Abstract: An antifreeze cartridge includes a container containing an antifreeze agent, and a sealing film on the container. A connecting structure is configured and intended to be connected by force fit or form fit to a complementary receiver of an antifreeze inlet of a motor vehicle. The container has a handling portion which is configured and intended to allow the manual connection of the connecting structure to the complementary receiver of the antifreeze inlet. The sealing film is configured and intended to be perforated by a hollow perforation element of the antifreeze inlet so that the antifreeze agent contained in the container can be supplied to a frost-protection system of the motor vehicle through the hollow perforation element. A motor vehicle has an antifreeze inlet wherein the antifreeze inlet is accessible from the outside of an engine bay of the motor vehicle without opening a hood of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system for selectively dispensing a beverage in a vehicle includes a vehicle that has a cabin and an outer surface. A refrigerator is positioned within the vehicle and the refrigerator contains and cools a beverage. A dispensing unit is fluidly coupled to the refrigerator and the dispensing unit selectively dispenses the beverage. The dispensing unit is positioned within the cabin to be accessible to a driver of the vehicle. A charging unit is coupled to the vehicle thereby facilitating the charging to be exposed to sunlight. The charging unit converts sunlight into electrical energy and the charging unit is electrically coupled to the refrigerator and the dispensing unit.

Abstract: A gear operated shut valve for a ventilation system in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The gear operated shut valve includes gear train. The gear train includes a driven gear that is associated with the shut valve and a driving gear that is associated with an outlet knob on an outlet of the ventilation system. The shut valve is substantially angled with respect to the outlet.

Abstract: A building perimeter fire suppressing system for preventing brush and forest fires from engulfing building structure. The building perimeter fire suppressing system includes a water source; and also includes a plurality of pipelines having a plurality of water outlets being spaced therealong and being connected to the water source and being adapted to be disposed underground and on exteriors of building structures; and further includes valve assemblies being attached to the pipelines with each of the valve assemblies including a housing having a respective pipeline being disposed therethrough with a valve member being removably disposed inline of a respective pipeline; and also includes valve actuators being connected to the valve assemblies.

Abstract: A vent assembly that can be concealed when in a closed configuration is provided in one embodiment, the vent assembly comprises a base member and a guide member secured to a mounting surface of a duct or other passageway. A flexible rod is fixedly attached to the base member and slideably disposed within a channel defined by the guide member. A panel is disposed on or around the flexible rod and between the base and guide members. An actuator is able to deform the rod such that the panel moves away from the terminal opening of the duct, thereby opening the vent. A fluid distribution system incorporating vent assemblies in accordance with the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A vent assembly that can be concealed when in a closed configuration is provided In one embodiment, the vent assembly comprises a base member and a guide member secured to a mounting surface of a duct or other passageway. A flexible rod is fixedly attached to the base member and slideably disposed within a channel defined by the guide member. A panel is disposed on or around the flexible rod and between the base and guide members. An actuator is able to deform the rod such that the panel moves away from the terminal opening of the duct, thereby opening the vent A fluid distribution system incorporating vent assemblies in accordance with the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A valve (10) for applying vacuum to selected ones of a plurality of vacuum-operated devices (B-F) in a vehicle includes a valve core (30) which is rotatable in a valve sleeve (20) between a plurality of predetermined rotational positions. A plurality of circumferentially spaced passages (60a-60f) extend axially in the valve sleeve (20). Each passage (60b-60f) has a first end portion (66b-66f) for connection with a respective one of the devices (B-F) and a second end portion (68a-68f) which is selectively connectable with the vacuum port (44a). A vacuum port (44a) on the valve sleeve (20) is connected with a vacuum source (V) in the vehicle. A control groove (82) on the outer periphery (80) of the valve core (30) is in fluid communication with the vacuum port (44a) when the valve core (30) is in the predetermined rotational positions.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement is provided in the case of which the actuators are arranged in a premounted manner in a common actuator module unit. The actuator module unit can then, as a whole, be installed in a corresponding system, such as a heating or air-conditioning system in which the actuators are required. Thus, a space saving arrangement of the required actuators can be implemented which is easy to mount and service and can be used, for example, for heating or air-conditioning.

Abstract: A rotary valve has a stator with ports for connection to a vacuum source and to a plurality of vacuum actuators, and a housing having a central hub. A selector residing between the stator and the housing comprises a resilient body insert molded to a steel drive plate having a central drive opening for receiving a drive shaft and an array of holes around the central opening. On one side of the plate the body comprises a valve member in contact with the stator and defines passages to selectively interconnect the ports, and on the other side of the plate the body comprises a resilient tubular spring surrounding the hub and pressing against the housing to bias the valve member against the stator.

