Abstract: A tailgate lock system comprising a security lock for a tailgate hinge assembly, wherein the tailgate hinge assembly comprises a fixed cup portion and a rotating portion arranged to rotate about a hinge axis relative to the fixed cup portion, an adapter configured to extend between the security lock and the tailgate hinge assembly, the adapter having an inside surface having a first portion configured to engage the rotating portion of the hinge assembly and a second portion configured to radially overlap the fixed cup portion of the hinge assembly, whereby selective rotation about the hinge axis causes rotation of the adapter and the security lock about the hinge axis.

Abstract: A tailgate lock system comprising a security lock for a tailgate hinge assembly, wherein the tailgate hinge assembly comprises a fixed cup portion and a rotating portion arranged to rotate about a hinge axis relative to the fixed cup portion, an adapter configured to extend between the security lock and the tailgate hinge assembly, the adapter having an inside surface having a first portion configured to engage the rotating portion of the hinge assembly and a second portion configured to radially overlap the fixed cup portion of the hinge assembly, whereby selective rotation about the hinge axis causes rotation of the adapter and the security lock about the hinge axis.

Abstract: A method and system for factory resource optimization identification is described herein. In one embodiment, an expected usage rate is determined for a resource in a manufacturing facility and an actual usage rate is determined for the resource in the manufacturing facility. A comparison between the expected usage rate and the actual usage rate is facilitated. A determination is made, based on the comparison, of whether a variance between the expected usage rate and the actual usage rate exceeds a threshold. A notification is provided if the variance exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A compressor of the present invention includes a drive shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, a swash plate assembly operatively connected to and driven by the drive shaft, a retainer ring for disposition about the drive shaft. The drive shaft has first and second annular grooves therein and spaced longitudinally from one another and a conical ramp extending out of the first annular groove toward the second annular groove for facilitating movement of the retainer ring out of the first annular groove and along the drive shaft to the second annular groove. The swash plate assembly includes a journal member connected to a drive hub further connected to the drive shaft and is rotated thereby with the drive shaft around the longitudinal axis to form the inclination angle of a swash plate thereby controlling displacement of the swash plate assembly.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of preheating a vehicle engine during non-use of the vehicle. The method includes receiving a programming input defining a minimum engine coolant temperature of a preheating strategy, initializing the preheating strategy based on the programming input, and sensing an energy source of the vehicle to run the preheating strategy. The method further comprises sensing an engine coolant temperature of the vehicle at a first time period, activating the preheating strategy to heat the engine if the engine coolant temperature is lower than the minimum engine temperature. The method further includes receiving feedback indicating the engine coolant temperature at a subsequent time period and deactivating the preheating strategy if the engine coolant temperature is greater than the maximum temperature at the subsequent time period.

Abstract: A ventilation system for purging air contained with a vehicle interior is disclosed. The ventilation system includes a blower, a first vent, a second vent, at least one interior temperature sensor, at least one external temperature sensor, a motion sensor for windy days and dusty areas, a humidity sensor, a sunload sensor and a control module. The blower is a conventional vehicle air conditioning blower and is located within the vehicle interior for creating a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The first vent expels air from the vehicle interior and the second vent draws external air into the vehicle interior. The at least one interior sensor is located within the vehicle interior for determining an interior condition of the vehicle. The at least one external sensor determines an external condition of environment external to the vehicle interior.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of preheating a vehicle engine during non-use of the vehicle. The method includes receiving a programming input defining a minimum engine coolant temperature of a preheating strategy, initializing the preheating strategy based on the programming input, and sensing an energy source of the vehicle to run the preheating strategy. The method further comprises sensing an engine coolant temperature of the vehicle at a first time period, activating the preheating strategy to heat the engine if the engine coolant temperature is lower than the minimum engine temperature. The method further includes receiving feedback indicating the engine coolant temperature at a subsequent time period and deactivating the preheating strategy if the engine coolant temperature is greater than the maximum temperature at the subsequent time period.

Abstract: A ventilation system for purging air contained with a vehicle interior is disclosed. The ventilation system includes a blower, a first vent, a second vent, at least one interior temperature sensor, at least one external temperature sensor, a motion sensor for windy days and dusty areas, a humidity sensor, a sunload sensor and a control module. The blower is a conventional vehicle air conditioning blower and is located within the vehicle interior for creating a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The first vent expels air from the vehicle interior and the second vent draws external air into the vehicle interior. The at least one interior sensor is located within the vehicle interior for determining an interior condition of the vehicle. The at least one external sensor determines an external condition of environment external to the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling engine temperature in a closed circuit cooling system 12 of an automobile 10 having an electric water pump 34, a flow control valve 42, and electric fan 40. A powertrain control module 20 electrically coupled to the electric water pump 34, flow control valve 42 and electric fan 40 interprets inputs from various sensors to adjust the pumping speed of an electric water pump 34, adjust the rotational speed of an electric fan 40, and/or adjust the flow rate through a flow control valve 42 to the radiator 46 according to a look up table as a function of fuel economy, emissions, thermal management and electrical load management.

Abstract: A continuous length of pre-assembled, metal-to-fabric-to-metal stock material for fabricating custom-made, flexible duct connectors of any diameter which incorporate a structural means for minimizing the risk of inward collapse of a fabric strip when the fabric strip is subjected to considerable negative air pressure due to installation between a duct and an inlet of an axial flow fan or blower.