Abstract: A w-base fastener that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, combines the functionality of a w-base fastener with the serviceability of other fasteners. The w-base fastener of the invention provides the ability to service the w-base fastener without damaging the panel or hole in which the fastener is inserted. This is accomplished by incorporating a break joint configured to break at a predetermined load. This break joint permits the fastener to be easily extracted when it breaks under the predetermined load. As the two sections of the fastener are separated, hooks on the fastener body engage tabs on the legs and pull the legs of the w-base fastener inward to prevent interference between the legs and the panel as the fastener is extracted from the hole.

Abstract: A static charge neutralizer for a moving component of an apparatus includes a plurality of filaments on a conductive strip, with tips of the filaments disposed adjacent but spaced from the moving component. The filaments induce ionization in the presence of an electrical field from the statically charged surface of the moving component.

Abstract: An anchoring structure for components such as a ball-stud grommet includes a head and a plurality of retention legs defining lips in spaced, confronting relationship with a surface of the head. The legs are arranged in a circle and are provided in sufficient number and in sufficiently close spaced relation that at least one leg on opposite sides engage edges of a slot for any rotational position of the fastener relative to the slot.

Abstract: An air filter restriction sensor assembly for use on an engine, such as a small gas engine provides a simple on/off system with remote indicating to notify the operator of the air restriction. More specifically, the air restriction in the air intake line of the engine creates a vacuum which pulls on a plunger mechanism until the mechanism contacts a switch, such as a membrane switch, and activates the switch. The switch can be electrically connected to an indicator device, such as a light-emitting diode, which is readily visible to the operator to notify the operator of the air restriction.

Abstract: A vehicle door wedge assembly includes a chassis and a slide moveable within the chassis. A non-metallic, elastomeric biasing element is provided to urge the slide toward one end of the chassis. The vehicle door wedge assembly with the chassis defines a slide path for the slide to move along, and the non-metallic, elastomeric biasing element is disposed between the chassis and the slide for urging the slide toward one end of the path.

Abstract: A drain valve to be used with numerous drain applications, such as draining fluid from an engine, includes in an exemplary embodiment a valve body, a first and second o-ring and a valve sleeve. The drain valve eliminates the need for a tool, such as a wrench, to drain the fluid from the engine, for example. The drain valve includes a twist-and-pull valve sleeve feature to manipulate the valve; however, the valve sleeve remains on the drain valve and therefore cannot be lost or misplaced. The valve sleeve further includes an easy grip for opening and closing the valve.

Abstract: A zipper pull mechanism attaches two free ends of a zipper cord together, after the free ends are looped through an eyelet in the zipper slider. The zipper pull mechanism will assist the user in operating the zipper. The zipper pull mechanism includes two components that snap fit easily together and onto the free ends of the zipper cord, thereby securing the zipper cord to the zipper slider. The zipper pull mechanism also includes a whistle integrated into the shape of the mechanism to be used to create a loud piercing noise so as to attract attention to the user. The zipper pull mechanism is easy to grip even by users wearing gloves.

Abstract: A lighting system for dispensing units such as ice and water dispensers on refrigerators includes a paddle on a shaft for activating and deactivating the dispenser by force applied from a receptacle. The shaft is configured as a light tube. A light source is positioned above the shaft to supply light into the shaft and paddle in the non-deflected condition. A prism is provided to receive light from the light source when the paddle is depressed, and to redirect light from the light source towards a receptacle positioned for receiving ice or water dispensed by the dispenser.

Abstract: A headlamp adjuster and a headlamp adjustment assembly have a fixed annular boss, a shaft axially moveable through the boss, and a gear having a thread engagement with a threaded portion of the shaft. A cap is non-rotatably engaged with the shaft and the boss.

Abstract: A media separator includes an elongated body having a series of formations thereon. The formations have angular surfaces for engaging a leading edge of sheets advancing therealong. As the leading edges move against the formations, separation between the sheets is enhanced.

Abstract: A substantially watertight grommet having a sealing mechanism that can simultaneously form a watertight seal between the grommet and a pin received therein and between the grommet and a panel within which the grommet is received is herein described. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing mechanism is formed integrally with the head of the grommet by an overmolding process. A body of the grommet has a retention structure for securing the grommet within a bore formed in a panel and a catchment mechanism for securing a pin within the grommet. The catchment mechanism is constructed so as to permit the pin to be secured within the grommet in a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A joystick module in which a toggle arm controls movement of a plurality of shutters, with each shutter arranged between a light receiver and a light emitter. Control of the light from the light receiver to the light emitter of each pair provides signal information for controlled operation of an activity.

Abstract: An automobile tether device includes a base and a loop spanning the base and rotatable relative to the base. The base defines cutouts for receiving end segments of the loop. The loop frictionally engages the surface on which the tether device is installed to allow the loop to be positioned at elevations relative to the base.