Abstract: A hinge assembly may include a hinge bracket, a pivot member and a hinge arm. The hinge bracket may be adapted to be mounted to a frame member of a vehicle. The pivot member may be connected to the hinge bracket and may be pivotable relative thereto. The hinge arm may be connected to the pivot member and may be pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the pivot member. The hinge arm may be linearly adjustable in a first direction relative to the hinge bracket and linearly adjustable in a second direction relative to the hinge bracket. The first and second directions may be substantially perpendicular relative to each other. The hinge arm may be adapted to be coupled to a closure panel of the vehicle to move the closure panel relative to the frame member between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly may include a hinge bracket, a pivot member and a hinge arm. The hinge bracket may be adapted to be mounted to a frame member of a vehicle. The pivot member may be connected to the hinge bracket and may be pivotable relative thereto. The hinge arm may be connected to the pivot member and may be pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the pivot member. The hinge arm may be linearly adjustable in a first direction relative to the hinge bracket and linearly adjustable in a second direction relative to the hinge bracket. The first and second directions may be substantially perpendicular relative to each other. The hinge arm may be adapted to be coupled to a closure panel of the vehicle to move the closure panel relative to the frame member between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A safety system is provided for an automobile, which includes a plurality of sensors for monitoring a plurality of parameters. The safety system also includes a processor to ascertain an imminent accident. The system further includes one or more parasols that cover one or more day light openings (DLOs) of the automobile when the imminent accident is ascertained.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly includes a mounting plate having a slot and a raised contact surface adjacent to at least part of the slot and a bracket coupled to the mounting plate, adapted to support at least a portion of a steering column. A coupler extends through the slot, and has a head overlying at least a portion of the contact surface, and engages with the bracket to retain the position of the steering column mount relative to the bracket. The combined thickness of all members between the head and the connecting portion is greater when the head overlies the contact surface than when the head is not overlying the contact surface. A greater clamping force is applied by the coupler to all members between the head and the connecting portion when the head overlies the contact surface than when the head is not overlying the contact surface.

Abstract: An impact absorption system for a motor vehicle has a steering column with a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve is sized to receive a portion of the second sleeve. The sleeves extend between a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket. A piston cylinder assembly is mounted between the first and second mounting brackets. A plurality of igniters is in communication with the piston cylinder assembly. The plurality of igniters, when activated, are capable of releasing a pressurized fluid to pressurize the piston cylinder assembly. A plurality of sensors are mounted within the motor vehicle for signaling the vehicle and driver conditions. A controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of igniters. The controller activates at least one of the plurality of igniters based on the signals from the plurality of sensors during an impact event.

Abstract: A brake pedal assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first link pivotally mounted on a bulkhead bracket, and a first pulley mounted for rotation on a vehicle cross member positioned rearward of the bulkhead. A brake pedal lever arm is pivotally mounted on either the firewall bracket or the cross member, while a cable passing over the pulley couples a lever arm defined on the first link with a cable attachment point on the brake pedal lever arm. In the event of a rearward displacement of the bulkhead during a collision, the flexible cable slackens to allow the pedal lever arm to move forward, away from the legs of the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A routing system and method for determining a user's geographical location and desired destination alerts the user to real or perceived threats to the user's safety or convenience by utilizing data bases containing both historical and real-time information about the user's geographical location and user-specified criteria.

Abstract: An impact absorption system for a motor vehicle has a steering column with a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve is sized to receive a portion of the second sleeve. The sleeves extend between a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket. A piston cylinder assembly is mounted between the first and second mounting brackets. A plurality of igniters is in communication with the piston cylinder assembly. The plurality of igniters, when activated, are capable of releasing a pressurized fluid to pressurize the piston cylinder assembly. A plurality of sensors are mounted within the motor vehicle for signaling the vehicle and driver conditions. A controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of igniters. The controller activates at least one of the plurality of igniters based on the signals from the plurality of sensors during an impact event.

Abstract: An articulated, tiltable steering column and method for installing the same is provided. The steering column includes a locking mechanism for retaining upper and lower column members in selected positions of adjustment. The locking mechanism includes a rod received by and slidable along a longitudinal axis within a sleeve. A collar is journalled around the sleeve and includes diametrically opposed bores for receiving the shaft. A biasing member is secured on a first end to a mounting portion extending from the sleeve and is secured on a second end by the collar.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a tiltable steering column includes a rod disposed within and selectively actuable along a longitudinal axis of a sleeve. A biasing member biased the rod into a locked position with the sleeve, the biasing member having a first end coupled to a mounting portion extending from the sleeve. A collar is arranged around a portion of the sleeve, the collar includes a dog tangentially extending from an outer wall of the collar and a groove portion formed between the outer wall and the dog for receiving the second end of the biasing member.

Abstract: An articulated, tiltable steering column and method for installing the same is provided. The steering column includes a locking mechanism for retaining upper and lower column members in selected positions of adjustment. The locking mechanism includes a rod received by and slidable along a longitudinal axis within a sleeve. A collar is journalled around the sleeve and includes diametrically opposed bores for receiving the shaft. A biasing member is secured on a first end to a mounting portion extending from the sleeve and is secured on a second end by the collar.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a tiltable steering column includes a rod disposed within and selectively actuable along a longitudinal axis of a sleeve. A biasing member biased the rod into a locked position with the sleeve, the biasing member having a first end coupled to a mounting portion extending from the sleeve. A collar is arranged around a portion of the sleeve, the collar includes a dog tangentially extending from an outer wall of the collar and a groove portion formed between the outer wall and the dog for receiving the second end of the biasing member.