Abstract: A driveline assembly module includes a drivetrain assembly having drivetrain components such as a transmission and differential assembly integrated with a first and a second axle assembly. In one embodiment the drivetrain assembly is integral to the second axle assembly and a coupling attaches the drivetrain assembly to the first axle assembly. By mounting the driveline components, rigid axles, and suspension as an integral module, the components are replaced or serviced by replacement of the entire module. Thus, the individual mounting, replacement and servicing of the individual components, each having multiple independent attachment points, is avoided.

Abstract: An improved universal joint dissipates shock and reduces torsional vibration to the elements of the universal joint. An elastomeric material, such as a polyurethane, is introduced between the bores of the yokes of the joint and the respective adjacent bearing cups that are mounted on the shafts of the cross bar.

Abstract: A method and system for determining axle misaligned and tire wear of a vehicle monitors lateral and vertical acceleration values. Lateral and vertical acceleration data for each axle is taken and this data is put into an equation. A ratio of the data for one axle divided by the data of another axle is calculated. If this ratio tends towards 1.0 the axles are more in alignment with respect to each other and there is likely less tire wear. As the ratio tends away from 1.0 the axles are more misaligned with respect to each other and there is likely more tire wear. The standard deviations of the vertical accelerations are also put into a ratio and can be used to predict how much wear the tires on one axle are experiencing as compared to the tires on the other axle. A gauge or monitoring device may be used to monitor the values to determine misalignment and predict tire wear. The monitoring device may send alignment and tire wear signals to a display, which indicates axle misalignment and tire wear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting an object caught in the path of a vehicle power window system includes an acoustic sensor for sensing acoustic signals associated with the window as the window closes. A control circuit having control logic compares the sensed acoustic signals with a predetermined noise threshold. If a difference is determined between the sensed signals and the predetermined noise threshold, an object caught in the path of the vehicle power window system is assumed to be present and the control circuit controls the motor accordingly to either stop or reverse direction.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the weight distribution on a vehicle includes measuring characteristic values of axles, comparing the measured values with expected values, and when the measured values differ from the expected values, sending warning signals that the vehicle may be experiencing a problem. The method of monitoring the weight distribution on a vehicle is used to determine the weight shift of cargo on the vehicle. The present invention allows the driver to check the weight distribution on the vehicle while operating the vehicle. Characteristic values include any value of the axles that are indicative an effect of weight on the vehicle. Such characteristic values may include acceleration, deceleration, stress, strain, and, of course, weight. Detectors measure the characteristic values on axles of a vehicle and send value signals to a control which receives the value signals, performs computations based on the measured values, and compares the computations with expected values of the axles.

Abstract: The temperature-based differential lock control monitors the temperature of a differential lock in a vehicle driveline. Depending on the detected temperature, the differential lock is automatically disengaged to avoid potential damage to the differential lock. The control preferably includes a controller that records information regarding the detected temperature over time.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling angles in a driveline of a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes an air-wide suspension system, and the driveline includes a drive shaft driven through a universal joint. The universal joint produces a rotational velocity that is detected by a sensor of a control assembly. A controller, also part of the control assembly, converts the rotational velocity into alternating rotational acceleration and deceleration of the drive shaft. Once quantified, the acceleration and deceleration of the drive shaft is compared to determine any changes in rotational acceleration. In response to any changes in rotational acceleration, the air-ride suspension system is adjusted to control the driveline angle at one end of the drive shaft such that the driveline angle at one end is balanced relative to the driveline angle at the other end of the drive shaft, and noise, vibration, fatigue, or failure of the drive shaft is reduced.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame is provided. The window opens and closes via a regulator driven by an electric drive motor. A force is sensed at an interface between the window and the regulator proportional to a force exerted on the window. This force is compared with a predetermined value, and if the sensed force exceeds the predetermined value, an object caught between the window and its respective door frame is detected.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a vehicle window obstruction system incorporates a conductive coating placed on the window. Such coatings are known for use in defrost systems. A voltage source is connected to the conductive coating, such that an electrical charge is placed across the window. Electrical characteristics of the charge are monitored, and compared to expected values. In the event that an obstruction is encountered, the monitored values will differ from expected values, and a control can indicate the presence of an obstruction. Alternatively, the signal could be a high frequency signal such as a sound signal which would be varied when the window contacts a human obstruction.

