Abstract: A modular shift device for an automatic transmission having a first module adapted for pushbutton operation of the transmission's safety lockout, and a second module that when coupled to the first module, modifies operation of the transmission's safety lockout to that of shift shaft tilting and eliminates the pushbutton.

Abstract: A modular shift device for an automatic transmission having a first module adapted for pushbutton operation of the transmission's safety lockout, and a second module that when coupled to the first module, modifies operation of the transmission's safety lockout to that of shift shaft tilting and eliminates the pushbutton.

Abstract: A versatile automobile pneumatic suspension control unit and vehicle anti theft device. The microprocessor based unit allows precise calibration and operation of all manufacturer's air suspension bags and incorporates a system for deflation of all vehicle air bags so as to place the vehicle body directly onto the vehicle chassis and tires so as to disable operation of the vehicle. The unit has programmable valve timing, preset suspension configuration buttons and can be operated remotely via a key fob transmitter.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation, lateral motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal plane, as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is an extremely compact three leaf geared hinge that is adapted to handle heavy loads, tightly fold back onto itself for space conservation, offer extensive freedom of movement in the horizontal plane and provide an extremely smooth operating action with minimal play in torsion as well as in axial or transverse motions. The hinge has three interconnected leaves jointed by hinge pins. The inner and outer leaves each have two fixed gears on their sides that meshingly engage a set of two rotating gears located on the sides of the middle leaf. The inner leaf has a cylindrical leaf and pin arrangement on one end that may be rotatably secured to a rigid member or housing. The free end of the outer leaf may be attached to the load directly or with a device that allows the load to rotate normally about the extended hinge.

Abstract: The present invention is a simultaneous, multiple plane opening vehicle door hinge, comprising a first leaf, a second leaf, and a third leaf. The first leaf and the second leaf are pivotally coupled defining a swing-out hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially horizontal plane about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The second leaf and the third leaf are pivotally coupled about a lift bearing defining a vertical-lift hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially vertical plane about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. A pin extending from the third leaf traverses along a groove in a guide block such that there is simultaneous swing-out and vertical-lift motion of the vehicle door upon an outward urging of the door.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of tribar headlights with removable/replaceable tribar elements are presented. In accordance with an embodiment, a tribar element assembly comprising a dot element and a retaining plug is removably coupled in a tribar hub allowing replacement and change out of the dot element through the bulb aperture of the lamp envelope.

Abstract: A modular column mount comprising a base fixture, a clamp float in engagement with the base fixture, and a first ring in engagement with the clamp float, the ring defining an aperture adapted to accept a steering column therethrough. The modular column mount further comprising at least one of a plurality of second rings of different predetermined inner and outer diameters used singularly or mixed and matched between the aperture of the first ring so as to provide various combinations providing a column mount of predetermined aperture size. The cost of manufacturing and inventory control of various first and second rings is substantially less than the cost of manufacturing and inventory control of column mounts of fixed aperture size in all the various aperture sizes that are possible and provided by the modular column mount.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle headlight assembly which has an interchangeable colored translucent cup centered over the light source by a three linear member housing. The headlight assembly also has a region of its lens colored differently with a reflective enclosure behind it wherein a signal light resides. This allows the installer to change both the look of the headlight and the color of the center most region of the light beam emitted from the headlight.

Abstract: A versatile automobile pneumatic suspension control unit and vehicle anti theft device. The microprocessor based unit allows precise calibration and operation of all manufacturer's air suspension bags and incorporates a system for deflation of all vehicle air bags so as to place the vehicle body directly onto the vehicle chassis and tires so as to disable operation of the vehicle. The unit has programmable valve timing, preset suspension configuration buttons and can be operated remotely via a key fob transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention is an extremely compact three leaf geared hinge that is adapted to handle heavy loads, tightly fold back onto itself for space conservation, offer extensive freedom of movement in the horizontal plane and provide an extremely smooth operating action with minimal play in torsion as well as in axial or transverse motions. The hinge has three interconnected leaves jointed by hinge pins. The inner and outer leaves each have two fixed gears on their sides that meshingly engage a set of two rotating gears located on the sides of the middle leaf. The inner leaf has a cylindrical leaf and pin arrangement on one end that may be rotatably secured to a rigid member or housing. The free end of the outer leaf may be attached to the load directly or with a device that allows the load to rotate normally about the extended hinge.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit for making an automotive gauge with personalized gauge faces that may be interchanged via an in situ removable front cover plate. The kit provides a gauge having a dust proof sealing front cover plate that may be unscrewed from the gauge body and a keyed removable indicating needle that allows a personally stylized gauge face to be installed. The face of the gauge is constructed through the use of a personal computer and printer in conjunction with a software program, provided with the kit, that allows the user to personally design the gauge face.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit for making an automotive gauge with personalized gauge faces that may be interchanged via an in situ removable front cover plate. The kit provides a gauge having a dust proof sealing front cover plate that may be unscrewed from the gauge body and a keyed removable indicating needle that allows a personally stylized gauge face to be installed. The face of the gauge is constructed through the use of a personal computer and printer in conjunction with a software program, provided with the kit, that allows the user to personally design the gauge face.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door opening assist device comprising a compression spring and piston retainably housed in a bind ended longitudinal bore formed in an externally threaded cylindrical housing. The spring and piston are held in cooperative engagement between a retaining nut and the blind end. The piston has a single protuberance extending normally from it's surface that resides in and travels about a spiral groove formed in the housing. The spiral groove has a series of detents, one of which can be selected to trap the protuberance and stop the spinning piston as it travels along the housing bore. The door opening assist device is installed in a door frame of an automobile to push the door open a distance determined by the detent selected. Upon closing the door, the door abuts and retracts the piston into the housing compressing the spring.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide solenoid plungers, solenoid actuators, and solenoid-actuated mechanisms, that provide for an adjustable stroke, adjustable rated force, and adjustable plunger extension that overcome the problems and issues associated with non-adjustable solenoid actuators. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable solenoid plunger is provided that comprises a stem, a stem tail retention element adjustably coupled to the stem tail, and an armature having an armature bore, the armature adjustably coupled to the stem. The stem engages the armature bore and is adapted for advancement of the armature along at least a portion of the stem. The stem tail retention element is adapted to be advanced along the stem tail so as to adjust the extent of the plunger extending from the solenoid so as to adjust stroke, force, and plunger extension.

Abstract: A plunger for use with a solenoid having a winding defining a bore is provided in an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, comprising a plunger first end, a plunger second end opposite the plunger first end, and a plurality of through-holes defining eyelets disposed in the plunger second end. The plunger first end is adapted to extend within the bore and the plunger second end adapted to extend from the bore. The eyelets are adapted to accept a cable therethrough. In another embodiment, the eyelets are substantially the same size, substantially equally spaced and substantially collinear. In another embodiment, the eyelets are in a staggered arrangement. In another embodiment, the plunger first end comprises a retention portion adapted to couple with a suitable coupler adapted to retain the plunger first end within a bore of a solenoid.

Abstract: A modular column mount comprising a base fixture, a clamp float in engagement with the base fixture, and a first ring in engagement with the clamp float, the ring defining an aperture adapted to accept a steering column therethrough. The modular column mount further comprising at least one of a plurality of second rings of different predetermined inner and outer diameters used singularly or mixed and matched between the aperture of the first ring so as to provide various combinations providing a column mount of predetermined aperture size. The cost of manufacturing and inventory control of various first and second rings is substantially less than the cost of manufacturing and inventory control of column mounts of fixed aperture size in all the various aperture sizes that are possible and provided by the modular column mount.