Abstract: A tool holder for holding a tool on a hinge plate of a deck lid of a motor vehicle. The tool holder has a body in the form of a collar made of two separate parts secured together by screws. The body parts cooperate in defining a recess shaped to retain the tool when the body parts are secured together but to release the tool when the body parts are separated. A generally L-shaped bracket projects from the body and, with the body, defines a channel for receiving a flange on the hinge plate. A hanger has a cylinder secured to the bracket. A slide bar mounted in the cylinder moves from a retracted position to an extended position across the channel. In its extended position, the slide bar extends through a hole in the hinge flange to suspend the tool holder. The body of the tool holder also has a magnet for contacting the hinge plate to magnetically hold the tool holder on the hinge plate.

Abstract: A multi-piece rear frame assembly for operably coupling components of a rear suspension to a frame rail of a vehicle frame assembly. The rear frame assembly including a rear shock tower casting welded to the frame rail and having a pair of attachment locations extending laterally outwardly for operably coupling a pair of lateral suspension links thereto, a shock tower extending upwardly for operably coupling a shock/spring assembly thereto. The frame assembly further includes an upper extrusion and a lower extrusion, each welded to the frame rail and having an attachment location for operably coupling a guide link and a forward portion of a lower control arm respectfully thereto. The frame assembly further includes a rear frame member extending downwardly from the frame rail and having an upper and lower attachment location for a rearward portion of the lower control arm and a transaxle cross member respectively thereto.

Abstract: A lubrication system is provided for a transmission including a lubrication pump driven by a reverse idler gear. The lubrication pump is supported by a partition plate having an inlet passage and an outlet passage formed therein for communicating with the lubrication pump. The outlet passage communicates with an input shaft extending through the partition plate for supplying lubrication fluid to a central passage in the input shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a washer fluid reservoir of a rear wiper system includes a fill cup assembly having main body and a cover. The main body defines an opening for receiving washer fluid. A first conduit provides fluid communication between the opening and the washer fluid reservoir for the transfer of washer fluid. A second conduit allows for venting of the washer fluid reservoir back to the opening and provides complete exterior venting of fumes. A vent passage defined in part by the second conduit is blocked when the cover is rotated to a closed position. A designed-in interference normally retains the cover in its opened position.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical automatic transmission is provided including a first input shaft and a second input shaft concentric with the first input shaft. A plurality of drive gears are rotatably mounted to each input shaft and are provided with synchronizer devices for selectively engaging the drive gears to the input shafts. A driver shaft is provided with a plurality of driven gears in meshing engagement with the drive gears. The electro-mechanical automatic transmission is provided with a pair of electro-mechanical clutch actuators for selectively disengaging dual clutches which transmit engine torque to the input shafts, as well as an electro-mechanical shift actuator system which operatively engage the synchronizer devices for selectively engaging the drive gears.

Abstract: A suspension system for a motor vehicle includes a torsion member having a generally arcuate longitudinal axis. The suspension system further includes first and second control arms operatively interconnecting first and second vehicle wheels with a frame. The first and second control arms are mounted to the frame for pivotally movement. The torsion member directly connects the first and second control arms and is operative to selectively transfer torque therebetween in response to vertical displacement of the first and second wheels. When the first and second wheels are vertically displaced in unison, no torque is transferred between the control arms and the torsion member merely rotates about its generally arcuate longitudinal axis. When a difference in vertical displacement of the first and second wheels exist, for example, during cornering of the vehicle, each control arm would input opposite rotation in the torsion member, thereby generating a resisting torque.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for the active adaptive control of exhaust gas recirculation and spark advance for an internal combustion engine automobile. While the automobile is operating, a control algorithm continuously receives data input from various sources such as the driving mode monitor, fuel consumption monitor, engine roughness monitor, and the engine knock monitor. Based on the data, the control algorithm then causes either an EGR command, a spark advance command, both an EGR and spark advance command, or no command at all to be generated so as to optimize the fuel economy of the automobile. This process is repeated until there is no further beneficial effect on fuel economy or engine roughness and/or engine knock is detected.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly to remove heat from electrical components mounted on a circuit board is disclosed. The assembly contains a housing that is formed from a suitable heat sinking material and is appropriate for receiving a circuit board with surface mounted electrical components. The invention provides an improved apparatus for establishing thermal contact from a heat generating, surface mounted electrical component to the housing. A resilient biasing element is fixed in relation to the circuit board and the housing in order to urge the circuit board with a plurality of surface mounted electrical components in thermal contact with the housing. Once the heat sink is assembled the invention provides various means for which heat can be readily transferred from the electrical components to the housing.

Abstract: A folding top for a convertible motor vehicle has a frame provided with frame elements for supporting a flexible cover. The frame is movable from a retracted position to a deployed position supporting the top in a position of use. The retracted top is stowed in a storage compartment behind the rear seat. The storage compartment is open at the top to receive the retracted top. The compartment is normally closed by a pivoted tonneau.

Abstract: A stabilization system for stabilizing an openable member of a motor vehicle relative to vehicle structure of the motor vehicle when in a closed position. The stabilization system includes a first member for mounting on one of the openable member or the vehicle structure and a second member for mounting on the other of the openable member or the vehicle structure. The first member includes a generally solid base portion for mounting on the one of the openable member or the vehicle structure and a generally hollow outer portion. The second member includes a base portion for mounting on the other one of the openable member or the vehicle structure and a tapered outer portion.

