Abstract: An underbody for a vehicle includes a floorpan defining a part of an assembly, a rocker slidably engaged with the floorpan, and a rail slidably engaged with the floorpan. The assembly is formed as a unit about a first and a second bend axis.

Abstract: An accelerated vehicle development process includes establishing a common, standardized interface system whereby different types of vehicle bodies may be attached to a single chassis design. Chassis and bodies are designed, manufactured and validated independently of each other in accordance with the standardized interface system, thereby accelerating the development process. As new bodies are designed to mate with the previously manufactured and validated chassis, the newly designed bodies may be developed more quickly in response to market demand and attached to the previously validated chassis.

Abstract: An axial positioner capable of yielding to absorb energy under compression or tension loads. The positioner includes an outer tube having first and second ends, a threaded actuator rod extending between the first and second ends and a drive to rotate the actuator rod. A threaded member threadably engaging the actuator rod moves axially between the ends of the outer tube as the actuator rod rotates. The member includes a radial flange extending toward the outer tube. A radially extending load ring spaced axially from the flange is connected to a plurality of axially extending force transmitting elements. A spring positioned between the flange and a load ring expands radially outward against the outer tube when compressed between the flange and the load ring. Loading of the spring against the tube absorbs energy of axial motion of the flange under excessive loads transmitted by the force transmitting elements to the load ring.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide six forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A data exchange system for use in vehicle assembly includes a data exchange mechanism exchanging vehicle software and/or diagnostic information between vehicle processors and an external processor. In one aspect, the data exchange mechanism is a portable memory device, such as a USB flash disk, alternately connecting to USB ports of the external processor and the vehicle. Vehicle software is automatically loaded onto vehicle processors by an interface processor connected to a CAN controller, and the processors similarly write back diagnostic information. In another aspect, the data exchange mechanism is a wireless mechanism, such as an iCHIP, connecting the external processor and vehicle processors through a communications network and a CAN controller. Vehicle processors individually wirelessly request appropriate vehicle software and/or provide diagnostic information.

Abstract: A releasable fastening system comprises a knob portion comprising a knob element, a cavity portion comprising a cavity configured to receive the knob element, and an ionic polymer metal composite actuator disposed at the knob element. The ionic polymer metal composite actuator is operable to mechanically interlock the knob element with the cavity. A method of operating a releasable fastening system comprises contacting a knob portion with a cavity portion to form a releasable engagement, wherein the knob portion comprises a knob element disposed on a first support, and wherein the cavity portion comprises a cavity disposed at a second support; maintaining constant shear forces and constant pull-off forces between the knob portion and the cavity portion; and activating an ionic polymer metal composite actuator at the knob portion to facilitate the interlocking of the knob portion and the cavity portion.

Abstract: A vehicle is capable of being driven in a plurality of forward directions, the direction of travel being a function of the forward-facing orientation of a movable seat or movement of the driver to a different seat. The vehicle includes a frame, at least three wheels, a steering system, a braking system and an energy conversion system operable with respect to at least one of the wheels and controllable through non-mechanical control means. The vehicle has at least one movable seat connected to the frame and at least one operator interface operably connected to at least one of the steering system, braking system and energy conversion system that is usable to drive the vehicle in different directions when the seat is moved.

Abstract: A valve actuator control monitors engine speed, engine valve timing, engine valve lift dwell duration and engine valve seating velocity and varies the timing of the engine valve event by adjusting the lift dwell duration of the engine valve while keeping time invariant opening and closing profiles.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for an internal combustion engine includes a closed end cylinder having an axis. A piston is reciprocable in the cylinder and includes a generally flat rim having an inner edge surrounding a recessed bowl into which the fuel is primarily injected, the bowl having a floor and a surrounding side formed by an arcuate surface connecting tangentially with the floor and extending to the rim inner edge. A spark plug has a centerline through the spark gap and is offset to one side of the cylinder axis with the spark gap extending into the combustion chamber toward the axis. A fuel injector is offset to an opposite side of the axis with the spray tip aimed to direct a generally conical fuel spray into the piston bowl with a portion of the fuel spray passing near the spark gap. Various dimensional characteristics are disclosed.

