Abstract: A vehicle communication path-tracing system (10) has a portable transmitter (12) and transceiver/controllers (14A-14N, 14T), located separately from the transmitter (12). A transmitter/controller (14T) is located at a target vehicle (16T) and at least one other transceiver/controller (e.g., 14A) is located at an intermediate location. An intermediate transceiver/controller receives a command signal intended for the target vehicle and transmits a retransmitted command signal intended for the target vehicle. The target transceiver/controller receives the retransmitted command signal and transmits an acknowledgement signal, intended for reception by the at least one intermediate transceiver/controller that transmitted the retransmitted command signal received at the target vehicle. The at least one intermediate transceiver/controller receives an acknowledgement signal and transmits a retransmitted acknowledgement signal.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid (32) having controlled-shaped particles (56,68), such as rod, prism, tetrahedral, and other regularly shaped particles. The regularly shaped particles (56, 68) increase the field yield and responsive to particle interaction forces. The magnetorheological material has particular use for space applications such as vibration isolators, vibration dampeners, and latch mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for determining the susceptibility of solar cell coverglass assemblies to degrade wherein the solar cell assembly contains coated or uncoated coverglass, the method comprises exposing the solar cell coverglass assembly with a pulsing laser having an energy per unit area per pulse which distinguishes by laser damage between coverglass assemblies that have an anomalously high propensity to darken under solar exposure and those that only have a normal, nominal propensity to darken; and, characterizing the propensity of the coverglass assemblies to darken. The process results in an improvement of the long-term power output of solar cells by maintaining optical transparency and reducing temperature increases arising from increased solar absorption in darkened coverglass assemblies.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly (10) comprises a steering member (14) having a rack portion (36) for engagement with a pinion (30) and a screw portion (38). A ball nut (90) cooperates with the screw portion (38) to move the steering member (14) axially upon rotation of the ball nut (90). An electric motor (50) is drivingly connected to the ball nut (90). The member (38) has an additional portion (142) projecting from the ball nut (90) for connection with a steerable vehicle wheel. The assembly (10) includes a cold-formed metal housing (60) having a generally cylindrical main body portion (120) enclosing and supporting the electric motor (50) and the ball nut (90) and a generally cylindrical outboard housing portion (140) enclosing the additional portion (142) of the member (38). The housing (60) has structure associated with the outboard portion (140) for mounting the assembly (10) to the vehicle.

Abstract: A lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO3) substrate on which thin films of layered perovskite copper oxide superconductors are formed. Lanthanum aluminate, with a pseudo-cubic perovskite crystal structure, has a crystal structure and lattice constant that closely match the crystal structures and lattice constants of the layered perovskite superconductors. Therefore, it promotes epitaxial film growth of the superconductors, with the crystals being oriented in the proper direction for good superconductive electrical properties, such as a high critical current density. In addition, LaAlO3 has good high frequency properties, such as a low loss tangent and low dielectric constant at superconductive temperatures. Finally, lanthanum aluminate does not significantly interact with the superconductors. Lanthanum aluminate can also be used to form thin insulating films between the superconductor layers, which allows for the fabrication of a wide variety of superconductor circuit elements.

Abstract: A steering system (10) for a vehicle (16) comprises a housing (20) having first and second end portions (32, 34) and an intermediate portion (50). A steering member (66) is supported for axial movement in the housing (20). A piston (100) fixed for movement with the steering member (66) has opposite end faces (104, 106). First and second springs (130, 132) engage the end faces (104, 106) of the piston (100) and bias the piston and thereby the steering member (66) in first and second axial directions toward a straight ahead position. Steering linkage (124, 126) connected with the piston member (100) transmits movement of the piston member (100) to steerable wheels (12, 14) of the vehicle.