Abstract: A method and device for determining torque applied to a motor of an automotive power window system includes a motor having a rotor mounted on a rotor shaft wherein the rotor and rotor shaft move linearly along an axial length of the rotor shaft in response to an applied torque. A ring magnet is mounted on the rotor shaft for generating a magnetic field as the rotor shaft rotates. A sensor, in communication with the ring magnet, senses a strength of the magnetic field based on a linear position of the ring magnet in relation to the sensor and generates a proportional voltage signal. A control circuit receives the voltage signal and detects a torque applied to the motor in response thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle window obstruction detection system looks for lateral forces on the window. A lateral force is indicative of an obstruction in the path of the window, and is particularly indicative of a living obstruction. The presence of the lateral force is utilized to identify an obstruction, and stop further movement of the movable closure.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the temperature of an axle includes the steps of reading temperatures from an axle of a vehicle, comparing the read temperatures with expected temperatures, and sending warning signals when necessary. A temperature sensor may be used to read temperatures of the axle and send temperature signals to a control to perform computations and compare the computations with expected temperatures. Furthermore, the control may send warning signals to a display to indicate that a problem may exist.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and adjusting misalignment of wheels of a vehicle while the vehicle is traveling on a road includes a sensor for sensing the number of revolutions for each of the steering wheels. A controller determines an alignment function based on the number of revolutions and compares the alignment function to an alignment threshold. The controller then detects misalignment of the steering wheels it the alignment function differs from the alignment threshold. Once misalignment is detected, an adjustment member is used to actively adjust the toe-in/toe-out position of the wheels as the vehicle travels down the road.

Abstract: A system for indicating the amount of material in a brake lining includes a frictional brake surface and a brake lining having a sensor for detecting when the temperature of the brake lining exceeds a predetermined temperature. A brake actuation system actuates the brake lining against the frictional brake surface. A controller counts the number of temperature detections and the number of brake actuations during a predetermined period and produces a first signal when a ratio of the number of temperature detections to the number of brake actuations is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the controller produces a second signal when the ratio of the number of temperature detections to the number of brake actuations is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value and less than the first predetermined value. The invention further includes a method for determining wear based upon this structure.

Abstract: A method and system for directly determining the presence of an object between a window and its respective frame during closing of the window is disclosed. A sensor is provided within the frame to determine a length of the frame being compressed when the window is closed against the frame. This length is compared to a predetermined value. If the compressed length is less than the predetermined value, an object is detected so that the window can be controlled to stop and change direction so as to release the object before injury or damage occurs.

Abstract: A vibration sensor includes a housing having an opening, and a movable trigger retained within the housing by a resilient member. The moveable trigger includes a projection of a dimension to fit at least partially through the opening. The resilient member retains the movable trigger within the housing until overcome by a predetermined acceleration. Whereas the moveable trigger is maintained within the housing the vibration sensor is minimally affected by radial acceleration while providing a calibrated resistance which must be overcome by an acceleration of predetermined severity along the measured direction. When the sensor experiences a predetermined acceleration, the trigger slides within the housing until the projection encounters the opening. The projection then “pops” through the opening such that the projection encounters a switch which awakes and activates a transmitter to send a signal to a warning device.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is dynamically adjustable to minimize the effects of energy transfer on a driver, passenger or cargo within a vehicle. Each wheel preferably has a suspension module that includes a force absorbing device with an adjustable force absorbing capacity. A sensor is associated with each wheel that detects an amount of displacement and acceleration of the wheel in response to a force imposed on the vehicle as caused by variations in a road surface, for example. An electronic controller detects the amount of displacement and acceleration of one wheel and activates an electrically activated force imposing device at another wheel to effectively counteract the effect of the force on the one wheel within one millisecond. The force imposing device preferably is a piezoelectric actuator. The vehicle suspension system of this invention is dynamically adjustable and compensates for variations in a road surface, for example, while the vehicle is in transit.

Abstract: A control system and method provides automatic adjustments in a heavy duty vehicle that effectively redistributes the weight among the various wheel axles. A plurality of sensors are associated with the plurality of wheel axles on the vehicle. An electronic controller gathers information from the sensors and determines the weight at each wheel axle. The electronic controller then automatically determines adjustments that can be made to effectively redistribute the weight among the wheel axles in the event that the weight at any one axle is outside of a preselected range. The adjustments preferably are made by automatically moving the position of an adjustable “fifth wheel” relative to the cab portion. Additionally, this invention provides the capability of automatically adjusting the position of at least one trailer wheel axle. The adjustments can be made dynamically even while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the condition of a road travelled by a vehicle includes a sensor for sensing a speed of the vehicle and an accelerometer for sensing a vertical acceleration of the vehicle. A central processing unit have control logic programmed therein determines a first road profile interval having upper and lower threshold values based on the speed of the vehicle and determines the condition of the road based on the vertical acceleration and the first road profile interval.

Abstract: An object detection system includes a sensor in communication with a controller to identify an object within a field of view. Pattern recognition algorithms are incorporated into the controller, and particular objects are predefined to minimize false detection and sift predefined objects such as vehicles from background clutter. Upon recognition of the object, an indicator in communication with the controller provides an alert to the operator who can then take corrective action. By defining another field of view the controller halts or reverses the movement of a power window to prevent trapping an object between the closing window and the window frame. Yet another field of view includes a vehicle entry point such as a vehicle door. Movement of the vehicle door will be identified by the controller and will provide an alert such as activation of the vehicle alarm system.