Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for notifying a user of a condition of a vehicle. The method includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors associated with one or more systems of the vehicle. The one or more sensors observe conditions associated with the one or more systems of the vehicle. The method includes receiving a preference for notifications from a user of the vehicle. The method further includes generating at least one notification based on the preference and the sensor data, and communicating the at least one notification to a device of the user.

Abstract: Electric power steering systems and a method for controlling an electric power steering system are provided. The method, for example, includes, but is not limited to, determining, by a controller, a speed of a vehicle based upon data from a sensor, and adjusting, by the controller, a stiffness of an isolator in an electric power steering system via at least one piezoelectric device embedded in the isolator based upon the determined speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product including a variable rate vibration isolator that may include a shape memory material having at least two physical states, wherein each physical state may have a corresponding vibration isolation rate. The vibration isolator may be disposed within and assembly including at least a first part and a voltage source in electrical communication with the shape memory alloy. The product may further include a controller constructed and arranged to pass at least one predetermined current from the voltage source to the shape memory alloy such that the shape memory alloy enters a physical state that dampens vibration of the first part.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for notifying a user of a condition of a vehicle. The method includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors associated with one or more systems of the vehicle. The one or more sensors observe conditions associated with the one or more systems of the vehicle. The method includes receiving a preference for notifications from a user of the vehicle. The method further includes generating at least one notification based on the preference and the sensor data, and communicating the at least one notification to a device of the user.

Abstract: An elastically deformable alignment fastener has the form of a unitary object having a head portion and an integrally formed body portion. The body portion has an elastically deformable lobular hollow tube having a proximal end proximate the head portion and a distal end axially displaced from the head portion. The lobular hollow tube has an outer surface having one or more retention features oriented to provide a plurality of radially extending engagement surfaces along a length of the hollow tube. The head portion has a flange that circumscribes the proximal end of the lobular hollow tube. Portions of the elastically deformable lobular hollow tube when inserted into circular apertures of first and second components elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first and second components in four planar orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a housing rotatably supporting a first wedge block for rotation about a first axis, and a second wedge block for rotation about a second axis. The first wedge block includes a first cam surface that engages the striker assembly as the latch mechanism moves along a path to limit lateral movement of the latch mechanism in a first direction transverse to the path. The second wedge block includes a second cam surface that engages the striker assembly as the latch mechanism moves along the path to limit lateral movement of the latch mechanism in a second direction transverse to the path, opposite the first direction. The first wedge block and the second wedge block are disposed within an interior space of the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a closure panel moveably attached to the body. When the closure panel is in a closed position, a closure restraint system interconnects the body and the closure panel and restricts lateral movement of the closure panel relative to the body. The closure restraint system includes a fixed wedge block attached to one of the body and the closure panel, and a rotatable wedge block attached to the other of the body and the closure panel. The rotatable wedge block includes a curved cam surface, and is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the fixed wedge block when engaged by the fixed wedge block to move the contact between the fixed wedge block and the rotatable wedge block along the curved cam surface to maintain a consistent closing force for closing the closure panel.

Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a biasing mechanism that, when engaged by the latch mechanism, simultaneously biases the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly. The biasing mechanism provides dual damping rates.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism moveable along a longitudinal path relative to each other. One of the striker assembly and the latch mechanism includes a plate defining a first surface, and the other of the striker assembly and the latch mechanism includes an articulating member defining a second surface moveable into abutting engagement with the first surface of the plate. The articulating member moves into abutting engagement with the plate after the latch mechanism and the striker assembly have moved into a closed position relative to each other to restrict lateral movement between the striker assembly and the latch mechanism relative to the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. A biasing mechanism includes a bumper fixedly attached to the striker assembly, and an arm fixedly attached to the latch mechanism. The arm is flexible about an axis in one of an inward direction or an outward direction. The arm engages the bumper and is biased inward in response to movement of the latch mechanism toward the striker assembly for simultaneously biasing the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly.

Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. A biasing mechanism includes a bumper fixedly attached to the striker assembly, and an arm fixedly attached to the latch mechanism. The arm is flexible about an axis in one of an inward direction or an outward direction. The arm engages the bumper and is biased inward in response to movement of the latch mechanism toward the striker assembly for simultaneously biasing the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism moveable along a longitudinal path relative to each other. One of the striker assembly and the latch mechanism includes a plate defining a first surface, and the other of the striker assembly and the latch mechanism includes an articulating member defining a second surface moveable into abutting engagement with the first surface of the plate. The articulating member moves into abutting engagement with the plate after the latch mechanism and the striker assembly have moved into a closed position relative to each other to restrict lateral movement between the striker assembly and the latch mechanism relative to the longitudinal path.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a first wedge block and a second wedge block disposed opposite each other across a path. The first wedge block rotates about a first axis and includes a first cam surface defining a continuously variable distance to the first axis for engaging the latch mechanism. The second wedge block rotates about a second axis and includes a second cam surface defining a continuously variable distance from to the second axis for engaging the latch mechanism. Abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the first cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a first direction, and abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the second cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a first wedge block and a second wedge block disposed opposite each other across a path. The first wedge block rotates about a first axis and includes a first cam surface defining a continuously variable distance to the first axis for engaging the latch mechanism. The second wedge block rotates about a second axis and includes a second cam surface defining a continuously variable distance from to the second axis for engaging the latch mechanism. Abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the first cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a first direction, and abutting engagement between the latch mechanism and the second cam surface limits lateral movement of the latch mechanism relative to the path in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. The striker assembly includes a biasing mechanism that, when engaged by the latch mechanism, simultaneously biases the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly. The biasing mechanism provides dual damping rates.

Abstract: A spare tire tuned mass damper assembly is provided for reducing vehicle vibration or beaming shake that may otherwise be perceptible at the driver interface. The assembly is attachable between a pair of underbody support beams and includes a tire carrier for a spare tire and wheel and a plurality of spring and damper assemblies positioned between the carrier and support beams. The assemblies have at least one leaf spring and bushing, and are selected to provide a predetermined level of vibration modes and modal damping for the assembly. A method is also provided for reducing road vibration in a vehicle having an underbody support structure, including supporting a spare tire carrier using a plurality of spring and damper assemblies configured to absorb and damp an oscillating mode of the support structure to a predetermined level to produce a desired post-damped road response, thereby increasing vehicle ride comfort.

Abstract: A spare tire tuned mass damper assembly is provided for reducing vehicle vibration or beaming shake that may otherwise be perceptible at the driver interface. The assembly is attachable between a pair of underbody support beams and includes a tire carrier for a spare tire and wheel and a plurality of spring and damper assemblies positioned between the carrier and support beams. The assemblies have at least one leaf spring and bushing, and are selected to provide a predetermined level of vibration modes and modal damping for the assembly. A method is also provided for reducing road vibration in a vehicle having an underbody support structure, including supporting a spare tire carrier using a plurality of spring and damper assemblies configured to absorb and damp an oscillating mode of the support structure to a predetermined level to produce a desired post-damped road response, thereby increasing vehicle ride comfort.

Abstract: Single mode optical fiber cable with a plurality of buffer tubes wherein the buffer tubes each encase a plurality of single mode optical fibers, the fibers run in a random pattern through the buffer tube and the remaining space is filled with soft filler material which prevents the ingress of moisture while allowing free movement of the fibers within the tubes, the fibers all have equal overlength.

Abstract: Single mode optical fiber cable with a plurality of buffer tubes wherein the buffer tubes each encase a plurality of single mode optical fibers, the fibers run in a random pattern through the buffer tube and the remaining space is filled with soft filler material which prevents the ingress of moisture while allowing free movement of the fibers within the tube, the fibers all having equal overlength.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for simultaneously twisting a channeled core rod, inserting optical fibers into the channels and capturing the twist of the rod while minimizing the insertion stresses imposed on the optical fibers. The apparatus comprises a shape capture die, an insertion die and a core capture means which are located proximate one another to provide a short region of twisting. The insertion die is rotationally fixed to the shape capture die so that as the core passes through the center of the insertion die the fibers are automatically inserted into the channels of the core. The core and inserted fibers are then passed to a core capture means which controls rotation of the core but permits its axial translation. The rotating elements of the machine are driven from a line shaft or other suitable means providing them with identical rotation rates.