Abstract: A vehicle gauge comprises a mechanical indicator moveable relative to a reconfigurable gauge display. A transparent electroluminescent display selectively provides one of a plurality of gauge displays. A mechanical indicator positioned behind the display moves relative to the gauge display based upon data from a sensor associated with the current gauge display. A selectively transmissive device positioned between the display and the indicator selectively hides the indicator from view, providing a display independent of the indicator.

Abstract: An improved method of forming a vehicle trim part includes the initial step of securing an insert to a vinyl skin in a vacuum mold. The cloth insert is attached to the outer face of the skin, and the two are then placed into a foam mold as a single preform. In this way, if the cloth is improperly connected to the skin, the part can be identified as scrap before foam is injected to complete the part. Once the preform is moved into the foam mold, foam is injected behind the part. Since the preform is positioned within the mold as a single part, the invention more accurately positions the insert and skin relative to the mold prior to foam injection. Again, this improves the quality and appearance of the vinyl part.

Abstract: A transmitter circuit includes an output impedance and a buffered oscillator. The buffered oscillator includes a resonator for generating a reference signal and an amplifier coupled with the resonator for amplifying the reference signal. A first resonant tank generates an oscillating output signal in response to the amplified reference signal. A buffer circuit buffers the oscillating output signal and lowers the output impedance.

Abstract: A unique electrical control for a defroster has a resistive electrical filament strip and a bi-directional motor having a H-bridge drive. The defroster filament may be simultaneously operated to warm a window or mirror and function as a power or current dissipating resistance to prevent a short circuit within the H-bridge drive.

Abstract: A method for testing motor armature shafts is disclosed. The method includes simulating armature shaft loading conditions to test armature shaft reliability for failure. The shaft has a longitudinally extending axis, which during operation is the axis of rotation of the shaft. In the method the shaft is fixedly supported at two spaced locations a predetermined distance from one of the free ends. A normal force is rotated about the shaft's longitudinal axis. This force is exerted continuously about the circumference of the free end of the armature shaft, so that the armature shaft is continuously offset a predetermined distance from its longitudinal axis. This force is continuously applied for a predetermined number of rotations of the shaft. This simulates loading of the armature shaft in an assembled motor.

Abstract: A wire harness includes a plurality of wires surrounded by a continuous molded sheath. The sheath includes a first section made of a first material and a second section integral with the first section and made of a second material different from the first material. The different materials provide different colors, such as for color-coding branches of the wire harness. The different materials also provide areas of increased abrasion resistance to mechanical wear, temperature resistance and chemical resistance.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs an electromagnetic device. The electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of an intermittent motion mechanism thereby moving a mechanical device coupled thereto. A main driving gear is rotated from the wiper positional range in either direction to access one or another adjacent release positional range, but not necessarily both at the same time.

Abstract: An electric motor control system for a motor vehicle rear wiper assembly. The system includes an electric motor including a motor housing. A gear mechanism is coupled to the electric motor to selectively connect the motor to a motor application. A plurality of resistive contacts are located either on the motor housing or on the gear mechanism and are arranged in a predetermined resistance pattern to indicate motor operational data. A controller is connected to the motor and is programmed to control operation of the motor. A contact mechanism is connected opposite the resistive contacts either on the gear mechanism or the motor housing to selectively contact one of the plurality of resistive contacts dependent upon a selected motor application. A resistance measuring device is connected between the wiper and the controller to generate a sensed resistance signal and communicate the sensed resistance signal to the controller for motor control purposes. Exact output location can be determined at any time.

Abstract: A graphical user interface system for use in a vehicle includes a series of selection switches, multi-purpose adjustment switch and control switches. The selection switches enable a user to choose a vehicle subsystem and a display screen instantaneously displays the subsystem and all adjustable functions associated with that system. The adjustment switches are utilized to adjust the functions of the subsystem to change the operation. The arrangement and selection of the adjustment switches and the display strategy enable a user to readily adjust all of the functions of a particular subsystem using a minimum number of switches and without having to page through various menu screens.

