Abstract: An indicator assembly includes a dial assembly and a pointer assembly. The dial assembly includes an opaque outer member and a translucent inner member with tapered walls. The pointer assembly includes a translucent pointer and a opaque light collecting member. The translucent pointer is adapted to be mounted for rotation relative to the dial assembly about a pivot axis. The opaque light collecting member is attached to the end of the pointer and includes a light blocking wall radially extending around the end which defines a light collecting cavity that receives the end of the pointer.

Abstract: A selectively operable storage system incorporated within the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle is described. The storage system is preferably deployed underneath the rear seat structure, for example, below the seat bottom structure. The storage system can include any number and combination of selectively operable sliding trays, pivoting trays, collapsible trays, pivoting lids, storage bins, and track systems.

Abstract: A method for priming an object with through electrodeposition. The object is initially immersed into a first tank having a first primer bath and a first primer layer is electrodeposited onto the object. The object is removed from the first primer bath and cured to a first predetermined level. The object is then immersed into a second tank having a second primer bath and a second primer layer is electrodeposited onto the object. The object is removed from the second primer bath and cured to a second predetermined level. The primer baths are preferably formulated differently so as to achieve a multi-layer prime coat having several characteristics which would not otherwise be possible if the primer layer was created in one electrodeposition step.

Abstract: An electronic child safety lock system in which an electronic switch in the front seat area of the vehicle provides input signal to a body control module. The body control module determines whether the lockout switch is in a locked or an unlocked position. The body control module generates control signals to operate electronic actuators to lock and unlock the child door lockout device, thereby enabling and disabling the rear doors from being opened from the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multichannel ignition circuit for controlling a supply of current to a plurality of ignition coils for use with an internal combustion engine. Each of the ignition coils includes a primary coil and a secondary coil. A controller generates the plurality of ignition timing pulses. A driving/switching circuit having a plurality of drivers are operable to be turned on upon receipt of one of the ignition timing pulses from the controller. Each of the ignition coils is operable to generate a firing voltage upon one of the drivers being turned on. A current limiting circuit is operable to regulate an amount of current through each of the ignition coils when the internal combustion engine is operating below a threshold.

Abstract: A seatback having a frame formed in a generally U-shape from a tubular material and a plate coupled between the two legs of the U, a back panel, an outer fabric and an attachment device having a plurality of mounting hooks, a handle, a pair of mounting bosses and a pair of mounting legs. The mounting legs are inserted through slots formed in the outer fabric, back panel and plate. Once the mounting legs are fully inserted into the plate, a portion of each of the mounting legs engages the front side of the plate. Threaded fasteners are placed through the mounting bosses and threadably engage clinch nuts that are coupled to the plate. When a the removable seating unit is lifted by the handle, the force associated with lifting the seating unit is transferred directly to the seatback frame through the threaded fasteners and mounting legs.

Abstract: A data exchange gateway for enabling the exchange of data between a vehicle data bus (VDB) and an intelligent transportation system (ITS) data bus. The gateway includes a memory accessible by both a VDB interface and an ITS data bus interface so that data and commands may be shared between each respective bus through the shared memory.

Abstract: A method of air conditioning system temperature control for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The method includes the steps of measuring an air conditioning compressor discharge pressure and determining if the discharge pressure is greater than a predetermined maximum pressure. The method also includes the step of beginning a forced recirculated air mode if the discharge pressure is greater than the predetermined maximum pressure. The method further includes the steps of determining if the air conditioning system is already in a forced recirculated air mode if the discharge pressure is less than the predetermined maximum pressure, and determining if the discharge pressure is less than a predetermined acceptable pressure if the air conditioning system is already in a forced recirculated air mode. The method still further includes the step of beginning an outside air mode if the discharge pressure is less than the predetermined acceptable pressure.

Abstract: A low power clock oscillator circuit for driving microprocessors and other digital circuits is provided. The clock oscillator includes a resonant network for providing a sinusoidal waveform at a predetermined frequency. A first amplifier for amplifying the sinusoidal input waveform provides an output to a second amplifier. The second amplifier converts the amplified sinusoidal waveform to a continuous pulse output having a level-shifted voltage level greater than the amplitude of the sinusoidal waveform. The first amplifier is powered from a power source having a voltage level that is less than the power source that powers the second amplifier. Additionally, the second amplifier includes an enable input for disabling the continuous pulse output to permit decreased power operation with fast restart capability.

Abstract: A radio frequency audio distortion measurement system for a motor vehicle radio. The system includes a generator that generates test RF signals and transmits the signals to the motor vehicle radio through a wireless communication link. The system includes a controller coupled to the generator that controls the transmission of the RF signals to the radio. The system also includes a distortion analyzer coupled to the RF receiver and the controller that senses and analyzes the audio distortion caused by motor vehicle system components, such as motor vehicle electrical and electronic system components, in response to commands output from the controller. The system of the present invention thereby provides an objective way of analyzing audio distortion caused by radiated conducted and/or coupled interference from electrical and electronic systems in a controlled test environment.

