Abstract: Control systems including control circuitry and optional communications systems for operating a sliding power-operated member of an automotive vehicle. A powered sliding door in an automotive vehicle, such as a van, moves along a predetermined path of travel between a closed position and a fully open position relative to the body of the vehicle. Such a sliding door may be provided with one or more electrically-operated actuators for performing functions associated with the door, such as power opening and closing the door, power unlatching the door, power locking and unlocking the door, and power clamping and unclamping the door in a soft or low-momentum manner. The invention is directed toward improved control systems and circuitry for operating such power-sliding door systems. One such control system employs a wireless communications link between the door and body, which is preferably implemented using radio frequency communication signals containing digitally encoded control signals.

Abstract: A shaped connecting member or piece for connecting structural profile members, in particular door or window casement sections, includes at least one attachment leg that can be inserted into an attachment chamber of the structural profile member and fixed in position therein. To make fabrication of the shaped connecting piece and its application as simple as possible, at least one resilient element is provided in the at least one attachment leg to project beyond a side surface thereof. When the attachment leg is inserted into the attachment chamber, at least an outer segment of the resilient element gives way elastically inwardly and blocks the attachment leg from being pulled outwardly from the attachment chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated method for forming indented embossed edges around along the periphery of a light aperture for mounting a panel light's pane and frame assembly therein. A panel blank made of sheet metal is mounted on the table of an automated CNC punch press. Next the light aperture is scored in the blank using the punch press to punch out elongated slots between widely spaced apart bridge tabs forming an aperture blank within and connected to the panel blank by the spaced apart bridge tabs. Next the indented embossed edges are formed with two cooperating punch and die sets. A first right angled die set is used to form the four corners. A second straight bar die set is used with an automated nibbling function of the CNC punch press machine to form the linear extending sides of the indented embossed edge. The cooperating punch and die sets are designed to form an edge and not punch through a hole in the blank.

Abstract: An article securing member for an automobile luggage rack is provided with a spring biased retractable lock pin which can selectively engage a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures formed in the side rail of the rack. A push button is provided for actuating a lever link which lifts the retractable lock pin against the spring bias when the button is depressed to disengage the lock pin from the apertures and permit sliding movement of the article securing member along the side rail.

Abstract: A panel light assembly used in panels. The panel light assembly has a retainer clip for a mounting glazing between two opposing frames that are mounted in apertures in the skins of the panel located on either side of the core of the panel. The retaining clip, preferably made of a springy material, includes longitudinally extending legs depending from opposite longitudinal sides of the clip and which are operable to slide over and securingly engage the panel skins. Oppositely spaced and oppositely directed trim retainer prongs project up from said clip body and generally towards a longitudinal center-line of said clip body for engaging the frames and securing the glazing between the frames in the panels light apertures. The present invention provides at least two skin spacer tabs depending from the clip wherein each of the skin spacer tabs is spaced sufficiently apart from legs so as to be able to receive the skins therebetween.

Abstract: Control systems including control circuitry and optional communications systems for operating a sliding power-operated member of an automotive vehicle. A powered sliding door in an automotive vehicle, such as a van, moves along a predetermined path of travel between a closed position and a fully open position relative to the body of the vehicle. Such a sliding door may be provided with one or more electrically-operated actuators for performing functions associated with the door, such as power opening and closing the door, power unlatching the door, power locking and unlocking the door, and power clamping and unclamping the door in a soft or low-momentum manner. The invention is directed toward improved control systems and circuitry for operating such power-sliding door systems. One such control system employs a wireless communications link between the door and body, which is preferably implemented using radio frequency communication signals containing digitally encoded control signals.

Abstract: An upper control arm for a vehicle suspension system having a modulus section of hollow construction for reduced weight. The modulus section of the control arm is of a stamped and welded construction thereby eliminating material weight while reducing the cost of manufacturing. The modulus section has a substantially triangular configuration with a reinforced rim flange along the high compression stress area of the control arm elbow. The reinforced rim flange improves the strength of the control arm without sacrificing the weight reduction provided by the hollow construction.

Abstract: Control systems including control circuitry and optional communications systems for operating a sliding power-operated member of an automotive vehicle. A powered sliding door in an automotive vehicle, such as a van, moves along a predetermined path of travel between a closed position and a fully open position relative to the body of the vehicle. Such a sliding door may be provided with one or more electrically-operated actuators for performing functions associated with the door, such as power opening and closing the door, power unlatching the door, power locking and unlocking the door, and power clamping and unclamping the door in a soft or low-momentum manner. The invention is directed toward improved control systems and circuitry for operating such power-sliding door systems. One such control system employs a wireless communications link between the door and body, which is preferably implemented using radio frequency communication signals containing digitally encoded control signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a longitudinal multi-component frame element includes a longitudinal mold within which is positioning at least one longitudinal member to form a first component of the frame element. A second component of the frame element is formed by introducing into the mold a foamable and curable material such as polyurethane which cures to form a rigid plastic component connected to the longitudinal member. Before formation of the rigid plastic component, the longitudinal mold is bent in a direction opposite to a direction of anticipated warping of the frame element that would be caused by internal stresses therein. Thus, the frame element initially is formed within the mold to be of a bent configuration, and after removal of the frame element from the mold, the internal stresses transform such initial bent configuration into a straight or rectilinear configuration.

