Abstract:
Mechanisms are described for selectively closing grille and/or bumper openings. These mechanisms may be operated in response to one or more vehicle parameters. Closure mechanism control signals may be delivered to such mechanisms along a vehicle databus. In addition, vehicle parameters used in determining the control of such mechanisms may be sensed and provided along the databus to a controller which then processes the parameter information for determining whether to open or close the vehicle grille closing mechanism and/or the vehicle bumper opening closing mechanism.
Abstract:
Mechanisms are described for selectively closing grille and/or bumper openings. These mechanisms may be operated in response to one or more vehicle parameters. Closure mechanism control signals may be delivered to such mechanisms along a vehicle databus. In addition, vehicle parameters used in determining the control of such mechanisms may be sensed and provided along the databus to a controller which then processes the parameter information for determining whether to open or close the vehicle grille closing mechanism and/or the vehicle bumper opening closing mechanism.
Abstract:
A wind tunnel for measuring the aerodynamics of a vehicle may comprise a test section. Air moving through the test section may be collected in a plurality of individual ducts, each with a fan for moving the air through the test section and ducts. The vehicle or vehicle wheels may be supported at an incine.
Abstract:
A seat suspension system includes a vibration dampener adapted to operate over less than the full range over which a seat may be raised and lowered by a seat height adjuster, such as an air spring. The dampener may apply dampening forces which vary non-linearly, depending upon the extent a seat moves as a result of seat vibration. In several specific forms, the dampening mechanism is unlatched to permit relative movement of the seat and seat support mechanism relative to the dampener during seat height adjustment, with the dampener being relatched to again apply a dampening force. A mechanically simply seat leveling system may be employed to return the seat to a desired elevation in the event loading on the seat is varied, for example if a seat occupant gets up off a seat.
Abstract:
An electronic shift control lever assembly that transmits signal indicating a driver's desired gear selection to a variety of types of vehicle's transmissions in one form includes a steering column mounted shift lever. The shift lever is actuatable by the driver to signal a gear selection.
Abstract:
A valve actuating cam has a periphery that can be varied in shape to control the opening and closing of one or more valves associated with a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. One portion of a valve assembly can be moved outwardly to change the valve lift. A band can surround the movable cam portion and cam body portion, and can form at least a major portion of the exterior surface of the cam that engages a cam follower such as a valve operating rocker arm. The timing of the opening and closing of one or more valves can be adjusted by adjusting the peripheral shape of the cam. The shape can be adjusted to start a ramp portion of the cam peripheral surface earlier to cause a valve to open earlier and to end a ramp portion later to cause the valve to close later with a first load on the engine and to open and close earlier when the engine is under a second load that is less than the first load. Wedges and wedging surfaces under the band and movable with the movable portion of the cam can be used to adjust the timing.
Abstract:
The compression ratio of an internal combustion engine is adjustable in a stepwise fashion, such as by pivoting an extension of an eccentric connecting rod bearing. The projection extends into a chamber defined by a portion of a connecting rod coupling portion of a connecting rod assembly. Liquid is delivered to one side of the projection and removed from the opposite side of the projection to move the projection and thereby the eccentric connecting rod bearing from one position corresponding to one compression ratio to another position corresponding to another compression ratio.
Abstract:
A valve actuating cam has a periphery that can be varied in shape to control the opening and closing of one or more valves associated with a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. One portion of a valve assembly can be moved outwardly to change the valve lift. A band can surround the movable cam portion and cam body portion, and can form at least a major portion of the exterior surface of the cam that engages a cam follower such as a valve operating rocker arm. The timing of the opening and closing of one or more valves can be adjusted by adjusting the peripheral shape of the cam. The shape can be adjusted to start a ramp portion of the cam peripheral surface earlier to cause a valve to open earlier and to end a ramp portion later to cause the valve to close later with a first load on the engine and to open and close earlier when the engine is under a second load that is less than the first load. Wedges and wedging surfaces under the band and movable with the movable portion of the cam can be used to adjust the timing.
Abstract:
A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.
Abstract:
The parking brakes on a truck or other vehicle having plural axles are applied such that at least one wheel at a first end of a first axle receives a parking brake force without applying a parking brake force to any wheel at the opposite end of the first axle. In addition, at least one wheel at a second end of a second axle, the second end of the second axle being opposite to the first end of the first axle, receives a parking brake force. Desirably, any wheels at the opposite end of the second axle from the second end of the second axle are not the recipient of a parking brake force such that diagonally disposed parking brake forces are applied upon activation of the vehicle parking brakes. The first axle in one example is forwardly of the second axle and the first end of the first axle may be at the longitudinal side of the vehicle which is the heaviest.