Abstract: A throttle valve actuator is provided for connecting a throttle valve of a motor vehicle to the accelerator pedal in either a direct or remote drive mode. A coupling mechanism is provided for coupling and uncoupling a throttle valve to the accelerator pedal linkage and a specified relative orientation in response to a control signal. The coupling mechanism includes a drive element coupled to the accelerator pedal, a driven element coupled to the throttle valve and a control element cooperating with the drive and driven elements. A remotely operable stop is provided to fix the control element in a specified position directly coupling the accelerator pedal to the throttle valve when in the direct drive mode and releasing the control element, when in the remote drive mode. The remote drive mechanism automatically positions the throttle valve when the control element is free when in the remote drive mode.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding preform is disclosed comprising a formation of fiber reinforcement material and a web in direct contact with the formation and encapsulating at least a portion thereof, i.e., the web secured or fixed to the fiber reinforcement material mechanically or by adhesion, etc. A method of making certain of the resin transfer molding preforms of the invention comprises spraying random chopped fiber reinforcement material onto a forming member while drawing a vacuum through the forming member, applying a web over at least a portion of the fiber formation while it remains on the forming member, and compressing the fiber reinforcement material under the web to reduce the loft thereof. Also disclosed is a resin transfer molding process employing a preform according to the invention.

Abstract: A cable joining assembly (20) for easily joining push-pull and torsional cables by a hand assembly operation and without the use of tools is disclosed as comprising a first conduit section (22) and a second conduit section (26). First and second slide wires (24, 28) are relatively movable within respective first and second conduit sections (22, 24). A snap-together mechanism (30) joins the sectins as the relative movement of the first and second slide wires (24, 28) is affixed with respect to the first and second conduits (22, 26) respectively and by joining the first and second conduit sections (22, 24) simultaneously connecting the first and second slide wires (24, 28). Unfixing the relative movement of the slide wires (24, 28) with respect to the conduits (22, 26) allows the slide wires (24, 28) to be movable together and transmit forces thereby within the formed composite conduit.

Abstract: A coupling (10) is disclosed for joining together a first tube (12) and a second tube (14) to form a continuous fluid passageway. The first tube (12) has a mount (20) a predetermined distance from its end (18) and the second tube (14) has a return bend on its end (36). Second tube (14) telescopically fits over first tube (12). A cage (22) having inclined locking tabs (30) is mounted by mount (20) externally of first tube (12). Locking tabs (30) cam to allow the return bend (36) of second tube (14) to pass the locking tabs (30). Tabs (30) return to their at rest inclination after the return bend (36) passes, to trap the return bend (36) between the locking tabs (30) and mount (18), thereby locking the first and second tubes (12,14) against disconnection and providing a visible connection to allow verification of the connection.

Abstract: This specification is directed to a UV-base ceramic paint composition and a method of forming a glass sheet with a UV-base ceramic paint thereon. The method has the following steps. A UV-base ceramic paint is applied to the glass sheet. The UV-base ceramic paint includes selected ceramic paint components along with, as a new component thereof, finely divided zinc metal powder. The glass sheet is subjected to UV radiation and then heated to a temperature which softens the glass sheet sufficiently so that the glass sheet can be formed. The glass sheet and the ceramic paint thereon are engaged with a fiberglass covered forming die to form the heated glass sheet to a desired shape. The forming die is removed from engagement with the glass sheet. The finely divided zinc metal powder addition to the ceramic paint is credited with being effective to prevent sticking of any of the ceramic paint to the forming die. The glass sheet is cooled to obtain a formed glass sheet with a ceramic paint thereon.

Abstract: A window regulator 20 for a door 12 of vehicle 10 which is separately assembled and tested prior to assembly to the vehicle door. The vehicle door 12 has a window opening 13 defining on its lower edge the beltline 15 of the vehicle 10. A window 14 covers the window opening 13 in its closed position and is moved within an inner structural frame 16 which extends peripherally adjacent the perimeter of the door. An endless loop drive 22 having first and second horizontally extending runs 28 and 30 extending horizontally across a lower portion 26 of the frame 16. Means 32 are provided for reciprocally driving the first and second runs of the endless loop. The endless loop is connected to front and rear tape drives 46 and 48 by first and second cable clamps 50 and 52. The endless loop is preferably a cable 24 which is guided by first and second cable guide block 36 and 38 and a U-turn cable guide block 42. The front and rear tape drives 46 and 48 are routed through front and rear tape channels 66 and 68.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine wherein two intake tracts 12, 14 balanced for equal air flow, lead to each intake valve and both tracts have outer sections which open on to the same side face of the engine, the inner sections of the tracts having axes which lie in a common plane containing the axis of the valve and the inner sections of the tracts being substantially symmetrical about the valve axis.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for achieving variable lift of a valve of an internal combustion engine having an overhead camshaft disposed above the valves. The mechanism comprises two levers both pivoted about fixed fulcrums and a coupling member which is movable along overlapping arms of the two levers to vary the mechanical advantage and thereby vary the valve lift in dependence upon the position of the coupling member.

