Abstract: A computer-based warranty administration system provides vehicle-specific service. The system includes a dialog manager for collecting service information regarding a vehicle from a user. The system also has an artificial intelligence based reasoning module for analyzing the service information to determine a diagnosis. The system further includes a repair processing module for administering warranty-specific service based on the diagnosis and the service information.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing member is provided to improve localized stiffness in frames, rails, body cavities or other such areas found in automotive, marine or aviation applications. The reinforcing member includes a frame having a first and second arm extending laterally therefrom. The frame is configured to be securely positioned in the area of interest. A thermally expandable material is disposed on the arms such that a gap is formed between the thermally expandable material of the first arm and the adjacent second arm prior to expansion. A bake process allows the expandable material to expand around the immediate area, thereby providing localized stiffness and support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible air expansion compensator including an air chamber. The air expansion compensator mates with a terminal cavity of a sealed electrical connector to compensate for heating and cooling of air trapped in a device that contains the sealed electrical connector.

Abstract: A wheel speed sensor latch for securing a wheel speed sensor to a bearing cap of a vehicle speed sensing assembly. The latch includes a main body having a collar section adapted for receiving the wheel speed sensor therethrough. The latch further includes a pair of bifurcated legs extending from the main body. The pair of bifurcated legs being engageable with a pair of latching members formed on the bearing cap such that the pair of latching members and the pair of bifurcated legs cooperate to secure the wheel speed sensor on the bearing cap.

Abstract: A flexible pick-up box enclosable liner for use in a motor vehicle having a pick-up box rear compartment. The flexible pick-up box liner includes an enclosable liner arranged to form a base portion, several sidewalls, and an upper portion, which collectively define an internal compartment, as well as an adjustable fastener system for selectively reducing and expanding the volume of the internal compartment. The liner preferably includes several fasteners for attaching the liner to a pick-up box, and a structural support system for retaining the upper portion of the liner.

Abstract: A checkstrap assembly is provided for a door of a vehicle. The checkstrap assembly includes an arm passing inside a channel. The arm has a first end rotatably mounted to the vehicle frame such that the door may be selectively moved relative to the arm. A roller is rotatably mounted on a second end of the arm and is received in the channel. A wedging device is disposed in the channel in association with the roller. The wedging device and roller engage one another under low boards to provide a locked condition at an infinite number of positions within the channel, and which can be overcome by application of a larger load.

Abstract: An enhanced stiffener bar assembly including a stiffener bar covered with a protective energy-absorbing material. The stiffener bar contains at least one receptor for receiving a door frame. The area surrounding the receptor is bordered by a bezel. The bezel is secured to the protective energy-absorbing material and protects the material during installation of the door frame and provides a covering for any exposed material.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a restraint belt mounted vehicle seat to a floor of an automotive vehicle is provided. The arrangement includes a floor rail supporting the vehicle seat, a load cell providing a supporting platform for the floor rail above the vehicle floor, a force transmittal member connected to the floor rail, a headed fastener connected to the vehicle floor, and a capture member connected to the vehicle floor by the fastener, the capture member in normal operational conditions having a clearance with the force transmittal member. In a predefined vehicle crash situation the force transmittal member is moved to an interference with the capture member retaining the floor rail to the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A method for attaching a clutch pedal assembly to a vehicle with a brake pedal assembly for a manual transmission conversion from an automatic transmission application including extension of a brake support shaft laterally from an existing brake pedal assembly and through a clutch pedal supporting bushing and then further outward into engagement with a wall of the vehicle. Specifically, the outward end of the support shaft is insertably extended through a hole in the wall of the vehicle for supporting that end portion of the shaft. The method further includes utilizing a metal cutting edge or tip on the outward end of the support shaft such that rotation of the support shaft can drill the support hole in the vehicle wall.

Abstract: A trim panel assembly for attachment to a body panel of a motor vehicle includes a main body portion and a mounting arrangement. The mounting arrangement includes a first mounting member. The first mounting member has a generally L-shaped configuration with a first leg and a second leg. The first leg extends generally perpendicular to the main body portion. The second leg extends generally parallel to the main body portion. Preferably, the mounting arrangement further includes a second mounting member for resiliently biasing the main body portion downward. In one particular application, the trim panel assembly is a B-pillar trim panel assembly. In this particular application, the first mounting member extends through an aperture in the B-pillar and the second mounting member resiliently engages a housing of an airbag assembly.

