Abstract: A method and apparatus of inducing vibrations and buzzes within a vehicle, e.g., from panel trim, provides a reliable and repeatable way to identify the sources of such vibrations and buzzes. According to the method, an FM transmitter modulates and transmits predetermined frequency signals to a standard FM receiver located in the interior of the car. The FM receiver receives and demodulates the signal, and then applies it to audio speakers also located within the vehicle. The output signal from the speakers induces sympathetic vibrations in vehicle components, allowing a tester to identify the sources of the vibrations and buzzes so that they may be corrected. The transmitter provides a means for a user to maintain a constant frequency or to vary the frequency within a predetermined range of frequencies. The frequency may be generated by digitally storing one complete sine wave in successive memory locations. The values can then be retrieved and converted to an analog signal.

Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a door hingedly mounted thereon, with a latch assembly mounted on the door and cooperable with a latch opening in the storage compartment. The latch assembly includes a mounting bracket and a handle interconnected by a pair of flexible straps, a latch extension formed on the handle, an opening formed in the mounting bracket, and a latch spring having a fixed end secured to an edge of the opening, and a downward bend portion extending from the fixed end to a free distal end, adapted to contact a fixed surface and become compressed when the door is closed to prevent the door from rattling under vehicle operation.

Abstract: An illumination mechanism is provided for the receiving opening of an automobile entertainment device. The mechanism includes at least one light pipe fitted in the face of the entertainment device in close proximity to the area to be illuminated. This light pipe extends to a lamp or other light source otherwise used in the automobile for other illumination.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack article carrier having a protective rubber insert strip secured in a channel formed in each cross rail of the roof rack. A leading edge portion is formed on the insert strip so as to curve downwardly along an arcuate upper front portion of the cross bar, terminating in a down-turned rounded edge, to thereby provide a virtually wind noise resistant roof rack.

Abstract: A system for preventing fogging in air conditioning systems is disclosed. The system employs a strategy whereby if fogging conditions are present, the temperature of the evaporator is stepped downwardly in increments which allow the surface of the evaporator to stabilize thereby eliminating localized cold spots.

Abstract: A torque box assembly for mounting between a vehicle frame side rail and a body side sill for supporting a rear suspension trailing link. The torque box assembly includes two interconnected box members and two mounting flanges, with the trailing link resiliently connected to one of the box members.

Abstract: An input compounding torque converter is provided for converting and multiplying torque from a prime mover to an input shaft for a transmission. The input compounding torque converter includes an impeller operatively connected for rotation with a prime mover. The input compounding torque converter also includes a turbine fluidly connected in driving relationship with the impeller for receiving torque from the impeller and planetary gearset interconnecting the turbine and an input shaft of a transmission for multiplying torque from the turbine to the input shaft. The planetary gearset includes an annulus gear connected to the turbine, a planetary carrier connected to the input shaft, a sun gear, and a plurality of planetary pinion gears rotatably supported on the planetary carrier and engaging the sun and annulus gears.

Abstract: A wire routing harness apparatus for use between a vehicle body and a liftgate pivotally mounted thereon. The apparatus includes a sheet-like body secured to the vehicle body, covering a portion of a wire from a remote location, and a hollow body secured to the liftgate, slidably mounted on the sheet-like body and adapted to having the wire extended therethrough. The hollow body may include two side-by-side slots formed therethrough for receiving a plurality of wires in each slot. The sheet-like body conforms to the shape of a portion of the vehicle body, and is mounted to be spaced apart therefrom to receive the portion of a wire therebetween.

Abstract: An instrument panel projection apparatus is mounted on a pivotable steering column or the ceiling of the vehicle. A small steering wheel, preferably no more than twelve inches in diameter, is also mounted on the steering column. The instrument panel image is projected onto a reflection plate. The steering wheel, reflection plate and the instrument panel cluster are positioned so that the driver's sight line for viewing the image of the instrument panel cluster is over the steering wheel. Further, when the steering column is pivoted or telescoped, the steering wheel and the instrument panel cluster are also pivoted and telescoped, so as to continue to provide a sight line for viewing the instrument cluster over the steering wheel. The projection apparatus may include a lens system with a magnifying lens to increase the size of the projected image.

Abstract: A gauge for determining pertinent dimensions to which portions of die keeper pin assemblies are to be machined prior to insertion of the latter into a stamping die assembly. The gauge includes a body having a partial circular extension formed on one end thereof, a rod having one threaded end freely mounted through an axial passageway and threadedly connected to threads formed at the end thereof, a hole formed in the non-circular portion of the extension, a spring-loaded pin slip-fitted in the hole adapted to being secured in any axial position by threading the rod into engagement with the pin. The gauge is inserted through a passage formed through a wall of a stamping die body so as to position the pin in the path of a movable die pad, while the rod is out of contact with the pin. After the pad is caused to travel to its lowest position, urging the pin inwardly, the rod is threadedly extended into engagement with the pin to hold its depressed position.

