Abstract: A dynamic control valve system adapted for inflatable restraint systems for vehicles includes a control valve having an inlet in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the air bag. The control valve includes a valve member actuatable between a flow preventing position and a position spaced away from the flow preventing position. The control valve supplies the high pressure fluid through the control valve to the inflatable restraint for inflating the inflatable restraint when the valve member is moved away from its flow preventing position. The control valve includes a valve spool which cooperates with a valve casing to define a plurality of flow paths. Consequently, the actuation of the valve member between closed and open positions is substantially independent of forces produced by flow of the high pressure fluid through the valve.

Abstract: A dynamic control valve system adapted for inflatable restraint systems for vehicles includes a control valve having an inlet in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the air bag. The control valve includes a valve member actuatable between a flow preventing position and a position spaced away from the flow preventing position. The control valve supplies the high pressure fluid through the control valve to the inflatable restraint for inflating the inflatable restraint when the valve member is moved away from its flow preventing position. The control valve includes a valve spool which cooperates with a valve casing to define a plurality of flow paths. Consequently, the actuation of the valve member between closed and open positions is substantially independent of forces produced by flow of the high pressure fluid through the valve.

Abstract: A battery thermal control system including a casing for the battery and a cover for enclosing the battery in the casing, the casing being provided with a number of ribs for supporting the battery in a spaced relation to the bottom of the casing and to the side walls of the casing, a fan connected to discharge air into the casing for circulation through the spaces between the battery and the casing and a bypass duct for connecting the fan to a warm air source for heating the battery in the winter. A timer circuit is provided for continuing the operation of the fan after the engine is turned off. The timing circuit including a temperature switch for activating the timer circuit when the temperature is above a preset minimum.

Abstract: A battery thermal control system including a casing for the battery and a cover for enclosing the battery in the casing, the casing being provided with a number of ribs for supporting the battery in a spaced relation to the bottom of the casing and to the side walls of the casing, a fan connected to discharge air into the casing for circulation through the spaces between the battery and the casing and a bypass duct for connecting the fan to a warm air source for heating the battery in the winter. A timer circuit is provided for continuing the operation of the fan after the engine is turned off. The timing circuit including a temperature switch for activating the timer circuit when the temperature is above a preset minimum.

Abstract: A battery module for insulating a battery from the heat of the engine of a motor vehicle, the module including a battery compartment, an air inlet and an air outlet, a first air flow path connecting the air inlet to the air outlet and a second air flow path around the outside of the battery compartment connecting the air inlet to the air outlet, a damper positioned in the housing for movement between a first position wherein the first air flow path is open and the second air flow path is closed and a second position wherein the first air flow path is closed and the second air flow path is open, a shape memory alloy member for moving the damper from the first position to the second position when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined minimum and a spring for biasing the damper to the first position when the ambient temperature is less than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying paste to a battery grid. An endless conveyor belt pulls a grid through a pasting zone where paste is impressed into the grid. The grid is further passed through a fixed orifice, after being impressed with paste to impart a predetermined thickness to the grid. The orifice may be defined by two plates.

Abstract: The manual portioning of non-uniform bulk products, such as the bagging of freshly prepared food products in fast-food restaurants, is controlled by a method and means which provide rapid and accurate individual portioning and consistently accurate feedback to the operator. Accurate real time weighing is provided quickly for every portion, and apparatus is disclosed to provide dynamic weighing such that no significant additional time is required for the portioning cycle. Since the feedback to the operator is based on true rather than estimated weight and is presented at the optimum time and location, the operator learns to portion the products accurately, as well as consistently.