Abstract: Panels having a decorative surface may include a substrate and a top layer, and the top layer may include a paper layer having a printed pattern. A method for manufacturing such panels may involve providing the paper layer with thermosetting resin, and providing the resin provided paper layer with at least a portion of the printed pattern. Providing the portion of the printed pattern may involve depositing pigment containing inks on the paper layer using a digital inkjet printer. The dry weight of the total volume of the pigment containing inks deposited on the paper layer is lower than 15 grams per square meter.

Abstract: A tape printer with a thermal head and a tape cassette for forming a self-laminating printed label: wherein the tape cassette comprises; an ink ribbon including a print ink layer formed from opaque ink, a transparent ink layer formed from transparent ink and a longitudinal film base, the print ink layer and the transparent ink layer being coated on the film base in a longitudinal direction of the film base; a print tape including a longitudinal transparent film portion with a first surface side and a second surface side opposite to the first surface side, the opaque ink of the print ink layer and the transparent ink of the transparent ink layer being transferred to the first surface side of the transparent film portion from the ink ribbon; wherein, in the print tape, a transparent adhesive layer is coated on the second surface side of the transparent film portion, the opaque ink of the print ink layer is transferred on a first end side of the first surface side of the transparent film portion in a width direc

Abstract: In the field of printing technology, non impact printing methods such as inkjet printing may be used to deposit an ink composition onto print media to form an image. An ink composition typically comprises a colorant material and a vehicle, such as an aqueous solution, for delivering the colorant material to the print media. A wide range of such ink compositions is known in the industry. It is also known to use various pre-treatment compositions in combination with ink compositions in order to enhance the quality of a final image. Pre-treatment compositions are often substantially colorless liquid compositions that interact with elements of the ink composition to fix colorant to the print media. Pre-treatment compositions may help to improve image quality for example by reducing image bleeding, edge roughness and other image quality issues.

Abstract: Individually controllable ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are used to cure ink and generate different effects. The UV LEDs only expose specified areas to generate the different effect and can create multiple effects on the same substrate by exposing different areas to varying amounts of time or by performing a curing stage and post-dosage curing stages. The different effects include generating a glossy surface, a matte surface, and sharper images.

Abstract: A drying device includes a laser element that irradiates an irradiation region with a laser, the irradiation region including a plurality of droplets on a recording medium which are ejected by an ejection unit, ejecting droplets according to an image, along a transport direction of the recording medium and a direction crossing the transport direction.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus may include a corrugate mechanism configured to form a sheet into a corrugated shape. The inkjet recording apparatus may be configured to receive sheets of various sizes and shapes. Accordingly, in some examples, the inkjet recording apparatus may include differently configured portions to handle sheets of different sizes or shapes. According to one arrangement, the inkjet recording apparatus may be configured to receive passage of sheets of a first size through multiple ones of the differently configured portions while receiving passage of sheets of a second size though limited ones of the differently configured portions.

Abstract: A printer that restarts printing from a desired print position after an emergency stop is provided. A printer according to the present disclosure includes a head printing on a work, a driving motor moving at least one of the head and the work in order to change a print position on the work, a rotary encoder and an encoder counter determining a position of the head relative to the work, a control device supplying electric power to the encoder after excitation of the driving motor is turned off during printing and enabling the encoder counter to continue counting.

Abstract: A printer has a platen top unit fastened above the platen unit. The platen top unit is separate from the platen unit, and has first star wheels and second star wheels disposed on parallel horizontal frame members extending perpendicularly to the media conveyance direction above the platen surface. The first star wheels and second star wheels prevent the continuous paper conveyed over the platen surface from lifting away from the platen surface.

Abstract: A digital printing machine for printing onto a medium, the digital printing machine comprising a chassis, a digital print means, an advancing mechanism for advancing the medium; the machine further comprising a widthwise cutter coupled to the chassis, wherein the digital print means and the widthwise cutter are controlled by a common computer controller, thereby ensuring that the cutting of the cutter is in registration with printing by said digital print means.