Abstract: A repetitive spark distributorless ignition system stops ignition current before the complete discharge of magnetic energy in the ignition coil supplying the spark plug. The ignition coil is then recharged so an additional spark can be applied to the spark plug.

Abstract: Stall current levels are determined according to measured peak currents occurring immediately after the energization of a motor. By utilizing a fractional value of the determined peak current value, the stall current is determined each time the motor is energized to compensate for variations in current flowing in a motor at different ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A valve train for an overhead camshaft type engine includes a finger follower lever type rocker arm assembly. The lever is of lightweight stamped construction containing a pocket or recess in which is received a precision molded plastic bearing cup. The cup has a smoothly polished bearing surface for slidably receiving an axleless roller that is contained laterally within the insert and is rotated by the engine driven cam located above the roller for pivotally moving the lever to actuate the engine valves. The inclusion of the pocket in the lever assures lubrication of the parts at all times since it will collect and retain lubricant or engine oil during engine operation so that even during a lengthy shutdown, upon restart, the elements will be fully lubricated.

Abstract: A hybrid air charge calculation system for an internal combustion engine in which the air charge is obtained by using either the mass airflow sensor readings or the engine speed and throttle angle information. A decision logic selects either means based on the engine speed, throttle angle, and the mass airflow rate.

Abstract: A throttle valve for an internal combustion engine in which a flow path is defined between a central core and a tube having a resiliently flexible wall, which tube separates the flow path from an adjacent working fluid chamber, whereby changes in the pressure within the chamber cause deformation to the tube wall resulting in changes in the tube cross-section between a wide open throttle position and a valve closed position, the flexible wall tube being designed to take up a valve closed position when the pressures on its opposite sides are equal, with the flexible wall tube being uniformly cylindrical in its relaxed state.

Abstract: An improved key and lock assembly in which an electronically coded circuit is embedded in the handle of a conventional key and at least one electrical terminal extends from the handle adjacent to and electrically isolated from the key shank so as to contact a similarly located and biased terminal on the lock assembly when the key is fully inserted therein.

Abstract: Air flow determination for an electronically controlled engine includes measuring air flow, determining a correction multiplier, correcting the air flow measurement, and determining if the correction multiplier needs to be updated.

Abstract: A fluid mass flow sensor uses the effect of aerodynamic drag on a vibrating object. The drag damps the resonance oscillations of the vibrator in an amount proportional to the mass flow. An electronic feedback circuit associated with the mass flow sensor has the effect of allowing for fast response time despite the use of a high Q vibrator and allows for electronic calibration of the device.

Abstract: A latch for the tailgate of a pickup truck is provided which employs a conical striker mechanism engaging a resiliently biased jaw, contact surfaces of the jaw and striker being arranged to cause further locking engagement upon attempted withdrawal of the striker from engagement with the jaw in the locked condition, the striker and jaw being arranged in the vehicle body to be self-adjustingly positionable at assembly and utilize a minimal number of separate parts to perform these functions.

Abstract: A brush holder assembly which utilizes an insulated brush card and a bridge means to define a receiving aperture for a brush element. A pair of legs and a connecting element serve to define the bridge means and a constant force spring is retained by the legs so that as the brush is received within the aperture, the spring will partially uncoil and the uncoiled portion of the spring will conform to the profile of the brush. The bridge means also includes a guideway by which the brush is restricted against lateral movement during its use in a motor or generator unit.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly has an outer body that is fixed to the cylinder head and an inner valve that moves to a fixed open position to discharge a fuel/compressed air or gas mixture into the combustion chamber. A control sleeve surrounds the injector body and is axially movable with respect to it to various positions to interact with the spray pattern of the fuel mixture being discharged from the nozzle to vary the shape or pattern of the fuel spray as a function of different engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A stowable vehicle seat has a cushion frame supported by a parallel link arrangement positioned outboard of the seat and inboard a pair of upstanding side plates to permit optimal downward folding of the seat cushion. A latch arrangement is provided for establishing various positions between an operative elevated position and a stowed position.