Abstract: A power transfer system for a vehicle having a power source and a driveline, the power transfer system including a power-interrupt auto-manual transmission, an electronic control unit and electronic throttle controls. In the preferred embodiment, the power transfer system includes an epicyclic gearset for providing a level of drive torque to the driveline during the shifting of the transmission so as to eliminate the undesirable sensations experienced by the vehicle operator during the shifting of the transmission. The electronic throttle controls allow the rotational speed of the engine to be maintained at a desired level while the shift is being performed so as to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Alternate embodiments of the present invention utilize a secondary power source powered by a source of stored energy to provide the driveline with drive torque during a shift.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the hydraulic line pressure in an automatic transmission for a vehicle in response to the measured pressure and torque transmitted through the transmission such that a minimum hydraulic line pressure is provided to the frictional elements to achieve a non-slip condition through the transmission which increases transmission efficiency and fuel economy. Hydraulic line pressure is controlled by activating a solenoid activated valve. Control signals are based on measured hydraulic line pressure, engine speed, turbine speed, vehicle speed, driver selected gear, and torque converter operating condition for the solenoid actuated valve. The present invention further provides a closed-loop adaptive control technology to learn the minimum line pressure to compensate for variability in the clutch return springs, friction characteristics, surface finishes, as well as hydraulic wear, and changes over the life of the transmission.

Abstract: A transmission is provided with a hill holder device including an overrunning one-way clutch mounted on a driveshaft of the transmission for selective engagement by a transmission controller in order to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward on a hill.

Abstract: A method of adapting a linear EGR system is provided to adjust flow rates based on engine roughness. Initially, the level of engine combustion roughness is measured and quantified by a known dynamic crankshaft fuel control methodology. In response, the method adjusts the EGR valve desired position higher or lower based on the measured combustion roughness. For example, if the engine is running "smooth", then more EGR is used. If the engine is running "rough", less EGR is used. As the engine approaches a roughness target, the EGR is stabilized.

Abstract: A system for testing the electrical components of vehicles and vehicle electrical system prototypes, referred to as "wiring bucks", includes a hand held tester to which a translator unit can be detachably engaged and with which the tester is in RF communication. The translator unit can be detached from the tester and plugged into a test receptacle under a vehicle's/wiring buck's dashboard to communicate with the vehicle/wiring buck by translating computer formatted data from the tester to vehicle bus-formatted data, and vice-versa. Then, the vehicle's/wiring buck's VIN or identification is scanned into the tester or manually input into the tester, and the tester transmits the VIN via an RF link in the assembly plant to a computer in the plant. Based on the VIN, the computer determines the electric equipment that the vehicle/wiring buck has, and the computer transmits this information back to the tester.

Abstract: A lamp housing is removably mounted in a panel opening by a detent system that exerts a wedge lock action against edge areas of the panel opening. The lamp housing includes a light-transmitting fascia plate normally seated against the panel and at least one swingable detent adapted to exert pressure against an edge of the panel opening. The detent has a swing axis spaced an appreciable distance from the wedge lock surface so that the wedge lock surface has a substantial travel distance between the operating and retracted positions of the detent.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle includes a crankshaft, a piston movable through a cycle, a piston rod connecting the piston and the crankshaft, an oil pan spaced from the crankshaft, and an oil source providing pressurized oil. An inventive windage tray is positioned between the crankshaft and the oil pan. The windage tray includes a passage having an inlet port receiving the pressurized oil and a first outlet port directing a first stream of the pressurized oil at the piston. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the passage further includes a second outlet port directing a second stream of pressurized oil at the piston. The first outlet port is positioned to direct the first stream of pressurized oil upon the piston unobstructed by the piston rod during a first portion of the piston cycle. The second outlet port is positioned to direct the second stream of pressurized oil upon the piston unobstructed by the piston rod during the remaining portion of the piston cycle.

Abstract: An automatic transmission shift indicator system is provided to electrically indicate the selected gear of an automatic transmission in a motor vehicle. The shift indicator system includes a gear selector, transmission locking plate, a switch and a visual shift indicator. The gear selector connects to a locking plate in the transmission and is manually operative by the vehicle's driver to rotate the locking plate within a range of positions that correlate to each of the selectable transmission gears. The park neutral safety switch is modified to movably engage a stepped cam surface of the locking plate, so that each step corresponds to one of the selectable transmission gears. As the gear selector is shifted from gear to gear, the switch is actuated and thus transmits an electrical signal that is indicative of a selected transmission gear. The visual shift indicator decodes the selected transmission gear based on the resistance value of the electrical signal and displays the selected gear to the driver.

