Abstract: The supply chain management system employs at least one database having supplier question records that include question data entities for storing questions, answer data entities for storing answers and relationship data entities for storing relationship links to other records. A question manager manipulates the questions, records and relationship links, allowing new question records to be inserted or deleted from any point within the relationship data structure. An analysis engine presents supply chain information relative to a chosen point in the relationship data structure. The engine matches questions and answers along a relationship path. Results may be shown graphically, with colors used to highlight which conditions within the supplier chain need attention.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a motor vehicle door operative for selectively releasing a latch mechanism. The handle assembly includes a mounting portion attached to the motor vehicle door and a handle proper adapted to be manually grasped. The handle proper is translatable between a first position and a second position for releasing the latch mechanism. In a preferred form, the handle proper is biased to the first position by a coil spring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus calibrates an exhaust gas measurement system for a motor vehicle. The method includes the steps of providing a flow of air to the exhaust gas measurement system having a known flow rate, measuring and storing a signal output from the exhaust gas measurement system, repeating the first two steps a predetermined plurality number of times, calculating a calibration curve based on the known flow rates and the stored signal; and using the calibration curve in the exhaust gas measurement system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic probe and method for making the same is provided which has an advantageous construction and method of assembly. The ultrasonic probe has a segmented ultrasonic transducer having a plurality of individual independent transducers, a plurality of piezoelectric transducers connected to a first end of a respective individual independent transducer; and a plurality of electrical connections electrically communicating each the piezoelectric transducer with a power source.

Abstract: A variable length shaft is provided including a housing defining an internal space. A shaft is connected to a plunger device disposed in said internal space. The internal space is filled with magneto-rheological fluid which is selectively provided with a magnetic field for solidifying the fluid to prevent movement of the plunger within the internal space. When the magnetic field is removed, the plunger device moves freely for allowing variation in the length of the variable length shaft system.

Abstract: An automated computer modeling system generates a welded finite element model of a vehicle body. The modeling system includes a projection module for projecting predefined weld locations onto a finite element mesh representing surface data for the vehicle body such that a modified finite element mesh is generated. A welding module automatically generates assigned weld elements for the modified finite element mesh by determining the nearest node on each part with respect to the predefined weld locations and welding the parts together. The assigned weld elements and the modified finite element mesh therefore define the welded finite element model of the vehicle body. An executable file is used to perform projection functions as well as welding functions. The projection module incorporates a finite element processor to generate the modified FE mesh.

Abstract: A wing mechanism for selectively exerting a downwardly directed force to a vehicle having a vehicle body. The wing mechanism includes a wing member, a pair of wing tips and a drive assembly. The pair of wing tips are moveably coupled to opposing ends the wing member and arranged to be moved by the drive assembly between a retracted position wherein the wing tips are retracted within a cavity in the wing member and a deployed position wherein each of the wing tips extends outwardly from the perimeter of the wing member.

Abstract: A steering column mounting bracket is provided with break-away capsules integrally formed therewith from the same material as the mounting bracket allowing the capsules to have a more consistent break-away load and reduce noise within the cabin of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle radio includes a microprocessor-controlled tuner having a seek function. The tuner generates a station detect signal when a sufficiently strong signal is received, and the tuner also generates a multipath detect signal when a received signal exhibits undesirable multipath or adjacent channel conditions. To avoid ending the seek function when a relatively strong but poor-quality sideband signal is received, the microprocessor waits about 200 milliseconds after the station detect signal is generated, then determines whether the multipath detect signal is present, and if so, allows the seek to continue. On the other hand, the multipath detect signal can be expected to indicate that no multipath conditions exist (and, hence, that a good station signal exists) about 200 milliseconds after receipt of a good station signal, in which case the seek is terminated.

Abstract: An engine diagnostic tool for simulating turbocharger operation within an engine of a motor vehicle, while the engine is not running, includes a turbocharger with an air inlet, an inner surface and an outer surface. The diagnostic tool includes a plug adapted to sealingly engage the inlet of the turbo. The plug includes an aperture for supplying pressurized air to the inlet. The diagnostic tool also includes a clamp adapted to selectively restrict movement of the plug relative to the inlet. The clamp is adapted to be removably coupled to the inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a license plate to a motor vehicle having a spare tire mounted to a rear panel. The apparatus includes a mounting portion, a display portion and a latch assembly. The mounting portion is adapted to be pivotally interconnected to the motor vehicle for rotation about a pivot axis to selectively provide access to the spare tire. The display portion is carried by the mounting portion and is adapted to be oriented in a substantially vertical plane and spaced apart from a rear surface of the motor vehicle such that the spare tire is mounted to the motor vehicle interbetween the rear surface and the display portion. The latch assembly is operative for releasing/engaging a striker interconnected to the rear panel. The latch assembly is attached to the display portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling the rotational output member of a first power source to the rotational output member of a second power source. The method controls the acceleration of the output member of the first power source until its rotational speed is equal to the rotational speed of the output member of the second power source. Thereafter, the output members are coupled and the first and second power sources are controlled such that their torque contributions are maintained at a predetermined ratio.