Abstract: A method for wind-noise testing of an automobile in a wind tunnel is disclosed. The method includes measuring wind-noise generated by the automobile in a first condition. The first condition is the condition of the automobile with a predefined set of exterior components attached. The method further includes measuring the wind-noise generated by the automobile in a second condition. The second condition is the condition of the automobile with all exterior components removed and all individual gaps taped. The second condition is the fully quiet condition of the automobile. The method also includes measuring the wind-noise generated by the automobile after adding a single individual exterior component and/or un-taping an individual gap.

Abstract: A method is provided of transferring satellite digital audio channel information to a radio display module. The method includes: broadcasting radio display type information on a in-vehicle communication network; storing a value in the radio display module to indicate a current version of at least one channel information table in the radio display module; sending a value to the radio display module to indicate the current version of the channel information table stored in a satellite receiver module; requesting the satellite receiver module to send the current channel information table; transforming the channel information table into a message protocol structure within a data stream whereby the data stream is transmitted to the radio display module; and storing the data stream into an address in the radio display module.

Abstract: A method for estimating weld nugget diameter includes receiving current and voltage inputs, a time input, and a force input. In certain embodiments, the method also uses other weld parameters including type of material, type of stack, stack thickness, applied force, preheat current, RMS value of weld current, weld level, and weld time. The method further determines a resistance curve based on the current and voltage inputs, and time input. It also derives parameters from the resistance curve, and determines a weld nugget diameter estimate based on both resistance parameters.

Abstract: A retainer for a vehicle cargo area that is bounded in part by a floor and a door moveable between open and closed positions includes a retaining member spanning at least a portion of the cargo area, a pivot feature operably associated with the retaining member, and a retaining feature that yieldably retains the retaining member in its second position to facilitate retaining cargo within the cargo area. The retaining member pivots about the pivot feature relative to the cargo area between a first position and a second position wherein the retaining member is inclined relative to the floor of the cargo area. When the door is open the retainer is normally in its second position to facilitate retaining cargo within the cargo area.

Abstract: A close out seal has a base, a weather strip and a trim strip all permanently joined together to provide a single part capable of being readily installed in a rear quarter panel of an automotive vehicle. The weather strip has a sealing lip adapted to contact a rear window of the vehicle. The trim strip has a contoured inner surface portion adapted to seal around an upright end portion of a transverse overhead sport bar. The trim strip provides a cap for the rear quarter panel.

Abstract: A system for locating a vehicle includes a hand-held unit with data transceiver operation to generate a location request signal. The system also includes a location element in the vehicle, which is operative upon receipt of the location request signal to determine a location of the vehicle relative to the hand-held unit. The locator element in the vehicle sends an indication of the location to the vehicle. The data transceiver in the hand-held unit is further operative to receive the indication of the location of the vehicle and to send the indication to a location indicator. Upon receipt of the indication of the location, the location indicator alerts an operator of the hand-held unit.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a slide carried by the vehicle and having a moveable portion, a seat carried by the moveable portion and including a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally connected together for movement between an open position and a folded position, and a pivot connector connected between the movable portion and the seat to permit pivoted movement of the seat relative to the slide. In one presently preferred implementation, the pivot connector is connected to the seat back and the entire seat may be pivoted about the pivot connector to move the seat relative to and preferably into a forward or a rearward area in the vehicle interior. The slide permits sliding or generally horizontal movement of the seat in the vehicle and the seat may be pivoted and/or moved into a variety of positions.

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic suspension system for a vehicle includes hydraulic struts selectively interconnected, in on-road and off-road configurations, to obviate the need for conventional shocks and springs. In the on-road configuration, the hydraulic struts are linked cross-vehicle with multiple accumulators in the circuit for increased on-road roll stiffness. In the off-road configuration, the hydraulic struts are self-linked, with fewer accumulators, to maximize flexibility and articulation of the system. The system also includes a hydraulic supply to selectively raise and lower the vehicle for the off-road and on-road configurations, respectively. In a further configuration, the roll stiffness and articulation of the suspension system is configured solely by the selective connection of accumulators to the hydraulic suspension circuit.

Abstract: An aerodynamic noise measurement system for a vehicle uses sound reflectors to determine the sound wave propagation of aerodynamic noise of the vehicle. The vehicle is placed within a test section of a wind tunnel. The air flow of the wind tunnel generates the aerodynamic noise as it passes over the vehicle. An array of sound reflectors is placed outside of the air flow of the wind tunnel. Microphone arrays receive the aerodynamic noise directly from the source and from the sound reflectors. An analyzer system forms an acoustic image of the vehicle based on the aerodynamic noise. A viewing device displays an image of the vehicle with an overlay of aerodynamic noise data in real-time.

Abstract: A flexible chain guide guides the slack side of a length of chain that extends between a drive sprocket and a driven sprocket. The chain guide has a flexible, resilient spring leaf with a fixed end and an unattached free end. The spring leaf bears against the slack side of the length of chain to damp vibration.

Abstract: A damping section, for an aerodynamic wind tunnel having a test section defined by a nozzle mouth at an upstream end and a collector mouth at a downstream end, is adapted to conform to a perimeter of the collector mouth and extend in the downstream end of the test section, and includes a slotted section adapted to dissipate irregularities in the flow of air at the perimeter of the collector mouth.

Abstract: An arrangement for starting an engine includes a torque coupler provided between a starter motor and the engine crankshaft. The torque coupler includes a gear mechanism arranged to allow a starter motor to rotate for a period of time prior to transferring rotational torque to the crankshaft to turn the engine over.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter/motor/generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter/motor/generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.

Abstract: A tooling and part design method automatically detects tooling and machining interferences with a desired part design. A user selects a mechanical component. Data indicative of the mechanical component, such as a part template, is determined and displayed to the user. The user selects one or more design parameters of the mechanical component to modify. Any necessary tooling and/or machining functions are embedded in the data, and performed automatically on the mechanical component when the user modifies a design parameter. Any interferences caused by the modification are automatically identified to the user.

Abstract: A vehicle part inventory management system is provided for filling at least part of the vehicle part orders by one vehicle dealer from the inventory of another vehicle dealer. The inventory management system includes an ordered parts data structure for storing ordered parts information; an inventory data structure for storing vehicle part inventory information for a plurality of vehicle dealers; and a dealer assessment module connected to the ordered parts data structure and the inventory data structure, such that the dealer assessment module receives at least one request to fill a vehicle part order and is able to determine a list of potential supplying dealers that have the ordered vehicle part. The inventory management system further includes a dealer interface module that receives the list of potential supplying dealers and is able communicate a request to supply the ordered vehicle part to at least one of the potential supplying dealers.