Abstract: A sliding window panel assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a stationary window panel having an opening formed therein, at least one guide rail coupled to the stationary window panel below the opening and above a bottom edge of the stationary window panel, a shoe slidably received within the guide rail and configured to slidably move within the guide rail, a movable window panel mounted onto the shoe such that the movable window panel slidably moves with the shoe. The movable window panel can slidably move with respect to the stationary panel along a movable panel path. The lead screw drive unit engages the shoe and is adapted to move the shoe and the movable panel along the movable panel path within the guide rail.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a metallic flat gasket with at least one sealing layer with at least one port, with a sensor layer corresponding to the ports being deposited on at least one surface of the sealing layer. This sensor layer consists of a compression protection layer and at least one break, in which a sensor element is at least partially installed.

Abstract: A suspension is provided that comprises a tandem axle walking beam with a vertically compliant center pivot bushing and a spring medium located over each axle center. The walking beam is rigidly attached to the axles and is pivotally coupled to a frame of the vehicle at a location intermediate of the first and second axles.

Abstract: An improved lubrication system for drive axle assemblies is provided that uses a collector in connection with a filter plug to lower the dynamic lubricant level in the drive axle assembly and filter contaminants in the lubricant sump. The collector is affixed to a cover plate attached to the drive axle housing and defines a well and a flow passage proximate the bottom of the well. The flow passage is aligned with an opening through which lubricant is inserted into the housing. A plug with a filter is inserted through the opening in the cover plate and into the flow passage. The invention reduces churning losses by lowering the dynamic lubricant level in the axle assembly without having a negative impact on lubricant life.

Abstract: A fluid coupling for coupling a hose to a metal tube, of primary interest in hydraulic brake systems, provides dynamic strain relief so that hoses having braided reinforcing layers are made usable for normal highway use because the hoses can withstand Department of Transportation Whip Test while meeting thermal requirements. This is accomplished by a coaxial strain relief element which is integral with an eyelet-type tube fitting wherein the strain relief element is captured by a pocket disposed in the end of a crimping cup. A crimping cup directly engages the braided reinforcement layer to clamp the hose against a projecting nipple of the eyelet while having an annular lip portion which seats in the groove in the eyelet and presses the coaxial strain relief element into and direct engagement with the braided reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A plain bearing and method for making the plain bearing are described, the plain bearing having an overlay alloy layer at a sliding surface of the plain bearing, the plain bearing comprising a layer of a strong backing material, a layer of a first bearing alloy bonded to the strong backing material and a layer of a second bearing material comprising said overlay material bonded to said first bearing alloy layer wherein said second bearing material comprises tin having included in the matrix thereof an organic levelling agent.

Abstract: A suspension for coupling a steer axle assembly to a vehicle frame is provided that moves one or more of the spring reaction points outboard to increase roll stiffness and enable the use of a lighter axle. In one embodiment of the invention, the suspension includes a spring coupled to the vehicle frame and a shock absorber having a first end coupled to the spring and a second end coupled to a component of the steer axle assembly, such as the kingpin, at a location outboard of a longitudinal frame rail of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An improved differential carrier and pilot web for a vehicle comprises a carrier and a separate pilot web. The pilot web is attached to the carrier by at least two bolts. At least two bolts are each covered by a bushing. The carrier and the pilot web each preferably comprise counter bored holes to receive and support the bolt and bushing. The carrier and the pilot web each also have a mating stop surface, which are precision machined to be a minimal distance from one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic inter-axle differential lock actuation sensing method for a vehicle having a tandem drive axle. The inter-axle differential lock actuation sensing method comprises providing a clutch locking mechanism of an inter-axle differential for a vehicle, the clutch locking mechanism having a first set of teeth in a fixed position and a second set of teeth on a sliding clutch, locating a speed sensor such that when the clutch mechanism is disengaged the sensor measures a speed of the sliding clutch, and when the clutch mechanism is fully engaged the sensor measures zero speed even though the sliding clutch continues to rotate, providing a speed of the vehicle from a vehicle data link, and using the speed sensor-speed and the vehicle speed to determine status of clutch mechanism engagement.

Abstract: A computer based system automatically gathers, analyzes, and delivers information relating to the procurement and utilization of a plurality of such assets, such as a fleet of industrial equipment, so as to maximize productivity and to reduce operating costs and administrative burdens. Each of the assets is preferably provided with a data acquisition device for sensing and storing one or more operating characteristics associated therewith. That information can be transmitted through space to a receiver connected to a local controller for storing such information and for transmitting such information to a remote analysis system. The remote analysis system automatically updates individual records associated with each of the assets with the information received. In response to such information, the remote analysis system automatically analyzes the newly provided information and generates reports regarding scheduled maintenance, warranty coverage, and other management information.

Abstract: A vehicle body and frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinally extending side rails having a plurality of transverse cross members extending therebetween. The cross member is a multiple piece structure, including a central portion having a pair of end portions secured thereto. The central portion of the cross member is preferably formed from a first metallic material, while the end portions are preferably both formed from a second metallic material. The end portions of the cross member are preferably formed from the same metallic material as the respective side rails to which they are secured. The end portions of the cross member can be secured to the ends of the central portion by any desired process, such as by magnetic pulse welding. Similarly, the cross member can be secured to the side rails by any desired process, such as by magnetic pulse welding or by conventional welding. The end portions of the cross member can extend either partially or completely through the respective side rails.

