Abstract: A control strategy for use in combination with a hybrid electric vehicle 10 including a propulsion system 12 having an engine 14 and a starter/alternator 16 which is operatively coupled to crankshaft 18 of engine 14. The control strategy utilizes the starter/alternator 16 as an “active” flywheel and implements a variable parameter notch filter and a lead compensator to attenuate crankshaft speed oscillations.

Abstract: An assembly for use with a vehicle sliding door 12 which includes a first wheel 24, which is movably disposed within a first track 40 located on the vehicle and having a ramped portion 44, and a second wheel 32 which is movably disposed within a second track 60. The assembly includes a brake pad 62, which is disposed within the second track 60, which frictionally engages the second wheel 32, and which cooperates with the ramped portion 44 to hold door 12 in an open position.

Abstract: A storage assembly 10 which is adapted for use within a vehicle of the type having conventional child safety seat anchors or brackets 12, 14, and a conventional vehicle seat 16 including a seat bottom or cushion portion 18 and a backrest portion 20. Assembly 10 includes a storage module 22, and two fastening members 24, 26 which are adapted to be respectively and removably coupled to brackets 12, 14.

Abstract: A connecting rod 10 having a generally elongated body portion 15 which includes a piston-connecting end portion 12 and a crankshaft-receiving end portion 13. The connecting rod 10 is selectively fractured, thereby separating cap portion 14 from the body 15 and the crankshaft-receiving end portion 13 and forming surfaces 28, 30, 32, and 34. Dissimilar fasteners 24, 26 selectively connect the separated cap portion 14 to the body 15 and substantially ensure that surface pairs 28, 30 and 32, 34 engagingly mate when the connecting rod 10 is operatively reassembled upon the crankshaft.

Abstract: A method of preconditioning a battery 34 of a hybrid electric vehicle 10 to improve cold temperature starting of vehicle 10. The method utilizes the vehicle's electric starter/generator 16 to generate forward and reverse torque pulsations which draw power from battery 34, thereby heating the core of battery 34. The forward and reverse torque pulsations are further effective to rock the engine crankshaft 18, thereby eliminating static friction and reducing the torque required to crank engine 14.

Abstract: A fuel pump assembly 10 including a motor 12, a drive shaft 14 which is rotatably coupled to motor 12, an impeller 16, and a chamber assembly 18. Fuel pump assembly 10 has improved efficiency due to the substantial reduction and/or elimination of frictional contact between impeller 16 and the respective interior surfaces 70, 72 of chamber 18.

Abstract: A steering wheel heating assembly 10 which electively provides a relatively high voltage electrical signal to a heating element 16 which is coupled to a steering wheel, effective to heat the steering wheel. The assembly 10 includes a temperature sensor 28 which senses or monitors the temperature of the steering wheel and which communicates the monitored sensor to a controller 26. Should the temperature of the steering wheel be above a certain value, the controller 26 prevents the relatively high voltage signal from being communicated to the heating element 16. The controller 26 may also monitor the operating speed of the engine and prevent such signal communication when the engine is not being operated.

Abstract: A vehicle console 12 which is adapted to store a child safety seat 50 and which is further adapted to operatively and movably support and position the child safety seat 50 within the vehicle 10. More particularly, the console 12 includes a pair of child seat attachment members 24, 26 which removably connect the child safety seat to the console 12, and a lip or flange portion 19 which allows the child safety seat 50 to be securely supported by the console 12 when deployed within the vehicle 10.

Abstract: A valve seat insert 10 for use in combination with a cylinder head 12. Insert 10 is disposed within a cavity 24 formed within cylinder head 12 and includes several notches 40 which cooperate with surface 26 within cavity 24 to form a plurality of passages or channels 50 which allow fuel 18 to freely pass between surface 26 and insert 10. Channels 50 are effective to substantially prevent fuel 18 from becoming trapped between insert 10 and cylinder head 12, thereby preventing the formation of corrosive acids and byproducts.

Abstract: A vehicle image acquisition and display assembly 10 which is deployed within conventional vehicle rear-view mirror housing or shroud members 20, 22 and which selectively provides images of areas/regions and/or objects residing within the front and/or along the side of a vehicle 12.

Abstract: A clutch assembly 10 is provided and includes a clutch housing 12 which provides an output torque, and a clutch hub 16 which provides an input torque. Housing 12 and hub 16 each respectively include splined portions 52 and 40. Assembly 10 includes a frictional member which is coupled to housing 12 and which selectively and operatively engages hub 16 effective to cause the rotational speeds of housing 12 and hub 16 to become substantially equal. Assembly 10 further includes a member 22 having a splined portion 26 which is selectively movable to a position in which splined portion 26 is engaged with both splined portion 52 and splined portion 40, thereby providing a mechanical link between housing 12 and hub 16.

Abstract: A valve assembly 10 for use in a hydraulic circuit. Valve assembly 10 includes a generally hollow cylindrical member 12 and a pair of generally spherical sealing balls or members 14, 16, which are each movably disposed within member 12. Member 12 is operatively and communicatively connected to a first portion 24 and a second portion 26 of a hydraulic circuit. Members 14, 16 cooperate to allow gas to pass from portion 24 to portion 26, while substantially preventing gas from passing from portion 26 to portion 24 and substantially preventing fluid from passing from portion 24 to portion 26.

Abstract: A vibration absorption assembly 12 and method for making the same having a base portion 30 which is movably connected to an intermediate portion 32 and to a top portion or cover 32. Assembly 12 contains several apertures or cavities 26 which operatively contain a pair of balls or spherical members 28 which absorb or dampen the vibrations emanating from a rotating member, such as a diesel fuel injection pump 14. Oil 27 is communicated into apertures 26 and is effective to lubricate the moving members 28. Further, portion or member 32 is selectively movable to allow access to several of the cavities or apertures 26 in order to allow fuel injection pump 12 to be removed from the engine 10 by use of fasteners 80, 82, and 84.

Abstract: An electrical charging system 10 which is adapted for use in combination with an automotive vehicle. System 10 includes a conventional controller or control module 12, an alternator 14, a pair of electrical charge storage devices or batteries 16, 18, an electrical switch or relay 24, and a voltage regulating device or regulator 28. System 10 selectively charges batteries 16 and 18 in an efficient and cost-effective manner without compromising the integrity of system 10.