Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Craig A Rodriguez

Robert J Scheuerman

James R Spaulding

Todd E Durocher

Michael R Kaphengst

Olimpia Maria Hernandez

Peter W Tavora

Tony J Deschutter

Nidamaluri S Nagesh

Bernard W Stone

Paul R Pleace

Timothy Patrick Mahoney

Jean-Yves Chretien

Kevin T Mills

A number of variations may include a product including an installation device having a plurality of pillars which are constructed and arranged to accept a passenger airbag housing; wherein at least one sensor or switch is attached to the installation device which may physically engage at least one tab during the installation process and which may provide electronic feedback of the installation results. A number of variations may include a method including placing a passenger airbag assembly having at least one lock feature onto an instrument panel chute having at least one tab feature; placing the installation device having at least one sensor or switch attached to it onto the passenger airbag assembly; pressing down on the installation device to engage the at least one lock feature with the at least one tab feature; and wherein the at least one sensor or switch provides electronic feedback of the installation results.

Passenger airbag installation verification tool and methods

An assembly and method for automated installation of a flexible seal to a periphery of a component. The method may include positioning the periphery of the component adjacent to a seal feed assembly; employing a motor to move the seal toward the periphery of the component until a predetermined torque on the motor is reached; stopping movement of the motor when the predetermined torque is reached; moving the component relative to the seal feed assembly; and, as the component is moved relative to the seal feed assembly, automatically maintaining the predetermined torque in the motor by moving the seal toward the periphery of the component. The component may be a vehicle door to which a seal is installed.

Automated seal installation

An apparatus for measuring a closing velocity of a vehicle door includes a housing, first and second sensors, and a processor. The first sensor is coupled to the housing, has a first detection field, and is configured to generate a first signal when the vehicle door passes through the first detection field. The second sensor is coupled to the housing, has a second detection field, and is configured to generate a second signal when the vehicle door passes through the second detection field. The processor is in operable communication with the first and second sensors and is configured to receive the first and second signals and measure a time period between the receiving of the first and second signals.

Apparatus and method for determining the closing velocity of a vehicle door

A tool for indicating the flushness between a vehicle body roof panel and a sunroof panel that is adjustably mounted within a sunroof opening of the vehicle body roof panel. The tool will signal a vehicle assembly operator in the event that the sunroof panel needs to be vertically adjusted up or down. The tool includes a housing that sits on the roof panel. A lever is pivotally mounted on the housing and has a feeler extending from the housing to contact with the sunroof panel so that the pivotal position of the lever relative the housing is determined by the degree of flushness or lack of flushness between the two panels. An indicator is associated with the lever to indicate to the vehicle assembly operator whether or not the sunroof panel needs vertical adjustment relative to the roof panel to obtain an acceptable degree of flushness.

Tool for indicating flushness of sunroof panel

An apparatus for attaching an electrical cable to and making an electrical connection with a mounting post on a vehicle battery includes a base portion having an aperture extending through a first end and a second end thereof. The first end of the base portion is placed over the mounting post. An insert is received in the second end of base portion. A spring is received in the base portion and a cap having an open end sized to be placed over the base portion compresses the spring. At least one stop member is attached to the base portion. The stop member interacts with the cap to lock the cap in position with respect to the base portion when the spring is compressed, maintaining compression on the spring and the insert to ensure an electrical connection between the insert and the mounting post.

Battery post connector apparatus

A battery assembly for a vehicle includes a battery with a post extending therefrom. A terminal is connected to the post, and a blade extends from the terminal. A battery cable includes an attached connector. The connector is configured to receive the blade in a snap-in relationship. The blade includes a protrusion thereon, and the connector includes a spring member configured to provide sufficient normal force on the blade to force the blade against a wall of the connector to provide a reliable electrical contact. The spring member abuts the protrusion to secure the blade in the connector.

Growing community of inventors

Rochester Hills, MI, United States of America

Craig A Rodriguez