Abstract: An adjustable tie-rod assembly for an automotive vehicle has inner and outer rod end sections, and an intermediate rod section. The intermediate and inner rod end sections are rotatably connected together. The intermediate rod section is threaded on the outer rod end section and a jam nut maintains this connection. A stud projects laterally outwardly from the outer rod end section for connection to a steering arm.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a collapsible energy absorbing vehicle steering column includes a lower support bracket for pivotally attaching a lower portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure and an upper mounting mechanism for attaching an upper portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure, the upper mounting mechanism having a structure for guiding movement of the steering column along an arcuate path during a collision.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for the steering column of an automotive vehicle comprises a pair of generally U-shaped straps made of relatively stiff, bendable, flexible strip material. One leg of each strap is connected to a bracket affixed to vehicle support structure. The other leg is connected to the steering column. In a collision, the straps resist movement of the steering column and gradually absorb energy to prevent excessive reaction forces of the steering column against the driver. A connection between the steering column and the bracket prevents vibration of the steering column during normal operation of the vehicle. This connection is releasable in response to initial vehicle impact to allow controlled movement of the steering column under the restraining influence of the straps.

Abstract: A multiple section pallet assembly having a primary pallet member fitted with adjustable article attachment brackets thereon to accommodate and attach a wide range of articles such as vehicle seats of varying sizes. For seat attachment, a support tray and support pedestals adjustably secured to the brackets have connector pins to fit into associated pin openings in seat structure so that the seats can be readily and securely mounted on the pallet member for conveyance and subsequently easily removed therefrom. The primary pallet member can be readily fixed to a bottom sled to form a pallet assembly. The sled has laterally spaced openings for forklift handling. The sled also provides protection for the primary pallet member including conveyance on a work line and allows the article to be readily placed or built-up on the primary pallet.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake bleeder apparatus for bleeding hydraulic brake fluid from a vehicle hydraulic brake system is provided. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump for drawing brake fluid from a vehicle brake cylinder and a pneumatic motor for driving the vacuum pump. A brake fluid recovery reservoir is located beneath the vacuum pump for emptying hydraulic brake fluid drawn by the pump from a brake cylinder. A brake fluid supply container is provided for replenishing the master cylinder hydraulic brake fluid which is drawn from the brake cylinders during a bleeding operation.

Abstract: Stamping dies and method for stamping parts using multiple stamping stations with different bottom markers in successive dies that mark the part being produced at selected stations with different markings related to one another, which cumulatively provide an observable completed set of marks on a part such as one finally stamped to readily show whether or not the stamping has been properly executed and to identify any stamping station or stations that is not stamping to specification.

Abstract: Stamping dies and method for stamping parts using multiple stamping stations with different bottom markers in successive dies that mark the part being produced at selected stations with different markings related to one another, which cumulatively provide an observable completed set of marks on a part such as one finally stamped to readily show whether or not the stamping has been properly executed and to identify any stamping station or stations that is not stamping to specification.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring an instrument panel assembly from a pick-up station to the interior of an automotive vehicle body for installation while the body moves along a path spaced laterally from the pick-up station. A bridge is mounted for movement along a track which is parallel to the path. The bridge extends between the pick-up station and the path. A swing frame assembly is mounted on the bridge for movement between the pick-up station and the path. The swing frame assembly has a pivoted arm which swings about a generally vertical axis. The arm is swingable from a receiving position for picking up an instrument panel assembly at the pick-up station to a transfer position in which the instrument panel assembly may be introduced into the body and installed therein when the carriage moves along the bridge and the bridge moves in unison with the body. A second bridge spaced from the first bridge is in the direction of the vehicle body movement also moves along the track.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly comprises an instrument panel wall having an opening through which an air bag is deployed. The opening is normally closed by a pair of doors. Each door has a metal door panel provided with an integral hinge extending along the curved edge of the opening. The hinge is curved to match the curve of the edge. The hinge is slotted at spaced points along its length. A plastic pad covers the swinging edge portion of each door panel. The pads and slots resist kinking of the hinges when the doors swing open.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for materially reducing steering column motion resulting from passenger compartment intrusion in an automotive vehicle when the powertrain impacts rearward vehicle portions in a frontal collision. The energy absorbing device comprises a bracket in the form of a generally box-shaped frame having side panels and a top panel. The side panels and top panel have openings defining upper and lower struts. The struts are made of a relatively stiff, bendable, flexible material capable of controlled deformation when the powertrain impacts-the rearward vehicle portions in a frontal collision.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably locking the tilt steering column assembly of an automotive vehicle in adjusted position. A rack on the steering column assembly is engaged by a pawl to lock the steering column assembly in the position selected by the driver. A bracket is provided to positively hold the pawl engaged with the rack and prevent it from becoming disengaged. The tilt of the steering column can only be re-adjusted by moving the bracket so that the pawl can disengage the rack.

