Abstract: A haptic feedback device (20, 20?, 20?) comprises a stationary frame (40); a carrier (42) configured for at least one degree of motion relative to the stationary frame; a user interface (44) mounted on the carrier and configured to receive a human impulse; a set (46) of pole pieces; and, a suspension system (48). The haptic actuator (46) comprises a first pole piece (80) mounted to the stationary frame (40); a second pole piece (82) mounted to the carrier (42); and, an electromagnetic coil (84) carried by one of the first pole piece and the second pole piece. The first pole piece and the second pole piece are separately mounted to define an air gap (90) therebetween in a first direction when the electromagnetic coil is not energized, the first direction corresponding to the at least one degree of motion. The suspension system (48) is mechanically separated from both the first pole piece (80) and the second pole piece (92).

Abstract: In one of its aspects the technology disclosed herein concerns a haptic feedback device (20, 20?, 20?). The haptic feedback device comprises a stationary frame (40); a carrier (42) configured for at least one degree of motion relative to the stationary frame; a user interface (44) mounted on the carrier and configured to receive a human impulse; a set (46) of pole pieces; and, a suspension system (48). The haptic actuator (46) comprises a first pole piece (80) mounted to the stationary frame (40); a second pole piece (82) mounted to the carrier (42); and, an electromagnetic coil (84) carried by one of the first pole piece and the second pole piece. The electromagnetic coil is selectively energized as a result of receipt of the human impulse. The first pole piece and the second pole piece are separately mounted to define an air gap (90) therebetween in a first direction when the electromagnetic coil is not energized, the first direction corresponding to the at least one degree of motion.

Abstract: An intelligent turn signal control system for turning on and off left and right turn signals in a vehicle. The system includes a computer, such as an antilock braking system computer, with programmed software operably disposed on a vehicle, and a driver interface switch assembly as input to the computer. Sensors transmit angle, differential wheel movement or related data as input to the computer, while a circuit drives turn signal indicator lamps from conditionally computed output data from the computer to turn on and off turn signals in a situation-appropriate manner. Upon turn signal indication intent data input from the driver, extensive travel and turn data is computed, including yaw rotation and steering system position to turn off or cancel the turn signal at the appropriate point.

Abstract: An intelligent turn signal control system for turning on and off left and right turn signals in a vehicle. The system includes a computer, such as an antilock braking system computer, with programmed software operably disposed on a vehicle, and a driver interface switch assembly as input to the computer. Sensors transmit angle, differential wheel movement or related data as input to the computer, while a circuit drives turn signal indicator lamps from conditionally computed output data from the computer to turn on and off turn signals in a situation-appropriate manner. Upon turn signal indication intent data input from the driver, extensive travel and turn data is computed, including yaw rotation and steering system position to turn off or cancel the turn signal at the appropriate point.

Abstract: A wiper arm window latch system and method includes an end of a wiper arm which is mounted on a window and which is received in a drive coupler coupled to a drive motor mounted on a door. The drive coupler permits the wiper arm to be drivingly coupled to a wiper motor. The drive coupler and end of the wiper arm also cooperate to lock the wiper arm to the drive coupler, thereby causing the window of the vehicle to be locked in a closed position, such as against the door. This system and method is particularly suited for use in a vehicle having a rear window which is pivotable between an open position and a closed position and where a rear window wiper is desired or required.

Abstract: An intelligent turn signal control system for turning on and off left and right turn signals in a vehicle includes a computer, such as an antilock braking system computer, with programmed software operably disposed on a vehicle, a driver interface switch assembly as input to the computer. Two or more wheel speed sensors transmit differential wheel movement data as input to the computer, a circuit drives turn signal indicator lamps from conditionally computed output data from the computer to turn on and off turn signals in a situation-appropriate manner. Upon turn signal indication intent data input from the driver, extensive travel and turn data is computed, including yaw rotation and steering system position to turn off or cancel the turn signal at the appropriate point.

Abstract: A novel system, surgical method, and tools for performing a total ankle replacement are described. The total ankle replacement system includes the calcaneus in fixation of a lower prosthesis body, thereby significantly increasing the amount of bone available for fixation of the lower prosthesis body and allowing the lower prosthesis body to be anchored with screws. The total ankle replacement system further includes a long tibial stem which can also be anchored into the tibia The novel surgical arthroscopic method allows introduction of ankle prostheses into the ankle joint through an exposure in the tibial tubercle. Various novel surgical instruments, such as a telescoping articulating reamer and a talo-calcaneal jig, which facilitate the novel surgical method, are also described.

Abstract: A wiper arm window latch system and method includes an end of a wiper arm which is mounted on a window and which is received in a drive coupler coupled to a drive motor mounted on a door. The drive coupler permits the wiper arm to be drivingly coupled to a wiper motor. The drive coupler and end of the wiper arm also cooperate to lock the wiper arm to the drive coupler, thereby causing the window of the vehicle to be locked in a closed position, such as against the door. This system and method is particularly suited for use in a vehicle having a rear window which is pivotable between an open position and a closed position and where a rear window wiper is desired or required.

