Abstract: An arrangement (10) and method for identifying a vehicle tire (20) to a vehicle-based tire condition unit (38) that utilizes the tire identification. An ECU (40) and an indication and control panel (42) of the vehicle-based tire condition unit (38) cooperate to prompt a person to spin the tire (20). A signal that is indicative of the tire being spun is provided to the vehicle-based tire condition unit (38). In one embodiment, the signal is provided by a wheel speed sensor (36). In another embodiment, the signal is provided by a sensor transponder (22) at the tire (20).

Abstract: A semi-physical device model that can represent known physical device characteristics as well as measured noise characteristics accurately. The semi-physical device model utilizes analytical expressions to model the fundamental charge of the electric field structure of a HEMT's internal structure. The expressions are based on device physics but are empirical in form. As such, the model is able to maintain physical dependencies with good fidelity while retaining relatively accurate measured-to-model noise characteristics. The semi-physical model also provides model elements for a FET noise equivalent circuit model. In particular, the noise generator model elements are derived from a current/voltage perturbation analysis of the intrinsic charge and electric fields as modeled within the device by the semi-physical HEMT model. The simulated noise model elements represent a relatively accurate physical equipment description of the physical FET.

Abstract: An apparatus (12) for use in a vehicle suspension (10) comprises an anti-roll bar (28) having opposite first and second end portions (30 and 32). An intermediate portion (34) is interposed between the first and second end portions (30 and 32) and is subjected to torsional forces when the first and second end portions (30 and 32) move relative to one another. The apparatus (12) further comprises an actuator (48) for attaching at least one of the first and second end portions (30 and 32) to a part of the vehicle suspension (10). The actuator (48) comprises a cylinder (52) for retaining fluid (54) and a piston assembly (56) for dividing the cylinder into two chambers (81 and 83). The piston assembly (56) is movable axially within the cylinder (52). The piston assembly (56) includes structure forming orifices (144) for interconnecting the two chambers (81 and 83) of the cylinder (52).

Abstract: An arrangement (10) and method for identifying a vehicle tire (20) to a vehicle-based tire condition unit (38) that utilizes the tire identification. An ECU (40) and an indication and control panel (42) of the vehicle-based tire condition unit (38) cooperate to prompt a person to spin the tire (20). A signal that is indicative of the tire being spun is provided to the vehicle-based tire condition unit (38). In one embodiment, the signal is provided by a wheel speed sensor (36). In another embodiment, the signal is provided by a sensor transponder (22) at the tire (20).

Abstract: The power to weight ratio obtained with a spacecraft's solar array (3) is enhanced by a factor of at least two to five through use of support structure for individual solar panels or solar arrays (31a-17a) containing a curved outwardly bowed surface as deployed that packs essentially flat for storage. Defining a D-shaped wing (15a) in cross-section as deployed, the support structure (4 & 6) for a string of solar cells (10, FIG. 3) provides greater inertia and thereby greater rigidity than prior designs. One member (4) to the support structure is relatively flexible. One-hundred and eighty degree strain energy hinges (19) carried by the other support member (6) outwardly bows that flexible to define a curved sector when the support structure is released from the stowed condition in which the support structure is held relatively thin and flat.

Abstract: A system (10) for a vehicle (12) that has a plurality of inflatable tires (14-20), wherein the system has a plurality of sensor units (22-28) associated with the plurality of tires. Each of the sensor units (e.g., 22) senses inflation pressure of the associated tire (e.g., 14) and transmits a signal (e.g., 30) indicative of the sensed tire inflation pressure. A portable unit (44) of the system (10) is located remote from the vehicle (12) and is operable by a person (66) to transmit a signal (48) that conveys a remote control function request. The portable unit (44) also receives a signal (46) indicative of sensed tire inflation pressure and provides an indication of tire inflation pressure to the person (66). A control/communication unit (40) is located at the vehicle and receives the signal (48) conveying the remote function request and causes performance of the remotely requested function. The control/communication unit (40) also receives the signals (e.g., 30) transmitted from the sensor units (e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) which has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The device (14) is inflatable into a position between the side structure (16) and a vehicle occupant. An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The device (14), when inflated, has a perimeter (48) at least partially defined by upper and lower edges (50 and 52) if the device. The device (14) includes overlying panels (40 and 42) interconnected to form a perimeter connection (46) extending along said perimeter (48) and defining an inflatable volume (60), and points of connection (82) defining inflatable chambers (400) of the device. The points of connection (82) include at least one of round connections (84) and line connections (90).

