Abstract: The present invention is for a vehicle having an air bag system for impact restraint. The air bag system includes a gas emitting inflator for emitting inflation gas upon receiving a signal of an impact, a fill tube having a fill end in fluid communication with the inflator to port the inflation gas from the inflator, and an air bag cushion in fluid communication with the fill tube to receive the inflation gas from the fill tube and deployable in an interior space adjacent to a seat upon the impact. The air bag system also includes a tether operable to both a restricted and unrestricted length in conjunction with a dual depth mechanism. The air bag system may further include a vent operable to both an open and a closed state in conjunction with the dual depth mechanism.

Abstract: A center support punch assembly for a hydroforming die includes a center support member for fixed attachment to a die. The center support punch assembly also includes a button disposed about and space from the center support member for fixed attachment to the die. The center support punch assembly further includes a plunger movable relative to the center support member to allow fluid within a tubular member to force a wall portion of the tubular member outward against the center support member and be sheared by the button to produce an opening in the tubular member.

Abstract: A distance measuring and display system for use on a vehicle having a mirror assembly thereon comprises at least one front distance measuring sensor for measuring the distance to an obstacle in front of the vehicle, at least one rear distance measuring sensor for measuring the distance to an obstacle to the rear of the vehicle, and a display coupled to the front distance measuring sensor and to the rear distance measuring sensor for displaying a distance and an indication of whether it is a front distance or a rear distance.

Abstract: Components for HVAC systems used in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles are mounted in modular configuration on a frame with air conditioning components connected to one another by metal pipes welded to the components. An alternating current motor, integral with a compressor, is driven by 310 volt alternating current from an inverter, which inverter converts 310 volt direct current that is used to power the vehicle. PTC heaters in fluid communication with an evaporator employed by the air condition system are directly energized by the 310 volt direct current. The modular system is mounted directly on the chassis of the vehicle, facilitative assembly of the vehicle, and is readily removable as a unit from the chassis for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A superposed colors graphic providing a true, continuous color fade transition between two different colors achieved by applying first and second color graphics onto respectively different side surfaces of at least one transparent substrate, each color graphic having a respective color fade. The first and second color graphics are mutually aligned such that the color fade of each of the color graphics are mutually coextensive and superposed so as to thereby provide a continuous fade between the colors. The first and second color graphics may be applied to the respective substrate side surfaces by any suitable method, such as for example by silk screening, by lithography or by decorative film applique.

Abstract: A website interface system for a vehicle includes a vehicle with a first camera. A remote device includes a first display and a first microphone. A vehicle website provider communicates with, and establishes a communications interface between, the vehicle and the remote device. The remote device controls a position of the first camera and the first display displays an image from the first camera. A user of the remote device uses the first microphone to communicate with an occupant of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a second microphone that the occupant uses to communicate with the user. The vehicle includes a second display and the remote device includes a second camera. The second display displays an image from the second camera. The remote device controls a loudspeaker that is located on an exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a controller that stores an image from the first camera.

Abstract: A glare resistant display for automotive vehicles has a lens with horizontal grooves which deflect reflections of external light sources, such as sun light, away from drivers while allowing illumination from behind the lens to pass therethrough so as to be visible to drivers. Indicia is disposed on the front face of the lens and a pointer pivots behind the front face. The indicia and pointer are made distinct because they block or absorb portions of the illumination coming from behind the lens. By utilizing lenses which minimize reflection, dials of instrument panels can be moved further toward steering wheels and drivers, thereby releasing space behind the dials for other uses.

Abstract: A combination step and storage assembly for engagement with an automotive vehicle body adjacent a cargo bay area and an auxiliary storage compartment of the automotive vehicle body in accordance with the present invention includes at least one door member hingedly mounted to the vehicle body adjacent the cargo bay area. The door member is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The door member encloses the auxiliary storage compartment in the closed position and an inner surface of the door member defines a step in the open position.

Abstract: Control arms used to support a swivel member retaining a wheel of a vehicle are attached to the body or frame rail of the vehicle by U-shaped attachment brackets having walls with lateral slots therein, each of which receives a mounting bolt therethrough. The mounting bolts pass through bushings in the ends of the control arms to pivot the control arms on the vehicle body or frame rail. Adjacent to the heads of the bolts are pairs of reaction surfaces that in one embodiment of the invention are pairs of opposed projecting surfaces on the attachment brackets. Separate tools are provided which have cams thereon each having a first peripheral cam surface for engaging one of the reaction surfaces and a second peripheral cam surface for engaging the other reaction surface. Upon loosening nuts threaded on the mounting bolts and rotating the cams with levers, socket wrench handles or other drives, the bolts shift laterally in the lateral slots enabling adjustment of the camber and caster of the wheels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for providing an indication to a person external to a vehicle, of an occupant inside the vehicle. The method comprises determining whether a first object in the vehicle is an occupant, based, in part, on a weight of the first object; sensing whether an ignition of the vehicle is in an off position; detecting whether a first door coupled to the vehicle has been opened and closed, if the vehicle ignition is in an off position; if the first door has been opened and closed and an occupant is in the vehicle, measuring a first time (T1) from an instant the first door is closed to an instant after the first door is closed; and activating the alert, if T1 is greater than a predetermined threshold time (Tthreshold).

