Abstract: An improved apparatus for interconnecting safety belts includes a buckle member which receives a tongue member to interconnect the safety belts. An indicator and ejector assembly has a visually readable indicia which changes from red to green as the tongue and buckle members are interconnected. As the tongue and buckle members are disconnected, the indicia changes from green back to red. The indicia is disposed on an indicator member which transmits force to eject the tongue member at least partially from the buckle member as the tongue and buckle members are disconnected.

Abstract: An electronic system for monitoring the operation of a vehicle friction clutch assembly and for generating an indication when the clutch brake of the assembly is frictionally engaged is disclosed. The system generates an electrical signal which is representative of the rotational speed of the clutch brake. To accomplish this, a plurality of magnets or a plurality of radially outwardly extending teeth are secured to the clutch brake. A sensor is disposed near the clutch brake which is responsive to the passage of the magnets and teeth rotating thereby. The sensor generates an electrical pulse train signal having a frequency which is proportional to the rotational speed of the clutch brake. An electronic control circuit is provided for generating an indication when the value of the clutch brake rotational speed signal approaches zero, indicating that the clutch brake is frictionally engaged. A similar sensor be provided for determining the rotational speed of the flywheel of the friction clutch assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple function control stalk for a vehicle having a linearly moveable wiper delay rheostat. The control stalk includes a plurality of switches for controlling various devices on the vehicle, such as the windshield wiper and washer controls and vehicle speed or cruise controls. A windshield wiper delay switch is provided on the control stalk which includes a rheostat having an arm which is linearly moveable in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the control stalk. The wiper delay rheostat is disposed slightly above the body of the control stalk for easy viewing and manipulation by the vehicle driver. Movement of the arm of the wiper delay rheostat varies the electrical resistance thereof and, consequently, causes an electrical control circuit to alter the period of delay between successive cycles of operation of the windshield wipers.

Abstract: A cruise control servo cable assembly comprising a standard cable including a universal shielded cable end having means at its extremity for attachment to the appropriate one of a set of clevises or adapters provided with the cable assembly. The celvises are of a low cost stamped metal or molded plastic type and are appropriately marked so that by referring to an accompanying chart the installer can select the correct clevis for a particular vehicle and engine option and discard the remaining unused clevises. Means is provided for securely locking the selected clevis to the cable end. The shield encloses the cable end and moves back and forth with the clevis or adapter.

Abstract: A control switch assembly for cruise controls and the like includes multiple mounting adapters which facilitate mounting to a variety of vehicles. The switch assembly housing is a rectangular parallelepiped which defines a mounting structure. The mounting structure receives one of a plurality of interchangeable mounting adapters which engage various components of the vehicle and secure the switch housing thereto. For example, one mounting adapter facilitates mounting of the switch housing on the turn signal lever. Another facilitates mounting to a flat surface and still another replaces a portion of the turn signal lever with the switch housing.

Abstract: A multiple function control stalk for a vehicle having a pivotable headlight dimmer switch therein is disclosed. The control stalk can house a plurality of electrical switches for controlling various devices within the vehicle, such as windshield wiper and washer controls and vehicle speed or cruise controls. The control stalk is pivotally connected to a turn signal lever of the vehicle such that it can be pivoted toward the driver in a plane of movement which is generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the plane of movement of the turn signal lever itself. A two position electrical switch is provided within the control stalk. The switch includes a plunger which is engaged by pivoting movement of the control stalk relative to the turn signal arm to move from a first position to a second position, and vice versa. The switch can be utilized to control the operating condition of the headlights, namely, low beam or high beam, or other controlled device in the vehicle.

Abstract: A strap drive 50 is employed for connecting a pressure plate 20 to a cover assembly 31 in a clutch 10. The strap drive provides a fixed concentricity of the pressure plate relative to the cover assembly during assembly of the clutch, and provides a method whereby misalignments due to weights and clearances of mating clutch parts may be avoided. A preferred method of insuring proper alignment of a clutch pressure plate includes the steps of forming a subassembly 80 to prealign the pressure plate with respect to an adaptor ring 32, and fixing the subassembly to a flywheel 12 as an intermediate assembly procedure. The result is an avoidance of misalignments normally introduced during assembly, and which produce undesirable vibrations during operation of the clutch.

Abstract: A control housing is adjustably connected to a mounting base for relative orientation of the housing relative to the base. A pair of threaded members provides a means for permanently locking the housing at any selectable orientation. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting connection defines a universal joint which includes opposed yokes connected to an intermediate cross member by threaded fasteners. Upon selection of desired orientation of the housing, the fasteners may be tightened to permanently secure the housing in the selected orientation. In another embodiment, the mounting connection comprises a ball and socket joint, wherein the socket is threadably fixed to the base and the ball is fixed to the housing. The socket may be threadably drawn tightly against the ball to lock the housing into the selected angle.

Abstract: A contact heater mounting assembly includes a single rolled flexible sheet which both supports a plurality of heating elements and provides protection for a high cohesion level adhesive on the elements. The assembly thus provides for convenient installation of the elements to a vehicular window glass or other surface to be heated without the need for removal of a separate cover member otherwise utilized for protection of the high level adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the contact heater mounting assembly is elongate and capable of being rolled into a coiled form. The flexible sheet defines opposed top and bottom surfaces, the top surface carrying a low cohesion level adhesive for supporting a plurality of heating elements, each of which carries a high level adhesive thereon.