Abstract: A value actuator assembly for an engine includes a movable engine valve a movable spool valve and dual feedback channels with flow regulated by a pair of orifices. The valve actuator assembly also includes a driving channel interconnecting the spool valve and the engine valve. The feedback channels interconnecting the engine valve and the spool valve. First and second feedback channels communicate between the second and third fluid chambers and fourth and fifth fluid chambers of the spool valve. Orifices restrict fluid flow through the feedback channels as needed to actuate the spool valve and thereby improve valve controllability.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a steering system, suspension system, braking system, and energy conversion system, wherein at least one of these systems is reprogrammable such that the vehicle's ride, response, or handling is selectively variable. The systems may be programmed automatically when a body is mated to a chassis to provide the desired performance characteristics. The invention enables increased vehicle functionality for vehicle users, retailers and manufacturers.

Abstract: A combination seat belt buckle presenter and seat belt use reminder includes an actuator to cause the extension and retraction of a buckle to improve buckle accessibility. A flexible support member transmits force from the actuator to the buckle. A self-locking device prevents forward or upward movement of the buckle. The self-locking mechanism is preferably configured as an energy-absorbing seat belt load limiter. The seat belt buckle presenter is preferably automated.

Abstract: A valve actuator control monitors engine valve trajectory, lift and seating velocity and varies the timing of internal feedback control channels to correct for engine valve positioning errors to achieve precise engine valve lift, closing timing and desired seating velocity.

Abstract: A vehicle stability enhancement (VSE) system for a vehicle having at least one vehicle subsystem includes; at least one sensor for sensing at least one vehicle parameter, at least one vehicle control system for adjusting the at least one vehicle subsystem, at least one memory comprising at least one set of gain factors, and a controller responsive to the at least one sensor and the at least one set of gain factors for controlling the at least one vehicle control system.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a hydrogen storage composition having a hydrogenated state and a dehydrogenated state. In the hydrogenated state, such composition comprises an amide and a hydride. In a dehydrogenated state, the composition comprises an imide.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for bending and transporting an aluminum metal sheet. The bending apparatus includes a central retaining portion that has gripping elements mounted on the central retaining portion for retaining an aluminum metal sheet. There is also included a bending mechanism that is mounted to the central retaining portion. The bending mechanism is capable of axial movement in relation to a central axis of the central retaining portion for imparting a curvature to an aluminum metal sheet. There is also included a method of stretch forming an aluminum metal sheet including the steps of heating an aluminum metal sheet in an oven, transferring the heat of an aluminum sheet to a hot forming tool, bending the heated aluminum sheet during the transfer step to conform the sheet to a shape of the hot forming tool, and then placing the bent metal sheet in the hot forming tool and forming an A-shaped part.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnecting members. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A rivet and method for riveting metal members, and particularly, metal sheets is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rivet assembly for driving a piercing rivet into stacked metal sheets and a die for assisting in supporting the sheets during driving of the rivet and for assisting in securing the rivets to the sheets. The rivet of the invention includes an adhesive that is forced through passages in the rivet for assisting in fastening the rivet to the sheets and for assisting in fastening the sheets to each other with greater strength.

Abstract: A sidestream located hyper-plasma reactor having an axially discrete pattern of alternating regions of active and passive electric field along the axial direction. The hyper-plasma reactor has great efficacy in terms of ultra low power consumption and copious production of NOx converting aldehydes in the absence of NO by applying plasma power only to an air and hydrocarbon mix sidestream gas flow. Only a small fraction (1% to 2%) of plasma power is required as compared to that for a conventional plasma reactor to treat the full exhaust gas stream. The hyper-plasma reactor produces ozone which reacts subsequently with hydrocarbons to produce aldehydes (“ozonolysis”). The sidestream location of the hyper-plasma reactor allows for the full exhaust stream to bypass it, without significantly affecting the overall NOx conversion performance in the catalytic converter.