Abstract: A valve for a vacuum die casting machine has a cover die block and an ejector die block. A slotted member and an abutting slotless member abutting the slotted member are movable between an open, fluid-passing position and a closed, fluid-blocking position. A controller directs movement of the valve between the open and closed positions. The valve is moved to its open position as the air within the cavity and associated lines is being evacuated and is moved to its closed position as the shot is injected into the die cavity. The slotted and slotless members may either be rotatable drums or elongated bars. The slotted drum includes a slotted end and an actuation end. Similarly, the slotted elongated bar includes a slotted end and an actuation end. Alignment of the slot of either the rotatable slotted drum or the movable slotted bar with the vacuum passage allows the passage of fluid.

Abstract: A rubber seal for vehicular ball joint assemblies located in the vicinity of a source of heat. The seal includes an integrally molded metal heat shield for facing the source of heat to prevent the deterioration of the seal from the heat. Such a seal with integral heat shield is particularly beneficial between a vehicle brake rotor and lower control arm and/or a tie rod operatively connected to a steering knuckle.

Abstract: A vacuum valve filter system has a plurality of diverting elements sandwiching a plurality of filter elements for filtering fluid passing from a cavity of a vacuum die. The diverter elements establish a serpentine fluid flow through the filter systems. Also, the filter elements are compressible, acting as a stop in the event of an overflow of molten material entering the filter system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for variably controlling the temperature at which the clutch of an air conditioner compressor is engaged and disengaged. The temperature at which the compressor clutch is engaged and disengaged is based on an average minimum temperature at the evaporator over a clutch cycle, wherein the clutch disengage temperature is increased if the average minimum temperature is below a first predetermined temperature and is decreased if the average minimum temperature is above a second predetermined temperature, thus maintaining the average minimum temperature within a temperature range. Further, the clutch disengage temperature is adjusted based on user operated air conditioner control settings. The clutch disengage temperature is adjusted to a higher temperature if a low blower speed is selected by the user and is adjusted to a lower temperature if a high blower speed is selected.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing the presence and location of faults within a vehicle's electrical system includes a signal generator for generating an a.c. test signal; a switching circuit connected to an interface between the system's ECU and the system's components for selectively and sequentially applying the a.c. test signal into each electrical lead therein; and a first detector connected to the system's common ground for detecting the system's response to the applied signals, thereby obtaining a set of transitory characteristics for the vehicle's electrical system.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the locking and unlocking of the seat belt retractor used in a vehicle in response to the state of the vehicle's doors, the state of the vehicle's ignition switch, and the state of use of the vehicle's seat belts.

Abstract: A power supply polarity reversal protection device includes a voltage controlled switching device, e.g. an N-channel MOSFET connected between the power supply output (e.g. a positive supply voltage) and the circuit to be powered by the supply, i.e. the load. A diode, preferably the parasitic diode inherent in the MOSFET between the drain and source, is arranged so that when the positive supply terminal is connected to the transistor, the diode is forward biased and will allow a diode current to flow. A sensing means generates a control terminal voltage in response to the diode current flow. This control terminal voltage is applied to the switching means control gate and is sufficient to cause full conduction through the switching means. If, instead, a negative supply voltage is connected to the transistor, the diode will be reverse biased and no current will flow.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling headlamps in response to windshield wiper controls is provided. A microcontroller senses the voltage levels of signals from a windshield wiper switch and a headlamp switch. If the microcontroller senses that the vehicle operator has turned on the windshield wiper switch, the microcontroller turns on the headlamps of a vehicle unless the windshield wipers are in intermittent mode or the operator of the vehicle has turned off the headlamps within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly including an outer contoured panel, an inner contoured panel, the panels being connected at their side and bottom edges, and a glass and regulator track assembly adapted to being assembled through the adjacent upper edges of the panels into the space between the panels and secured to the inner panel. A majority of the inner trim is molded integrally as the surface of the inner panel, with a separately applied trim element secured to the upper edge portion of the inner panel, and an arm rest secured to the inner panel at a central portion thereof. A side impact beam extends longitudinally between the outer and inner panels, and includes a longitudinally oriented mounting plate at its forward end and a laterally oriented mounting plate at its rear end for mounting on the inner panel.