Abstract: A method of joining two vehicle axle housing components made from the same or dissimilar materials includes providing a first axle housing component, and providing a second axle housing component, where one of the first and second axle housing components is a metallic component made of a metallic material. A portion of one of the first and second axle housing components is positioned within a portion of the other of the axle housing components in an overlapping manner, thereby forming an overlapping portion. A metallic band may be disposed around the overlapping portion. An inductor is positioned around the overlapping portion. The inductor is energized to generate a magnetic field for collapsing at least one of the overlapping portion and the metallic band, thereby securing the first and second axle housing components together.

Abstract: A seal of an annular shape comprising a top bead and a side bead that are tilted inwardly at predetermined angles. The top bead and side bead are integrally formed such that a force exerted on the side bead allows the side bead to cooperate with the top bead to properly seal an intake pipe within a cylinder head. This abstract submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a plasma for various plasma processes and treatments. In one embodiment, a plasma is ignited by subjecting a gas in a multi-mode processing cavity to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency between about 1 MHz and about 333 GHz in the presence of a plasma catalyst, which may be passive or active. A passive plasma catalyst may include, for example, any object capable of inducing a plasma by deforming a local electric field. An active plasma catalyst can include any particle or high energy wave packet capable of transferring a sufficient amount of energy to a gaseous atom or molecule to remove at least one electron from the gaseous atom or molecule, in the presence of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A pair of metallic components, such as a pair of metallic structural components for a vehicular body and frame assembly, are permanently joined using a magnetic pulse welding process. Initially, a first metallic component is provided having a first aperture that is formed through a first side and a second aperture having a hollow cylindrical flange portion that is formed through a second side. A second metallic component is provided having a surface that extends at an angle relative to the flange portion. The angled surface may be provided in the form of either an enlarged region or a reduced region on the second metallic component. The first and second metallic components are arranged such that the flange portion of the first metallic component overlaps the surface of the second metallic component.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing microwelding of a piston ring installed in a circumferential groove of a piston, wherein the ring has at least one piston groove engaging surface which is coated with a polyaryletherketone polymer. This composition provides critical lubrication during the piston and piston ring break-in period and prevents localized high pressure, and high temperature areas that promote microwelding.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for eliminating turbulence-induced noise in a pulsation-absorbing flexible hose, as in a hydraulic power steering system containing a pressure fluid-feeding pump and a steering gear operated by the pressure fluid discharged from the pump. The hose has a restrictor positioned in the hose bore, and the restrictor has a flow-through bore of smaller diameter than that of the adjacent wall of the hose bore. The flow-through bore has a venturi tube cross section. The restrictor venturi inlet, throat and outlet are designed so as to efficiently conduct fluid therethrough by matching the characteristics of the fluid, the operational pressures, fluid density and other system parameters such that the venturi operates below the lower critical value of the Reynolds number of fluid flow through the restrictor to thereby minimize or eliminate fluid turbulence in the restrictor outlet and/or immediately downstream thereof.

Abstract: A multi-layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gasket containing fully integrated pressure sensors includes first and second metal layers with inner facing surfaces, and a spacer layer interposed between the facing surfaces. Outer (non-facing) surfaces of the first and second metal layers each include an elastomeric seal coating; the inner surfaces of the layers each include a friction reducing coating. Combustion apertures extend fully between the outer surfaces of the gasket, and are adapted to circumscribe cylinder bores of an engine. The spacer layer includes protective slots positioned adjacent each of the combustion apertures. Each slot wall contains a pressure sensor in form of a strain gauge to measure deflection of the wall resulting from pressure changes within engine combustion chambers. The measured deflections are correlated to actual pressures within the chambers. In the protective slots, the strain gauges are not exposed to combustion gases that could otherwise foul the sensors.

Abstract: A method for performing a hydroforming operation on a hollow workpiece includes the initial step of filling the interior of the workpiece with a hydroforming fluid. The pressure exerted by the hydroforming fluid against the interior of the workpiece is below the yield strength of the workpiece so as to not change the shape of the workpiece. Then, first and second die sections of the hydroforming apparatus are closed about the workpiece. The movement of the two die sections causes some mechanical deformation of the workpiece, but the presence of the hydroforming fluid within the workpiece prevents the amount of this mechanical deformation of the hollow workpiece from being undesirably large. Thereafter, the pressure exerted by the hydroforming fluid against the interior of the workpiece is increased to above the yield strength of the workpiece. As a result, the workpiece is deformed into engagement with the first and second die sections of the hydroforming die.

Abstract: An oil separator for an internal combustion engine includes a basket that houses a filter media for separating air from oil particles. A portion of the basket is disposed within a valve cover. A breather lid is fitted over the basket for sealing the filter media housed within the basket. Air is drawn through the breather lid and the filter media to separate the air from the oil particles contained in the filter media. The design may also include a baffle for preventing the oil from saturating the filter media. The integration of the filter media with sealing eliminates parts and maximizes the efficiency and effectiveness of separating the oil particles from the air.