Abstract: The adjustable suspension includes a first and second pair of transversely disposed leaf springs supporting the vehicle. Each leaf spring includes a threaded aperture formed therein. A first and second threaded, rotatable, spindle respectively engages the apertures of the first and second pair of leaf springs. The adjustable suspension further includes actuating means for rotatably driving at least one of the spindles and mode selection means for selectively engaging the actuation means with at least one of the spindle in response to a preferred operating mode. Such arrangement facilitates manual height adjustment of the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A method of determining a top dead center location of a piston in an internal combustion engine including the steps of determining a pressure versus crankshaft angle relation during a compression and an expansion portion of engine operation, defining a pressure ratio relation as the pressure at x number of degrees before a reference crankshaft angle divided by the pressure at x number of degrees after the reference crankshaft angle and shifting the pressure ratio relation a corrective number of degrees to obtain a model shape. Accordingly, the top dead center position is defined relative to the reference crankshaft angle.

Abstract: A removable console assembly is provided that includes an upwardly extending main body defining an inner cavity. The main body has an open upper side and first and second panels pivotally attached to the main body for providing access to the inner cavity. A locking mechanism selectively locks both the first and second panels to the main body to prevent access to the inner cavity. A mounting assembly is attached to the floor for releasably receiving the main body. A latching arrangement includes a latch extending from a bottom surface of the main body and a handle disposed within the inner cavity for manually operating the latch. An electrical connector is provided and includes a first and second portions. The first portion is carried by the mounting assembly and electrically interconnected to a battery of the motor vehicle. The second portion in selective electrical communication with the first portion for providing power to various components of the console assembly.

Abstract: A system for enabling wireless communication among a removable stand-alone computer, a built-in vehicular display, and an electrical system of a vehicle. A wireless communications medium couples a third wireless communication interface to a second wireless communication interface, the first wireless communication interface to a third wireless communication interface, and a second wireless communication interface to the third wireless communication interface. The removable stand-alone computer incorporates trip computer functions via the wireless communications medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying a coast-down braking torque to a vehicle coasting. The system provides a controlled regenerative braking torque automatically applied when the vehicle is coasting to simulate the feeling of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine. When the driver lets off the throttle when a vehicle is either on a flat grade or driving down a hill, the amount of regenerative braking is automatically controlled. When utilized with an electric or hybrid electric vehicle, the coast-down braking torque is converted to stored electric energy which improves the efficiency of the vehicle.

Abstract: The rear bumper beam of a van type vehicle can be enclosed in a sheath (or fascia) that is supported independently of the bumper beam, by a sheath support fastened to a rear end surface of the vehicle body. The sheath and sheath support have an interior clearance relative to the bumper beam, such that variations in the height of the bumper beam do not disturb the alignment of the sheath with the vehicle body. The sheath and sheath support can be used on different vehicles having different wheel base dimensions and different bumper beam heights.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical clutch actuator system is provided for a transmission having dual input shafts with respective clutches and with a plurality of drive gears rotatably mounted to each input shaft and having synchronizer mechanisms for engaging each drive gear to one of the input shafts. The clutch actuators include an electric motor and a reduction gear assembly for moving a pawl tweeter arm and is assisted by an assist spring. The movement of the pawl tweeter arm transmits torque through a pivot arm which in turn, act to engage or disengage its corresponding clutch. An upshift clutch control algorithm is provided to facilitate shifting to a higher gear, which monitors and regulates movement of the clutch actuator motors.

Abstract: An elongated structural member of a vehicle frame. The structural member is hollow to form an elongated chamber. Filler material in the chamber is compressed by a source of pressure to press the filler material laterally outwardly against the walls of the chamber to strengthen the structural member and resist buckling. The filler material includes a flexible bag filled with small solid particles. The source of pressure may include one or more compression coil springs, or a tension rod or a gas generant.

Abstract: A telescoping steering column is provided with a simple means to allow ease of movement of a telescoping steering shaft through a plurality of positions. This is accomplished by placing a biasing component on an exterior of a movable portion of the steering column to bias the movement of that portion.

