Abstract: A method for assembling a linked suspension and an assembly tool for assembling a linked suspension are provided. The method includes positioning at least one bushing within a bracket, the bushing including an outer sleeve and a tube extending therethrough, the tube being rotatable with respect to the outer sleeve of the bushing against a counter-torque; rotating the tube with respect to the outer sleeve of the bushing; and tightening the bushing to the bracket after rotating the tube with respect to the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A composite product for use in a motor vehicle body and a method and apparatus for producing that product is disclosed. The product has a first blank with a predetermined thickness, a second blank with a predetermined thickness and dimensioned to provide the composite product with a combined thickness of the first and second blanks only in at least one required area of the composite product. A wire mesh layer is provided between the first and second blanks. An adhesive is selected to bond the first and second blanks together with the wire mesh layer interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a deactivatable valve lifter of an internal combustion engine includes determining a first measure of heat loss from one or more components associated with a given deactivated cylinder based, for example, on the number of engine cycles that have occurred since cylinder deactivation. The given cylinder is reactivated when the component heat loss measure reaches a threshold level, as by comparing the first measure to a first predetermined threshold value. After cylinder reactivation, the given cylinder can thereafter be deactivated only after the temperature of the components has been restored to a nominal operating temperature, for example, as inferred from a second measure, representing the heat generated within the given cylinder subsequent to cylinder reactivation, determined based upon engine mass air flow or fuel flow. In this manner, the respective temperatures of such engine components are maintained above a desired minimum temperature.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a dual crankshaft engine system having a first engine and a second engine having a common exhaust member open at an end thereof for venting engine exhaust. A first exhaust member is adapted to be coupled to the first engine and coupled to the common exhaust member. The first exhaust member has a first catalytic converter formed thereon. A second exhaust member is adapted to be coupled to the first engine and coupled to the common exhaust member and has a second catalytic converter formed thereon. A third exhaust member is adapted to be coupled to the second engine and coupled to the common exhaust member. A fourth exhaust member is adapted to be coupled to the second exhaust engine and coupled to the common exhaust member. A third catalytic converter is provided in the exhaust member.

Abstract: A method for determining which component of a multi-component product is responsible for a problem with the product features dismantling first and second products—one exhibiting the problem and one not. One different component from each of the original two samples is then used in building a plurality of new products. The new products are then comparatively tested to determine which component or components caused the problem.

Abstract: A valve lifter is disclosed comprising a lifter housing having a receiver, a switch retainer having at least one bore, and a key disposed in the at least one bore. The key is movable into the receiver to lock the switch retainer against movement relative to the lifter housing.

Abstract: An over-travel protection device is provided for placing in a load path between a load cell and an object being weighed. The device has a first member positioned to be in the load path and a second member also positioned to be in the load path. The second member is arranged to cooperate with the first member to transfer load force from the object to the load cell. The first and second members define a space between one another and a compressible member is disposed in the space between the first member and the second member. A retaining member is adapted to limit separation displacement between the first and second members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing positive crankcase ventilation, for the crankcase of an four-stroke engine having one or more reciprocating pistons exposed on a bottom side thereof to the crankcase, whereby the crankcase and bottom side of the one or more reciprocating pistons define a crankcase volume that varies cyclically with reciprocation of the one or more pistons. The cyclically varying volume of the crankcase, resulting from reciprocation of the one or more pistons, is used for generating a flow of air through the crankcase. The flow of air through the crankcase varies substantially in direct proportion to engine speed. An inlet control device and an outlet control device are attached to the crankcase, for controlling the flow of air through the crankcase.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide a true bilateral connecting rod apparatus having a crankshaft defining an axis of rotation and a rod journal eccentrically mounted for circular rotation about the axis, and a pair of connecting rods attached to the rod journal for reciprocating motion in a common plane extending perpendicularly through the rod journal. One or more retaining rings engage the pair of connecting rods and secure the pair of connecting rods to the journal. A common bearing insert is disposed between the pair of connecting rods and the rod journal.