Abstract: A center console member for a vehicle seating assembly is provided. The console member includes a first compartment member, a second compartment member and a lid member. The first compartment member is formed in the shape of a container having an open bottom and a partially open top. The second compartment member is formed in the shape of a container having an open top. The second compartment member is pivotably coupled to the first compartment member and overlies the partially open top when placed in a closed position. The lid member is coupled to the second compartment member and overlies the open top when placed in a closed position. Additional storage cavities may be incorporated into the console member, including cavities in the top portion of the first compartment member or in the front or rear sidewalls of the first compartment member.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle seat arrangement is provided for a vehicle having a body including a pair of front side doors and a pair of rear side doors, on opposite sides of a passenger compartment. A front seat assembly is disposed in a front portion of the passenger compartment generally between the pair of front side doors. A middle seat assembly is disposed in a middle portion of the passenger compartment generally between the pair of rear side doors. A rear seat assembly is disposed in a rear portion of the passenger compartment behind the middle seat assembly. The middle seat assembly includes two outer seat sections and a center seat section disposed between the two outer seat sections. The two outer seat sections are capable of moving independently of the center seat section from a first position for receiving passengers in a seated position to a second position forward of the first position to allow access to the rear seat assembly through each of the pair of rear side doors.

Abstract: A storage container assembly for deployment either within, or adjacent to, an external surface panel of a pickup truck, is described. The storage container assembly is intended to be deployed either within, or adjacent to, the box side panel section, i.e., the area between the rear wheel housings and the cab, of the pickup truck. The storage container assembly is comprised primarily of a storage bin or container and a pair of spaced and opposed brackets that are rigidly mounted to at least one surface of the pickup truck. Each bracket is provided with an integral slot that cooperates with a pin located on an external surface of the storage bin, thus allowing the storage bin to be pushed, pulled, or rotated from a closed position (i.e., substantially flush with the external surface of the box side panel section) to an open position (i.e., extending outwardly away from the external surface of the box side panel section) and vice verse.

Abstract: A combination rear-view mirror and audio speaker for a vehicle. An audio speaker is coupled to the rear side of the body of a rear-view vehicle mirror. Wiring for the audio speaker or speakers is festooned between the roof of the vehicle and the head liner and down a front support pillar to the audio signal amplifier. In this location, the audio speakers are thus hidden from the vehicle occupants. This location also precludes the obstruction of the vehicle occupants' view through the vehicle windows or rear-view mirror and positions the sound waves eminating from the speakers at the level of the vehicle occupants' ears. Configuration in this manner allows the rear-view mirror assembly to be used across a wide range of vehicles with little or no impact on the vehicle interior, as well as in a wide range of audio systems, including surround-sound systems.

Abstract: A center console having a storage compartment and an access opening with a lid pivotally attached to the storage compartment for closing the opening. A cupholder is attached to the front of the storage compartment and includes a plastic body portion having three generally cylindrical, recessed cup-receiving portions. Two of the cup-receiving portions are joined by a recessed channel portion capable of receiving a handle of a mug received in one of at least two cup-receiving portions.

Abstract: A trim panel for mounting to a cabin wall of a vehicle, wherein the cabin wall includes an exhauster for relieving pressure within the cabin of the vehicle and a child-seat anchor for retaining a child seat. The trim panel includes a generally rigid support structure mounted to the cabin wall. The support structure includes an opening to enable the child-seat anchor to extend therethrough. The panel further includes a first bolster panel and a living hinge. The living hinge is integrally formed with the support structure and operates to pivotally interconnect the first bolster panel to the support structure. This arrangement enables the first bolster panel to conceal the child-seat anchor and support structure opening when the bolster panel is in a closed position. More preferably, the trim panel of the present invention includes a sound-insulating device for minimizing sound infiltration from the exhauster into the cabin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustical microscope which has a plurality of acoustical transducers, each generating an independent beam of acoustic energy. Each acoustical transducer is positioned in an adjacent relationship with the others such that each beam of acoustic energy intersects a different point on a target.

Abstract: An apparatus of reducing unwanted brake noise has a ring damper affixed around a periphery of brake drum in a drum brake system in a manner that permits relative motion and slippage between the ring damper and the brake drum when the brake drum vibrates during braking. In a preferred embodiment, the ring damper is an almost circular ring that is inserted in a groove formed in the periphery of the brake drum. The ring damper is held in place by the groove itself and by the interference pre-load or pre-tension between the ring damper and the brake drum.

Abstract: A trim panel for mounting to a cabin wall of a vehicle, wherein the cabin wall includes an exhauster for relieving pressure within the cabin of the vehicle and a child-seat anchor for retaining a child seat. The trim panel includes a generally rigid support structure mounted to the cabin wall. The support structure includes a front surface and a rear surface. A plurality of channels is disposed on the rear surface of the support structure. These channels generally extend from a position adjacent the exhauster to an edge of the support structure. These channels further cooperate with the cabin wall of the vehicle to define a plurality of airflow paths between the cabin and the exhauster. More preferably, the trim panel of the present invention includes a sound-insulating membrane molded within the support structure for minimizing sound infiltration from the exhauster into the cabin.

Abstract: A spring clip has a first and second retention member. The first retention member retains a first part to the spring clip. The second retention member retains the spring clip in a second part. The second retention member provides for retention in a first and second position. In the first position, the first and second parts are in an engagement position and in the second position, the retention member enables servicing of the first part while still connecting the first and second members.