Abstract: An article securing member for an automobile luggage rack is provided with a spring biased retractable lock pin which can selectively engage a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures formed in the side rail of the rack. A push button is provided for actuating a lever link which lifts the retractable lock pin against the spring bias when the button is depressed to disengage the lock pin from the apertures and permit sliding movement of the article securing member along the side rail.

Abstract: Control systems including control circuitry and optional communications systems for operating a sliding power-operated member of an automotive vehicle. A powered sliding door in an automotive vehicle, such as a van, moves along a predetermined path of travel between a closed position and a fully open position relative to the body of the vehicle. Such a sliding door may be provided with one or more electrically-operated actuators for performing functions associated with the door, such as power opening and closing the door, power unlatching the door, power locking and unlocking the door, and power clamping and unclamping the door in a soft or low-momentum manner. The invention is directed toward improved control systems and circuitry for operating such power-sliding door systems. One such control system employs a wireless communications link between the door and body, which is preferably implemented using radio frequency communication signals containing digitally encoded control signals.

Abstract: A spider or cross for a universal joint is manufactured by first forging the basic configuration of the cross and thereafter extruding the trunnions into their final configuration. The component is initially hot or warm forged into its basic configuration including a central body and a plurality of trunnions. Thereafter, the trunnions are simultaneously extruded into their final configuration eliminating machining and a loss of materials. As a result, the grain flow of the component is not disrupted for a more reliable part.

Abstract: An upper control arm for a vehicle suspension system having a modulus section of hollow construction for reduced weight. The modulus section of the control arm is of a stamped and welded construction thereby eliminating material weight while reducing the cost of manufacturing. The modulus section has a substantially triangular configuration with a reinforced rim flange along the high compression stream area of the control arm elbow. The reinforced rim flange improves the strength of the control arm without sacrificing the weight reduction provided by the hollow construction.

Abstract: Adhesive molding strips for protection of a vehicle body particularly the side wheel wells and the interior bed of a pickup truck. The molding strips include an adhesive layer which facilitates permanent application of the strips to the vehicle body for protection against dents and other damage. In a pickup truck, the strips are applied to the longitudinal ribs formed in the bed floor, side walls and tailgate thereby protecting against damage while facilitating evaporation of accumulated water. As molding for wheel wells and the like the strips are readily deformable to follow the curvature of the wheel well. The strips are formed of a resilient material which assumes its original configuration upon indentation.

Abstract: An upper control arm for a vehicle suspension system having a modulus section of hollow construction for reduced weight. The modulus section of the control arm is of a stamped and welded construction thereby eliminating material weight while reducing the cost of manufacturing. The modulus section has a substantially triangular configuration with a reinforced rim flange along the high compression stress area of the control arm elbow. The reinforced rim flange improves the strength of the control arm without sacrificing the weight reduction provided by the hollow construction. A series of apertures are formed in the control arm to reduce weight and improve the harmonic resonancy of the control arm.

Abstract: A direct drive power window actuator for remote opening and closing of a pivotable quarter window of an automotive vehicle comprising a reversible motor, a power transmitting gear device operatively connected with the motor at one end and with a rotary shaft at the other end for rotating the rotary shaft, and a window mounted linkage for converting the rotational torque of the rotary shaft into an opening-and-closing force for the window.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing components such as vehicle wheels which include a polystyrene base molded in the general configuration of the ornamental face and a plastic coating molded to the base and mechanically secured thereto to prevent separation. The plastic overlay is moded to the base through a low-pressure injection molding process in order to maintain the integrity of the molded base. The plastic coating flows around portions of the base to provide secure attachment between the base and overlay. The method may be used to manufacture various automotive components including vehicle wheel covers, dams and spoilers.

Abstract: A vehicle power window actuator for pivoting a side glass view panel about an axis. The actuator is fixedly mounted on a vehicle body panel and is comprised of a housing containing screw spindle rotatable by a reversible electric motor, a follower axially displaceable on said screw spindle by rotation of said screw spindle, and link pivotably connected at one end to said follower and at the other end to a window glass pane connector assembly, said link telescopically slidable within said housing. Axial movement of the follower on the screw spindle in one direction causes extension of the link out of the housing thereby exerting a pushing force on the connector assembly thus pivoting the glass view panel outwardly to an open position. Axial movement of the follower on the screw in the other direction causes retraction of the link into the housing thereby exerting a pulling force on the connector assembly thus pulling the glass view panel inwardly to a closed position.

Abstract: Control systems including control circuitry and optional communications systems for operating a slding power-operated member of an automotive vehicle. A powered sliding door in an automotive vehicle, such as a van, moves along a predetermined path of travel between a closed position and a fully open position relative to the body of the vehicle. Such a sliding door may be provided with one or more electrically-operated actuators for performing functions associated with the door, such as power opening and closing the door, power unlatching the door, power locking and unlocking the door, and power clamping, and unclamping the door in a soft or low-momentum manner. The invention is directed toward improved control systems and circuitry for operating such power-sliding door systems. One such control system employs a wireless communications link between the door and body, which is preferably implemented using radio frequency communication signals containing digitally encoded control signals.

Abstract: A spider or cross for a universal joint is manufactured by first forging the basic configuration of the cross and thereafter extruding the trunnions into their final configuration. The component is initially hot or warm forged into its basic configuration including a central body and a plurality of trunnions. Thereafter, the trunnions are simultaneously extruded into their final configuration eliminating machining and a loss of materials. As a result, the grain flow of the component is not disrupted for a more reliable part.