Abstract: A work-hardened poppet exhaust valve for internal combustion engines is obtained from a solutioned work-hardenable austenitic stainless steel coil or bar stock in which chromium is present in the range of 13%-25% by weight, nickel is present in the range of 4%-16% by weight, manganese is present in the range of 0.25%-8% by weight, copper is present in the range of 0.5%-7% by weight, the interstitial elements carbon plus nitrogen are present in a total amount less than 0.45% by nitrogen are present in a total amount less than 0.45% by weight, and at least one refractory metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, niobium, vanadium, tungsten and tantalum is present in the range of 1%-5% by weight. The coil or bar stock is extruded to a poppet valve preform configuration at a temperature in the range of room temperature to 1,000° F., and at a true strain of more than 0.8. The parameters of extrusion provide said work-hardened poppet valve with a stem hardness more than Rc=25.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vehicle occupant protection device and a gas generating material, which, when ignited, produces gas to actuate the vehicle occupant protection device. The gas generating material comprises a cubane compound having the general formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H and NO2.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12). A mounting bracket (66) connects the steering column (10) to a vehicle frame. The mounting bracket (66) has a surface defining an aperture (77). A support (24), through which the steering column member (12) extends, is connected with the mounting bracket (66). The support (24) supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (26) of the steering column member (12) and is movable relative to the mounting bracket. A locking mechanism (130) prevents movement of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (66). A first portion (42) is connected with the support (24) and is movable with the support (24) and the steering column member (12) relative to the mounting bracket (66). A follower pin (63) extends from the first portion (42) and into the aperture (77) in the mounting bracket (66).

Abstract: A vehicle steering column (10) comprises a one-piece steering column member (12) that includes a plurality of elongate wall portions (20-24) that extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis (28) of the steering column. The plurality of wall portions (20-24) at least partially define a chamber (26) in the member (12) for receiving an axially extending steering shaft (30) of the vehicle. The member (12) has a generally rectangular exterior configuration. The member (12) includes a vehicle mounting portion (90, 92) formed as one piece with the elongate wall portions (20-24). The vehicle mounting portion (90, 92) extends from the wall portions (20-24) and is adapted for fastening the steering column member (10) to the vehicle body.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system that differentiates between a vehicle intrusion event and a non-intrusion event includes transmitter (16) for transmitting a continuous wave signal that is reflected of surfaces within the vehicle's interior and/or a moving object (i.e., an intruder). The associated reflected signals subsequently return to a receiver (18). An ECU (26) demodulates the return signal into frequency and amplitude components. The ECU (26) further determines a waveform envelope of the demodulated return signals and monitors the envelope waveform during time windows to determine whether their corresponding envelope waveform is indicative of an intrusion event or an non-intrusion event. When an intrusion event is detected, the ECU (26) outputs a control signal to actuate an alarm (34).

Abstract: The self inductance associated with a capacitance A52 in a superconductor integrated circuit (FIG. 1) is reduced by adding a layer of superconductor metal (A54) overlying the capacitor, effectively producing a negative inductance to counteract the self-inductance of the capacitor leads, thereby reducing inductance of the circuit. As a result it possible to transfer a single flux quantum (“SFQ”) pulse through the capacitor. Capacitors (19 and 25 FIG. 5) of the foregoing type are incorporated in superconductor integrated circuit SFQ transmission lines (FIG. 5) to permit SQUID-to-SQUID transfer of SFQ pulses, while maintaining the circuit grounds of the respective SQUIDs in DC isolation. Bias current (10) may be supplied to multiple SQUIDs (1 & 3, 7 & 9 FIG. 5) serially, reducing the supply current required previously for operation of multiple SQUIDs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a motor fault in an electric motor (50) determines a calculated rotor position (&thgr;calc) of the electric motor. The calculated rotor position (&thgr;calc) is compared to a measured rotor position (&thgr;meas) of the electric motor (50) to determine a rotor position error (&thgr;err). A motor fault in the electric motor (50) is determined when the rotor position error (&thgr;err) exceeds a predetermined maximum rotor position error (&thgr;err—max).

Abstract: A telecommunications satellite channeliser (170) is provided for mapping RF signals between feeder links (160-162) and mobile link beams (210-212) based on a predefined frequency plan (FIGS. 7 and 8). The mobile link beams (240) define a coverage area (242) of a satellite (10). Each feeder link and mobile link beam comprises a plurality of feeder subbands and mobile subbands grouped to form feeder link channels (216-238) and mobile link channels (244-255). The channeliser (170) includes at least one feeder lead carrying a feeder link signal (160-162) associated with a ground station (14 and 16). A feeder link distribution network (175) is connected to the feeder leads and maps RF signals in the feeder links (160-162) onto a plurality of distribution leads as divided feeder signals. Channel multiplexers (182-184) are connected to the distribution leads.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device comprises a container (12) for storing a supply of gas. A gas (26) is stored in the container (12) at an elevated pressure. The gas comprises an oxygen rich oxidizer gas. A gas generating material (84) is stored in the container (12) and is exposed to the oxidizer gas at the elevated pressure. The gas generating material (84) comprises a cellulose based binder blended with an anti-oxidant material. An igniter (52) is provided for igniting the gas generating material (84).

