Showing papers by "Ford Motor Company published in 1987"

Practical Methods for Optimal Control Using Nonlinear Programming

Abstract: Preface 1. Introduction to nonlinear programming 2. Large, sparse nonlinear programming 3. Optimal control preliminaries 4. The optimal control problem 5. Optimal control examples Appendix A. Software Bibliography, Index.

Automatic headlamp dimming system

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically responding to headlamp radiation from oncoming vehicles to down-switch beam patterns in a tri-beam headlamp system in an automotive vehicle. A mid-beam sensor is provided to detect only that headlamp radiation from oncoming vehicles present within the defined high intensity projection areas of the mid-beam pattern and functions in conjunction with a conventional automatic dimmer sensor and a unique control circuit to achieve appropriate and automatic down-switching.

Observation of the reverse ac Josephson effect in Y-Ba-Cu-O at 240 K.

Abstract: A two-step resistive transition, one beginning at 240 K and the other at 90 K, has been observed in Y-Ba-Cu-O compounds. The superconductivity, possibly in granular form, at both temperatures has been verified by means of the rf-to-dc conversion associated with the ac Josephson effect.

Nonlinear Low Frequency Phenomenological Engine Modeling and Analysis

Abstract: The paper contains a bibliography and discussion of recent activity in nonthermodynamic (low frequency) internal combustion engine model development where spark advance, fuel, throttle, and exhaust gas recirculation are the elected control variables. Modeling considerations are delineated and the modeling relationship to experimental verification is discussed. Examples with explicit methods of parameter determination and dynamic validation are presented.

Families of adolescent drug abusers are "rigid": are these families either "disengaged" or "enmeshed," or both?

Abstract: The FACES instrument, based on Olson's Circumplex Model of family functioning, was administered to 96 adolescent drug-abuse clients and their parents. The majority of these families categorized themselves as “disengaged” (rather than “enmeshed) on the cohesion dimension, and as “rigid” (rather than “chaotic”) on the adaptability dimension. These findings were unexpected as they were substantially different from published findings on families with other types of problems. Family therapists, utilizing Olson's Clinical Rating Scale for the Circumplex Model, characterized significantly more of these same families as “enmeshed,” rather than “disengaged.” rather than “disengaged.” Possible explanations for the difference between the therapists' perceptions and the families' self-perceptions are discussed.

Cooling system for an internal combustion engine

Abstract: A liquid cooling system having a combined coolant pump/electric motor assembly detached from a liquid cooled internal combustion engine. Liquid coolant is circulated from a radiator, first through the engine head jacket, then through the engine block jacket and back into the radiator. A two-speed electric pump varies the liquid coolant flow rate in relation to a deviation between actual engine temperature and an optimum temperature. The combined coolant pump/electric motor assembly further combines a magnetic clutch with the electric motor such that a separate magnetic clutch is not required.

Second-harmonic generation in fibers

Abstract: In this analytical paper, a formalismfor second-harmonic and sum-frequency generation in glass fibers is developed. It considers only the lowest-order nonlinearities in regular, step-index fibers. Plots showing the dependence of index-matching frequencies on the core radius and index difference across the core-cladding interface are given. Estimates are given for the conversion efficiencies due to the nonlinear polarization at the core-cladding interface and the bulk nonlinear polarization proportional to E ∇E, which includes quadrupolar terms. It is concluded that the interface effects would be dominant. Calculations for the longitudinal-electric-field-induced nonlinear polarization proportional to E2 that involve the same mode coupling are also included. The calculated conversion efficiencies are small and cannot explain the recently observed high conversion efficiencies that were obtained under nonindex-matched conditions. A maximum conversion efficiency of around 10−5 is predicted under index-matching conditions.

Method for controlling a motor vehicle powertrain

Abstract: A multiple forward speed automatic transmission produces its lowest forward speed ratio when a hydraulic clutch and hydraulic brake are disengaged and a one-way clutch connects a ring gear to the transmission casing. Second forward speed ratio results when the hydraulic clutch is engaged to connect the ring gear to the planetary carrier of a second gear set. Reverse drive and regenerative operation result when an hydraulic brake fixes the planetary and the direction of power flow is reversed. Various sensors produce signals representing the position of the gear selector lever operated manually by the vehicle operator, the speed of the power source, the state of the ignition key, and the rate of release of an accelerator pedal. A control algorithm produces input data representing a commanded upshift, a commanded downshift and a torque command and various constant torque signals. A microprocessor processes the input and produces a response to them in accordance with the execution of a control algorithm. Output or response signals cause selective engagement and disengagement of the clutch and brake to produce the forward drive, reverse and regenerative operation of the transmission.

