Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a component of an exhaust system using a hinged clamp. The clamp has grouped links that are joined by hinge pins that fit within apertures in the links and the grouped links are movable relative to each other about the hinges. A closer that draws the ends of selected links together is also disclosed.

Abstract: A repair boot for an air intake assembly having an air intake duct. The repair boot is open between its ends and has a collar with a first interior dimension that is selected to complement the air intake duct and a second interior diameter that is selected to engage a surrounding flange on the exterior of air intake duct.

Abstract: A control arm and a ball assembly that are adjustable relative to each other through a series of slots. The control arm mounts to a vehicle in the usual manner and the position of the ball joint assembly is adjustable by moving the ball joint assembly relative to the control arm and fastened in a desired position.

Abstract: A multi-way control valve for controlling the flow of fluid between a fluid inlet and one or more fluid outlets. The multi-way control valve includes a swivel valve assembly that includes a spur gear with threaded apertures and an alignment member for fixing a housing that includes a magnet to the spur gear with fasteners. The multi-way control valve preferably includes all metallic gears.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly for control arm. The ball joint assembly has an upper portion with a ball socket and stud centered about a first centerline. A radial extension that is connected to the upper portion supports a mounting body with a second centerline and an outer diameter that fits within an aperture in the control arm. A threaded shaft depends from the mounting body and receives a nut to tighten against the control arm until the first centerline of the ball joint assembly is fixed in a desired position.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having selected heat exchanger tubes that includes a flow restrictor that causes a non-linear flow through the heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: A steering knuckle configured to receive a bearing having a given outer diameter. The steering knuckle includes a knuckle body having an exterior surface with a given surface treatment. The body defines a knuckle bore having an interior surface and configured to receive the bearing. At least a portion of the knuckle bore interior surface is covered with a corrosion resistant material.

Abstract: A handle for a cable, the handle including a vertical portion extending along an axis and having a side surface with a portion thereof parallel with the axis and an end surface generally perpendicular to the axis. A blind bore is defined in the vertical portion extending from the end surface with an axis substantially parallel to the axis. A recess is defined in the side surface extending substantially perpendicular to the axis and intersecting with the blind bore. A push nut has a base with an opening therethrough and at least one gripping member extending into the opening. The push nut is positioned in the recess such that the opening and the gripping member are aligned with the blind bore.

Abstract: A hand tool for straightening a fluid line has two sections that are configured to interlock and define an elongated line straightening channel between ends of the tool. One tool section has recesses and the other tool section has projections. The hand tool is assembled by moving the two sections together and interlocking the projections and recesses to form a tubular configuration or tunnel that straightens the line.

Abstract: A dust boot having an open end that includes an embedded mechanical fastener that secures the boot to a ball joint assembly and a ball joint assembly configured to engage with the embedded mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A post and stud for a ball joint assembly includes a post with a first end, an intermediate portions and a second end. The first end is externally threaded to receive a complementary fastener and the second end is internally threaded. A threaded stud has a first end that complements the internally threaded second end of the post and the second end of the stud is threaded for a predetermined application.

Abstract: A method of producing an engine oil adapter assembly, the method including forming a single polymeric body through a molding process. The body including a lower surface, an upper surface, a filter housing, a first connection interface, and a lubrication flow path. The lower surface being configured to mate with a lubrication network in an engine. The upper surface being configured to mate with a cooling component. The filter housing being defined at a first end of the body, and being configured to house an oil filter. The first connection interface being defined at the first end of the body at an end of the filter housing. The first connection interface being connectable to a cap. The lubrication flow path establishing a communication channel between the lubrication network and the filter housing. The method further provides a plurality of inserts being overmolded in the single polymeric body.

Abstract: A seat occupancy sensor for use in a vehicle is disclosed.