Abstract: A solar cell comprises a superstrate formed from a material that is transparent to light, a first layer formed of delta doped silicon, a plurality of layers formed from semiconductor materials, each characterized by multi-quantum wells and multiple band gaps, a first semiconductor layer having a band gap energy state that is the smallest, the last semiconductor layer having-a band gap that is the largest, and the intermediate semiconductor layers having band gaps transitioning from the smallest to the largest, a second layer overlying the semiconductor layers and formed of delta doped silicon, an n-cap layer formed on the second delta doped layer, and a metal layer formed on the n-cap layer and serving to reflect light into the semiconductor.

Abstract: An enhanced Doppler type direction finding system uses two antennas or antenna pairs (1 & 7) that are rotated in two mutually orthogonal circular paths (8 & 13) to intercept incoming RF from an emitting source, whose direction is to be determined.

Abstract: An electrical switch (10) comprises switch contacts (100, 104) having a closed condition and an open condition. The switch (10) comprises an actuator (40) movable in a first direction (110) in a first stroke to close the contacts (100, 104) and movable in the first direction in a second stroke to cause the contacts to open. A rotatable bar (70) is carried by the actuator (40). The switch (10) includes a mechanism (14, 94, 96) for rotating the bar (70) in response to movement of the actuator (40) in the first direction (110) in the first stroke, to locate the bar in a latching position to hold the contacts (100, 104) in the closed condition. The mechanism (14, 94, 96) also rotates the bar (70) in response to movement of the actuator (40) in the first direction (110) in the second stroke, to move the bar from the latching position and to cause the contacts (100, 104) to open.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (170) that employs delta-sigma technology, and has particular use in a receiver for a wireless telecommunications system. The converter (170) includes a delta-sigma modulator (172), having a summing junction (180) that receives the analog input signal to be converted. A feedback from the output of a comparator (186) is subtracted from the analog input signal to generate a difference signal that is then filtered, amplified and applied to the comparator (186) for digital conversion. A sample and hold circuit (184) receives the difference signal and holds the signal for a predetermined period of time so that the input to the comparator (186) is stable. A differential limiting amplifier (188) is employed to make the high data rate output of the comparator (186) stable. The differential limiting amplifier (188) can be within the comparator (186) itself, or in the feedback path. In one embodiment, the differential amplifier (188) employs a Schottky diode clamp (226).

Abstract: An elongated electro-optical cable (100) is presented, which includes a plurality of elongated electrical conductors (104), a plurality of fiber optic elements (102), and an elongated insulating film casing enveloping the plurality of electrical conductors (104) and the plurality of fiber optic elements (102). The fiber optic elements (102), electrical conductors (104), and the elongated insulating film casing are arranged to form a generally flat cable (100). The cable may be arranged such that the electrical conductors (104) are shielded, for example, with a silver epoxy. An outer jacket (402) may be placed around the electrical conductors (104), fiber optic elements (102), and insulating film casing, which jacket (402) may be made from a tetrafluoroethylene polymer fiber. The electrical conductors (104) may be made from oxygen free copper and the insulating film casing may be made from a polyimide polymer.

Abstract: An electrically actuatable igniter (24) comprises a pair of electrodes (40) and (42). A heating element (44) is electrically connected between the electrodes (40) and (42). An ignition material (48) is in contact with the heating element (44). The ignition material (48) includes an energetic composition. The energetic composition comprises, by weight of the energetic composition, about 60% to about 90% basic copper nitrate, up to about 20% supplemental oxidizer, about 5% to about 20% charcoal, and up to about 10% supplemental fuel.

Abstract: An inflator (10) comprises a container (30) in which inflation fluid is stored under pressure. The container (30) has an opening (40) through which inflation fluid flows in a given direction from the container. A rupturable closure member (60) is fixed to the container (30) and blocks flow of inflation fluid through the opening (40). The inflator includes an initiator (70) for, when actuated, rupturing the closure member (60) to enable inflation fluid to flow from the container through the opening (40). The inflator (10) also includes a retainer (90) for retaining the initiator (70) on the container (30). The retainer (90) comprises at least one part (94) having a passage (140) for directing gas that flows from the container (30) in the given direction. The inflator (10) also includes a support (150) for the rupturable closure member (60). The support (150) transmits force from the closure member (60) to said retainer (90).

