Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and system for resynchronizing a remote keyless entry receiver having received a new encrypted message transmitted by the transmitter which does not match a previous encrypted message, also transmitted by the transmitter, and stored in memory. The method comprises a first step of transmitting and receiving a first new follow up encrypted message. Subsequently, the received new encrypted message is re-encrypted, and that result is tested against the received first new follow up encrypted message to determine whether there is a match. In the event both match, a second new follow up encrypted message transmitted and received. At this point, the received re-encrypted new encrypted message is re-encrypted a second time, and that result is tested against the received second new follow up encrypted message to determine whether there is a further match.

Abstract: A transmitter system for transmitting an output signal having an output level and a signal to noise ratio. The transmitter system comprises a balanced oscillator comprised of a resonator for generating a reference signal, and for creating a parasitic impedance. Moreover, the balanced oscillator comprises a first oscillator comprising a first amplifier for amplifying the reference signal, and a first feedback circuit for generating a first oscillating output signal in response to the reference signal amplified by the first amplifier. Similarly, the balanced oscillator comprises a second oscillator comprising a second amplifier for amplifying said reference signal, and a second feedback circuit for generating a second oscillating output signal in response to the reference signal amplified by the second amplifier.

Abstract: A unique material is disclosed for use in trim panels, such as headliners. The unique material includes a central polyester honeycomb core, and outer polyester layers providing an I-beam construction. In a most preferred embodiment of this invention, the layers are all formed of polyester such that portions trimmed away from the panel are easily recycled. In addition, since the honeycomb core is formed of a thermoplastic, it is easily molded to desired shapes. The honeycomb core provide good strength to weight characteristics and also good acoustic characteristics.

Abstract: A rotatable cam of the present invention has an internal edge completely surrounding an elongated slot, a portion of which serves as a camming surface for interfacing with a cam follower. A further aspect of the present invention employs a door lock control member linearly slidable from a locked position to an unlocked position while also being pivotable between a nominal latching position and an unlatching position. In yet another aspect of the present invention, one end of the door lock control member is coupled to a liftgate door latch and the other end is coupled to a multi-functional electric motor by way of a drive transmission and a cable. In still a further aspect of the present invention, a window wiper assembly is drivably coupled to the drive transmission. A method of unlatching an automotive vehicle door is also provided.

Abstract: A switching device includes the ability to perform a primary and secondary switching function through the use of a single switch handle. A primary switch contact is activated when the switch handle is moved in a desired direction. A secondary switch contact is activated when the switch handle is further moved in the same direction. The secondary switch contact includes a generally flexible conductive member supported adjacent a printed circuit board. An actuator portion of the switch handle moves into contact with the generally flexible conductive member causing a central portion of that member to flex toward and contact the printed circuit board. Such electrical contact results in a signal being generated that is indicative of a desire to accomplish the secondary switching function.

Abstract: A computerized testing method and system for a wire harness allows analog data regarding a characteristic of the wire harness to be received and converted into digital data. This digital data is analyzed, and an opening time for the wire harness is calculated. The opening time will determine if the wire harness is acceptable or unacceptable.

Abstract: A method for forming a tool such as a mold includes the steps of initially selecting a cooling channel configuration for the mold. The initial selected cooling channel is evaluated utilizing a computer program. The program analyzes whether there would be local hot or cool spots in the mold with the initially selected channel. The channel is then modified based upon this evaluation. The modified channel is again subjected to the evaluation. This iterative process continues until an acceptable cooling channel configuration is achieved. The invention utilizes a generally helical cooling channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-functional apparatus having a single electromagnetic device to drive a multiple of electrically-actuated functions. The multi-functional apparatus has an armature shaft that selectively and alternatively activates a window wiper assembly and a flexible, elongated drive element such as a cable coupled to opposing ends of the armature shaft.

Abstract: A motion transmitting apparatus for use with an automotive vehicle multi-functional apparatus includes an electromagnetic device, a rotatable member, an interface surface, a shaft and an intermittent motion mechanism. Another aspect of the present invention provides rotation of the rotatable member within a first positional range to cause the interface surface to contact and move an arm of the intermittent motion mechanism from a first actuation position to a second actuation position. The arm subsequently moves past the actuation positions as to allow the interface surface to disengage the intermittent motion mechanism and continue rotating past the intermittent motion mechanism. The arm is thereafter biased back into a rotational path of the interface surface such that upon reversal of rotational direction of the rotatable member, the interface surface will reengage the arm and move the intermittent motion mechanism from the second actuation position to the first actuation position.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an automotive device is comprised of a substrate, a second component, and a light bulb socket, whereby the bulb socket retains the second component, directly or indirectly, to the substrate; the second component is solely attached to the substrate, directly or indirectly, by the bulb socket. More specifically, the substrate is an outer housing and the second component is a lamp reflector. The present invention also comprises the method of inserting and retaining these parts with the bulb socket. Furthermore, the present invention may be part of a backlit switch, an overhead reading lamp, or an instrument panel light.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs an intermittent motion mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the intermittent motion mechanism thereby moving a mechanical device coupled thereto. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates two or three intermittent rotary motion mechanisms thereby causing separate mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate within an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A connector is provided having a set of spaced blades that cooperate to penetrate the coating of a wire to make electrical contact with the wire while the connector is bent therearound. The blades are disposed circumferentially about the wire at approximately 120.degree. intervals. The connector may have a plurality of sets of blades. Further, a method of forming a connection between a wire having a coating and a connector is disclosed having the steps of extending a first, a second and a third blade from a connector body, the second blade disposed between the first and third blades, and bending the body about a portion between the first and second blades and about a portion between the second and third blades so that the blades engage the wire through the coating.

