Abstract: A hybrid electric drive system for an automotive vehicle comprises a heat engine, an electric motor, a one-way-clutch, a torque-limiting clutch, and a transmission. The one-way-clutch disposed between the engine shaft and the motor shaft, and it can transmit torque from the engine shaft to the motor shaft. The transmission has an input shaft being connected to the motor shaft and an output shaft to drive the wheels. The torque-limiting clutch is also disposed between the engine shaft and the motor shaft. When it is disengaged, the torque-limiting clutch disconnects the motor shaft from the engine shaft, so the motor can solely drive the vehicle. When it is engaged, the clutch transmits a pre-determined level of torque from the motor shaft to the engine shaft in order to start the engine. The torque limiting clutch will smooth out the torque peak when the system starts the engine while the vehicle is running.

Abstract: A barcode reader, as an optical information reader which reads information indicated with a symbol having a light reflectance different from an ambient light reflectance, is provided with a linear sensor as a light receiving sensor, an image pickup lens to image-form light on the linear sensor, an LED as a light emitting device, a projection lens to project light emitted from the LED, a parting portion to regulate a light projection range of the light emitted from the LED, having a first opening and a second opening to shield light out of a predetermined range, a central position of the predetermined range being shifted from position of an optical axis of the projection lens to a side of an optical axis of the image pickup lens.

Abstract: In a barcode reader, a sensor controller sets time of one frame of a line image sensor based on output time necessary for data output of one frame from the line image sensor and lighting time of an LED. A light source controller performs first lighting control to turn on the LED only for the lighting time after termination of the data output within the time of one frame, and second lighting control to turn on the LED only for the lighting time so as to include the entire period of the data output within the time of one frame.

Abstract: A code symbol reading apparatus, that reads a code symbol on an object to be read by scanning the object, repeats trial to read the code symbol until the apparatus succeeds in reading, while changing a transmission frequency of a filter that processes a signal representing a light intensity variation obtained through the scan and in which transmittance depends on a frequency of the signal.

Abstract: An optical aberration is intentionally introduced into the optical system which produces the scanning beam of an optical code scanner, in order to produce a scanning beam which has plural focal points or waists at different distances from the scanner. The operating range of the scanner can thereby be increased by taking advantage of different beam waist locations when the optical code is at different distances from the scanner. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, coma is intentionally introduced to an optical system providing a light beam for an optical code scanner. This provides a scanning beam with plural beam waists at different distances from the scanner. This may be accomplished by orienting the light source and focusing optical system so that their optical axes intersect or by introducing an optical member, such as a prism, between the original light source and the focusing optical system.

Abstract: An optical aberration is intentionally introduced into the optical system which produces the scanning beam of an optical code scanner, in order to produce a scanning beam which has plural focal points or waists at different distances from the scanner. The operating range of the scanner can thereby be increased by taking advantage of different beam waist locations when the optical code is at different distances from the scanner. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, coma is intentionally introduced to an optical system providing a light beam for an optical code scanner. This provides a scanning beam with plural beam waists at different distances from the scanner. This may be accomplished by orienting the light source and focusing optical system so that their optical axes intersect or by introducing an optical member, such as a prism, between the original light source and the focusing optical system.

Abstract: A full hybrid electric vehicle comprises a heat engine, a one-way-clutch connected to the engine shaft, an electric motor, a planetary gear unit, a clutch with limited torque, and a transmission. The planetary gear unit includes at least a sun gear (an input element), a ring gear (an input element) and a pinion carrier (an output element). The torque-limited clutch seats between two of the planetary gear elements. The engine is connected to and applies torque on one of the input elements. The electric motor is connected to and applies torque on the other input element. While the vehicle is running, the engine can be started smoothly by engaging the torque-limited clutch and controlling the motor torque, and a shock on the vehicle similar to a rough shift can be avoided.