Abstract: A method is provided for triggering a system for learning the percent alcohol content of a fuel used in a motor vehicle capable of operating on more than one type of fuel. The fuel composition learning system is triggered each time fuel is added to the vehicle's fuel tank, each time the engine is started when the fuel volume in the fuel tank falls below a given value or if a fuel level sending unit malfunction has been detected. The fuel composition learning system is also triggered if an error is detected in the value of the learned percent alcohol content of the fuel.

Abstract: An airbag control system is provided to disable an airbag in a motor vehicle. The airbag control system includes an airbag control module, a switching circuit with a first circuit path and a second circuit path, and a switch selectively movable between an enabled position, which interconnects the first circuit path to the airbag control module to activate the airbag, and a disabled position, which interconnects the second circuit path to the airbag control module to prevent activation of the airbag. In addition, the system includes a third circuit path with a first resistor in series with a second resistor which is placed in parallel with a second contact of said switch. Alternatively, a controller is electrically connected through the third circuit path to the switch. The controller detects the position of the switch based on the resistance value it senses in the third circuit path.

Abstract: A hinge assembly normally limits pivotal movement of a door within a first range and selectively permits pivotal movement of the door within a second, larger range. The hinge assembly includes a body hinge member fixedly attached to a frame and a door hinge member fixedly attached to the associated door. The body hinge member and the door hinge member are pivotally interconnected. The hinge assembly further includes a latch mechanism which normally limits pivotal movement of the door within the first range. Manual urging of the latch member to a release position selectively permits the door to be pivoted beyond the first range. The latching member is operable to automatically return to its latched position in response to closing of the door.

Abstract: A method for determining an approximate, instantaneous fuel economy of a gasoline powered motor vehicle. The method involves determining a nominal fuel flow through fuel injectors of the vehicle's engine under static pressure conditions and adding to this value a determined additional quantity of fuel flow through the injectors which is caused by dynamic conditions such as engine rpm, vehicle speed, etc. The additional quantity of fuel flow is determined in part by monitoring a pressure drop across the intake manifold of the vehicle. The temperature of the fuel and the octane rating of the fuel are estimated and used to help determine a fuel density value. The fuel density value is then used to determine a total volume of fuel used. The total volume of fuel used is then ratioed with distance information to provide a fuel economy value.

Abstract: A cargo tray for a motor vehicle is adapted to be carried by a seatback of an occupant seat. The cargo tray is operable in a stowed mode in which a bottom surface is positioned substantially flush against the seatback and in an operative mode in which the bottom surface provides a generally horizontal support surface upwardly spaced from a floor of the motor vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the cargo tray is pivotally attached to the seatback of the occupant seat and intended to be utilized when the seatback is articulated to a folded position. In such a use, the bottom surface cooperates with the now horizontally oriented seatback to provide an extended support surface, thereby increasing cargo capacity.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring catalyst efficiency in a catalytic converter of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of: (a) detecting an oxygen level of an exhaust gas from the vehicle's engine by using an oxygen sensor positioned at the outlet of the catalytic converter; (b) terminating fuel flow to the vehicle's engine; (c) detecting a change in the oxygen level in response to terminating fuel flow; (d) determining a time period from termination of fuel flow to detection of the change in oxygen level; and then (e) compensating this time period with respect to an exhaust flowrate, such that the compensated time period is indicative of catalyst efficiency of the catalytic converter. More specifically, the exhaust flowrate is determined from a manifold absolute pressure and an engine rotational speed of the engine. To achieve reliable and consistent results, catalyst monitoring of the present invention is only enabled under preferred vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A window assembly for a motor vehicle includes a window frame adapted to removably mount to a lower door assembly. The window assembly further includes a mounting arrangement for removably attaching the window frame to the lower door assembly such that substantially vertical translation of the window frame is required to remove the window frame. The window assembly further includes a stop surface which is carried by the motor vehicle. The stop surface is adapted to oppose vertical translation of the window frame when the lower door assembly is in the closed position. In one form, the stop surface is defined by a removable door frame assembly.

Abstract: A piston-type fuel pump has two or more cylinder bores in a barrel. A piston in each cylinder bore has a port for admitting fuel into the cylinder bore. A swash plate assembly includes a wobble plate connected to each of the pistons. The wobble plate is given an oscillatory motion producing reciprocal movement of the pistons. A thin-walled metal bellows defines a closed interior space surrounding the pistons to prevent escape of fuel.

Abstract: A multi-functional vehicle door system includes a common lower door adapted to selectively cooperate with one of a door cassette and a side curtain assembly. The common lower door defines a cavity which opens adjacent an upper surface of the common lower door. The door cassette includes a frame defining a window opening and a lower portion adapted to be substantially inserted into the cavity of the common lower door. The side curtain assembly includes a frame and a flexible window. The frame includes a plurality of downwardly extending locating pins. One of the locating pins is adapted to engage an aperture provided in the upper surface of the common lower door. The other locating pins are adapted to engage apertures provided in a trim plug removably insertable into the opening of the common lower door.