Abstract: A system and method for sending and receiving information in a network using a redundant switching architecture. In one embodiment, the method includes generating a communications frame including a first header at a first control element. The first header is mapped to a second header and then the communications frame is encapsulated with a set of two redundant destination addresses whereby two instances of the communications frame are created. The communications frame instances, including the second header and the redundant destination addresses, are sent from the first control element via both a first switching plane and a second switching plane to a second control element. Upon receipt, only one of the communications frame instances is retained by the second control element for upstream processing.

Abstract: A pendulum for a retractor to be mounted on a tiltable vehicle seat in which the pendulum cap is tiltable in the direction of seat tilt prior to actuation by a collision force.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor lock up mechanism comprises a main ratchet gear (20) mounted on one end of a spool carrying seat belt webbing (100) in helical wrap. The main ratchet gear (20) is engageable by a lock dog tab (80) located on supporting slots (120, 125) formed in opposite upstanding walls (10, 11) of the retractor housing. A vehicle inertial response pendulum (40) is coupled to the lock dog tab (80) through a pilot pawl (50) and gear (15) assembly mounted on the end of the spool opposite the main gear (20). Upon collision, the pendulum (40) pivots the pilot pawl (50) into the pilot gear (15). During pay out of the belt webbing (100), the pilot gear (15) thrusts the pilot pawl (50) into the lock dog tab (80), pivoting the tab (80) into the main ratchet gear (20) for lock up. The main ratchet gear (20) and lock dog tab (80) receive most of the load during collision, enabling the pilot pawl (30) and pendulum (40) to be small and light weight.

Abstract: This invention relates primarily to an air cooling apparatus primarily adapted for use in automobiles and comprises a unitary structure consisting of a compressor, condenser and evaporator, all connected to perform their normal operations in the cooling of air and which combined unit is rotated from the crankshaft of an automobile through a unique system of mountings and connections, wherein an adjustable strut structure is provided for supporting one end of the rotating compressor, condenser and evaporator and which supporting strut structure may be attached to an existing automobile with comparative ease, the strut structure also provided with means for maintaining the proper tension on the belt connecting the shaft to the crankshaft of the engine.