Abstract: A printing position and cutting position adjusting method includes: printing a correction value deriving image on a medium, the correction value deriving image is used to calculate a value of correction of an ink-jet head in a sub scanning direction relative to image data of an image, during the image is printed on the medium by the ink-jet head that discharges an ink on the medium for printing; calculating a ratio, in the sub scanning direction, of the image printed on the medium to the image data based on the correction value deriving image; and printing the image on the medium using the ink-jet head and cutting the medium using a cutting head based on the image data. The cutting head, during cutting the medium based on the image data, cuts the medium at a cutting position in the sub scanning direction corrected based on the value of correction.

Abstract: A inkjet printer has a mechanism to counter change in the tension of the recording medium to convey the recording medium with more precision. In a method, the position or movement of a movable member is detected by a detector, and the recording medium is conveyed based on output from the detector so that the movable member is maintained in or urged back to a set position. Also, one or more operations are stopped when the movable member moves outside of an allowable movement range. Which operation(s) is or are stopped depends on whether the movable member moves outside its allowable range in a direction that increases or decreases the tension in the recording medium.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided that minimizes trouble of preparation of printing and management burden on the user. The printing apparatus includes a controller that determines an aspect ratio of a printing pattern on a basis of data of an expansion and contraction rate of a continuous print medium to be expandable or contractible after printing, the expansion and contraction rate including a first expansion and contraction rate in a longitudinal direction and a second expansion and contraction rate in a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and a printing unit that prints the printing pattern of the aspect ratio determined by the controller, on the print medium before expansion or contraction.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a medium cartridge including a recording medium roll with a long recording medium wound around an axis, a support member, and at least one of first protruding parts and second protruding parts. The support member rotatably supports the recording medium roll. The first protruding parts are disposed on the recording medium roll so as to respectively protrude to one side and another side in an axial direction and face the support member. The second protruding parts are disposed on the support member so as to respectively protrude to the one side and the another side in the axial direction and face the recording medium roll.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining survival state of a print head. The cleaning behavior of a print head can be used for reflecting health status of the print head, so survival state of a print head can be determined according to cleaning behavior of the print head. Specifically, a method is implemented for determining survival state of a print head, comprising: obtaining cleaning behavior data and cumulative printing amount upon failure occurrence of print head(s) of reference printer(s) as well as cleaning behavior of a print head of a current printer; obtaining printing amount of the current printer; determining survival state of the print head of the current printer according to cleaning behavior data and cumulative printing amount upon failure occurrence of the print head(s) of the reference printer(s) as well as cleaning behavior data and printing amount of the current printer.

Abstract: An after-processing device for performing sheet folding includes a pair of folding rollers, a heating member, and a supporting unit. The pair of folding rollers is configured to fold a sheet. The heating member is located downstream of the pair of folding rollers in terms of a sheet conveyance direction. The supporting unit supports the heating member in a manner such that position of the heating member in terms of the sheet conveyance direction is changeable in accordance with an amount of conveyance imparted on the sheet by the pair of folding rollers after folding. The position of the heating member in terms of the sheet conveyance direction changes such that the heating member is in contact with a leading edge of a fold portion of the sheet.

Abstract: A staple-less binding unit including a pair of upper and lower teeth binds a sheet bundle which is discharged to an intermediate processing tray by a sheet discharge portion and whose one edge abuts against a rear edge stopper. A control portion switches a binding mode of the staple-less binding unit that implements the binding process on the sheet bundle in a first binding mode of binding the sheet bundle without any staple such that the pair of upper and lower teeth bite across an edge of the sheet bundle and in a second binding mode of binding the sheet bundle without any staple such that the pair of upper and lower teeth do not bite across any edge of the sheet bundle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security document (30?), to a method for producing a security document (30?), and to a method for producing an individualized security document (30?). The security document (30?) has a carrier substrate (1) with a carrier layer (10) and a thermosensitive coating (11) which can be caused to change color by the action of heat, in particular by means of a thermal print head (911). The security document (30?) further has a film element (2), which is transparent at least in areas and which has at least one decorative layer (24, 25) with at least one optical security feature (51, 52), and an adhesive layer (3). The adhesive layer (3) is arranged between the film element (2) and the carrier substrate (1). The thermosensitive coating (11) is arranged between the adhesive layer (3) and the carrier layer (10). The film element (2) covers the thermosensitive coating (11) at least in areas when viewed perpendicularly to the plane spanned by the upper side of the carrier substrate.