Abstract: An autoignition material includes a plurality of agglomerates. Each agglomerate comprises an oxidizer material particle. A plurality of metal fuel particles are disposed on the oxidizer material particle. The metal fuel particles are present in a weight ratio effective to substantially stoichiometrically balance the oxidizer material particle. The metal fuel particles exothermically react with the oxidizer material particle when the autoignition material is exposed to a temperature of about 80° C. to about 250° C. A thin binder film adheres the metal fuel particles to the oxidizer material particle and maintains the metal fuel particles in intimate contact with the oxidizer particle.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes first and second plates (44 and 84) extending parallel to each other and movable relative to each other. A locking mechanism (140) prevents movement between the first and second plates (44 and 84). The locking mechanism (140) has a first position applying a force to urge the first and second plates (44 and 84) toward each other to prevent movement between the first and second plates. The locking mechanism (140) has a second position to permit relative movement between the first and second plates (44 and 84). A surface treatment on one of the first and second plates (44 and 84) and between the first and second plates resists relative movement between the first and second plates when the locking mechanism (140) is in the first position. The surface treatment lubricates relative movement between the first and second plates (44 and 84) when the locking mechanism (140) is in the second position.

Abstract: A gas generating material (140) for use in a vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises about 5% to about 20% by weight of the gas generating material, of a binder, 0 to about 50%, by weight of the gas generating material, of an energetic fuel, and an amount of oxidizer effective to oxygen balance the gas generating material. More than 50% by weight of the oxidizer is basic copper nitrate. The binder comprises at least about 20% by volume of the gas generating material.

Abstract: A tire condition sensor unit (e.g., 18A) is for use within a tire condition communication system (10). The sensor unit (e.g., 18A) is for association with a tire (e.g., 14A) of a vehicle (12) and, via a method, communicates a tire condition to a vehicle-based unit (28). A sensor (58) senses the tire condition. Radio frequency transmit circuitry and an antenna (68 and 22) transmit a radio frequency signal (e.g., 24A) that indicates the sensed tire condition. In one aspect, a low frequency antenna and a signal detector (48 and 52) receive a low frequency initiation signal that causes transmission of the radio frequency signal indicative of the sensed tire condition. In another aspect, the radio frequency signal is also indicative of a fixed identification.

Abstract: The present invention is a demodulator and a method of demodulating burst communications. A demodulator (100, 200) includes a phase angle source (18), coupled to a current received burst communication, which provides a phase angle of the current received burst communication; a comparator (20), coupled to the phase angle source and a source of an estimated phase angle, which provides an output signal representing an angular difference between a phase of the current received burst communication and the estimated phase angle; and a phase lock loop (20), coupled to the output signal, which provides the estimated phase angle. The phase lock loop includes a Doppler accumulator (102) which provides a Doppler output which provides compensation in the estimated phase angle for the Doppler effect produced by relative motion between the demodulator and a source of the burst communications.

Abstract: A HEMT device comprises a buffer layer disposed over a substrate. A partially-relaxed channel is disposed over the buffer layer and a barrier layer is disposed over the channel. A cap layer is disposed over the barrier layer and a gate is positioned on the barrier layer. A source and a drain are positioned on the barrier layer on opposite sides of the gate.

Abstract: A coat hook assembly (10) includes a hook member (80) for connection with a structure (12). The hook member (80) is supported for pivotal movement from an opening (40) and from a stored position to an operative position. The hook member (80) has a hook portion (82) adapted to support a garment. The hook member (80) has a closure portion (84) fixed for pivotal movement with the hook portion (82), and blocking the opening (40) when the hook member is in the stored position. A latch mechanism (120) releasably hold the hook member (80) in the stored position. The latch mechanism (120) is responsive to a pushing force on the hook member (80) when in the stored position to release the hook member for pivotal movement from the stored position to the operative position.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a vehicle steering wheel (12) comprises a first assembly (16), a second assembly (26), and a mechanism (108). The first assembly (16) is operatively coupled to the steering wheel (12) and includes components (18 and 22) for monitoring applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel. The second assembly (26) includes a steering gear (34) and components (28 and 30) for receiving the first signal and actuating the steering gear (34) in response to the first signal. The mechanism (108) when in a first mode of operation provides a mechanical connection between the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34). When the mechanism (108) is in the second mode of operation, the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34) lack a mechanical connection.

