Abstract: A coupler for connection of a power source to a vehicle electrical system. The coupler includes a housing arranged to be grasped by an operator, and an actuator arranged to be accessible when the housing is grasped. A plurality of electrically-conductive clasps are arranged on the housing and employ a mechanism to bias the clasps in a closed position for attachment to the vehicle electrical system. A linkage connecting the actuator to the claps is further provided to simultaneously open the clasps when the actuator is activated.

Abstract: A testing apparatus that is used for measuring a vehicle's parasitic loss and overall, loaded efficiency utilizes an external electric drive motor, as an input, connected to the engine crankshaft of the vehicle and dynamometers connected to each driving wheel hub, to measure output at the wheels. Although its wheels with tires are removed, the vehicle remains largely intact and rests upon vehicle supports, which are mounted to a track system under the vehicle. The track system permits the drive motor and dynamometers to adjust and accommodate any vehicle for efficiency analysis. A computer monitors the driving motor input and output at the dynamometers to calculate efficiency.

Abstract: A variable lift deactivateable valvetrain system for an engine is provided. The system includes a camshaft, a rocker shaft, a valve and at least one rocker arm rotateably connected to the rocker shaft and arranged to engage the camshaft. A connecting rocker arm is rotateably connected to the rocker shaft and is in constant engagement with the valve. The connecting rocker arm is arranged to operate in selective engagement with the at least one rocker arm to provide a variable lift deactivateable valvetrain configuration. The system further includes a low lift rocker arm having a low lift pin assembly and a high lift rocker arm having a high lift pin assembly. The low and high lift pin assemblies are arranged to selectively engage the connecting rocker arm responsive to oil pressure selectively directed to the low and high lift pin assemblies.

Abstract: A method and associated computer-executable code for controlling an automotive powertrain featuring a manual transmission determines a current transmission output speed based at least in part on the vehicle speed achieved in response to a torque request signal; determines an effective transmission gear ratio based on the engine speed and the transmission output speed; and compares the effective transmission gear ratio to each of the predetermined transmission gear ratios. A transmission shift is deemed to be in progress when the effective transmission gear ratio is not within a predetermined tolerance of any of the predetermined transmission gear ratios. Relatively-aggressive smoothing of the torque request signal upon pedal tip-out is advantageously canceled when a shift is deemed to be in progress, thereby reducing the likelihood of unintended engine speed and/or transient flares when a declutching event follows shortly after the pedal tip-out.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing the quality of spot weld joints between pieces of metal includes an ultrasound transducer probing a spot weld joint. The ultrasound transducer transmits ultrasonic radiation into the spot weld joint, receives corresponding echoes, and transforms the echoes into electrical signals. An image reconstructor connected to the ultrasound transducer transforms the electrical signals into numerical data representing an ultrasound image. A neural network connected to the image reconstructor analyzes the numerical data and an output system presents information representing the quality of the spot weld joint. The system is trained to assess the quality of spot weld joints by scanning a spot weld joint with an ultrasound transducer to produce the data set representing the joint; then physically deconstructing the joint to assess the joint quality.

Abstract: A fuel pump controller includes a detecting device for detecting environmental vibrational energy and converting the environmental vibrational energy into an electrical signal. A motor controller is coupled to a fuel pump motor wherein the electrical signal is used by the controller to command the fuel pump motor to operate at one of a plurality of speeds wherein the commanded speed is at least in part a function of the environmental vibrational energy.

Abstract: A strut-type synchronizer for coupling a gear to a rotating shaft includes a hub rotating with the shaft, a clutch ring rotatable with the gear, and a friction ring disposed between the hub and the clutch ring. The hub supports several struts for relative axial movement, as urged by an encircling splined sleeve through a detent, into engagement with the friction ring. The friction ring, which does not itself directly engage the sleeve, has a friction surface that is thus urged by the struts into engagement with a complementary friction surface of the clutch ring, whereupon relative rotation between the friction ring and the clutch ring ceases, the detent is overcome, and the sleeve's spline teeth engage complementary spline teeth on the clutch ring to fully engage the synchronizer. The friction surfaces include two axially-spaced frustoconical portions, by which an increased cone torque is achieved during synchronization.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle including a display panel and vehicle accessory includes a light source disposed within the display panel that illuminates the display panel. The display panel includes at least one aperture that selectively permits light from the light source to pass through the display panel to illuminate the vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A reversible lid of a cargo bin also function as a cargo load floor. The cargo load floor is located behind a rear passenger seat and above a spare tire. When the lid is closed, a first flat loading surface is parallel to the ground upon which the vehicle rests while the opposite side of the lid defines the second flat loading surface that is angled with respect to the ground but 180 degrees to the rear surface of a folded forward rear passenger seat to create a smooth continuous loading surface to slide cargo onto the rear surface of the rear seat. A peripheral protruding portion surrounds the first flat loading surface to retain cargo while grooves in the loading surface may accommodate any deposition of water and mud from cargo. The load floor pivots to open while at opposite corners locking tabs secure into holes to lock the load floor closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing spark-knock within a combustion chamber of a spark-ignition internal combustion engine, whereby a control vane mounted inside the intake runner is arranged to direct a fuel-air charge to a region inside the combustion chamber where spark-knock has been empirically determined to occur.