Abstract: An air conditioning system of the present invention for an automotive vehicle includes a housing having at least two sections connected by two side by side air passage. A blower device of the air conditioning system discharges air into the housing. An evaporator is disposed in one of the sections for taking heat from the air discharged from the blower device to produce cool air. A heater is disposed in the other section positioned downstream of the evaporator for adding heat to the cool air to produce warm air. First and second sliding valve plates mechanically communicating with a driving mechanism of the present invention are supported by the housing for selectively closing the two side by side air passages thereby regulating air flow of cool and warm air.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a housing defining an auxiliary aperture, an occupant aperture, a circulation aperture, an inlet opening, a drip aperture, having at least one treatment device disposed therein, and defines a pre-treatment space between the inlet opening and the treatment device. An instrument panel has a façade and a backside opposite the façade and defines a passage extending from the façade to the backside and terminates at the housing. An auxiliary article module is disposed in the passage, abuts the housing and has walls defining an auxiliary article compartment, an auxiliary hole, an outer circulation hole, and a drip hole. The holes and their corresponding apertures are aligned and abutting for receiving air and liquid between the housing and the auxiliary article compartment. A circulation duct extends between the circulation aperture and the pre-treatment space for carrying air therebetween.

Abstract: The improved pull-pull cable assembly includes a self-adjusting tensioning assembly for taking up any additional cable length gained relative to the sheathing length when the pull-pull pulley assembly is bent or looped. The self-adjusting tensioning assembly is contained within the interior compartment of one of the two pulleys and includes a biasing member simultaneously urging the first and second ends of the cable across the center of the pulley, thereby pulling or taking-up any relative increase in cable length into the interior compartment to maintain proper cable tension.

Abstract: A balanced force control cable assembly comprising a first lever rotatably mounted in a first housing and a second lever rotatably mounted in a second housing. A control knob for selecting a temperature is attached to the first lever. A cable extends from the first lever to the second lever for rotating the second lever in response to the rotation of the control knob. A first spring engages the first housing and the first lever for applying a first pre-determined force to continually bias the first lever to rotate in a first direction. A second spring engages the second housing and the second lever for applying a second predetermined force in a second direction being opposite to the first direction to counterbalance the first spring and to maintain tension in the cable.

Abstract: A control system for use in an HVAC unit comprises a circular pulley, a semi-circular pulley, and a cable interconnecting the pulleys to rotate a spur gear. A flange extends about the periphery of the semi-circular pulley and pulley gear teeth extend radially inwardly from the flange and engage the spur gear teeth. The spur gear is rotatably supported on a gear shaft which extends through a slot in the semi-circular pulley that extends arcuately between two slot ends. The slot is spaced radially between the flange and a support shaft of the semi-circular pulley thereby allowing the semi-circular pulley and the spur gear to overlap to attain compact packaging of the system.

Abstract: A method of mixing air in an HVAC system includes the step of simultaneously and differentially rotating the valve plates different degrees of rotation to differentially control air flowing in the housing. An assembly for controlling air flow in an HVAC system includes a mechanism for simultaneously and differentially rotating valves different degrees of rotation. The mechanism includes a control device on each shaft of each valve including a pin extending axially from each valve plate. A slide defines a plurality of serpentine slots with one of the pins slidably disposed in each of the slots. The slots each follow a path incongruent from one another for differentially rotating the valve plates in response to the slide sliding along the guide and the pins moving along the paths of the slots.

Abstract: A valve includes a film having side edges and an opening to extend across a passage in a housing of a HVAC system. The film has a circular aperture in the film adjacent each rounded corner of each opening for relieving stress. Either or both of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the film are undulated to prevent deformation of the edges. A pair of racks is disposed on the film and sprockets engage the teeth of the racks for moving the racks and the film linearly. Each rack includes a strap and bearing member for retaining the associated sprocket in engagement with the teeth. The bearing member is in rolling engagement with a bearing surface of the associated strap as it rotates with the sprockets.

Abstract: An air conditioning system of the present invention for an automotive vehicle includes a housing having at least two sections connected by two side by side air passage. A blower device of the air conditioning system discharges air into the housing. An evaporator is disposed in one of the sections for taking heat from the air discharged from the blower device to produce cool air. A heater is disposed in the other section positioned downstream of the evaporator for adding heat to the cool air to produce warm air. First and second sliding valve plates mechanically communicating with a driving mechanism of the present invention are supported by the housing for selectively closing the two side by side air passages thereby regulating air flow of cool and warm air.

Abstract: The invention provides a fabric valve assembly for a climate control system of a vehicle. The fabric valve assembly includes a housing positionable in a vehicle. The housing has at least one edge defining at least one housing aperture for directing movement of an air stream. The fabric valve assembly also includes a plastic frame defining at least one frame aperture. The plastic frame is operable to move between a first position parallel to and spaced from the at least one housing aperture and a second position spaced from the first position. The fabric valve assembly also includes a cloth member fixedly engaged with the plastic frame. The cloth member extends taut relative to the at least one frame aperture to close and seal the at least one housing aperture when the plastic frame is in the first position.

Abstract: A novel air flow control valve for an air outlet in an HVAC housing provides for strong, even seal pressure all the way around the edge of the opening. In stead of a swinging door hinged at one edge of the opening, in which seal pressure is strong on the hinge edge but weaker on the opposite edge, a flat panel is moved straight toward and away from the opening. In the closed position, the sealing pressure is even all the way around. The sealing panel is moved back and forth by a rotary cam mechanism.

