Abstract: A hitch assembly having a ball stud assembly and a sleeve with an open end dimensioned to receive the ball stud assembly. The ball stud assembly including a ball portion and a locking assembly. The ball stud assembly is movable between an extended position in which the ball portion extends out of the sleeve and a retracted position in which the ball portion is fully received within the sleeve. The locking assembly is configured to selectively lock the ball stud assembly with respect to the sleeve in either the extended position or the retracted position.

Abstract: A hitch assembly having a ball stud assembly and a sleeve with an open end dimensioned to receive the ball stud assembly. The ball stud assembly including a ball portion and a locking assembly. The ball stud assembly is movable between an extended position in which the ball portion extends out of the sleeve and a retracted position in which the ball portion is fully received within the sleeve. The locking assembly is configured to selectively lock the ball stud assembly with respect to the sleeve in either the extended position or the retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle component formed using a reinforcing mixture that includes a plurality of basalt fibers. According to one embodiment, the reinforced vehicle component could be formed by a method in which a vehicle component is provided for reinforcement, such as a vehicle panel that may be stamped from steel. Basalt fibers are mixed with a carrier that includes one or more of an epoxy or a glue. The mixture of basalt fibers and the carrier are applied to the vehicle panel. In one embodiment, for example, the mixture could be sprayed onto the vehicle panel for purposes of reinforcement.

Abstract: A combined coin sorting and dispensing apparatus for motor vehicles which may be mounted in or integrally formed with the dashboard, console, or an existing interior door or side panel, or placed in an existing pocket of the vehicle. The coin sorter has a hopper with a coin slot, a coin sorter plate, a coin holder support, and a plurality of coin holders. In operation, coins placed in the hopper pass through the coin slot, and fall onto an inclined sorter plate which sorts the coins into the coin holders. The motion of the motor vehicle as it is being driven assists in moving the coins through the hopper, down the coin slot, and down the sorter plate. The sorted coins are stored in the coin holders until needed at which time they are manually or automatically dispensed from the holders. Methods for sorting the coins using the disclosed combined coin sorting and dispensing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for heating and cooling a vehicle battery includes a thermal chamber shaped to hold the vehicle battery. The thermal chamber includes a floor and three walls and is positioned against a fender of the vehicle so that the fender forms a fourth wall of the chamber. The thermal chamber includes an inlet opening for receiving air and an outlet opening for expelling air. The inlet opening receives air from a first inlet duct which transports ambient air from outside of the engine compartment, and from a second inlet duct which transports air from an exhaust manifold of the engine. A temperature controlled damper directs air from either the first inlet duct or the second inlet duct into the inlet opening. An outlet duct transports air expelled through the outlet opening into the engine intake manifold. A filter positioned in the thermal chamber filters the air expelled through the outlet duct.

Abstract: A two-piece switch is mounted on two members which slidably move in a fixed relation to each other. One portion of the switch, mounted to the stationary member, has a contact recessed within for connecting to a power source. The first portion has flexible insulators over the contact. The second portion, mounted to the slidable member, has a retractable contact and an independently retractable insulator. When the switch portions are brought together as the members are moved, the flexible insulators are deformed to expose a portion of the contact by the retractable insulator. The contacts are then electrically connected.

Abstract: A lamp switch and connector means assembly comprising an integral housing which is mountable to the interior of a compartment for illuminating the compartment. The switch is operable by means of a biased plunger, for example, in response to the opening and closing of a compartment lid. Fixed to the plunger is an electrical bridging means which simultaneously and immediately engages stationary, nonbiased electrical contacts when the plunger is biased toward an extended position.

Abstract: A wind power electrical generator system having improved efficiency including a wind mill which activates an air compressor to generate a supply of pressurized air. An air motor activated by the supply of pressurized air drives a generator to produce electrical power. A waste air recovery mechanism, activated by the waste air from the air motor produces rotary energy assisting the wind mill in activating the air compressor.