Abstract: A method for producing a multi-piece vehicle wheel retention system comprises the steps of: (a) providing a wheel having a wheel disc defining and axis and an outboard facing wheel surface; (b) providing a first outer wheel cover formed from a metal material, the first outer wheel cover covering at least a portion of the an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange of the wheel disc; (c) providing a second inner wheel cover formed from a plastic material, the second inner wheel cover covering at least a substantial portion of the outboard facing wheel surface of the wheel disc; (d) providing an insert formed from a foam material and which generally corresponds to at least the shape of a space which formed between the outboard facing wheel surface and the inboard surface of the second wheel cover; (e) securing the first and second inner wheel covers together by at least an interference fit therewith; and (f) permanently securing the assembled wheel covers of step (e), the insert and the wheel to one another by

Abstract: A sensor probe for in-situ measurement of pH in a human tissue (e.g., cardiovascular) environment comprises a hollow needle having a tip and a back end. The tip is insertable into the tissue. An optic cable comprises a light conduit surrounded by a cladding. A first end of the light conduit is inserted from the back end of the needle and extends to within a predetermined distance of the tip to define a cavity within the tip. A porous dye layer is contained within the cavity, wherein the dye layer has a response to excitation light delivered through the light conduit that varies according to the pH of the tissue environment. An overcoat layer is deposited on the dye layer, wherein the overcoat layer is ionically permeable and substantially opaque at a light wavelength corresponding to the variable response of the dye layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disc brake having a brake carrier which is fastenable to a vehicle frame and provided with studs for guiding at least one brake lining axially with respect to a brake disc, wherein the brake lining includes U-shaped recesses for the studs into which the studs engage, and wherein during braking tensile forces and/or compressive forces are exerted upon inner surfaces of the recesses. The invention is characterized in that an inner surface of at least one of the U-shaped recesses, which surface bears against a respective stud during a brake actuation, is angled with respect to a central plane of the brake lining such that a force that arises between the said surface and the respective stud during braking presses the brake lining into a stable position with respect to the studs. The invention also relates to a brake lining for use in such a disc brake.

Abstract: It is customary to use signals from a motor vehicle central control in order to operate braking equipment for motor vehicles which automatically produces braking forces for states of standstill of a motor vehicle which are capable of holding a motor vehicle at a standstill. The signals which are provided by the central control are used to determine whether or not the motor vehicle is at a standstill. It is consequently also necessary to operate the central control during a state of standstill for the motor vehicle in order to produce the required braking forces. The braking equipment can no longer be operated as desired if the central control fails or malfunctions. These problems are solved by the invention, which provides standstill recognition for motor vehicles which enables braking equipment which automatically produces braking forces during standstill to be automatically controlled.

Abstract: A vehicle, having an engine (20) and a transmission (26), also includes an integrated assembly (24) between the engine (20) and transmission (26) which includes both a torque converter assembly (32) and an integrated starter-generator (ISG) assembly (36). The ISG assembly (36) is mounted between the torque converter assembly (32) and the transmission (26), with an ISG rotor (56) rotationally coupled to an impeller (42) through an assembly having compliance to allow for proper assembly and operation of the integrated assembly (24).

Abstract: This invention relates to a brake shoe mounting system for a vehicle brake assembly. The vehicle brake assembly brake shoe mounting system includes a brake mounting member and a pair of brake shoes slidably supported relative to the brake mounting member. The brake member is adapted to be secured to a fixed, non-rotatable component of the vehicle and includes an abutment having a pair of opposed slots formed therein. Each brake shoe includes a first end, an opposite second end, a web portion, a rim portion secured to an outer surface of the web portion, a friction pad secured to an outer surface of the rim portion, and only two shoe slides provided on at least one side of the rim portion. One of the two shoe slides is provided near the first end of the brake shoe and the other of the two shoe slides is provided generally intermediate the first and second ends of the brake shoe. In accordance with this invention, the second end of the brake shoe defines a shoe abutment end.

