Abstract: An automatic vehicle interior temperature control system and control method wherein control system outlet air temperature can be controlled automatically using a processor with stored control algorithms that rely upon data including virtual ambient air temperature and virtual sun load heat flux.

Abstract: A protective D-ring cover for a seat belt anchor for use in the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle, the seat belt anchor including an anchor bolt secured to an upper portion of a structural pillar on a lateral side of the passenger compartment and a D-ring seat belt support carried by the anchor bolt as part of a three-point attachment to the body structure of the vehicle passenger compartment, the cover including a housing, first and second concentric structural circular ribs within the housing, a first pair of radial ribs between the circular ribs and a second pair of radial ribs between the outermost circular rib and the housing, the ribs being strategically located to absorb high energy impact forces that are offset relative to the anchor bolt.

Abstract: An automatic interior temperature control system for an automotive vehicle capable of controlling heat flux in response to changes in ambient temperature, outlet temperature, sun load and air flow by taking into account the relationship between these four variables in accordance with thermodynamic principles wherein an adjustment in heat flux corrects interior temperature error.

Abstract: A simplified fluid pressure charge valve assembly for a pressurized mechanical refrigeration system that may be assembled to a housing portion for an automotive air conditioning system including a unitary valve stem adapted to be secured to the housing and having an internal chamber for receiving a cartridge-type valve wherein the cartridge-type valve is secured in place in the valve stem cavity and sealed against internal walls of the valve stem without the necessity for providing internal threads in the valve stem, thereby reducing variable costs in the manufacture of the assembly and simplifying assembly procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-aligned continuously variable transmission between an input shaft having a first axis of rotation and an output shaft having a second axis of rotation which is parallel to the first axis of rotation. The CVT comprises a first set of cones tapered in a first direction and a second set of cones tapered in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Each cone of the first and second sets of cones has an axis of rotation oriented such that a portion of a surface thereof is parallel to a portion of the surface of each of the other cones in the same set. A power transfer ring tractionally engages the first and second sets of cones on the parallel portions thereof to transfer power from said first set of cones to the second set of cones. The power transfer ring is movable axially of said first and second sets of cones along the parallel portions to vary the speed ratio from the first set of cones to the second set of cones.

Abstract: The present invention is a retaining system for an automotive carpet, such as a floor mat. The system consists of a tapered pin; and two washers. The assembly process consists of snap-fitting a first washer over a separate decorative pin, or a tapered pin. The second washer is then snap-fitted into an annular channel formed between two tabs on the first washer. The completed assembly then secures an automotive carpet at an appropriate location.

Abstract: A tie down apparatus for an automotive luggage rack includes a holder located inside the outer rails of the luggage rack. The holder consists of a upper section with an aperture; two resilient retaining rails; and two stay rods. The assembly process consists of placing a washer inside the holder and then inserting the combination inside the channel of a luggage rack's outer rails. The tie down stud then can be easily inserted into the apertures of the upper portion and washer. The completed assembly can then be translated to an appropriate location along the outer rail.

Abstract: A light-weight set of four substantially flat rectangular plates sequentially connected to each other by hinges is pivotably mounted to a pick-up truck tailgate. Flat bar stock braces with orthogonal end tabs fit to tab-receiving elements attached to selected ones of the interconnected plates to secure them in predetermined angular relationships. The plates can thus be secured so that an enlarged containment space is generated to effectively extend an enclosed load space over the width and length of the tailgate. Similarly, by use of a pair of braces on each side, the central two of the four interconnected plates can be securely arranged to provide a flat workbench surface above the entire tailgate. Selected power tools may be mounted thereunder to project operating tool bits, e.g., a router bit, to machine workpieces on the workbench.

Abstract: The shock absorber has a housing containing a damping chamber, a shock absorber piston mounted for movement in the chamber and an inertia operated damping control valve in the damping chamber for altering a damping factor of the piston movement in the chamber in response to a shock input or in response to an aceleration of the shock absorber. The damping chamber comprises a cylindrical housing and the inertia operated damping control valve comprises an orifice in the damping chamber housing, a pivotable valve member positioned to cover the orifice and a resilient member for biasing the movable valve member over the orifice. The damping chamber housing is oriented generally vertically and the resilient member is positioned between the cylindrical housing and the valve member.

Abstract: A multipurpose, lightweight, sheet metal bracket having a U-shaped cross-section is provided with tablike extensions of the sides of the U-shape for attachment thereto of other vehicle components. The sheet metal bracket itself can be spot-welded at a number of points to correspondingly disposed portions of an automobile internal structure for strong, rigid, permanent location to provide strong support to the steering column assembly and the brake support bracket of the automobile. Space above the sides of the U-shaped cross-section of the bracket provides safe passage for wiring between elements in the instrument panel assembly and cooperating elements in the engine compartments.

Abstract: A user-convenience assembly, mountable to an inside surface of a conventional pick-up truck tailgate, is usable with the tailgate placed in a substantially horizontal open position to provide at least one user with bottom and back support on separate cushions provided therefor. Speakers connectable to a sound system of the pick-up truck are disposed adjacent the back support to provide a user music and sound. An element to hold an ashtray and at least one food container can be mounted adjacent to the bottom support, and an umbrella holder adjacent the back support may be used to support the stem of a sun-shade umbrella. When the tailgate is in its upright closed position, a compartment holding the speakers, the back support and the umbrella holder closes to the inside surface of the upright tailgate and a pivotable cover element is locatable over a top of the compartment to exclude ambient dirt and moisture. This user-convenience assembly is readily mountable to most conventional pick-up truck tailgates.