| Patent Number |
Title Of Patent |
Date Issued |
| 6988031 |
System and method for determining engine stop position |
January 17, 2006 |
| The present invention provides a system for determining engine stop position and includes an engine tracking subsystem and a throttle control subsystem. The engine tracking subsystem is coupled to the engine and determines the engine position by sensing rotation of the crankshaft. On |
| 6984099 |
Fuel pump impeller |
January 10, 2006 |
| A ring impeller includes a central hub with a first row of vanes extending from the hub and a second row of vanes extending from the hub adjacent to and staggered from the first row of vanes. The vanes in each row are grouped to form adjacent vane pairs and a partition wall is positioned |
| 6981787 |
Electric control for automobile headlights |
January 3, 2006 |
| An electronic control for automobile headlights utilizing a spherical sensor comprised of a metal ball surrounded by a fluid encapsulated in a spherical sensor, which is connected to the spherical sensor system. Computer controlled unit is positioned on and close behind the headlight |
| 6981519 |
Pressure-regulating valve |
January 3, 2006 |
| Pressure-regulating valve having a throttle mounted in a tube section such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis from an open position into a closed position. The throttle having a pressure relief valve mounted therein. |
| 6980903 |
Exhaust gas control using a spark plug ionization signal |
December 27, 2005 |
| This feature of the present invention comprises a method and apparatus to reduce NOx emissions in an internal combustion engine. This feature of the present invention uses a closed loop control of the exhaust gas re-circulation to provide the engine with the either EGR MBT timing or a |
| 6980769 |
Method for determining the validity of a radio station lookup table |
December 27, 2005 |
| The continuing validity of a lookup table in a radio receiver for tuning to digital audio stations is monitored. The radio receiver is tuned to a first designated frequency. A determination is made whether a station identification code is identified in a digital broadcast signal at the |
| 6980729 |
Fiber optic lighted instrument panel |
December 27, 2005 |
| An optical fiber lighted instrument panel includes an instrument panel having at least one portion to be illuminated disposed in a vehicle. The optical fiber lighted instrument panel contains at least one optical fiber with at least one predetermined aperture formed in the cable by selec |
| 6978117 |
RF AGC amplifier system for satellite/terrestrial radio receiver |
December 20, 2005 |
| Saturation of an RF front end in a radio receiver is prevented when receiving a desired radio broadcast signal via an antenna in the presence of a strong, undesired radio broadcast signal within a passband of the RF front end. An antenna signal from the antenna is coupled to the RF front |
| 6977591 |
Smart power control technique to reduce power and heat consumption |
December 20, 2005 |
| A method for monitoring a state of a switch is disclosed. The method includes providing a high side driver circuit in communication with a voltage source, activating the high side driver circuit at a first predefined time interval, and sourcing voltage to a resistor in communication |
| 6977346 |
Vented circuit board for cooling power components |
December 20, 2005 |
| The present invention provides a circuit board including a first conductor layer forming a plurality of conductive circuit traces for interconnecting electronic components. The circuit board includes a substrate for supporting the first conductor layer and a pedestal formed from the |
| 6977337 |
Electronic assembly packaging |
December 20, 2005 |
| The present invention provides an assembly for protecting automotive electronics. The assembly includes a circuit board, a cover, and a metal housing. The metal housing is disposed over and around the circuit board. The cover and metal housing are crimped together to create a seal that |
| 6976569 |
Pulse width modulation of brake shift interlock solenoid |
December 20, 2005 |
| An apparatus and method is provided for an improved brake shift interlock system which reduces solenoid noise created by vehicle vibrations and solenoid activation. The brake shift interlock system includes a park position switch, a brake sensor, and a control circuit. The method inc |
| 6976555 |
Motor vehicle steering system |
December 20, 2005 |
| The present invention comprises a steering system selectively operable in one of three modes: steer-by-wire, electronic power assist steering (EPAS), and manual steering. The steer-by-wire system includes a driver interface system (DIS), a road wheel actuator system (RWAS), and a con |
