Abstract: A folding seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat base pivotally mounted to the floor of the vehicle, and a seat back mounted to the seat base and pivotable from a perpendicular to a parallel orientation to the seat base. The seat back is retained in an upright orientation within the vehicle by a latch mechanism in an upper portion of the seat back connecting the seat back to the vehicle, and by a hook mechanism in a lower portion of the seat back, proximate the seat base. With the latch mechanism released, the seat back can pivot toward the parallel orientation, which causes the hook mechanism to disengage. With the hook mechanism disengaged, the parallel seat back and base can pivot together relative to the vehicle, such as to fold and tumble into a storage position.

Abstract: A turbine acceleration control system for a transmission in a vehicle determines a desired turbine acceleration based on a downshift type and an altitude of the vehicle. The turbine acceleration control system determines a downshift type that results from one of a throttle increase, a manual downshift, or vehicle deceleration. An altitude module determines an altitude of the vehicle. A vehicle controller communicates with one or more lookup tables to determine the desired turbine acceleration based on the downshift type and the altitude. Additionally, current turbine speed and torque converter slip are considered by the controller in determining the desired turbine acceleration.

Abstract: A system for retaining a sensor on an injection molded intake manifold that uses a twist-lock connection within the receiving port. The sensor body has outwardly projecting lugs that pass between inwardly projecting lugs in the receiving port. The face of the manifold is formed with external guiding projections around the receiving port that direct insertion of the sensor into the receiving port in a specific first, unlocked orientation, and permit rotation of the sensor to a second, locked orientation. After the sensor is rotated to the locked orientation, attachment of an external connector, such as a wire harness, prevents the sensor from being rotated back to the first, unlocked orientation by interfering with the external guiding projections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for systematically calibrating an engine misfire detection system for an internal combustion engine. The present invention provides a method of collecting a plurality of groups of sample data points. Each of the groups of sample data points represents a cylinder firing event. Optionally, misfire events can be induced during the collection of the groups of sample data points. Using the collected data points, a plurality of compensation parameters is then generated and applied iteratively to the sample data points to generally optimize the detection of misfire occurrences. Compensation parameters that produce a high accuracy misfire detection are selected and can be exported from the calibration system to transport to an engine controller in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A transmission control method improves shift feel during kickdown shifts. The release clutch is fully released at the initiation of the kickdown shift. The release clutch is then reapplied when the volume of the release clutch reaches a threshold capacity. The volume of the release clutch is slowly ramped down, thereby increasing turbine speed. When the turbine speed reaches a threshold, the apply clutch is actuated. The apply clutch is actuated by controlling the volume of the apply clutch according to a target volume.

Abstract: A vehicle operator assistance system includes a user interface adapted to accept a user request for explanatory information relating to a particular vehicle operation, and to communicate explanatory information relating to the particular vehicle operation to a user. It further includes a data store of explanatory information relating to a plurality of vehicle operations. An information retrieval module is adapted to retrieve explanatory information relating to the particular vehicle operation from the data store based on the user request, and to communicate the explanatory information relating to the particular vehicle operation to the user via the user interface. The user interface has a user request input permitting the user to initiate a request for explanatory information relating to a particular vehicle operation input by utilizing the user request input and the particular vehicle operation input in a predetermined fashion.

Abstract: A door assembly includes an inner panel, an outer panel fixedly attached to the inner panel, and a load transfer element disposed within an interstitial space formed between the inner and outer panels. The load transfer element includes a main body defining a longitudinal axis extending from the inner panel to the outer panel and first and second reaction surfaces disposed on the main body. The first reaction surface is formed proximate the inner panel while the second reaction surface is formed generally opposite the first reaction surface and proximate the outer panel. The second reaction surface is operable to receive a load from the outer panel and to transmit the load through the main body to the first reaction surface and the door inner panel. The load transfer element is further configured to activate an air bag sensor when the load exceeds a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for selectively tilting side mirrors located on the driver and passenger sides of a vehicle. The system has a mirror selection switch with a driver position and a passenger position. A control module receives a mirror selection signal from the mirror selection switch and receives a reverse gear signal. A first actuator is controlled by the control module and linked to a passenger side mirror. The control module controls the first actuator to tilt the passenger side mirror when the mirror selection signal indicates the mirror selection switch is in the passenger position and the reverse gear signal is indicative of the vehicle being in a reverse gear.

