Abstract: A tool for aligning a striker with a latch for a door on a motor vehicle includes a base member and a tool locating member positioned perpendicular to an end of the base member. The tool also includes a tool holding mechanism positioned on a front face of the tool locating member for holding the alignment tool onto the vehicle, and a striker locating arm extending outwardly from another end of the base member. The alignment tool further includes a striker lead-in at one end of the striker locating arm for positioning the striker relative to the latch, and a cross member extending between another end of the striker locating arm and the base member for receiving the latch.

Abstract: A method of installing a carpet member in a motor vehicle includes the general step of orienting the carpet member so that an underside faces upward. The method additionally includes the step of engaging an edge of the carpet member with a plurality of studs upwardly extending from the vehicle. The method of the present invention further includes the step of rotating the carpet member about the plurality of studs to conceal the plurality of studs.

Abstract: A system for warning motorists of the presence of an emergency vehicle is provided. The system includes a transmitter adapted to be coupled to the emergency vehicle for emitting an emergency signal. The system also includes a direction finding antenna adapted to be coupled to the vehicle of a motorist's vehicle, a receiver coupled to the direction finding antenna and adapted for receiving the emergency signal and producing a directional signal in response thereto, and an audio system for generating an audio playback signal which identifies the presence of the emergency vehicle as well as the relative direction between it and the motorist's vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring rear shoulder belt loads to a frame of a motor vehicle includes a unitarily constructed reinforcement member. The reinforcement member is welded or otherwise fixedly attached to a C-pillar joint construction. The C-pillar joint construction includes an upwardly extending strut tower which is welded to a rail of the vehicle frame. The reinforcement member includes an upper end to which a turning loop of a rear seat belt assembly is attached, and a lower end to which a retractor mechanism of the seat belt assembly is attached. Loads from the seat belt are transferred from the reinforcement member through the strut tower and to the rail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ induction tempering is provided in which an induction coil is used to temper a part in-situ at the location. The use of an induction coil in-situ at the heat treating location eliminates the need (and time and expense) of a multi-step process wherein in part to be tempered would otherwise have to be moved from the quenching location to the tempering location, such as at a tempering furnace. It also eliminates the need for the tempering furnace, which is a great space savings. In one form of the invention, the power supplied to the induction coil is controlled by a closed-loop temperature controller that is controlled by the temperature in the vicinity of the tempered part, as opposed to simply be controlling on time at temperature.

Abstract: A cargo load support system for a motor vehicle having a bed defined by a pair of sidewalls and a swing gate includes a guide mechanism having a plurality of guide apertures. The guide mechanism is adapted for attachment to the bed. The cargo load support system further includes a rail assembly translatable from a stowed position to an operable position. The rail assembly has a plurality of parallel rails and an orthogonally oriented end rail interconnecting the plurality of parallel rails. The parallel rails are slidingly engaged with the guide apertures. The guide mechanism is adapted for attachment to the motor vehicle. The rail assembly is adapted to be detachably coupled to the swing panel when the rail assembly is in the operable position.

Abstract: A sliding door system including a guide track, a door assembly, a power drive assembly operable for propelling the door assembly between an open position and a closed position, a power latching mechanism operable for selectively positioning the door assembly between a fully latched position and a fully unlatched position, a control module operable for controlling the operation of the power drive assembly and power latching mechanism and a wire harness electrically coupling the power drive assembly, the power latching mechanism and various other vehicle devices and switches to the control module. The guide track, power drive unit, power latching mechanism and door assembly are configured in a manner which provides improved performance of the power door system, as well as permitting the vehicle door system to be readily upgraded from one which is completely manual in operation to one which may be actuated automatically.

Abstract: A tie rod assembly for a motor vehicle includes an inner tie rod member, an outer tie rod member and an intermediate member. The intermediate member is telescopically associated with both of the inner and outer tie rod members. A generally C-shaped clamp is adapted to arrest relative movement between the inner and outer tie rod members. The clamp includes first and second ends which are spaced apart so as to define a gap. The outer tie rod member includes a longitudinally extending slot. The clamp is fixedly attached to the inner tie rod member such that the gap between the first and second ends of the clamp is aligned with the longitudinally extending slot of the inner tie rod member. As a result, clamping forces are more effectively transferred from the inner tie rod member to the intermediate member, and in turn from the intermediate member to the outer tie rod member.

Abstract: An inner body panel that is configured to receive a snap-in component and a corresponding method of manufacture are provided. The inner body panel includes a urethane layer having an inner molded edge defining a first aperture and a glass mat layer affixed to the urethane layer. The glass mat has a second aperture that is smaller than the first aperture. The inner body panel also includes a cloth layer affixed to the glass mat layer that has a third aperture that is smaller than the first aperture. The cloth layer and the glass mat layer are trapped between the inner molded edge and the snap-in component, whereby a soft gasket fit between the snap-in component and the inner molded edge is produced and damage to the inner body panel is minimized when the snap-in component is inserted into the inner body panel.

Abstract: A removable door frame assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first portion pivotally interconnected to a second portion. The first portion is adapted to be oriented horizontally and releasably attached to a sport bar assembly of the motor vehicle. The second portion is adapted to be oriented vertically and releasably engage the body of the vehicle. The first portion is configured to releasably retain a retaining element attached to a top section of the soft top and thereby retain the soft top in a cross-car direction. Similarly, the second portion is adapted to releasably retain a retaining element attached to a side section of the soft top and longitudinally retain the side section.