Abstract: A process for continuously controlling the transfer of torque within a differential where a target delta (&Dgr;T) value is determined as a function of a first differential output shaft speed (&ohgr;a) and a second differential output shaft speed (&ohgr;b) and then normalized according to the vehicle speed when the vehicle is being driven under a no wheel slip condition. A normalized actual delta (&Dgr;A) is also determined as a function of the first output shaft speed (&ohgr;a) and the second output shaft speed (&ohgr;b), a comparison is made between &Dgr;T and &Dgr;A and torque is transferred between the first and second output shafts of the differential according to a logic control methodology such as proportional, integral, and/or derivative (PID) control methodologies if the comparison result of &Dgr;A to &Dgr;T is outside of a tolerance range established around &Dgr;T.

Abstract: A fixture for automatically positioning a sunroof glass within a sunroof frame, mounted in an automotive vehicle, is provided. The fixture includes an outer assembly configured to attach to the vehicle roof. The fixture further includes an inner assembly having first and second net blocks connected thereon. The first and second net blocks define the desired installation position of the sunroof glass with respect to the vehicle roof. The inner assembly is configured to attach to the vehicle roof. The inner assembly is further configured to attach to the sunroof glass and to move the glass against the first and second net blocks. The inner assembly is disposed substantially within the outer assembly and is pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the outer assembly. Finally, the fixture includes a first movement actuator disposed between the outer assembly and inner assembly for selectively rotating the inner assembly about the first pivot point relative to the outer assembly.

Abstract: A method and radio receiver provide matching of output levels for a plurality of receiver input sources. The method includes the step of creating alignment information for the plurality of input sources. The method further provides for storing the alignment information in a computer readable memory, and converting a required output level into a matched output level. The matched output level is based on the alignment information contained in the computer readable memory corresponding to the selected input source, and the required output level is obtained from a volume control setting. Thus, creation, storage, and retrieval of alignment information allows for real-time matching of output levels for multiple input sources.

Abstract: A vehicle door check assembly is provided including a roller in rolling engagement with an arm. The roller cooperatively engages the arm such that an elastically deformable material is encountered at the roller arm interface providing the vehicle door with an infinite number of secure resting positions between fully closed and fully open conditions.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dual clutch transmission of a motor vehicle, wherein the first clutch acts to transmit torque to the first driven gear, and the second clutch acts to transmit torque to the second driven gear. The steps involved in controlling the transmission include determining a predetermined first clutch slip value based on the perceived vehicle loading, initiating launch of the motor vehicle with both the first and the second clutch partially engaged, determining the vehicle inertia value based on the summation of instantaneous vehicle inertia values during vehicle launch, and controlling either the first or the second clutch to disengage when the predetermined first clutch slip value is reached.

Abstract: A B-pillar is provided with energy absorbing material extending the entire length of the interior of the pillar. Along the upper end of the B-pillar, an area is provided for framing the mounting arrangement of the safety restraint system. A slot extends longitudinally along the upper end of the B-pillar and frames a trim panel. The trim panel is provided with two openings, one is a through bore for the D ring receiving the mounting webbing and the other is a through bore for receiving an indexing latch for moving the seat belt webbing and D ring along the slot. The trim panel slides along a track extending on both sides of the slot and the entire length of the slot within the interior of the B-panel. The trim panel includes energy absorbing material along its lower end below the openings framing the safety restraint system. The area above the openings is generally flat and does not contain any energy absorbing material.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for designing and manufacturing vehicles in a distributed design environment and manufacturing plant environment. A database is provided for storing vehicle design data (e.g., tool, part, weld, and torque data) related to the vehicles. A process sheet data structure is used to interrelate the tool, part, weld, and torque data in order to generate process sheet data that depicts the assembly process of the vehicles. The assembling process contains the steps to assemble the vehicles. A manufacturing plant data structure is linked to the process sheet data structure for containing station data and production data for assembling the vehicles in the manufacturing plants. The manufacturing plant data structure associates the station data with the process sheet data in order to indicate the assembly steps for a station contained within the manufacturing data structure.

Abstract: A weld support gauge block for setting a fused distance between a plate portion and a hat portion of a planetary gear carrier is provided, which includes a first side plate for insertion into and removal from a window cut out in a cylindrical wall of the carrier, a second side plate parallel spaced from the first side plate, a body juxtaposed by the side plates, the body having an interior cavity and a front face and a rear face, the body having a generally central longitudinal bore with a counter bore on a rear end of the body, a first roller juxtaposed between the side plates, and a second roller positioned above the first roller.

Abstract: A phantom image is temporarily displayed on a body panel of a motor vehicle. The image appears under certain weather conditions and then vanish after a few moments. The image is created when a temperature dependent substance material is present on the body panel and a heat source is applied to the opposite side of the panel with an intervening insulated area in a predetermined pattern.