Abstract: The present invention relates to a weight-drop machine for calibrating and verifying the calibration of an occupant detection system in a vehicle. The machine comprises a lift frame that is adapted to support and lift a seat pallet toward a keeper plate to cause the pallet to engage the keeper plate so that the pallet is prevented from movement. Another weight-drop machine a weight supported for movement relative to a frame, which, in turn, is supported for movement in a direction having both a horizontal component and a vertical component of movement in a single motion. Yet another weight-drop machine comprises one or more sensors that are adapted to sense the position of a vehicle seat. Still another weight-drop machine comprises a sensor for measuring displacement of the drop weight. A towel bar lift may be provided for lifting a towel bar for operating a manual seat lock mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible headliner for an automotive vehicle. The headliner includes a flexible foam core layer having a nominal thickness of greater than 5 millimeters. A cover layer is bonded to a first side of the core layer. A backing layer is bonded to a second side of the core layer opposite the first side. The headliner is sized and shaped to conform to an interior roof of the vehicle. The invention also relates to particular methods of forming the headliner in a mold.

Abstract: A seat latch assembly that includes a seat bottom that has a first frame member, a seat back that has a second frame member that is partially mounted on the first frame member about a first pivot, and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a pin mounted on one of the first and second frame members. The latch pivotally attaches to the other of the first and second frame members about a second pivot. The latch has an open angled hook portion and is movable about the second pivot between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the hook portion is spaced from the pin. In the engaged position, the hook portion is in contact with the pin to hook the pin to prevent the first frame member from pivoting relative to the second frame member about the first pivot.

Abstract: Lear 03762PATENT11 A three piece retaining leaf spring sun visor detent assembly which is robust and will not fall apart when handled, is low in cost, and allows movement in a direction easily concealed within the sun visor without the necessity of allowing extra clearance.

Abstract: A modular overhead console assembly and headliner combination for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a headliner having an upper surface, a lower surface and an elongated slot formed therethrough. An overhead console mounting arrangement is attachable to the headliner adjacent the elongated slot. The mounting arrangement includes an upper member mountable to the headliner such that the upper member extends above the upper surface of the headliner and a lower member attachable to the upper member such that the lower member extends below the lower surface of the headliner. A channel in the lower member receives and secures at least one removable accessory module. At least one electrically conductive strip is disposed adjacent the channel in the lower member to provide power to the module via electrical connectors on the module housing.

Abstract: Specially applicable to the fuse holder boxes (7) connectable to a distribution box (1) in the electrical installations of automotive vehicles, wherein housings (2) are arranged in said distribution box (1) for the male terminals (3), which upwardly project therefrom and which remain axially immobilized, in working mode, as a result of respective resilient retainers (4), whilst the female terminals complementary to said male terminals (3) and corresponding to the respective fuses are arranged in the fuse holder boxes (7), the invention consists of providing the fuse holder boxes (7) with extensions (9) of its own plastic material, of suitable number and position so as to act on the resilient retainers (4) in the assembly of said fuse holder box on the distribution box (1), immobilizing them against the male terminals (3) and, in turn, consequently immobilizing the latter against axial forces and vibratory movements, preventing said male terminals (3) from being able to move and moreover to uncouple from the d

Abstract: Vehicle seat (1), in particular for a passenger car, having a backrest (3) and a head restraint (7) which is arranged at the upper end of the said backrest and has a head restraint rear part (9) mounted essentially rigidly in the backrest, and a head restraint front part (13) which can be pivoted about an essentially horizontal rotational axis (15), in particular at the upper end of the head restraint rear part, having at least one driving device (17, 19, 21) for pivoting the head restraint front part forwards about the rotational axis by a large angular amount in response to a first control signal indicating a vehicle impact, and by settable angular amounts in response to a second control signal indicating a desired inclination of the head restraint, for adjusting the inclination.

Abstract: A modular door assembly having a door frame and a carrier secured to the door frame. A door entry system is secured to the carrier to operate the vehicle door. A window carrier assembly includes a window regulator and motor secured to the carrier. A window pane is attached to the window regulator and is adjustable relative to the carrier in the vehicle door frame.

Abstract: A control panel assembly includes a housing having a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to said the housing. A control mechanism is mounted on the panel. The panel is movable between a first position in which the panel generally covers the recess, and a second position in which the recess is exposed. The panel is releasably locked in the first position by a latch mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes an elongated continuous frame member having an upper portion and a lower portion. A mounting assembly is attached to the lower portion of the frame member and is adapted to be mounted on the floor of a vehicle. A back support structure is attached to the upper portion of the frame member. A bottom support structure is attached to the lower portion of the frame member.

