Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to ductile iron alloy compositions and articles that can maintain desired microstructural and mechanical properties even when cast to make thin-wall samples. Particularly, the compositions herein may maintain hardness and ductility and minimize carbide formation even when cast in samples as thin as about 1 mm to about 6 mm. In particular, the instant disclosure relates to a cast iron alloy composition including nodular or spheroidal graphite domains comprising an iron content of at least about 90% by weight, a remaining alloy content of less than about 10% by weight, about 0.65% to about 0.85% by weight copper, about 3.6% to about 4.2% by weight silicon, and about 3.4% to about 3.8% by weight carbon.

Abstract: An alloy composite material comprising an aluminum alloy layer and a thermal spray alloy layer of 20 to 40% Mn and 47 to 76% Fe by weight in overlaying contact with the aluminum alloy layer. An alloy composite material comprising an aluminum alloy layer or base layer and a thermal spray alloy layer of 20 to 40% Mn and 47 to 76% Fe by weight in overlaying contact with the aluminum alloy layer or base layer. The aluminum alloy layer or base layer and the thermal spray alloy layer have a mechanical compatibility to each other of 20-60 MPa as determined using tests specified by ASTM-C633 test. A process of thermal spraying comprising providing a base layer and a feed stock alloy of 20 to 40% Mn and 47 to 76% Fe and thermally spraying the feed stock alloy onto the base layer to form an alloy composite material.

Abstract: An assembly including a host device and an add-on module, in which the host device and the add-on module include features to provide a rugged electro-mechanical interface or connection between the host device and the add-on module. The host device includes a body that has an open or non-enclosed docking bay on a side, and the module is placed into the docking bay such that a top side of its body mates with the inner surfaces and features of the docking bay. The interface is rugged so that the assembly is useful in the field, and the interface provides a secure attachment that can withstand dropping. A hook is provided on the top side of the body of the module, and the hook feature's shape, when combined with the location of fasteners on the module body that mate with threaded holes in the docking bay, is designed to withstand dropping.

Abstract: An alloy composite material comprising an aluminum alloy layer and a thermal spray alloy layer of 20 to 40% Mn and 47 to 76% Fe by weight in overlaying contact with the aluminum alloy layer. An alloy composite material comprising an aluminum alloy layer or base layer and a thermal spray alloy layer of 20 to 40% Mn and 47 to 76% Fe by weight in overlaying contact with the aluminum alloy layer or base layer. The aluminum alloy layer or base layer and the thermal spray alloy layer have a mechanical compatibility to each other of 20-60 MPa as determined using tests specified by ASTM-C633 test. A process of thermal spraying comprising providing a base layer and a feed stock alloy of 20 to 40% Mn and 47 to 76% Fe and thermally spraying the feed stock alloy onto the base layer to form an alloy composite material.

Abstract: A method for steering pull compensation to maintain a steering load below a predetermined threshold value. A straight line driving condition is verified through vehicle sensors and/or GPS, drive torque control is performed such that the steering load is kept below the predetermined threshold value. The steering pull compensation method may be disabled by a vehicle operator and is disabled in the absence of a verified straight line driving condition.

Abstract: A system for decoupling steering rack force disturbances in electric steering may comprise a steering wheel angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, and a steering torque sensor. The system may also comprise a tire force generator configured to receive signals from the steering wheel angle sensor, the yaw rate sensor, and the lateral acceleration sensor and send a reference rack force to a controller. The system may further comprise a rack force observer configured to receive signals from the steering torque sensor and send an estimated rack force to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive signals from the tire force generator and the rack force observer, compare the estimated rack force with the reference rack force to determine a rack force disturbance, and adjust an auxiliary torque based on the rack force disturbance.

Abstract: A valve actuator having an electric drive motor with a motor shaft and having an output shaft linked to the motor shaft to drive movement of a valve, the actuator further having a control system arranged to provide a first closed loop control of the actuator output shaft and including a controller coupled to a first position sensor to sense the position of the actuator output shaft, and to a second position sensor to sense the position of the motor shaft and to enable determination of the speed of the motor shaft, the control system being configured to respond to sensed signals from the first and second sensors and adjust the motor speed/position accordingly.

