Abstract: A wheeled vehicle has brakes (14, 16, 17) controlled by an electronic control unit (22) and a hydraulic control system (20). A switch (32) can be used to cause the control unit to enter a hill descent control mode. In this mode the control unit controls the speed of the vehicle by keeping it at or below a threshold level to achieve controlled descent of a hill without the need for the driver to apply the brakes.

Abstract: An anti-rattle door assembly for a vehicle comprising a first member on the vehicle door and a second member on a part of the vehicle defining the door. The first member having a guide for directing alignment between the first and second members and two independently slidable wedge shaped members that engage with a tapering recess formed within the second member. Once engaged, the two wedge members prevent relative vertical movement between the members thereby reducing door rattle.

Abstract: A painted plastics article in the form of a vehicle wing comprises a polypropylene substrate with a polyamide or polyester coating formed by dual injection or blow moulding. The coating makes the wing suitable for subsequent painting which may be carried out on a normal vehicle paint line used to paint a metal body-in-white. To promote adhesion between the polypropylene substrate and the coating, the substrate includes an admixture of a compatibiliser such as a maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene.

Abstract: A vehicle alarm comprises of a control unit (2) coupled to a message center (22) and an ultrasonic movement sensor (20). The ultrasonic movement sensor (20) is automatically activated when the vehicle ignition is switched off. If movement is not detected in the time period between switching the ignition off and the driver's door being closed, then the ultrasonic movement sensor (20) is deemed to have failed. A count of such failures is kept and when a predetermined number of such failures has occurred, a warning message is displayed on the message center (22). If movement is detected in the time period, the count is reset to zero. In this way, the alarm can automatically determine whether or not the ultrasonic movement sensor (20) is functioning correctly.

Abstract: The suspension comprises a wheel support constrained to move about an axis of rotation relative to the vehicle body by a linkage arrangement connected between the wheel support and mountings on the vehicle body. The linkage arrangement has first and second arm members arranged such that imaginary extensions thereof intersect at a point outside of the centre of a wheel mounted on said wheel support and to the rear of the axis of rotation of the wheel and has a third linkage between said vehicle body and said wheel support which is connected to the vehicle body at a position that lies outwardly from the position at which the second arm is coupled to the vehicle body and to the rear of an imaginary line extending between the position of connection of the first arm to the body and the position of connection of the second arm to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A split rear seat assembly is disclosed in which the upper fixing of a three point automatic safety belt assembly for a center seated passenger is mounted in such a manner that it is accessible from the rear side of a backrest forming part of the seat assembly. The seat belt assembly can therefore be easily fitted to the backrest even after the backrest has been trimmed. The seat backrest has a strong internal reinforcing frame so that loads from the seat belt assembly upper fixing can be safely resisted.

Abstract: A vehicle security system comprises a transmitter 18 for transmitting coded signals, a receiver 16 for receiving the coded signals, and a control unit 14 for operating an engine immobilization system 12 in response to receipt by the receiver 16 of a valid coded signal. The transmitter 18 is arranged to transmit the coded signal as a sequence of pulses of electromagnetic radiation which are amplitude modulated at a modulating frequency, and the receiver includes an audio frequency filter arranged to pass signals having a frequency within a range including said modulating frequency. This allows the filtering out of high powered interfering signals which are of the same radio frequency as used in the system, but which are not modulated at the same audio frequency.

Abstract: To ensure an adequate supply of hot engine coolant to a heater circuit at low engine speeds, a combined thermostat and bypass valve 10 is arranged to restrict bypass flow by means of a spring-loaded bypass valve 38 operating at a bypass delivery port 16. At low engine speeds the bypass flow pressure is insufficient to lift the bypass valve 38 from its seating and the flow through a heat exchanger "H" in the heater circuit is thereby enhanced.

Abstract: A cooling circuit for an internal combustion engine is disclosed in which the bypass and thermostat assembly includes means to prevent relatively cold coolant entering the thermostat assembly from a bottom hose to impinge upon a temperature sensitive valve actuating means. The bypass and thermostat assembly is therefore unaffected by relatively colder coolant entering the assembly as the temperature sensitive part of the thermostat remains immersed in relatively warm coolant entering the assembly through a bypass hose even when the bypass is closed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises an iron block 2 and an aluminium head 3 held together by bolts 6. The bolts 6 extend through oil drainage passages 8 in the head and through bores 9 in the block and engage with the block at a point substantially spaced from the head/block interface. The increased length of the bolts 6 allows them to stretch to accommodate the relatively large expansion of the head as the engine warms up. Good thermal contact is provided between the bolts and the water jacket of the engine so that the bolts warm up quickly.

Abstract: A security system for detecting the fracture of a pane of glass of a motor vehicle comprising a fracture detector mechanisms in the form of a resilient sealing member. The resilient sealing member, which is normally in physical contact with the glass, has at least one sensor integrally formed therein by molding the at least one sensor into the resilient sealing member. The electrical state of the at least one each sensor, which is monitored by a control mechanism, is changed when the glass is fractured and, upon fracture, an appropriate warning device is energized by the control mechanism in response thereto. An anti-trap device may also be included in the resilient sealing member in order to detect the presence of foreign objects.

Abstract: The security system comprises a coil (34) close to the vehicle ignition lock (38), a control unit (10) for energizing the coil and a transponder which comprises a coil (32), a transistor (30) and a transmitter (24) and a power supply (26). In use the coil (32) picks up a conventional alternating magnetic signal emitted by the coil (34), and provides sufficient power to activate the transistor (30) which connects the power supply (26) to the transmitter (24) causing it to transmit an enabling signal to the control unit. The control unit may be programmed to re-mobilize the vehicle engine on receiving of the correct signal.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine 20 comprises a cylinder block 22, a cylinder head 24, and a plurality of fasteners 47 holding the head onto the block. The block comprises a single structure having walls 34 defining four cylinder bores 36 arranged in a line for receiving pistons, longitudinal support sections 60, 61 extending along the block one on either side of the line of bores and transverse support sections 74 joined to the longitudinal support sections and extending substantially tangentially to the bores. The fasteners 47 are arranged to engage with the block 22 such that a substantial part of the load exerted on the top of the walls 36 of the bores is transmitted to the fasteners via the support sections. This prevents forces from being transmitted radially into the cylinder walls 36 and thereby reduces bore distortion.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a cylinder head assembly with a camshaft 28 mounted therein and breather passages 70 through it. A guard member 38 is mounted on the head casting 12 and includes guards 40 over the cams 42 side walls 39 and a bearing ladder for the camshaft. A gasket 46 between the guard member 38 and a cover 44 forms, with the guard member 38, a separation region 50 having an inlet 72 fed by the breather passages and outlets 51 in the form of holes through the gasket 46. The gas can flow from the breather passages to the outlets 51 is slow and substantially horizontal so oil can separate out of the gas. The guards 40 prevent oil from the cams 42 from mixing with the breather gases.