Abstract: Control panel architectures, and, specifically, architectures having bulb assemblies as features, particular those in control panels used in motor vehicle applications, are disclosed. By providing restricting means such as for leg features as part of the control panel assay, bulb assemblies are more resistant to damage to the bulb globe or filaments, or other elements, due to the effect of undesired movement or vibration that occurs in motorized vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arrangement of devices, and, in particular doors, in the architecture of HVAC units. Where space is a consideration, having doors that are common and/or that can be used or nestled in a common operative space, reduce the need of inventory of different parts, and allow for use of smaller interior HVAC space volumes in HVAC units.

Abstract: In preferred aspects of the present invention, at least one rib is provided can be molded to an internal dividing wall in the interior of a water separator in an automotive HVAC unit. In more preferred aspects, a plurality of ribs is provided that are molded to or with the wall, and, the plurality of ribs form a pattern, in a way that allows them to ‘direct’ or to ‘channel’ water from an air flow.

Abstract: The present invention, in various aspects, provides for a HVAC unit having at least one door and at least one part of an HVAC housing, such that the housing and door can approach one another and form a seal. Preferred embodiments of the present invention use a magnetically assisted (or resistant) door sealing mechanism to form a seal, or preferably, a tight seal, upon closure at a sealing area having a door sealing surface and a corresponding HVAC housing or other such surface, which blocks or restricts air flow in that area of the HVAC unit. By using a magnetically assisted door sealing mechanism, and, especially a mechanism at a sealing surface and a corresponding surface, a seal, and even an almost air tight seal that is resistant to opening inappropriately when air flow or pressure increases or when influenced by gravity, and can be formed while still allowing for the door to be opened, with a minimum of effort, when necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to distribution of conditioned air from automotive HVAC units, in particularly, distribution systems having both front and rear components. In particular, the present invention improves the temperature characteristics of the rear floor area of distribution in the cockpit, cab or passenger compartment, in a variety of temperature modes. By providing for a valving or closing off means on a rear distribution door, regulation and adjustment of the stratification and temperature of air reaching the rear, and especially, the rear floor area of the cockpit, cab or passenger compartment, is achieved by blocking or closing off a channel between the heater core area of the HVAC and the distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to air distribution for vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems having a preferably semi-lateral HVAC architecture configuration. The semi-lateral HVAC system provides for a bend or turn in the housing between the evaporator and heating means of the HVAC unit wherein a rotational device with moveable vanes is located, to provide improved air flow temperature and flow control over traditional lateral HVAC architectures, while employing less space and a lower piece count.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle ventilation system, and, in particular, a heating and air-conditioning assembly and method of making such an assembly, wherein the assembly comprises a multi-portion HVAC housing and an alignment feature. The alignment feature preferably follows the contours of the housing portions of the HVAC. Preferably, the alignment feature is a baffle, or, in particular, a cross flow baffle, that serves an air directing as well as bridge function between housing portions of the HVAC, reducing packaging space for the HVAC unit while providing ease of assembly and reduced tool complexity for multi-piece HVAC housings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automotive HVAC door decelerator system which essential eliminates the undesirable audible door slap noise in cable operated, and, particularly, in some electric actuated systems, by reducing door acceleration/speed prior to reaching the end of travel. By providing for a door decelerator system with a rib or similar wall or ridge separate from the lever, and, preferably, a flexible part of the lever, the door is brought gradually to a stop without undesirable noise in the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to HVAC units with condensate drainage systems, for use in motorized vehicles. The present invention provides for at least two or dual condensate drain paths with no extra parts required pre-distribution of the treated air from the HVAC unit, the drainage means or channel situated to allow condensate to ‘fall back’ or, to run upstream back from the evaporator in the opposite direction to the air in the main airflow or stream which continues to run downstream from the drainage area to be conditioned by the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an HVAC pre-conditioning system for vehicles, and, especially, automotive vehicles in the automotive and/or truck sector, which utilizes an HVAC unit, distribution system, and a device, such as ducts, useful for pre-conditioning via heating, cooling or drying material, equipment or apparel. By providing for a preconditioning system comprising at least one rear HVAC system and at least one duct or branch off of the a rear HVAC distribution system, conditioned or conditioning air can be used to pre-condition a number of sports, utility, and other materials such as clothing or other apparel, such as ski-boots, snow boots, walking shoes, working shoes and/or boots, gloves, hats, clothes and leg and body garments (children's snow-suits and scarves) are also envisioned. Other types of equipment, such as water skiing equipment with suitable catch trays, etc., could be dried out or made more comfortable using the present invention.

