Abstract: A tilting platform for roll testing automotive vehicles rotates the automotive vehicle so that data can be collected to determine various roll characteristics of the vehicle. The tilting platform includes a support platform that is pivotally attached to a floor hoist. A pivot pin is positioned away from the midpoint of the support platform so that a distal end of the support platform rotates downward and a proximal end rotates upward when the floor hoist is raised.

Abstract: The invention is a tube clip with a clip end and a cam. The design of the tube clip allows the rotation of the tube clip after insertion into a mounting support. Preferably the installed tube clip can rotate no farther than about a quarter turn or about 90° after insertion. The clip end has a base, first and second sides and a channel. The first and second sides are at opposite ends of the base and perpendicular thereto with the channel inbetween. A slanted guide extends inwardly along the length of the first side distal to the base. A slanted outer face extends inwardly along the length of the second side distal to the base. The slanted guide and the outer face align to cooperatively guide a tube into the channel. The cam has a head and a stem connecting the head to the base. The head has a beveled edge and a shoulder. The shoulder projects from the beveled edge toward the stem and overhangs the base.

Abstract: Irregularly shaped mold-core assemblies are retained for casting within a thin-wall container by solid particulate material. In the process, the mold and core elements are formed from the core sand. After the mold and core elements, both of which are formed from core sand, are assembled, the assembly is placed in a container large enough to provide space around the assembled mold and core elements, and solid particulate material is placed in the space around the mold-core assembly to hold the assembled mold and core elements together during pouring of the molten iron alloy into the mold-core assembly and the cooling period, during which the molten iron alloy solidifies to form the casting. After the casting is formed, the solid particles and the core sand from the mold elements and core elements are recovered, processed and reused in further casting operations.

Abstract: A control pedal assembly for a vehicle. Two or more control pedals are engaged to a pedal mounting system base component through a number of components that are slideably engaged to one another. The construction and arrangement of the components that are slideably engaged to one another and the engagement of those components to the control pedals and the pedal mounting system base component is such that the position of at least two control pedals is adjustable relative to one another. One or more positioning actuators are engaged to the components that are slideably engaged to one another. The positioning actuators, when activated, slide the slideably engaged components relative to one another and thus change the position of one or more control pedals. One or more position control apparatus are connected to the positioning actuators so that an operator of the vehicle can activate the positioning actuators to adjust the position of the control pedals.

Abstract: A battery mounting assembly for mounting batteries to a vehicle. The battery mounting assembly has lower battery tray and an upper battery tray disposed below and above one another respectively. The battery mounting assembly is constructed to move and deform in predetermined ways when it is subjected to relatively large forces such as might occur when the vehicle is involved in a traffic accident. The battery mounting assembly has one or more bumper components intended to protect batteries mounted to the battery mounting assembly from being subjected to a direct impact. Steel components of the battery mounting assembly are coated with an elastomer that has a high electrical resistance.

Abstract: A truck cab suspension system provides improved durability of the truck cab structure by reducing twisting forces applied to the cab frame from the suspension system. The suspension system provides support to the rear sill of the truck by positioning two air springs on either side of the vehicle center line under the sill and two shock absorbers aligned along the vehicle center line between the air springs. The forces applied to the cab frame rear sill balance one another avoiding twisting.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for selective control of gas flow in a combustion chamber in an internal combustion engine through a moveable or retractable seat valve that is independent of piston position. The retractable seat valve has complete freedom of valving events such that gas flow can be selectively controlled at any time during the engine cycle, or throughout the engine cycle. Further, the retractable seat valve is scalable for adaptation to internal combustions engines of various bore sizes. The retractable seat valve includes a retractable seat, a stationary seat, a retractable seat actuator member, a pin connector for translation of retractable seat actuator member movement to the retractable seat, and a valve actuator assembly that allows the retractable seat valve be selectively positioned in the cylinder head in a closed position, open position or anywhere therebetween.

