Abstract: A power latching mechanism having a latch ratchet, a pawl member, a latch sector and a drive assembly. The latch ratchet is configured to selectively engage or disengage a member to secure the vehicle door to or release the vehicle door from the vehicle body. The latch ratchet is operable between a fully unlatched position and a fully latched position. The latch sector is pivotably coupled to the latch ratchet and is operable between a first extended position, a neutral position and a second extended position. The drive assembly is coupled to the latch sector and operable for selectively moving the latch sector from the neutral position to the first and second extended positions. Placement of the latch sector in the neutral position does not effect the operation the latch ratchet. Accordingly, the latch ratchet may be actuated manually to either latch or unlatch the vehicle door when the latch sector is in the returned position.

Abstract: A power drive mechanism for a power vehicle sliding door system is provided. The power drive mechanism includes a hinge member adapted for coupling to a vehicle sliding door, a guide member adapted for coupling to a vehicle body, a rack member adapted for coupling to a vehicle body, a drive pinion meshingly engaging the rack member, a drive motor producing a drive torque and a gear train coupling the drive motor and the drive pinion for transmitting drive torque therebetween. The hinge member and guide member cooperate to guide the vehicle sliding door in both generally horizontal and generally vertical directions. The gear train and drive pinion are preferably coupled to said hinge member to maintain meshing engagement of said drive pinion along the length of said rack member. The power drive mechanism also preferably includes a drive clutch for interrupting the transmission of drive torque from the drive motor to the drive pinion to permit the vehicle sliding door.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method employing a first Bowden cable retention member to retain the first cable member of a first Bowden cable and a second Bowden cable retention member to retain the second cable member of a second Bowden cable. The first Bowden cable retention member is sized to receive the first cable member, but not the second cable member. The manner in which the first cable member is sized may relate to a particular dimension, such as diameter or length or its overall shape in relation to the corresponding particular dimension or overall shape of the second cable member.

Abstract: A sliding door system including a guide track, a door assembly, a power drive assembly operable for propelling the door assembly between an open position and a closed position, a power latching mechanism operable for selectively positioning the door assembly between a fully latched position and a fully unlatched position, a control module operable for controlling the operation of the power drive assembly and power latching mechanism and a wire harness electrically coupling the power drive assembly, the power latching mechanism and various other vehicle devices and switches to the control module. The guide track, power drive unit, power latching mechanism and door assembly are configured in a manner which provides improved performance of the power door system, as well as permitting the vehicle door system to be readily upgraded from one which is completely manual in operation to one which may be actuated automatically.

Abstract: A lamp assembly having fluid dispensing capabilities comprising a housing, a lens having a fluid nozzle retaining sleeve and a fluid nozzle assembly. The lamp assembly is subassembled by snap-fitting these components together, installing a lamp unit to the housing and a seal to the lens. Installation of the lamp assembly into the vehicle is accomplished by connecting the lamp unit to a wire harness, coupling the fluid nozzle assembly to a fluid supply line and securing the lamp assembly in an aperture in the vehicle with a pair of fasteners. The lamp assembly is particularly useful when incorporated into a rearward facing surface of a vehicle as the lamp serves as a center high mount stop lamp and the nozzle assembly is used to dispense a cleaning fluid onto a rear windshield.

Abstract: A guide assembly for a motor vehicle having a sliding door includes a track having longitudinally extending grooves in opposite surfaces thereof and disposed horizontally on the vehicle. The guide assembly also includes a support bracket having one end connected with the sliding door and another end including a bearing housing. The bearing housing has a longitudinal slot including sides having spacedly opposed bearing pockets. A plurality of ball bearings is rotatably mounted in the opposed bearing pockets and engages the longitudinally extending grooves in the opposite surfaces of the track for supporting and guiding the support bracket and sliding door for movement relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle door adapted to accommodate a vertically translating window pane includes an outer door panel and an inner door panel fixed to the outer panel and defining a void therebetween. The inner panel has two access openings to the void and a recessed pan portion extending into the void and separating the openings. The door inner panel also defines four approximately keyhole shaped apertures with one disposed above and below each of the two openings.

Abstract: A low spring rate ratio bushing suitable for use as an engine mount. The mount connects an engine to a vehicle chassis by means of an inner and outer member separated by a flexible member. A plurality of flexible legs connect the inner member and outer member in a manner which lessens the vibration transferred from the engine to the chassis.