Abstract: A regulator assembly for moving a window panel between its open and closed positions, suitable in certain preferred embodiments for operation of motor vehicle windows for example, has drive mechanism such as a hand crank or electric motor for delivering a drive force to the regulator assembly to move the window panel. Linkage, including at least a lifting arm and, optionally, a cross-arm, etc., is connected to the window panel at one end and mounts at its other end a sector gear engaging the drive mechanism. Load absorbers are provided for releasably absorbing drive force upon operation of the regulator assembly between any two points of travel of the window panel between the open and closed positions. The load absorbers help to level the peak loads otherwise experienced by the regulator assembly and, particularly, an electric drive motor thereof, during start-up and travel stall at the full open position, full closed position, intrusion or blockage during closure travel.

Abstract: An improved torque window assembly for motor vehicles has a peripheral frame defining an opening, and a moveable glazing pane pivotally mounted to the frame for movement about a pivot axis between an open and closed position. A torque handle is operatively connected to the glazing pane by a linkage assembly, including a torque bar which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A mounting assembly for the moveable glazing pane includes a hinge rail along a peripheral edge of the glazing pane. The hinge rail provides a U-shaped glazing channel to receive the peripheral edge of the glazing pane with a biased interference fit. The linkage from the torque bar to the hinge rail includes a one-piece hinge link having a substantially planar link section perpendicular to the hinge rail and two or more tabs received, one each, into U-shaped hinge channels extending axially along the hinge rail.

Abstract: A flexible blade seal for a window assembly has an elongate body of substantially uniform cross-section formed of flexible elastomeric material. As viewed in cross-section, the blade seal has a seal segment forming an exposed, substantially planar sealing surface for contact with a surface of a windowpane, e.g., a sliding pane of the window assembly. In its free state the sealing surface is presented at an angle to the surface of the sliding pane, extending from a free end to a substantially flat end wall. A lateral segment of the blade seal extends from the end wall at an acute angle to the seal segment to an angled junction with a base segment. The base segment extends to a free distal portion adapted for attachment to the window assembly for mounting the blade seal. The flat end wall of the blade seal is generally perpendicular to the plane of the window opening and provides an abutting surface for surface-to-surface contact with another blade seal or other sealing member.

Abstract: A flush-closing multi-pane window assembly for a motor vehicle is provided, comprising a frame for mounting in a window recess in the vehicle body, one or more fixed-position panes mounted to the frame and at least one sliding pane mounted to the frame for sliding between an open position and a closed position. In its open position, the sliding pane overlaps a fixed-position pane, but in its closed position is substantially flush therewith. Guide means are provided for guiding the sliding pane as it moves laterally between its open and closed position. The guide means includes fixed members extending from the sliding panes substantially perpendicular to its direction of travel and kick-out means provided by the frame for engaging the fixed members at least during initial lateral movement of the sliding pane from its closed position to its open position.

Abstract: A window assembly for mounting in a recessed window opening, especially as the rear window in the passenger compartment of a pickup truck or other motor vehicle, has slidable and fixed positioned panes, preferably right-side and left-side fixed positioned panes with a slidably mounted center pane between them. A mounting frame including a molded plastic, single-sided frame member supports the fixed positioned pane(s) by adhesive surface bonding to a perimeter portion of the interior surface of the panes. The peripheral edge and the exterior surface of the fixed position pane(s) are free of adhesive bonding to the single-sided frame member. The mounting frame also provides an exterior show surface substantially flush with the exterior surface of the fixed position pane(s). The window assembly presents, therefore, an overall flush surface appearance with exposed peripheral edge surfaces of the fixed positioned pane(s).

Abstract: A modular window assembly has a molded plastic frame defining one or more apertures, wherein at least one of the apertures can be opened and closed by a transparent pane which slides in opposed channels formed cooperatively by a backplate and the frame. The slide channels can be formed by backplate members attached to the frame at upper and lower rabbets. The frame can be a unitary one-piece frame having a latch keeper formed therein for releasably capturing a moveable member of a latch attached to the sliding pane. Tab and slot positioning means can be provided as unitary elements of the frame and a circumferentially extending halo molding fitted about the periphery of the window opening. Vehicle attachment studs optionally are attached to, e.g., sonically welded into, the frame and/or the backplate. In a motor vehicle application, the frame may further provide a unitary headliner flange extending inwardly to support a passenger compartment headliner.

Abstract: An improved vacuum motor for actuating heat, ventilating and air conditioning control systems (HVAC), which uses a conical spiral spring and a bonded connection between the housing and cap to reduce weight, size, cost and noise. The motor includes a bellows which forms an airtight compartment inside the motor housing with the cap and a plunger connected to the bellows. The conical spring biases the bellows to a fully expanded position. A negative pressure or vacuum in the air line connected to the housing causes the bellows to collapse and compress the spring. As the bellows collapses, the attached plunger is pulled axially into the motor housing. The movement of the plunger actuates the connected HVAC device.

Abstract: A dual drive window regulator for use with a door assembly for raising and lowering a window glass. The window regulator includes a window glass mounted to two window carriers. The carriers are supported by stationary tracks for shiftable movement thereon. A toothed rack connects each carrier to a movable toothed slide member housed within the tracks. Each carrier overlies the sides of a track to prevent lateral movement of the carrier and window glass during raising and lowering.