Abstract: A paper clip assembly, that includes a wire frame that is formed into a loop and a jaw that protrudes outwardly from the loop. Also, a plate insert is shaped to fit into said loop, and in one embodiment is fit into the loop, to form a paper clip having a plate that can bear a message.

Abstract: A flat-pen automatic assembly line system includes a worktable, two sprockets, and an endless loop driving chain connecting the two sprockets. The two sprockets are mounted at the two ends of the worktable, respectively. A plurality of jigs on the driving chain receives pen barrels. A transporting rail supporting the driving chain is provided between the two sprockets. A pen-cap mounting station and a pen-cap pressing station are provided on the same worktable successively, and the pen-cap pressing station is provided with an automatic pen-cap pressing machine. The pen-cap mounting process and the pen-cap pressing process are completed on the same worktable and these two processes are linked via the same driving chain. Therefore, the assembly time is shortened and the assembly efficiency is improved. Furthermore, the pen-cap pressing process may employ an automatic pen-cap pressing machine. Therefore, labor can be reduced further, and assembly efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are lightweight, high quality, durable, rigid and strong. For example, various tools used to level items and/or as a straight edge for aligning or drawing lines on items may be designed in an improved or augmented I beam style so that they are lightweight, strong, durable and rigid so as to hold their shape under stress or return to their original shape after being stressed. In various exemplary embodiments, the I beam style level and/or straight edge may have a first main elongated side to which two elongated perpendicular sides are connected or coupled. At least one or more higher strength elongated sides, for example a second elongate side, may be comprised of a closed or box shaped side. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a box shaped construction.

Abstract: An image transfer article can include an image-imparting member and a removable substrate disposed adjacent to the image-imparting member. The image-imparting member can have a softening point temperature less than about 220° C. The image-imparting member can include at least one surface configured to receive and carry indicia to be transferred and at least one portion comprising a pigment providing an opaque background for received indicia. In some examples, the image-imparting member can comprise a first polymer including the indicia and at least a second polymer including the pigment. In some examples, the image-imparting member can comprise a polymer including the indicia and the pigment. The indicia and the opaque background can be arranged to concurrently transfer to a woven- or fabric-based article or paper in contact with the image-imparting member, upon application of iron pressing temperatures.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of surface elements is provided herein. The surface elements can include a decorative upper layer and a supporting core. A supporting core with a desired format can be manufactured by press molding and provided with an upper side and a lower side. The upper side of the supporting core can be provided with a structure by a momentary pressing operation using a surface structured matrix. A ground coating can be provided on the structured upper side of the supporting core. A digitally printed decor comprising inks of at least four colors can be applied directly on top of the ground coating by an ink-jet type printer. The structure of the supporting core can enhance the realism of the decor, wherein the decor can be selected from the group consisting of woods and minerals.

Abstract: A crown cap having a clasp permanently attached to a top wall of the crown cap. The crown cap has a top wall having a substantially planar surface, a depending peripheral flange, the flange having a plurality of ribs and a plurality of webs interconnecting the ribs, and a clasp permanently attached to the surface of the top wall wherein the clasp attached to the top wall forms an opening through which material can be passed to secure the crown cap to an item.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment arrangement for use in attaching at least one composite wheel to a mount using an elongate fastener element and a fastening nut which can be fastened on the elongate fastener element. The attachment arrangement is used with a composite wheel that includes at least one attachment aperture through which the elongate fastener element is inserted. The attachment arrangement includes a fastening washer having a fastening aperture through which the elongate fastener element can be inserted when in use. The fastening aperture includes a radially central fastening axis. The fastening washer also has a base configured to face a surface of the composite wheel about the attachment aperture. In addition, the fastening washer has a fastening side facing substantially axially outwardly from the attachment aperture.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for improving the aesthetic and aerodynamic characteristics of a wheel, while facilitating inspection of one or more components associated with the wheel. In one implementation, a flexible wheel cover assembly includes a flexible wheel cover comprising a sheet of material having an essentially round-shaped outer periphery and a center axis. A bracket physically couples the flexible wheel cover to a wheel hub of a vehicle, such that the center axis of the flexible wheel cover is aligned with a wheel axis. The sheet of material has a flexibility sufficient to bend while the wheel is stationary and flatten against a tire mounted on the wheel when the wheel is turning.

