Abstract:
The present invention provides a window assembly having a fixed window with an opening, a slidable panel that slides relative to the fixed window to cover or expose the opening in the fixed window, and a covering to protect the lower edge of the window opening.
Abstract:
A vehicle steering assembly comprising a vehicle steering system, a wheel assembly including a pivotal wheel hub for supporting a wheel, a knuckle mounted to the hub, and a pivot arm extending outward from the knuckle. The vehicle steering assembly further including a connector rod interconnecting the vehicle steering system and the pivot arm for transmitting linear motion from the vehicle steering system through the connector rod to rotate the wheel assembly. The connector rod including a first end connected to the vehicle steering system, a second end pivotally connected to the pivot arm, and a shaft portion interconnecting the first and second ends. The connector rod further including a first mechanism to allow the connector rod to pivot in a first plane in relation to the vehicle, and a second mechanism to allow the connector rod to pivot in a second plane, approximately orthogonal to the first plane.
Abstract:
A check valve assembly is disclosed for use in a returnless automotive fuel delivery system. The fuel delivery system includes a fuel tank having a fuel pump and a sender flange that provides access into the fuel tank. The check valve assembly includes an upper housing that is integral with an interior wall of the sender flange, a lower housing connected to the upper housing and a check valve body positioned between the upper housing and the lower housing. The assembly may also include a pressure relief valve positioned between the upper and lower housings and arranged parallel to the check valve body.
Abstract:
The present invention is generally directed towards a composite structural fluid handling duct in a motor vehicle. The composite structural fluid handling duct comprises a substrate defining an aperture and a blow molded member, wherein a portion of the blow molded member extends into the aperture to form a retaining member. A portion of the substrate forming the aperture is deformed such that the aperture has an inner dimension and an outer dimension. The composite structural fluid handling duct also has an inlet for allowing fluid to enter, and at least one outlet for exhausting fluid from the duct.
Abstract:
An independent rear suspension for a motor vehicle chassis includes a pair of independent rear corner modules. Each rear corner module includes a generally-longitudinally-extending leaf spring whose forward end is adapted to be pivotally mounted to the vehicle chassis at a first forward attachment point, and whose rearward end is nonrotationally-coupled to a knuckle, such that the leaf spring operates as a trailing arm to longitudinally position the knuckle relative to the chassis. A shackle adapted to be pivotally mounted on the chassis at a second forward attachment point includes an eye that encompasses a portion of the spring intermediate the first and second end of the spring. The shackle permits a predetermined, nonzero range of relative longitudinal, transverse, and torsional movement of the intermediate portion of the leaf spring while otherwise transferring vertical loads from the intermediate portion of the spring to the chassis.
Abstract:
A circuit for controlling a motor's operation is disclosed. The circuit includes a relay and a motor braking circuit portion. The relay selectively interconnects a voltage source with one of a braking terminal and a motor terminal. The motor braking circuit portion has a motor brake switch connected on a first switch side to the motor terminal and a second switch side to the electrical ground. The brake switch is activated to brake the motor when the relay interconnects the voltage source with the braking terminal.
Abstract:
A regenerative fuel pump comprising a housing, a pump cover having a first flow channel formed therein, a pump body having a second flow channel formed therein whereby the first flow channel and the second flow channel define a pumping chamber, and an impeller mounted between the pump cover and pump body and including a plurality of vanes spaced circumferentially about the impeller and defining a plurality of vane grooves. The vanes are spaced un-evenly in a non-repeating pattern about the impeller. The first and second flow channels each include an inlet end, an outlet end, and a stripper area defined as the area between the inlet end and the outlet end extending from the inlet end away from the flow channel. Each of the stripper areas including a plurality of grooves formed therein adapted to dampen pressure pulsations within the pumping chamber.
Abstract:
A differential housing assembly includes a differential housing having a differential case supported therein. The differential housing includes a first support structure and a second support structure. The differential case includes a pair of extending neck portions. The first support structure includes a pedestal and a bearing cap, wherein a first of the extending neck portions is received by the pedestal and the bearing cap is attached to the pedestal whereby the first extending neck portion is secured radially between the pedestal and the bearing cap. The second support structure includes a bearing bore having a snap ring groove and a snap ring, wherein a second of the neck portions is received within the bearing bore and the snap ring is positioned within the snap ring groove to provide axial support for the differential case within the differential housing.
Abstract:
An engine diagnostic system is described in which a number of engine diagnostics for an electronic throttle are performed while the throttle itself is off line. Of particular interest are positional, electrical, and timing tests of performance for the electronic throttle. A number of self-diagnostic routines may be performed when the engine is off-line and the testing will not interfere with an operator of the engine or a motor vehicle containing the engine.
Abstract:
A system and method for reworking, repairing and upgrading flatwire is disclosed. A repair tool for reworking and/or repairing the flatwire is disclosed for creating subsequent electrical and mechanical joints of equal or greater quality as compared to the original system. The repair tool includes a heating blade, a power controller, a tool assembly, an inerting system, a cooling system, a flatwire cassette, a tool material, a flatwire material, an upgrade/repair procedure and various other aspects for rapidly heating flatwire two join two separate portions of the flatwire. The system and method of the present invention addresses the challenges of working with substrate materials which typically degrade at temperatures commonly used to form solder joints. Further, the soldering tool of the present invention may be a portable, lightweight unit that can be used in the field, for automotive and aerospace applications.