Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus having first and second members (20,28) with a plurality of interlocking projections thereon for resisting motion between the first and second members (20,28). An energy absorber as disclosed may be used in passive restraint systems of motor vehicles (10). Examples are shown with the energy absorbing apparatus integrated in a steering column system (12) and a seat belt system (14). Specifically, the interlocking projections (36) on the first and second surfaces (22,34) of the first and second members (20,28) permit an impact force to be dissipated at a variable rate as the second member 28 is forced past the first member (20).

Abstract: A duct apparatus for drawing a flow of air into a heat exchanger assembly of an automotive vehicle and directing the flow of air exiting the heat exchanger assembly away from the vehicle engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generally rectangular body extending across the entire length of the heat exchanger assembly and partially enclosing it. The apparatus further includes a plurality of vanes disposed in the body adjacent the heat exchanger assembly, the vanes directing the flow of air exiting therefrom, a pair of generally curvilinear plenums each in fluid communication with the body and extending longitudinally therefrom. Each of the plenums includes an exit end for directing air exiting therefrom to ambient air and a fan assembly for drawing air through the heat exchanger assembly.

Abstract: A space frame for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of structural members and joint constructions for joining the structural members together such that the outer surfaces of the structural members are substantially flush with each other.

Abstract: An electrical generator (10) having particular utility as a vehicle alternating generator includes a planetary gear set (32) for providing counter rotation of a pair of fields (80,82) with respect to a coil (60) so as to provide high power output even at relatively low speeds of driving without providing excessive rotational speed at high speeds of driving. In one embodiment, the planetary gear set (32) includes a ring gear (36), a sun gear (44), and a planet carrier (50) whose planet gears (52) rotate about associated axes parallel to the rotational axis A about which the planetary gear set operates. In another embodiment, the planetary gear set has a bevel gear construction including first and second bevel gears (36',44') rotatable about the rotational axis of the planetary gear set and meshed with bevel type planet gears (52') of the planet carrier (50') so that the two field (80',82') have counter rotation with respect to each other at the same rotational speed.

Abstract: The steering system for use in an automotive vehicle includes a pinion gear operatively connected to a steering wheel, an elongate rack member meshingly engaging the steering pinion gear and operative to move reciprocally in response to rotation of the steering wheel, a rack housing reciprocally supporting the rack member and a tie rod connected to the road wheel of the vehicle. The system further includes a lever means, such as an articulated link, pivotally mounted to the rack housing and directly drivingly engageable with the tie rod to effect reciprocal movement thereof in response to reciprocal movement of the rack member. In another embodiment, a spur gear is interposed between gear teeth disposed on the rack member and on the tie rod so that reciprocal movement of the rack member rotates the pinion gear resulting in simultaneous reciprocal movement of the tie rod.

Abstract: The steering system for use in an automotive vehicle includes a pinion gear operatively connected to a steering wheel, an elongate rack member meshingly engaging the steering pinion gear and operative to move reciprocally in response to rotation of the steering wheel, a rack housing reciprocally supporting the rack member and a tie rod connected to the road wheel of the vehicle. The system further includes a lever mechanism, such as an articulated link, pivotally mounted to the rack housing and directly drivingly engageable with the tie rod to effect reciprocal movement thereof in response to reciprocal movement of the rack member. In another embodiment, a spur gear is interposed between gear teeth disposed on the rack member and on the tie rod so that reciprocal movement of the rack member rotates the pinion gear resulting in simultaneous reciprocal movement of the tie rod.

Abstract: A window panel position regulating means for a vehicle door which will accommodate a doubly irregularly curved window panel and will guide the window panel through the slot at the belt line of the door in such a manner that the width of the belt line slot can be maintained at absolute minimum so as to improve the oveall appearance of the door assembly and the functional rigidity of the assembly. The regulating assembly includes a pair of guide channel members mounted within the door panel cavity at the front edge of the door and a third guide channel member mounted within the door panel cavity at the rear edge of the door. Guide follower members are mounted to the window and guided within the respective guide channel members to thereby guide the window through the belt line slot.

Abstract: A brake master cylinder and booster assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a brake pedal, a booster unit actuated by the brake pedal and having a power-boosted pushrod extending therefrom, a master cylinder unit located adjacent to the booster and having an actuator rod extending therefrom in a direction generally parallel to, but offset from, the booster pushrod, and a linkage operatively connecting the pushrod and the actuator rod so that movement of the brake pedal will be accompanied by power assisted movement of the master cylinder actuator rod.

Abstract: A vehicle having a quick-release hinge mechanism for a closure or door for an ingress/egress opening at the body rear end to facilitate the interchange of different rear end structures without tools or special equipment to obtain optional rear end appearances and functions. When a rear door installed on the vehicle is lifted about the axis of the hinge mechanism, it rises with the assistance or one or more gas spring cylinders that when fully extended restrict the angle of door opening. In the up position, the cylinders may be disconnected from fittings located on the door. With these disconnected, the door can be lifted an additional 10 to 15 degrees allowing a cam action lock hinge mechanism to be actuated to release components of the hinge device. This permits removal of the door from the body and rapid substitution of another rear end structure or door.

Abstract: A passive seat belt system having a torso belt that in passenger restraining position extends over upper torso of the seat occupant from a fixed roof rail attachment to a retractor mechanism anchored at the inboard side of occupant seating position. A trolley is movable along a track that in part parallels the vehicle roof rail and in part the windshield pillar at one side of the vehicle body. The trolley carries a "D" ring that engages the torso belt intermediate its ends. The trolley is movable along the track by a cable mechanism responsive to movement in door opening direction. As the trolley moves along the portion of the track paralleling the roof rail from the track end adjacent the roof rail attached end of the torso belt, the "D" ring automatically raises the torso belt forwardly and upwardly from restraining position. A hanger catch extends below the track prior to the point at which the track curves downwardly alongside of the windshield piller.

Abstract: A passive seat belt system comprising a two-point belt that in passenger restraining position extends diagonally over the upper torso of the seat occupant from a floor attachment to a retractor mechanism anchored in the vehicle roof. A carriage or trolley movable along a track that in part parallels the vehicle body roof rail and in part the windshield pillar has a belt engageable "D" ring that engages the belt intermediate the ends of the latter. This carriage is movable along the track by a nonelectrical energizer that is energized by door opening movement. Upon movement of the carriage from the retractor end of the track along the roof rail and then downwardly along the windshield pillar, the carriage automatically draws the belt forwardly from its passenger restraining position to provide unobstructed ingress or egress to the compartment through the door opening.

Abstract: The combination of a laterally extending bumper mounted on the front end of a vehicle and a chin spoiler mounted beneath the bumper, the vehicle bumper having an ornamental face bar and a reinforcement member concealed therebehind. The chin spoiler comprises a support means fastened by conventional fastening means to the bumper reinforcement and an airfoil. The airfoil is contoured along its leading edge to complement the frontal contour of the bumper face bar. A hinge means secures the airfoil along its rear edge to the support means rearwardly of the bumper reinforcement. Biasing means interposed between the support means and the airfoil normally biases the latter towards the underside of the bumper face bar in a concealed position beneath the vehicle. The hinge means provides a hinge axis extending laterally of the vehicle about which the airfoil is deployable.