Abstract: A road wheel includes an outboard surface defining an orifice and a cavity. The road wheel additionally includes an ornament having a bottom surface and a key extending from the bottom surface to interface with the cavity. The ornament also includes a post extending from the bottom surface to interface with the orifice in the outboard surface. The key may include a semi-circular profile. The cavity and key may have corresponding triangular shapes. The post may have an internally threaded portion. The cavity may have a slot oriented along a wheel radius sized to receive the key, and the orifice open in the slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel cover for use to cover the wheel of a tractor or trailer. The wheel cover includes an inner support section and an outer main section. The outer main section includes a wheel cover surface and an outer edge. Further, the wheel cover includes a ratchet assembly comprising a spring, a support block, an operating holder and an extension. When installed on a truck wheel, the ratchet extension engages an outer radial edge of the inner support section that is installed on a wheel hub.

Abstract: The invention relates to transport engineering, in particular to railway transportation vehicle wheels. Essence of invention: A railway wheel having a central plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the wheel which includes a rim formed by a tread surface and a flange, and also includes a hub and a web formed by external and internal surfaces and made in such a way that a theoretical midline of a transverse web profile passes through a first point located in a place of matching the web with the rim, a central point where the theoretical midline has maximum offset from the central plane in a direction opposite to the flange, and a second point located in a place of matching the web with the hub, wherein the external and internal surfaces of the web are formed by external and internal radius curves, respectively, wherein radiuses of the first and the second external radius curves for the external web surface are from 0.04 to 0.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle chassis is provided. The robotic vehicle chassis includes a first chassis section, a second chassis section, and a hinge joint connecting the first and second chassis sections such that the first and second chassis sections are capable of rotation with respect to each other in at least a first direction. The vehicle includes a drive wheel mounted to one of the first and second chassis sections and an omni-wheel mounted to the other of the first and second chassis sections. The omni-wheel is mounted at an angle orthogonal with respect to the drive wheel. The hinge joint rotates in response to the curvature of a surface the vehicle is traversing.

Abstract: A bicycle rim includes a first annular side wall, a second annular side wall and an annular bridge extending between the first and second annular side walls. The annular bridge has an annular tire support surface extending between the first and second annular sidewalls. The annular tire support surface has a first projection. The first projection has at least one first portion and at least one second portion. The second portion has a different size from the first portion.

Abstract: A wheel hub bearing unit including a plurality of rolling bodies disposed between annular elements. One of the annular elements is a rotating element that includes a spindle on a side facing the outboard side of the vehicle having a mounting flange adapted to receive a vehicle wheel. A frontal surface of the mounting flange is covered by a layer of UV photopolimerizable synthetic plastic material having a predetermined thickness deposited on the frontal surface of the flange in the non-polimerized state by a mixed air spraying nozzle, by rotating the wheel hub bearing unit about a symmetry axis thereof with the nozzle arranged at a radial distance from a peripherally outer edge of the flange, and has a spraying axis which forms, with the symmetry axis, an angle from 20° to 80°; the synthetic plastic material being sprayed by the nozzle at a temperature higher than the room temperature.

Abstract: A bearing device for a wheel prevents backlash in a circumferential direction and has excellent workability for connecting a hub wheel and an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint. The bearing device includes a recess-projection fitting structure in which the hub wheel and a shaft section, which is fitted in a hole of the hub wheel of the outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint, are unitized together. In the recess-projection fitting structure, entire fitting regions among projections on the outer surface of the shaft section of the outer joint member and recesses, which fit on the projections, are brought into intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: An axle assembly is provided and includes an axle component, a pinion nut, and a retainer. The axle component has a recess that defines a wall portion. The pinion nut is received within the recess. The retainer is received within the recess and is disposed between the pinion nut and the wall portion. The retainer is movable between a compressed state and a first expanded state, whereby the compressed state permits movement of the retainer relative to the pinion nut and the first expanded state engages the pinion nut and the wall portion to restrict movement of the retainer relative to the pinion nut and the wall portion.

