Abstract: An oil level indicator assembly for a vehicle engine including an elongated indicator member removably housed in a tubular sleeve which has spaced upper end and lower end portions with an interior passage therebetween and an internal shoulder-like formation therein. The elongated indicator member has a coil spring formation adapted to engage the shoulder-like formation when the indicator and sleeve are in an assembled relationship, thereby establishing a predetermined length of the indicator to project into the engine oil. The effect of oil on indicia formed on the indicator member when withdrawn from the sleeve member shows the level of oil in the engine.

Abstract: An adapter engages a floor-mounted shift lever of a vehicle. The adapter holds the locking detent of the shift lever down so that the lever can be moved. A robotic actuator is coupled to the adapter via a ball joint to selectively move the shift lever.

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: 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 combination catalytic converter and heat exchanger unit that controls the temperature of one or more catalytic converters within their efficient conversion operating temperature ranges. The unit includes a plurality of spaced apart tubes through which the exhaust emissions flow through the unit. Each of the plurality of tubes includes a substrate on which is formed a catalyst that reduces or eliminates harmful by-products in the exhaust emissions. A cooling system, such as a fan, forces a cooling fluid, such as air, around the tubes to cool the catalyst to be within its efficient operating temperature range. The tubes have a suitable diameter that allows the center of the tubes to be effectively cooled. The speed of the fan is controlled to variably adjust the temperature of the exhaust emissions in response to various input data, such as the temperature of the exhaust emissions at different locations in the exhaust path, engine speed and load, and the type of catalyst being used.

Abstract: An apparatus for engaging a slotted pin comprising a cylindrical member defining a cylindrical axial pin bore and two tab slots spaced 180.degree. apart, the slots for a portion of their length connecting through the member to the bore, engaging tabs pivotally connected in the tab slots, means for biasing the tab members outwardly from the tab slots, and means for causing engagement of the tabs with the slots of a slotted pin inserted into the bore.

Abstract: A seat ramp is provided for effectuating the insertion and removal of vehicle seats. The removal ramp has at least one track member with an arcuate vehicle engagement portion, a surface engagement portion opposite the arcuate vehicle engagement portion, a mid portion integrally formed between the arcuate vehicle engagement portion and the surface engagement portion, and a sleeve attached underneath the track member adjacent to the arcuate vehicle engagement portion. A track retention apparatus is attached to the vehicle and has a cross member that extends through the sleeve of, and is perpendicular to, the track member. Once inserted onto the cross member, the track member is slidable along the cross member. A device is also provided for attaching the track retention apparatus to the vehicle.

Abstract: In providing automated shifting of a manual transmission, the electro-mechanical clutch actuator of the present invention is provided for disengaging and engaging the clutch of a manual-type transmission. The electromechanical clutch actuator is provided with an assist spring/cam assembly which is designed to reduce the load on the electric motor. The assist spring/cam assembly allows the shift (including clutch release and engagement) to be made faster and with a reduced-size motor. The clutch actuator also includes a mechanical wear adjuster which automatically adjusts the position of the release linkage as a clutch disk wears over its useful life.

Abstract: An improved seat belt latchplate having a plurality or ribs in a web-guiding slot for resisting, roping and twisting of a seat belt webbing.

Abstract: A method of regulating voltage output from an alternator of a vehicle charging system is provided in response to transient alternator loads during idle speed operating conditions. The method comprises the steps of: (a) delivering a first alternator field control signal to the alternator; (b) detecting an impulse electrical load based on a variation in battery voltage; and (c) gradually increasing the alternator field control signal duty-cycle over a time period, such that the time period is based on the magnitude of the alternator field control signal duty-cycle, with respect to a maximum alternator field control signal duty-cycle, and based on the engine rotational speed of the vehicle, thereby regulating voltage output and torque load of the alternator.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the temperature of the exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine so that it is at a temperature that maintains one or more catalysts at their effective operating temperature. This has particular application for NOx control from any lean-burn engine. The system includes a heat exchanger that cools the exhaust emissions by forced air from a variable speed fan. The cooled exhaust emissions are directed from the heat exchanger to the catalyst for conversion. The fan speed is controlled to adjust the amount of cooling of the exhaust emissions in response to various input data, such as the temperature of the exhaust emissions at different locations in the exhaust pipe, engine speed, engine load and the catalyst being used. Two or more catalysts can be incorporated at different locations along the exhaust path and have different operating temperatures so as to control the effectiveness of exhaust emissions conversions for increased efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

Abstract: An energy absorption and management system for a motor vehicle includes a bumper interconnected to the vehicle frame through a pair of substantially identical energy absorbing assemblies or bumper brackets. Each assembly includes an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion has a pair of spaced apart sides which are interconnected through an arcuate segment. The inner portions are preferably stepped in a longitudinally extending direction such that they include first and second substantially horizontal segments which are vertical spaced from one another. If the motor vehicle is involved in a frontal impact of a predetermined speed, energy is absorbed and managed through deformation of the outer and inner portions. Deformation of the outer portion is controlled by the inner portion which is welded or otherwise fixedly attached thereto at spaced apart points.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes these problems by providing an oxygen sensor located in the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine, a load sensing device which generates a signal indicative of an internal combustion engine load, a central processing unit which calculates a running average of the oxygen content in the exhaust stream indicated by the oxygen sensor and a fuel injection device which supplies fuel to the combustion air in response to the central processing unit. The central processing unit uses the running average of the oxygen content in the exhaust stream, in lieu of the instantaneous oxygen content, to modify the fuel equation for determining the proper air fuel mix when transitioning from closed to open loop operation. The resulting air fuel mixture thus reflects the average oxygen value in the exhaust over a period of time. This average serves to cancel out the extreme surplus and deficiency of oxygen in the exhaust stream due to dithering.

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 steering column in an automotive vehicle is supported by a stationary wall that carries two capsules on either side of the steering column. The steering column has an attachment wall that extends within the capsules. Each capsule has two support walls sandwiched around the attachment wall and a tubular connector joining the support walls together. Severable ribs are integral with the tubular connector and in contact with edge areas of the attachment wall, such that in a crash situation the steering column can collapse forwardly to minimize chest injury to the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a seat belt webbing includes a first mounting portion and a guiding portion. The first mounting portion preferably includes an aperture adapted to receive a vertical post for conventionally mounting a head rest to a vehicle seat back. The guide portion defines an opening for receiving the seat belt webbing. In certain applications, the apparatus further includes a second mounting portion for releasably engaging the headrest. A bezel is disclosed for releasably attaching to the vertical post.

Abstract: A force transducer for measuring loads imparted to the suspension of a vehicle is provided. The force transducer comprises a hub having an aperture for receiving a first component of the suspension, a seat connected to the hub for receiving a second component of the suspension, an outer ring having a plurality of arms that connect the outer ring to the hub, and a plurality of strain gauges connected to the plurality of arms that produce a signal that is proportional to the strain seen in each of the arms, thereby allowing a measurement of load elements imparted to the suspension of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tool for inserting a hose fitting into an open end of a flexible hose includes a clamp for gripping the hose near its open end. An arm is pivoted to the clamp for swinging movement from a retracted position to an advanced position extending across the open end of the hose. The arm has an abutment adapted to press the fitting into the open end of the hose upon further swinging of the arm.