Abstract: An automatic transmission and transfer case operatively mounted in a four wheel drive vehicle controlled by a single selector lever that is moved to predetermined detented positions along a longitudinal gate to select the transmission drive ranges, reverse, neutral and park. A special pivot construction allows the selector lever to be moved laterally with respect to the normal longitudinal movement for transfer case gear ratio changes and neutral selection. A small lateral gate is employed to receive the selector lever located in alignment with the neutral detent position of the automatic transmission requiring the transmission to be in neutral when the transfer case is shifted. When moved into the lateral gate, the selector lever activates electronic controls effecting operation of a motor for shifting transfer case gear ratios and for selecting transfer case neutral.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus includes electrical contacts which each have a sliding mast contact portion and a docking contact portion. The apparatus includes a linearly extendable and retractable one-piece mast antenna. The sliding mast contact portions of the electrical connectors make contact with an outer surface of the mast antenna along the full length of the antenna as it is extended and retracted. The docking contact portions of each electrical connector make electrical contact only with a lower end portion of the antenna which has a larger diameter than the remainder of the antenna. The docking contact portions of each electrical connector only make electrical contact with the lower end portion when the antenna is substantially completely extended. In this manner the docking contact portions experience only a small degree of the wear experienced by the sliding mast contact portions, which make contact with the outer surface of the antenna along almost its entire length.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical adaptor for transmitting current from a standard seven prong trailer plug power source to a female cigarette lighter plug. The adaptor uses two of the seven prongs of the seven prong trailer plug power source to supply current to the female cigarette lighter plug. The electrical adaptor provides a way of using a standard trailer plug, normally located external to a vehicle, to supply electrical current to an accessory. The adaptor is contained within a cylindrical plastic housing. A thermal insulator is positioned around the female cigarette lighter plug to thermally insulate it from the cylindrical plastic housing.

Abstract: A method for detecting a refrigerant charge in an air conditioning system. A charge detection device is connected to the air conditioning system that is operated to produce cooling air. The input temperature and pressure are measured from sensors in the air conditioning system. The charge detection device determines an actual sub cooling value of the air conditioning system from the input temperature and pressure. A desired sub cooling value is then assigned based on the ambient temperature and humidity of the air in which the air conditioning system is operating. The desired sub cooling value is obtained from a database in the charge detection device. The database stores predetermined sub cooling values at an optimum charge for a fixed compressor rpm, a fixed evaporator airflow and various ambient conditions encountered during normal operation.

Abstract: An adjustable support structure having an indicator device for use with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) capable of minimizing deformation of an object to be measured. The adjustable support structure includes a base portion being secured to a pillar support of the CMM. A top and bottom swivel plate are further included in the adjustable support structure and are mounted to the base portion to frictionally retain a first swivel arm. Additional swivel arms are pivotally mounted to the first swivel arm. A point support post and locking nut are still further included and threadedly engaged with an end of the final support arm. The indicator device is finally included for indicating when the point support post is in electrical contact with the object, so as to maximize support of the object while minimizing deformation thereof.

Abstract: A vertical dip pretreatment and electro-deposition system has a plurality of dip stations and a plurality of spray stations. The process limited dip stations, such as the degrease dip station, the phosphate dip station and the electro-coat dip station, have expandable dip tanks which can have a bulkheads that divide the tanks into two sections providing the tanks with two compartments, or have removable end walls that can be removed and replaced with a tank section. If the bulkhead divided tanks are used, during the initial period of operation when production rates would typically be less than ten to twelve jobs an hour, one compartment of each expandable dip tank is used for immersion and the other compartment left dry or used for other purposes such as storage. When volume increases to above the design capacity, the expandable tanks are expanded. If bulkhead divided tanks are used, the bulkhead is removed which joins the first and second compartments, thus doubling the length of the tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering device which has a steering column selectively moveable from a first position to a second position. The first position is a position angled upward conducive to driver use, and the second position is a more horizontal position which is conducive to vehicle crashing. The steering column has a front bracket and a locomotive device. Upon impact, the locomotive device drives the steering column, which rotates about the front bracket, and changes the resulting steering column angle. Thus, when the air bag inflates, it is positioned at a reduced angle and absorbs the impact of the driver more effectively.

Abstract: A method of providing vehicle security against theft involves entering a PIN by using one or more buttons of a preexisting electronic device of a vehicle (an electronic device conventionally found in a vehicle that has a function other than that of providing security against theft, such as a digital odometer, a radio, a compass/information unit, or the like). If the entered PIN does not match a stored PIN, starting of the engine is prevented. Illustratively, the PIN is input into a body controller of the vehicle that compares entered PIN against a stored PIN. If the entered PIN matches the stored PIN, the body controller sends a start enable signal to an engine controller of the vehicle. Upon receipt of the start enable signal from the body controller, the engine controller enables starting of the vehicle so that the vehicle will start when the ignition switch is turned.

