Abstract: An intake manifold body member has an upper surface with a MAP senor port, an air intake port, and a depending perimeter wall that defines an interior chamber. A MAP sensor port permits a MAP sensor to be inserted by a first distance into the interior chamber defined by the body member. A Map sensor shielding member depends from the body member by a second distance that is greater than the first distance and shields the MAP sensor.

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 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 camshaft phase adjuster having a vane construction that optimizes one or more of the seal contact pressure, wear properties, and/or the distribution of forces acting on the vane that are transmitted to the rotor. Vane configurations include vanes with non-parallel sides at the actuation end as well as a core and over-molded cover configuration. This provides enhanced wear properties and/or allows the use of lower strength materials for the vane which reduces costs.

Abstract: A camshaft phase adjuster having a vane construction that optimizes one or more of the seal contact pressure, wear properties, and/or the distribution of forces acting on the vane that are transmitted to the rotor. Vane configurations include vanes with non-parallel sides at the actuation end as well as a core and over-molded cover configuration. This provides enhanced wear properties and/or allows the use of lower strength materials for the vane which reduces costs.

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 programmable controller stores operational data for a number of embedded functions in multiple vehicles from one or more known manufacturers and is programmable to operation in a selected vehicle among the multiple vehicles.

Abstract: An intake manifold includes a body member defining an interior chamber having an upper surface and a perimeter wall depending therefrom and extending to a perimeter edge, which extends in a plane. An air intake port extends through the body member and opens into the interior chamber. An EGR tube extends through an EGR tube port in the body member and the EGR tube opens into the interior chamber. A MAP sensor extends through a MAP port in the body member such that an interior portion of the MAP sensor is positioned in the interior chamber and extends from an interior surface of the body member upper surface by a first distance. A shield member includes a shield wall that depends from the interior surface of the upper surface by a distance larger than the first distance and defines a shielded area about the interior portion of the MAP sensor.

Abstract: A casted unitary metallic oil filter adaptor that has an entirely internal lubricant flow path and threads for connecting associated components directly to the casted adaptor.

Abstract: An intake manifold includes a body member defining an interior chamber having an upper surface and a perimeter wall depending therefrom and extending to a perimeter edge, which extends in a plane. An air intake port extends through the body member and opens into the interior chamber. An EGR tube extends through an EGR tube port in the body member and the EGR tube opens into the interior chamber. A MAP sensor extends through a MAP port in the body member such that an interior portion of the MAP sensor is positioned in the interior chamber and extends from an interior surface of the body member upper surface by a first distance. A shield member includes a shield wall that depends from the interior surface of the upper surface by a distance larger than the first distance and defines a shielded area about the interior portion of the MAP sensor.

Abstract: A clamp for joining pipes has a body that is generally rectangular and a ledge that includes a fastener. The body fits over one pipe with the ledge between the pipes and the fastener passes through an aperture in the second pipe. The pipes are joined by applying a closure to the fastener.

Abstract: A locking cam for securing suspension components in a vehicle. The locking cam has at least one surface that is textured to create a surface for engagement against and with a frame member upon tightening of the suspension components. The textured surface can have ridges or projects for engagement with the frame member.

Abstract: A casted thermostatic housing for an engine coolant system. The housing has a plurality of exterior heat dissipating projections. An interior post for contacting a thermostatic element is circular and preferably tapered. The housing is casted metal and is preferably aluminum.

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 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: The disclosure concerns 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 gauge for identifying a seat contacting surface configuration of a wheel fastener. The gauge includes a body defining an upper surface and a front face with at least one gauge slot defined in the body. Each gauge slot extends from the top surface and has a circumferential wall extending about a portion thereof with an open area defined in the circumferential wall along the front face and opening into at least a portion of the gauge slot. Each gauge slot including at least a seat portion adjacent the upper surface and defining a seat corresponding with a given seat contacting surface configuration of a wheel fastener. A gauge assembly further including a sizing gauge and a method of identifying a seat contacting surface configuration are further disclosed.

Abstract: The auxiliary suspension device is relatively neutral at rest and responds in coordination with the existing suspension system upon application of a load. The redundant suspension device has an inflatable bellow that is mounted between a vehicle's frame and an existing vehicle suspension element.

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.