Abstract: An improved vehicle transmission oil sump filling apparatus and method of using same, wherein the apparatus includes an integrally formed extension on the distal end of an otherwise conventional filler tube extending a predetermined distance into a transmission sump, and a sealed adapter assembly adaptable to being mounted in the entrance of the fill tube. The sealed adapter assembly includes a single short oil supply tube together with a pressurized air supply and sensing tube integrally formed therein. An air pump is operative for continually blowing air through the sensing tube while the transmission sump is being filled from a source of oil by a reversible oil pump. Once overfill of the sump is sensed, the overfill is drawn out under suction by the oil pump until reaching the point where air once again flows through the filler tube, indicating the appropriate sump oil level.

Abstract: A connector assembly for lamps such as lamps which are used for automotive signaling lamps includes a single adaptor plug which, at a first end, plugs into a socket fixed to the signal light assembly and at a second end has a socket for receiving a flat sealed end of a bulb. The adaptor plug includes a pair of electrical contacts therein each of which has a female electrical connector at both ends. One end of each female electrical connector receives a blade of a wire lead contact while the other end receives the flattened, sealed end of the bulb and makes contact with one of the bulb terminals. The adaptor includes a lug projecting from a surface thereof which lug is received in a recess in a spring arm latch mounted on the socket. By utilizing the aforedescribed adaptor plug, a simpler, more reliable, less expensive connector assembly for automotive lamps is provided.

Abstract: In an adjustable clip detection system, an audio output signal is sent from a volume control integrated circuit to an amplifier. The output of the amplifier is received by a clip detection circuit. The clip detection circuit monitors the audio output from the amplifier for clipping distortion. If clipping is detected, the clip detection circuit sends a signal to a microprocessor. The microprocessor then sends a signal to a volume control integrated circuit to decrease the voltage level of the audio output until clipping is no longer detected. The amount of attenuation that the microprocessor instructs the volume control integrated circuit to perform is determined by a predetermined programmed parameter. The amount of attenuation to be performed by the volume control integrated circuit can be adjusted by sending the microprocessor a formatted message, through a multiplex bus, corresponding to the predetermined program parameter located in a look-up table.

Abstract: A two color, light emitting diode having a green diode and a red diode therein is incorporated with a control switch for an automotive accessory. The control switch is normally green in color providing a finger target when the system is not operated because only the green diode emits light. The diode is amber in color upon closing the switch because the red diode and green diode are both illuminated. The two color, light emitting diode is used for accessory systems such as electric windows, traction control systems, rear window defrosters and other accessory systems.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a tailgate handle assembly including a single actuator lever which is pivotable by a lift handle to pull a pair of rods laterally inwardly to release oppositely disposed tailgate latches. The initial installation steps are simplified with respect to connecting the pair of rods to the handle assembly.

Abstract: A three piece lift-off hinge assembly for a vehicle door comprising a door-half hinge plate and a body-half hinge sub-assembly incorporating an integrated track member and track guide type hold-open door check mechanism. The hinge assembly enables the vehicle door and the door-half hinge plate to be readily removed and re-attached from the body-half hinge subassembly and the vehicle body, such as during an assembly line operation, without disassembling the hold-open door check mechanism.

Abstract: A wiring system for a vehicle instrument panel, which includes a plurality of electronic subassembly components electrically connected to at least one wire, is encapsulated in a reconfigured ventilation duct structure located to the rear of the instrument panel. The ventilation duct structure, which extends between the subassembly components, is reconfigured to have at least one trough formed in it. The at least one trough has a finite length in at least one axial direction with an open side extending substantially along the length, so that the at least one wire may be received within the trough. The at least one wire is connected to at least one of the subassembly components. Wire restraints restrain the wire within the at least one trough.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a utility/camper multiple purpose shell integrated with a pick-up truck frame and cab. The shell is adaptable (1) to being fully opened at the rear, (2) to having the roof thereof pivotally raised to permit standing room for a user, (3) to having flexible walls attached to the raised roof suitable for camping therein, and (4) to having the roof thereof lifted off of the front and side walls. The shell components are formed of light weight materials and bonded together.

Abstract: An improved lock plate and retaining ring mounting arrangement for securing a gear on a vehicle rotating shaft by a threaded hex-head fastener. The plate has a generally rectangular central aperture with transversely opposed internal side edges and longitudinally opposed arcuate end edges. The plate has a pair of arcuate opposed concentric slots sized to adjustably receive an associated web bolt for threaded reception in a web bore thereby locking the shaft fastener in its tightened position. A one-piece retaining ring, concentrically positioned so as to overly the plate, comprises opposed semicircular bands interconnecting a pair of diametrically opposed discs provided with a bolt hole adapted aligned with both an associated plate slot and a web bore. Each disc is formed with a plurality of radially disposed tabs whereby at least one of the tabs is in substantial registration with a side face of an associated web bolt head.