Abstract: A latch transfer mechanism is provided, including a tailgate having a first handle and a second handle, a lifter connected to a housing, a striker for selectively receiving a cable transfer pin, with the cable transfer pin operably associated with the lifter, and a connector connected to the cable transfer pin, which is also connected to the tailgate. The present invention also includes an actuating rod for actuating the lifter such that when the first handle is actuated, the housing, lifter, and actuating rod, will separate from the striker, and the cable transfer pin will remain received by the striker, allowing the connector to support the tailgate. When the second handle is actuated, the actuating rod will cause the lifter to pivot in relation to the housing, lifting the cable transfer pin out of the striker, allowing the lifter, actuating rod, and cable transfer pin to separate from the striker.

Abstract: A spacecraft including control vanes for controlling the pointing direction of the spacecraft by providing a variable absorptive, reflective, emissive and/or transmissive properties. The control vanes provide a torque on the spacecraft to maintain the spacecraft pointing towards the sun. The control vanes can include at least one xb-axis control vane and at least one yb-axis control vane where the xb axis control vane provides xb-axis control torque on the spacecraft rotated about the xb-axis, and the yb-axis control vane provides yb-axis control torque on the spacecraft when rotated about the yb-axis.

Abstract: A system and method for illuminating a light source, particularly a vehicle light source. The light source receives a voltage signal causing the light source to be illuminated. A triggering circuit detects the voltage signal. If the voltage signal is at or below a predetermined value, then the triggering circuit maintains a switch closed so that the light source continuously receives the voltage signal. If the voltage signal goes above the predetermined value, the triggering circuit opens and closes the switch in a pulsed manner where the voltage signal applied to the light source is on during the pulses and off between the pulses so that the brightness of the light source remains substantially constant.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system is described. The system includes a non-contacting sensor stator integrated into an electronic throttle body and is aligned to the sensor rotor attached to the shaft to properly set sensor air gap by assembly aids or by close fit to the throttle body. A motor and vehicle connector is electrically connected to the sensor stator but is allowed to be positioned separately from the sensor stator by means of a flexible interconnect.

Abstract: A loop-back self-test circuit (10) that has particular application for a cellular telephone base station, where the components of the self-test circuit (10) are integrated on a common integrated circuit chip (20). The transmit signal and an LO signal are applied to a mixer (28) to convert the frequency of the transmit signal to the frequency of a receive signal. A VCO (56) generates the LO signal and a PLL (26) synchronizes the phase of the VCO signal to the phase of a reference signal. A divided reference signal and a divided VCO signal are applied to a phase comparator (52) that generates an error signal indicative of the phase difference between the reference signal and the VCO signal. The error signal is applied to a charge pump (60) that generates a current signal to tune a tank circuit (66). A voltage signal from a loop filter (62) is applied to the VCO (56) to tune it to the LO frequency.

Abstract: An electric fluid pump for a transmission, transfer case or an oil reservoir. The pump is contained within the transmission, transfer case or engine oil reservoir and has an open housing which allows fluid into the motor for cooling and lubrication.

Abstract: An external mirror assembly for a motor vehicle with a base (16) and an adjustable mirror head (12) and a pivot and vibration absorption mechanism (14) on the base (16) allowing manual adjustment of the mirror head (12) with respect to the base (16). The pivot and vibration absorption mechanism (14) has a ball joint (22, 26) to enable pivoting and frictionally engaging faces (36, 38, 42) spaced apart from the ball joint (22, 26) on the base (16) and the mirror head (12) to provide vibration absorption. The respective faces (36, 38, 42) are part spherical surfaces resiliently urged together by resilient means (46).

Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle that includes a planetary gear assembly, a clutch pack assembly, and a band and drum assembly that provide an overdrive or underdrive and direct drive in combination with a vehicle transmission. In one embodiment, an input shaft drives an outer ring gear of the planetary gear assembly and is coupled to one set of discs of the clutch assembly. A carrier of the planetary gear assembly is coupled to a rear output shaft, where the carrier supports a plurality of pinion gears. A sun gear of the planetary gear assembly is coupled to another set of discs of the clutch assembly that are coupled to the drum. When the clutch assembly is engaged, the ring gear is coupled to the sun gear for direct drive and when the band is engaged, the pinion gears and the ring gear provide underdrive.

Abstract: A power-folding vehicle mirror assembly is described, including: a base; a mirror head assembly mounted to the base for movement from a drive position to a front position and for movement from the drive position to a park position; a first clutch body mounted to the base; a second clutch body mounted to the head, and biased towards engagement with the first clutch body; a sun gear mounted to the base for rotation about a first axis; a planetary gear mounted to the mirror head assembly for rotation about a second axis; a motor operably connected to the planetary gear; at least one drive train detent recess and projection pair forming a drive train detent system; and a head assembly to base detent system operably interposed between the head assembly and the base, wherein the mirror head is moveable between a drive position and a park position.

Abstract: The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.

