Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a seal apparatus (16) for an improved front-end to body-side joint (10) of a vehicle. The seal apparatus (16) includes a ring portion (36), a gate portion (38), and an intermediate portion (40) extending between the ring portion (36) and the gate portion (38). The ring portion (36) is utilized for receiving an open-ended tubular front-end structure (12) of the improved front-end to body-side joint (10). Additionally, the ring portion (36) is utilized for sealing an interface between the front-end structure (12) and a body-side structure (14). Further, the gate portion (38) is sized for insertion into an interior cavity (42) of the front-end structure (12) and for blocking communication through the interior. Also, the ring portion (36) and/or the intermediate portion (40) have a self-locating construction for positioning the seal apparatus (16) in a predetermined location (50) on the front-end structure (12).

Abstract: A system for providing an auxiliary audio input for a vehicular entertainment sound system (VESS) (42) includes a portable electronic audio device (48) for generating an auxiliary plurality of audio signals. An auxiliary output line (50) terminating at an end with a plug (52) is coupled to the portable electronic audio device (48). The plug (52) is mated with an audio input jack assembly (10) that is fixedly coupled to a remotely located region (40) of an automotive vehicle external to the VESS (42). The auxiliary plurality of audio signals are then communicated through the auxiliary output line (50) to the audio input jack assembly (10). Then, the auxiliary plurality of audio signals are transmitted through an auxiliary input line (58) to the VESS (42).

Abstract: An integrated sensing system for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of sensors sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle. The sensors include a sensor cluster, a steering angle sensor, wheel speed sensors, any other sensors required by subsystem controls. The outputs from the sensing system are used to drive various vehicle control systems and to warn the drivers for certain abnormal operating conditions. The vehicle controls coupled with the integrated sensing system controller achieve control objectives including: fuel economy, chassis controls, traction controls, active safety, active ride comfort, active handling, and passive safety.

Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (19) having a vehicle body includes a cluster (16) of vehicle dynamic sensors (27, 28, 30, 31), the output signals from the sensors (Yaw Rate Sensor, Roll Rate Sensor, Longitudinal Acceleration Sensor, Lateral Acceleration Sensor) are corrected for errors by removing the zero output DC bias. Such bias constitutes an error that may occur as a result of temperature changes, manufacturing defects, or other factors. The system (18) also compensates for the drift in the sensor output signals that occur during vehicle operation.

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 control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle includes a roll rate sensor (34) generating a roll rate signal, a lateral acceleration sensor (32) generating a lateral acceleration signal, a pitch rate sensor (37) generating a pitch rate signal, a yaw rate sensor (28) generating a yaw rate signal and a controller (26). The controller (26) is coupled to the roll rate sensor (34), the lateral acceleration sensor, the yaw rate sensor and the pitch rate sensor. The controller (26) determines a roll velocity total from the roll rate signal, the yaw rate signal and the pitch rate signal. The controller (26) also determines a relative roll angle from the roll rate signal and the lateral acceleration signal. The controller (26) determines a wheel departure angle from the total roll velocity. The controller (26) determines a calculated roll signal from the wheel departure angle and the relative roll angle signal.

Abstract: A thermally controlled storage space system (10), such as for the dashboard (40) of a vehicle (12). The system (10) has a housing (22), which is configured to couple a portion of the vehicles air control system (48), such as a heating system, a ventilation system, or an air-conditioning system. A heat exchanger (26) is coupled to the housing (22) and to a thermoelectric device (28). A temperature sensor (62) generates a temperature signal indicative of the temperature within the housing (22). A controller (18), which is coupled to the thermoelectric device (28), adjusts the temperature within the housing (22) in response to the temperature signal.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a battery mounting system including battery tray fastened to a floor within a compartment of the vehicle, and a motion convertor for repositioning battery tray as a result of a collision impact upon the compartment by causing the battery tray to rotate from a first position in which the battery tray is generally parallel to the floor to which it is mounted, to a second position which the battery tray is not parallel to the plane of the floor.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an automotive vehicle includes determining a forward direction and reverse direction of the vehicle and applying brake-steer in a forward position as a function of a first threshold and applying brake-steer in the reverse position as a function of a second threshold different than the first threshold.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle body includes a floor structure, a roof structure and a door opening panel welded to the floor and roof structure. The door opening panel is formed from a tailor welded metal blank furnishing a first thickness of metal for a lower portion of the door opening panel and a second thickness of material for an upper portion of the door opening panel. The lower and upper portions of the door opening panel are joined at an approximately horizontal weld line which is concealed by a passenger door, and in one embodiment, a pickup box.

Abstract: A clutch assembly (20) for a fan drive system (12) of an engine (14) includes a translatable clutch housing (30) that is coupled to a fan (16). A rotating shaft (32) is coupled to a drive pulley (22) of the engine (14). A liner (34) resides between and is engageable with the translatable clutch housing (30) and the rotating shaft (32). A clutch spring (35) engages the translatable clutch housing (30) with the rotating shaft (32). A spring carrier (42) retains a portion of the clutch spring (35) and comprises a passage (46) for fluid pressure adjustment within a clutch spring area (38) of the clutch assembly (20).

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 hydraulically controlled fan drive system for controlling the cooling of an engine and having a method of engagement includes a housing assembly containing a hydraulic fluid and an engaging circuit. The engaging circuit includes a pitot tube coupled within the housing assembly that receives at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid as the housing assembly rotates to drive a clutch pack (and coupled fan) via static pressure. A fluid controller having binary control adjusts the static pressure within the pitot tube at a given rotational speed, thereby controlling the engagement of the clutch pack to a fully engaged drive (utilizing friction type engagement), a fully disengaged drive, and at least two partially engaged clutch positions (i.e. partially engaged utilizing a wet viscous type clutch engagement). To control static pressure release, the fluid controller may utilize a dual spool system valving arrangement or a parallel fixed orifice binary control.

Abstract: A clutchless viscous fan drive system is formed in which the body of the fan drive is attached directly to the input shaft and rotates at full input speed. A seal is pressed into the cover at the output drive and seals against a cast-in seal ring on the body. The fan drive formed does not need a clutch and thus will not trap heat inside the viscous fluid chamber between the body and cover. The body rotates at full input speed with the input shaft and will improve airflow across the body side fins, therein improving fan drive cooling performance.