| 6976500 |
Valve combination for a fluid circuit with two pressure levels, particularly a combined cooling |
December 20, 2005 |
| The invention relates to a valve combination which is characterized in that the valve combination has a passive valve and an active valve. The active valve is provided with means for an active influence of the control position of a closing element and regulates the fluid flow at a high |
| 6976477 |
System and method for capturing hydrocarbon emissions diffusing from an air induction system |
December 20, 2005 |
| An invention for controlling hydrocarbon emissions diffusing from a throttle body through an air path of an air induction system after engine shut-off. The invention includes a pourous membrane loaded with carbon positioned in fluid communication with the emissions for adsorbing the |
| 6975805 |
Light channel communication system |
December 13, 2005 |
| The present invention involves a light channel communication component for a vehicle interior member. The light channel communication component comprises an integral polymeric body being a signal-conductive integral medium for transmitting light signals therethrough. The integral polymer |
| 6975218 |
Lane based automatic turn signal deactivation |
December 13, 2005 |
| An automatic turn signal deactivation system monitors and deactivates a turn signal indicator for a vehicle. A lane departure warning device compares a vehicle position with an originating roadway lane and provides a monitoring signal to a communication bus. A turn signal module activate |
| 6975196 |
Process for circumferential magnetization of magnetoelastic shafts |
December 13, 2005 |
| An apparatus for magnetizing selected portions of a shaft in a substantially circumferential direction includes a fixture mounted onto the apparatus adapted to receive a shaft to be magnetized, at least one magnetization head, the magnetization head being mounted moveably on the appa |
| 6973825 |
Hot-wire mass flow sensor with low-loss bypass passage |
December 13, 2005 |
| A mass fluid flow sensor includes an internal bypass passage characterized by a first section that converges along a first axis to define a nozzle, and a radially-expanded generally-cylindrical second section immediately adjacent to and coaxial with the first section so as to define a ra |
| 6972379 |
Circuit board and a method for making the same |
December 6, 2005 |
| A method 10 for making a multi-layer electronic circuit board 110 having electroplated apertures 18, 20 which may be selectively and electrically isolated from electrically grounded member 12 and further having selectively formed air bridges and/or crossover members 50 which are stru |
| 6969485 |
High volume production of low permeation plastic fuel tanks using parallel offset twinsheet pres |
November 29, 2005 |
| Processes are disclosed for producing plastic containers from thermoplastic sheets where the thermoplastic sheets are processed in parallel to form a low permeation plastic container. A plurality of thermoplastic sheets are progressively heated to a first temperature in a pre-conditionin |
| 6969271 |
Snap pin connector |
November 29, 2005 |
| A printed circuit board interconnect assembly for use in an automobile comprising a male portion and a female portion. The female portion of the interconnect assembly contains crimped spring clip terminals inside a plastic housing. The male portion of the interconnect assembly contains |
| 6969125 |
Wheelend assembly with detachable outboard joint |
November 29, 2005 |
| A wheel end assembly includes a bearing shaft having a wheel hub mounted onto an outboard end, and a detachable outboard joint mounted onto an inboard end. A wheel bearing is mounted onto the bearing shaft, and includes a knuckle flange having an inner diameter that defines an inboard |
| 6969094 |
Tube coupling |
November 29, 2005 |
| A tube coupling for the detachable coupling of tube line sections of a high-pressure tubing system. The tube coupling includes two coupling blocks held together by a clamping screw, whereby one of the coupling blocks has a coupling plug that engages a plug socket provided on the othe |
| 6968648 |
Protective edge cover for an opening in a window assembly |
November 29, 2005 |
| The present invention provides a window assembly having a fixed window with an opening, a slidable panel that slides relative to the fixed window to cover or expose the opening in the fixed window, and a covering to protect the lower edge of the window opening. |
| 6968204 |
Narrow band and spread spectrum communication system for a vehicle |
November 22, 2005 |