Abstract: An exterior rear vision mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, the assembly (10) having a base (14) to be attached to the vehicle, at least one arm (15, 16) extending from the base (14) and a mirror head (11) mounted to the at least one arm (15, 16) and having a mirror (13), the mirror head (11) and arm (15, 16) is adapted to be rotated about an axis in the base (14), a power fold system having a motor assembly (24) in the at least one arm or each arm (15, 16) to drive the mirror (13) from a driving position to a foldaway position and from the foldaway position to the driving position and an override system including a clutch (64) is provided so that the mirror (13) can be manually moved to the foldaway position.

Abstract: A pivot assembly (10) adapted to connect a mirror head (11) and a mirror mounting bracket (12) of a rear vision mirror assembly. The pivot assembly (10) has a spigot extending from a spigot plate (40), a plate (35) journalled to the spigot and a detent arrangement between the plate (35) and spigot. An attachment arrangement on both the spigot plate (40) and plate (35) allows the spigot plate (40) to be secured to either one of the mirror head (11) or the mirror mounting bracket (12). The attachment arrangement also allows the plate (35) to be secured to the other of the mirror head (11) or the mirror mounting bracket (12). A stop means associated with the spigot and adapted to engage with a stop arrangement on either the mirror head (11) or the mirror mounting bracket (12) limits rotation of the mirror head (11) with respect to the mirror mounting bracket (12).

Abstract: A satellite communication system (10) includes a satellite (20) which receives first and second data from sources. Each satellite receives control data from a satellite control center (100). An earth processing center (PC) is arranged to process the data received from the satellites, and a wide band network (30) is arranged to transmit the data to the processing center. A receptor terminal (A) is arranged to receive the first data and to place the first data on the network (30) for transmission to the processing center (PC). A second receptor terminal (B) is arranged to receive the second data and to place the second data on the network (30) for transmission to the processing center (PC).

Abstract: The invention is an improved protocol adapter for in-vehicle networks for diagnostics, analysis and monitoring. The invention has a pass through feature (voltage translator)/smart mode that allows the protocol adapter to emulate older boxes. Visual indicators (LEDs) indicate the pass through feature is in operation. LEDs also indicate activity on the on the RS232 bus between the adapter and a PC. Single color and multiple color emitting LEDs indicate a program is being executed and identify the program that is being executed. The protocol adapter supports RP1202 and RP1210, J1708 and J1939 and J1939 Transport Layer. The improved protocol adapter has a Real Time Clock, Standard COMM port connection, 7–32 Volt Supply and is CE compliant. The adapter can be used wirelessly.

Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a bezel formed generally beneath the mirror housing. The bezel accommodates a rearward facing light source assembly to provide a rearward facing signal. The bezel may be integrally formed with the rear view mirror assembly or may be a separate component attached to the rear view mirror assembly.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a vehicle external mirror having a mirror head mounted to a mirror base, the assembly comprising a first member (20), a second member (30), the first and second members (20, 30) mounted in or being part of the mirror base and the mirror head respectively, the first and second members (20, 30) having respectively first and second detent sides (24, 34), inner sides (26, 36) and apertures (28, 38) extending from the detent side (24, 34) to the inner sides (26, 36) respectively, detent means (56, 59), a spigot (50), a spring (60), means (56, 72) for applying a pre-load to the spring (60), the initial relative rotation between the second member (30) and the first member (20) in a first direction causes loading of the spring (60), the pre-load is maintained during subsequent relative rotations between the second (30) and the first member (20).

Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, a hard metal disk is positioned between the transducer and the structure to help couple the sound energy from the transducer into the structure. A predetermined force is applied to the transducer and a pulse duration and a pulse frequency of the sound signal are selected so that the sound energy induces acoustic chaos in the structure, thus generating increased thermal energy. A thermal imaging camera images the structure when it is heated by the sound signal.

Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a warning light actuatable in conjunction with the vehicle turn signals to alert adjacent motor vehicles of an anticipated turn. The warning light is integrated into a first decorative cover member and may be connected to the vehicle turn signal circuit by way of connectable electrical leads or by an integrally formed plug and outlet arrangement. A second decorative cover member may be substituted for the first decorative cover member when it is not desired to incorporate the warning light.

Abstract: An anti-coking valve arrangement having a valve body that defines a passage for the flow of fluid medium. Valve seat and valve member positioned within the valve body and function to control the flow of fluid medium. A first anti-coking device is operably associated with the valve stem. A second anti-coking device is operably associated with the bearing guide member. A third anti-coking device is operably associated with the valve member and the valve seat. A fourth anti-coking device is operably associated with the valve stem and the bearing guide. A fifth anti-coking device is operably associated with the bearing guide. A sixth anti-coking device is operably associated between the valve stem and the bearing guide.

Abstract: A rear view mirror for a motor vehicle comprising a case containing a mounting platform which has a concave part-spherical recess. A reflective member is secured to a mirror carrier which has a hollow projection with a part-spherical outer surface dimensioned to be a sliding fit in the recess a part-spherical inner surface and a diametrically oriented slot. A stem is secured to the mounting platform so as to project from the center of the recess and has a T-shaped crosshead dimensioned to pass through the slot when aligned therewith and to engage with the part-spherical inner surface of the hollow projection when aligned transversely to the slot. A lever on the mounting platform engages with a slot in the mirror carrier to prevent relative angular movement between the mirror carrier and the mounting platform about said stem.