Abstract: A vehicle intrusion detection system (10) for detecting an intrusion condition of a vehicle (12) having an occupant compartment (14) partially defined by an outer structure (30) of the vehicle, comprises an actuatable illuminator (40) mounted in the vehicle and having a limited field of illumination (52) extending within the vehicle occupant compartment adjacent the vehicle outer structure. A linear imager (60) mounted in the vehicle (12) has a field of view (62) that substantially coincides with the field of illumination (52) of the illuminator (40). A controller (70) compares a first image taken by the imager (60) when the illuminator (40) is actuated and a second image taken by the imager when the illuminator is unactuated to help determine the existence of an intrusion condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A drum memory controller for controlling random access write and sequential read operations of a drum memory in a communications system. Such drum memory controller (220) may comprise a drum memory (224) having a predetermined number of rows and rings forming a plurality of memory locations arranged in a sequential time order; a random access write address generator (222) which generates write addresses using a respective time tag of incoming data for writing data into memory locations of the drum memory (224) in a random access time order; and a sequential reader (226) which generates read addresses at a constant rate for reading out data stored in the memory locations of the drum memory (224) across each row and then sequencing up in rows in a sequential time order.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of nerve agents includes a support platform such as a satellite or an aircraft located above and spaced from the surface of the earth. An imaging spectrometer is disposed on the support platform and absorbs radiation emitted from a selected portion of the earth. The imaging spectrometer operates in a plurality of sub-bands in a spectral transmission band from 8 to 14 microns, and measures the spectral intensity present in each sub-band. The spectral intensity in each of the sub-bands is compared to a reference intensity and indicates the presence of the nerve agent when the spectral intensity in a particular sub-band differs from the reference intensity by a preselected amount.

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes an assembly (31) comprising a plurality of individually energizable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices (30) for, when energized, actuating the inflator. The assembly (31) further comprises a sensor mechanism (60) for sensing a condition of the inflator (10) and for generating a control signal indicative of the sensed condition. The plurality of MEMS devices (30) are responsive to the control signal to control actuation of the inflator (10).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle comprises a housing (12). A rack bar (54) is movable longitudinally relative to the housing (12) for turning the steerable wheels. A pinion gear (68) is located within the housing (12). Teeth (76) of the pinion gear (68) are in meshing engagement with teeth of the rack bar (54). The apparatus (10) also comprises a hydraulic motor (60) for moving the rack bar (54) relative to the housing (12). A valve assembly (98), responsive to rotation of a steering wheel (94) for directing fluid to the hydraulic motor (60), has an actuated position and an unactuated position. The apparatus (10) further comprises a mechanism (156) for dampening longitudinal oscillations of the rack bar (54). The mechanism (156) comprises a yoke bearing (158) which contacts the rack bar (54) with a variable pressure that is dependent upon a velocity of rack bar (54) relative to the housing (12).

Abstract: A vehicle steering linkage member (40) comprises a socket (42), and a stud (10) having a ball end portion (48) received in the socket and supported for pivotal movement relative to the socket. The stud (10) has a longitudinal axis (52), with a shank portion (50) projecting from the socket (42) and centered on the axis. The shank portion (50) of the ball stud (10) includes a predetermined weakened portion (70). The predetermined weakened portion (70) buckles under a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined weakened portion (70) may have a cross-sectional configuration not centered on the axis (52).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is used in a vehicle having a seat frame (20) for supporting a vehicle occupant and a floor pan (4) for supporting the seat frame (20) for movement relative to the floor pan (4). The apparatus (10) includes a deflection member (50), a sensor lever (70), and a sensor (79). The deflection member (50) connects to the seat frame (20) for movement with the seat frame (20). The deflection member (50) has a first deflection surface (51). The sensor lever (70) connects to the floor pan (4). The sensor lever (70) has a second deflection surface (75) for engaging the first deflection surface (51) of the deflection member (50) and for deflecting as the seat frame (20) moves relative to the floor pan (4). The amount of deflection of the sensor lever (70) changes as the seat frame (20) moves relative to the floor pan (4). The sensor (79) senses the deflection of the sensor lever (70) and provides an output signal indicative of the amount of deflection of the sensor lever (70).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) including a side door (18) includes an inflatable tubular structure (14) and an inflation fluid source (34) for providing inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable tubular structure. The inflatable tubular structure (14) has a stored position in which the inflatable tubular structure is deflated and stored in the side door (18). The inflatable tubular structure (14) is inflatable from the stored position to a deployed position in which the inflatable tubular structure is inflated and positioned between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A tire inflation pressure monitoring system (10) and a method for monitoring air pressure within a tire (14) are provided. The system (10) includes a tire based unit (18) for sensing air pressure within the tire (14) and for transmitting a pressure signal indicative thereof. The system (10) also includes a vehicle based unit (16) for receiving the pressure signal and for comparing the pressure signal to a predefined pressure range. The vehicle based unit (16) is operable in one of (i) a normal operating mode that outputs an alert signal in response to the air pressure within the tire (14) being outside of the predefined pressure range and (ii) a pressure gauge operating mode that outputs an in-range signal in response to the air pressure within the tire (14) being within the predetermined pressure range.

Abstract: A method of making a ceramic article includes the providing a member. The member includes a cellulose-based material. The cellulose-based material is carbonized to carbon. At least a portion of the member is covered with silica sand after carbonization. At least a portion of the carbon of said member, which has been carbonized, is converted to silicon carbide.

Abstract: A resonant photodetector assembly (10) which uses multiple reflections of light within a photodetector (20) to convert input light into an electrical signal. The photodetector (20) includes a combination of generally planar semiconductor layers including a photodetector active layer (36) where light is converted into an electrical output. The photodetector (20) further includes a first outer electrical contact layer (34) and a second outer electrical contact layer (42). A waveguide (22) is positioned on the photodetector (20) and has a waveguide active layer (26) positioned between a pair of waveguide cladding layers (24, 28), a first end (30) for receiving input light and a second end (50) for reflecting the light. A reflector (32) is positioned on the second end (50) of the waveguide (22) at an angle relative to a line parallel to the substrate (14), where the reflector (32) reflects the light received by the first end (30) of the waveguide active layer (26) towards the photodetector (20).