Abstract: A vehicle door structure includes an outer member, and an inner member spaced apart from the outer member and having structure forming an opening therein. An impact beam is affixed to the door structure and has a paddle member integrally formed therewith. The impact beam and the paddle member are laterally aligned with a compliant target through the opening in the inner member. Upon a lateral impact, the impact beam and paddle member move together toward the target, pushing the target inboard of the impact.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a key-less system for actuating a lock responsive to a valid OPEN signal. A first portion is continuously coupled to a power source and a second portion receives power from the source only when a coupling switch is ON. The first portion comprises a keypad for entry of a lock actuation code, and a detector that senses the first keystroke and turns the switch ON. The second portion includes an RF transmitter and preferably a memory with valid actuation codes stored therein, and a processor coupled to the memory, to the keypad and to the RF transmitter. When the entered and stored keystrokes match, the RF transmitter sends an OPEN signal to the lock. The method comprises detecting the first keystroke, turning on the power switch ON, comparing the entered and stored keystrokes and if matched, transmitting an OPEN command to the lock.

Abstract: An air deflector for attachment to a lower surface of a vehicle includes a first portion and a second portion attached to and extending downwardly from the first portion. The first portion is adapted to be attached to a lower surface of the vehicle and is formed of a first material having a first durometer value. The second portion is formed of a second material different from the first material. The second portion has a second durometer value less than the first durometer value.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are described for controlling a vehicle electrical generator. A regulator for controlling a generator in response to an input signal received from a control module suitably includes a discriminator module, a processing module and a switching circuit. The discriminator determines whether the regulator is operating in voltage or torque control mode. If the input signal is a voltage control, the output generator produces a modulation signal to produce a desired voltage between two battery terminals. If the input signal is a torque control, the output generator produces one or more modulation signals (e.g. pulse width modulation signals) to control the torque of the generator. The modulation signals are applied across a field coil or other controllable element of the generator by a switching circuit that applies positive and/or negative voltage from the battery terminals as appropriate.

Abstract: A common air bag module for the different spoke patterns of a vehicle steering wheel. The cover is configured with a cavity to fit over multiple steering wheel configurations. The common air bag module has common internals including a common cushion pack with chamfered corners on one side and a rounded side opposite the side with the chamfered corners and a common tear seam approach to enable styling flexibility with a plurality of cover show surface options.

Abstract: A hydrotapping power unit is disclosed that is operable to hold a hydrotapping tool in a home position adjacent a part while the latter is being hydroformed in a die cavity, to then advance the tool to pierce a hole in the hydroformed part while the part remains in the die cavity and under pressure and then continue to advance the tool to inwardly extrude the part about the hole, to then further advance while also rotating the tool at a feed rate equal to the thread pitch of the tool to thereby form a thread in the pierced hole, and finally retract while also rotating the tool but in the reverse direction and at the same feed rate to release the tool from the threaded hole.

Abstract: A light activation system is provided for automatically illuminating a compartment in an automobile. The system comprises a light adapted to illuminate the compartment, a lighting circuit that activates and deactivates the light, and a distance sensor, electrically coupled to the lighting circuit, and adapted to cause the light to be activated when a person is within a predetermined distance from the compartment. A method is also provided for automatically illuminating a compartment in an automobile having a light that is adapted to illuminate the compartment, and a lighting circuit that activates and deactivates the light. The method comprises the step of activating the light when a person is within a predetermined distance from the compartment using a distance sensor that is electrically coupled to the lighting circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling brake-lights and reverse-lights on a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a vehicle speed sensor and a PRNDL selector capable of selecting at least PARK and REVERSE modes of operation. A control unit is coupled to the brake-light, to the reverse-light, to the vehicle speed sensor, and to the PRNDL selector, for illuminating the brake-light when the headlight is on and the vehicle is not moving, when the vehicle is not in PARK and is not moving, and when the vehicle's deceleration reaches a predetermined threshold, and for illuminating the reverse-light when the vehicle is not in REVERSE and is moving backwards.

Abstract: Robotic rack loading apparatus and method include features and loading steps that provide essentially damage free rack loading of automotive panel assemblies into a specially designed rack. The rack includes dunnage elements containing sets of slots with lead-in upper edge angles and sensing holes associated with the slots. The robot carries a modified end of arm tool including a sensor to sense the location of a sensing hole to position a panel for loading into a corresponding set of slots. Another sensor preferably senses objects or structure in the rack to position the tool in a preload position. A compliant device allows lateral and longitudinal compliance of the end of arm tool to allow assemblies to be funneled into position in the slots without encountering damaging stress. A programmed robot can thus automatically load panel assemblies into the rack without damage.

