Abstract: In a communication system for the transmission of messages through a data bus between one or more user microprocessors coupled to the data bus, the user microprocessors having either a serial communications interface (SCI) port or a serial peripheral interface (SPI) port along with a clock port and an input/output port, the user microprocessors being coupled to the data bus by a bus interface integrated circuit, a method to transmit and receive data in an SPI mode of operation in conjunction with a method of arbitrating data on the data bus.

Abstract: The aim of the Chrysler Collision Detector (CCD) Bus System is to allow multiple microprocessors to easily communicate with each other over a common pair of wires (called a bus) using a scheme similar to a telephone party line. All microprocessors connected to the bus are able to receive all messages transmitted on the bus. Any microprocessor with a message to transmit on the bus waits until any current user is finished before attempting to use it. Whenever the bus is available, its use is allocated on a first-come, first serve basis (i.e., whichever microprocessor first begins transmitting its message on the bus after any previous message finishes gets the use of the bus). If, however, multiple microprocessors attempt to begin transmitting their messages on the bus at exactly the same time, then the message with the highest priority wins the use of the bus. All messages have unique message priority values and each message is transmitted by only one microprocessor.

Abstract: An applique structure for the external B pillar areas of a four door vehicle is provided. The vehicle structure is one wherein the pair of doors on each side are hingedly mounted at the forward edges and wherein the B pillar areas are defined by the upper door edges. The appliques are adhered to the B pillar area and form a double seal at the juncture therebetween. Additional seals are provided around the periphery of the appliques.

Abstract: A door actuating mechanism is provided for opening and closing of door structures over recessed headlights in a vehicle. The actuating mechanism includes means to cause pivoting of the doors to the open or closed positions and simultaneous sliding of the doors sideways with respect to the opening for the recessed headlights to prevent engagement of the doors with the side edges of the opening during opening and closing of the door.

Abstract: The method disclosed herein involves the addition of small quantities of elements appearing for the most part in Groups IA, IIA and IIIB of the Periodic Table to the base alloy composition. These elements, as ions, enter into the protective oxide scale and modify predominantly anion and to a lesser extent cation transport through the oxide scale, greatly reducing the amount of oxidation observed due to elevated temperature exposure.

Abstract: The collapsible bin consturction has an erected configuration and a storage configuration. The bin has four side walls which are arranged at different vertical levels so that when they are collapsed, they are vertically spaced apart to permit them to lie in a relatively flat position. Side wall access opening means are provided to permit loading or unloading of the bin via the side walls. Additionally, a top wall is provided which is hingedly mounted to permit loading or unloading of the bin from the top.

Abstract: A collapsible bin comprising a generally rectangular bottom wall and four side walls is provided. The bottom wall has an upstanding U-shaped support element at each corner thereof. The side walls are arranged into first and second pairs. Each pair of side walls is pivotally mounted and supported by the U-shaped support elements. The side walls are collapsible from an upright position to a position on the bottom wall to provide a storage configuration of relatively small size. Latch means are provided to secure the side walls in an upright position.

Abstract: A shipping rack is provided which protects easily damaged articles of manufacture during transit. The shipping rack comprises one or more of tiers of vertically spaced apart shelves which are fabricated of a pliable stretchable cloth. The vertical distance between each pair of vertically adjacent shelves is slightly greater than the thickness of the article of manufacture to be loaded thereon to result in stretching of the shelves when an article of manufacture is loaded thereon into contact with an article of manufacture located onto a lower shelf to steady the load on the rack and prevent damage to the articles of manufacture.

Abstract: Control of a plurality of relay drivers by smart control devices and the continuous status monitoring of a plurality of switches and associated smart sensors, wherein each smart control device and each smart sensor is connected at a separate single point on a single-wire bus, are affected by a smart control and sensor device multiplex system. The system employs a microcomputer and a driver and receiver circuit for developing a particular offset square wave pulse train which is placed on the bus to provide power and control voltage signals to the plurality of smart control devices and smart sensors. The smart control devices contain circuits that respond to the wave form in a manner that causes each smart control device to drive an associated relay driver after a chosen number of polling cycles. Current signals are sent over the bus back to the driver and receiver indicative of the status of the smart control device.

Abstract: An improved multi-cone strutless synchronizer has one or more cone rings concentrically disposed intermediate an outer blocker ring and an inner exterior cone surface of a ratio gear journally supported on a speed shaft. The cone ring is formed with a plurality of longitudinally extending drive tangs projecting into an associated window of the ratio gear. Each drive tang is symmetrical about its longitudinal centerline defining a pair of back-angled cam edges diverging outwardly at an acute angle from the centerline. Each window has a side wall disposed in spaced parallel relation with an associated tang cam edge and adapted to be slidably engaged thereby upon the synchronizer sleeve being moved toward the ratio gear whereby the synchronizing torque is increased for a given synchronizer force.

