Abstract: The invention is an inlet device or snow valve adapted to fit an air cleaner housing for a motor vehicle. The inlet device has an annular door with an open window that rotates between first and second positions. In the first position, the window of the annular door aligns with an outside air opening in the housing to allow the flow of outside air into the air cleaner apparatus. In the second position, the annular door rotates so the sidewall of the annular door covers the outside air opening and blocks the flow of outside air into the air cleaner apparatus. The second position allows the flow of under hood air into the air cleaner apparatus. In either position, the device preferably totally closes the other opening to assure all under hood intake air flow comes from the desired location.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method to monitor air filter restriction within an air cleaner system of a motor vehicle. The invention uses a quick connect couplig to allow fluid communication between a restriction gauge and the air cleaner housing and also provides a means of attaching the restriction gauge or a remote tubing connector to the air cleaner housing. The quick connect coupling is located within an axial bore, generally within a conduit in the housing. A portion of the filtered air is drawn from the air cleaner housing through the quick connect coupling and into the restriction gauge, where the pressure is measured and the amount of air filter restriction is gauged.

Abstract: An ignition switch of an automotive vehicle employs a non-contacting key reader for reading a code on a key when the key is inserted lengthwise into the switch. Such a key reader is either a magnetic one that reads a magnetically coded key or an optical one that reads an optically coded key. A detent mechanism defines successive Accessory and On (Ignition) positions as the key is increasingly inserted. Various branch circuits are switched on to the vehicle's electric power supply at these two positions provided that a valid key has been detected. Full insertion of the key physically pushes a spring-loaded plunger of a mechanical start switch at the inner end of the ignition switch, causing start switch actuation and the engine starter motor to crank the engine, provided that the key is valid. Once the engine starts, the key is released and is returned to the On position.