Abstract: A method and a high latch for a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat has a seatback pivotably coupled to a seat base and the seat base is coupled to a vehicle body having a vehicle wall. The high latch includes a hook carriage including a structural hook, with the hook carriage coupled to the seatback. A striker assembly including a striker arm is configured to selectively engage the structural hook, with the striker assembly coupled to the vehicle body. With the structural hook and striker arm engaged, the seatback will move with the striker assembly from the first position to a second position.

Abstract: A point of interest display system (20) includes an updatable database which interfaces with a microprocessor (50) which receives data from a GPS receiver (40) providing the system with current vehicle location and direction of travel information. A display (26) provides the operator graphic display data information and easily accessible control switches (24) allow the operator to select upcoming highway exits, categories of points of interests, and points of interest.

Abstract: A point-of-interest display system includes an updateable database which interfaces with a microprocessor which receives data from a GPS receiver providing the system with current vehicle location and direction of travel information. A display provides the operator textural and elemental graphic display information, and easily accessible control switches allow the operator to select upcoming highway exits, categories of points of interest, and points of interest and display directions to a selected entry.

Abstract: The compass system of the present invention utilizes an improved calibration routine in which a processing circuit of the compass recalibrates the compass each time three data points are obtained from a magnetic field sensor that meet predetermined criteria. One such criterion is that the three data points define corners of a triangle that is substantially non-obtuse. When three data points have been obtained that define a triangle meeting this criterion, the processing circuit calculates a center point for a circle upon which all three data points lie by solving the equation x2+y2+Ax+By+C=0 for A, B, and C, using the coordinate values (x,y) for the three data points and defining the center point as (?A/2, ?B/2).

Abstract: A vehicle compass system for compensating for magnetic disturbances caused by a moveable vehicle accessory includes a magnetic field sensor and a control circuit coupled to the moveable vehicle accessory and the magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor is positioned at a distance from the moveable vehicle accessory and is configured to determine an orientation of the magnetic field sensor with respect to the Earth's magnetic field and to generate magnetic field data.

Abstract: A system for communicating information facilitates wireless communication between electronic devices. The system includes a transceiver provided in a vehicle. The transceiver communicates with an electronic device located external to the transceiver using a Bluetooth communications standard.

Abstract: A system for communicating information is described. The system comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to a vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate with a personal digital assistant (PDA) located external to the transceiver using wireless RF signals to transmit information between the transceiver and the PDA.

Abstract: An evaporator including a shell having a first end and a second end. A plurality of tubes are disposed within the shell to circulate refrigerant through the shell. A plurality of shell inlets are in fluid communication with the shell to deliver a fluid to exchange heat in the plurality of tubes, preferably through a baffle arrangement. At least one of the shell inlets may be arranged to deliver fluid to the shell adjacent to the first end. In addition, at least one of the other shell inlets may be arranged to deliver fluid adjacent to the second end. A shell outlet is in fluid communication with the shell to discharge fluid from the shell. The shell outlet is arranged to receive the combined liquid delivered to the shell by the plurality of shell inlets.

Abstract: A belt tensioning system for a motor and a belt-driven blower each secured inside an air handling unit. The blower rotatably carries a first shaft, a first sheave and a bladed arrangement being secured to the first shaft. A second sheave secured to a second shaft is rotatably carried by the motor. A belt engaging the periphery of the first sheave and the second sheave urges the first sheave to rotate about the first shaft in response to the motor urging the second sheave to rotate about the second shaft. An adjuster having adjustment means is secured to the structure. Actuating the adjustment means in a direction urges the motor either toward the adjuster or away from the adjuster to vary the distance between the first sheave and the second sheave to vary the tension in the belt.

Abstract: An air handling unit (AHU) for housing a number of components used in a heating or cooling system to provide forced air for climate control in a particular structure includes a single raceway construction having both low thermal conductivity and enhanced mechanical properties for use with lifting the AHU; a single insulated panel construction having a minimum number of components as well as enhanced mechanical properties for use as the floor in an AHU compartment; to minimize costs associated with fabrication and installation.