Abstract: A valve lifter is disclosed comprising a lifter housing having a receiver, a switch retainer having at least one bore, and a key disposed in the at least one bore. The key is movable into the receiver to lock the switch retainer against movement relative to the lifter housing.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a seat cushion translatable on at least one track to a position generally above a tub disposed at least partially in a floor of the vehicle. The seat cushion is stowable in the tub.

Abstract: A power drive mechanism (10) for a motor vehicle liftgate includes a linking arm (18) pivotally connected with the liftgate, a crank arm (12) drivable for pivotal movement and connected with the linking arm (18), and a gear train (20) operatively engaging the crank arm (12). A drive motor (34) is operatively connected with the crank arm (12) through the gear train (20) to provide power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate. The gear train (20) is disengagable from the drive motor (34) to permit manual opening and closing of the liftgate without backdriving the drive motor (34). An actuator (74) is operatively connected with the gear train (20) to move the gear train into and out of engagement with the drive motor. A holding linkage (60, 62) is operatively associated with the gear train (20) to maintain the gear train (20) in engagement during power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate.

Abstract: A gimp made of flexible, compressible material attaches an edge of a trim piece to a panel. The gimp is bonded to the panel without visual gaps between the gimp and the panel. The gimp has a slip connection to the trim piece. The slip connection is provided by a slot in the gimp slidably receiving the edge of the trim piece.

Abstract: A tachometer system is provided for a motor vehicle having an engine selected from a plurality of engines having unique maximum rated engine RPMs. The system has an RPM data signal and scale correction data. A microcontroller receives the RPM data signal and said scale correction data and generates a scaled tachometer signal therefrom in accordance with a computer program stored in a memory. A gauge drive circuit receives the scaled tachometer signal from the microcontroller. A tachometer gauge has a pointer driven by the gauge driver circuit. The computer program calculates the scaled tachometer signal according to a first scaling constant while the RPM data signal represents less than a predetermined RPM, and calculates the scaled tachometer signal according to a second scaling constant while the RPM data signal represents greater than the predetermined RPM. The second scaling constant is selected from a set of predetermined scaling constants according to the scale correction data.

Abstract: A folding seating apparatus, for on-board stowage of an optionally deployable passenger seat, in a vehicle having a floor defining a floor surface that may be entirely flat when the seating apparatus is stowed. The seating apparatus includes a stowable seat having a seat cushion supported on one or more legs above the floor, a seat back that is foldable upon the seat cushion for stowage of the seat, and a seat receiving recess in the floor for on-board stowage of the seat. The seat is movable transversely in the vehicle in addition to being stowable.

Abstract: A computer implemented supply chain analysis apparatus permits user to create a supply chain map for analyzing a manufacturing operation. A template forms a workspace to depict a supply chain related to a manufacturing operation. Supply chain icons are predefined to depict specified aspects and relationships of an automotive supply chain function. The stencil stores icons which are related to a manufacturing area. The icons which are related to a manufacturing area are grouped together on a stencil.

Abstract: An over-travel protection device is provided for placing in a load path between a load cell and an object being weighed. The device has a first member positioned to be in the load path and a second member also positioned to be in the load path. The second member is arranged to cooperate with the first member to transfer load force from the object to the load cell. The first and second members define a space between one another and a compressible member is disposed in the space between the first member and the second member. A retaining member is adapted to limit separation displacement between the first and second members.

Abstract: A removable jump seat assembly for an automotive vehicle has a jump seat, and a support structure for the jump seat. The support structure includes at least one support bar having a first terminal portion connected to the jump seat. A bracket is mounted on a rear upright wall of the vehicle. A releasable latch assembly releasably secures the support bar to the bracket. The latch assembly includes a housing on a second terminal portion of the support bar. Latch fingers in the housing are engageable in slots in the bracket to connect the support bar to the bracket. A spring urges the latch fingers into the slots. Release members carried by the housing are adapted to withdraw the latch fingers from the slots against the force of the spring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing positive crankcase ventilation, for the crankcase of an four-stroke engine having one or more reciprocating pistons exposed on a bottom side thereof to the crankcase, whereby the crankcase and bottom side of the one or more reciprocating pistons define a crankcase volume that varies cyclically with reciprocation of the one or more pistons. The cyclically varying volume of the crankcase, resulting from reciprocation of the one or more pistons, is used for generating a flow of air through the crankcase. The flow of air through the crankcase varies substantially in direct proportion to engine speed. An inlet control device and an outlet control device are attached to the crankcase, for controlling the flow of air through the crankcase.