Abstract: A removable, bag-like protective liner is provided for the interior of a motor vehicle with a rear opening. The liner defines an internal compartment for storage of cargo in the rear of the vehicle while protecting the interior of the vehicle from damage by the cargo. The liner is supported by a plurality of attachments which secure the liner to the interior of the motor vehicle. In addition, a sidewall portion and the forward end portion are configured such that the height of the liner can be selectively adjusted based upon the interior height of the vehicle.

Abstract: An oil cooling arrangement for a stacked plate type clutch assembly is provided. The stacked plate clutch assembly includes a stacked plate arrangement of alternating separator plates and clutch plates housed within a retainer. The oil cooling arrangement includes a flow passage structure arranged relative to the retainer for providing a secondary oil flow path in addition to a flow path through the stacked plate clutch assembly.

Abstract: A valve deactivator is provided that is capable of being activated and deactivated by a pulse energy input. The valve deactivator includes an input member and an output member which are movable relative to one another in the deactivated mode and which are engaged for simultaneous movement in an activated mode. A coil and armature, or other pulse energy input means, are provided to engage and disengage a locking system to activate and deactivate the valve actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage enclosure for a motor vehicle within the interior of the motor vehicle. The invention also provides a work station that defines the top portion of the enclosed storage area. This top work surface is pivotally attached to the upper area of the storage enclosure and provides access to the enclosed interior volume of the area. The work surface area is preferably a trifurcated work station. The work surface area that provides a top to the interior storage unit may be fully unfolded to provide an extended work surface area by a user. When the storage area is covered, the closure may form a supportive platform for use as a work station. This work station provides a flat surface area and includes a holding compartment that nests within the flat surface area. The support platform may by pivoted to allow access to the storage enclosure.

Abstract: A reaction shaft support for a motor vehicle transmission includes a fluid passage having a cored portion and a drilled portion. The reaction shaft support includes an axially extending cylindrical portion defining an axially extending cylindrical channel. The reaction shaft support additionally includes a radially oriented face. The fluid passage extending between the front face and the cylindrical channel. The cored portion of the fluid path radially extends from the cylindrical channel. The drilled portion of the fluid path axially extends from the front face to the cored portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for cycle testing a closure panel of a motor vehicle. The closure panel is coupled to a body of the motor vehicle for articulation about the pivot axis. The closure panel includes first and second laterally spaced apart edges. The first edge is adjacent the pivot axis of the second edge and carries a latch for releasable attachment to the body. The apparatus for cycle testing includes a first linear actuator, a tensioner, and a first flexible coupler. The first linear actuator has a guide track and a carriage mounted to the guide track for repeated movement in alternative directions along a first translation axis between first and second positions. The tensioner is coupled to the carriage of the first linear actuator for movement therewith. The first flexible coupler is attached to the tensioner and coupled to the closure panel adjacent the second edge.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly for a compartmentalized pull-out armrest assembly includes a cover, an armrest storage compartment, and a seat cushion With an understorage compartment. The armrest storage compartment includes maneuverable dividers for changing the storage compartment as desired, a removable coin holder and a power supply. The armrest assembly can be positioned so as to provide yet a third seat.

Abstract: A unique regulator valve arrangement is provided for an automatic transmission which provides variable line pressure. The line pressure is actively regulated through the regulator valve configuration with a variable force solenoid. The arrangement allows line pressure to be maintained at a minimal value according to a given condition while avoiding clutch slip.

Abstract: A data processing system is provided for determining a minimum flange length for a joint to be welded by resistance spot welding. In particular, the data processing system utilizes data for a preselected weld electrode and a set of joint data representative of a joint to be welded to determine whether a set of corrected tip data or a set of uncorrected tip data is to be used in determining the minimum flange length. A method for calculating the minimum flange length is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for the static testing of a vehicle tire to determine displacement as a function of force of the tire. A tire is placed upon several cross members that are vertically adjustable where the cross members are vertically adjusted to simulate a particular road bed profile. A tire is then forced down upon the cross members and the force created upon the cross members is measured against the displacement of the tire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for impact testing of vehicle components at a sub-system level includes a mobile unit and a vehicle sub-system. In an exemplary application, the vehicle sub-system includes a steering column and steering shaft. The vehicle steering column is securely mounted to the mobile unit and a mass element is secured to the steering shaft. By advancing the mobile unit into a rigid barrier at a predetermined speed, full-scale column collapse and energy absorption tests can be accurately analyzed at a significantly reduced cost and time.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for a motor vehicle having a passenger compartment with a floor. The motor vehicle has a front row of seats and a rear row of seats. The front row of seats is disposed in a forward portion of the passenger compartment and is interconnected to the floor. The rear row of seats is disposed in a rear portion of the passenger compartment, behind the front row of seats, and is interconnected to the floor. The rear row of seats includes the vehicle seat assembly and has at least a portion linearly translatable in a fore direction and an aft direction under a source of power. A switch assembly is located in the forward portion of the passenger compartment for selectively controlling linear translation of the portion of the seat assembly in the fore and aft directions.

Abstract: A method and system adjusts powertrain controls to avoid significant deviations from set speed during speed control operation. Low vacuum conditions of a reservoir vacuum resulting from high load conditions are detected and eliminated through the initiation of downshifts. Detection is based on the determination that speed control mode has been initialized, the throttle is extended, vehicle acceleration is low, and there has been a significant deviation from set speed. The downshift creates an increase in engine rpm and a reduction in throttle angle to increase the manifold vacuum and thereby recharge the reservoir vacuum and eliminate the low vacuum condition. The transmission can be returned to normal operation and the pre-adjustment gear upon elimination of the low vacuum condition or the occurrence of a driver override condition.

Abstract: A table apparatus for a motor vehicle is provided. The table apparatus includes a table structure that is pivotally attached to the exterior of the vehicle. The table structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface, an upper edge and a lower edge. The table structure is pivotable from a first storage position to a second horizontal position substantially perpendicular to the exterior of the vehicle. The table structure includes a plurality of panels that are telescopically extendable from one another in a direction away from and substantially perpendicular to the vehicle exterior while the table structure is in the second position. The table structure is pivotable about its upper edge and supported in its second position by a rod that is selectively disposed between the cover and one of said plurality of panels.