedly connected to a steering column (12) adjacent a steering wheel (20). First and second arms (40, 50) extend radially from opposite sides of an outer surface (32) of the hub portion (30). First and second switch pod modules (60, 70) extend transversely from second ends (44, 54) of the first and second arms (40, 50), respectively. Each switch pod module (60, 70) has a curved outer surface (62, 72) that has a radius generally concentric with and smaller than a radius of the steering wheel (20). The outer surfaces (62, 72) are positioned proximate the steering wheel (20). The first and second switch pod modules (60, 70) support a plurality of switches (80), including actuators (112) positioned along the curved outer surfaces (62, 72) of the first and second switch pod modules.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for stabilizing an optical interferometer using two optical signals that differ in wavelength by a factor of two is disclosed. The optical interferometer has an optical path length that is tunable. It develops a first interference pattern when the original optical signal is present and the optical path length is a prescribed value. When a second optical signal that has a wavelength that is twice or one-half of the original is dithered and a path length adjustment drive signal is present the interferometer develops a second interference pattern when the optical path length is the prescribed value. An optoelectronic detector is responsive to the second optical interference pattern and develops an electronic feedback signal when the second interference pattern is not present.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear assembly (10) for a vehicle comprises a housing (12) having a rack chamber (24) and a bearing chamber (35). The housing (12) has opposed slots (40, 42) opening into the bearing chamber (35). A rack (14) is movable in the rack chamber (24) in the housing (12) to effect steering movement of steerable wheels of the vehicle. A rotatable pinion (20) is in meshing engagement with the rack (14). An axle (70) located in the bearing chamber (35) in the housing (12) has opposite end portions (74, 76) located in the opposed slots (40, 42) in the housing. A bearing (60) is in engagement with the rack (14) and is supported on the axle (70) for rotation in the bearing chamber (35). A cover (90) supported on the housing (12) engages the axle (70) to hold the bearing (60) in engagement with the rack (14) and to hold the rack in engagement with the pinion (20).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a vehicle occupant protection device (14), and an actuator (10) for the vehicle occupant protection device (14). The actuator (10) includes a gas generating material (18) or both a gas generating material (18) and an autoignition material (66). The gas generating material (18), the autoignition material (66), or both the gas generating material (18) and the autoignition material (66) comprise a plasticized cyclodextrin nitrate ester. The plasticized cyclodextrin nitrate ester has an autoignition temperature in the range of about 150° C. to about 180° C. and is resistant to thermal decomposition at a temperature less than 150° C.

Abstract: A fluid power assisted rack and pinion steering apparatus (10) for a vehicle includes a rack (40) connectable with steerable wheels of the vehicle, a housing (20) partially enclosing the rack (40) and defining a fluid chamber (39), a bushing (90) encircling the rack (40), a sleeve (110) supporting the rack (40) for sliding movement relative to the bushing (90), and a fluid tight seal member (70) for sealing the fluid chamber (39). The bushing (90) has opposite axial ends and is secured in the housing (20) by an interference fit between an outer surface (94) of the bushing (90) and an inner surface (26) of the housing (20). The sleeve (110) is press fit against a first recessed surface (92) in the bushing (90) of a first diameter. The sleeve (110) thereby extends between the bushing (90) and the rack (40) and engages the rack (40). The seal member (70) is located adjacent a. second recessed surface (103) in one axial end of the bushing (90).

Abstract: The present invention provides an acquisition sensor and system to align the communication lasers of two satellite communication terminals so that the satellites acquire one another to allow laser communication. The communications lasers of both satellites are scanned over their respective pointing uncertainty regions. Each satellite's acquisition sensor detects the presence of the scanned beam of the other satellite and provides positional resolution of the other satellite. Each satellite than adjusts its scanning to conform with the new positional data. of the other satellite. The acquisition sensor is a quadrant InGaAs photo-detector and accompanying monolithic acquisition processing circuitry sealed in a hermetic package with an optical window. Each quadrant of the sensor is responsive to the beam of the other satellite, thus providing positional resolution of the other satellite to the space of a single quadrant.