Regulation of engine parameters in response to vapor recovery purge systems

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling hydrocarbon emission from an internal combustion engine having an air/fuel intake coupled to a fuel vapor recovery system. Fuel vapors are periodically purged from the fuel vapor recovery system into the air/fuel intake. The mixture of air fuel vapor and fuel inducted into the air/fuel intake is regulated by a feedback loop responsive to an exhaust gas oxygen sensor to maintain a desired air/fuel ratio. An indication of the fuel vapor concentration in the fuel vapor recovery system is provided to control various engine parameters and thereby reduce hydrocarbon emissions during the response time of the feedback loop. In one aspect of the invention, the flow rate of the purged fuel vapors is controlled to be in inverse relation to the concentration of purged fuel vapors during the response time of the feedback loop. In another aspect of the invention, the engine timing is retarded in relation to the concentration of purged fuel vapors during the response time of the feedback loop.

Modular window assembly clip

Abstract: A clip for positioning an automotive modular window assembly within a body aperture includes a based fixed to the window and a locking leg portion depending from a positioning leg portion extending away from the window from the base, the locking leg portion being arranged angularly with respect to the positioning leg portion and terminating in a curvilinear locking surface, which may be toothed, for a cam-like locking arrangement, with the body aperture periphery.

Resonant vibrating structures with driving sensing means for noncontacting position and pick up sensing

Abstract: A vibration type sensor can make a noncontacting measurement of position or pick up the passage of an object past a point. The sensor has a coil of wire placed on a vibrating structure. As an object with an attached magnet approaches the coil, an emf is induced in the coil indicating position. Alternatively, the magnet remains fixed with respect to the vibrating coil while a material of high magnetic permeability approaches the coil and magnet combination thereby perturbing the magnetic field and changing the induced emf. This method can be used to obtain a linear variation of sensor output with position or to enable the use of the device as a pickup sensor.

Compact engine air/cleaner with integrated components

Abstract: A compact combination engine air cleaner/noise deadener for installation in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle type engine includes a two piece plastic elongated housing that is compact and has an ambient air inlet at one end radially spaced from an air outlet to the engine located on the axis of the housing, the inlet containing a first noise attenuating venturi, the housing having an air filter at the other end connected to the venturi and discharging air into a second convergent-divergent flow control noise attenuating venturi with which is integrated a mass air flow sensor, the venturis being surrounded by a dead air space type resonating chamber that has an inlet concentric with the air outlet so that engine feedback noises and sound waves are trapped in the chamber and dissipated, and any sound waves passing serially into the venturis bounce off the walls of the venturi diffusers to also be dissipated, thus minimizing the transmission of engine feedback noises past the air cleaner.

Silicon etch rate enhancement

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for increasing the etch rate of a single crystal silicon wafer in an anisotropic etching solution. This method comprises applying a mask material to a portion of one face of the wafer and a metal coating to substantially the entire surface of an opposite face of the wafer which renders the electrode potential of the masked, metal coated single crystal silicon wafer more anodic than that of a masked, single crystal silicon wafer alone, and exposing the coated wafer to a suitable anisotropic etching solution. This method may further comprise applying an external anodic voltage to the masked, metal coated single crystal silicon wafer, which voltage is less than that which causes the electrode potential of the masked, metal coated single crystal silicon wafer to exceed the passivation potential of the masked, single crystal silicon wafer.

Global calibration of a robot/vision system

Abstract: The success of industrial robotic applications involving off-line programming and sensory-based guidance will depend significantly upon the positioning accuracy of robots, the accuracy of sensing devices and the software coupling between the robot controller and the sensors. These accuracy and coupling issues are addressed by a methodology developed for the automatic global calibration of a robot/vision system. The methodology employs a stereo-pair of CCD array cameras, which are mounted to the end-effector of a six-axis revolute robot arm. With an automatic procedure,three-dimensional coordinate measurements are made, relative to the robot's base frame, of a single spherical point in space at numerous and widely varying joint-angle configurations. Based upon a modified Denavit-Hartenburg robot kinematic model, both geometric and nongeometric robotic errors are inferred simultaneously with the geometric errors of the vision system using an iterative least-squares algorithm. Preliminary results indicate an approximately threefold improvement in positioning accuracy of the robot arm.

Design and performance of a new line focus geometry for x-ray laser experiments

Abstract: A novel optical line focus system using a lens and off-axis mirror combination which allows a high quality line focus to be obtained has been developed for x-ray laser research. By irradiation of fiber and thin foil targets with a high power laser various experimental observations show the excellent performance of this new scheme.