Abstract: A hybrid electric drive system for an automotive vehicle comprises a heat engine, an electric motor, a one-way-clutch, a torque-limiting clutch, and a transmission. The one-way-clutch disposed between the engine shaft and the motor shaft, and it can transmit torque from the engine shaft to the motor shaft. The transmission has an input shaft being connected to the motor shaft and an output shaft to drive the wheels. The torque-limiting clutch is also disposed between the engine shaft and the motor shaft. When it is disengaged, the torque-limiting clutch disconnects the motor shaft from the engine shaft, so the motor can solely drive the vehicle. When it is engaged, the clutch transmits a pre-determined level of torque from the motor shaft to the engine shaft in order to start the engine. The torque limiting clutch will smooth out the torque peak when the system starts the engine while the vehicle is running.

Abstract: A full hybrid electric vehicle comprises a heat engine, a one-way-clutch connected to the engine shaft, an electric motor, a planetary gear unit, a clutch with limited torque, and a transmission. The planetary gear unit includes at least a sun gear (an input element), a ring gear (an input element) and a pinion carrier (an output element). The torque-limited clutch seats between two of the planetary gear elements. The engine is connected to and applies torque on one of the input elements. The electric motor is connected to and applies torque on the other input element. While the vehicle is running, the engine can be started smoothly by engaging the torque-limited clutch and controlling the motor torque, and a shock on the vehicle similar to a rough shift can be avoided.

Abstract: An alternative fuel vehicle having a fuel economy control module with associated logic that allows the vehicle to operate in a fuel economy mode based on a desired fuel economy preference. The fuel economy control logic is in electrical communication with a vehicle system controller (VSC) and may be integrally formed as a sub-module within the VSC. A fuel economy control switch controlled by the fuel economy control logic toggles between an on and an off position to enable or disable a fuel economy mode. A fuel economy control selector allows a user to select a desired fuel economy mode preference once the fuel economy control switch is on. The fuel economy mode selected represents a predefined desired fuel economy preference such as a distance per amount of fuel consumed, or alternatively, a percentage of a balance between a fuel economy operation and a fuel performance operation.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a starter/generator (SG), a motor control module (MCM), a traction motor (TM), a clutch, and a battery. The engine provides power to SG to generate poly-phase alternating current; it also drives the wheels directly when the clutch is engaged. TM drives the vehicle wheels; it also provides braking torque to the wheels and regenerates electric energy from the kinetic energy of the vehicle. TM is a multi-speed poly-phase induction motor and is electrically connected to SG. TM, SG and the clutch together accomplish the function of “changing gear”, and no mechanical transmission is needed. MCM provides alternating current to and control SG and TM to work in their desired modes. The battery stores and provides electrical energy as needed.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a starter/generator (SG), a motor control module (MCM), a traction motor (TM), a clutch, and a battery. The engine provides power to SG to generate poly-phase alternating current; it also drives the wheels directly when the clutch is engaged. TM drives the vehicle wheels; it also provides braking torque to the wheels and regenerates electric energy from the kinetic energy of the vehicle. TM is a multi-speed poly-phase induction motor and is electrically connected to SG. TM, SG and the clutch together accomplish the function of “changing gear”, and no mechanical transmission is needed. MCM provides alternating current to and control SG and TM to work in their desired modes. The battery stores and provides electrical energy as needed.

Abstract: The hybrid electric all-wheel-drive (HEAWD) system comprises a heat engine, a transmission, an integrated starter/alternator (ISA), a motor control module (MCM), a traction motor (TM), and a battery pack. The engine drives either the front wheels or the rear wheels, and TM drives the other pair of wheels. ISA starts and assists the engine or generates electricity. Both ISA and TM apply braking torque on the wheels and regenerate the vehicle kinetic energy into electricity during deceleration. MCM provides electric current to and controls both ISA and TM to work in their desired working modes. The battery stores the electric energy generated by the motors and provides electric power to the motors. A double-rotor traction motor provides the functions of a conventional traction motor plus an axle differential/torque coupling device.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect includes a substrate having an insulating surface upon which is placed an electrically-conductive cut-link pad and a pair of electrically-conductive lines. The lines are bonded to the cut-link pad and are substantially more resistant to heat flow per unit length than is the cut-link pad. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal resistance per unit length of the cut-link pad is lowered by designing the pad such that its width is greater than the width of either of the lines. A method for cutting a circuit includes directing a laser upon the cut-link pad of an interconnect, as described above. The laser is maintained upon the pad until the cut-link pad is ablated, severing the circuit.