Abstract: A self-attaching protective cover that is attached to the end frame of an alternating current generator. The end frame of the generator has a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings. Each opening has an edge that is comprised of first and second frame surfaces that intersect. The first frame surface is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the end frame and the second frame surface is inclined or slanted so as to be located at an angle to the first frame surface. The cover is a one-piece part formed of plastic material and has a plurality of circumferentially spaced and axially extending latch arms. The cover is attached to the end frame by pushing the latch arms into the openings in the end frame. As this occurs, the latch arms are sprung or forced radially outwardly and they subsequently spring back to cause slanted surfaces on the latch arms to tightly engage the slanted surfaces on the end frame and to cause other surfaces on the latch arms to tightly engage the first frame surfaces.

Abstract: A ventilated brush holder for an alternating current generator. The brush holder has a tubular shield portion, a brush holding portion and a bearing retainer portion. The shield portion encloses the slip rings of the rotor of the generator. The brush holding portion has bores that are open to the interior of the shield portion. Brushes are located in the bores that project into the shield portion and engage the slip rings. The bearing retaining portion is disposed between and engages an internal surface of an opening in the frame of the generator and an outer surface of the outer race of a ball bearing for the rotor shaft. The bearing retainer portion has a plurality of circumferentially spaced and axially extending slots that form air passages. A fan is driven by the rotor shaft and when it is rotated, air is caused to flow through the shield portion and then through the slots in the bearing retainer portion. This flow of air cools the brushes and the bearing and carries away brush dust.

Abstract: A rotor for an alternating current generator of a type that has two pole segments provided with interleaved pole teeth and a core disposed between the segments that carries a field coil. The shaft of the rotor carries a slip ring assembly having two metallic slip rings. A ball bearing is disposed between one of the pole segments and the slip ring assembly. A portion of the shaft that is located inside of the inner race of the ball bearing has a pair of slots and wires for connecting the field coil to the slip rings are located in the slots and inside the inner race of the bearing. The electrical connections between the ends of the field coil and the slip rings includes wires that are twisted together to form twisted wire portions. The twisted wire portions are locked or fixed to a fan that is formed of thermoplastic material by material of the fan that completely encircles portions of the twisted wire portions.

Abstract: The actuator is disposed in the damper piston rod and includes a solenoid with a reciprocating plunger, a motion converting mechanism which converts solenoid reciprocation to rotation of an input driver, an intermediate driver rotatable with the input driver, a rotatable output driver connected to a valve adjusting rotor in the damper piston, and a torsion spring between the intermediate and output drivers. The spring holds the output driver in a following relation to the intermediate driver so that when pressure spikes immobilize the valve rotor and output driver, the input driver can continue to rotate to a control position. When rotor mobility returns, the spring automatically advances the output driver and valve rotor to the same position which would have been achieved had the rotor not been temporarily immobilized.

Abstract: A linear motion switch assembly suitable for a set switch of a vehicle automatic speed control contains two cam operated switches which are actuated in a specific sequence, i.e. the first switch and then the second switch is actuated upon the movement of the actuator in one direction and then the first switch and then the second switch is actuated during the opposite direction of movement of the actuator. To accomplish this, a cam fixed on the actuator operates one of the switches but a second cam connected to the actuator by a lost motion connection operates the second switch. The actuator is a reciprocating element guided along a guideway molded in the switch housing and the switch elements comprise a leaf spring fixed at one end to a circuit board and the other end free to move toward or from a stationary contact also on the circuit board.

Abstract: A printed circuit board carrying a keyboard switch is mounted perpendicularly to a switch panel. An actuator having a push button portion extending through an aperture in the panel is pivotally mounted for movement about an axis parallel to both the panel and the circuit board. An operator portion of the actuator extends into contact with the switch so that a force on the push button generally parallel to the circuit board effects switch operation in a direction perpendicular to the circuit board.

Abstract: A combination turn signal switch and dimmer switch assembly for automotive vehicles comprises a two part lever comprising an actuator and a handle. The actuator is pivoted to a switch housing for rocking movement about an axis on either side of a neutral position for selective turn signal switch actuation. The handle is pivoted to the actuator about an axis transverse to the actuator pivot axis and is movable between a neutral position and a dimmer switch actuation position. The handle has a V-shaped ramp surface engaged by a leaf spring which serves to press the handle toward its neutral position as well as to cam the actuator toward its neutral position. The turn signal switches are keyboard switches mounted on a printed circuit board secured to the housing. The switches are spaced below the path of the actuator and are actuated by forces perpendicular to the actuator path. Spring elements or flexible levers secured to the circuit board and contacting the switches extend into the actuator path.

Abstract: An automotive alternator end frame includes a slotted portion to which a threaded terminal is to be attached. A square shanked bolt is inserted into an insulating grommet comprising spaced washer members supported by a central sleeve of square cross section. The bolt and grommet are assembled to the frame from the outside thereof by sliding the grommet into the slot with the washers overlying the opposed surfaces of the housing. One of the washers is connected to the sleeve through a thin web member so that when a nut is tightened onto the bolt, the web deforms or fractures so that the washer spacing can conform to the frame thickness.