Abstract: A connecting assembly for connecting to a fluid conduit in a fluid transfer system includes a ferrule-type connector having a first open end and a second open end. The first open end of the connector is operable to receive a fluid conduit therein. The second open end of the connector is operable to receive a washer and a flexible hose therein. The washer preferably has a concave cross-section and a central aperture receiving the fluid conduit to secure the connector to the fluid conduit when the washer is press-fit in the second open end of the connector and onto the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A tire pressure detection system including a pneumatic tire, a valve system coupled to the pneumatic tire, a switch contained within the valve system, the switch including a transmitter, a receiver in wireless communication with the transmitter; and where when the switch is actuated the switch will transmit tire pressure information to said transmitter.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a seat adjustable fore and aft and a lock-out feature configured to render the vehicle inoperable when the seat is rearward of a predetermined point in the vehicle. The lock-out feature is preferably configured to prevent movement of the seat rearward of the predetermined point when at least one predetermined vehicle condition exists. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: A dual pivot door hinge assembly for a side door system of a vehicle includes a body side-mounting bracket adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The dual pivot door hinge assembly also includes a door side-mounting bracket adapted to be connected to a side door of the side door system of the vehicle. The dual pivot door hinge assembly includes at least one load arm pivotally connected to the body side-mounting bracket to form a first pivot axis and pivotally connected to the door side-mounting bracket to form a second pivot axis. The dual pivot door hinge assembly further includes a connecting member operatively interconnecting the first pivot axis and second pivot axis to allow the side door to remain parallel to a side of the vehicle body as the side door is pivoted radially outward and longitudinally.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for limiting engine operation during fueling. The apparatus comprises, an engine control for enabling or disabling operation of the engine, one or more sensors for detecting whether (i) a cap is on the vehicle fuel fill-pipe, and (ii) a fueling nozzle is in the fuel fill-pipe, a processor coupled to the engine control and the one or more sensors receiving information therefrom and directing the engine control to enable or disable the vehicle engine depending upon the sensor outputs, thereby, disabling the engine when the cap is not on the fill-pipe and/or a fueling nozzle is in the fill-pipe, and enabling the engine when not true. In a further embodiment, a fuel level sensor coupled to the processor is used to detect whether a fuel level change rate R(t)?Rc where Rc is a predetermined value, and if so, disabling the engine.

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 having an HVAC system including an HVAC duct, a blower adapted to direct a flow of air through the HVAC duct, and an evaporator located within the HVAC duct. The method includes the steps of operating the blower; operating the compressor; allowing a predetermined amount of ice to form on the evaporator during operation of the compressor; turning off the vehicle engine; ceasing operation of the compressor; measuring an indicator corresponding to a remaining amount of the predetermined amount of ice formed on the evaporator; and re-starting the compressor when a predetermined air temp in air duct is reached.

Abstract: A low-profile multi-band antenna module includes first and second antennas that transmit first and second radio frequency (RF) signals in a first and second RF band, respectively. A first RF multiplexer combines the first and second RF signals for transmission. The first antenna, second antenna, and first RF multiplexer are arranged on a panel. A transmission line communicates with the first RF multiplexer and transmits the first and second RF signals. A second RF multiplexer communicates with the transmission line and separates the first and second RF signals. At least one of the antennas communicates with an amplifier. The transmission line supplies direct current (DC) power to the amplifier. The first and second antenna are arranged on the panel in an orientation that minimizes electrical interference between the first and second antenna. A combination of the first and second antenna minimizes interference between the first and second RF band.

Abstract: An equal length crossover pipe exhaust system for an engine of a vehicle includes a plurality of exhaust manifolds for connection to outlets of cylinders of the engine. The equal length crossover pipe exhaust system also includes a plurality of crossover pipes having one end connected to the exhaust manifolds and extending above the engine. The equal length crossover pipe exhaust system further includes a main takedown pipe connected to another end of the crossover pipes at an equidistant point above the engine to provide an equal length junction point between the crossover pipes.

Abstract: An assembly operable to be used with a steering wheel of a vehicle and to suppress a vibration transmitted to the steering wheel includes a plurality of support flexures and an inertial ring attached to the support flexures. The support flexures are operable to be attached to the steering wheel and the support flexures and the inertial ring are tuned to suppress a vibration at a predetermined band of frequencies. The support flexures and the inertial ring are positioned in an annular cavity formed in the rim.

Abstract: A dual-axis door hinge assembly for a vehicle includes a body side strap adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The dual-axis door hinge assembly also includes a door side strap adapted to be connected to a door of the vehicle. The dual-axis door hinge assembly further includes an intermediate link pivotally connected to the body side strap to form a first pivot axis and pivotally connected to the door side strap to form a second pivot axis.

Abstract: A planetary gear arrangement having at least three rotatable members with intermeshing gears and a primary torque path defined therein. At least one active friction damper is disposed between two of the planetary gear members, for example, a sun gear and a ring gear. The active damper is selectively operable to apply frictional engagement between the two members with which it is interconnected to establish a controlled secondary torque path therebetween. The active damper is effective to reduce gear lash changes between the gear members of a planetary assembly.