Abstract: The present invention couples a tire pump with the wheel rim of a vehicle. The pump is activated electromagnetically to inflate the tire as desired, e.g. when tire pressure is below a required value. The pump is arranged to draw air from the atmosphere and pump into an interior portion of the tire. A magnetized plunger within the pump is biased to an initial position by a biasing element. Energizing an electromagnet generates a magnetic field. The pump is arranged to rotate in and out of the magnetic field to cause the plunger to reciprocate and inflate the tire.

Abstract: An interference removal system is provided for determining the possible removal of a component from an assembly where the component to be removed is in an environment including other components that interfere with its removal. The system uses dimensional data to define the removal component and its environment including other components. A boundary space is established around the removal component where the boundary space includes another component interfering with removal of the removal component. The removal component then randomly moves within the boundary space until it is free from interference with its environment. The system is intended to assist in automated path planning by removing initial interference conditions.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a plurality of pedal position sensors in a motor vehicle. A series of voltages are accumulated from each of a plurality of pedal position sensors. Representative voltages are determined from the series of voltages. The representative voltages are assigned to linear relationships from which an offset is determined.

Abstract: A seating system for a motor vehicle that provides one or more seats having independent tilting and height adjustments for an occupant's comfort or manipulation of the seat between a stowed and depolyed position. The seats have first and second support members adjustably linked to a third support member. The adjustable link between the first and third support members controls the tilt of the seat and the adjustable link between the second and third support member controls the height of the seat.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle operating in a automatic speed control speed mode is provided. The first step in the method is measuring the torque output of the engine. A torque load acting on the transmission in a first gear is then determined. A maximum torque capable of being produced by the engine is then predicted. A torque output of the transmission in a second gear is then determined based upon the predicted maximum torque capable of being produced by the engine. A transmission shift from the first gear to the second gear is then allowed if the determined torque output of the transmission in the second gear is greater than the torque load of the transmission in a first gear.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery (200) has at least two carbon foam electrodes (54, 56). Each of the electrodes (54, 56) is fitted with a plate (60, 62 respectively) formed from an electrically conductive material. The plate (60, 62) has an underside which is formed so as to be attached to one end of the carbon foam electrode (54, 56). The plate (60, 62) may be fixed to the electrode by crimping or a similar deforming process or may be fitted thereto by an electrically conductive adhesive.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a retractable top has a switch for operating the retractable top and windows, both, at the same time. The switch has circuitry for electrically coupling the switch with a power source, at least one vehicle window and the retractable top. The switch has a neutral position and first, second and third positions. When the switch is in its first position, the top moves from a first or cover position to a second retractable position. When the switch is in its second position, if necessary, the top continues to move to its lowered position while the at least one window is moved from a first or up position to a second or lowered position. In the third position, the switch moves the top from the second or lowered position to the first or cover position.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably locking the tilt steering column assembly. The apparatus includes a housing, a lock member, a pawl, a rack and a rack trunnion. The rack and the rack trunnion, which are slidable relative to one another, form a link that determines the angle to which the tilt steering column is adjusted. The pawl is pivotably coupled to the rack trunnion and pivotable between a first position, wherein teeth formed on the pawl meshingly engage teeth formed on the rack to fix the position of the rack trunnion relative to the rack, and a second position, wherein the teeth of the pawl are rotated out of engagement with the teeth of the rack to permit the rack trunnion and the rack to be moved relative to one another.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a power sliding door system having a power drive mechanism for propelling the sliding door and a power latching mechanism for latching the sliding door in a latched condition. The methodology provides enhanced monitoring and control of the power sliding door system to improve the operation of the sliding door in both the power-assisted and manual modes. The control methodology inhibits the operation of the power sliding door system in response to the actuation of any of the sliding door handles or if a fuel door is in the path of the sliding door. The control methodology also inhibits the operation of the sliding door system if a child guard mechanism is enabled. The control methodology includes an obstacle detection routine which detects obstacles in two directions of travel. The control methodology does not require the power drive mechanism or inertia to cause the latch mechanism to latch the sliding door in the latched condition.

Abstract: A vehicle step assembly which easily mounts to and removes from a motor vehicle and includes a main body portion and a pair of mounting brackets. The main body portion defines a step surface. The assembly further includes fasteners for attaching the main body portion to the mounting brackets as well as the brackets to the vehicle body or frame. The brackets attach to the vehicle through a downwardly facing tab and removable fasteners. The fasteners secure the bracket to the body or frame. The downwardly facing tabs help to carry and allow for easy installation and removal.

Abstract: A method for regulation of an engine of a vehicle by manner of temperature control delays based on a target temperature of a component of the engine. Once enrichment has been triggered, enrichment is continued to ensure a temperature of the component is below its target for a specified time, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the component has not exceeded its target temperature for more than a certain percentage of its life.

Abstract: A linearly moveable gear selector system is provided for controlling operation of a vehicle drivetrain component. The gear selector system is coupled to a transmission and/or transfer case unit and is configured to shift the drivetrain component into a desired mode of operation. The gear selector system includes a selector lever that is movable by an operator in a linear direction parallel to a lengthwise axis of the vehicle. The selector system includes a slidable guide shaft that produces a linear motion linked to the drivetrain component that is proportion in magnitude and direction as that of selector lever.