Abstract: An oscillating vane actuator for active control of fluid flow over a surface includes a pivoted vane surrounded by a wedge-shaped chamber, and first and second conduits with openings adjacent the surface. The actuator also includes a rotating shaft with a connecting rod to actuate the vane in a oscillatory manner. As the vane travels in one direction, fluid is forced out from the chamber through the first conduit and opening into the fluid stream adjacent the surface, while fluid is simultaneously drawn in through the second opening and conduit into the opposite side of the chamber. Similarly, when the vane travels in the opposite direction, fluid is forced out through the second conduit and opening into the fluid stream adjacent the surface, while fluid is simultaneously drawn in through the first opening and conduit.

Abstract: A tool box section and a cooler section are integrally formed as one device. The toolbox portion is a typical tool box having a plurality of stacking tool trays with a latching means for securing said trays together. The stacked and latched tool trays thereby form the upper portion of the toolbox section. The lower portion forms a rectangular box having an open face and a half open top. Carried by approximately half of the lower portion, in the open top area, are a plurality of sliding tool drawers that slide open through the open face of the lower portion of the toolbox section. Carried by approximately the other half of the lower portion is the cooler section. The cooler section comprises a hinged lid having a cavity opposite the hinged end for inserting fingers to facilitate lifting of the lid. The cooler section slides in and out of the lower portion via a well known means such as a tongue-and-groove, protrusion-and-track, or wheel-and-track arrangement.

Abstract: A "returnless" fuel system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A "series-pass" fuel regulator in the system includes an internal fluid passage containing a fluted pin and having a valve seat at one end. A valve ball bears against one end of the fluted pin and is biased toward the valve seat by a valve spring. The other end of the fluted pin bears against a diaphragm assembly. A main spring resists the movement the diaphragm assembly in the direction away from the fluted pin. The internal fluid passage in the regulator communicates with a chamber defined by the diaphragm assembly, the chamber further communicating with the outlet of the regulator. The inlet of the regulator communicates with the internal fluid passage when the valve ball is not seated against the valve seat and does not so communicate when the valve ball is seated against the valve seat.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a "returnless" fuel delivery system for a motor vehicle includes a fuel pressure regulator located in the fuel tank and a fuel pressure damper located at the fuel rail on the vehicle's engine. The fuel return line from the fuel rail to the fuel tank, a conventional feature in fuel delivery systems, is eliminated. Fuel delivery systems according to the present invention can provide very precise fuel delivery at a highly competitive system cost.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade connector may be used in connecting a windshield wiper blade to pin-type and hookslot wiper arms. The connector includes a side wall that defines a hole sized to receive a pin of a pin-type wiper arm. A movable beam is positioned relative to the hole in the side wall so that the beam engages the pin of the pin-type wiper arm when the pin is received in the hole to secure the connector to the pin-type wiper arm. A tab extends from the movable beam and is positioned so that the tab engages a slot of a hookslot wiper arm when the hookslot wiper arm is attached to the connector to secure the connector to the hookslot wiper arm.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade assembly system includes a windshield wiper blade assembly and an adapter. The assembly includes a connector configured to be connected to a first type of windshield wiper arm, such as a hookslot wiper arm having a smaller hook. The assembly also includes a blade carrier attached to the connector, and a wiper blade attached to the blade carrier. The adapter is configured to be attached to the connector to permit connection of the windshield wiper blade assembly to a second type of windshield wiper arm, such as a hookslot wiper arm having a larger hook, without detaching the carrier from the connector. The connector may be configured for attachment to pin-type wiper arms as well as hookslot wiper arms. The adapter may be configured for attachment to straight wiper arms.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a "returnless" fuel system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A "series-pass" fuel pressure regulator in the system provides fuel of a regulated pressure to a fuel rail comprising at least one fuel injector. A "bypass" fuel pressure regulator provides fuel with a regulated pressure to the series pass regulator. An in-line fuel filter is located downstream from the bypass regulator, such that only the fuel which reaches the series-pass regulator is filtered. A check valve is located downstream from the bypass regulator as well, to prevent fuel pressure bleed-down through the fuel pump and the bypass regulator. A pressure relief valve is coupled to allow fuel with a pressure above a predetermined value to flow around the check valve.

Abstract: A turbine-driven sander includes a minimum of one-piece sealed housing members so interconnected as to form a nozzle, a turbine chamber, and a valve chamber. A plurality of elongated support members are integrally formed on a housing member. Fasteners are inserted in the elongated support members to clamp the housing members together. A flap valve mounted in the valve chamber opens the turbine chamber to a source of vacuum, thereby driving a turbine rotatably mounted in the turbine chamber. This rotation in turn vibrates a platen through a direct-drive system. The platen is supported upon one of the housing members by two platen support members. A noise attenuation system at the front end of the housing includes a two-passage nozzle which is curved to interrupt the line of sight from a turbine air inlet to the turbine. A side branch resonator communicates with the nozzle via noise-attenuating holes in a cover plate located above the nozzle.