Abstract: A variable cam timing control module for an internal combustion engine having at least one cam position sensor, at least one solenoid to actuate a cam phasing device, a driven outer cam sprocket position sensor and a microcontroller. The microcontroller may receive a set point angle signal from the engine's Electronic Control Unit, which it compares with input signals from the driven outer cam sprocket position sensor and the at least one cam position sensor to determine the proper cam phase angle. The microcontroller then sends a signal to the at least one solenoid to adjust the corresponding cam phasing device so that the cam phase angle matches the commanded set point.

Abstract: A packing element includes a mandrel, at least one seal member having a Chevron shape and composed of a metal material, and an energizer in operable communication with the at least one seal member and a method for packing a tubular.

Abstract: A variable valve timing system includes a toothed rotating sleeve, a rack, and an actuator. The rack has a first end, a second end with a plurality of teeth in meshing contact with the teeth of rotating sleeves of the valve and being linearly moveable to rotate the sleeves. The actuator includes a housing, a control valve, and at least one check valve. The housing slidably receives a piston coupled to the rack separating a chamber in the housing into first and second chambers. The control valve selectively directs fluid from the first to the second chamber or vice versa. When the rack is shifted linearly by vibrational impulses from the engine, the piston moves linearly within the housing, pressurizing the first or the second chamber and under control of the control valve, fluid recirculates from the first or the second chamber to the other chamber.

Abstract: A phaser (22) includes a housing (44), a rotor (42), a phaser control valve (36) and a regulated pressure control system (RPCS). The phaser control valve (36) directs fluid to shift the relative angular position of the rotor relative to the housing (44). The RPCS has a controller, which provides a set point based on engine parameters. A signal is then produced based on the set point and is sent to the direct control pressure regulator valve. (38) The direct control pressure regulator valve (38) has a supply port (5) and a control port (5), where the supply port (5) receives a supply fluid pressure from a source and regulates the pressure based on a signal, to a control pressure. The control pressure biases an end of the spool of the phase control valve (36) against a spring (66), such that the relative angular position of the housing (44) and the rotor (42) is shifted. A method of controlling a phaser (22) is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a container for transporting of valuables in a first compartment; particularly towards a container having a second compartment containing an alarm system. The alarm system includes an air bladder, i.e. airbag, for instantaneous and rapid deployment when triggered by a remote activator or other devices present on the container. After being triggered the air bladder inflates to a volume much greater than the second compartment and the container, such that the thief cannot easily transport the container into a car or through a doorway, or at the very least without being noticed.

Abstract: A microchannel glass article includes a glass body having a porous, spinodal nanostructure and defining at least one microchannel extending from a surface of the article substantially through the article.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for obtaining two-wavelength differential-phase holograms. A method includes determining a difference between a filtered analyzed recorded first spatially heterodyne hologram phase and a filtered analyzed recorded second spatially-heterodyned hologram phase.

Abstract: An optical component includes a support structure having a first composition including a recessive phase material and a second composition including protrusive phase material, the protrusive phase material defining a plurality of spaced apart surface features, each of the surface features comprising a distal end opposite the support structure, integrated with the support structure, and protruding distally from a surface of the support structure, each of the surface features reducing in cross sectional area distally from the support structure to provide a lowest cross sectional area at the distal end, the recessive phase material supporting and separating the surface features and defining a contiguous recessed surface area between the surface features, at least two of the protrusive features being characterized as optical waveguides.

Abstract: A window covering is disclosed with improved light and thermal blocking abilities. The window covering may include a panel that is mountable over a window using magnetic coupling. In particular, the panel may include at least one of a magnetic material and a ferromagnetic material, such that the panel is secured in place over the window by a magnetic force. When not in use over the window, the panel may be secured to a wall as a display piece using magnetic coupling.

Abstract: A hydrophobic disordered composite material having a protrusive surface feature includes a recessive phase and a protrusive phase, the recessive phase having a higher susceptibility to a preselected etchant than the protrusive phase, the composite material having an etched surface wherein the protrusive phase protrudes from the surface to form a protrusive surface feature, the protrusive feature being hydrophobic.

Abstract: A variable camshaft timing phaser for an internal combustion engine having at least one camshaft comprising a plurality of vanes in chambers defined by a housing and a spool valve. The vanes define an advance and a retard chamber. At least one of the vanes is cam torque actuated (CTA) and at least one of the other vanes is oil pressure actuated (OPA). The spool valve is coupled to the advance and retard chamber defined by the CTA vane and the advance chamber defined by the OPA vane. When the phaser is in the advance position, fluid is routed from the retard chamber defined by the OPA vane to the retard chamber defined the CTA vane. When the phaser is in the retard position, fluid is routed from the retard chamber defined by the CTA vane to the advance chamber defined by the CTA vane.

Abstract: A super-hydrophobic disordered composite material having a protrusive surface feature includes a recessive phase and a protrusive phase, the recessive phase having a higher susceptibility to a preselected etchant than the protrusive phase, the composite material having an etched surface wherein the protrusive phase protrudes from the surface to form a protrusive surface feature, the protrusive feature being super-hydrophobic, the super-hydrophobic disordered composite material being transparent.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve actuator system for controlling the operation of a valve in an internal combustion engine comprising a valve having a valve stem with a valve head at one end. The valve is reciprocable along the longitudinal central axis of the valve stem to alternatingly move the valve head between a first position and a second position. A first coil is positioned on a first laminated core having a gap and a thickness. A second coil is positioned on a second laminated core having a gap and a thickness. The gaps of the first and second cores are aligned. An armature on the valve stem passes through the gaps of the first and second laminated cores, such that when the armature is centered in either of the gaps at least a portion of the armature extends slightly passed the thickness of the other laminated core.

Abstract: A chain drive having a phaser such as a hydraulic vane phaser interposed between a timing chain and a driving or driven shaft is provided. The phaser or the vane are controlled to oscillate more at certain engine speeds to thereby reduce the tensioning force on the chain at the certain engine speeds.

Abstract: A wheel assembly comprising: (1) a first rotating member, such as a wheel; (2) a visual element such as a logo or other visual indicia affixed to, or mounted adjacent, an exterior surface of the first rotating member; and (3) a second member, such as a wheel spinner, mounted to rotate adjacent the first rotating member. The second member defines various openings and is configured for movement into an “aligned” angular orientation such that the various visual indicia are viewable through the openings thereby producing a themed visual effect.

Abstract: A composite material having sharp surface features includes a recessive phase and a protrusive phase, the recessive phase having a higher susceptibility to a preselected etchant than the protrusive phase, the composite material having an etched surface wherein the protrusive phase protrudes from the surface to form a sharp surface feature. The sharp surface features can be coated to make the surface super-hydrophobic.