Abstract: A wheel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a centerpiece assembly which indexes to a predetermined orientation during rotation of a rim. The wheel assembly includes a spindle rotatably attached to the rim which defines a spindle axis. The centerpiece assembly is attached to the spindle. A first plurality of magnets is attached to the centerpiece assembly and a second plurality of magnets is fixedly positioned behind the rim. The second plurality of magnets creates a magnetic field which aligns with a magnetic field created by the first plurality of magnets and thereby indexes the centerpiece assembly to the predetermined orientation. The centerpiece assembly is preferably inertially neutral with respect to the spindle axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying placement of a rear view mirror mounting button on a motor vehicle windshield includes a first member pivotally attached to a second member for rotation about an axis. The first member includes a portion adapted to align the first member substantially perpendicular to an edge of the windshield. The second member is adapted to engage the mounting button such that the second member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the mounting button. The apparatus further includes cooperating indicia carried by the first and second members for determining the accuracy of alignment between the first and second members.

Abstract: A method of air conditioning system temperature control for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The method includes the steps of measuring an air conditioning compressor discharge pressure and determining if the discharge pressure is greater than a predetermined maximum pressure. The method also includes the step of beginning a forced recirculated air mode if the discharge pressure is greater than the predetermined maximum pressure. The method further includes the steps of determining if the air conditioning system is already in a forced recirculated air mode if the discharge pressure is less than the predetermined maximum pressure, and determining if the discharge pressure is less than a predetermined acceptable pressure if the air conditioning system is already in a forced recirculated air mode. The method still further includes the step of beginning an outside air mode if the discharge pressure is less than the predetermined acceptable pressure.

Abstract: A radio frequency audio distortion measurement system for a motor vehicle radio. The system includes a generator that generates test RF signals and transmits the signals to the motor vehicle radio through a wireless communication link. The system includes a controller coupled to the generator that controls the transmission of the RF signals to the radio. The system also includes a distortion analyzer coupled to the RF receiver and the controller that senses and analyzes the audio distortion caused by motor vehicle system components, such as motor vehicle electrical and electronic system components, in response to commands output from the controller. The system of the present invention thereby provides an objective way of analyzing audio distortion caused by radiated conducted and/or coupled interference from electrical and electronic systems in a controlled test environment.

Abstract: A low power clock oscillator circuit for driving microprocessors and other digital circuits is provided. The clock oscillator includes a resonant network for providing a sinusoidal waveform at a predetermined frequency. A first amplifier for amplifying the sinusoidal input waveform provides an output to a second amplifier. The second amplifier converts the amplified sinusoidal waveform to a continuous pulse output having a level-shifted voltage level greater than the amplitude of the sinusoidal waveform. The first amplifier is powered from a power source having a voltage level that is less than the power source that powers the second amplifier. Additionally, the second amplifier includes an enable input for disabling the continuous pulse output to permit decreased power operation with fast restart capability.

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, a hydraulic actuator and a source of stored fluid pressure into a conventional power-interrupt auto-manual transmission to provide the driveline with a secondary drive torque during a segment of the shifting cycle. Electronic throttle controls are preferably employed to regulate engine speed during the shifting cycle so as to eliminate the need for fuel interrupt schemes and to maintain a constant engine speed.

Abstract: A misfire detection apparatus and method for detecting misfire of an engine. The engine has an engine speed and a manifold absolute pressure. An engine signal preprocessing system is provided for determining: a fluctuation associated with the engine speed; an average associated with the engine speed; and an average associated with the manifold absolute pressure. A neural network determines a firing event signal based upon: the determined engine speed fluctuation; the determined engine speed average; and the determined manifold absolute pressure average. A misfire decision determinator detects a misfire of the engine based upon the determined firing event signal. A preferred embodiment also includes a dynamic neural network system with global output feedback.

Abstract: A multi-function apparatus and a method for performing the functions of a starter, alternator and engine stabilization system for an engine of a motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a rotor, a stator and a switching/detection system associated with the stator. The stator comprises three independent stator sectors which each comprise a plurality of independent stator coils. The rotor comprises a plurality of rotor poles about its periphery. The rotor is secured to the flex plate of the engine and the stator sectors are secured to the bell housing of the vehicle's power train. The stator coils each protrude through opening formed in the bell housing such that the rotor poles are closely adjacent the stator coils without contacting the stator coils as the rotor rotates.

