Abstract: A superconductor device includes a high superconductivity transition temperature enhanced from the raw material transition temperature. The superconductor device includes a matrix material and a core material. The enhancing matrix material and the core material together create a system of strongly coupled carriers. A plurality of low-dimensional conductive features can be embedded in the matrix. The low-dimensional conductive features (e.g., nanowires or nanoparticles) can be conductors or superconductors. An interaction between electrons of the low-dimensional conductive features and the enhancing matrix material can promote excitations that increase a superconductivity transition temperature of the superconductor device.

Abstract: A fuel filler door actuator including a motor, a gear train coupled to the motor and to a latch arm, and a locking cam coupled to the gear train. The locking cam resists movement of the latch arm from an unlocked condition to a locked condition. A manual override cable is disclosed for manually moving the latch arm from the locked condition to an unlocked condition. A push—push mechanism is disclosed for allowing facile opening of a fuel filler door, and a quick connect/disconnect feature is disclosed for allowing facile assembly of the actuator to a fuel filler door housing.

Abstract: Shock-resistant enclosure having a housing to which a fragile element is rigidly mounted, and a plurality of discrete shock absorbing elements projecting from the housing in different directions for receiving impacts which would otherwise strike the housing. In some embodiments, the shock absorbing elements include elastomeric bumpers which are formed integrally with a gasket that provides a seal between two sections of the housing. In others, they include plastic fenders or springs which are formed integrally with and of the same material as the housing.

Abstract: A fuel filler door actuator including a motor, a gear train coupled to the motor and to a latch arm, and a locking cam coupled to the gear train. The locking cam resists movement of the latch arm from an unlocked condition to a locked condition. A manual override cable is disclosed for manually moving the latch arm from the locked condition to an unlocked condition. A push-push mechanism is disclosed for allowing facile opening of a fuel filler door, and a quick connect/disconnect feature is disclosed for allowing facile assembly of the actuator to a fuel filler door housing.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator including an output shaft structure coupled to an output gear to allow relative motion therebetween upon application of a predetermined level of force to the output shaft structure. The relative motion opens a normally closed conductive path between a motor for driving the output gear and a power supply input terminal. Integrated position control is provided whereby the conductive path is opened at limits to the range of motion for the output shaft established by location of the ends of stationary contacts. A fuel filler valve system and a method of providing pinch protection are also provided.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator including an output shaft structure coupled to an output gear to allow relative motion therebetween upon application of a predetermined level of force to the output shaft structure. The relative motion opens a normally closed conductive path between a motor for driving the output gear and a power supply input terminal. Integrated position control is provided whereby the conductive path is opened at limits to the range of motion for the output shaft established by location of the ends of stationary contacts. A fuel filler valve system and a method of providing pinch protection are also provided.

Abstract: A fuel filler door actuator is provided having a locking arm and an alternate action mechanism. The locking arm is selectively driveable by an electric motor to engage or disengage with the fuel filler door of an automobile. The alternate action mechanism, including a spring-biased plunger having a cam track with a cam follower riding in the track, is engageable by and mounted adjacent to the fuel filler door and is capable of linear movement with respect to the door by alternating between an inward recessed position and an outwardly extended position each time an inward force is applied to the door. In the event of a loss of electrical power to the actuator, a manual override mechanism is provided which allows unpowered opening of the fuel door.

Abstract: A door lock actuator including a single non-reversible drive motor for generating step-wise rotation of an output shaft through an indexing assembly which is decoupled from the motor during periods of operation. The indexing assembly includes an index pin plate coupled to a drive gear for rotation therewith. The plate includes a plurality of spaced pins which are positioned to contact a rotating paddle driven by the drive motor. The paddle successively contacts the pins in a portion of its rotation to cause corresponding rotation of the drive gear and the output gear which is meshingly engaged therewith. The output gear is coupled to an output shaft having twin cams positioned thereon for manipulating door latch pawls to control the door lock state. An override mechanism is provided which includes top and bottom override arms driven by rotation of a key in the key cylinder.

Abstract: An anti-lock braking system which is adaptable to installation in a wide range of vehicles by means of a self-adjusting connecting linkage between the brake and the control system for anti-lock braking. The brake pedal is linked to the control system by a latched member which releases to permit the linkage to assume the appropriate length for the particular vehicle. The linkage includes frictionally engaged elements which move relative to each other as required and the braking system includes a hydraulic circuit which prevents depletion of hydraulic fluid.