Abstract: A night vision system for a vehicle includes a pulsed light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle, the light source operating at a predetermined pulse timing. A light sensor generates a light intensity signal in response to detecting light at approximately the same wavelength as light from the light source. A controller receives first and second light intensity signals from the light sensor corresponding to first and second time periods between pulses of the light source, compares the first and second light intensity signals, and modifies the light source pulse timing as a function of a ratio or difference between the first and second light intensity signals, to avoid blinding of the vehicle's night vision system by similarly-equipped vehicle's traveling in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A night vision system for a vehicle includes a pulsed light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle and a secondary trigger light source operating at a predetermined pulse timing and second wavelength. A light sensor detects light at the second wavelength. The trigger light pulses are used to indicate the pulse timing of each respective vehicle's primary NIR light source. Upon detecting another vehicle's trigger light source, the controller adjusts the pulse phase of the first light source to be exactly out-of-phase with that of the oncoming vehicle since the pulsed timing of the oncoming vehicle's NIR light source is known upon detection of the opposing vehicle's trigger light source. Each vehicle can then adjust its primary light source to be out-of-phase with the other vehicle and, hence, non-interfering.

Abstract: A method of deploying a passenger side airbag as a function of the actual mass of the occupant on the passenger seat. This is accomplished by providing force sensors at one or more of the anchor pieces at which a seat belt is connected to the vehicle. The sensors may be strain gauges that measure the deflection of bolts connecting the ends of the seat belt to the anchor pieces. By sizing the nominal resistance of strain gauges at two anchor pieces, the two resistors can be put in a series circuit such that only the sum of the two resistances need be measured. The measurements obtained are then used to obtain the vertical components of force due to the seat belt. This value is then be subtracted from the total vertical force measured by a seat cushion weight sensor to determine the mass of the seat occupant.

Abstract: A collision protection system for protecting a pedestrian that uses a sensor that provides a width output signal that varies in relation to the width of an object contacting the vehicle. The sensor includes a resistive conductor that is shorted out by a conductive conductor of a portion of the length of the resistive conductor. A second sensor may be provided that provides an output only upon exceeding an impact threshold. Several sensors may be used to provide an indication of the location and width of the object contacted.

Abstract: A collision protection system for protecting a pedestrian that uses a sensor that provides a width output signal that varies in relation to the width of an object contacting the vehicle. The sensor includes a resistive conductor that is shorted out by a conductive conductor of a portion of the length of the resistive conductor. A second sensor may be provided that provides an output only upon exceeding an impact threshold. Several sensors may be used to provide an indication of the location and width of the object contacted.

Abstract: A brake fluid pressure relief assembly (50) for a brake system (10) including a pedal assembly (12) employs first and second valves (52, 54) to provide controlled collapse of a brake pedal pad (14) when both a predetermined deceleration limit is exceeded and a predetermined pressure level is exceeded in a hydraulic brake fluid. The first valve (52) is actuated by an inertial mass (84) acting against a first spring (86). With the first valve in the open position, hydraulic fluid passes into a reservoir (68) whose volume is a dependent on the position of the second valve (54). The second valve (54) opens when the fluid pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined pressure limit and compresses a piston (100) against a second spring (114). Accordingly, the forces that can be communicated through the pedal system 10 are reduced during a collision.

Abstract: A night vision system for a vehicle includes a pulsed light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle and a secondary trigger light source operating at a predetermined pulse timing and second wavelength. A light sensor detects light at the second wavelength. The trigger light pulses are used to indicate the pulse timing of each respective vehicle's primary NIR light source. Upon detecting another vehicle's trigger light source, the controller adjusts the pulse phase of the first light source to be exactly out-of-phase with that of the oncoming vehicle since the pulsed timing of the oncoming vehicle's NIR light source is known upon detection of the opposing vehicle's trigger light source. Each vehicle can then adjust its primary light source to be out-of-phase with the other vehicle and, hence, non-interfering.

Abstract: A night vision system for a vehicle includes a pulsed light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle, the light source operating at a predetermined pulse timing. A light sensor generates a light intensity signal in response to detecting light at approximately the same wavelength as light from the light source. A controller receives first and second light intensity signals from the light sensor corresponding to first and second time periods between pulses of the light source, compares the first and second light intensity signals, and modifies the light source pulse timing as a function of a ratio or difference between the first and second light intensity signals, to avoid blinding of the vehicle's night vision system by similarly-equipped vehicle's traveling in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A transportation system includes a guideway lane and a power cable assembly extending along the guideway lane. The system further includes a vehicle configured to travel on the guideway lane. The vehicle includes a self-centering transformer that is movable along the cable assembly and configured to cooperate with the cable assembly to transfer power to the vehicle. In addition, the transformer includes a magnet array that creates a magnetic field for centering the transformer-with respect to the cable assembly as the transformer moves along the cable assembly.

Abstract: A guideway system for conveying vehicles includes a first guideway lane and a plurality of control cells. Each cell includes a particular portion of the first guideway lane and a cell:controller for monitoring and controlling traffic flow on the first guideway lane portion within the respective cell. Furthermore, the cell controllers are in communication with each other so as to share information with each other.