Abstract: A check valve which is positioned in the vacuum air line of an internal combustion engine. The check valve includes a single-piece valve body having an outlet port and two or more inlet ports, with one outlet port located substantially in line with the inlet port and connected by a venturi tube. The second inlet port is separated from the main air flow line by the valve stem and a diaphragm which allows communication there between and prevents back pressure. The second inlet port communicates with the outlet port through the valve stem and a second venturi tube which provides a vacuum boost to a device, usually vehicle brakes, connected to the inlet.

Abstract: A process for RIM bonding urethane gaskets to glass panels which includes storing a primed glass panel in a temperature-humidity controlled environment for 20-28 hours. The primed and conditioned panels are then fitted with RIM gaskets with 24 hours after removal from the controlled environment.

Abstract: Glazing panels which are mounted in the vehicle flush with the exterior skin. The glazing may be stationary or movable by manual or power operated assists and includes a mounting molding having a peripheral lip which extends to the vehicle skin.

Abstract: A window regulator mechanism for motor vehicle door assembly is disclosed having a kick-out feature for moving of the lower edge of the glass outward as the glass is moved upward into the upper position such that the lower edge of the glass can be positioned flush with the exterior surface of the vehicle. Three separate embodiments are disclosed for providing the kick-out feature in the window regulator mechanism. The window regulator combines both the window drive and guidance systems into one mechanism, reducing the number of components in the door assembly.

Abstract: A four-wheel mobile vehicle including provision for controlling the steering position of each of the four (4) wheels so that every wheel's rolling axis will intersect at a common point around which the vehicle will turn. The control is provided by a pair of cables, one on each side of the vehicle which interconnect a pair of front and back wheels to turn each pair through similar angles in the opposite direction.The variance in angular turning between wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle is caused by wrapping the cables on each side around an identical cam pulley, one on each side, both of which are mounted on a common shaft so that their angular rotation is always identical while their winding radius is changing.

Abstract: A latch for slidable window panels of a vehicle. The latch includes a rotatable handle carried by one window panel and a cam part carried by the other window panel. The handle engages the cam part as the handle is rotated to draw the slidable window panels together. The handle defines a narrowing channel which engages the cam part as the window handle is rotated from an open position to a locked position. The narrowing channel, formed by a thickening outer side wall of the handle, draws the cam and its connected window toward the handle. Detents are provided to impart a positive snap feel to the handle when rotated into either its opened or closed positions.

Abstract: A hollow beam is disclosed for a vehicle door assembly which is configured to collapse upon a transverse impact to absorb impact energy, thus reducing the impact forces experienced by a vehicle occupant during a collison. The energy absorbing beam is configured as a parallelogram in cross-section so as to enable the beam to act as a four-bar linkage during collapse. The energy absorbing beam is preferably disposed in the door assembly at the vehicle beltline which is often impacted by the occupant's head or torso during a vehicle collision. Various features can be added to the provide localized stiffening of the beam as necessary depending upon the particular beam application.

Abstract: A vehicle door construction which includes a door frame which defines integral longitudinal screw grooves for seating fasteners used to mount cross braces to which the window regulator assembly is mounted. The frame may also include a lower recess to collect debris and an outer channel to allow fasteners mounting a window guide brace to be countersunk for easier mounting of the door frame in the vehicle. The frame may also include a removable insert which defines the window slide channel to allow rapid replacement of a broken window.

Abstract: A 4-wheel mobile vehicle including provision for controlling the steering position of each of the four (4) wheels so that every wheel's rolling axis will intersect at a common central point around which the vehicle will turn. The control is provided by a pair of cables which can interconnect each of the pair of wheels on each side of the vehicle to turn through similar turns in the opposite direction, and wherein the linear position of the cables are provided by a pair of specially cut cams which are positioned by the steering column. Each pair of wheels is further characterized by a support system which provides for vertical deviation of the front and back wheels without substantially causing the vehicle carriage itself to be vertically deviated by a substantial amount.

Abstract: A rotary type lawn mower and mulcher for mounting a tractor characterized by an open-bottom housing with a discharge opening having two or more cutting blades rotatably journaled in the housing and moving in a common cutting plane, a plurality of high speed mulching blades mounted on a single spindle at various heights positioned in the downstream paths of the cutting blades, the individual cutting blades having a longitudinal cutting edge therealong with lateral corrugations throughout the cutting length thereby increasing the cutting plane depth of each blade whereby the vertical height within the housing above the cutting blades is substantially filled with the cutting planes of the mulching blades whereby the grass clippings from the cutting blades are finely cut and discharged at increased velocities through a discharge opening and a deflection chute positioned downstream thereof with a variable height dam extending into the discharge path of the mulching blades whereby the finely-cut clippings are defle

Abstract: A vehicle window assembly which includes first and second separate window glazing panels. The first window is fixed while the second may be pivoted between open and closed positions by a hand crank connected to a peripheral linkage system by a shaft, with the linkage connected to the second window. The hand crank is located at the center of the shaft and the shaft includes stop means for preventing overturning of the hand crank past the full open position of the window.