Abstract: A structural load transfer member for a vehicle including a housing having a first open end, a second open end, and a central bore. A first end member having an inner side is attached to the housing and an outer side of the first end member is attached to a sill of the vehicle. A second end member having an inner side is attached to the housing and an outer side is attached to a frame rail of the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle park assist systems and a method of operating a vehicle including an operably attached trailer. The vehicle park assist system includes a transmitter arrangement to produce incident energy on an obstacle, and a sensor arrangement to detect reflected energy from the obstacle. A controller determines an obstacle status based on the reflected energy, and detects attachment of a trailer to the vehicle. A warning apparatus operably coupled to the controller indicates the obstacle status. The warning apparatus is regulated based on the attachment of the trailer to the vehicle. The method includes providing a vehicle park assist system, detecting the attachment of the trailer to the vehicle, and regulating the vehicle park assist system based on the attachment of the trailer to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and arrangement remembers a last-played position of a recorded medium by associating an identification number with the medium and storing therewith in memory a last-play position of the medium. The identification number of the recorded medium is analyzed after re-insertion of the medium into the player and play is resumed at the last-play position when the identification number corresponds with the identification number previously stored in memory.

Abstract: An over-travel protection device for mounting an occupant classification sensor having a deflecting member, the sensor being mounted between first and second seat mounting portions, is described. The device has a sensor plate positioned adjacent the occupant classification sensor and a spacer having a land. The spacer is positioned adjacent to the occupant classification sensor. A compliant element is located between the sensor plate and the second seat mounting portion. The land is spaced from the first mounting portion until the deflecting member deflects a predetermined amount, causing the land to abut the first seat mounting portion and thereby preventing further displacement of the deflecting member.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is provided for an electronically controlled transmission that allows user selection between a plurality of shift schedules for the transmission. The switch assembly provides a signal for selecting among the plurality of shift schedules and has a housing. A first set of electrical contacts are positioned within the housing, and selectively closable to cause the input signal to be indicative of a selection of a first shift schedule. A second set of electrical contacts are positioned within the housing and are selectively closable to cause input signal to be indicative of a selection of a second shift schedule.

Abstract: A conveyor diagnostic system for monitoring loading of a conveyor line assembly including at least one sensor component coupled to the conveyor line assembly. The sensor component is adapted for detecting loading of the conveyor line assembly and is further adapted for generating and transmitting a signal that is correlative of the loading of the conveyor line assembly. The conveyor diagnostic system also includes a ground station adapted to receive and process the signal that is correlative of the loading of the conveyor line assembly. Furthermore, the conveyor diagnostic system includes a local positioning system that is adapted for detecting the location of the sensor component in relation to a reference point. A method of using the conveyor diagnostic system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transmission control system includes a first gear engagement element that receives fluid and engages a first gear. An electromagnetic actuator selectively interrupts fluid flow to the first gear engagement element based on a duty cycle of a control signal. A control module adjusts the duty cycle so that a fluid flow rate continuously decreases as the first gear engagement element produces a first torque sufficient to hold the first gear. The flow rate is based on a first estimated volume of the fluid necessary for the first gear engagement element to produce the first torque. The control module computes a current volume of the fluid when the first gear engagement element produces the first torque. The control module adjusts a value of the first estimated volume for subsequent transmission control when a difference between the current volume and the first estimated volume is greater than a predetermined volume.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly and method of operating the same. The assembly includes a door portion movable between a closed position and an open position. An extendable spoiler is operably attached to the door portion. An extendable floorbed is operably attached to the door portion. The floorbed may be extended when the door portion is in the open position and the spoiler is extended. The method includes moving a door portion between a closed position and an open position. A spoiler operably attached to the door portion is extended. A floorbed operably attached to the door portion is extended when the door portion is in the open position and the spoiler is extended.

Abstract: A communication system for controlling remote devices within a vehicle is provided. The communication system includes a master module for generating a command message, and a remote module for executing the command message and generating a response message. A data bus provides bidirectional communication between the master module and the remote module. The communication system also includes a message frame for communicating data between the master module and the remote module, the message frame includes the command message generated by the master module for execution by the remote module, and the message frame includes the response message generated by the remote module for providing feedback to the master module.