| A vehicle communication system uses one or more components to process both narrow band signals and spread spectrum signals. A spread spectrum-like signal is generated from the narrow band signal. The spread spectrum-like signal is processed as a spread spectrum signal. |
| 6968164 |
Method of controlling filter bandwidth in a radio receiver for a duplicative broadcast signal |
November 22, 2005 |
| A radio receiver performs a tune to a target frequency channel to recover a main audio program signal from a duplicative signal wherein the duplicative signal includes a primary signal and a backup signal both containing the main program audio signal. The backup signal is provided in |
| 6966198 |
Air-cycle air conditioning system for commercial refrigeration |
November 22, 2005 |
| A refrigeration and air-cycle air conditioning system is provided for a body defining interior space, preferably a stand alone refrigeration cabinet. The air conditioning system includes a unique combination of a compressor, intercooler, expander, motor and plenum to increase the per |
| 6963728 |
Low power, high speed data communications in vehicles |
November 8, 2005 |
| Cavities within structural members of a motor vehicle or other structure are used for propagation of wireless RF communication signals. The system is particularly adapted for use in structures wherein permanent, fixed transmission guides can be easily provided, and it is especially usefu |
| 6962135 |
Use of integrated starter alternator to prevent engine stall |
November 8, 2005 |
| In one aspect of the invention, a system for preventing stall of a vehicle engine is provided. The system includes an integrated starter alternator operably connected with the engine. The integrated starter alternator is capable of selectively operating as a starter motor for transmittin |
| 6961051 |
Cross-point matrix for infrared touchscreen |
November 1, 2005 |
| A circuit assembly detects a touch point within a display area. A plurality of light emitters are disposed around a periphery of the display area. A plurality of detectors are disposed around the periphery, each detector being opposed to a respective light emitter. Switching circuitry fo |
| 6956457 |
Ignition coil core isolation |
October 18, 2005 |
| A pencil ignition coil assembly module (40) that has a frusto-conically tapered core (46) and encapsulation (280) surrounding the side of the core. Features (216, 230, 234) center the core to a bobbin 48. A retainer (240, 240A) captures the core within the bobbin. |
| 6955188 |
Switch valve for the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine |
October 18, 2005 |
| The invention relates to a switch valve for the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine. The switch valve includes a housing part in which an inlet and a first outlet and a second outlet are formed. A directional control member in the form of a swinging flap is located within |
| 6955157 |
System for engine retard limit control |
October 18, 2005 |
| The present invention provides a system and method for controlling the retard limit of an engine having one or more cylinders in which combustion occurs. A sensor is employed to detect the ionization of the combustion process in the cylinders. The ionization is related to a retard limit |
| 6954074 |
Circuit for measuring ionization current in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engin |
October 11, 2005 |
| A circuit for measuring ionization current in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine including an ignition coil, having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and an ignition plug. The ignition plug ignites an air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber and produces an |
| 6953215 |
Component for mounting in a body part |
October 11, 2005 |
| The invention concerns a component such as a lamp for fitting into a recess in a part of a body. The lamp is fixed in its reference position in the recess by a pivot projection engaging into an opening in the body, and by a V-shaped resilient detent element. The detent element has a firs |
| 6953103 |
Method for installing flexibly coupled electric power assist steering system |
October 11, 2005 |
| A method for installing an electric power assist steering system, which includes an electric motor with an output shaft, and a flexible shaft operatively connected to the output shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible shaft is also operatively connected to the input shaft of a |
| 6953026 |
Pressure regulating valve for automotive fuel system |
October 11, 2005 |
| A pressure regulated valve is provided for a mechanical returnless fuel system for an automotive vehicle that includes a fuel pump for supplying fuel from a fuel supply to an engine. The pressure regulating valve includes a conduit in fluid communication with the pump outlet. The valve |