Abstract: In preferred aspects of the present invention, at least one rib is provided can be molded to an internal dividing wall in the interior of a water separator in an automotive HVAC unit. In more preferred aspects, a plurality of ribs is provided that are molded to or with the wall, and, the plurality of ribs form a pattern, in a way that allows them to ‘direct’ or to ‘channel’ water from an air flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of directing ventilating air and airflow control in a ventilating, heating or air conditioning system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a structure and method to provide air flow mixture via with reduced heat pickup utilizing a separate piece air deflector located within the lower housing of the HVAC unit, and ribs to direct airflow. The HVAC unit provides an inserted deflector means which provides for smaller packaging volume, allows air deflection and airflow towards the distribution area of the unit, and, provides a drainage means for undesired water, before it reaches the distribution area, yielding an HVAC unit, with the same functionality as larger HVAC units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for passenger vehicles, including light and heavy truck, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, particularly HVAC systems, using oxidants to reduce contaminants and increase passenger comfort levels in such vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of directing ventilating air and airflow control in a ventilating, heating or air conditioning system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a structure and method to provide air flow mixture via an air mixer structure or ‘baffle’ located within a blend door. The simplified HVAC unit provides a baffle/blend door assembly comprising an air mixer structure wherein the attachment means of baffle and barrel door is such that it provides for ease of assembly. The baffle/barrel door assembly provides for smaller packaging volume with the same functionality as larger HVAC units.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of passenger vehicles, including light and heavy truck, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, particularly HVAC systems, using oxidants to reduce contaminants and increase passenger comfort levels in such vehicles.

Abstract: An air flow mixing system for a vehicle air conditioning system having a distribution door to force air from a first air flow to mix with a second air flow of different temperature proximate a merging region in the air conditioning system. In one embodiment, the distribution door has an arcuate passageway or scoop to forcibly route air from the first airflow to the second airflow. In a second embodiment, the distribution door has at least one projecting channel to divide each of the first and second air flows into a plurality of alternating flow paths to promote heat transfer and mixing of the two airflows. In each embodiment, the pivoting distribution door facilitates heat transfer between the airflows resulting in a more even temperate airflow emerging from the merging region.

Abstract: An assist airblower unit for a heating and ventilating system of a motor vehicle. The airblower includes a single motor and two centrifugal fan wheels encased within a shell. The motor drives both centrifugal fan wheels via a shaft. The centrifugal fan wheels have angled blades that draws in air from a lateral air inlet located on the shell. The air is then forced out of the outlet openings into the automobiles interior to either heat or cool the vehicle. The air source either outputs at the front of the HVAC unit or recirculation air, i.e., cabin air.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus for a vehicle includes a partition disposed within a housing which separates a first longitudinal airstream from a blower and a cooling element into first and second airstreams, each separately directed through a heater element to form first and second recombined airstreams. The partition redirects the first and second recombined airstreams to a second direction angularly disposed from the first direction of air flow to enable the first and second output airstreams to be separately transmitted to first and second separate zones within the vehicle. Independently movable blend valves are interposed in the first and second airstreams to provide independent selection of temperature of the first and second output airstreams.

Abstract: An HVAC system moisture collection and drainage system is disclosed. The system includes a sloped bottom wall of the system air tract recirc housing in combination with an adjacent extended trough shaped sill for redirecting collected moisture to exit the vehicle and flow into the air intake plenum mounted outside of the vehicle interior compartment. The system does not require any additional or separate structure, tooling, or drains to remove the accumulated moisture in the air recirc housing.

Abstract: An HVAC system moisture collection and drainage system is disclosed. The system includes a sloped bottom wall of the system air tract recirc housing in combination with an adjacent extended trough shaped sill for redirecting collected moisture to exit the vehicle and flow into the air intake plenum mounted outside of the vehicle interior compartment. The system does not require any additional or separate structure, tooling, or drains to remove the accumulated moisture in the air recirc housing.