Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a vaporized reductant to an engine exhaust stream find particular utility in the regeneration of a nitrous oxide absorber in a Diesel engine exhaust treatment system. The method and apparatus are based on fueling the Diesel engine with a mixture of Diesel oil and an alcohol, such as methanol. At least a portion of the alcohol vaporizes in the fuel tank, or is forced to vaporize by passing the fuel mixture through a heat exchanger. The vapor is then stored in a canister for subsequent selective injection of the alcohol into the exhaust stream upstream of the adsorber. The alcohol then thermally decomposes to provide sufficient hydrogen and carbon monoxide to regenerate the adsorber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide external blow-off in a turbocharger having an internal recirculation valve configured for attachment to a valve mounting flange defining a recirculation valve inlet port connected in fluid communication with an outlet of a compressor of the turbocharger, and a recirculation valve outlet port connected to an inlet of the compressor, through use of an external blow-off adaptor that is configured for installation between the internal recirculation valve and the valve mounting flange. The external blow-off adapter is configured for producing a desirable sound when the recirculation valve is operating in the recirculation mode with the external blow-off adaptor installed between the recirculation valve and the valve mounting flange.

Abstract: A V-twin engine includes a two cylinder reciprocating apparatus, having a pair of connecting rods joined to a crankshaft through a pair of connecting rod journals that are centered at a common throw radius from the crankshaft axis, and angularly displaced from one another along the throw radius by an angular displacement equal to an included angle defined by axes of the cylinders, so that the pistons will move in unison and each reach top dead center (TDC) and bottom dead center (BDC) in their respective cylinders at substantially the same time. The cylinders fire alternately on sequential rotations the crankshaft. Counterweights on two balance shafts rotate in a 1:1 rotation ratio in a direction opposite to the crankshaft, with forces from the balance shaft counterweights and a crankshaft counterweight alternately aligning and opposing for counterbalancing vertical forces and unbalance loads in the engine.

Abstract: A valve for use between a vehicle fuel tank vent and a vapor recovery canister in a vehicle fuel tank containing liquid fuel, such a valve comprises: a housing having a fuel tank side and a vapor recovery canister side; and a vapor permeable membrane fixed to the housing to block the passage of liquid fuel.

Abstract: A tow hook mount is adapted to resist movement of the tow hook in a towing direction. The mount is also adapted to release the tow hook by allowing the tow hook to move in a direction opposite to the towing direction when contacted by a force in such direction. The tow hook is an elongated member having a towing end and a mounting end. The mounting end includes a front mount and a rear mount, each having a slot extending substantially opposite to the towing direction. In a low impact collision, the tow hook is arranged to move or break away from the automobile upon application of an impact force to the tow hook which is less than an activation force required to activate an airbag on the vehicle.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a headrest pivotable between first and second positions. The first position is generally proximate a seatback, and the second position is generally proximate a side wall.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for enabling the enlargement of the cabin for a vehicle having an enclosed cabin and a cargo bed extending rearwardly from the cabin. The apparatus includes a rear wall removably coupled to the cabin. A guide element is positioned along a floor of the cargo bed and a base portion of the rear wall is slideably coupled to the guide element, which enables the rear wall to be translated rearwardly from the cabin to vary a volume thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing localized deflection in the body of a body-on-frame vehicle are provided through use of a vehicle body having a localized portion thereof that deflects locally and contacts the frame, for resisting further localized deflection of the localized area of the body when the operating load is applied to the localized area of the body. The localized area of the body forms a localized gap between the frame and the localized area of the body, when the body is mounted on the frame in a spaced relationship thereto, that closes and allows the localized area of the body to contact the frame. The apparatus exceeds the requirements of FMVSS 225 for limiting maximum allowable deflection under simulated operating loads applied through a test fixture anchored to child restraint seat anchor points of a seating structure attached to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a seat cushion frame, a seatback, and a leg. The seat cushion frame has an outboard end pivotally mounted to a fixed support proximate a side wall of the vehicle, and the seatback is pivotally connected to the seat cushion frame. The leg is pivotally mounted to the inboard end of the seat cushion frame and includes a latch mechanism for securing to the vehicle floor. A brace is pivotally connected to the leg and to the fixed support proximate the side wall, so that the seat cushion frame, leg, brace and fixed support act a parallel linkage to move as a unit from a use position to a stowed position of the seat assembly. The assembly is held in the stowed position by a pin that engages the brace to prevent its pivoting relative to the fixed support.

