Abstract:
The present invention involves a gear assembly of a fuel pump for improved supply of fuel to an automotive engine from a fuel tank. The assembly includes an inner gear and an outer gear matingly cooperating with the inner gear for rotation about an axis. The assembly further includes a pump cover including a cover surface adjacent the inner and outer gears and a pump body including a body surface adjacent the inner and outer gears opposite the pump cover. The cover surface has a primary inlet porting and a secondary outlet porting formed thereon and separated between seal areas. The body surface of the pump body includes a primary outlet porting and a secondary inlet porting separated between seal areas. In use, the inlet portings and the outlet portings of the pump body and the pump cover cooperate together, respectively, such that fuel entering through the inlet portings pass therethrough at a rate at which the gear assembly moves. Also, the outlet portings of the pump body and the pump cover cooperate together to allow fuel to pass therethrough at the rate at which the gear assembly moves.
Abstract:
A panel assembly for a motor vehicle provides the ability to securely control the size of an opening defined by the panel assembly. The panel assembly thus provides a theft deterrent by making it more difficult to get through a partially open window. The panel assembly comprises a fixed panel defining an opening, and a moveable panel for selectively covering the opening. A handle is attached to the moveable panel and includes a cam that is moveably mounted to the handle and extends through a slot defined in the handle. The cam is biased against the rail and is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position.
Abstract:
A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. Moreover, the sensor is smaller and lighter and has fewer parts, thus providing better manufacturability. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in the fluid sampling portion. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved. Additionally, an improved signal to noise ratio, as well as a larger dynamic range is an advantageous consequence of the present invention. The present invention further provides improved electromagnetic interference performance.
Abstract:
A suspension bar assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a suspension bar having a bushing, a bushing retainer that exerts radially and axially compressive forces onto the bushing such that the bushing is in frictional engagement with the suspension bar, thereby preventing relative movement of the bushing and the suspension bar, and a mounting bracket that is adapted to connect the suspension bar to the automotive vehicle. A method of inducing a pre-load onto a bushing that supports a bar includes: providing a bar, placing a bushing onto the bar, placing a bushing retainer onto the bushing, and compressing the bushing axially and radially within the bushing retainer.
Abstract:
A method and system for detecting a low-charge condition in a dual-output vehicle air conditioning system. A program reads a set of evaporator, driver-side, and passenger-side temperatures for the purpose of adjusting a temperature in a vehicle passenger compartment. A diagnostic program then analyzes these same readings to determine whether a temperature differential condition exists. Assuming a temperature differential condition exists, the program records a set of the temperature sensor readings and a time period for these temperature readings. The diagnostic program compares this set of information with a set of stored data to determine whether a low-charge condition exists.null
Abstract:
The present invention provides a motor control circuit including a motor with a motor winding and a brush, a battery, a relay, and a ground return circuit. The battery is for energizing the motor. The relay selectively provides connection between the battery and the motor. A ground return circuit is in communication with the brush. The ground return circuit creates a path from the brush through the relay to an electrical ground.
Abstract:
A bobbin for a rotor is of a three-piece construction which allows for greater heat transfer, increased percentage fill, and hence increased power density of the alternator. Preferably, the three-piece assembly includes an injection molded plastic core, and opposing end caps constructed of a laminate material having good tear resistance.
Abstract:
A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in a fluid sampling portion. The fluid sampling portion has a tubular sampling channel, wherein the sampling channel has one bend having a constant bend radius. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved. Additionally, an improved signal to noise ratio, as well as a larger dynamic range is an advantageous consequence of the present invention. A three surface contact seal is provided between the sensor housing and an intake duct to further enhance the vibrational characteristics of the sensor.
Abstract:
A system for initializing a steering wheel in a steer-by-wire vehicle includes a steering wheel, a torque feedback actuator, a steering wheel angle sensor, and a controller. The controller is adapted to calculate a corrected steering wheel angle based upon the relative angular positions of the road wheels and the steering wheel as measured by the respective sensors. The controller then controls the torque feedback generator to rotate the steering wheel into a corrected position such that the torque feedback generator rotates the steering wheel a minimum angle. The controller issues a warning signal in response to any resistance to the correction, including interference from the vehicle driver.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a system for conducting heat away from an electrical component wherein the system has an elastically deformable member providing thermal communication with an electrical component. The system for conducting heat energy in an electronic assembly includes an electrical component, an elastically deformable member, and a housing. The elastically deformable member is placed in a compressed position between the electrical component and the housing such that the elastically deformable member is fixed into an assembled location. The elastically deformable member conducts heat energy away from the electrical component into the housing where it is dissipated into the environment. Since the compressed position fixes the location of the elastically deformable member, the system does not require a mechanical fastening to the electrical component thereby reducing thermo-mechanical fatigue. The elastically deformable member is made of a metal material allowing it to easily conduct the heat energy.