Abstract: A system for decoupling steering rack force disturbances in electric steering may comprise a steering wheel angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, and a steering torque sensor. The system may also comprise a tire force generator configured to receive signals from the steering wheel angle sensor, the yaw rate sensor, and the lateral acceleration sensor and send a reference rack force to a controller. The system may further comprise a rack force observer configured to receive signals from the steering torque sensor and send an estimated rack force to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive signals from the tire force generator and the rack force observer, compare the estimated rack force with the reference rack force to determine a rack force disturbance, and adjust an auxiliary torque based on the rack force disturbance.

Abstract: A device centralizes a roll of toilet tissue onto a rod or spindle. Assuming the roll of tissue has an inner diameter D and a width W, and that the rod or spindle has an outer diameter d1, the invention comprises a pair of disks and a plurality of flexible elements interconnecting the disks and maintaining the disks in spaced-apart relation. The disks are separated by a distance corresponding to W, thereby defining a cylindrical volume having a central longitudinal axis. Each disk has an outer diameter D? slightly less than D, and an inner diameter d1? slightly greater than d1. Each flexible element has a central section extending outwardly beyond the cylindrical volume, such that when a roll of toilet tissue is inserted over the device the elements flex inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis and achieve a frictional coupling to the roll.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo inspection station includes a building structure that has open first and second ends and a top portion forming a passageway therein. A mechanism automatically scans the cargo area of the existing vehicle. The scanning mechanism is movable within the passageway while the existing vehicle remains stationary such that cargo within the existing vehicle remains statically housed therein. The building structure is manufactured of durable and rigid material such that the structure provides a barrier between the scanning mechanism and the outside environment thereby protecting the scanning mechanism from damage by harsh environmental conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates a method for providing reconnection to a ferrule to a service line from within the bore of a lined host pipe adapted to carry a fluid, comprising lining the host pipe with a liner, locating the ferrule from within the lined host pipe, forming a passage for fluid through the liner to the ferrule, and forming a seal of the liner with the system whereby to obviate leakage of fluid between the liner and host pipe.

Abstract: A method for steering pull compensation to maintain a steering load below a predetermined threshold value. A straight line driving condition is verified through vehicle sensors and/or GPS, drive torque control is performed such that the steering load is kept below the predetermined threshold value. The steering pull compensation method may be disabled by a vehicle operator and is disabled in the absence of a verified straight line driving condition.

Abstract: A valve actuator having an electric drive motor with a motor shaft and having an output shaft linked to the motor shaft to drive movement of a valve, the actuator further having a control system arranged to provide a first closed loop control of the actuator output shaft and including a controller coupled to a first position sensor to sense the position of the actuator output shaft, and to a second position sensor to sense the position of the motor shaft and to enable determination of the speed of the motor shaft, the control system being configured to respond to sensed signals from the first and second sensors and adjust the motor speed/position accordingly.

Abstract: A method of performing manufacturing operations on a workpiece made of a high strength alloy is disclosed in which a local area of a workpiece is heated to micro-structurally soften the local area. The local area of the workpiece becomes softened and more ductile. A manufacturing operation involving deformation of the heat softened area is performed with the metal in the heat softened region being more ductile and having less strength than the surrounding portions thereof. Manufacturing operations may include riveting, clinching, hydro-forming, and magnetic pulse joining.

Abstract: A crush rail or other structural member of a vehicle is provided with crush triggers. The crush triggers are formed by heating localized areas of the crush rail or other part and allowing them to cool slowly to provide increased ductility and reduced strength in a localized region. The crush rail is designed to collapse in a series of convolutions in a regular and repeated pattern. Crush triggers may be provided on body pillars, steering columns, drive shafts, engine support cradles, and other parts of a vehicle. A plurality of crush triggers may be provided on a single structural member depending upon impact absorption requirements.

Abstract: A crush rail or other structural member of a vehicle is provided with crush triggers. The crush triggers are formed by heating localized areas of the crush rail or other part and allowing them to cool slowly to provide increased ductility and reduced strength in a localized region. The crush rail is designed to collapse in a series of convolutions in a regular and repeated pattern. Crush triggers may be provided on body pillars, steering columns, drive shafts, engine support cradles, and other parts of a vehicle. A plurality of crush triggers may be provided on a single structural member depending upon impact absorption requirements.