Abstract: A spacer for supporting a horizontally extending guard rail on a vertically extending post in a roadway safety barrier system includes a first portion that is secured to the guard rail and a second portion that is secured to the post. The first and second portions are shaped to correspond with the shapes of the guard rail and the post secured thereto. For example, if the guard rail is formed having an undulating cross sectional shape, the first portion of the space is formed having a corresponding undulating cross sectional shape. One or more bores are formed through the spacer between said first and second faces for receiving a bolt for securing the guard rail and the post to the spacer. The spacer is formed from a thermoplastic material that is recyclable, will not absorb water, stable under the ultraviolet and other radiation generated by the sun, will not splinter, crack, or delaminate in use, and is more cost effective than conventional wooden spacers.

Abstract: An electrical ground connector assembly for providing a fast, secure, moisture-resistant ground connection without using special tools. The electrical ground connector assembly includes a ground rod and a cap having an tapered rod chamber for receiving the ground rod. The cap also includes a slot for receiving a ground wire. The angle of the slot may vary, depending on the diameter of the ground wire. The cap may be cylindrical or rectangular in shape. In installation, the ground wire is inserted into the slot of the cap. The upper end of the ground rod is forced into the rod cavity of the cap by any suitable manner, such as hammering the cap down over the ground rod. As the upper end of the ground rod reaches the end of the rod cavity, a compression contact is made between the wire and said ground rod. Alternatively, the ground rod can first be driven into the ground, and then the ground wire and the cap can be assembled on the ground rod.

Abstract: An unique airbag support assembly for an instrument panel airbag is formed of a unitary design. The airbag support assembly has a door flap which is secured by a flexible hinge member to an outer rim. The outer rim includes a support structure for supporting an airbag module. The outer rim and door flap are secured to an under face of the instrument panel by a welding technique. The instrument panel is formed with a tear seam on its under face, but no tear seam is formed on its front face.

Abstract: A method for pre-positioning the driveshaft sections of an axially adjustable driveshaft assembly prior to installation within a vehicle to facilitate the installation process. An installation tool is provided with first and second members which are movable relative to one another. Reference indicia are provided on one or both of the members such that mounting surfaces provided thereon can be spaced apart from one another by a predetermined amount. The mounting surfaces of the installation tool are mounted on separate sections of the driveshaft assembly. Then, the driveshaft sections are moved relative to one another until the reference indicia provided on the installation tool are properly aligned. When such alignment is achieved, the overall axial length of the driveshaft assembly is approximately equal to the desired length between the engine/transmission assembly and the axle assembly. Then, the installation tool is removed, and the driveshaft assembly is installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake proportioning valve displaying low restriction to fluid flow and short fluid shear path is suitable for use in vehicular traction control systems and capable of supplying a high volume of fluid to the traction control system high pressure pump under atmospheric pressure. The proportioning valve employs a plunger of two diameters against which hydraulic pressure operates, and a plunger-located check ball held off its seat under low outlet pressure conditions by a control member. The brake proportioning valve provides proportioning of brake fluid pressure to the vehicle non-proportioned brakes relative to the vehicle proportioned brakes during both brake apply and brake release.

Abstract: An automotive wheel having an outboard face presenting an asymmetric appearance and having a permanently fixed counterbalance weight near the outer periphery of the wheel to balance the wheel. The wheel disk has an asymmetric design which tends to statically and dynamically unbalance the wheel. A relatively light counterbalance weight is permanently fixed to the wheel during manufacture of the wheel. This counterbalance weight statically and dynamically balances the overall wheel.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a vehicle wheel having a wheel rim mechanically rolled onto a wheel disc. The wheel disc includes at least one continuous circumferential bead or groove. During the rolling operation a complementary groove or bead is formed in the wheel rim. The bead is received by the groove to mechanically secure to the wheel rim to the wheel disc. A resilient material including an adhesive is disposed between the wheel disc and the wheel rim. The adhesive bonds the wheel rim to the wheel disc while the resilient material forms air-tight seal therebetween.