Abstract: An intelligent turn signal control system for turning on and off left and right turn signals in a vehicle includes a computer, such as an antilock braking system computer, with programmed software operably disposed on a vehicle, a driver interface switch assembly as input to the computer. Two or more wheel speed sensors transmit differential wheel movement data as input to the computer, a circuit drives turn signal indicator lamps from conditionally computed output data from the computer to turn on and off turn signals in a situation-appropriate manner. Upon turn signal indication intent data input from the driver, extensive travel and turn data is computed, including yaw rotation and steering system position to turn off or cancel the turn signal at the appropriate point.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for providing a single module, which has a plurality of integrally-molded features and components. The module is used to provide a support capable of supporting a plurality of tailgate components, such as a windshield wiper motor, electric door latches and illumination system for illuminating a license plate, stop light and even a cargo area of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus of performing vehicle obstruction sensing during vehicle reverse and liftgate opening movements. The invention uses the same sensors to perform both functions. When the vehicle is in reverse, the invention produces a visible and/or audible signal to the operator of the vehicle when an obstruction detected within the monitoring range of the sensor or sensors. When the vehicle transmission is in any position other than park, the liftgate driver is disabled. When the vehicle is in park, the liftgate sensing system is enabled. The invention either stops the liftgate opening movement or reverses the liftgate movement when an obstruction is detected. The invention can also signal an alarm when an obstruction is detected in the path of the liftgate. The present invention incorporates any number of existing sensors.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for providing a single module which has a plurality of integrally-molded features and components, as well as is capable of receiving a plurality of components required to be mounted on a door of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the module is used to provide a support capable of supporting a plurality of tailgate components, such as a windshield wiper motor, electric door latches and illumination system for illuminating a license plate, stop light and even a cargo area of the vehicle. The system and method provide a module platform having an integrally-molded handle which permits an operator to pick up the module with its various components integrally-molded in or mounted thereon and situate the module directly onto the door, thereby substantially reducing the number of assembly steps and assembly time required in the past.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for providing a single module which has a plurality of integrally-molded features and components which are mounted on a door of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the module is used to provide a support capable of supporting a plurality of tailgate components, such as a windshield wiper motor, electric door latches and illumination system for illuminating a license plate, stop light and even a cargo area of the vehicle. The system and method provide a module platform having at least one integrally-molded handle which permits an operator to pick up the module with its various components integrally-molded in or mounted thereon and situate the module directly onto the door, thereby substantially reducing the number of assembly steps and assembly time required in the past.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for providing an optical signal at the rear of a vehicle to warn the following traffic of an ongoing electronic control intervention in the vehicle behavior. Such an electronic control function can be for instance ABS, TCS or automatic yaw control. A preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes the center brake light of a vehicle to emit an intermittent optical signal during electronic control. In case of ABS, the two side brake lights shine continuously to indicate a brake pedal actuation while the center brake light flashes in an on/off- mode according to the electronic antilock control.

Abstract: An intelligent wiper system and method for wiping a windshield is disclosed having a microprocessor which controls the operation of a motor and which is capable of setting a baseline delay time using one or more wipe times, with the baseline delay time generally corresponding to a time interval between consecutive wipes of at least one wiper blade. The system and method automatically adjusts the baseline delay time in response to the second wipe time if the second wipe time is not substantially the same as a function of the first wipe time, wherein the function includes a predetermined constant which is at least one hundred percent of a first wipe time. An upper baseline wipe time threshold and a lower baseline wipe time threshold may be established such that the delay time is not adjusted if a current wipe time falls between such thresholds.

Abstract: A window release and wiper system and method is shown using a window latch having a latch release arm. The latch release arm is coupled to an output shaft of a wiper motor which also drives a wiper arm and a wiper blade between an inwipe position and an outwipe position. As the wiper motor drives the wiper arm between the inwipe and outwipe positions, the latch release arm rides on the output shaft of the wiper motor. When it is desired to open the window, the wiper motor is energized to drive the wiper arm to a window release position which, in turn, simultaneously drives the latch release arm to engage and actuate a latch release lever to actuate a window latch to release or unlock the window. After the window is closed, the wiper motor may drive the wiper arm and wiper blade from the window release position towards the inwipe position.

Abstract: This invention includes a system and method for maintaining an impeller in a centrally located position in a pump cavity defined by an impeller housing in order to reduce noise and vibration between the impeller and the impeller housing. The system and method include situating an end or tip of the impeller in a bearing which is integrally molded onto the impeller housing at an inlet end thereof. Another embodiment illustrates the use of a locator integrally molded at the inlet end of the impeller housing and which cooperates with a locating aperture in an impeller end of the impeller to cause the impeller end to be maintained in a substantially centrally located position in the pump cavity defined by the impeller housing.

Abstract: A wiper blade assembly for a windshield wiper system of a motor vehicle is described in which a carrier yoke system which interconnects the wiper arm with the blade element is constructed of cascadingly interconnected yokes or bows. Pivot joints interconnecting the various yokes includes an opening formed in one or both of opposed yoke surfaces near the joint to expel solid foreign objects such as ice lodged there between.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a washer fluid above a predetermined temperature at a point of delivery where the fluid is directed onto a windshield of a vehicle. The system and method include a washer nozzle that has an internal resistance such that, when a current is passed through the nozzle, a temperature of nozzle is maintained at a predetermined temperature which is above the freezing temperature of the fluid. In one embodiment, the nozzle body and its electrical terminals are a one-piece molded construction, with another embodiment having a plurality of metallic conductors insert-molded into the nozzle. The nozzle has a nozzle body which is molded of an electrically conductive, internally-resistive, thermo-plastic which can be energized with less than about twenty or even ten amperes so that the nozzle body temperature is maintained above, for example, one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit when an ambient temperature of about seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A system and method for sealing a windshield washer reservoir is illustrated comprising a one-piece molded cap and strap. The one-piece cap and strap comprises integrally molded and mating hinge members which facilitate hingeably mounting the cap onto the strap after they have been separated from each other. This facilitates providing a sealing system and method having some of the advantages of a one-piece molded construction, while at the same time permitting the user to experience the advantages of a two-piece hinge construction. In another embodiment, an integrally molded cam defining a cam surface and a mating engaging surface are provided which cooperate to not only separate the cap from the strap, but also to cause the pin associated with the cap to be guided into the socket such that when the cap is actuated from an open position to a closed position, the integrally molded cap and strap become separated and substantially simultaneously hingeably mounted together.