Abstract: A pickup truck includes a sidewall having a forward portion and a rearward portion with an elongated opening formed between the forward and rearward portion, and at least one fastening element mounted with respect to the sidewall at which any one of a plurality of differently-configured sidewall modules is mountable. The pickup truck forms a modular base to which any one of a plurality of sidewall modules is attachable to provide or modify the functionality or aesthetics of the pickup truck. Methods are also provided to advantageously employ the pickup truck and sidewall modules to provide flexibility in the assembly and use of pickup trucks.

Abstract: A flanged boot having a rolling bearing interface suitable for connection to two mechanical components which are movable with respect to each other, in terms of both rotational and axial movements. The flanged boot has a first annular flange at one end and a second annular at the other end. A rolling bearing, such as for example a roller (needle) or ball bearing, is press-fit onto a suitably configured structure of a first mechanical component. One of the first and second annular flanges is interfaced sealingly with respect to the rolling bearing. The other of the first and second annular flanges is sealingly connected to a second mechanical component. Either of the first or second mechanical components may be considered to be moving relative to the other.

Abstract: A method for formulating paint is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of color coordinates of paints formed from a plurality of formulations and providing durability data related to the paints. Thereafter, the color coordinates, the formulations and the durability data are correlated to assist in forming paints of acceptable durability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting an object in the projected path of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a yaw sensor configured to determine the yaw of the vehicle and an object detection sensor configured to evaluate an Actual Range Bin and to produce obstruction data if an object is sensed within the Actual Range Bin. The apparatus also comprises a controller that is configured to receive the yaw determined by the yaw sensor and determine a projected path of the vehicle based at least in part upon the yaw. The controller is also configured to determine a True Range Bin based at least in part upon the projected path of the vehicle and the Actual Range Bin. The controller is further configured to receive the obstruction data from the object detection sensor and determine if the object is within the True Range Bin.

Abstract: A carrier for use in supporting a component in a vehicle structure in accordance with the present invention includes at least a pair of side rails each having a first end and an opposed second end. The first and second ends of the side rails are attached to the vehicle structure, and each side rail includes a predetermined bending location at a predetermined location between the first and second ends. The component is adapted to be attached to the side rails intermediate the predetermined bending location and the first end. The side rails are operable to bend about the predetermined bending location when an impact load is applied to the first end of the side rails.

Abstract: A stabilizer clip for a window assembly clip includes a clip body having a generally U-shaped profile. The clip body is preferably sized to be retained in a windowpane run channel assembly. The clip body defines a groove between opposed side walls for slidably receiving an edge of a windowpane. A plurality of pads extends outwardly from the walls. The pads are adapted to slidably engage the windowpane. When the clip body is retained in the windowpane run channel assembly by a mounting means and the windowpane is in an extended position, the pads engage with the windowpane to prevent lateral movement of the windowpane relative to the windowpane run channel assembly.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for cooling a passenger compartment in a hybrid vehicle that operates an engine intermittently during vehicle operation. The hybrid vehicle includes an HVAC system having an HVAC duct, a blower for directing a flow of air through the HVAC duct, an evaporator located within the HVAC duct, and a heater core. The heater core has a coolant inlet outlet and is located downstream of the evaporator in the HVAC duct. The method includes the steps of cooling a refrigerant; inducing a flow of the cooled refrigerant through the evaporator; blocking a flow of coolant through the coolant inlet and outlet to trap coolant in the heater core; activating the blower to move air through the evaporator and heater core; turning off the vehicle engine; measuring a duct outlet temperature; and starting the engine when the measured duct outlet temperature is above a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method for laser annealing a part includes the steps of providing automated tooling, providing a laser, and providing a metal part to be annealed. The method also includes the steps of moving either one of the laser or metal part by the automated tooling relative to a stationary one of the other laser or metal part. The method further includes the steps of supplying power to the laser to heat a portion of the metal part to a predetermined temperature to anneal the portion of the metal part as the laser and metal part move relative to each other.

Abstract: A method of forming a tubular member with thickened ends includes the steps of positioning a tubular member between open die halves and sealing ends of the tubular member. The method also includes the steps of applying at least nominal internal hydraulic pressure to the tubular member and progressively closing the die halves. The method includes the steps of raising the hydraulic pressure substantially within the tubular member to expand and conform the tubular member to the tubular cavity portion. The method further includes the steps of thickening a wall thickness of the axial ends of the tubular member, separating the die halves, and removing the tubular member having thickened axial ends from the die.

Abstract: An exterior door handle assembly for a vehicle includes a handle housing operatively supported by a door of the vehicle and a door handle pivotally supported by the handle housing to be flush with an exterior surface of the door.