Abstract: In a wheel support device, a through-hole is formed so as to pass through a hub spindle in its axial direction, an outer ring shaft portion passed through the through-hole is formed in the outer ring, a first connecting portion of which the inner diameter gradually increases toward an axial outer side is formed in the inner periphery of the hub spindle, which defines the through-hole, a second connecting portion that is arranged radially inward of the first connecting portion and of which the outer diameter gradually increases toward the axial outer side is formed in the outer ring shaft portion so as to correspond to the first connecting portion, and the first connecting portion and the second connection portion have spline teeth that mesh with each other.

Abstract: An airless tire has a wheel portion and a webbing extending from the wheel portion towards an axis of rotation of the airless tire. The stiffness of the webbing varies along an axial direction of the airless tire. The diameter of an annular outer surface of the wheel portion varies along an axial direction of the airless tire.

Abstract: A motorcycle tire includes a tread having shoulder blocks, and sidewalls. Each shoulder block includes a main portion and an end portion. The main portion is formed by a first crosslinked rubber composition. The end portion and the sidewalls are formed by a second crosslinked rubber composition. JIS-A hardness Ha of the main portion is greater than JIS-A hardness Hb of the end portion and the sidewalls. Difference (Ha?Hb) is greater than or equal to 5, and is not greater than 12. A ratio (H2/H1) of a height H2 from a boundary point Pb between the tread and each sidewall to a boundary point P2 between the main portion and the end portion, relative to a height H1 from the boundary point Pb to an outermost end P1 of a corresponding one of the shoulder blocks in the axial direction, is greater than or equal to 1/3.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless sensor for sensing temperature and pressure within a dual passage shell. The wireless sensor comprises a dual passage shell, an intake valve, an exhaust valve, a power supplying module, and a circuit board. The dual passage shell includes a cover, a base body, and a fixing receptacle. A receiving space is formed by assembling the cover and the base body. An air chamber is formed by disposing the fixing receptacle in the receiving space and by combining the base body. The base body is provided with an intake passage and an exhaust passage both communicating with the air chamber. The intake valve is provided and integrally formed within the intake passage. The exhaust valve is provided and integrally formed with the exhaust passage. Thus, a user can inflate the tire without disassembling wireless sensor, and the usage convenience of the wireless sensor is enhanced.

Abstract: A tire holding apparatus which holds a tire using an annular rim that is detachably mounted, includes: a body section having a support surface which supports the rim; an inflation gas supply portion which has an inflation flow passage that passes from an inner portion of the body section to a center portion of the rim and supplies inflation gas into a tire supported by the rim; and a clamping portion which is mounted on the body section and clamps the rim to the support surface of the body section by using pressure of the inflation gas that flows through the inflation flow passage as a drive force.

Abstract: A trailer hitch storage apparatus including a rectangular base plate, a hollow rectangular male member having a first front end welded to the base plate, and a hollow rectangular female member having a second front end welded to the base plate. The male member is removably disposed within a trailer hitch receiver which receives an open first rear end of the male member. A ball mount is removably disposed within the female member through a second rear end. A right portion of a pin is slidably and continuously disposed through a first pair of openings disposed through the female member and a second pair of openings disposed through the ball mount. A left portion of a pin is slidably and continuously disposed through a first pair of apertures disposed through the male member and a second pair of apertures disposed through the trailer hitch receiver.

Abstract: A vehicle component with at least two connection points, a structural component that extends between the connection points and rigidly connects them with one another. The structural component comprises at least one insert made of a ductile material and at least two connection zones that support or form the two connection points, at least one of the zones comprises plastic. The structural component comprises at least one intermediate section that connects the two connection zones rigidly to one another and comprises the insert or is formed by the insert, this section is more ductile than at least one of the two connection zones and, in relation to a mechanical overload of the structural component, forms a locally delimited weak-point or region.

Abstract: Provided is a wood splitter having a support element, a first elongated element, a second elongated element, and wood splitting components. A support element may be a first elongated element and a second elongated element engaged to the first elongated element. The first elongated element may be subject to a first pre-stress load. The first pre-stress load may be a first moment. The second elongated element may be engaged to the first elongated element and may be subject to a second pre-stress load. Wood splitting components may be engaged with at least one of a first elongated element or a second elongated element, may be adapted to operate to split wood, and may be adapted to apply an operational load during operation to the first elongated element. The operational load may at least partially relax the first moment.