Abstract: There is provided a glow plug connection apparatus for installing a plurality of glow plug connectors to corresponding glow plugs mounted in a cylinder head in an internal combustion engine while simultaneously preventing engine oil leakage. The apparatus comprises a rigid buss bar rail, a plurality of glow plug connectors attached to the buss bar rail, a plurality of connector wires routed in the buss bar rail and connected to the glow plug connectors, a wire router, a conduit retaining clip, and an apparatus connector angle. Additionally, the glow plug connectors preferably comprises a buss bar rail interface section, a glow plug connector angle, a sealing section having an O-ring seal, a guide section having guide fins around the periphery of the glow plug connector, and a clip section having a clip fingers around the periphery of the glow plug connector able to engage a glow plug terminal.

Abstract: A communication system architecture (SA) for a vehicle which may be integrated into the vehicle's multiplexed electronic component communication system, and a process for communicating with the vehicle to provide information for and about the vehicle's operational status and coordinating the vehicle's activities. The communication system will include a multi-functional antenna system for the vehicle that will have the capability to receive AM/FM radio and television signals, and transmit and receive citizens band (CB) radio signals, satellite and microwave and cellular phone communications. The antenna may be installed as original equipment or as a back-fit part in the after-market. In either case the multi-functional antenna will be integrated with the vehicle's multiplexed electronic component communication system.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle cab has cab extender pieces engaged to the cab rearwards relative to vehicle forward movement. The cab extenders act as extensions of the cab sides to provide aerodynamic efficiency to vehicle operation. A one-piece cab extender mounting and integrated grab handle is engaged to the rearward side of the cab and to the interior surface of the left side cab extender. The cab extender mounting and integrated grab handle contains a vertical handle portion that is integrated and between an approximately horizontal upper portion and an approximately horizontal lower portion.

Abstract: A vehicle window ventilation system of this invention contains vertical slots in forward portions of the window or frame. Air due to vehicle movement passes in the slots to the cavity between the windowpanes. There is a passage for airflow from the cavity rearward to the door handle where there is spacing for outward passage of air. The forward location of the vertical slots allows for the flow of air across a wide area of the windows and hence a minimum reduction of visibility due to moisture in the cavity. The air passageway rearward through the cavity between the windows and then through the door to the rearward located door handle allows for a dispersion pattern of air that covers a large amount of the surface area of the double pane window. While an external fan could be used to enhance the removal of flow of air the forward location of the vertical slots and the rearward location of the inner door passageway to the door handle alleviates the necessity of having a fan.

Abstract: Bearing arrangements are provided utilizing retention lips, enlarged retaining washers, or clearance lips to retain a bearing located in an engine in the bearing's housing in the event of bearing failure. Also provided are methods of utilizing retention lips, enlarged retaining washers, or clearance lips to retain a bearing race within a bearing housing in the event of bearing failure.

Abstract: A keyless entry system for a motor vehicle is modified to be operable when the vehicle's engine is running and the vehicle's park brake is set. Keyless entry systems conventionally include an ignition switch position signal source and a door lock module having an enable input connected to the source of the ignition position signal. The disclosure teaches connecting the output of the ignition switch position sensor to the door lock modulo enable input through the part brake lamp. The enable input to the door lock module is then connected in common with the a park brake lamp switch. When the park brake lamp switch is closed by setting the park brake and activates the park brake lamp, the ignition position feed signal on the enable input is sunk by the switch and the potential level on the enable Is reduced, enabling the door lock module to operate as though the ignition switch had been moved to off.

