Abstract: An adjustable arm load mechanism for an automotive windshield wiper is provided in which a load-adjusting linkage assembly is provided between the pivot shaft of the windshield wiper assembly and the wiper arm. The linkage assembly includes a cam member operative with a lever to effect variation of the spring load imposed upon the wiper arm in response to reversing reciprocal rotative movement of the pivot shaft so that wiper arm load is reduced at its extreme positions and increased in its intermediate positions.

Abstract: A belt anchor assembly includes an anchor plate disposed adjacent vehicle structure and having a belt attached thereto. The belt anchor assembly also includes a fastener securing the anchor plate to the vehicle structure. The anchor plate includes a structure cooperating with the vehicle structure to limit rotation of the anchor plate about the fastener to a predetermined amount and to orientate the anchor plate relative to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: A sense element is provided which has a boron doped silicon body positioned above and parallel to a substrate with a plurality of openings extending through the semiconductive body, the plurality of openings producing a damping such that the natural frequency and the measurement bandwidth of the sense element are modified.

Abstract: A moveable radiator grille assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a grille, a bracket member connected to the grille for supporting the grille, support assemblies interconnecting the grille and vehicle structure for allowing movement of the grille relative to vehicle structure.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for joining two components together, particularly advantageous with respect to aluminum components, in which a nut insert is secured within the components and a rivet is inserted into the nut. After insertion of the rivet into the nut, the rivet is offset to conform to the internal threads of the nut, and when a tool receiving bit is included on the outer face of the rivet, threaded removal of the rivet and disassembly of the components can be effected.

Abstract: An energy absorbing vehicle door includes an inner panel, an outer panel joined to the inner panel, a door trim panel mounted on the inner panel, and energy absorbing bolsters protracting through the door trim panel for movement independently into an occupant compartment of the vehicle during a side collision type impact of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A wheel and cover assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided which includes a resilient cushioning assembly positioned laterally intermediate a wheel covering disc and a vehicle road wheel. The cushioning assembly consists of a plurality of upstanding channels defined on the laterally inner face of the wheel cover disc into which is inserted a rubber cushioning member which includes a mounting portion for reliable retention by the channel and a ramp portion for effective engagement with the outer annular surface of the wheel.

Abstract: A sealing system is provided for an automotive vehicle door in which a tubular seal member is arrayed in surrounding relationship with respect to an aperture in a vehicle body and an electrorheological fluid is carried within the seal member and electrically interconnected with the automotive vehicle electrical system so that upon energization of the system and closure of the door, the density of the electrorheological fluid increases and the hardness of the sealed member increases.

Abstract: An improved occupant restraint system for an automotive vehicle of the type including multiple longitudinally spaced seating positions in which seats are arranged in back-to-back relationship includes a guide ring assembly having two D-rings mounted on a common bolt on a vertical body pillar that is in longitudinal registration with the backs of a pair of back-to-back seats.

Abstract: A cover retainer assembly for a support member having a cavity and an air bag disposed within the cavity includes a cover member closing the cavity and having at least first and second edges, a structure for fixedly securing the first edge of the cover member to the support member and a structure for releasably retaining the second edge of the cover member to the support member to allow the cover member to swing open toward the first edge upon deployment of the air bag.

Abstract: A seat belt webbing guide assembly includes a plate disposed adjacent one side of vehicle structure and having an aperture through which belt webbing extends. The seat belt webbing guide assembly also includes a fastener securing the plate to the vehicle structure. The plate includes a structure cooperating with the vehicle structure to orientate and secure the plate about the fastener relative to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: A cargo door assembly for pivotally mounted side doors in a van-type vehicle is provided with an improved reinforcing beam. The beam extends vertically along the shut face of one door of the assembly and has structure at its top for mounting the door latch and a hook at its bottom unengageable with the vehicle body at its sill. The beam is wider at its bottom than at its top and presents a simply supported beam to the sidewall of the vehicle, enhancing its capacity to handle lateral loading, including impact loading.

Abstract: A wheel and cover assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided which includes standoff ribs formed on the laterally inner side of a wheel cover which have a free end that includes a curved surface, which may be formed as a radius tangent to the adjacent wheel surface, for accommodating manufacturing tolerances which result in variance in lateral spacing between the wheel cover and the wheel when the wheel cover is mechanically secured to the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle body construction (10) and method including inspection of adhesively secured joints therein is provided. The vehicle body construction (10) comprises a pair of body members (18,20) having opposed surfaces (24,26). An adhesive bond (28) secures the opposed surfaces (24,26) to each other to thereby connect the pair of body members (18,20). One of the body members has small inspection openings (22) at spaced intervals to permit visual observation of whether there is adhesive (12) between the opposed surfaces (24,26) at the spaced intervals to thereby provide an indication of the integrity of the bond (28). The method includes forming body members (18,20) with opposed surfaces (24,26) having inspection openings (22) at spaced intervals, forming an adhesive bond (28) between the opposed surfaces (18,20) to connect the body members (18,20) and visually observing the inspection openings (22) for the presence of the adhesive (12) for an indication of the integrity of the adhesive bond (28).

Abstract: A weatherstrip for a vehicle having a seal gap defined by a door and a door flange surrounding a door opening is provided. The weatherstrip includes a magnet positioned around the door opening in the seal gap such that the door is magnetically secured thereto when the door is closed. The weatherstrip also includes a resilient web having a pocket in which the magnet is mounted and a gripping member having a channel for straddling the door flange. The gripping member has at least one rib on an internal wall of the channel for affixing the gripping member to the door flange. Also, the gripping member is integrally joined to the web to provide a weatherstrip which substantially seals the seal gap when the door is closed.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle armrest is formed in a cup-like configuration as a unitary metal stamping. The armrest armature includes an upper, load supporting wall from which depends a peripherally continuous sidewall. Elongated depressions are formed in the load supporting wall to define a truss-like configuration to enhance the load supporting capability of the armrest.

Abstract: A window sealing system for double pane moveable automotive windows includes a seal having bulbous portions for compressively engaging peripheral edges of each glass pane and sealing lips for engaging non-peripheral surfaces of the panes.

Abstract: A wheel and cover assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided which includes a road wheel and a cover member aligned road wheel and provides a continuous cushioning member interposed laterally between the cover and the road wheel. The cushioning member is formed as the rubber band L-shaped in cross-section which cooperates with a plurality of circumferentially spaced standoff ribs formed on the laterally inner surface of the cover.

Abstract: A space frame for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of structural members and joint constructions for joining and locking at least a pair of the structural members together.

Abstract: A space frame for an automotive vehicle includes at least one longitudinally extending structural member and at least one rocker including a structure forming channels on at least two sides, one of the channels receiving the structural member and an adhesive and/or sleeve for securing the structural member to the rocker.