Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an improved front-end to body-side joint (10) for an automotive vehicle. This joint (10) includes an integral front end structure (12) having a fender attachment portion (16) and one or more hinge-reinforcement portions (14). The fender attachment portion (16) is coupled to a fender (24). Moreover, the hinge-reinforcement portions (14) are attached to a pillar member (28) of a vehicle body (46) for supporting a door (20). The integral front end structure (12) is a master-locating component for positioning the fender (24) and the door (20) in a predetermined configuration within the joint (10).

Abstract: An internal spinning system includes an annular attachment section having a front portion and a flange extending outwardly from the front portion in a substantially perpendicular manner. At least one bearing is coupled to the flange and extend outwardly therefrom in a substantially parallel manner. A back portion opposes the front portion, wherein the back portion and the front portion define a plurality of bolt holes.

Abstract: A multipurpose power point for use by, and accessible to, the driver or other occupant of a vehicle, includes a generally cylindrical terminal housing having center terminal and at least one detent for retaining a ignitor plug within the terminal housing. An overtravel preventer attached to an outer housing portion of the power point engages the detent and subjects the detent to a radially inwardly directed force sufficient to prevent the detent from deforming plastically in response to forces placed upon the detent by power consuming devices inserted into the terminal housing.

Abstract: A soft hybrid-electric vehicle power supply circuit (14) is provided. The circuit includes a load sensor (19), which generates a load signal. A high-voltage bus (26) supplies a high voltage for a high-voltage load (30) and a low-voltage bus (28) is electrically coupled to and supplying a low-voltage to a low-voltage load (32). A converter circuit (24) is electrically coupled to the high-voltage bus (26), the low-voltage bus (28), and a high-voltage load (30). The converter circuit (24) maintains a predetermined minimum voltage level on the high-voltage load (30) by switching between the high-voltage bus (26) and the low-voltage bus (28) in response to the load signal. A method of maintaining the predetermined minimum voltage level is also provided.

Abstract: An air vent 10 for a vehicle air ventilation system and which comprises a housing 11 having an air inlet 12 and an air outlet 13, an air flow control valve 15 located in the inlet 12, and a screen 17 comprising a plurality of slats 18–21 located in the outlet 13. The slats are moveable by a control wheel 28 from a closed condition, in which air flow through the outlet 13 is impeded, to an open condition allowing air flow through the outlet 13, the control wheel 28 also operating the valve 15 to permit the flow of air prior to opening the slats, the air flow passing through slots 22 in at least some of the slats.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio connecting rod for an internal combustion engine includes a large end adapted for attachment to a crankshaft and a small end adapted for attachment to a piston. An adjustable four-bar link system extends between and links the large end and the small end so as to permit the length of the connecting rod to be adjusted through the action of an adjustable toggle link and an eccentric which is driven by inertia forces acting upon the connecting rod.

Abstract: A stability control system (24) for an automotive vehicle as includes a plurality of sensors (28–37) sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle and a controller (26) that controls a distributed brake pressure to reduce a tire moment so the net moment of the vehicle is counter to the roll direction. The sensors include a speed sensor (30), a lateral acceleration sensor (32), a roll rate sensor (34), and a yaw rate sensor (20). The controller (26) is coupled to the speed sensor (30), the lateral acceleration sensor (32), the roll rate sensor (34), the yaw rate sensor (28). The controller (26) determines a roll angle estimate in response to lateral acceleration, roll rate, vehicle speed, and yaw rate. The controller (26) changes a tire force vector using brake pressure distribution in response to the relative roll angle estimate.

Abstract: A birdcage assembly for a high performance vehicle includes a birdcage having an opening defined by an inner periphery. The birdcage is secured to a rear suspension of the vehicle and is maintained in a substantially vertical position. The opening is intended to receive a vehicle axle therethough. The opening has a bearing located therein, which includes an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of rollers disposed between the inner race and the outer race. The inner race of the bearing is in communication and rotates with the vehicle rear axle. Further, the bearing is moveable with respect to the birdcage such that as the axle deviates from an orientation parallel to ground, the bearing can move with respect to the birdcage away from a vertical position. The floating aspect of the bearing with respect to the birdcage minimizes side loads on the birdcage are thus prolongs the life of the bearing.

Abstract: A pocket for a lacrosse head (10) includes a netting portion (20) attached to the lacrosse head (10). The netting portion (20) has a plurality of holes (22) therein. The netting portion (20) is characterized by a middle section (28) with a plurality of center holes (32) therein intended to grip a lacrosse ball (24) and provide enhanced ball control characteristics. The netting portion (20) further includes at least one peripheral section (30) with a plurality of peripheral holes (34) therein capable of funneling the lacrosse ball (24) toward the middle section (28) and improving ball retention capabilities of the lacrosse head (10).

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly includes a mirror head tightly but turnably clamped to the distal end of a pole or staff mounted onto the fender of a large truck or bus. The mirror head has disposed within an interior chamber thereof socket means that form either a longitudinal bore to clampingly receive the distal end of the pole and permit rotational motion of the mirror head relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole or a ball socket for seating the ball portion of a ball socket member connected to the distal end of the pole and permit swivel motion of the mirror head relative to the longitudal axis of the pole. Tightening means, exterior in part to the interior chamber, move from a first position wherein the mirror head may turn relative to the pole and into a second position to orient the mirror head into a desired position and fixedly clamp the mirror head in that position.

Abstract: A MRI system having a scanning unit adapted to generate a parallel scan includes a substantially cylindrical member defining a scanning bore and a RF coil assembly mounted in the scanning bore. The RF coil assembly includes a TEM surface resonator.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly includes a mounting bracket for attachment of the mirror assembly to a vehicle. The bracket is in communication with a mounting arm at a first end thereof. The mounting arm has a second end that is in communication with a mirror. The mirror assembly includes at least one release mechanism that allows the mounting arm to pivot with respect to the bracket when the mounting arm is subject to a force of at least a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An explosion resistant waste container (10) includes an outer open-topped container (16). The outer open-topped container (16) is sized to receive an inner open-topped container (12) and leave a space therebetween. Both the outer open-topped container (16) and the inner open-topped container (12) are cylinders made of sufficiently strong materials, e.g. 11 gauge steel, for withstanding the forces of an explosion. A reinforcing material (14), e.g. reinforced concrete, is disposed within the space between the outer open-topped container (16) and the inner open-topped container (12). The outer open-topped container (16) and the reinforcing material (14) reinforce the inner open-topped container (12) so as to provide greater resistance to deformation caused by explosions and to shield surrounding persons and property from the explosive forces.

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: 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 vehicle mirror assembly 10 is provided. The vehicle mirror assembly 10 comprises a base 12 comprising a first base ellipsoidal portion 32 having a constant first minor axis 27? and a major longitudinal axis 38. The base 12 further comprises a second base ellipsoidal portion 34 having a second base minor axis 27? and sharing the major longitudinal axis 38. The first minor axis 27? and said second minor axis 27? are merged to form a common minor axis 27. The major longitudinal axis 38 intersects the common minor axis 27 in a position non-coincidental with a center of said common minor axis 27. The mirror assembly 10 further includes a dome lens 14 conforming to the base 12. The dome lens 14 comprises a first surface elliptical portion 48 having a longitudinal axis radius of curvature R1 taken along the major longitudinal axis 38 and a first minor radius of curvature R3 taken along the first minor axis 27?. The first surface elliptical portion 48 conforms to the first base ellipsoidal portion 32.