Abstract: A method for generating indicators relating to the condition of lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine. A set of variables relating to operation of the internal combustion engine serve as proxy variables for brake mean effective pressure developed by the internal combustion engine. Operation of an engine is monitored to develop values for the proxy variables. Soot being added to the lubricating oil from the developed values and accumulated to provide an estimate of total soot in the lubricating oil. Lubricating oil temperature is periodically monitored and a history of the lubricating oil temperature measurements is kept to allow generation therefrom of an estimate of shear of the lubricating oil. Accumulated estimate of soot is kept as a distance remaining until the lubricating oil becomes unsuitable for continued use in the internal combustion engine. Similarly, estimated shear is expressed as a distance until the lubricating oil is to be replaced.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for detecting stuck tools in automated machining operations. When a machining operation on a workpiece is finished, the tools are retracted from the workpiece. Prior to moving the workpiece to another machining operation, a stuck tool detector is moved along a plane of separation between the machine head and the workpiece. If a stuck tool is present, the detector senses the stuck tool and sends an alarm signal of the stuck tool condition so that the operator or controlling microprocessor based system is alerted to the stuck tool. Appropriate actions or repairs can then be carried out.

Abstract: A combustion chamber assembly for use in a diesel engine includes a combustion chamber being defined in a crown of a piston, the piston having a central axis, the combustion chamber having a center portion being elevated relative to a bottom plane of the combustion chamber. The center portion is defined in part by a portion of a sphere, the sphere having a radius, the origin of the radius lying on the combustion chamber central axis. The combustion chamber further has an outer margin, the outer margin being defined in part by a portion of a sphere, the sphere having a radius, the origin of the radius lying on the combustion chamber central axis and being greater than the center portion radius. The spherical center portion and the spherical outer margin are connected by an annular surface.

Abstract: A method for generating indicators relating to the condition of lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine. A set of variables relating to operation of the internal combustion engine serve as proxy variables for brake mean effective pressure developed by the internal combustion engine. Operation of an engine is monitored to develop values for the proxy variables. Soot being added to the lubricating oil from the developed values and accumulated to provide an estimate of total soot in the lubricating oil. Lubricating oil temperature is periodically monitored and a history of the lubricating oil temperature measurements is kept to allow generation therefrom of an estimate of shear of the lubricating oil. Accumulated estimate of soot is kept as a distance remaining until the lubricating oil becomes unsuitable for continued use in the internal combustion engine. Similarly, estimated shear is expressed as a distance until the lubricating oil is to be replaced.

Abstract: An anti-glare system for motor vehicle headlights is effective to illuminate the headlights at reduced intensity when the vehicle is not in motion and the headlight switch is on thereby promoting better visibility for the driver of an oncoming vehicle. This system is believed particularly useful in service vehicles, such as pick-up and delivery trucks and school buses.

Abstract: There is provided an intake manifold module that integrates an intake air manifold with an exhaust gas recirculation system resulting in a compact design that optimizes vehicle engine compartment space, and results in reduced engine manufacturing time and cost. The intake manifold module comprises an integrally cast intake air manifold having an EGR valve aperture, an EGR cooler mounting, an EGR gas-out passage, and an EGR coolant-out; an EGR valve operatively mounted in the EGR valve aperture, and an EGR cooler cooperatively attached to the intake air manifold. Further, the EGR cooler comprises a gas outlet attached to the EGR gas-out passage, an exhaust gas inlet, a coolant inlet passage, a coolant outlet attached to the EGR coolant-out passage, and an EGR cooler mounting bracket. In operation, exhaust gases enter the EGR cooler, are cooled by EGR coolant, pass through the EGR valve and into the intake manifold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge thermostat system that permits removal and replacement of the thermostat without removing the housing or coolant manifold. In the cartridge thermostat system, a coolant manifold is mounted on a cylinder head of an engine. The cylinder head has an engine by-pass and a coolant port for receiving a pilot on the coolant manifold. The coolant manifold further comprises at least one thermostat port with an associated cartridge thermostat and at least one passage for appropriate coolant flow. The cartridge thermostat fastens to the thermostat port and operatively positions a plug to an engine by-pass and a sleeve to a coolant passage. A wax plug in the cartridge thermostat expands when the coolant is hot and thereby appropriately and simultaneously positions the plug relative to the engine by-pass and the sleeve relative to the coolant passage.