Abstract: In a vehicle passive entry system, a countermeasure system and method include a remote unit for receiving a passive entry challenge signal, determining if the passive entry challenge signal is valid, and transmitting a vehicle access signal for use in actuating a door look mechanism to permit access to the vehicle if the passive entry challenge signal is determined valid. The remote unit includes an indicator for use in generating an alert if the passive entry challenge signal is determined valid, and a switch for use in manually disabling transmission of the vehicle access signal. The countermeasure system further includes a passive entry control module for mounting in the vehicle, the control module including a transceiver for transmitting the passive entry challenge signal and for receiving the vehicle access signal.

Abstract: A mount assembly and method of installing a headliner and a visor in a vehicle having a mounting surface. Initially, a first bracket is attached to a headliner. A second bracket is attached to an arm of a visor. A retainer is preferably attached to the second bracket in a snap-fit engagement, and temporarily attaches the first bracket to the second bracket, thereby defining a modular headliner assembly. The headliner assembly is then positioned adjacent the mounting surface. The second bracket is then moved relative to the first bracket, preferably by rotating, such that the mounting surface is disposed between portions of the first and second brackets, thereby securing the headliner assembly to the mounting surface. The retainer then no longer functions to temporarily attach the first bracket to the second bracket. Preferably headliner assembly is assembled in a manufacturing facility and subsequently transported to a vehicle assembly facility for securing to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A console assembly for use with a vehicle includes a console housing adapted to be attached to the vehicle and having an aperture. An electronic module is attached to the console housing and includes a circuit board and a face plate having an integral fastening element that secures the circuit board to the face plate. The face plate further has an appearance surface and is positioned proximate the aperture of the console housing such that the appearance surface is viewable from an interior passenger compartment of the vehicle when the console assembly is installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching a trim panel to a vehicle mounting member includes a retainer that is attachable to a concealable surface of the trim panel. The assembly also includes a fastening element that is movably attachable to the retainer by moving the fastening element laterally with respect to the retainer. The fastening element is further adapted to be attached to the mounting member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided having a seat bottom and a seat back assembly connected to the seat bottom. The seat back assembly includes a support frame having a pair of opposing substantially vertical side frame members which receive an elastomeric support webbing. The elastomeric support webbing extends between and cooperates with the opposing side frame members to provide structural support for the passenger seated in the vehicle seat. Side bolsters are attached to the elastomeric support webbing adjacent the opposing side frame members. A headrest or upper bolster is secured to the top of the seat frame adjacent the side bolsters.

Abstract: A vehicle seat structure having a one-piece flexible shell incorporated in the seating surface portion and a one-piece flexible shell incorporated in the backrest portion, wherein dampener structures are provided between the shell and the seat frame for added comfort and vibration isolation.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system responsive to radio frequency (RF) signals is positioned within a vehicle passenger compartment. The system includes a module disposed within a headrest of the seat for receiving RF signals. The seat is separated from an interior boundary that defines the vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A turn signal assembly for use in a first vehicle having a vehicle proximity sensor system for detecting the proximity of a second vehicle. The turn signal assembly includes a stalk or handle movable between a first position, an intermediate position, and a second position. The assembly further includes a turn signal actuation device connected to the handle. The device is operable to actuate a light in response to the handle moving to one of the first and second positions from the intermediate position. A tactile feedback mechanism is mounted on the handle. The tactile feedback mechanism is adapted to provide a tactile response upon detection of a signal from the vehicle proximity sensor system of the presence of a second vehicle.

Abstract: A restraint apparatus for a vehicle seat includes a seat back for supporting an occupant. The seat back defines a generally vertical axis and a generally horizontal axis. The apparatus further includes a guide for directing a restraint which is adapted to pass over a shoulder of an occupant of the seat. The guide is movably mounted relative to the seat back such that the guide is movable to alter the distance from the shoulder of the occupant relative to both of the vertical and horizontal axes, thereby adjusting the position of the restraint relative to the shoulder of a seat occupant.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for adjusting an automotive seat mechanism or adjusting other mechanisms comprising a magneto rheological and/or electro rheological fluid provided in the chamber of a positive fluid displacement device and interconnecting said relatively movable parts whereby changing the status of said fluid enables control of the mechanism, and/or take up of any backlash between movable parts of the mechanism, by virtue of resistance to fluid flow in the activated status of the fluid.