Abstract: A dual displacement engine is provided with first and second crankshaft portions which are fluidly coupled to one another, for example, by a torque converter in order to provide an engine that can be utilized with alternative configurations of engine cylinders. Specifically, a first crankshaft portion can be provided with, for example, four pistons as a primary crankshaft portion for driving the vehicle, while a second crankshaft portion can be selectively engaged via a fluid coupling to supplement the power provided by the primary crankshaft portion. Thus, the vehicle can be operated using the primary crankshaft portion for fuel efficient operation while the second crankshaft portion can be selectively engaged for meeting higher torque demand requirements as necessary.

Abstract: A dual displacement engine is provided with first and second crankshaft portions which are fluidly coupled to one another, for example, by a torque converter in order to provide an engine that can be utilized with alternative configurations of engine cylinders. Specifically, a first crankshaft portion can be provided with, for example, four pistons as a primary crankshaft portion for driving the vehicle, while a second crankshaft portion can be selectively engaged via a fluid coupling to supplement the power provided by the primary crankshaft portion. Thus, the vehicle can be operated using the primary crankshaft portion for fuel efficient operation while the second crankshaft portion can be selectively engaged for meeting higher torque demand requirements as necessary.

Abstract: A coil-on-plug ignition system for mounting an ignition coil to a valve cover of a vehicle. The coil-on-plug ignition system includes an ignition coil having a connecting terminal connectable to a spark plug of the vehicle. The system further includes a retaining clip fixedly mounted to the ignition coil. The retaining clip has a mounting portion that includes a slot. The slot is adapted to receive a pin extending from the valve cover for selectively retaining the ignition coil to the valve cover through a twisting connection. A biasing member is further included for biasing the retaining clip in a retaining position. The biasing member is mounted between the retaining clip and the valve cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a beverage includes a cupholder portion. The cupholder portion defines a cylindrical opening for receiving a beverage container. The apparatus additionally includes a cooling arrangement for delivering a source of cooled air to the generally cylindrical opening. The apparatus further includes a heating arrangement for delivering a source of heat to the generally cylindrical opening.

Abstract: A combination rear-view mirror and audio speaker for a vehicle. An audio speaker is coupled to the rear side of the body of a rear-view vehicle mirror. Wiring for the audio speaker or speakers is festooned between the roof of the vehicle and the head liner and down a front support pillar to the audio signal amplifier. In this location, the audio speakers are thus hidden from the vehicle occupants. This location also precludes the obstruction of the vehicle occupants' view through the vehicle windows or rear-view mirror and positions the sound waves eminating from the speakers at the level of the vehicle occupants' ears. Configuration in this manner allows the rear-view mirror assembly to be used across a wide range of vehicles with little or no impact on the vehicle interior, as well as in a wide range of audio systems, including surround-sound systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a generally cylindrical workpiece includes a band clamp and a clamp compressor. The band clamp is generally C-shaped and includes first and second ends. A sleeve is attached to the first end and receives a threaded shaft of a bolt. A head of the bolt is retained by the second end of the clamp end. A nut engages the threaded shaft of the bolt. The clamp compressor includes a main body portion and a locating portion extending from the main body portion which is adapted to releasably engage the first end of the band clamp. The locating portion is further operative to establish a fixed vertical position of the clamp compressor relative to the band clamp. The clamp compressor further includes a drive element interconnected to the main body portion which is adapted to releasably engage the second end of the band clamp. The drive element is adjustable so as to urge the first and second ends of the band clamp together when rotated in a first direction.