Abstract: A fluid flow control valve actuated by a solenoid to selectively position the valve by balancing electromagnetic forces, spring forces and fluid forces within the valve. The valve includes a plurality of flow control orifices in series that provide flexible dual slope flow performance characteristics, precise flow control and high flow capability directed to use as a vehicle's evaporative emission control system purge valve.

Abstract: An airbag module for a vehicle includes a deployment door which snap-fittingly engages the module's container through mating hooks and slots without the need for accessory fastening devices. The deployment door includes a pair of legs which extend along-side the container and exhibits a plurality of tabs which are biased into engagement with the container to releasibly secure the deployment door on the container.

Abstract: A method of terminating an electrical cable wherein the insulation of the cable is slit axially inward toward, but not completely to, the conductor and a terminal in crimped into the slit displacing the remaining insulation and establishing electrical contact between the terminal and conductor.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control system of an internal combustion engine's fuel system including a vent valve. The vent valve provides a mechanism for closing the evaporative emission control system creating a pressure differential between system and atmospheric under various conditions whereby the system can be automatically diagnosed. The vent valve relieves pressure or vacuum in the system that exceeds a threshold necessary to detect the presence of leaks. The vent valve includes a vacuum actuator providing a low restriction flow path for system purges.

Abstract: A mounting panel is provided for mounting a window and a window regulator in a vehicle door. The mounting panel is comprised of a one-piece plastic molded member having a central planar mounting member adapted to mount the window regulator, and a plurality of spaced apart spokes molded integrally with the center drill plate and radiating generally forward and rearward therefrom to mount the guide channel receiving the edges of the window. The window guide channels are preferably integrally molded with the radiating spokes. The spokes are hollow tubular members of generally circular cross-section. The molded plastic mounting panel also has a plurality of integrally molded arm rest supports which project laterally therefrom and are adapted to support an arm rest structure of the vehicle door. The plurality of apertured mounting brackets are molded integral with the spokes for receiving fasteners by which the mounting panel is mounted on the vehicle door.

Abstract: A telescoping die for use in place of a conventional fixed die in a multi-axis tube bender. The telescoping die provides a means of automatically varying the distance to the moveable die thereby increasing the range of possible bend radii that can be formed while maintaining a close positioning between the feed mechanism and the telescoping die.

Abstract: A suspension's coil spring insulator provides increased surface area insulation at the top and bottom end coil to vehicle spring seat mating points. Preassembly retention capability and radial location features are provided on the insulator.

Abstract: A door lock actuator having unlock, lock and superlock modes includes a rotary input member that positions a pivotally mounted output lever in an unlock position, a lock position or a superlock position. The door lock actuator also includes a pivotally mounted superlock lever that has a bypass position and a block position. The rotary input member maintains the superlock lever in the bypass position when the actuator is changed between lock and unlock modes so that the output lever can be moved back and forth between the locked and unlocked positions and moves the superlock lever from the bypass position to the block position when the actuator is changed to a superlock mode so that the superlock lever is moved to the block position to prevent the output lever being moved to the unlock position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in diagnosing an evaporative emission canister collection and purge system. An EVAP system of a vehicle can be diagnosed through the use of a swellable adsorbent disposed in the system's canister. The swellable adsorbent is expandable upon adsorption of fuel vapors and contractible upon desorption. By sensing the expansion and contraction response, a diagnostic mechanism can determine whether the vapor collection and purge functions are operating properly.

Abstract: A vehicle seat adjuster slide assembly. The assembly includes a formed stationary rail for attachment to the vehicle's floor structure and for carrying the remaining components of the assembly. A formed sliding rail mates with the stationary rail and adjustably retains a seat within the vehicle. The two rails are stably and slidably engaged through their respective cross sectional features, rollers and sliding bushings.

Abstract: A lamp assembly that includes a lens with an integral bulb replacement tool. A replaceable lamp bulb will be contained within a lamp housing. The housing has an opening allowing light to emanate, that is enclosed by a removable transparent lens. Formed integrally with the lens is a tool member that, in conjunction with the lens portion operating as a handle, may be used for removal of the lamp bulb from the housing and replacement.

Abstract: A stabilizer guide for guiding a stabilizer, having a material characteristic of fraying, through an extrusion die without fraying and melting the stabilizer during the extrusion of a thermoplastic body molding of a motor vehicle. The stabilizer guide is made up of two halves that join to form a parting line and a slot by which to guide the stabilizer through the extrusion die. The slot extends along the entire length of the stabilizer guide and is located in a different plane than the parting line of the stabilizer guide. By having the slot in a different plane than the parting line, the stabilizer is prohibited from wandering into the parting line. This prevents the stabilizer from fraying and shredding and causing the slot to be obstructed by pieces of the stabilizer. Obstruction of the slot hampers the stabilizer from being guided through the stabilizer guide.

Abstract: A air bag module for use in an automobile supplemental passenger restraint system. The air bag module includes a housing serving as a reaction device that contains an inflator, an air bag retainer engaging the inflator, and a folded air bag cushion connected to the air bag retainer. The housing is closed by a cover that serves as a deployment door for the air bag cushion.

Abstract: A dual fuel tank system for a vehicle including a fill limiter tee disposed in the fill limiter line of the main fuel tank through which fuel is transferred from the auxiliary tank to the main tank and fluid can flow between the two tanks.

Abstract: A spoiler to rear deck lid assembly that absorbs energy from a rear impact while maintaining the connection of the spoiler to the rear deck lid of a vehicle. The spoiler utilizes rigid fasteners to connect the front portion of the spoiler to the rear deck lid and sliding fasteners to connect the rear portion of the spoiler to the rear deck lid. The rear deck lid also has a structurally weakened portion in the rear centermost portion of the spoiler so as to deform and absorb energy upon an initial impact of a rearward impact. The rear deck lid also has a structurally weakened portion between the rigid fasteners and the sliding fasteners so that the rear deck lid buckles upward from the rearward impact, thus absorbing energy and aiding in disconnecting the rigid fasteners from the rear deck lid.