Abstract: In a ventilation system of a motor vehicle, a film valve can selectively open and close an air path opening defined by a housing with a rib or projection that encircles such opening. The rib can define a point contact between the film valve and the housing when viewed in cross-section. The rib geometry can include substantially straight edges in cross-section and/or can include arcuate edges. Different geometry can define the rib at different cross-sections. The point contact defined between the rib and the film valve substantially reduces noise generated when the film valve moves relative to the rib, especially when the film valve has been subjected to a harsh environment.

Abstract: A motorized valve assembly for use in a vehicle heating, ventilating, and air conditioning module comprises a valve having at least one flap and is pivotable about a pivot axis. A drive unit is affixed to the valve, and a drive interface is operably connected to the drive unit for inducing a pivoting force about the pivot axis.

Abstract: In a ventilation system of a motor vehicle, a film valve can selectively open and close an air path opening defined by a housing with a rib or projection that encircles such opening. The rib can define a point contact between the film valve and the housing when viewed in cross-section. The rib geometry can include substantially straight edges in cross-section and/or can include arcuate edges. Different geometry can define the rib at different cross-sections. The point contact defined between the rib and the film valve substantially reduces noise generated when the film valve moves relative to the rib, especially when the film valve has been subjected to a harsh environment.

Abstract: A specialized tool for utilization within the chute of a concrete truck enabling efficient direction of liquid concrete via a raised gripping edge and strategically shaped, replaceable/disposable head, wherein a generally semi-circular shaped head facilitates compatibility with the discharge chute of a cement truck for assisting in the direction and placement of concrete, a gripping edge facilitates a comfortably secure reach into the discharge chute of a cement truck for scooping, pulling, plugging or otherwise controlling the flow of concrete and a replaceable blade head provides long-term efficient usage thereof, thereby enabling a user to efficiently deposit, apply and manage fresh liquid concrete from a concrete truck's chute as the concrete is being discharged.

Abstract: A motorized valve assembly for use in a vehicle heating, ventilating, and air conditioning module comprises a valve having at least one flap and is pivotable about a pivot axis. A drive unit is affixed to the valve, and a drive interface is operably connected to the drive unit for inducing a pivoting force about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A specialized tool for utilization within the chute of a concrete truck enabling efficient direction of liquid concrete via a raised gripping edge and strategically shaped, replaceable/disposable head, wherein a generally semi-circular shaped head facilitates compatibility with the discharge chute of a cement truck for assisting in the direction and placement of concrete, a gripping edge facilitates a comfortably secure reach into the discharge chute of a cement truck for scooping, pulling, plugging or otherwise controlling the flow of concrete and a replaceable blade head provides long-term efficient usage thereof, thereby enabling a user to efficiently deposit, apply and manage fresh liquid concrete from a concrete truck's chute as the concrete is being discharged.

Abstract: A specialized tool for utilization within the chute of a concrete truck enabling efficient direction of liquid concrete via an elongated handle and strategically shaped, replaceable head, wherein a generally semi-circular shaped head facilitates compatibility with the discharge chute of a cement truck for assisting in the direction and placement of concrete, an elongated handle facilitates an extended reach into the discharge chute of a cement truck for shoveling, pulling, plugging or otherwise controlling the flow of concrete and a replaceable blade head provides long-term efficient usage thereof, thereby enabling a user to efficiently deposit, apply and manage fresh liquid concrete from a concrete truck's chute as the concrete is being discharged.

Abstract: A dilatant circumaural hearing protection earcup soft seal is disclosed. The design of the instant invention is predicated on the theory that the primary function of an effective earcup soft seal is to hold the earcup it is attached to stiffly against the user's head. Experimental evidence shows that an earcup is “pumped” in response to acoustic pressure and reconstructs the acoustic signal inside the earcup as a diaphragm, even though very little noise may pass directly through the earcup itself. The soft seals of the instant invention utilize the dilatant property of some materials to provide a soft seal that conforms slowly and comfortably to a user's head but is stiff under the influence of high shear rate acoustic pressure.

Abstract: An electromagnetic ventilation valve includes a fixed member defining at least a first aperture therethrough. A movable member having at least one magnetically reactive element positioned thereon is juxtaposed next to the fixed member. The movable member further defines at least a second aperture therethrough and is translatable between at least an opened and a closed position. The opened position corresponds to the first and second apertures substantially in full registration one with the other and defining an air passage therethrough. The closed position corresponds to the first and second apertures in non-registration to close the air passage. At least one electromagnet is located proximate to the magnetically reactive element such that activation of the electromagnet causes the movable member to translate between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A specialized tool for utilization within the chute of a concrete truck enabling efficient direction of liquid concrete via an elongated handle and strategically shaped, replaceable head, wherein a generally semi-circular shaped head facilitates compatibility with the discharge chute of a cement truck for assisting in the direction and placement of concrete, an elongated handle facilitates an extended reach into the discharge chute of a cement truck for shoveling, pulling, plugging or otherwise controlling the flow of concrete and a replaceable blade head provides long-term efficient usage thereof, thereby enabling a user to efficiently deposit, apply and manage fresh liquid concrete from a concrete truck's chute as the concrete is being discharged.