Abstract: A split joint construction for a space frame on an automotive vehicle includes at least one rocker member extending longitudinally, at least one structural member having extensions extending longitudinally in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, each of the extensions having at least one channel to receive the rocker member, and a fastening mechanism for securing the structural member and rocker member together.

Abstract: A space frame for an automotive vehicle includes at least one longitudinally extending structural member and at least one rocker including a structure forming channels on at least two sides, one of the channels receiving the structural member and an adhesive and/or sleeve for securing the structural member to the rocker.

Abstract: A rocker and various joint constructions are provided for a space frame on an automotive vehicle. Also, various methods are provided for constructing joints and joining subassemblies of a space frame together.

Abstract: A connector for a space frame on an automotive vehicle having a plurality of structural members in at least two dimensions includes an inner panel, and an outer panel spaced from the inner panel and substantially parallel thereto. The connector also includes a connector panel attached to the inner and outer panel to form a channel defining one dimension and adapted to receive one of the structural members. The connector further includes at least one extension member attached to either one of the connector panel and the inner panel and the outer panel and extending outwardly therefrom to define a second dimension relative to the first dimension and adapted to be disposed within another one of the structural members to form a joint therebetween.

Abstract: A space frame for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of hoop-shaped structural members and a structure disposed on adjacent portions of the structural members for allowing nesting engagement therebetween to form a substantially flush outer surface between the structural members. The structure includes at least one shoulder portion and at least one extension portion on one of the structural members.

Abstract: A space frame for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of structural members. Each of the structural members has a channel. The space frame also includes a connector disposed in the channel of each of the structural members and a joint structure and/or adhesive for joining the connector and the structural members together.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for fixing a panel to a space frame defining the general shape of an automotive vehicle that provides accurate, adjustable positioning of the panel with respect to the space frame and accommodates differential growth and shrinkage of the frame and the panel induced by temperature changes. The assembly includes a multi-piece fastener held axially and radially fast with respect to the space frame and axially and radially free with respect to the panel.

Abstract: A modulated conveyor shuttling system for transfering a pallet therealong. It has a series of pedestals aligned along a predetermined path, a carrier supported on each of the pedestals with a plurality of bearings to movingly support the pallet, and locomotion apparatus incorporating air bladders to effect sequential lifting, tilting, and lowering of adjacent carriers on adjacent modules to steppingly move the pallet along such path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of plastic outer body panels to automotive vehicle subframes including positioning a cup within apertures in the subframe, applying a thixotropic heat curable plastic/adhesive to the cup, heat curing the plastic/adhesive in situ while forming a blind aperture in the plastic/adhesive, and securing the body panel to the subframe through threaded insertion of a fastener into the blind aperture.

Abstract: An improved construction for an automotive vehicle door provides an upstanding peripherally extending mounting flange formed integrally with the outer panel of the door for carrying a resilient seal for sealing engagement with the vehicle body when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of plastic outer body panels to automotive vehicle subframes including positioning a cup within apertures in the subframe, applying a thixotropic heat curable plastic/adhesive to the cup, heat curing the plastic/adhesive in situ while forming a blind aperture in the plastic/adhesive, and securing the body panel to the subframe through threaded insertion of a fastener into the blind aperture.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor is provided for electrically activating electrically operated automotive occupant restraints which employs switch contacts arranged in a cylindrical housing to resiliently bias a sensing mass in columnar fashion and collapse to effect contact upon movement of the sensing mass responsive to an acceleration pulse above a predetermined magnitude and duration.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor for an automotive inflatable occupant restraint system employs a rolling diaphragm to divide a housing into two chambers in fluid communication through orifices across the diaphragm. The orifices damp the motion of an acceleration sensing mass with respect to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A rotary magazine holds cutting tool inserts, each having multiple cutting edges. The magazine is rotated to a first station where the inserts are removed, transferred to a machine tool and returned after use. Each unused cutting edge of the inserts is successively advanced to a reference position on the magazine. A pneumatically operated device lifts the inserts from the magazine and rotates them into position for machining. A pneumatically operated gearwheel advances the position of the cutting edges with respect to the reference position.

Abstract: A method of developing compressive residual stresses in the surface region of a high carbon steel alloy article is disclosed. The article is made of an alloy having 0.8-1.6% C, 0.2-5% Cr, 0-20% ingredients selected from the group consisting of M.sub.N, V, Mo, W, Si, and the remainder Fe. The article is heated in a carburizing atmosphere at 800.degree.-950.degree. C. for 1-2.5 hours, and then quenched to cool the central core of the article at a rate sufficiently fast to suppress the formation of non-martensitic austenite decomposition products, thereby establishing a residual compressive stress gradient proceeding from the surface to a depth of 0.007-0.03 inches.

Abstract: A unipolar dynamoelectric machine with variable resistance control of machine current. The machine includes a stator, a rotor rotating within an opening in the stator, and a control member. The rotor also rotates about a portion of the control member. A first annular space exists between the control member and the rotor, and a second annular space exists between the rotor and stator. A field coil within the stator provides a magnetic field that may be used in machine control. A liquid metal is used to control the current level in the machine. A forcing device is used to control the amount of liquid metal contained within the first and second annular spaces. This controls machine resistance and current flow. Preferably, the amount of liquid metal in the first annular space is inversely proportional to rotor speed and that in the second annular space is directly proportional thereto.

Abstract: A unipolar dynamoelectric machine has a divided housing and uses a liquid metal to effect variable resistance control of the machine current. The machine includes a stator comprising a housing having first and second portions and a field coil. The housing portions are electrically insulated from one another and together define a chamber having an axis that is coincident with the axis of the annular field coil. A rotor is journalled in the housing and a control member extends into a recess in the rotor. The rotor rotates about the control member and is spaced from the stator and from the control member. The spacing produces annular spaces into which a liquid metal may be forced by an expandable bellows arrangement. Current flow in the machine is through the control member, the space between the control member and the rotor, the rotor, the space between the rotor and the stator, and the stator.

Abstract: An electric vehicle drive train having a unipolar motor connected between a DC source of electrical energy and a differential or other mechanism for turning the wheels of an electric vehicle. The DC source consists of a low-voltage battery or thermoelectric generator which has first and second electrodes. One of the electrodes is the container of the DC source and the other source electrode is connected to a control member forming a part of the unipolar motor.The unipolar motor is positioned within a recess of the DC source container and is in electrical contact therewith so that current flows from the control member of the motor, through the motor's internal structure, and into the motor housing portion attached to the container. This provides a very compact electric vehicle drive train with the DC source located as close as possible to the unipolar motor. Preferably the motor is vertically positioned between the DC source located above it and the vehicle differential located beneath it.

Abstract: A method (and resulting product) for preparing bearing components is disclosed. Utilizing a low alloy steel shape containing carbon in the range of 0.6-1.5% and containing alloying ingredients in the range of 1-2% selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu and Mo (and preferably the ingredients of SAE 52100 steel), the steel shape is subjected sequentially to a spheroidizing-anneal heat treatment, a rough forming treatment, and a hardening-heat treatment. Immediately prior to the hardening-heat treatment, a fine bainitic or preferably pearlitic microstructure is established having relatively thin carbide films at prior austenite grain boundaries. Austenitizing of said pearlitic or bainitic microstructure is carried out at a temperature in the range of 1625.degree.-1675.degree. F for a period of time preferably between 15 seconds and one-half hour, but operationally for a period of time as short as 5 seconds and as long as 1 hour.