Abstract: A toe link assembly of a suspension system includes a cam sleeve having a first and second end, a first cam plate fixedly attached to the cam sleeve at the first end, and a second cam plate fixedly attached to the cam sleeve at the second end. In addition, the toe link assembly includes a first cam washer rotatably received by the first cam plate, a second cam washer rotatably received by the second cam plate, and a bolt having a head fixedly attached to the first cam washer, a body extending between the first and second ends of the cam sleeve, and a shank fixed for rotation with the second cam washer. Rotation of the bolt causes the first and second cam washers to react against the first and second cam plates to position the bolt relative to the cam sleeve along a first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing standardization and reuse of feature driven design of automotive vehicles. An automotive vehicle is represented by a vehicle model, which includes a set of features defining vehicle functionality and information on how to implement each feature. A features database stores information on how a feature is implemented, including the physical parts it requires and the configuration of the parts. A parts database is also provided for maintaining information on vehicle parts. Coupled to the features database and the parts data base is a feature manager arranged to determine physical implementation information for each feature based on the implementation information. The physical implementation information is included in the vehicle model. A conflict manager is provided for resolving conflicts between implementations of separate features, and an optimizer for standardizing parts and implementations across multiple vehicle models.

Abstract: A method for launching an automatic vehicle transmission utilizing dual clutches in place of a torque converter avoids clutch overheating, sudden launch or roll-back by placing a clutch in a slip mode only after the vehicle's brakes have been actuated and fully disengaging the clutch upon over-heating detection. When launch is initiated, a first gear engaged and the brakes are released, the associated clutch is fully engaged to avoid overheating.

Abstract: A pneumatic testing apparatus is provided for accelerating a mass. The apparatus has a housing defining a reservoir and a cylinder having an opened proximate end and a closed distal end. The opened proximate end is positioned within the reservoir and a piston is positioned in the cylinder. The piston has a first side and a second side. A shaft connects to the first side of the piston, the shaft being positioned coaxially within the cylinder and extending through its closed distal end. An exhaust orifice is located at the closed distal end, wherein the mass is positioned on the portion of the shaft extending from the distal end of said cylinder and is accelerated as a gas at a first pressure located in the reservoir enters the open proximate end of the cylinder and urges against the second side of said piston, thereby causing the piston to accelerate toward the distal end of the cylinder and simultaneously accelerate the mass.

Abstract: A method for estimating an output torque generated by a multi-displacement engine operating in a partial-displacement mode includes multiplying a measure representing a mass air flow through the engine's intake manifold by a engine-speed-based mass-air-flow-to-torque conversion factor, and thereafter summing the product with a torque offset value likewise based on engine speed data, to obtain a base indicated potential output torque. The base indicated potential output torque is then multiplied with a torque-based efficiency conversion factor representing at least one of a partial-displacement mode spark efficiency, fuel-air-ratio efficiency, and exhaust gas recirculation efficiency, and the resulting product is summed with a torque-based frictional loss measure to obtain the desired estimated engine output torque.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle having a tub disposed at least partially in a floor of the vehicle. The seat assembly comprises at least one rear leg non-releasably secured to the floor of the vehicle. The at least one rear leg is pivotable to stow the seat assembly in the tub.

Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat frame arranged to support a cushion, a rotatable armrest, a threaded receiver mounted to either the seat frame or the armrest, a translation shaft coupled with the other of the seat frame or the armrest which includes a thread disposed on the outside surface of the shaft arranged to matingly engage with the threaded receiver. Rotation of the armrest relative to the seat frame causes the armrest to translate toward or away from the seat frame as the threads of the translation shaft engage with the threaded receiver.