Abstract: A vehicle rollover event detector (10) includes a rollover sensor (14). A first accelerometer (80) senses vehicle acceleration in a direction offset from the front-to-rear axis of the vehicle (12) up to a maximum acceleration sensing level and provides a first acceleration signal indicative thereof. A second accelerometer (96) senses vehicle acceleration in the offset direction at acceleration levels in excess of the maximum acceleration sensing level of the first accelerometer and provides a second acceleration signal indicative thereof. A controller (26) selects the first accelerometer or second accelerometer and provides an actuation signal (110) when the signal from the rollover sensor and the selected first or second accelerometers both indicate a vehicle rollover event.

Abstract: A seat belt system (13) includes a seat belt (19) having an inflatable portion (32). The system (13) further comprises at least one microelectromechanical device (MEMS) device (120) connected in fluid communication with the inflatable portion (32) of the seat belt (19) and energizable to supply inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable portion (32) of the seat belt.

Abstract: A brake-shift lever interlock unit (14) includes a pair of coils (24, 26) which are disposed in a coaxial relationship. A plunger (50) is movable in a passage (72) which extends through the coils (24, 26). When the plunger (50) is in a extended position, it is effective to block movement of a force transmitting member (52) connected with a vehicle shift lever (10) Upon actuation of the vehicle ignition switch (18), while the brake switch (20) remains in an unactuated condition, a plunger pull coil (24) is energized to move the plunger (50) from the extended position to the partially retracted position. A cam surface (68) on the plunger (50) then engages the force transmitting member (52) to continue to prevent movement of the vehicle shift lever (10) out of the park position. At this time, the plunger (50) engages a stop member (60).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a vehicle comprises a first steering link (30) having a first socket (54), a second steering link (34) having a second socket (70), and a steering knuckle (20) having a through hole (44). A stud (90) comprises first and second stud parts (92, 94). The first stud part (92) comprises a first ball portion (100) received in the first socket (54) to connect the first stud part for pivotal movement relative to the first link, and a shank portion (108) projecting from the first ball portion. The second stud part (94) has a second ball portion (132) received in the second socket (70) to connect the second stud part for pivotal movement relative to the second link. The second stud part (94) has an axially extending through opening (130). The shank portion (108) of the first stud part (92) extends through the through hole (44) in the steering knuckle (20) and through the through opening (130) in the second stud part (94).

Abstract: A communication system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes a portable identification device (32) for keyless entry into the vehicle (12) and a tire sensor device (e.g., 48A) for providing information regarding a condition at a tire (e.g., 46A) of the vehicle (12). The portable identification device (32) includes an antenna (110) for receiving an interrogation signal (36) and for transmitting an identification indicative signal (38) responsive to the interrogation signal. The tire sensor device (48A) includes a sensor (158) for sensing at least one tire condition. The tire sensor device (48A) includes antennas (148 and 172) for receiving an initiation signal (e.g., 66A) and for transmitting a condition indicative signal (e.g., 50A) responsive to the initiation signal. The system (10) includes a transmitter arrangement (e.g., 72A, 28A, and 64A) for I emitting the interrogation signal (36) at a first frequency and the initiation signal (66A) at a second, different frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first suspension member (12), and a second suspension member (14) having a through hole (24) with a first tapered surface (32) defining a first end of the through hole and a second tapered surface (34) defining a second end of the through hole. A socket (40) is connected with the first suspension member (12). A stud (50) has a first end portion (52) and a second end portion (60). The socket (40) supports the first end portion (52) of the stud (50) in the socket (40) for pivotal movement relative to the socket. The second end portion (60) of the stud (50) has a tapered outer surface (66) in engagement with the first tapered surface (32) of the second suspension member (14). A fastener (90) on the second end portion (60) of the stud (50) has a tapered outer surface (96) in engagement with the second tapered surface (36) of the second suspension member (14).