Abstract: A housing for a vehicle battery includes a top portion configured for attachment to a battery cover and a plurality of containers extending from the top portion for containing elements of a battery. The plurality of containers are arranged in an offset configuration such that at least a portion of the top portion extends away from the plurality of containers due to the offset configuration. A structure for reinforcing the portion of the top portion is provided that extends away from the plurality of containers. According to one embodiment, the structure includes at least one rib for providing enhanced structural integrity for the portion of the top portion.

Abstract: A method of providing ride-through capability in a chiller/refrigeration system employs a variable speed drive with an active converter stage, a DC link stage and an inverter stage for providing variable frequency and voltage to power at least one motor. An induction motor is coupled to the output of the inverter stage for driving a compressor in the chiller/refrigeration system. The ride-through method comprises operating the active converter to regulate the DC link voltage of the DC link stage to a predetermined voltage level until the current through the active converter equals a predetermined current limit, then transferring regulation of the DC link to the inverter upon reaching the current limit of the converter. The compressor is unloaded, and the power flow through the inverter is reversed to maintain the voltage level of the DC link stage. Pre-rotation vanes, slide valve, or check valve are used to unload the compressor.

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a latch hook and an anti-chuck latch, the latch mechanism being connected to a removable seat assembly having a seat back movable between an upright and a folded position. When the seat back is in a folded position, the anti-chuck hook of the latch rotates such that the seat may be removed from a striker in the floor of the vehicle. When the seat back is moved from the folded position, a cam is driven to engage a pawl to lock the anti-chuck hook in a position such that the seat may not be removed from the striker bar even when the latch hook is released.

Abstract: A method for correcting a vehicle compass measurement for an interfering magnetic field generated by a vehicle accessory, where the interfering magnetic field has an intensity sufficient to cause a compass measurement error, includes monitoring the operation of the vehicle accessory and detecting a characteristic of operation of the vehicle accessory. A measurement or timing signal is then generated based on the characteristic of operation. A magnetic field for direction is measured in response to the measurement signal and an offset or correction value is determined based at least one the measured magnetic field and the characteristic of operation of the vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A system and method for bypassing an animation sequence of a vehicle display system may comprise starting an animation sequence at an in-vehicle display, interrupting the animation sequence in response to a user-initiated input, and displaying a final state of the animation sequence.

Abstract: A seat back cushion support presenting device for use in a foldable vehicle seat moves a cushion support member from a position within the seat back frame to a position extended from the seat back frame such that the entire cushion is presented. A pair of presenting members, each including a side bolster support portion, are provided in overlapping arrangement for translation along a presenting device support member and rotation with respect to a cushion support member such that as an activation member moves the presenting members together, the cushion support member is extended along with the side bolster support portions.

Abstract: A vanity mirror frame (70) has insert-molded electrical contacts (117, 118) for holding a lamp in place in the frame and which, when assembled to a visor core, makes aligned electrical connections with the visor core electrical supply. Further, the vanity mirror frame includes a unique socket (78) for pivotally receiving and holding a mirror cover in place. Detent springs extend between the frame and cover for snap opening and closing of the cover between closed and open positions. The cover includes an additional cam (95, 97) which cooperates with an electrical switch when the cover is open to provide operating power to the lamp.

Abstract: A positioning system for coupling a module to a rail member on an interior portion of a vehicle is disclosed and includes a rail with a flange member having positioning openings. The module includes at least one projection configured to engage the openings when the module is attached to the rail system so that movement of the module in a direction parallel to the rail system is substantially prevented. A positioning system is also disclosed for limiting movement of a module attached to a rail system within a vehicle interior during changes in vehicle speed or direction. The module includes at least one brake member coupled to the module and configured to coact with a rail so that movement of the module relative to the rail causes the brake member to frictionally engage the rail to substantially limit movement of the module along the rail.

Abstract: A method of friction welding first and second parts together at an angular orientation relative to each other includes the steps of mounting the first part in a spindle for axial rotation and the second part in a non-rotatable holder. The spindle is then rotated and the angular orientation of the first part relative to the second part is determined at any specific time. The holder is moved toward the spindle to bring the second part into frictional contact with the first part at a selected one of the specific times that the angular orientation is determined. Accordingly, due to frictional contact, the respective contacting surface of the parts are melted. The speed of the rotation of the spindle is then decreased and the holder is moved toward the spindle to forcibly urge the first and second parts together at the contacting surface.