Abstract: A pole cover assembly and a method for mounting the assembly onto a pole. The assembly includes a pole cover that has a first portion with a first longitudinal end. A base portion extends from the first portion and the base portion has a base portion depth and an inside diameter that is greater than an outside diameter of the first portion to accommodate a first longitudinal end of an adjacent pole cover therein and define a circumferential clearance gap around the adjacent pole cover. A longitudinal slit runs a length of the pole cover and separates axially extending arc segments of the pole cover. The arc segments overlap one another when disposed on the pole.

Abstract: A fixture for mounting and masking cutting tools includes a tool holder and a mask. The tool holder has a cavity adapted to receive a plurality of cutting tools. The mask is coupled to the holder and aligned with the plurality of cutting tools where a majority of the surface area of each cutting tool is covered by the tool holder and the mask. The mask includes a shaped portion having a profile adapted to substantially match the profile of the shaped cutting tip for the cutting tool. The mask is positioned to expose a portion of the cutting tool to the surrounding atmosphere. A method of masking and coating a cutting tool is also presented.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and a method for generating steering reaction torque in a steer-by-wire steering system. The system includes a manually steerable member; a feedback generator; a vehicle speed sensor; a steering position sensor; and a steering actuator load sensor. A control unit calculates a set of blended reaction torque values by receiving input signals from the steering position sensor and the steering actuator load sensor. The control unit operates on the input signals and computing a set of reaction torque values, and blending the reaction torque values into set of blended reaction torque values. The set of reaction torque equations comprises a plurality of non-linear functions that is adapted for real-time, continuous operation upon the input signals from the sensors. The set of blended reaction torque values is speed-sensitized based on vehicle speed and transmitted to the feedback generator to generate steering feel in the manually steerable member.

Abstract: A system for generating steering reaction torque in a steer-by-wire steering system comprising a manually steerable member; a feedback generator; a vehicle speed sensor; a steering position sensor; a steering actuator load sensor; a control unit adapted for calculating a set of blended reaction torque values by receiving input signals from the steering position sensor and the steering actuator load sensor, operating on the input signals and computing a set of reaction torque values, and blending the reaction torque values into set of blended reaction torque values. The set of reaction torque equations comprises a plurality of non-linear functions that is adapted for real-time, continuous operation upon the input signals from the sensors. The set of blended reaction torque values is speed sensitized based on vehicle speed and transmitted to the feedback generator to generate steering feel in the manually steerable member.