Abstract: A four-point seat belt system for restraining a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat. Two shoulder belts mounted on separate spool members are connected to a common retractor mechanism, which synchronizes web payout and retraction and also shares a load limiting function. The shoulder belts are connected to a lap belt, which is buckled centrally on the abdomen of the occupant. A load limiting system controls occupant motion and reduces force levels on the occupant's chest. A single load limiting method can be used to accommodate all occupants of the vehicle with specific force versus belt payout properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter. The invention comprises adjusting an air/fuel ratio in the cylinders of an internal combustion engine to maintain the amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst at or near an oxidant target value. The oxidant target value is either a pre-determined constant value or a dynamically-determined value that is calculated based on engine operating conditions. The air/fuel ratio in the cylinders is adjusted based on the magnitude of the difference between the actual oxidant amount and the target oxidant amount to prevent NOx and hydrocarbon breakthrough.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of a engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air-fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e. without fuel injection.) In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: auto speed control, sensor diagnostics, air-fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, and default operation. In addition, the engine control method also disables the split air/lean operating mode under preselected operating conditions.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (12) for a vehicle (10) has a plurality of tires (14a-d) in respective rolling locations having a respective plurality of tire transmitters (16a-d) that generate a respective plurality of transmitter identification signals. A respective plurality of initiators (20a-d) are fixedly attached to the vehicle at a respective plurality of locations. A controller (22) activates the plurality of initiators (20a-d) by generating a respective plurality of initiator signals from the plurality of initiators. The plurality of initiator signals has a first power level. The controller (22) increases the first power level incrementally to a final power level until the controller receives a sensor signal from each of the plurality of tire transmitters.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control system includes an engine control system with an engine idle speed controller which maintains the engine idle speed set point for varying engine torque outputs and a vehicle braking system for braking the vehicle and which is operated by a deceleration demand means. The idle speed controller is arranged to receive signals from the deceleration demand means such that any increase in engine torque output demanded by the idle speed controller to maintain idle speed is limited in response to signals received from the deceleration demand means.

Abstract: An automotive tailgate includes a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining an interior space. The door is pivoted upon bearings mounted upon bearing retainers located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded within the interior of the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with one of the bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. Because the torsion bar is full floating, the operation of the tailgate hinges will not be impaired even if the torsion bar were to become fractured.

Abstract: A four-point seat belt restraint system having a lap belt movable between a comfort position wherein the portions of the belt extending over the outsides of the occupant's thighs are generally vertical, and a crash restraint position wherein the same portions extend at an angle downward and to the rear. Belt guides disposed adjacent opposite sides of the seat engage the lap belt as it extends from the anchor points toward the seat cushion. During normal vehicle operations, the belt guide is located in a comfort position that causes the portion of the lap belt passing over and around the outsides of the occupant's thighs to have a relatively vertical orientation. In the event of an actual or impending crash or other rapid vehicle deceleration, a restraints control module commands an actuation mechanism to move the belt guides rearward with respect to the comfort position, allowing the lap belt to extend in a substantially straight line to the rear-located anchor point.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling engine speed during a vehicle launch (from a rest condition to a moving condition), such vehicle having the engine is coupled to an automatic shifting manual transmission. The method comprises determining a spark timing offset based on one or more of engine speed, a time rate of engine speed, relative air charge, engine coolant temperature, accelerator pedal position, and a time rate of change of accelerator pedal position. A new spark timing is determined as the base spark timing minus the spark timing offset. By adjusting spark timing based primarily on a time rate of change of engine speed, engine speed fluctuations arising during a clutch engagement associated with vehicle launch are largely attenuated.

Abstract: A lightweight windshield wiper installation system is provided wherein the system includes a re-usable mounting device in combination with a lightweight windshield wiper assembly which does not require a connecting member. The mounting device includes a mounting arm having a first end and a second end, a first retaining means, a second retaining means. The lightweight windshield wiper installation system may further include an arm linkage, and a release handle. The mounting arm is operative to position a lightweight windshield wiper system onto a vehicle which is removably attached to the mounting arm via the first retaining means and the second retaining means. The release handle cooperates with the first retaining means and the second retaining means via an arm linkage to hold and release the lightweight windshield wiper system.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based controller is provided for generated heat in at various locations in an exhaust system of an engine by changing the heat generation technique utilized. In one case, some cylinder air-fuel ratios are modulated between stoichiometry and rich, while others are modulated between stoichiometry and lean. Another approach operates some cylinder lean, while others are modulated between a first rich, and a second, less rich, value. Further, compensation based on engine airflow is also provided. Finally, various methods are described for temperature control and for controlling modulation of air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: A passenger compartment isolator system interposed between the engine compartment and passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle includes a dash panel having generally vertical and horizontal portions extending under the leading edge of the vehicle's windshield, and an isolator panel affixed to the horizontal and vertical portions of the dash panel on the engine compartment side of the dash panel.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an estimation of actual cam phase angle of increased accuracy are based on an observed cam phase angle derived from a cam phase sensor and a predicted cam phase angle derived from a desired or commanded cam phase angle. The estimated cam phase angle is used in the electronic control unit in computing desired settings for engine variables which depend on cam phase angle.

Abstract: A system and method for designing an automotive body structure. A CAE system 14 receives certain programmable parameters or user input data 12, and generates a computer model of a body structure 16 which is analyzed and optimized in order to minimize the weight of the body structure 16 by use of adhesive bond technology.

Abstract: A non-contacting transmission range sensor system, which includes a control device, is disclosed. The system includes a shaft coupled to the control device. A non-contacting range sensor, coupled to the shaft, generates a pulse-width modulated signal in response to rotation of the shaft. A control module, electrically attached to the non-contacting range sensor, is subject to receive the pulse-width modulated signal.