Abstract: A method for monitoring a state of a switch is disclosed. The method includes providing a high side driver circuit in communication with a voltage source, activating the high side driver circuit at a first predefined time interval, and sourcing voltage to a resistor in communication with the high side driver circuit at the first predefined time interval. Further, the method monitors the switch at the first predefined time interval, and determines the state of the switch, and deactivates the high side drive at a second predefined time interval.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for protecting automotive electronics. The assembly includes a circuit board, a cover, and a metal housing. The metal housing is disposed over and around the circuit board. The cover and metal housing are crimped together to create a seal that protects the circuit board inside the metal housing and attaches the cover to the metal housing.

Abstract: Saturation of an RF front end in a radio receiver is prevented when receiving a desired radio broadcast signal via an antenna in the presence of a strong, undesired radio broadcast signal within a passband of the RF front end. An antenna signal from the antenna is coupled to the RF front end, thereby generating an amplified signal. The radio receiver demodulates the desired radio broadcast signal in response to the amplified signal, thereby generating a demodulated signal. A signal-to-noise quality parameter of the demodulated signal is determined. The antenna signal is attenuated prior to coupling it to the RF front end by an attenuation determined in response to the signal-to-noise quality parameter.

Abstract: An automatic turn signal deactivation system monitors and deactivates a turn signal indicator for a vehicle. A lane departure warning device compares a vehicle position with an originating roadway lane and provides a monitoring signal to a communication bus. A turn signal module activates the turn signal indicator under manual control and automatically deactivates the turn signal indicator in response to the monitoring signal when the monitoring signal received from the lane departure warning device over the communication bus indicates that a lane change maneuver is complete.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetizing selected portions of a shaft in a substantially circumferential direction includes a fixture mounted onto the apparatus adapted to receive a shaft to be magnetized, at least one magnetization head, the magnetization head being mounted moveably on the apparatus such that the magnetization head can be moved radially relative to the fixture, a plurality of brushes mounted onto the magnetization head, each brush having a distal end defining an internal diameter sized to circumferentially contact the shaft, the brushes being spring-loaded such that when the magnetization head is moved toward the fixture, each brush engages the shaft with proper pre-load force, and a buss bar, wherein the brushes are electrically connected to the buss bar for even distribution of electrical current to the brushes.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor includes an internal bypass passage characterized by a first section that converges along a first axis to define a nozzle, and a radially-expanded generally-cylindrical second section immediately adjacent to and coaxial with the first section so as to define a radial step at the nozzle exit. The passage further includes a semispherical third section adjacent to the second section having the same nominal diameter, a converging fourth section whose nominal axis is disposed at a right angle to the nominal axis of the first and second sections, and a fifth section adjacent to the fourth section that includes a further ninety degree bend. The resulting U-shaped passage features reduced pressure losses and an improved velocity profile, whereby the performance of a sensing element disposed in the passage proximate to the radial step is improved.

Abstract: The present invention involves a light channel communication component for a vehicle interior member. The light channel communication component comprises an integral polymeric body being a signal-conductive integral medium for transmitting light signals therethrough. The integral polymeric body has a predetermined index of refraction through which the light signals are transmitted. The integral polymeric body further includes a structure of the vehicle interior member to support a shape of the vehicle interior member.

Abstract: A method 10 for making a multi-layer electronic circuit board 110 having electroplated apertures 18, 20 which may be selectively and electrically isolated from electrically grounded member 12 and further having selectively formed air bridges and/or crossover members 50 which are structurally supported by material 54, and further having certain exposed connection surfaces 112, selectively and electrically connected to certain electrically conductive members 34, 42, and 44.

Abstract: A printed circuit board interconnect assembly for use in an automobile comprising a male portion and a female portion. The female portion of the interconnect assembly contains crimped spring clip terminals inside a plastic housing. The male portion of the interconnect assembly contains male pins held together by a plastic housing. The male pins are angled at their mating ends to engage and be retained by the female spring clip terminals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a window assembly having a fixed window with an opening, a slidable panel that slides relative to the fixed window to cover or expose the opening in the fixed window, and a covering to protect the lower edge of the window opening.

