Abstract: An automotive exhaust aftertreatment system includes an onboard ammonium carbamate reactor. The onboard ammonium carbamate reactor is coupled to a diesel emission fluid reservoir also included in the system and is configured to generate aqueous ammonium carbamate solution from diesel emission fluid. A doser configured to inject the generated aqueous ammonium carbamate solution has integrated heating.

Abstract: An automotive exhaust aftertreatment system includes an onboard ammonium carbamate reactor. The onboard ammonium carbamate reactor is coupled to a diesel emission fluid reservoir also included in the system and is configured to generate aqueous ammonium carbamate solution from diesel emission fluid. A hybrid heating system for use with the ammonium carbamate reactor is provided in this disclosure.

Abstract: An automotive exhaust aftertreatment system for reducing effluents, such as nitrous oxides (NOx), in exhaust gasses passing through the system. The automotive exhaust aftertreatment system includes a dosing unit configured to inject primary and secondary reductant fluids into exhaust gasses based on various strategies to optimize operation of the system.

Abstract: A temperature measurement system includes at least one grounded thermocouple operable to measure a temperature, a processor in communication with the grounded thermocouple and configured to measure the temperature, and a power supply coupled to the grounded thermocouple and the processor. The power supply is configured to receive a voltage input and generate an isolated voltage. The grounded thermocouple is selectively biased with the isolated voltage from the power supply during a temperature measurement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for capturing images of articles under test and processing the images to automatically detect the failure of a test article. The described methods include optimizing image capture to allow for the use of low cost imaging devices instead of high speed cameras or other expensive equipment. The described methods also include several methods for processing the images to identify the occurrence of a failure event.

Abstract: A temperature measurement system includes at least one grounded thermocouple operable to measure a temperature, a processor in communication with the grounded thermocouple and configured to measure the temperature, and a power supply coupled to the grounded thermocouple and the processor. The power supply is configured to receive a voltage input and generate an isolated voltage. The grounded thermocouple is selectively biased with the isolated voltage from the power supply during a temperature measurement.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes an exhaust aftertreatment system. The exhaust aftertreatment system includes a mixer, a doser that injects a reducing agent into the mixer, and a selective catalytic reduction unit. The exhaust aftertreatment system mixes exhaust gases and the reducing agent for treatment prior to the exhaust gases being discharged into the atmosphere. Some components of the exhaust aftertreatment system are positioned proximate to an associated combustion engine to minimize thermal energy loss from the exhaust gases prior to interaction with the exhaust aftertreatment system.

Abstract: A method of predicting the temperature of a resistive heating element in a heating system is provided. The method includes obtaining resistance characteristics of resistive heating elements and compensating for variations in the resistance characteristics over a temperature regime. The resistance characteristics of the resistive heating element include, but are not limited to, inaccuracies in resistance measurements due to strain-induced resistance variations, variations in resistance due to the rate of cooling, shifts in power output due to exposure to temperature, resistance to temperature relationships, non-monotonic resistance to temperature relationships, system measurement errors, and combinations of resistance characteristics. The method includes interpreting and calibrating resistance characteristics based on a priori measurements and in situ measurements.

Abstract: A dual-valve reverse poppet thermostat for use in a vehicle cooling system. The thermostat includes a cup having a temperature sensitive element that actuates a piston causing the piston to move axially upwards. Movement of the piston initiates the gradual opening of a preliminary valve to initiate coolant flow and equalize pressure to open a main valve. The preliminary valve and main valve are biased towards a closed position by biasing spring members.

Abstract: A system and method for a device for releasing a cable of a safety system is disclosed. The system and method disclose various features of the cable system as it applies to a roadway barrier system and other applications in the event that the cables are impacted generally longitudinally proximate the region they are secured to a surface.

Abstract: A stacked die system (10) has a first die (16) having a first surface with active circuitry, a second die (18) having a first surface with active circuitry, and a conductive shield (28) interposed between the first surface of the first die and the first surface of the second die. In one embodiment, the distance between the first surfaces of the first and second die is less than one millimeter. The stacked die system may also include a package substrate (12) where the active circuitry of the first and second die are electrically connected to the package substrate. The electrical connections may be formed using wire bonds (56, 58, 60, 62). Alternatively, the first die may be connected to the package substrate in a flip chip configuration. In one embodiment, the active circuitry of the first die generates RF signals where the shield helps protect the RF signals from interference caused by the active circuitry of the second die.

