Abstract: A control system 20 for an automotive vehicle 22, such as an adaptive cruise control system, is provided including a navigation system 34. The navigation system 34 includes a global positioning system 38. The navigation system 34 detects a ramp and generates a navigation signal including navigation data and map data. A controller 24 is electrically coupled to the navigation system 34. The controller 24 in response to the navigation signal adjusts the speed of the vehicle 22.

Abstract: A strategy controls alternate anti-vibration modes in a switchable powertrain mount using vehicle operational status sensors and pre-selected thresholds. The switchable mount modes can include engine off-idle and an idle mode. Vehicle sensors and pre-selected thresholds can determine whether the engine is off-idle, or running in idle mode, whether the engine will likely remain in idle mode. From these determinations, the controller can command the switchable mount to engine idle mode when the controller determines the engine is in idle mode and will likely remain in idle mode. The switching means for the switchable mount can use a three-way vacuum solenoid valve (VSV), or a mechanical or electrical switch. In the case of the VSV configuration, the VSV is communicatively attached to the controller, a vacuum line connects the VSV to the switchable mount, and a second vacuum line connects the VSV to an engine intake manifold.

Abstract: A battery system for an automotive vehicle includes a battery case having a number of battery cells housed within the case. Coolant passages extend about the battery cells, and a coolant pump or driver circulates coolant from the coolant supply through the passages so as to transfer heat from the battery cells to the coolant. A controller periodically reverses the direction of flow through the coolant passages so as to minimize the differential temperature arising between various cells of the battery stack.

Abstract: A vehicle immobilization system (10) is coupled to a network system (20) and includes a vehicle that has a speed sensor (34) generating a vehicle speed signal, a telematics control unit (48) receiving and transmitting signals to and from the network (20), and a speed control module (72). An immobilization controller (30) is coupled to the speed sensor (34), the telematics control unit (48), and the speed control module (72). The immobilization controller (30) receives an immobilization signal from the network (20) and sets a maximum operating speed for the power train controller. When the vehicle speed signal is below the maximum operating speed, the immobilization controller reduces the maximum operating speed within the speed control module until a lower predetermined speed limit is met. The lower speed limit is preferably greater than zero so that some limited mobility of the vehicle may be achieved.

Abstract: A method for modifying a stamping die to compensate for springback includes the steps of stamping a first part using a base, or pre-existing die set, and creating a surrogate die having the shape of the first stamped part. These steps are followed by simulated stamping of a blank with the surrogate die, where the blank is shaped according to the desired finished part. Then, the base die is modified by mapping the forming stresses, from the stamped blank, to an indicator blank, which is allowed to relax and then is employed as a template for modification of the base die. Following this, the accuracy of the newly modified base die is determined by stamping a second part in the modified base die and by comparing a number of dimensions of the second part with a number of corresponding dimensions of the desired finished part.

Abstract: A license plate bracket for an automotive vehicle includes a generally planar body having self-locking axially engageable retention structures extending from a rear side of the generally planar body. The retention structures allow the license plate bracket to be pushed into locking engagement with a front or rear module of a vehicle without the need for tools, while allowing the bracket to be removed subsequently without leaving any unsightly holes in the bodywork of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of developing product characteristics for a new automotive vehicle comprising the steps of: generating a plurality of vehicle attributes including usage experience attributes, driving experience attributes, and design attributes; classifying each of the attributes; generating a preferred vehicle brand position as a function of the vehicle attributes; and, generating target vehicle characteristics as a function of the vehicle attributes and the preferred vehicle brand position. In this manner, the target vehicle characteristics represent customer-driven objectives for each of the plurality of vehicle attributes. An advantage of the present method is that it provides customer-driven products with identifiable brand images.

Abstract: A combination mirror mount and headlight glare visor that reduces headlight glare to the driver without changing the mirror height or mounting locations. The combination mirror mount and headlight glare visor maintains the field of vision requirements of FMVSS 111 for school buses and maintains the conventional mounting aspects of previous designs. The shape of the headlight visor portion is designed to substantially cover the headlight as viewed through the cross view mirror during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A progressive stamping die system and method of operation providing dimensionally accurate flat stamped parts. A biasing mechanism is provided in actual alignment with a coin punch member in order to accurately control the configuration and planar accuracy of the stamped parts being formed.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting exterior devices, such as mirrors, to vehicles and the like. The mirror is attached to a bracket which in turn is connected to the mounting device. The mounting device includes a convex mounting disk, a planar deformable backing disk and two gasket members, all of which are connected to the vehicle with a fastener.