Abstract: A tube coupling for the detachable coupling of tube line sections of a high-pressure tubing system. The tube coupling includes two coupling blocks held together by a clamping screw, whereby one of the coupling blocks has a coupling plug that engages a plug socket provided on the other coupling block. A sealing ring is formed of a plastically deformable material and is enclosed between a front face of the coupling plug and a bottom-side sealing surface of the plug socket. In order to protect the sealing ring from being lost, damages and/or contaminated during assembly or opening and dosing the coupling, in a preassembled condition it is enclosed within a protective socket. To homogeneously load the sealing ring, the sealing ring is located at one point of a supporting triangle, the two other supporting points of being formed by a pair of supporting surfaces arranged side by side at an outer end of side flanges of the coupling blocks.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for producing plastic containers from thermoplastic sheets where the thermoplastic sheets are processed in parallel to form a low permeation plastic container. A plurality of thermoplastic sheets are progressively heated to a first temperature in a pre-conditioning stage. A group of the thermoplastic sheets are selected from the plurality of thermoplastic sheets and rapidly heated to a second temperature in a final heat stage. The group of thermoplastic sheets are then processed in a forming stage to form the low permeation plastic container.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes a bearing shaft having a wheel hub mounted onto an outboard end, and a detachable outboard joint mounted onto an inboard end. A wheel bearing is mounted onto the bearing shaft, and includes a knuckle flange having an inner diameter that defines an inboard outer race and an outboard outer race. An inboard inner race and an outboard inner race are supported on the bearing shaft. Bearing elements are positioned between the inner and outer races. An inboard bearing ring is mounted onto the bearing shaft. The inboard bearing ring defines the inboard inner race and includes an engagement portion extending axially inward that engages the detachable outboard joint. The bearing shaft includes a flange portion that supports the inboard bearing ring and the wheel bearing when the outboard joint is removed.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system uses one or more components to process both narrow band signals and spread spectrum signals. A spread spectrum-like signal is generated from the narrow band signal. The spread spectrum-like signal is processed as a spread spectrum signal.

Abstract: A refrigeration and air-cycle air conditioning system is provided for a body defining interior space, preferably a stand alone refrigeration cabinet. The air conditioning system includes a unique combination of a compressor, intercooler, expander, motor and plenum to increase the performance of the system making it practical for use in commercial refrigeration.

Abstract: A radio receiver performs a tune to a target frequency channel to recover a main audio program signal from a duplicative signal wherein the duplicative signal includes a primary signal and a backup signal both containing the main program audio signal. The backup signal is provided in a center portion of the target frequency channel and the primary signal is provided in an upper and lower sideband portion of the target frequency channel. The backup signal contains an identifying data which relates to the presence of the primary signal. The method includes tuning to the target frequency channel. The receiver filters the target frequency channel using a narrow bandwidth. A determination is made whether the identifying data is present. If the identifying data is present, then the main audio program is retrieved from the primary signal using a wide bandwidth, otherwise the narrow bandwidth is used to retrieve the main audio program from the backup signal.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for preventing stall of a vehicle engine is provided. The system includes an integrated starter alternator operably connected with the engine. The integrated starter alternator is capable of selectively operating as a starter motor for transmitting torque to the engine and as an alternator for producing electric energy. The system also includes at least one electric energy storage device in electrical communication with the integrated starter alternator. The system further includes at least one controller in electrical communication with the integrated starter alternator. The system includes at least one sensor operably connected with the engine sending a signal indicative of engine performance to the controller. The controller compares the signal to a predetermined condition indicative of engine stall and controls the electric energy storage device and the integrated starter alternator to transmit a torque to the engine sufficient to prevent engine stall.

Abstract: Cavities within structural members of a motor vehicle or other structure are used for propagation of wireless RF communication signals. The system is particularly adapted for use in structures wherein permanent, fixed transmission guides can be easily provided, and it is especially useful in motor vehicles where it 1) reduces the cost and power requirements of electronic modules using wireless communication, 2) shields the communication channel from outside electromagnetic interference, and 3) allows the propagation of emissions to be substantially restricted to desired regions away from people and electronic devices not in the intended network.

Abstract: A circuit assembly detects a touch point within a display area. A plurality of light emitters are disposed around a periphery of the display area. A plurality of detectors are disposed around the periphery, each detector being opposed to a respective light emitter. Switching circuitry for connecting the light emitters and detectors in a switching matrix has a plurality of matrix rows and matrix columns. The switching circuitry includes a plurality of row lines, each row line corresponding to a respective matrix row and a plurality of column lines, each column line corresponding to a respective matrix column. Low-side switching transistors selectably couple the light emitters and detectors to the row and column lines, respectively. A common modulated signal is coupled to the anodes of all the light emitters. A detection signal is provided by connecting the collector terminals for the detector phototransistors in common. Consequently, high-side multiplexing circuits are avoided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for controlling the retard limit of an engine having one or more cylinders in which combustion occurs. A sensor is employed to detect the ionization of the combustion process in the cylinders. The ionization is related to a retard limit feedback, and the sensor further transmits a signal associated with the retard limit feedback. A controller relates the retard limit feedback signal to a metric, monitors the stochastic behavior of the metric, and adjusts the ignition timing of the engine in response to the stochastic behavior to operate the engine below a retard limit target.