Abstract: An assembly for coupling two selectively rotatable shafts is provided. The assembly includes a first cross-member which is fixedly coupled to the first rotating shaft, and a second cross-member which is fixedly coupled to the second shaft. A third member is pivotally coupled to the first and to the second cross-member and selectively pivots about a first axis. A fourth member is pivotally coupled to the first and to the second cross-member and pivots about a second axis which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The third member and the fourth member cooperate to transmit torque from the first rotating shaft to the second shaft and substantially aligns the first and second longitudinal axes of symmetry of the first and second shafts while maintaining the alignment as torque is transmitted from the first rotating shaft to the second shaft.

Abstract: An assembly for use with a vehicle sliding door 12 which includes a first wheel 24, which is movably disposed within a first track 40 located on the vehicle and having a ramped portion 44, and a second wheel 32 which is movably disposed within a second track 60. The assembly includes a brake pad 62, which is disposed within the second track 60, which frictionally engages the second wheel 32, and which cooperates with the ramped portion 44 to hold door 12 in an open position.

Abstract: A storage assembly 10 which is adapted for use within a vehicle of the type having conventional child safety seat anchors or brackets 12, 14, and a conventional vehicle seat 16 including a seat bottom or cushion portion 18 and a backrest portion 20. Assembly 10 includes a storage module 22, and two fastening members 24, 26 which are adapted to be respectively and removably coupled to brackets 12, 14.

Abstract: A connecting rod 10 having a generally elongated body portion 15 which includes a piston-connecting end portion 12 and a crankshaft-receiving end portion 13. The connecting rod 10 is selectively fractured, thereby separating cap portion 14 from the body 15 and the crankshaft-receiving end portion 13 and forming surfaces 28, 30, 32, and 34. Dissimilar fasteners 24, 26 selectively connect the separated cap portion 14 to the body 15 and substantially ensure that surface pairs 28, 30 and 32, 34 engagingly mate when the connecting rod 10 is operatively reassembled upon the crankshaft.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve assembly 10 including a generally rectangular member or housing 12, four generally flat and rectangular “flaps” or movable members 14, 16, 18, and 20, and eight substantially identical fastening members 24-34. Members 14-20 are pivotal along respective axes 78-84 which are each disposed at an angle 86 with respect to the longitudinal axis 60 of housing 12, and which allow assembly 10 to be operatively disposed in multiple positions and orientations.

Abstract: A method of preconditioning a battery 34 of a hybrid electric vehicle 10 to improve cold temperature starting of vehicle 10. The method utilizes the vehicle's electric starter/generator 16 to generate forward and reverse torque pulsations which draw power from battery 34, thereby heating the core of battery 34. The forward and reverse torque pulsations are further effective to rock the engine crankshaft 18, thereby eliminating static friction and reducing the torque required to crank engine 14.

Abstract: A fuel pump assembly 10 including a motor 12, a drive shaft 14 which is rotatably coupled to motor 12, an impeller 16, and a chamber assembly 18. Fuel pump assembly 10 has improved efficiency due to the substantial reduction and/or elimination of frictional contact between impeller 16 and the respective interior surfaces 70, 72 of chamber 18.

Abstract: A valve seat insert 10 for use in combination with a cylinder head 12. Insert 10 is disposed within a cavity 24 formed within cylinder head 12 and includes several notches 40 which cooperate with surface 26 within cavity 24 to form a plurality of passages or channels 50 which allow fuel 18 to freely pass between surface 26 and insert 10. Channels 50 are effective to substantially prevent fuel 18 from becoming trapped between insert 10 and cylinder head 12, thereby preventing the formation of corrosive acids and byproducts.

Abstract: A vehicle image acquisition and display assembly 10 which is deployed within conventional vehicle rear-view mirror housing or shroud members 20, 22 and which selectively provides images of areas/regions and/or objects residing within the front and/or along the side of a vehicle 12.

Abstract: A clutch assembly 10 is provided and includes a clutch housing 12 which provides an output torque, and a clutch hub 16 which provides an input torque. Housing 12 and hub 16 each respectively include splined portions 52 and 40. Assembly 10 includes a frictional member which is coupled to housing 12 and which selectively and operatively engages hub 16 effective to cause the rotational speeds of housing 12 and hub 16 to become substantially equal. Assembly 10 further includes a member 22 having a splined portion 26 which is selectively movable to a position in which splined portion 26 is engaged with both splined portion 52 and splined portion 40, thereby providing a mechanical link between housing 12 and hub 16.

Abstract: A valve assembly 10 for use in a hydraulic circuit. Valve assembly 10 includes a generally hollow cylindrical member 12 and a pair of generally spherical sealing balls or members 14, 16, which are each movably disposed within member 12. Member 12 is operatively and communicatively connected to a first portion 24 and a second portion 26 of a hydraulic circuit. Members 14, 16 cooperate to allow gas to pass from portion 24 to portion 26, while substantially preventing gas from passing from portion 26 to portion 24 and substantially preventing fluid from passing from portion 24 to portion 26.

Abstract: A vibration absorption assembly 12 and method for making the same having a base portion 30 which is movably connected to an intermediate portion 32 and to a top portion or cover 32. Assembly 12 contains several apertures or cavities 26 which operatively contain a pair of balls or spherical members 28 which absorb or dampen the vibrations emanating from a rotating member, such as a diesel fuel injection pump 14. Oil 27 is communicated into apertures 26 and is effective to lubricate the moving members 28. Further, portion or member 32 is selectively movable to allow access to several of the cavities or apertures 26 in order to allow fuel injection pump 12 to be removed from the engine 10 by use of fasteners 80, 82, and 84.

Abstract: An electrical charging system 10 which is adapted for use in combination with an automotive vehicle. System 10 includes a conventional controller or control module 12, an alternator 14, a pair of electrical charge storage devices or batteries 16, 18, an electrical switch or relay 24, and a voltage regulating device or regulator 28. System 10 selectively charges batteries 16 and 18 in an efficient and cost-effective manner without compromising the integrity of system 10.

Abstract: A silencer for an idle air bypass valve in an internal combustion engine includes a grid disposed between the outlet of the idle air bypass valve and the intake manifold. The grid acts to reduce the air velocity entering into the intake manifold which dampens the vibration of a plastic manifold, thereby reducing noise generated.

Abstract: In a shifting mechanism housed in a case a first relatively rotating member rotates about an axis. A second relatively rotating member is selectively coupled and decoupled with the first member. The coupling has a first spline tooth with a first axial length, and a second spline tooth with a second axial length longer than the first spline tooth. The second spline tooth has an end having a frusto-conical shape. One of the first and second members has a plurality of third spline teeth for engagement with the spline teeth of the coupling. The third spline teeth have a complimentary frusto-conical shape. A selector is moveable for actuating the coupling to mutually connect and disconnect the members. A resilient connection is provided between the coupling and selector.