Abstract: A human-machine interface device for controlling a plurality of vehicle functions. The interface has a knob which is bidirectionally rotatable at a rest level and a pressed level. A selected one of the vehicle functions is selected by the knob at the rest level, and the selected one of the vehicle functions is controlled by the knob at the pressed level.

Abstract: A heater, ventilation and air conditioning assembly for a motor vehicle that includes a movable vane (44) that can be moved or pivoted through an assembly of levers (56) and (70) to vary the range of motion and rate of motion of the vane 44 with respect to a pivoting temperature door (30).

Abstract: A system for vehicle climate control comprises a number of sensors probing the speed of the vehicle, the position of climate temperature unit and mode doors, the speed of the fan, ambient and interior temperature, and airflow setting. In a body controller, the probed data are correlated to look-up table values to keep the airflow volume constant and to decrease voltage applied to a fan motor when the speed of the vehicle increases. A method of practicing the climate control implemented in the system comprises a sequence of steps providing sensing a number of parameters, defining and storing in a controller memory a data characterizing relationship between the speed of the vehicle and the other parameters of the system, and correlating the sensed and stored data to maintain the airflow volume substantially constant.

Abstract: An automatic climate control system for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle includes an ambient temperature sensor, an vehicle-interior temperature sensor, a sunload sensor, a temperature selector by which a vehicle passenger may select a desired interior temperature, and a variable-speed blower fan for directing air into the passenger compartment. The operating speed of the blower fan is controlled by the system control unit so as to achieve the desired temperature within the passenger compartment while otherwise capitalizing on the temperature effects of the exterior environment, i.e., ambient temperature and sunload, to minimize blower fan noise and resultant directed airflow.

Abstract: A system for preventing fogging in air conditioning systems is disclosed. The system employs a strategy whereby if fogging conditions are present, the temperature of the evaporator is stepped downwardly in increments which allow the surface of the evaporator to stabilize thereby eliminating localized cold spots.

Abstract: A microprocessor based temperature determination system for displaying outside ambient temperature inside of an automotive vehicle. The system utilizes sensors for vehicle speed, engine temperature and exterior temperature measurements in order to accurately determine a true temperature indication, taking into account non-ambient heat sources. The temperature displayed to the vehicle's occupants is either the current reading from the exterior temperature sensor, or is an averaged temperature value. The averaged temperature value is determined by averaging the value of the temperature sensor's readings over a ten second interval, taking a sample every one half second.

Abstract: A method and software/firmware fixed capacity compressor control system for varying the set point temperature of a evaporator in response to changes in ambient temperature in order to produce optimum cooling in the passenger compartment of a vehicle while preventing frost from accumulating on the fins of the evaporator. The system includes an evaporator probe and an outside ambient sensor and firmware for computing set-point steady state temperatures values over a wide range of ambient temperature. Also circuits are provided for cycling ON and OFF a fixed capacity compressor in a manner to achieve optimum cooling in the passenger compartment of the vehicle in response to the computed evaporator set point temperatures.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device for a vehicle samples air from an interior passenger compartment to determine passenger compartment temperature by purging air in a region surrounding a temperature sensor, in favor of passenger compartment air. A sensor triggered by door operation allows the purging process to begin before a passenger enters the vehicle and the vehicle's automatic temperature control system is activated. A method of accurately measuring the temperature of air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle involves the steps of sensing that the passenger is about to enter the vehicle purging the air in the region surrounding the sensor and drawing in air from the passenger compartment, and measuring the air at the sensor after the purging step.