Abstract: An improved steering wheel assembly includes an integrated switch housing that includes the stalk switch for the vehicle, and further provides the fixed housing for a clock spring. The integrated switch housing reduces the overall size and length of the switches adjacent the steering wheel. Moreover, the integrated switch housing is preferably used with a modular steering wheel and air bag combination that is attached to the wheel after pre-assembly of the modular units. Locking structure ensures there is no relative rotation between the clock spring rotating plate, the clock spring fixed housing, and the modular steering wheel combination until the entire assembly is mounted to the steering column. The combined integrated modular assembly allows testing of all electrical connections prior to mounting the combined assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for ensuring that a first and a second electrical connector are properly connected and locked together. The first electrical connector includes a latching member for latching two together when properly mated. A locking member is secured to the first electrical connector in a space between the first electrical connector and the latching member. The locking member is moveable between an unlocked and locked position and can only be moved to the locked position when the first electrical connector is latched to the second electrical connector.

Abstract: A commutator system comprising a commutator and a commutator brush. The commutator has electrically conducting surfaces that are electrically separated from each other by non-conducting segments. The edges of the conducting surfaces adjacent to the non-conducting segments are oriented at an angle to the rotational axis of commutator. The commutator brush has edges oriented at substantially the same angle.

Abstract: A two-piece battery terminal shield generally comprises a base having a first hinge member hingedly interlocked with a second hinge member which is integral with a cover. The base further includes a first connector, such as a latch window, for removable connection to a second connector, on the cover. The second connector generally comprises a peninsular leg portion formed by two slits in a peripheral wall of the cover and a latch at a lower end of the leg portion. A release beam formed integrally with the leg portion extends outwardly and laterally from the leg portion. Portions of the release beam are spaced away from portions of the peripheral wall adjacent the leg portion, such that upon inward deformation of the leg portion, the release beam abuts the peripheral wall, thereby impeding excessive inward deformation of the leg portion.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus for use in an automotive vehicle employing multiple tracks has a housing, a rotatable member located in the housing, an electromagnetic device and multiple tracks. The electromagnetic device may be an electric motor which operates in a unidirectional manner to oscillate a window wiper assembly. The electric motor and rotatable member then reverse rotational direction to move the wiper assembly to a park position, allowing the actuation of an intermittent motion mechanism.

Abstract: In the circuitry of this invention, a pre-drive controls the output voltage from the driver to the load. The drive includes a resistor and an output transistor. This circuitry lowers the heat dissipation of the transistor of the output driver. Variable voltage input may supply power to the pre-driver.

Abstract: An electric pancake motor providing multi-directional output for use in a multi-functional apparatus in an automotive setting. The electric motor may rotate an actuator shaft about its axis to provide rotary output, as well as linearly translate the actuator shaft along its axis to provide axial output. Belleville washers, springs or other elastic members may be use to prevent axial translation of the actuator shaft during normal operations. In another aspect of the present invention, the electric motor may be driven by a single power source and selectively actuates at least two mechanically coupled thereto.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs an intermittent motion mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the intermittent motion mechanism thereby moving a mechanical device coupled thereto. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates two or three intermittent rotary motion mechanisms thereby causing separate mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate within an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a flat panel display system for illuminating an icon having a shape. The system comprises a first set of illuminators for illuminating the icon with a first color light beam in response to a first signal. The first set comprises a first and second pair of electrodes. Each pair of the first set comprising a top electrode and a bottom electrode, wherein the top and bottom electrodes of the first pair overlapping to form a first overlap region. Moreover, the top and bottom electrodes of the second pair overlapping to form a second overlap region, wherein the first and second overlap regions outline the shape of the icon. Further, a second set of illuminators is incorporated for illuminating the icon with a second color light beam in response to a second signal, such that the second set comprises a third and fourth pair of electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell stack with two separators in which adjacent, but spaced apart, electrode assemblies share either a fuel space or an oxidizer space between them. Each of the electrode assemblies includes a proton exchange membrane sandwiched between an anode and a cathode. A first electrode assembly is positioned apart from one of the separators and oriented with either its anode or its cathode facing that separator. Subsequent electrode assemblies are placed between the first electrode assembly and the other separator. Each subsequent electrode assembly is oriented with the opposite side, anode or cathode, as compared to the immediately preceding electrode assembly, facing the separator that is adjacent the first electrode assembly. Each space that has at least one side defined by an anode is used as a fuel space. Each space that has at least one side defined by an cathode is used as a oxidizer space.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs a power transmission mechanism for generating intermittent motion having a specific range of motion and angular velocity profile for selectively actuating a mechanical device operably coupled to the power transmission mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the power transmission mechanism. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates a plurality of intermittent rotary motion mechanisms thereby causing separate mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate within an automotive vehicle.