Abstract: The system includes: a first pair of hydraulic linear actuators between a vehicle body and a respective rear wheel such that extension and compression the actuators causes increase and a decrease, respectively, in the height of the body from the ground at the rear axle; a second pair of actuators between the body and a respective front wheel such that extension and compression of the actuators causes increase and a decrease, respectively, in the height of the vehicle body from the ground at the front axle; a supply unit for generating a flow of fluid under pressure; a tank; a hydraulic circuit connecting the pairs of actuators, supply unit, and tank; and a flow controller arranged to control the fluid between the pairs of actuators such that, during raising or lowering of the vehicle body, the height at the front axle is always less than that at the rear axle.

Abstract: An active vehicle suspension system includes an active damping mechanism operatively coupled to a vehicle wheel and configured for controlling a damping force applied to the wheel responsive to a control signal. A controller is operatively coupled to the damping mechanism and configured for generating a control signal to the damping mechanism responsive to velocity of the wheel in a downward vertical direction.

Abstract: A vehicle state estimating device includes a wheel speed detection unit; a brake operation amount detection unit; a drive operation amount detection unit; a steering operation amount detection unit; a first state amount estimating unit configured to estimate a sprung state amount caused by an operation input; a first fluctuation estimating unit configured to estimate a wheel speed fluctuation amount caused by an operation input; a second fluctuation estimating unit configured to estimate an actual wheel speed fluctuation amount from which a wheel speed fluctuation amount by a brake/drive force is excluded; a third fluctuation estimating unit configured to estimate a wheel speed fluctuation amount caused by a road surface input; and a second state amount estimating unit configured to estimate at least one of a sprung state amount and an unsprung state amount caused by a road surface input.

Abstract: In a sub-frame module that is used to attach a set of left and right wheels in pair to a vehicle body, a sub-frame attached to the vehicle body and left and right hub carriers, to which the left and right wheels in pair are attached, are connected by left and right link arms to be capable of swinging. A stabilizer is laid across the left and right rear link arms, and a holder that holds the stabilizer is supported by an vehicle body side member that is provided in a bush attached to the vehicle body. The holder is fixed to the vehicle body by attaching the vehicle body side member to the vehicle body.

Abstract: An adjustable wheel suspension for the wheels of an axle of a motor vehicle is disclosed, wherein each wheel is guided by means of wheel guide elements and each wheel is operatively connected to a torsion bar, which can be adjusted by means of an adjusting device, via its wheel guide elements, the torsion bars being partially aligned with each other and each torsion bar being mounted on an auxiliary frame by its associated adjusting device. The two adjusting devices are connected to one another via a crossmember of the housing.

Abstract: Preventing high-voltage components which constitute an electric instrument stored in a case from being exposed, dropping out, or scattering to an outside from the case even when the case of an air-conditioning unit has a significant impact. Therefore, a vehicle air-conditioning unit is provided with a protecting structure for preventing the electric instrument from scattering.

Abstract: A thermal management system for an electric vehicle includes a device for cooling one or more heat generating components, an in-cabin heat exchanger, and a heat pump device. The heat pump device includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a throttling element, and a second heat exchanger which are connected through pipelines and form a first loop. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are both dual channel exchangers. The device for cooling one or more heat generating components forms a second loop with the second channel of the first heat exchanger, and forms a third loop with the second channel of the second heat exchanger. The in-cabin heat exchanger forms a fourth loop with the second channel of the second heat exchanger. Only one of the second, third, and fourth loops is not shut off at any given time.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve including a housing that mounts in an aperture in a panel. The housing has a side wall defining an air flow passage. The side wall has a first side wall section at least partially defining the air flow passage. The first side wall section extends at an angle to the panel when the housing is mounted in the aperture in the panel. The first side wall section has an opening extending through the first side wall section. A valve element extends from the first side wall section. The valve element has a closed condition preventing air flow through the opening in the first side wall section and an open condition permitting air flow through the opening in the first side wall section. A louver assembly may be mounted in the aperture in the panel. The louver assembly has at least one louver that directs foreign matter and sound away from the valve element when the valve element is in the closed condition.

Abstract: A method for controlling power consumption of a compressor of an automotive vehicle climate system may include identifying an energy source providing energy to power the compressor and selecting an operating parameter of the climate system based on the identified energy source to control power consumption of the compressor.