Abstract: An automatic steering wheel pivoting mechanism includes a unique mount structure such that two engaged mechanical elements which pivot the steering wheel are both mounted in a cantilever-like fashion at one lateral side. This decreases the lateral size required for the pivoting mechanism. The mechanical elements are mounted in boss members extending outwardly of a steering column and a wheel column such that they are securely connected to the respective columns. In a further feature of the present invention, a motor for the mechanical members monitors the resistance to further pivoting of the steering wheel, and shuts the motor off should that force exceed a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system is disclosed that includes an automatic drive for pivoting a steering wheel and wheel column with respect to a fixed steering column. In one embodiment, a rack and worm gear connection is driven by an automatic controller to position the steering wheel at any of an infinite number of pivoted positions. An operator may preselect and store a desired position in a memory and a control is disclosed for setting the preselected position in the memory.

Abstract: A pulsation damper is disclosed for use in a standard air-conditioning compressor for an automobile. The pulsation damper consists of a body portion and a cap portion and the cap portion has an outer diameter that is dimensioned to be press fit within the outlet opening of the housing of the air compressor. Thus, the pulsation damper can be retro-fit in a standard air compressor housing and will not increase the overall size of the housing or require modification in the connecting tubing. The body of the pulsation damper consists of longitudinal groove-like passages which direct the fluid flow from one of two internal compressor discharge lines to a point where it opposes and is intermixed with the fluid flow from another internal discharge line. This opposition and intermixing of the two fluid flow paths, which have pressure pulses which are out of synchronism with each other, tends to cancel or reduce such pulses.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system is disclosed that includes an automatic drive for pivoting a steering wheel and wheel column with respect to a fixed steering column. In one embodiment, a rack and worm gear connection is driven by an automatic controller to position the steering wheel at any of an infinite number of pivoted positions. An operator may preselect and store a desired position in a memory and controls are disclosed for setting the preselected position in the memory.

Abstract: A pulsation damper is disclosed for use in a standard air-conditioning compressor for an automobile. The pulsation damper consists of a body portion and a cap portion and the cap portion has an outer diameter that is dimensioned to be press fit within the outlet opening of the housing of the air compressor. Thus, the pulsation damper can be retro-fit in a standard air compressor housing and will not increase the overall size of the housing or require modification in the connecting tubing. The body of the pulsation damper consists of longitudinal groove-like passages which direct the fluid flow from one of two internal compressor discharge lines to a point where it opposes and is intermixed with the fluid flow from another internal discharge line. This opposition and intermixing of the two fluid flow paths, which have pressure pulses which are out of synchronism with each other, tends to cancel or reduce such pulses.