Abstract: A system and method for operating an ignition system. An ignition transformer has primary and secondary windings. A spark apparatus is connected with the secondary windings of the ignition transformer. One or more characteristics of a spark generated by the spark apparatus is provided. An electronic control unit is adapted to control the ignition transformer, such that, based on an identification of the spark using the one or more characteristics and the spark reference data, the electronic control unit sends control signals to the ignition transformer to modify the one or more characteristics of the spark. Modification of the one or more characteristics may occur in a same spark cycle as measurement of the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: Provided herein is a tow hook assembly, and more specifically, a tow hook assembly that is employed to improve passenger safety of a vehicle particularly in an offset vehicle impact. A tow hook assembly may include a mounting plate configured to be attached to a structural member of a vehicle at a front end of the vehicle, the mounting plate comprising a first portion and a second portion; and a tow hook extending from the first portion of the mounting plate in a first direction away from the vehicle, where the second portion of the mounting plate extends laterally outboard from the first portion in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The tow hook, during a small overlap impact with an object, provides for a lateral push away from the object.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an ignition system. An ignition transformer has primary and secondary windings. A spark apparatus is connected with the secondary windings of the ignition transformer. One or more characteristics of a spark generated by the spark apparatus is provided. An electronic control unit is adapted to control the ignition transformer, such that, based on an identification of the spark using the one or more characteristics and the spark reference data, the electronic control unit sends control signals to the ignition transformer to modify the one or more characteristics of the spark. Modification of the one or more characteristics may occur in a same spark cycle as measurement of the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an ignition system. An ignition coil assembly has an ignition transformer with primary and secondary windings and a local control unit. A spark apparatus is connected with the secondary winding of the ignition transformer. The local control unit is adapted to regulate ignition timing of the ignition transformer for generating a spark at the spark apparatus to ignite a fuel-air mixture in an engine cylinder. A central control unit is in electronic communication with the local control unit for monitoring the ignition transformer.

Abstract: A vehicle windshield testing assembly includes a test table, a plurality of supports, a vehicle windshield, and a testing fixture. The test table is configured to be adjustable about a first axis and a second axis. The plurality of supports is movably connected to the test table. The vehicle windshield is supported by the plurality of supports. The testing fixture supported by the plurality of supports. The testing fixture includes a plurality of hollow sleeves configured to receive a testing object. Each of the hollow sleeves has an opening facing the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: A vehicle windshield testing assembly includes a test table, a plurality of supports, a vehicle windshield, and a testing fixture. The test table is configured to be adjustable about a first axis and a second axis. The plurality of supports is movably connected to the test table. The vehicle windshield is supported by the plurality of supports. The testing fixture supported by the plurality of supports. The testing fixture includes a plurality of hollow sleeves configured to receive a testing object. Each of the hollow sleeves has an opening facing the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: In order to reduce AC ringing of the secondary voltage after the spark event in a capacitive ignition system, which would influence ion-sensing, a secondary winding current (IR) flowing through the secondary winding (4) after the spark event is forced to flow through a forward-biased muting diode (D1) that is connected across the secondary winding (4).