Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method to enhance HYGE impact simulator sled testing, enabling more accurate measurements of lower leg injury criteria and providing a more accurate restraint system evaluation during a HYGE impact simulator test. The system provides the generation of both rotational and translational footwell intrusion, replicating an actual barrier crash impact test. The rotational and translational footwell intrusion includes foot motion; lower leg motion, including various forces and moments; and knee motion, including interaction with the instrument panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method to enhance HYGE impact simulator sled testing, enabling more accurate measurements of lower leg injury criteria and providing a more accurate restraint system evaluation during a HYGE impact simulator test. The system provides the generation of both rotational and translational footwell intrusion, replicating an actual barrier crash impact test. The rotational and translational footwell intrusion includes foot motion; lower leg motion, including various forces and moments; and knee motion, including interaction with the instrument panel.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a steering column of a vehicle includes a first bracket fixedly attached to a sleeve of the steering column and a second bracket pivotally attached to the first bracket and operatively connected to a rotatable steering wheel of the steering column. The tilt mechanism also includes a latching member pivotally attached to the second bracket and having a plurality of apertures. The tilt mechanism has a release lever pivotally attached to the first bracket. A latch pin is disposed between the release lever and the latching member for engaging the latching member to restrain the second bracket from rotational movement and for disengaging the latching member to allow rotational movement of the second bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising a liquid to a given temperature and for controlling and regulating this temperature has a vertical cylindrical enclosure, a vertical tube housing a heating resistor, and a first and a second ferrule located in this order between the tube and the enclosure to define a first, a second and a third annular space. The first ferrule is connected to the lower wall of the enclosure. The tube and the second ferrule are connected to the upper wall of the enclosure. The liquid is supplied to the lower portion of the first space and extracted from the upper portion of the third space. The length of the resistor is shorter by at least one quarter of the height of the tube and orifices in the lower portion of the first ferrule produce a thermosiphon effect between the first and second annular spaces.