Abstract: A rubber valve plate is sandwiched between a stator and a cover. Ports in the stator for coupling to a vacuum source and vacuum motors are aligned with poppets molded in the valve plate. A manifold in the plate joins regions surrounding the valves to couple the vacuum source to all the valves. Openings in the cover plate allow a dome of each poppet to protrude. A rotary actuator adjacent the cover is configured to selectively engage the domes to actuate certain poppets which are moved against the stator to close the port to vacuum or are allowed to move toward the cover to connect the port to vacuum.

Abstract: A shaft is rotatable in a housing to several detented positions, established by a detent wheel and spring pressed detent balls, and is provided with a pinion gear which drives a gear rack on a valve carriage guided for linear movement along a spacer. A rubber valve on the carriage is movable across vacuum valve ports to perform vacuum switching functions. A bearing on the carriage moves along a slot in the spacer and carries an idler gear which rolls along a gear rack on the housing and drives a gear rack on an electrical carriage, slidable along the spacer. Fan and clutch contactors are movable with the electrical carriage across fixed contacts to perform electrical switching functions. The detent balls and springs can be inserted through access slots from outside the housing. The housing has two mounting members with latching hooks projecting forwardly for insertion into slots in a supporting panel. A boss on the housing around the shaft is insertable into an opening in the panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air valve (10) for inflating and deflating an inflatable. The air valve (10) includes a housing floor (16) with air ports (36, 38), and a slide bar (12) with an air passageway (54) formed therein. The slide bar (12) is supported on the floor (16) by seal rings (92) surrounding the ports (36, 38) and is biased into a center position by a spring (94) positioned in a spring well (28) in the slide bar (12) or the floor (16). Pins (50, 52) project into the spring well (28) and engage opposite ends of the spring (94). A stem extends from a tilt button (66) into a socket (48) on the slide bar (12). When the button (66) is tilted, it moves the slide bar (12), compressing the spring (94) and aligning the ports (36, 38) and the passageway (54) to allow air to pass through the valve (10). The slide bar (12) is prevented from tilting by a stabilizer frame (82) or housing shoulders (220).

Abstract: The disclosed vacuum valve device comprises a housing having a wall with a flat valve surface, a plate-like valve carriage having a cavity therein facing the valve surface, the wall having vacuum distribution ports therein, and a soft resilient rubber-like, plate-like valve member snugly received in the cavity and having vacuum distribution passages thereon. The valve member is slidable along the valve surface for selectively interconnecting the ports. The valve carriage has tractor elements in the form of pins thereon projecting into the cavity. The valve member has blind openings therein for receiving the pins to transmit driving forces between the carriage and the valve member. A keying pin is also formed on the carriage and is received in a uniquely located blind opening in the valve member. The pins have flat surfaces to provide passages for the escape of air that would otherwise be trapped in the openings by the pins.

Abstract: A vacuum valve having a compliable selector plate.

Abstract: A pneumatic control device for controlling a pneumatic system operable in a plurality of modes, including: push levers corresponding to the operation modes and movable in a first direction to its operated position, the push levers being spaced from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; changeover switches operated by the push levers for selectively establishing the operation modes, each switch including an actuator member movable within the housing in the second direction between its first and second positions; and a plurality of plate cams superposed on each other and disposed so as to extend in the second direction, in operative association with the push levers so as to cause relative longitudinal movements of the cams upon movements of the push levers to the operated position, each cam engaging the operating portion of at least one of the switches, so that the operating portion of each switch engaging the cam is moved in the second direction together with the cam upon the m

Abstract: The mechanism comprises a heat control knob, pivotally mounted on the front end of an operating lever which is pivotally and slidably supported by second pivot means, having its pivot axis parallel with but spaced from the axis of the first pivot means. The front portion of the operating lever has a follower which is guided by a guide track, so that the heat control knob is movable along a straight path. The operating lever has a pivot slot which is pivotally and slidably guided by the second pivot means. The operating lever also has a generally longitudinal coupling slot which receives a coupling pin projecting from a control lever, pivotally supported for swinging movement about the axis of the first pivot means.

Abstract: A single rotary shaft connected to a single rotary carriage operates a vacuum selector valve and two rotary electrical switches, in a casing having rear and front components. The valve comprises a valve carriage, slidable along a linear channel in the rear component. A gear rack on the valve carriage meshes with a pinion gear on the rotary carriage. The valve carriage is slidably retained in the valve channel by the switch contact plates of the first rotary switch. Such contact plates have terminal portions retained between the front and rear casing components. The contactors of the two switches face in opposite directions on the rotary carriage and are biased by a single coil spring, insulated from one of the contactors by a cup-shaped insulating member. The contact plates of the second switch are mounted on the front casing component and have terminals extending outside of the rear casing component through slots therein.