| 6952587 |
Antenna beam steering responsive to receiver and broadcast transmitter |
October 4, 2005 |
| A method of controlling an antenna signal combiner in a vehicle having multiple antenna elements, a navigational system and a receiver comprising the steps of receiving signals from at least one transmitter, determining first position coordinates of the vehicle using the navigational sys |
| 6951201 |
Method for reducing pin count of an integrated coil with driver and ionization detection circuit |
October 4, 2005 |
| In a first preferred embodiment, the present feature of the invention multiplexes both the ionization and driver current feedback signals into one signal, thus reducing cost and making coil packaging easier. The multiplexed signal first outputs the ionization detection signal and then |
| 6949857 |
Stator of a rotary electric machine having stacked core teeth |
September 27, 2005 |
| A stator of a rotary electric machine having secured core slot insulators includes a multi-phase stator winding, having a plurality of slot segments that are adapted to be radially inserted into a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially-extending core slots in a surface of a cy |
| 6949758 |
LCC-based fluid-level detection sensor |
September 27, 2005 |
| A non-mechanical fluid level sensor based on light communication channel (LCC) technology. In a preferred embodiment, one end of the LCC is connected to a signal source while another end is connected to a sensor. The LCC is dipped in a fluid container and a signal propagates and unde |
| 6945229 |
System for engine knock control |
September 20, 2005 |
| The present invention provides a system for controlling knock in an engine having one or more cylinders in which combustion occurs. The system includes a sensor that detects the ionization of the combustion process in the cylinders. The ionization is related to the knock intensity occurr |
| 6944779 |
Power management fault strategy for automotive multimedia system |
September 13, 2005 |
| A multimedia/personal computer-based system for operating information, communication, and entertainment devices in a mobile vehicle uses a power management strategy which reduces power consumption and boot-up time in a manner which facilitates use of a complex instruction set computing ( |
| 6943869 |
Method and apparatus for measuring strain using a luminescent photoelastic coating |
September 13, 2005 |
| A method and apparatus for measuring strain on a surface of a substrate utilizes a substrate surface coated with at least one coating layer. The coating layer provides both luminescence and photoelasticity. The coating layer is illuminated with excitation light, wherein longer wavelength |
| 6942910 |
Structural hybrid beam utilizing an extruded profile |
September 13, 2005 |
| A structural member of the present invention includes a substrate having portions defining an inwardly extending channel and a blow molded member in contact with the substrate. The blow molded member has portions that engage the portions of the substrate that define the inwardly extendin |
| 6942027 |
Exhaust-gas heat recovery appliance |
September 13, 2005 |
| An exhaust-gas heat recovery appliance having a heat-exchanger line and a bypass line and a heat exchanger being arranged in the region of the heat-exchanger line. At least one valve device, for the purpose of influencing the mass flow of exhaust gas, is provided in the heat-exchange |
| 6941822 |
Angular displacement sensing system and method using brushless DC motor commutation hall effect |
September 13, 2005 |
| A method and system for sensing angular displacement is provided. More specifically, the system includes a brushless DC motor, three Hall effect sensors, an angular displacement signal processor, and an output state observer. The Hall effect sensors provide three electrical angles of the |
| 6940202 |
Electrical machine having a stator winding with a plurality of filars |
September 6, 2005 |
| A stator for an electric machine includes a generally cylindrically-shaped stator core having a plurality of circumferentially spaced core slots. A stator winding includes a plurality of phases, each including a plurality of filars, each filar extending circumferentially around the stato |
| 6940056 |
Induction heat treatment method and coil and article treated thereby |
September 6, 2005 |
| A method of induction heat treatment of articles having curved outer surfaces, such as differential housings. The method employs a semi-rectangular induction coil that is adapted to provide a plurality of lateral magnetic fields that are used to induce currents in, and thereby provid |
