Abstract: A vehicle arrangement (7) is provided having a front mounted engine (20) enclosed by an engine compartment (18). A passenger compartment (26) is provided which is separated from a cargo bed (44) by a door (54). The door (54) has a lower horizontally hinged panel (108). The panel (108) allows for access of a forward cargo space (114) that is positioned underneath a rear row (42) of passenger seating. The forward cargo space (114) in conjunction with the cargo bed (44) allows transport and storage of large construction materials without an overall lengthening of the vehicle body (16).

Abstract: An automotive vehicle (10) has a load bed (24) and a passenger compartment (22). The automotive vehicle (10) sits upon a road surface (20). A closure panel (26) is positioned at the end of load bed (24). A movement actuator (36) is coupled to the load bed (24) and positions the load bed (24) in a first position substantially parallel to the road surface so that the loading edge (28) is a first distance from the road surface and in a second position having an angle relative to the road surface (20) so that the edge is a second distance from the road surface. The second distance is less than the first distance. The closure panel (26) in the open position extends between the rear edge and the road surface to form a ramp therebetween to facilitate loading of cargo into load bed (24).

Abstract: The invention comprises a park mechanism for an automatic transmission comprising a toothed wheel secured to the torque output shaft of the transmission and a park pawl mounted pivotally on a transmission housing. The pawl has a pawl tooth engageable with tooth spaces on the toothed wheel, thereby locking the transmission torque output shaft against rotary motion. Torsional damper elements are carried by the torque output shaft and by the toothed wheel. Damper elements are located between registering radial extensions of the toothed wheel on the inside diameter of the toothed wheel and on a hub that is secured drivably to the torque output shaft, thereby permitting limited toothed wheel motion relative to the torque output shaft cushioning inertia forces as the pawl tooth engages a tooth space on the toothed wheel.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (100) for detecting (104) a vehicle occupant (12) in order to determine (108) a deployment force of a vehicle's air bag system. The system (10) of the present invention has a microwave emitter (20) that emits (102) low power microwaves in short duty cycle pulses at a target (14) having a reflective surface (24) therein. A detector (20) is used to detect (104) microwaves that are reflected from the target (14). Should a human occupant (12) be present in the vehicle, the microwaves will be absorbed by the occupant and according to the method (100) of the present invention, the position, size and weight of the occupant can be determined based on calibrating (106) the detected microwaves. The calibrated data is used to calculate (106) a deployment force for the air bag (17).

Abstract: A system for minimizing lash in the valve components of an internal combustion engine including a lash adjuster assembly with a body having a closed bore formed therein. A piston is slidingly received within the bore. A cam is in communication with one surface of the assembly for imparting motion thereto. The assembly also has a fluid reservoir and chamber formed therewithin. The chamber is formed between the bore bottom surface and the bottom surface of the piston. A valve opening is also formed in the assembly for providing fluid communication between the reservoir and the chamber. A check valve mechanism is in communication with the valve opening for selectively opening and closing the valve opening in response to angular position of the cam.