Abstract: A pressure gauge assembly is disposed between a pump which pumps a powder from a fluidized bed and a spray applicator which sprays the powder onto a workpiece such as a vehicle body moving along a painting line. The pressure gauge assembly provides and early warning of clogging in the pump and/or applicator.

Abstract: A magnetic holding device includes a hollow cylinder having closed ends. A rodless piston is slidable within the cylinder for movement between the ends. A magnet is carried by the piston. The piston is driven back and forth in the cylinder by air pressure. The magnet is adapted to pick up a workpiece adjacent to one end of the cylinder when the piston is driven toward that end of the cylinder.

Abstract: The vibration damping properties of brake rotors and drums can be represented accurately and repeatably by a single factor obtained from a curve fitting based on an eighth order sine function. A series of test points is used to measure resonant frequencies and vibration decay times around the periphery of a part. This data is then used to determine Q-factors which are found to vary sinusoidally around an annular brake part.

Abstract: A manual shift lever connection mechanism for connecting a shift handle to the stub shaft of a transmission. The connection mechanism has a sleeve portion disposed about said stub shaft and an insert member for engaging the stub shaft disposed within said sleeve portion. The insert member further has an engagement mechanism for engaging a disassembly tool.

Abstract: A test fixture to test for possible leakage past a seal between adjacent portions of two test panels. The test panels are supported on a housing in edge-to-edge relation across the open front of a chamber in a housing. The panels are moved toward the open front of the chamber so that the panels seal against the open front. The housing is supported in a cabinet. Liquid is discharged into the cabinet and directed against the seal. The housing has a rear wall which is visible through the cabinet and is constructed to enable viewing into the chamber to see whether the seal has leaked.

Abstract: A dual clutch system is provided for a transmission having dual input shafts. The dual clutch system includes first and second flywheels as well as first and second friction disk assemblies and first and second pressure plates for pressing against said first and second friction disk assemblies, respectively. The pressure plates are each operatively engaged by an electromechanical clutch actuator.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle is provided with a vehicle body including a roof panel and a body side panel. The roof panel and the body side panel are attached to one another along an attachment seam. The roof panel and body side panel combine to form a recessed channel along opposite sides of the attachment seam. An elongated trim member is received within said channel, overlying a portion of the attachment seam between the roof panel and the body side panel. The body side panels extend from a windshield of the vehicle to a rear of the vehicle body including a door surround portion integrally formed as a unitary member with a rear quarter portion of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connection to a fuel injector in a motor vehicle includes a terminal insulator having at least one passage to receive at least one box terminal staked wire and a connector position assurance member cooperating with the terminal insulator to detect and indicate an unmated condition of the terminal insulator to a mating connector of the fuel injector wherein the connector position assurance member includes a preload stop finger engageable with the terminal insulator to prevent the connector position assurance member from prematurely locking to the mating connector.

Abstract: A unitary cover includes a base and a cap portion which are moveable relative to one another into a closed operative condition to conceal a fastener head or nut. The generally flat base has an aperture therethrough for extension of the fastener's shank while the portions about the aperture serve as a washer for the fastener head or nut. The cap portion has an oblong and dome-like shape and shares a thin edge with an edge of the base which forms a living hinge therebetween to allow the base and cap to pivot between opened and closed operative positions with respect to one another. Free edge portions of the base and of the cap engage when moved into a closed operative position. Specifically, an inwardly projecting catch formation on the cap edge encounters a beveled formation on the base edge to flex the cap edge outward an allow the catch formation to be trapped by the bevel formation thereby securing the edges together.

Abstract: A folding seat assembly is provided for a vehicle including a seat back and a seat bottom pivotally mounted relative to the seat back and movable between a seating position and a folded upright position. A detent mechanism provides a resistance to movement of the seat bottom from the folded upright position and the seating position. An inertia latch mechanism is provided for engaging the seat bottom in the folded upright position in response to a rapid deceleration of the vehicle such as caused by a collision.

Abstract: Loose parts in a shipping container can be dumped onto a table at a work station using a pivotal carrier. With the carrier in an upstanding position, a loaded shipping container can be transported into the carrier by the use of a fork lift truck. A lid on the carrier can then be lowered onto the container to retain the loose parts in place while the carrier is being pivoted to a tilted position. The lid has a parts discharge opening and a slidable closure plate that can be moved between a closed position and various partially-opened positions, to control the number of parts discharged from the container onto the work station table at any one time.