Abstract: A system (12) for activating a remotely controlled device (14) from an automotive vehicle (10) includes a key pad (24) that generates a first coded signal. A transmitter controller (20) is coupled to the key pad (24) and receives the first coded signal and generates a control signal in response to the first coded signal.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes at least one wheel that pivots to define a steering angle, wherein the steering angle is defined, at least in part, by an input from the operator, and at least one sensor adapted to monitor the roll of a vehicle body and a height of the center of gravity of the vehicle. The steering system also includes a motor operatively connected to the wheel that supplements the input to the steering angle, and a controller in communication with the sensor and operatively connected to the motor, wherein the controller is adapted to adjust the supplementation of the input to the steering angle based upon the amount of roll of the vehicle body as monitored by the sensor, and adapted to supplement the steering angle when the amount of roll of the vehicle body as monitored by the sensor exceeds a maximum value.

Abstract: A control system 20 for an automotive vehicle 22, such as an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system, is provided including a controller 24. The controller 24 is electrically coupled to a radar system and a navigation system. The detection system 28 detects an object and generates an object profile. The navigation system 34 generates a navigation signal. The controller 24 in response to the object profile and the navigation signal, generates a predicted future path profile and inhibits resume speed of the vehicle 22 in response to the predicted future path profile. An additional feature of the invention is that the controller 24 may also be electrically coupled to a yaw rate sensor 30. The yaw rate sensor 30 senses the yaw rate of the vehicle 22 and generates a yaw rate signal. The controller 24 in response to the yaw rate signal inhibits resume speed of the vehicle 22.

Abstract: A multipurpose sensing system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes an optic (14) that is directed at multiple viewing areas (18). A vision sensor (16) is coupled to the optic (14) and generates multiple object detection signals corresponding to the viewing areas (18). A controller (22) is coupled to the vision sensor (16) and generates multiple safety system signals in response to the object detection signals.

Abstract: A pre-crash sensing system (10) for an automotive vehicle (50) is coupled to an external airbag system (120). The external airbag system (120) may include a bumper airbag (126), a grill airbag (122) or a bumper airbag and a grill airbag. An object classifier is used to generate an object classification signal. A controller (12) is coupled to the object classifier and the external airbag system for varying an activation level of the external airbag system (120) in response to the object classification signal.

Abstract: A heat transport apparatus comprises an evaporator saddle having a pair of bores for housing two evaporators. The apparatus also comprises a condenser saddle having a pair of bores defining two condensers. One embodiment comprises a first loop heat pipe having a first condenser in fluid communication with a first evaporator, and a second loop heat pipe having a second condenser in fluid communication with a second evaporator. The two loop heat pipes share a single evaporator saddle and a single condenser saddle. A continuous conductance heat pipe may be placed in contact with either the evaporator saddle or the condenser saddle.

Abstract: A multiple head shower system particularly designed for retrofit installation on an existing shower system, and having a head member with a primary outlet and at least one secondary outlet, a primary shower head, at least one elongated water conduit, and at least one secondary on/off water valve member. The secondary valve members are secured to the shower enclosure with a bracket member and an adhesive. The header member is secured to the existing shower system with a threaded connection or a slip-fit connection. Preferably, a pair of secondary on/off water valve members and conduits are provided.

Abstract: An electrical system for an automotive vehicle includes a low voltage battery having a low voltage, a high voltage battery having a high voltage, and a DC-to-DC converter coupled to the low voltage battery and the high voltage battery. A controller controls a conversion of the low voltage to a high voltage through the DC-to-DC converter and controls the charging of the high voltage battery with the high voltage. The controller monitors a state of charge of the high voltage battery, compares the state of charge to a predetermined state of charge and generates an indicator when the state of charge reaches the predetermined state of charge.