Abstract: A trailer mounted crash attenuation system has an impact head assembly, a bursting tubular trailer frame member, and a breakaway axle assembly. Upon impact by a vehicle, the head assembly is urged forward bursting the tubular frame of the trailer. As the impact continues, the head assembly contacts an axle accelerator rod which results in the disengagement of the axle, trailer tire, and fenders from the trailer frame member. Impact energy is dissipated by the controlled deceleration of the vehicle as it moves forward through the attenuator system.

Abstract: A system and method for a device for releasing a cable of a safety system is disclosed. The system and method disclose various features of the cable system as it applies to a roadway barrier system and other applications in the event that the cables are impacted generally longitudinally proximate the region they are secured to a surface.

Abstract: A high-impact, energy-absorbing vehicle barrier system generally includes a substantially rigid outer containment wall coupled via strap assemblies with an energy-absorbing inner impact wall, and energy-absorbing cartridges strategically positioned between the impact wall and containment wall. The impact wall is constructed of a number of tubes coupled with one another to present a substantially smooth, uniform surface to passing vehicles. The energy-absorbing cartridges generally consist of a foam member or a number of foam sheets which compress and crush between the containment wall and impact wall to absorb energy from an errant vehicle striking the face of the impact wall, while the deflection and deformation of the impact wall tubes dissipates additional energy to reduce peak decelerations and mitigate the severity of high-energy vehicular impacts.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing post for absorbing the impact energy of an errant vehicle wherein the impact energy is absorbed by out-of-plane deformation in the material of the post. Out-of-plane deformation is provided by utilizing a through-bolt extending through a splice connection between upper and lower posts sections. Alternatively, out-of-plane deformation is provided by leaving an axial gap on a splice bolts. For terminal applications, a single through-bolt is utilized to allow the upper post section to pivot during end on impacts. Bolt tear out facilitators, including stress concentrators and pre-buckles, or an angled through-bolt decrease any initially high tear-out forces.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing post for absorbing the impact energy of an errant vehicle wherein the impact energy is absorbed by out-of-plane deformation in the material of the post. Out-of-plane deformation is provided by utilizing a through-bolt extending through a splice connection between upper and lower posts sections. Alternatively, out-of-plane deformation is provided by leaving an axial gap on a splice bolts. For terminal applications, a single through-bolt is utilized to allow the upper post section to pivot during end on impacts. Bolt tear out facilitators, including stress concentrators and pre-buckles, or an angled through-bolt decrease any initially high tear-out forces.

Abstract: A single-sided crash attenuation cushion system having an impact head and three stage energy absorption mechanism. The energy absorbing mechanism has a mandrel for deforming thin-walled tubes in a controlled collapse to absorb impact forces from a colliding vehicle. The third stage of the absorption mechanism includes an additional deformable compressible tube between the fixed-object hazard and the thin walled tubes.

Abstract: An end splice assembly for a box-beam guardrail and terminal system having a first stage rail element and a second stage rail element. The assembly has two major connecting components. Upper and lower bent plate channels and upper and lower channel splice plates. The channels and plates have side walls which extend laterally to one another when the two rail elements are mated. The channels and plates are fastened together to provide moment strength to the splice within the system.

Abstract: An end splice assembly for a box-beam guardrail and terminal system having a first stage rail element and a second stage rail element. The assembly has two major connecting components. Upper and lower bent plate channels and upper and lower channel splice plates. The channels and plates have side walls which extend laterally to one another when the two rail elements are mated. The channels and plates are fastened together to provide moment strength to the splice within the system.

Abstract: A stacked die system (10) has a first die (16) having a first surface with active circuitry, a second die (18) having a first surface with active circuitry, and a conductive shield (28) interposed between the first surface of the first die and the first surface of the second die. In one embodiment, the distance between the first surfaces of the first and second die is less than one millimeter. The stacked die system may also include a package substrate (12) where the active circuitry of the first and second die are electrically connected to the package substrate. The electrical connections may be formed using wire bonds (56, 58, 60, 62). Alternatively, the first die may be connected to the package substrate in a flip chip configuration. In one embodiment, the active circuitry of the first die generates RF signals where the shield helps protect the RF signals from interference caused by the active circuitry of the second die.