Abstract: A guide track for the window of a vehicle door can be adjusted vertically to adjust the location of a window stop on the upper end of the track to ensure a water-tight fit of the window upper edge and a weather-strip carried by the vehicle roof structure. Adjustment of the stop involves vertical movement of the track, up or down, preferably by loosening and tightening a track clamping-structure located at the lower end of the track. Access to the track clamping structure can be had through a small access opening formed in a trim panel on the interior surface of the door. Track adjustment can be achieved without removing the trim panel from the door. In preferred practice of the invention, the track clamping structure includes a threaded rod disposed between the track and a window support panel to swing the lower end of the track for changing the movement path of the window.

Abstract: A method for detecting a low-charge state in an air conditioning system. The method monitors the temperature of the air exiting the evaporator to determine the existence of a low-charge state. A low-charge state exists if the temperature of the air exiting the evaporator is less than a predetermined temperature limit. A low-charge state also exists if the rate with which the difference between the temperature of the air exiting the evaporator and the ambient air temperature is less than a predetermined slope. An air conditioning system having a controller which prevents a compressor from cycling on the detection of a low-charge state is also provided.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical automatic transmission is provided including a first input shaft and a second input shaft concentric with the first input shaft. A plurality of drive gears are rotatably mounted to the first input shaft. An idler gear is provided in meshing engagement with an input gear on said second input shaft. The idler gear drives a lay shaft which is also provided with a plurality of drive gears rotatably mounted thereon. The first input shaft and the lay shaft are provided with synchronizer devices for selectively engaging the drive gears thereto. A driven shaft is provided with a plurality of driven gears in meshing engagement with the drive gears. The electro-mechanical automatic transmission is provided with a pair of electro-mechanical clutch actuators for selectively disengaging dual clutches which transmit engine torque to the input shafts, as well as an electro-mechanical shift actuator system which operatively engage the synchronizer devices for selectively engaging the drive gears.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a level of fluid within a container. The apparatus includes a support coupled to the container. The apparatus additionally includes first and second floats. Each of the first and second floats is pivotally coupled to the support proximate a first end. The apparatus further includes a position sensing mechanism for sensing the relative positions of the first and second floats and responsively determining the level of fluid within the container.

Abstract: A steering column mounting bracket is provided with break-away bars integrally formed therewith to allow for a consistent break-away force and reduce noise in the cabin of an automobile. The break-away bars will allow for axial compression of the steering shaft during an accident involving a collision of an automobile.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring the integrity of a fuel composition sensor in a flexible fueled vehicle. At ignition-on, the fuel composition sensor is tested for electrical and rationality viability. After ignition-on, the fuel composition is periodically, non-intrusively, tested for potential rationality errors. Should the non-intrusive testing indicate that a potential error exists, the fuel composition sensor is intrusively tested for rationality errors. If the intrusive test detects that the fuel composition sensor is malfunctioning, the engine control system converts to a limp-in mode and sets the engine operating parameters based on feedback from an exhaust gas oxygen sensor system.

Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided including a bracket for attachment to a side portion of a vehicle, a mirror housing having a rear opening connected to the bracket and extending laterally therefrom, a mirror connected within the mirror housing generally adjacent the mirror housing rear opening, a water removal hole penetrating a bottom end of the mirror housing for allowing precipitation entrapped within the mirror housing to escape therefrom, a turbulent flow generator formed forwardly adjacent of the water removal hole to cause turbulent air flow past the removal hole to diminish wind noise being generated by the water removal hole.

Abstract: A reinforced door assembly for a motor vehicle including a vehicle frame. The reinforced door assembly includes a door frame and two reinforcement brackets. The reinforcement brackets incorporate a tubular reinforcement beam which extends the length of the reinforced door assembly. The end of the reinforcement beam which incorporates the reinforcement bracket nearest a latch mechanism of the reinforced door is formed to include a reverse taper cut and extends substantially the entire length of the reinforcement bracket. By extending the entire length of the reinforcement bracket, the reinforcement beam overlaps the latch mechanism of the reinforced door.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleansing a seal of a device used for sealing an evaporative emission control system of an automotive vehicle. The method starts by determining if a request to close the device has been made. If the request to close the device has been made, the method cycles the device a plurality of times to press and lift the seal off of a seat repeatedly. The method also determines if the seal is closed after the cycling step. If the seal is not closed after the cycling step, the method closes the seal. Preferably, the cycling step includes cycling the device at a pre-selected duty cycle, frequency and cycle count. The duty cycle, frequency, and cycle count correspond to calibration tables prepared for the particular device employed to insure that the seal strikes its seat about three times before sealing.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission housing or four-wheel drive transfer case housing which is shorter than previous arrangements, with the output shaft extending beyond the end thereof. As such, the drive shaft slip yoke or the output fixed yoke is mounted on the extended end of the shaft exterior of the seal at the exit end of the housing or transfer case, rather than extending through the seal into the housing or transfer case. The advantages include generally weight, part and machining reduction; reduced seal wear and performance requirements and, hence, minimized oil leakage; elimination of the usual grinding/polishing operations on the yoke; and consequent cost reduction.

Abstract: A method for tracking and monitoring tools in a multi-user environment is provided. The method assigns a unique identification number to each tool which permits the tool to be tracked for purposes of performing operations on the tool, such as periodic performance verification testing and/or preventative maintenance. A user programs the frequency and time at which the operation is to be periodically performed on a tool, such as performance verification testing or preventative maintenance. The method generates routes which enable the operation to be scheduled and performed on selected tools. Data collected from the operation may be uploaded, permitting the method to monitor the performance and/or operation of the tool. In a preferred embodiment, the method compares tool performance to tool operation and calculates tool set-up parameters to tune the performance of the tool to desired levels.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly has a male and female connector. The male connector has electrical contacts in a housing for conducting AC or DC current. The female connector also includes a housing with electrical contacts to electrically couple with the male electrical contacts. The electrical contacts are coupled between a power source and a rechargeable power user, such as batteries in an electric vehicle. A mechanism to terminate power of the rechargeable power user is coupled with the system to prohibit use of the rechargeable power user during charging.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a level of fluid within a container. The apparatus includes a first cantilevered arm having a first float coupled to the container. The apparatus additionally includes a second cantilevered arm having a second float coupled to the first cantilevered arm. The apparatus further includes a position sensing mechanism for sensing the relative positions of the first and second cantilevered arms and responsively determining the level of fluid within the container.

Abstract: A vehicle door checkstrap assembly is provided including an arm having the first end engaged to the frame and a second end interconnected to a brake member within the vehicle door. The brake member cooperates with a carriage assembly which slidably engages a guide track incorporated in the vehicle door. A load is exerted from the brake member toward a support face within the door which creates a braking force when the door is in a static state. When the door is moved, the opening force is capable of overcoming the friction between the brake member roller and the supporting face allowing free motion of the door along the guide path. The roller carriage assembly operates such that the door can be located securely in an infinite number of positions between fully open and closed.

Abstract: A vehicle closure panel assembly having an outer panel and an inner panel. The outer panel has a flange along one edge which is folded over a flange of the inner panel. A metal coating provides a seal between the edge of the flange of the outer panel and the flange of the inner panel. The coating is made of metal and is sprayed on. The metal coating provides a mechanical and metallurgical bond and may offer sacrificial protection against corrosion and instantaneous or immediate bonding.