Abstract: A passenger side airbag installation for an automotive vehicle has a passenger airbag module mounted in a vehicle compartment in front of an instrument panel. The airbag module has an airbag adapted to deploy in a rearward direction. A door formed integrally with the panel has a crease, which, when severed, allows the door to swing open and create an opening in the panel. The crease is adapted to be severed and the door swung open by the force of the airbag when the airbag deploys to permit the airbag to project through the opening. The door may be bowed forwardly by an accidental impact caused by a passenger or object within the vehicle being thrown against the door if the vehicle is stopped too suddenly. A reinforcing bar limits forward bowing to protect the crease from rupturing.

Abstract: A reinforcement plate for a floor pan of a front foot well of an automotive vehicle. The reinforcement plate has impact resistant surfaces for reinforcing the floor pan against impacts in two and preferably three different directions.

Abstract: A multi-port check-valve for a fuel vapor emissions system coupled to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine with forced induction and of the type including a purge canister and a purge valve, comprising a first port coupled to the purge valve, a second port in fluid communication with the first port and having a first check-valve with a fixed orifice arranged to open in response to engine vacuum, and bleed intake manifold boost pressure.

Abstract: A coolant sensor doubles as a bleed valve for purging trapped air from a cooling system. The sensor slides into a port placing a sensor element in contact with the coolant. The sensor includes a pair of encircling o-rings for sealing the system from atmosphere in one position and permitting bleeding in a second position. The bleed channel is in the sensor port between the o-rings. The sensor is moved so the innermost o-ring clears the narrow opening into the cooling system. The outermost o-ring maintains a seal to keep the coolant from leaking out of the sensor port. The sensor is held in either position by a horseshoe clip or by a bayonet arrangement, the horseshoe clip arrangement including multiple apertures for each position, the bayonet having a position to provide for safe bleeding of air from the cooling system without completely removing the sensor from its retention port.

Abstract: A method to reduce backlash in a drive train of a four-wheel drive vehicle, the method including receiving rotational parameters from sensors in the four-wheel drive vehicle, determining a torque reversal in the drive train based on the received rotational parameters and sending a command signal to initiate engagement of a clutch pack in a transfer case of the drive train responsive to the determination.

Abstract: Differential assembly and a method of operating the same. The assembly includes a differential case and a pinion housing including a first pinion gear and a second pinion gear positioned substantially therein. A first side gear and a second side gear are operably coupled to the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear. A sliding collar selectively engages at least one of the differential case, the pinion housing, and the first and second side gears. The sliding collar provides at least three engagement modes. The method includes providing a differential case and a pinion housing including a first pinion gear and a second pinion gear positioned substantially therein. A first side gear and a second side gear are provided. At least one of the differential case, the pinion housing, and the first and second side gears are selectively engaged in one of at least three engagement modes.