Abstract: A camshaft drive system for an internal combustion engine includes a drive sprocket fixed upon a crankshaft of the engine and a driven sprocket fixed upon a camshaft of the engine. A flexible power transmission element extends between the drive sprocket and driven sprocket. A tensioning device for the flexible power transmission element includes a linear actuator and a number of movable contactors for engaging and tensioning both the slack side and the tight side of the power transmission element, such that proper phasing of the camshaft with respect to the crankshaft is maintained.

Abstract: A brake-by-wire automotive braking system includes a master cylinder connected to a number of wheel cylinders, with the master cylinder being actuated by a brake pedal assembly operatively connected with a master cylinder force simulator simulating the resistive force/displacement characteristics of the master cylinder itself. An electronically controlled compliance device selectively immobilizes the master cylinder force simulator so that the resistive force provided by the simulator may be applied selectively to the brake pedal. This produces a transparency in the brake pedal's operational feel, notwithstanding the presence or absence of force provided by the master cylinder force simulator.

Abstract: A combination secondary master cylinder and brake pedal compliance device for an automotive braking system includes a cylinder having a signal chamber, a working chamber, and a compliance chamber. Elastic devices mounted within the working chamber and compliance chamber allow the apparent compliance of the friction braking system attached to the combination device to remain at a relatively constant value notwithstanding the presence of varying amounts of powertrain braking.

Abstract: A vehicle step assembly uses hinged pedestals, attitude links and an energy storage device to position step stringers and an attached step beam in a generally horizontal and elevated deployed position, while permitting a space-saving tucked-in stowed position.

Abstract: A parking brake system for an automotive vehicle includes an internally articulated pedal arm having an upper pedal arm which is connected with a cable operated parking brake actuator, and a lower pedal arm which is pivotably attached to the upper pedal arm such that the lower pedal arm has both a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: An air inlet system for an internal combustion engine includes an inlet duct for furnishing air to the engine's cylinders, and a combination port formed within the inlet duct for inducting both recirculated exhaust gas and charge air into the engine. Mixing of the recirculated exhaust gas and the charge air is promoted by a flow director which is mounted at a downstream end of an EGR supply passage, as well as by a flow guide mounted upstream from the flow director, with the flow guide including an aerodynamic projection for causing charge air to move smoothly around the flow director and a swirl generator.

Abstract: A vehicle step assembly uses hinged pedestals and attitude links to position step stringers and an attached step beam in a generally horizontal and elevated deployed position, while permitting a space-saving tucked-in stowed position.

Abstract: A collision management system for an automotive spare tire includes a pneumatic spare tire mounted upon a wheel, and a body structure for axially displacing the spare tire in the direction of a combination tire deflator and wheel retainer which engages the spare tire and pierces it to deflate the spare tire, while subsequently locking upon the wheel rim, so as to assist in retaining the spare tire in a desired location within a storage compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder, a block, and a cylinder head having at least one gas exchange channel for conducting gases to and from the cylinder is disclosed. A tube passes through the cylinder head and into a gas exchange channel, which tube is sealed in a gastight manner. In one embodiment, the tube is configured in one piece with the gas exchange channels; the cylinder head is a cast part. With such a tube through the gas exchange channel, the engine can be compactly configured.

Abstract: An external mirror mounting system for an automotive vehicle includes an outer panel having a mounting reinforcement attached to an inner surface, and an extended outer belt reinforcement which is mounted with stand off structures to the mounting reinforcement, so that a box section is constituted for supporting a mirror attached to the outer surface of the outer panel.

Abstract: A multi-mode load bed cover for an automotive vehicle includes first and second cover sectors which are deployable laterally from within a housing associated with a bodyside of a load bed.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an automotive vehicle and trailer includes determining the presence of a trailer and applying brake-steer to the vehicle in response to the trailer to reduce the turning radius of the vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio piston (26) and connecting rod (18) assembly for an internal combustion engine (14) includes an eccentric bushing (28) that carries a piston pin bushing (42) and contains a journaled portion (48) held in the rod bore (24) of the connecting rod (18). The eccentric bushing (28) can be selectively rotated between either of two angle adjusted positions to effect a change in the height of the piston (26) relative to the connecting rod (18), and thus change the compression ratio of the assembly. A latch (50) mechanism is actuated by oil jets (90, 91) external to the connecting rod (18). The latch (50) includes bolts (54, 56) with tapered tips that seat in oblong holes (60, 62) in a flange plate (58) to reduce destructive lash. A resilient stop post (80) bears the brunt of stresses associated with stopping the flange plate (58) during switching events to protect the latching bolts (54, 56).

Abstract: A dual mode contact sensor for an automotive vehicle includes an impact-responsive tubular sensing member, and a first linear contact which is closed with the outer surface of the tubular sensing member. A second linear contact is mounted within the tubular sensing member such that a higher force impact, sufficient to cause plastic deformation of the tubular sensing member will cause a circuit to be closed with the second linear contact.

Abstract: An automotive body structure includes a tubular load bearing structure and a hardware mount having a base plate with an annular axially extending spin welding initiator. The hardware mount is spin welded to the load bearing structure to provide a reinforced location for the mounting of automotive hardware, such as door hinges, with threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A door latch system for an automotive vehicle includes a latch having a housing mounted to a door inner panel and a release lever operated by a release rod connected to a handle. An impact-responsive release lever immobilizer mounted within the door is responsive to deformation of the door in the event of an impact such that the release lever will be blocked and prevented from moving to its unlatched position.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a renewable source of spring water includes a spring well for withdrawing spring water from an aquifer, and a condenser for condensing water from the atmosphere. The condensed water is placed into the aquifer from which the spring water was withdrawn, so as to maintain the water level in the aquifer, but without causing a deterioration in the quality of water within the aquifer.

Abstract: A turf cutting and handling system for the borehole of a golf green cup includes a generally cylindrical hollow barrel with a cutting edge disposed about a lower periphery of the barrel. A manually grippable handle allows the barrel to be drilled into a playing surface of the putting green, and an ejection port allows a cut plug of turf and soil to be removed from the cutting barrel after the cut plug has been moved from a cutting position to a removal position by means of an ejector plunger which is engaged with the lower rotationally sheared surface of the soil which is underlying the grassy portion of the cut plug.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transferring a decorative image to a bowling ball by sublimation from a transfer sheet. The method includes applying at least one transfer sheet containing sublimation inks representing a decoration, such as an image or graphic, to the outer surface of the bowling ball and transferring the decoration from the transfer sheet to the bowling ball by applying sufficient heat and pressure to sublimate the inks. A heat press apparatus is one exemplary apparatus that is contemplated for providing the heat and pressure. The heat and pressure may be maintained after sublimation to allow the inks to penetrate beneath the outer surface of the bowling ball. This allows decorating the bowling ball with a durable image or graphic that does not does not affect the performance of the bowling ball. The decoration may cover the entire bowling ball, or any portion thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making and/or decorating bowling balls and the like includes flexible transfer sheets with heat-activated ink applied to at least portions thereof. A form or mold with opposite halves, which shift between open and closed positions, includes a cavity sized to closely receive therein the article to be decorated. At least one transfer sheet is positioned in the mold with the article, such that when the mold is closed, the same are captured in the mold cavity in an overlying relationship. Heat is applied to the mold to a predetermined temperature causing the article to expand through thermal expansion, which expansion is resisted by the mold to uniformly press the transfer sheet against the underlying outer surface of the article, and also causing the heat-activated ink to transfer from the transfer sheet to the outer surface of the article to form the design thereon.