Abstract: A method for testing a transmission gear shift device includes using an electric machine and a primary mechanism to place the device and a secondary mechanism, latched to the primary mechanism, in a park position, using a motor to delatch the secondary mechanism from the primary mechanism, using the electric machine to absorb energy released by a spring when delatching, and using the electric machine to relatch the secondary mechanism to the primary mechanism.

Abstract: A method for testing a transmission gear shift device includes using an electric machine and a primary mechanism to place the device and a secondary mechanism, latched to the primary mechanism, in a park position, using a motor to delatch the secondary mechanism from the primary mechanism, using the electric machine to absorb energy released by a spring when delatching, and using the electric machine to relatch the secondary mechanism to the primary mechanism.

Abstract: An antenna system is disclosed. The antenna system includes a plurality of antenna elements, switching elements, and transmission feed lines disposed on a rear window glass. The plurality of switching elements are arranged with the antenna elements and transmission feed lines to, when selectively closed, electrically couple selected ones of the antenna elements and transmission feed lines to one another to generate an antenna configuration selected from a plurality of antenna configurations. A non-volatile memory is configured to store data representing at least some of the plurality of antenna configurations. A control arrangement operatively coupled to the plurality of switching elements and configured to close selected ones of the switching elements as a function of the data stored in said memory. Means are provided to selectively update the data on a function of previously selected antenna configurations.

Abstract: A self-structuring antenna system comprises a plurality of antenna elements, a plurality of switch elements arranged with the antenna elements to, when selectively closed, electrically couple ones of the antenna elements to one another, and a switch controller for opening and closing the switch elements. The switch controller is operatively associated with the plurality of switch elements via a plurality of addressable switch controllers.

Abstract: A wireless battery charging system and method includes a self-structuring antenna system for monitoring a wide area and detecting wireless devices within the area, a transceiver for establishing two-way communication with a wireless device detected within the area, and a computer for adjusting the self-structuring antenna system to focus electromagnetic energy beamed to the wireless device according to information received from the wireless device detected within the area. The wireless battery charging system and method preferably includes a charging cradle that has a self-structuring antenna system that monitors a cradle charging area and detects a wireless device in the cradle, a transceiver for establishing two-way communication with the wireless device in the cradle, and a computer for adjusting the self-structuring antenna system to focus electromagnetic near-field energy to the wireless device in the cradle according to information received from the wireless device in the cradle.

Abstract: An antenna arrangement includes an antenna circuit for receiving and/or transmitting radio frequency signals. A signal feed circuit is coupled with the antenna circuit. A performance-adjusting device includes at least one of: a structure feed switch selectively interconnecting the antenna circuit and the signal feed circuit; a variable impedance element disposed in the antenna circuit or the signal feed circuit; and a switchable parasitic element coupled to the antenna circuit. A controller controls the performance-adjusting device.

Abstract: A self-structuring antenna (SSA) system selects a predetermined antenna geometry as a preliminary configuration based on a particular communication band in which the SSA system is operating. The preliminary configuration provides an initial or default antenna configuration for the particular communication band. The SSA system may use a preliminary configuration when the communication system is first activated. In addition, the SSA system may use a predetermined antenna geometry as a general purpose default configuration until a configuration producing better antenna characteristics can be identified.

Abstract: An antenna system is disclosed.

Abstract: A self-structuring antenna (SSA) system employs a memory device to store switch states for antenna configurations that are determined to produce acceptable antenna characteristics. Each antenna configuration corresponds to a respective combination of switch states known as a switch configuration. Using the stored antenna configurations as a starting point for the process of searching for an antenna configuration that produces acceptable antenna characteristics under particular operating conditions may reduce the search time.

Abstract: A communication system incorporates a self-structuring antenna (SSA) system coupled to multiple communication devices, such as receivers, in a multiplexed arrangement. One of the communication devices is employed in a search process to select an antenna configuration suitable for another of the communication devices. The SSA system controls and coordinates the search process for the communication devices. For example, the SSA system resolves conflicts between communication devices when multiple communication devices attempt to access the SSA system simultaneously. Using multiple communication devices, one of which is employed in a search process related to another communication device, may reduce the duration for which communication services are interrupted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the concentration of soot particles in engine oil. A microwave signal having a varying frequency is applied to a transmission line having a probe tip exposed to the engine oil. A voltage is read at a stationary detection point along the length of the transmission line for each applied frequency. The applied frequency when the probe voltage is equal to a null voltage of a standing wave within the transmission line is compared to a reference frequency determined when the probe voltage is equal to a null voltage for a known concentration of soot particles. The concentration is calculated based upon the result of the comparison. Preferably, a reference probe receives the same input signal. A known relationship between the reference probe and the transmission line is then used to eliminate temperature effects on the applied frequency.

Abstract: In a multi-link hinge assembly for a rear deck lid or front hood for an automobile, a torsional coil spring is mounted with its coil coaxial to or proximate to a pivotal connection of the hinge assembly with arms of the coil spring engaging members of the hinge assembly to bias them for pivoting about the pivotal connection. The torsional coil spring provides enhanced “pop-up” of the lid or hood on initial unlocking and can reduce the need for or size of a primary biasing mechanism to assist in opening the lid or hood.

Abstract: A cross car structure member including a beam comprising a hollow extended aluminum metal tube extending across the vehicle between the vehicle pillars, preferably, with the interior of the tube being used as a heating, ventilating and air conditioning duct.

Abstract: A cross car structure member including a beam comprising a hollow extended aluminum metal tube extending across the vehicle between the vehicle pillars, preferably, with the interior of the tube being used as a heating, ventilating and air conditioning duct.

Abstract: A flip top can opener having a lift tab securing portion and a protruding force application member is provided. The lift tab securing portion is defined by an arcuate indentation formed at one end of the opener and having upper and lower projections and a central tab receiving region for engaging the tab mechanism of the flip top can. The force application member extends in a generally opposing direction and is spaced from the lift tab securing portion in accordance with the size of the tab mechanism, and can apply sufficient force to break open the seal of the can when the tab is engaged with the tab receiving region. The hook shaped portion and the force application member are connected to a lever arm, and the entire assembly is of unitary construction.