Abstract: A tube assembly for an auxiliary heating and air conditioning system includes an inner tube extending longitudinally, an outer tube extending longitudinally and disposed over the inner tube, the outer tube including a plurality of ribs for locating the inner tube approximately concentric to the outer tube, at least one connector tube, and at least one connector interconnecting the at least one connector tube and the outer tube to allow fluid flow between the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for a motor vehicle which reinforces the body side panel comprises an unitarily constructed reinforcement member. The reinforcement member includes first and second hinge mounting portions interconnected by an intermediate portion. The reinforcement member is fixedly secured to the B-pillar and the hinge plates of a passenger door are interconnected to the first and second hinge mounting portions. In one embodiment, the reinforcement member includes first and second spaced apart flanges which extend substantially in an inboard direction. The first and second spaced apart flanges are welded or otherwise securely attached to the B-pillar. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the reinforcement member includes a first tab upwardly extending from the first hinge mounting portion and a second tab downwardly extending from the second hinge mounting portion which provide additional points for securing the reinforcement member to the B-pillar of the body side panel.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a thin wall with a sleeve fitting operatively connected thereto and an interior bore in the sleeve fitting to receive the end of a tube. The sleeve fitting has an annular shoulder collar formation thereon spaced from the adjacent thin wall which engages an assembled locking ring which is assembled over the sleeve fitting by axial movement along the sleeve fitting. An assembly member applies a force against the locking ring to cause it to slide over the sleeve fitting and radially inwardly constrict the sleeve fitting against the tube thus forming a permanent mechanical seal therebetween while simultaneously, another assembly member supports the sleeve fitting at the shoulder collar to prevent transmission of force from the first assembly member to the thin wall of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle seat arrangement is provided for a vehicle having a body including a pair of front side doors and a pair of rear side doors, on opposite sides of a passenger compartment. A front seat assembly is disposed in a front portion of the passenger compartment generally between the pair of front side doors. A middle seat assembly is disposed in a middle portion of the passenger compartment generally between the pair of rear side doors. A rear seat assembly is disposed in a rear portion of the passenger compartment behind the middle seat assembly. The middle seat assembly includes two outer seat sections and a center seat section disposed between the two outer seat sections. The two outer seat sections are capable of moving independently of the center seat section from a first position for receiving passengers in a seated position to a second position forward of the first position to allow access to the rear seat assembly through each of the pair of rear side doors.

Abstract: A parking sprag is provided for engaging a parking gear of an automotive transmission. The parking sprag includes a sprag mechanism pivotally mounted to a support structure. A linkage assembly operatively engages the sprag mechanism for pivoting the sprag mechanism into engagement with the parking gear. A linkage cam engaged with the linkage assembly and is driven by an electric motor. The electric motor drives the linkage cam which drives the linkage assembly in order to engage the sprag mechanism with the parking gear.

Abstract: A spring and strut module for an automotive vehicle includes an extensible and contractable strut adapted to be secured to a rigid frame of the vehicle by a strut mount, and a spring unit including a spring for resisting retraction of the strut. A bearing and upper spring seat assembly includes an upper spring seat for the spring and an annular bearing for the spring seat. A bearing base is formed integrally with the spring seat and supports the lower race. A bearing cap covers the upper race. The bearing cap provides a seat for the strut mount. The spring seat is made of a plastic, preferably glass fiber reinforced Nylon. The bearing base has drain holes for carrying away any possible foreign matter. The spring seat has an annular upwardly opening trough, and the strut has an annular downturned lip extending into the trough providing a labyrinth seal inhibiting the entry of foreign matter into the bearing.

Abstract: A shroud for a vehicle engine cooling fan mounted to a generally rectangular radiator that has fixed air guide vanes in strategic areas of the shroud outside of the periphery of the fan blades to direct and channel streams of peripheral air flowing through the corners of the radiator into these areas inward and in a swirling pattern into the fan blades and more particularly in a generally smooth and circuitous path counter to the direction of rotation of the fan and directly onto the pumping surfaces of the fan blades. This effectively feeds additional air into the fan and preloads the blades so that air pumping efficiency is resultantly improved and more air is moved through the radiator for improved heat exchange.

Abstract: A center console having a storage compartment and an access opening with a lid pivotally attached to the storage compartment for closing the opening. A cupholder is attached to the front of the storage compartment and includes a plastic body portion having three generally cylindrical, recessed cup-receiving portions. Two of the cup-receiving portions are joined by a recessed channel portion capable of receiving a handle of a mug received in one of at least two cup-receiving portions.

Abstract: A novel vehicle lighting control circuit for reducing the light intensity of a vehicle lighting element via pulse width modulation. A pulse width modulation adjuster is provided for producing a pulse width modulation control signal in order to operate the vehicle lighting element at a reduced light intensity. Such examples for use of the present invention include, but are not limited to, operation of: high beams at a low beam light intensity; daytime running lamps (DRLs); power balancing functions; and emergency lights.

Abstract: A framing structure for the rear portion of an automotive, including a pair of spaced and generally vertically oriented suspension strut towers each tower fixed at lower and upper end portions to a lower cross beam and an upper cross beam respectively and with each cross beam extending the full width of the vehicle and with each beam having a closed cross-sectional configuration to providing a high degree of structural rigidity as a mounting platform for the left and right rear wheel suspensions. A yoke-like structure on the upper ends of each suspension strut tower supports an end portion of the upper cross beam, each yoke including a pair of spaced side walls between which an end portion of the beam extends so that in vehicle assembly the beam's end portions are positioned or floated in a respective yoke in sliding engagement between the spaced side walls which permits independent lateral shifting of the upper end portion of each strut tower into desired alignment with the vehicle and with one another.

Abstract: An apparatus of reducing unwanted brake noise has a ring damper affixed around a periphery of brake drum in a drum brake system in a manner that permits relative motion and slippage between the ring damper and the brake drum when the brake drum vibrates during braking. In a preferred embodiment, the ring damper is an almost circular ring that is inserted in a groove formed in the periphery of the brake drum. The ring damper is held in place by the groove itself and by the interference pre-load or pre-tension between the ring damper and the brake drum.

Abstract: An automobile interior component having sound-dampening characteristics has a contact area thereon which contacts a second interior plastic component during operation of the automobile resulting in noise. The interior plastic component has a thermoplastic elastomer self-adhered to the contact area to thereby dampen the noise created at the contact area. A method for making a sound-dampened interior plastic component includes extruding a body of thermoplastic elastomer through a die onto a contact area of an interior plastic automobile component and allowing the extruded body of thermoplastic elastomer to cool, solidify, and adhere to the interior plastic component.