Abstract: A site database structure for storing elevation data for access by an application program being executed on a control system on a work machine. The data is stored in a Triangular Irregular Network (TIN). The elevation of a point on the work site based on the three points forming the triangle containing the point.

Abstract: A method for selecting between first and second manual shift modes for an automatic transmission is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a gear shift lever with first and second manual positions, placing the gear shift lever in a first manual position, and subsequently placing the gear shift lever in a second position. The method further includes the steps of selecting the first manual shift mode if the gear shift lever remains in the second position for a predetermined time period, cycling between the second and first manual positions while the gear shift lever remains in the second position, and setting a current manual mode equal to a last one of the first and second manual mode prior to the gear shift lever being released.

Abstract: A tool for limiting the amount by which an accelerator pedal lever may be actuated so as to restrict the maximum opening of a throttle valve to a predetermined maximum amount. The tool includes a first member positioned proximate to the accelerator pedal lever and fastened to the vehicle, a second member threadably engaged with the first member, and a third member which is secured to the dash panel of the vehicle and operably prevents axial movement of the second member while allowing the second member to rotate. The tool is easily adjusted by rotating the second member so as to change the effective length of the tool.

Abstract: An energy absorbing occupant restraint system for a motor vehicle includes a load-limiting buckle assembly. The buckle assembly includes a first elongated member adapted to be secured to the floor of the motor vehicle and a second elongated member. The buckle assembly further includes a buckle attached to the first elongated member. The buckle is adapted to releasably engage a tongue assembly carried by a seat belt webbing. A connector member interconnects the first and second elongated members. The second elongated member is configured so as to incrementally allow the second elongated member to translate relative to the first elongated member when the first elongated member is acted upon by a load which exceeds a predetermined level. In the preferred embodiment, the second elongated member is a sleeve member which telescopically receives the first elongated member.

Abstract: A unitarily constructed apparatus for adjustably supporting a beverage container within a motor vehicle includes an upper flange, a lower base, and an outer wall interconnecting the upper flange and the lower base. The outer wall defines at least one recess for receiving a beverage container. Each recess has a maximum diameter. The outer wall is formed to include at least one resiliently deflectable portion associated with each recess. The resiliently deflectable portion extends inwardly from the maximum diameter. The apparatus is preferably unitarily constructed from a flexible material and removably insertable into an opening of a console of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-piece rear frame assembly for operably coupling components of a rear suspension to a frame rail of a vehicle frame assembly. The rear frame assembly including a rear shock tower casting welded to the frame rail and having a pair of attachment locations extending laterally outwardly for operably coupling a pair of lateral suspension links thereto, a shock tower extending upwardly for operably coupling a shock/spring assembly thereto. The frame assembly further includes an upper extrusion and a lower extrusion, each welded to the frame rail and having an attachment location for operably coupling a guide link and a forward portion of a lower control arm respectfully thereto. The frame assembly further includes a rear frame member extending downwardly from the frame rail and having an upper and lower attachment location for a rearward portion of the lower control arm and a transaxle cross member respectively thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a washer fluid reservoir of a rear wiper system includes a fill cup assembly having main body and a cover. The main body defines an opening for receiving washer fluid. A first conduit provides fluid communication between the opening and the washer fluid reservoir for the transfer of washer fluid. A second conduit allows for venting of the washer fluid reservoir back to the opening and provides complete exterior venting of fumes. A vent passage defined in part by the second conduit is blocked when the cover is rotated to a closed position. A designed-in interference normally retains the cover in its opened position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating geography-altering machinery such as a track-type tractor, road grader, paver or the like relative to a work site to alter the geography of the site toward a desired condition. A first digital three-dimensional model of the desired site geography, and a second digital three-dimensional model of the actual site geography are stored in a digital data storage facility. The machine is equipped with a position receiver to determine in three-dimensional space the location of the machine relative to the site. A dynamic database receives the machine position information, determines the difference between the first and second site models and generates representational signals of that difference for directing the operation of the machine to bring the actual site geography into conformity with the desired site geography.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motor vehicle includes a torsion member having a generally arcuate longitudinal axis. The suspension system further includes first and second control arms operatively interconnecting first and second vehicle wheels with a frame. The first and second control arms are mounted to the frame for pivotally movement. The torsion member directly connects the first and second control arms and is operative to selectively transfer torque therebetween in response to vertical displacement of the first and second wheels. When the first and second wheels are vertically displaced in unison, no torque is transferred between the control arms and the torsion member merely rotates about its generally arcuate longitudinal axis. When a difference in vertical displacement of the first and second wheels exist, for example, during cornering of the vehicle, each control arm would input opposite rotation in the torsion member, thereby generating a resisting torque.

Abstract: A cargo tray for a motor vehicle is adapted to be carried by a seatback of an occupant seat. The cargo tray is operable in a stowed mode in which a bottom surface is positioned substantially flush against the seatback and in an operative mode in which the bottom surface provides a generally horizontal support surface upwardly spaced from a floor of the motor vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the cargo tray is pivotally attached to the seatback of the occupant seat and intended to be utilized when the seatback is articulated to a folded position. In such a use, the bottom surface cooperates with the now horizontally oriented seatback to provide an extended support surface, thereby increasing cargo capacity.