Abstract: Paint accumulations can be removed from paint atomizer applicator heads by passing pressurized solvent through the heads for prolonged time periods, e.g. one hour or more. Several paint applicator heads can be connected to an overhead piping system located in a treatment tank, so that solvent and entrained particulates can collect in the tank. An external filter and motor-operated pump can be connected to the tank and piping system for recirculating the solvent through the paint applicator heads on a continuing basis.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for assembling an airbag unit and interior vehicle components into a vehicle. The bracket efficiently utilizes the limited interior vehicle space to package all necessary components. To achieve this end, the bracket attaches to a frame member. Within the bracket is a cavity for securely holding an airbag igniter unit. The airbag igniter unit is attached, via a hose, to an airbag. The airbag is partially fit into a recess formed in the bracket. The bracket also maintains a mounting face, to which an interior grab handle can be secured. The bracket allows for the existence of an airbag subassembly which includes, the bracket, an airbag operatively attached to an airbag igniter unit, and an interior grab handle. Such a subassembly will improve overall vehicle assembly efficiency by reducing the amount of steps required in assembly, thus making the assembly process easier.

Abstract: An arrangement of a frame rail bumper beam combination is provided which has a frame rail for connection with a chassis of an automotive vehicle, and a bumper beam having a tubular cross-sectional shape with a first section connected with the frame rail, and a first upper surface between a front end and a rear end of the bumper beam, and the bumper beam having at least first and second cutouts in the first surface with a web therebetween that causes the rail to plastically deform in the first section of the bumper beam in a crash.

Abstract: An arrangement of an offset shift lever for an automotive vehicle transmission having a shift stub which is connected to the transmission and which also has a generally axial threaded bore. A metal cylindrical insert is sized to fit over the shift stub. The insert has a partially closed end with a fastener shank opening. An elastic isolator is bonded to the insert. The isolator has a fastener opening generally aligned with the fastener shank opening of the insert. A metallic canister encircles the isolator and is bonded thereto. The canister has a fastener opening and a shift lever opening. A shift lever is connected with the canister along its lower end which is received into the canister shift lever opening. The shift lever is aligned parallel and off-center to the shift stub by the canister. A threaded fastener is inserted through the canister and isolator fastener opening to threadably connect the shift lever canister isolator and insert with the transmission shift stub.

Abstract: A cupholder has a cup well to receive a container. The cup well includes a base and a wall. The wall is positioned to intersect the base. A biasing member is coupled with the wall. The biasing member is adapted to contact a container within the cup well. A positionable arm is adjustable to contact and retain different sized containers in the cup well.

Abstract: A spring clip for releasably holding the door of a vehicle in an ajar position is provided. The spring clip is adapted to be removably attached to a vehicle body during the manufacturing process. The spring clip is comprised of a base member and a spring finger. The base member includes a pillar tab having a retainer that affixes the spring clip to the body of the vehicle. The door tab of the base member is adapted to slide into an opening in the door. The spring finger is coupled to a base opening that is defined by the base member. The spring finger extends in a cantilever fashion from the base opening into engagement with the vehicle door such that the door is held ajar.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a pedal that can be translated in a longitudinal fashion parallel to the vehicle floor. The pedal is translated by use of a screw that is threadedly attached to the pedal and also pivotally attached to a motion linkage. The position and movement of the motion linkage is uniform irrespective of the longitudinal position of the pedal. The pedal includes a pivot pin that is received by a slot formed in a body structure; translation of the pedal along screw causes longitudinal movement of the pivot pin the said slot. The pivot pin is free to translate within said slot while the pedal is not depressed, when the pedal is depressed the pivot pin becomes fixed longitudinally by a camming formation and locking element arrangement. This allows depression of the pedal to cause the pedal to pivot about the pivot pin.

Abstract: A cutting tool for locating an axis in a first member and cutting a sized hole in a second member overlying the first member. The cutting tool includes a base assembly and a cutter assembly which may be used independently of the base assembly. The cutter assembly includes a guide member, a cutting blade and a handle structure with a face portion. The guide member is coupled to the handle structure and extends from the face portion. The cutting blade is coupled to the handle structure such that the cutting blade extends from the face portion and is spaced radially outward of the guide member. The base assembly has a base structure, a stem member and a pilot aperture. The base structure has a first side adapted to contact the second member and a distal side adapted to contact the first member. The stem member is coupled to the distal side of the base structure and is adapted to engage a hole in the first member to locate the axis in the first member.