Abstract: A flexible circuit board interconnect is provided with flex strain relief capabilities. The flexible circuit board interconnect includes a polyamide or polyimide (both are nylons) substrate layer, a ground plane layer and a conductor strip layer. The ground plane layer is provided with scalloped edges along opposite sides thereof. The ground plane provides a shield for preventing radio frequency interference to and from the signals passed through the conductor strips. The ground plane layer and the conductor strips are covered at least partially by a pair of soldermask layers which are provided with scalloped edges. The scalloped edges on the soldermask layers and the ground plane prevent the generation of a crease or fold line on the surface of the flexible circuit board interconnect. Each of the conductor strips are provided with a pair of vias on opposite ends of thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a secondary lens between the display lens and the vacuum florescent display. Both the lenses have an index of refraction greater than 1 which results in a momentary change in the viewing angle while the light passes through each lens. Since two lenses are used, the overall effective lens thickness for effective light shifting is increased while the cross sectional thickness of each lens remains uniform. Preferably, each lens is made of a polycarbonate material and has an index of refraction of 1.59. In another aspect of the present invention, the display lens is constructed of a smoke material and the secondary lens is clear.

Abstract: A swing-away spare tire carrier for a motor vehicle includes a cross tube extending transversely for attachment to underside vehicle structure of the motor vehicle, a single arm support bracket secured solely to the cross tube, the cross tube extending through the arm support bracket, and a carrier arm pivotally attached to the arm support bracket for pivotal movement between a first position adjacent a vehicle body of the motor vehicle and a second position extending substantially laterally from the vehicle body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic door flusher which uses one floating urethane flushing block, at least two tractor elements for urging the flushing block toward the body and urging the door toward the floating flushing block. The tractor elements can be pneumatic suction cups.

Abstract: An impact reinforcement for a curved rail in a motor vehicle includes a base portion extending longitudinally for attachment to a curved portion of a curved rail, and a flange portion connected to the base portion and extending longitudinally into a straight portion of the curved rail.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension strut includes a generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end. The housing defines a generally longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, and a housing interior for containing a fluid. A first closure closes the first end of the housing and includes a piston receiving aperture. A second closure is provided for closing the second end of the housing. A piston is extendable through the piston receiving aperture, and is moveable in an axial direction between a fully collapsed position and an extended position. The piston includes a first end disposed adjacent to the first end of the housing and exteriorly of the housing exterior, and a second end disposed adjacent to the second end of the housing and within the housing interior. The piston also includes an insertable portion having a length L.

Abstract: A floor covering assembly and method for use in an interior compartment of an automotive vehicle includes a floor covering having a sill trim attached thereto. The floor covering assembly is prefabricated, thus it forms a unitary, modular assembly which may be easily installed in the interior of the vehicle in a timely and efficient manner. The floor covering assembly includes a sill trim having a U-shaped channel which accepts a leading edge of the floor covering. The floor covering is then wrapped around at least one surface of the sill trim and secured thereto by a suitable adhesive. A staple or other fastening mechanism may also be used to further secure the floor covering to the sill trim.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body which includes a left-hand outer body panel, a left-hand inner body panel, a right-hand inner body panel, and a right-hand outer body panel. The four body panels are capable of being easily secured together at the longitudinal midline of the motor vehicle body. In another aspect, a motor vehicle body includes a plurality of interconnectable body panels including a body panel having a generally-vertical side and a horizontal appendage extending from the vertical side. The horizontal appendage is tapered circumferentially from its proximal end to its distal end. In another aspects a motor vehicle body has a plurality of interconnectable body panels including a body panel having an integral door frame member and an integral front fender liner having an integral inner splash shield. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the motor vehicle body may have a body panel having an integral roof frame member and an integral front fender liner having an integral inner splash shield.

Abstract: A simulator device for simulating the signature characteristics of a vehicle is provided which has a support structure to operably support a door assembly of a vehicle. A door actuating assembly is adjustably mounted to the support structure to operate the vehicle door assembly systems. The simulator device thereby cyclic tests the door assembly without the need for the door assembly to be installed on the vehicle.

Abstract: An ignition switch system is provided for use with an engine of a vehicle. The ignition switch system includes a power source such as a battery, and an ignition switch connected to the power source. The ignition switch includes an off position and a combined run and start position. A controller is electrically connected to the ignition switch. A relay mechanism is electrically connected to the controller. A starter mechanism is electrically connected to the relay mechanism and is drivingly engageable with the engine of the vehicle. The ignition switch connects the power source to the controller when the ignition switch is in the combined run and start position. The controller, upon connection with the power source, determines if the engine is running. If the engine is not running, the controller activates the relay mechanism which engages the starter mechanism to the power source.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle body has a side opening that is opened and closed by a sliding door. The door is operated with a power drive mechanism that is pivotally mounted thereon and extends through the side opening. The power drive mechanism includes a reversible electric motor driven friction drive wheel and is spring biased to forcibly engage this wheel with a drive/guide track that is located beneath the vehicle floor and attached to the vehicle body. The friction drive wheel rides on the drive/guide track to open and close the door and also helps guide and stabilize its sliding movement. The spring load on the friction drive wheel is limited so as to provide sliding door operation with the motor under normal conditions and allow slippage at the friction drive wheel to cease door movement when the door encounters a physical object in the door opening.