Abstract: A person authentication system for authenticating core person data to a plurality of unrelated database systems and virtually linking the plurality of unrelated database systems thus creating a person data repository is provided. A controller module is connected to the person data repository for applying business rules to the input and modification of the core person data. An access control module connected between a user interface of any one of the plurality of unrelated databases systems and the controller module monitors for the input, query or modification of core person data and imposes the business rules on any input, query or modification of the core person data. An authentication module connected to the controller module authenticates as unique the addition of a person to the person data repository.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion assembly comprises a housing, a rotatable pinion gear including a plurality of teeth, and at least one moveable mount for providing a moveable attachment of the housing to the vehicle. A rack is slidably positioned within the housing and includes a plurality of teeth corresponding to the pinion teeth. A tie rod is operably attached to one of two ends of the rack, and may also be attached to a first wheel. A cross car link is operably attached to the first wheel and a second wheel. Rotation of the pinion gear causes translational movement of the rack and tie rod relative to the housing, which may thereby turn the first wheel. The first front wheel cooperates with the cross car link to simultaneously turn the second wheel, and the housing moves with respect to the vehicle as the first and second wheels turn.

Abstract: A sun-visor is attached to slidably mounted extension rods and is stowed at least partially out of sight, above the headliner, when the sun-visor is not in use. When use of the sun-visor is desired, the sun-visor may be pulled out of the headliner to a position where it may be pivoted downward to block the upper portion of the windshield. A side window sun-visor is pivoted to the sun-visor frame and may be swung outward from the windshield sun-visor to a position where it blocks sun and glare from a side window.

Abstract: A control system for vehicle devices uses an access control device to specify an identification datum, which is used by a control module to modify operation of a set of vehicle devices and functions of such devices. The control module can either disable access to the set of devices or modify operations of the vehicle devices by limiting the functionality of the selected vehicle devices. A valet using a valet key can drive the car under restrictions and a selected set of vehicle devices can be disabled during a valet's use of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fold-in-floor vehicle seat is supported in a use position on a generally flat load floor. To move the seat into a storage position, the seat is lowered onto a portion of the load floor that acts as an articulated base for the seat. The base approximates the footprint of the seat, and covers a storage cavity directly below the seat and configured to closely receive the seat. The base is free floating with respect to the remainder of the load floor, but is pivotally connected to the vehicle by an articulating arm that allows the base to rotate about a pivot point through an arcuate section of guide track in the storage cavity, and the arm then articulates to allow the base to travel through a straight portion of track. The arm then returns to its starting position as the base traverses a second arcuate section of track, having now inverted so that the seat is lodged within the storage cavity.

Abstract: An open door alert system for a vehicle causes an exterior light of the vehicle to flash if one or more vehicle doors are open. A sensor determines if the door, such as a sliding door of a van or minivan, is open. If the door is open, the exterior light flashes on and off to alert drivers of other vehicles that passengers may be entering or exiting the vehicle. Additionally, an interior vehicle light flashes concurrently with the exterior light to alert the driver that the door is open.

Abstract: A universal vehicle electric power distribution module employs reconfigurable inputs and outputs enabling use of the same hardware across vehicle lines. The module is scalable for ease of expansion and is capable of handling both low current and high current load management on the same module.

Abstract: A structural member for a motor vehicle, that is selectively positioned inside of a tubular frame rail that operatively deforms to absorb and dissipate energy in the event of a collision. The structural member having a tubular body with strengthening ribs located inside of the tubular body.

Abstract: A cab-to-frame alignment tool positions a cab on a vehicle frame in alignment with a box rearwardly of the cab. The alignment tool has a tool body. A holder removably secures the tool body to the vehicle frame. A contact member is carried by the tool body. A driver advances the contact member a predetermined distance into engagement with a contact point on the cab to laterally locate the cab on the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for determining the fuel level in a fuel tank. The apparatus includes an acoustic transducer arranged to transmit an acoustic signal and receive a reflected signal. A float remains buoyant at the surface of the fuel in the tank and has a reflective portion for receiving the acoustic signal and reflecting the reflected signal therefrom. An interface circuit is connected to the transducer and measures an elapsed time between transmitting the acoustic signal and receiving the reflected signal. The interface then produces an output as a function of the elapsed time that is indicative of the fuel level in the fuel tank.