Abstract: A handle assembly, formed with a terminal flange, is adapted for flush installation in a panel aperture from the outboard side of the panel in a rock-in manner with the terminal flange overlying the panel outer surface. The housing has at least one inboard projecting stem receiving a one-piece clip through a hole in a retaining clip enabling a nut, upon being threaded on the stem, to hold handle assembly in the panel opening. The clip of the present invention is initially installed from the inboard side of the panel by means of upper and lower tabs adapted for manual push-on frictional engagement with associated upper and lower tongues projecting inboard from the handle housing. As a result of the clip tabs being manually engaged the installer has both hands free for threading a nut on the stem and torquing the nut down to complete the handle assembly installation. The housing tongues also provide a support function in that they prevent the clip from being distorted during the torquing operation.

Abstract: A sealing system for a rotating shaft journaled in roller, ball or tapered bearings retained in a carrier includes an outer seal which sealingly engages the carrier and an inner seal which sealingly engages the shaft. In this way, the sealing velocity is substantially lowered for a shaft of a given diameter enhancing the integrity of the seal over a greater range of shaft diameters and speeds.

Abstract: A link apparatus in a node of a mulitinode, collision--resolution, multiplexing communications system connected between a microcontroller (MCU) and a integrated driver and receiver (IDR) of the node for assuming some of the functions of the MCU in delivering and receiving messages to and from a signal-wire communications bus. The link apparatus provides circuits for automatically prepending a start-of-frame to a message being placed on the bus after determining that the conditions on the bus are suitable for transmitting messages. The link apparatus also contains circuits for determining when a node has won arbitration over another node competing for time on the bus.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for detecting a short circuit in a remote low-side driven load wherein a single conductor is used to both transmit a control signal from a microprocessor controller through a local driver to the remote driver of the load and also to transmit fault signals from the remotely driven load back to the control means. A control signal is transmitted from the microprocessor controller through a local driver circuit to a remote driver circuit on a single conductor. A short circuit at the remote load causes a fault signal to be latched for later detection by the microprocessor and a short circuit at the local driver is immediately detected.

Abstract: Control system for controlling the locking and unlocking of seat belt retractors in response to the opened/closed state of the vehicle doors and also the on/off state of the ignition switch.

Abstract: A pre-recorded test tape or test disk which is used to isolate unwanted buzzes in an audio listening environment. The prerecording is a series of varying amplitude frequency sweeps. The frequency sweeps from the audible range of 20 Hz. to 400 Hz., while the amplitude level is set at five different levels. The amplitude of the first sweep is set to the maximum output of the audio system which will give a clean 400 Hz. pre-recorded pallet tone. Each subsequent sweep is 6 dB down from the previous sweep.

Abstract: An improvement to a self-adjusting clutch cable mechanism for adjusting a conduit relative to the strand slidably mounted therethrough. The improved mechanism features a spacer element operatively connected between the clutch pedal arm and the strand, wherein the spacer engages an adjustment sleeve member extending beyond a fixed cylindrical sleeve. Moving the sleeve member through the distance to the end of the cylindrical sleeve serves to free the conduit for repositioning relative to the strand upon release of the clutch pedal, and also provides a stop for the pedal in the free clutch pedal "up" position.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle suspension shock-absorbing assembly providing a metal-to-metal jounce stop arrangement. The lower extremity of a cylindrical canister, extending downwardly from an upper coil spring seat, defines an upper angular jounce stopper while a striker plate, fixed on the upper end of a shock-absorber unit, is formed with a downwardly off-set annular lower stopper ledge. The arrangement enables maximum jounce travel while limiting compression of the elastomeric jounce bumper, encircling the shock piston rod, to a predetermined axial dimension thereby substantially increasing its service life. Further, the canister shields the bumper during full jounce obviating damage thereto. The canister lower end portion has an inturned shoulder from which an inwardly offset ring depends terminating in an exterior return bent hemmed flange.

Abstract: A multiplex bus that is corrected to an AM/FM/CD radio. The multiplex bus couples communicating microprocessors in modules, including a body computer, an engine controller, a transmission controller, and other functional components of an automobile. The radio includes components for audio amplified clipping detection and remote control of the volume. The computer controls the volume and clipping features via the multiplex bus. These features, and the programming of the computer with respect to the features are controllable by diagnostic tools external to the system, which may by hooked up to the bus in an assembly plant or an automobile service center. So programmed, the body computer is be able to read the vehicle speed, rpm, transmission gear, and acceleration and decide, in accordance with a predetermined algorithm or programmed instructions, whether to increase or decrease the radio volume. The decision depends on the vehicle characteristics and/or the preference of the prime listener.