Abstract: A new system monitors ethanol alcohol levels of a vehicle operator by collecting sweat from the operator's hands, and detecting the presence, if any, of ethanol in the sweat. The system can then be used, if ethanol is present, to take action, such as immobile vehicle disablement, in the event of intoxication caused by an impermissibly high levels of ethanol of the operator. The system includes devices, referred to as pods in the description, which are sweat-collecting devices that are attached to the steering wheel of the vehicle. If the measurable ethanol in collected moisture from the operator's hands exceeds a preset threshold, the system could be configured to warn the operator to park the vehicle thereafter to disable operation of the vehicle, but if the operator does not so discontinue operation of the vehicle hazard warning lights and audible warnings within and without the vehicle will be activated alerting near vehicles of a dangerous vehicle being operated in close proximity.

Abstract: A flanged half bearing for motor vehicle engine applications. The flanged half bearing is of the type having a semi-cylindrical shell provided with half thrust washers. The thrust washers are connected to the shell through the coacting of appendages on the thrust washers and recessed portions on the curved edge of the shell. Upon the insertion of the appendages into the recessed portions, the appendages are swaged to retentively engage the washer along the edge of the shell. After swaging, the dimensions of the recessed portion and appendages are such that the washer is capable of axially floating fore and aft relative to the shell, but is incapable of being disengaged from the shell. This provides a flanged half bearing which remains assembled during installation and allows for the accommodation of axial forces and thermal influence of the engine.

Abstract: A sliding sunroof including a cover, a device for moving the cover forward and rearward, a device for lifting the rear of the cover upward from an open position to a closed position and further upward to a vented position, devices for locking the cover in these positions, and a rear cover support. The lifting device includes a ramp for lifting the cover into the open position and a rack and pinion gear combination for lifting the cover into the vented position. The lifting device is attached to the rear cover support and includes a ramp guide and a lift arm slidably engaging a slot in the ramp guide. The ramp guide also includes a ramp at its forward end, and rack gear teeth positioned adjacent the slot.

Abstract: A sliding sunroof for a vehicle having an opening in its roof. The sunroof includes a housing, a sunroof cover, a device for moving the cover forward and rearward, a device for lifting the cover upward from an open position to a closed position and further upward to a vented position and downwardly in the reverse direction, and locking mechanisms for securely locking the sunroof in these positions. The locking mechanisms include a ramp guide attached to the moving device, and a lift arm attached to the cover. The lift arm has a portion that rides up the ramp guide. The locking mechanisms include a lock slide slidingly attached to the ramp guide and having a slanted portion positioned above the riding up portion when the cover is in its open position for preventing the riding up portion of the lift arm and the cover from being vertically displaced in the open position.