Abstract: A key fob is provided that includes a housing, a key function operative with a vehicle ignition for allowing operation of the vehicle, and a communication link for allowing communication between the key fob and the vehicle. The key fob also includes memory storing audio files. The audio files may be downloaded or streamed to a vehicle via the communication link. The memory may further store saved audio file information, such as music identifiers, provided on board the vehicle and downloaded to the key fob upon initiation by a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for determining whether a target component of an electronic assembly is assembled correctly. The method of the present invention involves correlating the view of a test electronic assembly with both a positive control image and a negative control image. The positive control image is an image of an electronic assembly that has been assembled properly, whereas the negative control image is an image of an electronic assembly that has been assembled improperly. If the correlation between the test image and the positive control image is greater than the correlation between the test image and the negative control image, the test assembly is assembled properly. On the other hand, if the correlation between the test image and the negative control image is greater than the correlation between the test image and the positive control image, the test assembly is assembled improperly.

Abstract: A magnetic device for attracting and retaining a fastener which has a bit, a generally ring-shaped keeper having a bottom surface, at least some portion of which bottom surface is magnetized, at least one pair of magnets, each pair of magnets having two magnets with alternating poles, adjacent to the magnetic bottom surface of the keeper and arranged around the bit such that an even number of magnets with alternating poles is arranged around the bit, and a non-magnetic holder that secures the keeper and the magnets and surrounds the bit. The magnets provide magnetic flux to the keeper and the fastener. Each pair of adjacent magnets provides a closed magnetic flux path through a first magnet of the pair, the keeper, a second magnet of the pair, and the fastener. The location of the magnetic device along the bit may be adjustable or fixed.

Abstract: An integrated system for automatically controlling the operation of both an automated manual transmission and a multiple speed axle assembly in a vehicle drive train assembly includes a transmission actuator for operating the transmission in any one of a plurality of transmission gear ratios. The system further includes an axle actuator for operating the axle assembly in any one of a plurality of axle gear ratios. An electronic controller is provided for operating the transmission in a desired one of the plurality of transmission gear ratios and for operating the axle assembly in a desired one of the plurality of axle gear ratios to provide a desired overall gear ratio for the vehicle. To accomplish this, the electronic controller is responsive to one or more input signals that represent operating parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic controller is operated according to a method which efficiently generates output signals to a relatively large number of output devices, yet which utilizes only a relatively small amount of programming code to accomplish this. The electronic controller is responsive to various input signals for generating output signals on a bus line to a plurality of latches, each of which contains a plurality of output lines which are connected to operate the output devices. The electronic controller initially inputs the number of output lines per latch contained in the electronic control system as a variable B. Then, the number of a selected output device (designated as a variable A) is divided by the number of output lines per latch B. The result of this division is expressed in the form of an integer C plus a remainder D. The integer C designates the latch which controls the operation of the selected output device, while the remainder D designates the specific selected output device within that latch.