Abstract: A method and system for controlling a climate control system on a vehicle after entering a heat soak mode in which the outside air temperature associated with the vehicle is affected by absorption of non-ambient heat includes an ambient temperature sensor for sensing a current ambient temperature outside the vehicle. A controller coupled to the ambient temperature sensor compares the current ambient temperature to a stored ambient temperature representative of the outside air temperature prior to entering the heat soak mode. The controller controls the climate control system using the current ambient temperature if the current ambient temperature is less than the stored ambient temperature. If the current ambient temperature is greater than the stored ambient temperature, the controller determines a heat build up affecting the current ambient temperature and controls the climate control system using the current ambient temperature only upon elimination of the heat build up.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the level of fuel contained in the tank of a motor vehicle includes a first resistive element disposed in the tank and having a first predetermined length. The first resistive element generates a variable resistance in response to electrical current and fuel passing therethrough. A second resistive element is also disposed in the tank and has a second predetermined length. The second resistive element generates a fixed resistance in response to the electrical current and fuel passing therethrough. A microprocessor coupled to the first and second resistive elements determines the level of fuel contained in the tank based on the variable resistance, the fixed resistance and the first and second predetermined lengths.

Abstract: Controlling displacement in a variable displacement compressor of an automobile air conditioning system entails detecting the temperature and humidity level of air entering the evaporator, setting a target air probe temperature from inside the automobile, and reading the evaporator air-out temperature at the temperature probe. From these parameters, the evaporator suction pressure can be calculated as can the load on the evaporator and the refrigerant flow rate so that the compressor swash plate angle, and thus, the compressor displacement, can be adjusted. After adjusting the compressor swash plate angle, calculating the absolute value of a difference between the actual air probe value and the vehicle occupant's air probe setting can be performed. If the absolute value is less than 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit, then the compressor stroke can be maintained, but if it is not, then the iteration must again be performed.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a full open position of a closure member of a motor vehicle that articulates between an open position and a closed position includes a left pinch sensor coupled to the left side of the closure member for sensing a pinch condition on the left side of the closure member and generating a corresponding pinch signal. A right pinch sensor is coupled to the right side of the closure member for sensing a pinch condition on the right side of the closure member and generating a corresponding pinch signal. Left and right gas springs are coupled respectively to the left and right sides of the closure member for assisting in articulating the closure member and each of the gas struts has an extension at an end thereof for compressing their corresponding pinch sensor when the closure member is at its full open position.

Abstract: A floor assembly for a cargo space of an automotive vehicle includes a floor support adapted to be mounted in the cargo space. A floor panel is mounted on the floor support for movement along a predetermined path of travel from a first position totally within the cargo space to an extended position at least partially outside the vehicle. Locking mechanism releasably locks the floor panel in the desired position. The locking mechanism may also be capable of locking the floor panel in several intermediate positions between the first position and the extended position. The locking mechanism preferably includes locking detents in spaced apart relation along the path of travel, and a locking lever engageable with any one of the detents to lock the floor panel in a selected position.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly includes a mounting plate having a slot and a raised contact surface adjacent to at least part of the slot and a bracket coupled to the mounting plate, adapted to support at least a portion of a steering column. A coupler extends through the slot, and has a head overlying at least a portion of the contact surface, and engages with the bracket to retain the position of the steering column mount relative to the bracket. The combined thickness of all members between the head and the connecting portion is greater when the head overlies the contact surface than when the head is not overlying the contact surface. A greater clamping force is applied by the coupler to all members between the head and the connecting portion when the head overlies the contact surface than when the head is not overlying the contact surface.

Abstract: An impact absorption system for a motor vehicle has a steering column with a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve is sized to receive a portion of the second sleeve. The sleeves extend between a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket. A piston cylinder assembly is mounted between the first and second mounting brackets. A plurality of igniters is in communication with the piston cylinder assembly. The plurality of igniters, when activated, are capable of releasing a pressurized fluid to pressurize the piston cylinder assembly. A plurality of sensors are mounted within the motor vehicle for signaling the vehicle and driver conditions. A controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of igniters. The controller activates at least one of the plurality of igniters based on the signals from the plurality of sensors during an impact event.

Abstract: A circuit and method are provided for allowing self-heating of a battery used to power an AC motor by way of connection to a DC to AC inverter circuit. The inverter is selectively controlled to generate a heating mode AC current at the DC side connection to the battery, wherein the heating mode AC current is formed substantially of only a reactive AC current component and substantially no DC current component. In accordance with another aspect, the heating mode AC current is generated to fill the idle time in the operation of the battery.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle suspension system switchable between two modes of operation, including a first mode for when the vehicle is experiencing an on-road driving condition and a second mode for when the vehicle is experiencing an off-road driving condition, includes a vehicle speed sensor for sensing a speed of the vehicle and generating a vehicle speed signal, which may be an inherent part of the vehicle required for other vehicle functions, such as ABS, speed, or other control. The system also includes a controller for detecting an off-road driving condition and comparing the vehicle speed signal to a predetermined speed threshold. The controller then controls the suspension system to switch to the second mode of operation upon detecting the off-road driving condition and the vehicle speed signal being less than the predetermined speed threshold.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly adapted to mate with a device. The connector assembly includes a housing with a primary latch assembly that engages the device, and a connection position assurance (CPA) component that is telescopically engageable over an outer surface of the housing. The connection position assurance component includes a secondary latch assembly that engages the primary latch assembly. The primary latch assembly includes a latching portion that may be actuated by a lever, and the secondary latch assembly prevents the lever from actuating the latching portion when the electrical connector assembly is mounted to the device.

Abstract: A stowable seat assembly for a vehicle, the seat assembly including a seat, a seat receiving recess in a floor of a vehicle, an upper riser mechanism, a lower riser mechanism and a panel. The upper riser mechanism is coupled to the seat for movement of the seat between an elevated position and a collapsed position. The lower riser mechanism is coupled to the seat receiving recess for movement of the seat between a collapsed position and a stowed position. The panel is positioned between, and coupled to, the upper and lower riser mechanisms. The panel is arranged to conceal the seat receiving recess when the seat is in an elevated position, and is movable into the seat receiving recess when the seat is in a collapsed position to permit the seat to be stowed in the seat receiving recess.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly includes a steering column having a forward section and a rearward section movable relative to the forward section, a mounting plate adapted to be carried by the vehicle and a bracket releasably coupled to the mounting plate, and operably coupled to the rearward section of the steering column for movement therewith. The assembly also includes a stationary reaction surface disposed adjacent to the rearward section of the steering column and adapted to be engaged by the steering column during at least some events wherein the rearward section is displaced relative to the forward section. This maintains the position of a reaction force on the steering column during movement of the rearward section of the steering column, which provides a decreasing reaction force on the steering column.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intake port design that provides a low thermal inertia characteristic, thereby decoupling the surface temperature of the intake port walls from that of the coolant through use of an air gap formed between the intake port and the cylinder head. At idle and part-throttle, the intake port is at a higher surface temperature yielding better cold-start emissions, better mixture preparation, and less dense intake charge (“thermal throttling”) for better fuel economy. At wide-open-throttle, the intake port is at a lower surface temperature yielding better volumetric efficiency for improved torque and reduction in knocking tendency enabling higher compression ratio for improved fuel economy and performance. The intake port design of the present invention can be manufactured with a hydroform manufacturing process resulting in improved dimensional consistency and smooth surface finish. Additionally, the process eliminates some cylinder head machining processes.