Abstract: A contact mechanism for use with a switch has at least two spaced stationary electrical contacts. The contact mechanism includes a rolling contact member. The contact mechanism moves between a circuit closed position where the rolling contact member electrically joins the stationary electrical contacts, and a circuit open position where the rolling contact member does not join the stationary electrical contacts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the recycling of trim components of vehicles. The method comprises the steps of shredding manufacturing scrap and post-consumer scrap from vehicle headliners into small particles to produce fluff. This fluff is then combined with water and a binder reagent composed of either polyisocyanates, or polyisocyanates combined with various polyols. The solution of fluff, binder reagent and water are mixed, and then placed in a mold where the mixture is formed into a pre-preg sheet. Subsequently, the pre-preg sheet is subjected to compression molding at elevated temperatures to produce a finished composite trim panel. As part of the final compression molding step, a decorative coverstock can be included to produce a finished trim panel having a decorative cover.

Abstract: An improved driver interface system provides prompts to an operator to adjust several vehicle parameters. In this way, the operator is assured to adjust the necessary components upon start up of the vehicle. This is particularly important when the driver is unfamiliar with the car, as with a rental car. In one embodiment, the driver may be provided with a transmitter that stores desired settings for at least some parameters. The transmitter can then transmit the operator's desired parameters to a control, and the vehicle components can then begin to be moved to the desired positions as the operator approaches the vehicle. In other aspects of this invention, improved switches are disclosed. A rotary switch rotates on a steering wheel rim. This switch is easily accessible to an operator, and does not require the operator to divert attention from the road. A second type switch includes an element which is sensitive to touch by the operator.

Abstract: A window regulator system generally comprises a first pinion rotatably driven by a motor. The first pinion is mounted between a first rack and a rotatable second pinion. The second pinion is rotatably mounted between the first pinion and a second rack. Teeth on the first pinion engage the first rack and simultaneously drive the second pinion to engage the second rack.

Abstract: An attachment unit for securing a wire harness to a vehicle body includes a support and a retainer. The support includes a longitudinally extending slot, and a longitudinally extending channel. The retainer includes a base and a shaft extending from the base. The retainer shaft is inserted into the slot so that the base is within the shaped channel. The unit is taped to the wire harness, and the retainer is free to move within the slot during installation, so that the retainer can be aligned with holes in the vehicle body. Once the shaft is inserted into the hole in the vehicle the attached wire harness is securely in place.

Abstract: Switches incorporate a material layer which becomes fluent upon reaching a predetermined temperature such that the switch body moves to correspond to the individual position and shape of a user's hand. The material layer is made to become fluent, and the layer then flows to correspond to the individual user's hand orientation and shape. In one embodiment, the layer of material is a foam which is fluent at human body temperature. The foam thus automatically corresponds to the shape of the user's hand when the user grips the switch body. In the second embodiment, the layer of material is actuated at a relatively higher temperature and a heating coil is provided to move the layer to that higher temperature.

Abstract: An integrated interior trim and electrical assembly for use in an automotive vehicle includes an integrated electrical junction box and an interior trim panel. The interior trim panel has a generally rigid substrate covered by an aesthetically pleasing covering material. The junction box includes a flexible printed circuit board, a rigid printed circuit board, a busbar and insulator assembly, and a conductive deposited trace. The integrated interior trim and electrical assembly employs a sheet-like electrically conductive circuit layer which distributes electricity between a switch and an electricity activated device. A sheet-like electrically conductive layer is partially external from and partially disposed inside of an electrical junction box wherein it is electrically connected to one or more of the other circuit layers also contained within the junction box.

Abstract: An automotive junction box for controlling the flow of power and control signals throughout the interior of an automobile having controllable features. The junction box includes a housing and a first printed circuit board disposed within the housing. The first printed circuit board having a plurality of first conductive elements with a first thickness for carrying power from and through the housing. The first printed circuit board further having a plurality of second conductive elements with a second thickness for relaying control signals from the housing for actuating the features. The junction box further includes componentry attaching to the board and/or the conductive elements. As a result of using these two conducting element thicknesses, the junction box operates as an electrical distribution center and a center for electronic functions.