Abstract: A multi-engine power plant, includes a first internal combustion engine module having an air intake and an output shaft for delivering power, a second internal combustion engine module having an air intake and an output shaft for delivering power, and a single throttle body operatively connected to the air intakes of both the first and second engine modules, for controlling a flow of air to the intakes of the engine modules at a common manifold absolute pressure (MAP) of both engine modules during operation of one or both of the engine modules. The power plant also includes a selectively engagable clutch for operatively coupling the output shaft of the second engine module to the output shaft of the first engine module, to thereby produce a common torque output from the first and second engine modules.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control and leak detection system for a motor vehicle is provided. The system is in fluid communication with a fuel tank, an engine, and a carbon canister and includes an integrated valve module that is in fluid communication with the carbon canister and the atmosphere. The module provides for venting of the system when the system is exposed to predetermined high negative and positive pressure conditions, and a predetermined low negative pressure condition. The module also includes a switch that is operable to indicate when the system is in a high or low negative pressure condition for leak detection verification of the system.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for controlling a motor vehicle powertrain. The controller comprises means for measuring an operator request for acceleration, and means for controlling the component as a function of the operator request for acceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a limited slip differential uses a solenoid operated valve having an armature attached a differential case of the differential for rotation therewith, and an actuating coil operatively attached to a non-rotating differential housing, for modulating pressure in a hydraulically actuated limited slip device of the limited slip differential. The actuating coil is mounted on a non-rotating plenum, sealed to the differential case with low pressure dynamic seals.

Abstract: A valve train is disclosed for an internal combustion engine having a block, a camshaft in the block, and at least two push rods actuated by the camshaft. The valve train comprises first and second rockers, and three valves. The first rocker is actuated by one of the push rods, and the second rocker is actuated by another of the push rods. A first valve is associated with a cylinder of the engine and actuated by the first rocker. A second valve is associated with the cylinder and actuated by the first rocker, and a third valve is associated with the cylinder and actuated by the second rocker.

Abstract: A convertible cargo bed cover can function as both a tonneau cover and a cargo bed cap. The cover is raised by motorized elements to be substantially aligned with a roof of a passenger cabin of the vehicle. Side and rear window panels stored inside the cover can be installed to transform the cover to a cap to enlarge available enclosed cargo space. Rear pillars are installed at the rear corners of the tonneau cover in its raised position to complete the installation.

Abstract: A method of double-downshifting from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio includes the steps of first reducing torque transfer from a first clutch to a first driven gear. Engine speed then increases. Next, torque transfer from a second clutch to a third driven gear is increased while simultaneously the first clutch is disengaged from the first driven gear. Torque transfer from the second clutch to the third driven gear is then reduced. Torque transfer from the second clutch to the third driven gear is next increased. The first clutch is engaged to the second driven gear. Then, torque transfer from the first clutch to the second driven gear is increased while simultaneously the torque transfer from the second clutch to the third driven gear is reduced. Finally, the second clutch is disengaged from the third driven gear.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for adjusting the position of a movable seat belt through the use of a motor operatively attached to the movable seat belt anchor, and a controller operatively connected to the motor for providing a motor drive signal to the motor for moving the seat belt anchor. The controller includes a memory for storing one or more desired positions of the anchor.

Abstract: A vehicle closure member with an integrated step is provided for improving access to a vehicle cargo area. The vehicle closure member also includes an internal cavity, an orifice positioned in the internal cavity, and a track mechanism disposed in the internal cavity that is in alignment with the orifice. The track mechanism engages the step member which slideably extends through the orifice and pivots to a deployed position to provide a step for access to the vehicle cargo area. An interlock assembly can be provided to prevent closing of the vehicle closure member when the step member is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A cam lock tilt cartridge for a steering column enables the steering column to tilt with respect to an instrument panel. The cam lock tilt cartridge has a housing connected to the steering column. A pawl is rotatably coupled to the housing. A rack is slideably coupled to the housing and connected to the instrument panel. A cam is coupled to both the pawl and rack to move the pawl with respect to the rack to enable movement of the steering column.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain in a motor vehicle having a first torque source and a second torque source each providing a torque output to a transmission includes determining a vehicle speed and a current gear selection of the motor vehicle. A threshold value is calculated from the vehicle speed and the current gear selection. An accelerator position of the motor vehicle is then determined. An accelerator position rate of change is calculated from the accelerator position. The accelerator position rate of change is compared to the threshold value. The torque output from the first torque source is increased if the accelerator position rate of change is less than the threshold value. However, the transmission is downshifted if the accelerator position rate of change is greater than the threshold value.