Abstract: A convertible top for a motor vehicle. The top is supported by rails for movement between a deployed position and a stored position in the trunk of the vehicle. A deck lid closes the trunk and can be retracted to a position clearing a path for movement of the top between deployed and stored positions. The top is made of two separate parts, a roof part and a rear part.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension strut includes a generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end. The housing defines a generally longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, and a housing interior for containing a fluid. A first closure closes the first end of the housing and includes a piston receiving aperture. A second closure is provided for closing the second end of the housing. A piston is extendable through the piston receiving aperture, and is moveable in an axial direction between a fully collapsed position and an extended position. The piston includes a first end disposed adjacent to the first end of the housing and exteriorly of the housing exterior, and a second end disposed adjacent to the second end of the housing and within the housing interior. The piston also includes an insertable portion having a length L.

Abstract: An improved two-way check valve for controlling the flow of fluid to an element from either one of a pair of hydraulic sources in a hydraulic automatic transmission, the check valve having a flow cavity in which a pivotal flapper valve is mounted so as to alternately cover one of two inlet openings to the cavity.

Abstract: A trim panel with a periphery edge wrap including a trim panel substrate having a periphery edge and a trim panel cover wrapped approximately one hundred eighty degrees about the periphery edge of the trim panel substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting an article such as a child seat tether to a vehicle floor comprising a mounting bar, first and second mounting brackets connected to the mounting bar, the brackets capable of connecting to preexisting seat attachment points of a vehicle floor, a plurality of tether attachment points on the mounting bar, and a mounting bar attachable to any of the attachment points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the reducing the lift and drag of a soft top passenger vehicle having a soft top having first and second edges in which the point at which flow over the vehicle separates is determined by conventional techniques and an aerodynamic deflector is provided and attached to the roof of the vehicle forward of the separation point at a position that maximizes aerodynamic efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of compensating for changing fuels in a flexible fueled vehicle using a fuel composition sensor. The methodology detects and models an alcohol concentration transition at fuel injector tips following a fuel addition. The methodology improves the accuracy of engine fueling during an alcohol concentration change by delaying the application of a fuel composition multiplier until the fuel analyzed by the fuel composition sensor actually reaches the injectors.

Abstract: A computer-implemented vehicle controller (VCON) is positioned in the passenger compartment of a vehicle on a test track. The VCON communicates with a base computer for receiving commands therefrom. In response, the VCON, which includes a servo controller and associated servos that are coupled to the controls of the vehicle, operates the controls of the vehicle to drive the vehicle around the test track.

Abstract: A solid, steel plug includes a disc-shaped plug portion and a disc-shaped flange on one of the plug portion and extending radially outwardly therefrom. The plug can be advanced into an oil gallery access hole in a cylinder head of an engine to seal the hole. A tool is disclosed for urging the plug into the hole. The tool includes a base that is configured for flushly fitting on the head over the access hole, and a bolt that is threadably engaged with the base for urging the plug into sealing engagement within the hole.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a windshield of a motor vehicle includes control linkage operable for articulating the windshield between a raised position and a lowered position such that an inner side of the windshield downwardly faces the vehicle hood when the windshield is in its lowered position. The mounting arrangement includes a first pair of control links which are pivotally interconnected at their first ends to the vehicle body and pivotally interconnected at their second ends to the windshield. Preferably, the mounting arrangement further includes a second pair of control links which are similarly pivotally interconnected at their respective first and second ends to the vehicle body and windshield. The mounting arrangement further includes a drive mechanism connected to one of the links of the first pair of control links and one of the links of the second pair of control links for driving the windshield between its raised position and lowered position.

Abstract: An energy absorption system for vehicle pillars. The energy absorption system includes a cover device attached to a pillar having an outer shell or side visible from the vehicle interior and an inner hidden side supporting a ladder-like structure which includes a spaced walls and spaced ribs integrally attached together. During energy absorption, the side walls absorb energy by bowing outward away from the ribs and occasionally tearing while energy is also absorbed by crushing distortion and tearing of the ribs from their attachment with the walls. Moreover, in an embodiment, at least one flow channel or passage for air is formed within the device laterally to the side of one of the walls. In another embodiment in which a seat belt attachment is utilized, the device forms a track for a slidable retention belt retention member.

Abstract: A simulator device for simulating the signature characteristics of a vehicle is provided which has a support structure to operably support a door assembly of a vehicle. A door actuating assembly is adjustably mounted to the support structure to operate the vehicle door assembly systems. The simulator device thereby cyclic tests the door assembly without the need for the door assembly to be installed on the vehicle.

Abstract: A dynamic impact energy absorbing assembly for a motor vehicle includes an inner panel, an outer panel joined to the inner panel in spaced relation to define a cavity therebetween, and an energy management panel disposed in the cavity to absorb energy of an impact on the outer panel.

Abstract: A link for connecting an anti-roll bar to a control arm of an independent suspension. The link comprises a lower link member, a central link member, and an upper link member. The lower link member comprises a lower portion, a middle portion, and an upper portion, the middle portion comprising a frusto-conical member defining a cylindrical bore which receives a plurality of annular disk springs. The disks are removable and give the link a progressive spring characteristic.

Abstract: A removable storage system is disclosed having a storage receptacle, a plurality of tabs connected to the receptacle, and a plurality of receiving openings integral with an interior member of a vehicle for receiving the tabs and retaining the receptacle. The tabs further may consist of grooves culminating in channels.

Abstract: A thermostatic valve for controlling fluid flow from a high-temperature source to a low-temperature source. The thermostatic valve includes a first end which, during use of the valve, is exposed to fluid from the high-temperature source and a second end which, during use of the valve, is exposed to fluid from the low-temperature source. The valve also includes a valve seat member having a valve seat and a valve member having two ends and an exterior closure surface registrable with the valve seat. The valve member has a shape, except at its two ends, with only curves of greater than about 150.degree., so that fluid flowing past the valve member is caused to make only turns of less than about 30.degree.. The thermostatic valve is useful for controlling coolant flow from an internal combustion engine block to a radiator. The valve member may have a shape formed of continuously-varying parabolic curves.

Abstract: A method establishes test setpoints for vehicle electrical testing during vehicle manufacture. The method includes implementing test setpoints for a test protocol using software in a system computer, such that the setpoints can be changed by an operator of the system computer. A portable tester adjacent the vehicle generates a query to the system computer, and in response, the setpoints are transferred to the tester. Then, a test protocol is executed by the portable tester to generate test results in accordance with the test setpoints.

Abstract: A tailgate is hinged to a passenger van type vehicle body above a substantially vertical rear access opening for swinging movement about a horizontal hinge axis. The tailgate is counterbalanced through its range of movement by spring devices and is opened and closed by a powered actuator mounted on a rear vehicle body pillar. The actuator includes a reversible electric motor driving a worm shaft that drives a worm gear to pivot a crankarm about an axis parallel to the hinge axis. A roller mounted on the crankarm is received in a guide channel that is fixed to the tailgate and extends at right angles to the hinge axis with the pivoting movement of the crankarm thereby translated into swinging tailgate opening and closing movement. The motor is connected with torque sensing circuitry that detects an excessive motor torque demand when the tailgate encounters an obstacle and stops the motor.