The Role of Research in the Development of New Generation Automotive Catalysts

Abstract: The development of new generation three-way catalysts (TWCs) is based on a broad, fundamental understanding acquired over a number of years. The efforts at Ford Motor Company have been mainly concerned with supported base metal and noble metal catalysts operating under oxidizing conditions at high-temperatures where the extent of the interactions or their absence does have a profound effect with an immediate bearing on the practical use. Use of ZrO 2 , ∞ Al 2 O 3 etc., as a support for Rh offers an opportunity to formulate a durable catalyst in which the thermal stability of Rh can be significantly enhanced and thereby it can remain active at temperatures >600°C in an oxidizing environment. Other work was aimed at the understanding of whether lead originating from the combustion of Pb-containing fuel associates preferentially with the noble metal sites supported on the much larger areas of inert-support materials. Direct association of lead compounds with noble metal sputtered onto ZrO 2 , TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 wafer supports was noted for Pt, Pd and Rh. However, there are major differences in the interaction of Pb compounds with different noble metal surfaces which explain the long-known fact that Pd and Rh are more sensitive to Pb poisoning than Pt. Model reactions were employed as chemical probes to check whether the desired surface modifications have been achieved and also for determining modes of deactivation in used catalysts. For an optimum catalyst each precious metal has a specific function to perform and must be carried on a specific support material to maximize activity and durability.

Double-walled structural body panel for motor vehicle

Abstract: A double-walled, plastic, structural body panel for motor vehicles, such as a door or tailgate, comprises an outer part and an inner part, both preferably injection-molded of a thermoplastic synthetic material, which are joined together along edge areas. Both the outer edge areas (4) and the inner edge areas (5) have adjacent flat joining areas (7/8 and 9/10, respectively). A web or flange (11 and 12, respectively) extends approximately at right angles to the adjacent flat joining areas. An adhesion coating (6) or an adhesion welding joint is formed at the adjacent flat joining areas.

Airconditioning control system for an automative vehicle

Abstract: An airconditioning control system for an automotive vehicle includes a flow control means (34,36,80) responsive to individual inputs from multiple locations within the motor vehicle for providing conditioned air processed by a blower (30), an evaporator (38) and a heater (40), with air being provided at selected flow rates to each of the locations, with each of the flow rates being independent of the other.

Pressure control for the fuel system of an internal combustion engine

Abstract: A fuel system for an internal combustion engine wherein the fuel pressure is maintained within a desired predetermined range. An electric fuel pump supplies fuel at a pressure proportional to the electric power applied to the pump. Control circuitry compares a voltage signal corresponding to the fuel pressure within a predetermined voltage range corresponding to a predetermined fuel pressure range. When the voltage signal is below the predetermined voltage range, the electric power applied to the electric pump is increased; when the voltage signal is above the predetermined voltage range, the electric power applied to the electric pump is decreased. The control circuit may further increase or decrease the electric power at a predetermined rate.

Attributable risk ratio estimation from matched-pairs case-control data

Abstract: Explicit formulas are provided for estimating the attributable risk ratio among the exposed and the entire target population utilizing matched-pairs data. Large-sample standard errors and corresponding confidence intervals are provided. These estimates can be obtained from the cross-classification frequencies of matched pairs by disease and exposure status in the usual 2 X 2 table. The key to the development of these formulas lies in recognizing that attributable risk among the exposed is a direct function of the odds ratio, and population attributable risk is a direct function of the odds ratio and exposure prevalence among only the cases (assuming a rare disease). The formulas presented in this paper require only a calculator for computation. The methodology is illustrated with data from a matched-pairs case-control study of oral conjugated estrogens and endometrial cancer.

Method of forming a glass sheet with a UV-base ceramic paint thereon

Abstract: This specification is directed to a UV-base ceramic paint composition and a method of forming a glass sheet with a UV-base ceramic paint thereon The method has the following steps A UV-base ceramic paint is applied to the glass sheet The UV-base ceramic paint includes selected ceramic paint components along with, as a new component thereof, finely divided zinc metal powder The glass sheet is subjected to UV radiation and then heated to a temperature which softens the glass sheet sufficiently so that the glass sheet can be formed The glass sheet and the ceramic paint thereon are engaged with a fiberglass covered forming die to form the heated glass sheet to a desired shape The forming die is removed from engagement with the glass sheet The finely divided zinc metal powder addition to the ceramic paint is credited with being effective to prevent sticking of any of the ceramic paint to the forming die The glass sheet is cooled to obtain a formed glass sheet with a ceramic paint thereon

HgCdTe epitaxially grown on crystalline support

Abstract: A layer of HgCdTe (15) is epitaxially grown on a crystalline support (10). A single crystal CdTe substrate (5) is first epitaxially grown to a thickness of between 1 micron and 5 microns onto the support (10). Then a HgTe source (3) is spaced from the CdTe substrate (5) a distance of between 0.1 mm and 10 mm. The substrate (5) and source (3) are heated together in a thermally insulating, reusable ampoule (17) within a growth temperature range of between 500° C. and 625° C. for a growth time of between 5 minutes and 13 hours. In a first growth step embodiment, the source (3) and substrate (5) are non-isothermal. In a second growth step embodiment, the source (3) and substrate (5) are isothermal. Then an optional interdiffusion step is performed, in which the source (3) and substrate (5) are cooled within a temperature range of between 400° C. and 500° C. for a time of between 1 hour and 16 hours. Means are disclosed for preventing contamination of the reactants during HgTe (3) synthesis, and for polishing the finished HgCdTe layer (15).