Abstract: An objective method is provided for selecting gear ratios for use in a motor vehicle transmission having multiple selectable gears. The method includes selecting gear ratios for a specific application includes calculating a low gear ratio, and a high gear ratio based upon vehicle parameters and performance requirements. The total ratio spread is determined by dividing the low gear ratio by the high gear ratio. Using the total ratio spread, a geometric sequence is created with a plurality of terms, such that each of the terms respectively represent the ratio steps between the gears. Lastly, each gear ratio is divided by its respective ratio step plus one to find the gear ratio for the next gear. This method provides an objective method for selecting gear ratios, such that the steps between each of the ratios are uniformly progressive.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) control system for an engine comprises a valve, such as an EGR valve, that controls recirculation of exhaust gas in the engine between an exhaust manifold and an intake manifold. A controller communicates with the valve and opens the valve after the engine is turned off to allow the exhaust gas into the intake manifold. The exhaust gas is therefore present in the intake manifold when the engine is next started. In this manner, the amount of fuel required to start the engine is reduced, and startup emissions are reduced.

Abstract: A link rod flexibly connecting an exterior door handle of a motor vehicle and a door latching mechanism to prevent actuation of the door latching mechanism as the result of a lateral collision, the link rod comprising: a first section connected to the vehicle door handle; a second section operatively connected to the door latching mechanism; and a lateral connector operatively connecting the first section to the second section. The lateral connector may be a laterally flexible spring, laterally flexible synthetic material, or a hinge point.

Abstract: An apparatus connected to an energy storage device for powering an electric motor and optionally providing a warming function for the energy storage device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a circuit connected to the electric motor and the energy storage device for generating a current. The apparatus also includes a switching device operably associated with the circuit for selectively directing the current to one of the electric motor and the energy storage device.

Abstract: A seat belt anchorage has a tubular housing adapted to be mounted on support structure of a vehicle. The housing has a cylindrical wall. A nut is axially slidable along the inner surface of the cylindrical wall. The housing has a transverse wall at an inner end of the cylindrical wall. The transverse wall has a tapered surface. The transverse wall has an annular abutment ring inwardly of the tapered surface defining a central opening. The nut has a tapered side in contact with the tapered surface of said transverse wall and an end in contact with the abutment ring. A bolt has a shank extending through the opening and threaded into the nut. The bolt has a head exteriorly of the housing and a collar on the shank between the head and the abutment ring. A seat belt supporting plate is mounted on the collar. The bolt in normal use is tightened to draw the tapered side of the nut against the tapered surface of the transverse wall and to draw the collar against the abutment ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for tracking material being transferred from a source to a destination by a carrier which comprises the steps of receiving a transmission from the source, the transmission being indicative of characteristics of the material. Also, a second transmission indicative of characteristics of the carrier is received. The carrier information is then associated with the supplier information. In another aspect, this information is used to estimate times for arrival of shipments, generate alarms for late arrivals and measure performance of suppliers and carriers.

Abstract: A folding seating apparatus, for on-board stowage of an optionally deployable passenger seat, in a vehicle having a floor defining a floor surface that may be entirely flat when the seating apparatus is stowed. The seating apparatus includes a stowable seat having a seat cushion supported on one or more legs above the floor, a seat back that is foldable upon the seat cushion for stowage of the seat, and a seat receiving recess in the floor for on-board stowage of the seat.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a plurality of forces acting on a conveyor chain of a conveyor line includes a pre-selected chain link coupled to the conveyor chain, and a sensor array having a plurality of strain gauges disposed on the pre-selected chain link, each of the plurality of strain gauges being distinctly oriented to measure the plurality of forces acting on the pre-selected link.

Abstract: A two piece electronic component heat sink and device package comprising a first piece configured to retain electronic components, and a second piece having a hinge region configured to moveably connect the second piece to the first piece, and a snap lock region opposite the hinge region, the snap lock region configured to secure the second piece to the first piece. A two piece electronic component heat sink and device package for a circuit board comprising: a first piece having an index slot for retaining said circuit board, and a second piece having a hinge region configured to pivotably connect the second piece and the first piece, and a snap lock region configured to secure the second piece to the first piece.