Abstract: An instrument panel for an automotive vehicle has a door for concealing an air bag. The door is covered with an extension of the same decorative material that covers the instrument panel. The door is placed between two laterally spaced air vents.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a steering column of a vehicle includes a first bracket fixedly attached to a sleeve of the steering column and a second bracket pivotally attached to the first bracket and operatively connected to a rotatable steering wheel of the steering column. The tilt mechanism also includes a latching member pivotally attached to the second bracket and having a plurality of apertures. The tilt mechanism has a release lever pivotally attached to the first bracket. A latch pin is disposed between the release lever and the latching member for engaging the latching member to restrain the second bracket from rotational movement and for disengaging the latching member to allow rotational movement of the second bracket.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle comprises an elongated steering column extending upwardly and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. The steering column is of a type which rises to a greater angle to the horizontal when the vehicle is involved in a head-on collision. The steering wheel/air bag assembly at the upper end of the steering column is placed at an unfavorable position with respect to the driver's chest when the steering column rises in a collision. The steering column is mounted so that it will incline further upwardly when the driver is thrown forwardly during the collision and his chest strikes the steering wheel/air bag assembly. An energy absorbing bracket is provided to resist and retard the further upward inclination of the steering column in order to ease and soften the impact on the driver. The steering column is composed of a lower section and an upper section arranged end-to-end.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a speed control switch housing on the steering wheel assembly of an automobile. The steering wheel assembly defines an enclosure for an air bag canister. The switch housing is applied over an opening in the enclosure adjacent to the free end portion of a mounting bracket in the enclosure. The housing has a pair of hollow bosses extending toward but spaced from the free end portion of the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is flexibly resilient and capable of flexing toward and away from the speed control switch housing. Screws carried by the bosses thread into the free end portion of the mounting bracket with sufficient tension to flex the free end portion toward the bosses but without contacting the bosses so that the speed control switch housing is drawn securely against a wall of the steering wheel assembly.

Abstract: The instrument panel assembly is made by initially forming an instrument panel substrate having a door-receiving notch, initially forming a door substrate, and attaching the door substrate to the instrument panel substrate so that the door substrate covers the notch and its sides extend beyond the notch and overlie portions of the instrument panel substrate. A single decorative cover layer is also initially formed. The attached substrates are positioned in a mold in spaced relation to the cover layer, and a foamable material is forced into the space to provide a foam padding for both the instrument panel and the door. The sides of the door substrate overlying the instrument panel substrate are braced to prevent distortion thereof during molding.

Abstract: A panel for an automotive vehicle comprising a wall having an opening, and an integral closure normally closing the opening and behind which an airbag is adapted to be stored. The closure comprises a pair of panels each connected to the wall of the instrument panel by an integral, flexible hinge. The panels are capable of swinging open in response to the force of impact of the airbag when the airbag inflates to that the inflating airbag may deploy through the opening. The hinges each have a trough-like arcuate portion adapted to absorb at least some of the force of impact of the inflating airbag and relieve stress and increase flexibility along the hinge to resist breaking of the doors when they swing open.

Abstract: A support for the steering column of an automobile has capsules for dampening vibration while the automobile is in motion. A bracket on the steering column has flanges which are clamped between the capsules. The bracket flanges are frictionally held by the capsules but will break free of the frictional hold to permit collapse of the steering column in the event of a collision. The flanges and capsules are tapered so that when the driver is thrown forward against the steering wheel upon vehicle impact, the initial collapse of the steering column reduces the frictional hold to zero, thus eliminating frictional drag during further collapse of the steering column.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a collapsible energy absorbing vehicle steering column includes a lower support bracket for pivotally attaching a lower portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure and an upper mounting mechanism for attaching an upper portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure, the lower support bracket having a structure for absorbing energy of the steering column and for guiding movement of the steering column a predetermined path during a collision.