Abstract: A brake fluid pressure relief assembly (50) for a brake system (10) including a pedal assembly (12) employs first and second valves (52, 54) to provide controlled collapse of a brake pedal pad (14) when both a predetermined deceleration limit is exceeded and a predetermined pressure level is exceeded in a hydraulic brake fluid. The first valve (52) is actuated by an inertial mass (84) acting against a first spring (86). With the first valve in the open position, hydraulic fluid passes into a reservoir (68) whose volume is a dependent on the position of the second valve (54). The second valve (54) opens when the fluid pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined pressure limit and compresses a piston (100) against a second spring (114). Accordingly, the forces that can be communicated through the pedal system 10 are reduced during a collision.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling operation of a vehicle on a guideway system, wherein the vehicle includes a first element of a linear induction motor and an alternate power source, and the guideway system has an acceleration section including a second element of the linear induction motor, and a computer control system. The method includes utilizing the second element in cooperation with the first element so as to accelerate the vehicle on the acceleration section of the guideway system, and providing speed instructions to the vehicle using the computer control system so as to cause the vehicle to use the alternate power source to maintain a desired cruising speed on a main section of the guideway system.

Abstract: A transportation system includes a guideway lane and a power cable assembly extending along the guideway lane. The system further includes a vehicle configured to travel on the guideway lane. The vehicle includes a self-centering transformer that is movable along the cable assembly and configured to cooperate with the cable assembly to transfer power to the vehicle. In addition, the transformer includes a magnet array that creates a magnetic field for centering the transformer with respect to the cable assembly as the transformer moves along the cable assembly.

Abstract: A guideway system for conveying vehicles includes a first guideway lane and a plurality of control cells. Each cell includes a particular portion of the first guideway lane and a cell controller for monitoring and controlling traffic flow on the first guideway lane portion within the respective cell. Furthermore, the cell controllers are in communication with each other so as to share information with each other.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling operation of a vehicle on a guideway system, wherein the vehicle includes a first element of a linear induction motor and an alternate power source, and the guideway system has an acceleration section including a second element of the linear induction motor, and a computer control system. The method includes utilizing the second element in cooperation with the first element so as to accelerate the vehicle on the acceleration section of the guideway system, and providing speed instructions to the vehicle using the computer control system so as to cause the vehicle to use the alternate power source to maintain a desired cruising speed on a main section of the guideway system.

Abstract: A passive automatic overhead door system (10) which automatically activates a remote door operating device (17) through communication with a global positioning system (18). A vehicle (12) equipped with a GPS receiver (14) and a GPS controller (16) is capable of communicating information to automatically activate a remote door operating device (17) based on predefined vehicle locations and predefined travel directions stored in the GPS controller (16). After programming the GPS controller (16) through a user interface (19) located on board the vehicle (12), there is no further action required from a vehicle's operator in order to activate the remote door operating device (17).

Abstract: The invention comprises a park mechanism for an automatic transmission comprising a toothed wheel secured to the torque output shaft of the transmission and a park pawl mounted pivotally on a transmission housing. The pawl has a pawl tooth engageable with tooth spaces on the toothed wheel, thereby locking the transmission torque output shaft against rotary motion. Torsional damper elements are carried by the torque output shaft and by the toothed wheel. Damper elements are located between registering radial extensions of the toothed wheel on the inside diameter of the toothed wheel and on a hub that is secured drivably to the torque output shaft, thereby permitting limited toothed wheel motion relative to the torque output shaft cushioning inertia forces as the pawl tooth engages a tooth space on the toothed wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making an automatic temperature compensating gas spring strut, the method comprising providing an outer cylinder having opposite ends with one end closed and the other end apertured to permit movement of the strut therethrough; nesting an inner cylinder within the outer cylinder with radial space therebetween, the inner cylinder being apertured at opposite ends; partitioning the space between said cylinders into a first chamber adjacent the closed end of the outer cylinder and a second chamber remote from such closed end; inserting a piston in sliding, sealing relation with the interior of the inner cylinder, the piston having a piston rod extending from said piston and sealingly out through the aperture of the outer cylinder; after injecting a high pressure, non-condensing gas in the first chamber, inserting a measured quantity of solid carbon dioxide (“dry ice”) in the second chamber at ambient conditions and closing said second chamber while sealingly allowing movem

Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing energy dissipation in a vehicle steering column in a high energy impact. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a variable energy dissipation system on the vehicle steering column; (b) sensing at least one occupant condition; and (c) adjusting the variable energy dissipation system based upon the sensed occupant condition to optimize energy dissipation.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster mechanism for an internal combustion engine, the adjuster having a body having a bore formed therein with a piston slidingly received within the bore. The lash adjuster is in communication with one end of a cam follower that is in communication at its other end with a valve stem. A rotating cam contacts said cam follower to apply force to the piston during a valve lift event. The lash adjuster has a low pressure chamber formed in the piston and a high pressure chamber formed between the bottom of the bore and the bottom of the piston. Engine fluid that is passed to the low pressure chamber is in communication with the high pressure chamber through a valve opening. A mechanism selectively opens or closes the valve opening in response to pressure differences between the low pressure chamber and the high pressure chamber.