Abstract: A ball joint (10) includes a socket (30) defining a pivot center (32), a bearing (38) in the socket (30), and a stud (40). The stud (40) has a ball end portion (42) received in the bearing (38) and a shank portion (50) projecting from the socket (30). The stud (40) further has a longitudinal axis (56) extending through the pivot center (32). The bearing (38) supports the stud (40) in the socket (30) for pivotal movement about the pivot center (32) and for rotational movement about the axis (56) by a predetermined amount. The ball joint (10) further includes an annular seal (70) having an intermediate portion (88) extending between first and second end portions (72, 74) of the seal (70). The seal (70) is made from an elastic material. The first end portion (72) is fixed to the socket (30). The second end portion (74) is fixed to the shank portion (50) and is pivotable and rotatable with the stud (40).

Abstract: An inflator (10) comprises a container (30) in which inflation fluid is stored under pressure. The container (30) has an opening (40) through which inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (60) is fixed to the container (30) and blocks flow of inflation fluid through the opening (40). The inflator includes an initiator (70) for, when actuated, rupturing the closure member (60) to enable inflation fluid to flow from the container through the opening (40). The inflator (10) also includes a retainer (90) for retaining the initiator (70) on the container (30). The retainer (90) comprises first and second parts (92, 94) that are movable relative to each other when the retainer is not connected with the container (30). The first and second retainer parts (92, 94) when connected with the container (30) cooperate to clamp the initiator (70) in position on the container.

Abstract: Miniature arm fire and safe and arm devices include an electrically operated pyrotechnic initiation device (5) to generate a detonation wave upon command and a movable pressure barrier (9) that blocks propagation of the detonation wave if the device is not intended to be fired and opens a window (12) to transfer the detonation wave externally of the device. The detonation wave may in alternate embodiments be a subsonic flame front and pressure wave or a supersonic shock wave, respectively. An electromagnet (7) may serve to move the pressure barrier. Detonation waves output from the device have application in igniting an explosive train, either directly or indirectly, the latter by operating an electrical switch. In the arm fire device, the barrier automatically prevents a detonation output when electrical power is removed from the device. In the safe and arm device, the barrier, once moved out of the way, remains out of the way, even when electrical power is removed.

Abstract: A housing (10) for shielding a circuit (12) from electromagnetic interference comprises at least one electrically conductive connector pin (50) having a central portion, a first end portion (62) and a second end portion (66). The housing (10) also comprises an insulator (70). The central portion of the connector pin (50) is disposed within the insulator (70). The first end portion (62) and the second end portion (66) of the connector pin (50) extend outward from the insulator (70). The housing (10) includes a housing body (20) made from an electrically conductive moldable plastic material (22). The housing body (20) is molded over at least a portion of the insulator (70) to secure the insulator and thereby the connector pin (50) in the housing (10).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a housing (12) and an inflation fluid source (34) in the housing for, when actuated, providing fluid for inflating the protection device. An electrically actuatable initiator (38) is connected with the housing (12) for actuating the inflation fluid source (34). The apparatus (10) also comprises vehicle electric circuitry (37) for actuating the initiator (38) to actuate the inflation fluid source (34) in response to sensing an occupant protection event for which inflation of the protection device (36) is desired. A microelectromechanical system device (MEMS device) (52) in the apparatus is electrically energizable to cause actuation of the inflation fluid source (34). An autoignition mechanism (40) responsive to an event other than an occupant protection event energizes the MEMS device to cause actuation of the inflation fluid source.

Abstract: An approach to repairing broken or missing leads of integrated microcircuit assemblies includes the use of a repair enhancement device (30). The enhancement device (30) is welded to an attachment end of a replacement lead (20), where the enhancement device (30) has a larger contact surface area than the attachment end of the replacement lead (20). The enhancement device (30) is then attached to a housing (40) of the microcircuit assembly such that the surface area of the enhancement device (30) provides significant mechanical reinforcement to the replacement lead. Welding the enhancement device (30) to the replacement lead (20) eliminates problems associated with subsequent soldering operations. An attachment region (42) is also etched out of the housing (40) adjacent to a conductive element (44) of the housing, where the conductive element (44) provides a conductive pathway through the housing to the underlying microcircuit.