Abstract: A fluid pressure transducer having a hollow enclosure with an elongated tubular guide supported therein around which a tubular piston moves in response to fluid pressure forces acting on one piston end. A spirally-wound wire resistance coil on the guide is contacted by one end of a conductor carried by the movable piston to effectively charge resistance through the conductor and parts of the coil. The conductor is connected to one end of a metal spring which opposes piston movement due to pressure forces. An opposite end of the metal spring is connected to a terminal to transmit the resistance changes.

Abstract: A shift rail lock-out mechanism for a manual transmission having left and right pairs of shift rails arranged in a symmetrical manner about a medial plane. A lock-out frame member defines a rectangular-shaped opening through which said pairs of rails extend for individual reciprocal travel therein. A pair of left and right shuttle blocks are supported in the frame member opening such that each shuttle block is captured between its associated pair of rails and adapted to slide relative thereto. The frame member includes left and right internal locking edges while each shuttle block has inner and outer locking edges. The locking edges cooperate with opposed camming recesses in the rails for concurrent tansverse movement to insure travel of only one rail at a time during the shifting operation.

Abstract: An improved pointer and shaft adapter assembly for use in instruments such as the speedometer of a vehicle including an elongated pointer portion and shaft forming portion connected together by engagement between spaced tabs which project from the pointer lying alongside side wall surfaces of an end connector of the shaft adapter. Cooperative nibs and apertures of the pointer and shaft forming portions secure the parts together and prevent any substantial tilting movement therebetween.

Abstract: A tray for transporting internal combustion engine pistons is provided. The tray comprises a generally rectangular tray body having a bottom wall. A plurality of spaced apart generally cylindrical first pockets extend downwardly from the bottom wall. Second pocket sidewall structure extends upwardly from the bottom wall concentrically around each of the first pockets to define a plurality of spaced apart generally cylindrical second pockets extending upwardly from the bottom wall.

Abstract: An actuation button retaining frame member for a vehicle seat adjuster or the like providing quick action installation and positive retention of the button in a panel elongated opening. The frame member is dimensioned for slidable reception on a box-shaped stem portion integral with the button. The frame member has the interior surface of its side elements formed with raised lugs adapted to be slidably received in edge positioning slots of the stem portion. Arcuate shaped runners are formed on the side elements facing the fixed end of the button stem portion. The slots readily position the frame member arcuate-shaped runners in juxtaposed relation to the panel's inner surface providing smooth reciprocal travel of the button along the opening.

Abstract: An improved split thrust washer assembly for a vehicle transmission speed shaft. The assembly includes a pair of semi-circular washer segments held in a speed shaft circumferential groove by a C-type compression retaining ring. The ring biases each washer segment interior surface into contact with the groove base wall during maximum shaft speeds thereby neutralizing the centrifugal force tending to separate the segments from the groove. The segments have radially extending opposed end faces having a predetermined minimal clearance therebetween thereby insuring that the segments are maintained in contact with the groove. The thrust washer assembly allows a shallower groove to carry the design thrust loads so as to improve shaft fatigue life.

Abstract: An improved clutch shift mechanism for use with a motor vehicle transfer case. A cylindrical drive shell is concentrically positioned around a shaft axis in spaced relation to a relatively rotatable coaxial coupling member formed with external spline teeth. A plurality of axially directed circumferentially spaced slots are provided in the drive shell with each slot receiving a rocker key having an internal spline tooth at each ends of its inner face. The interior of the drive shell has grooves sized to capture therein a center and side annular springs. Each rocker key inner surface has a center notch and side notches receiving their associated springs therein with the key in its neutral position. An axially slidable shift ring surrounds the shell and includes an annular cam surface engaging a central depression in each key.

Abstract: An improved automotive vehicle door hinge assembly enabling the vehicle doors to be quickly removed and reassembled during the assembly line advancement of the vehicle body. The hinge body half comprises a main member and a U-shaped extension member. The main member includes a flat mounting plate portion and a channel shaped angled portion bent outwardly from the plate portion. The U-shaped extension member has a planar base portion provided with right angled side flanges defining a pair of parallel legs each terminating in a hinge knuckle. The main member angled portion is sized for snug nested reception of the U-shaped extension member. An aperture is provided in the extension member base wall aligned with an aperture in the main member channel shaped portion bight wall. Upon tightening a threaded bolt in the aligned apertures the juxtaposed surfaces of the members are adapted for mutual clamped abutment preventing both separation and relative rotation thereof.

Abstract: A calibration sequence and method for use with an electronic compass which allows for the separation of the vehicle's magnetic field from the earth's magnetic field so that the earth's field can be measured and used to give vehicle direction; such calibration sequence being done with a mirrored 180 degree re-orientation of the vehicle.

Abstract: An assembly including a lower heat sink and an upper heat sink which allows for affixation of a semiconductor to a circuit board with automatic soldering equipment and also provides the lower heat sink and upper heat sink sandwiching the semiconductor therebetween for firm, cushioned connection during assembly and for dissipating heat during semiconductor operation.