Abstract: A function selector knob is pivotally mounted on a function control lever which is pivotally and slidably supported by first pivot means. A pin and slot connection is provided between the lever and a vacuum electric selector switch. A convertible detent mechanism is provided for detaining the lever in either of two sets of detent positions, such sets having different numbers of positions, such as seven and five positions. Such convertible detent mechanism comprises a reversible detent carriage which is pivotally connected to the lever and is slidable along a guide channel having first and second sets of detent recesses on opposite sides thereof. The detent carriage has a detent ball or other member which is offset toward one side of the carriage, whereby the detent carriage is reversible between a first position, in which the detent member encounters the first set of detent recesses, and a second position, in which the detent carriage encounters the second set of detent recesses.

Abstract: A manually operated mode-selecting valve device allowing pressurized air to be transmitted to a plurality of working agents so as to actuate them simultaneously with the movement of a single valve medium upon operating a corresponding single actuator is disclosed. The operational force required is reduced to such a point as that merely needed to move a single number of the valve medium. The valve medium serves as an air-passage way in cooperation with an air-passage forming medium, thereby rendering reducing the number of part components together with structural simplification.

Abstract: A multimode push operated fluid flow selector valve is disclosed having modular construction including an individual slidable selector plate for each mode that is ported and cooperates with a common ported stator to effect the desired mode of communication.

Abstract: A vacuum control valve comprising a body having a valve surface with a plurality of valve ports extending through the body from such surface, a soft resilient valve member having a control surface slidable along the valve surface and formed with passage means for selectively establishing communication with the valve ports, a movable carriage for receiving and supporting the valve member, and means for moving the carriage along a path substantially parallel with the valve surface, the soft resilient valve member having a soft resilient compressible rear portion formed integrally with such valve member on the opposite side thereof from the control surface, the valve member being confined between the carriage and the valve surface with such soft resilient compressible rear portion in a compressed condition for exerting resilient pressure between the control surface of the valve member and the valve surface of the body, the soft resilient compressible rear portion comprising a pattern of fins alternating with rec

Abstract: A temperature control system including a pushbutton controlled, pneumatically operated actuator for controlling a vehicle heating and air conditioning system is disclosed. A plurality of pushbutton operated valve assemblies (112) enables an operator to control the system by selectively communicating a vacuum source connected to each valve member to a given position within a vented air-piston chamber (72). A piston (74), slidably received in the chamber, is moved along the chamber by the differential pressure across the piston face until a seal member (76) located around the piston periphery blocks the orifice of the passageway (68) communicating with the vacuum source, thus substantially sealing off the chamber from the vacuum source and preventing further piston movement. The number of output positions of the actuator piston in one embodiment of the invention is equivalent to the number of pushbutton valves which communicate the vacuum source to the air chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum control valve, comprising a wall having a vacuum supply port and a utilization port therein, a valve member movable along such wall, and means guiding the valve member for movement along a predetermined path along such wall, such valve member having a sealing member with sealing enclosure means for selectively producing communication between such ports, each of such ports comprising an opening with a tapered portion extending into such wall at the intersection between such opening and such wall to avoid the formation of any burr at such intersection.

Abstract: A combined electrical and fluid control switch is disclosed, comprising a casing, at least one operating carriage movable in the casing, and valve means in the casing and operable by the movement of the carriage. The valve means may comprise a valve wall along which a control member is movable. The valve wall is formed with at least one vacuum supply port and at least one vacuum utilization port. The control member includes a sealing member having first and second sealing dam enclosures which provide a double seal to prevent leakage between the atmosphere and the vacuum supply port as the control member is moved between a first position in which the support port and the utilization port are connected together, and a second position in which the utilization port is connected to the atmosphere. Each port preferably has a tapered portion at the intersection between the port and the valve wall.

Abstract: The disclosed combined fluid power and electrical control device comprises a casing having an operating lever extending through an opening in the casing between the front and rear sides thereof, means at the rear of the casing pivotally supporting the rear portion of the lever so that it is swingable in the opening, the lever having a front manually operable portion at the front of the casing, and fluid power and electrical control means in the casing and operatively connected to the lever for operation in response to swinging movement thereof. Preferably, the control device includes a carriage movable in the casing, mechanical coupling means between the lever and the carriage for moving the carriage in response to swinging movement of the lever, electrical switching means operable by movement of the carriage, and fluid power control valve means operable by the carriage. The switching means may include fixed electrical contact means mounted on the rear wall of a lamp housing secured within the casing.

Abstract: A dual valve assembly having a charge and relief valve, comprising a unitary valve structure including a thick central body section and, extending therefrom, a pair of elongated hollow cylindrical valve members. A valve core is threaded into the bore of each valve member and a conventional valve cap is screwed onto the free end of one member, which end is adapted to be connected to an air source. A spring-biased plunger-cap or assembly is threaded onto the free end of the other valve member, the plunger being operable to engage the pin of the valve core at that end so as selectively to relieve the pressure. A passageway in the central section communicates with both of the bores and by a hose connection, with a pneumatic device whose operation is to be controlled.