Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a body and a retaining device. The retaining device is secured to the body for placement along a surface. The body is configured to flex between a relaxed state and a compressed state. The body is compressed between two external surfaces in a compressed state to maintain the alignment and position of the retaining device without the fastener. The flexure of the body causes the body to exert an outward spring force against the external surfaces sufficient to maintain the location of the retaining devices before insertion of a fastener. The fastening assembly includes the fastener for insertion into the retaining device.

Abstract: A battery conversion device is provided. The battery conversion device has a generally cylindrical body with an open top end, a bottom end, and an inner aperture sized to be larger than an outer diameter of a size AA battery. A conductor plate having a diameter greater than the diameter of the size AA battery is provided on the bottom end of the body. A battery conversion system using the device and methods of using the device and system are also provided.

Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a body and a retaining device. The retaining device is secured to the body for placement along a surface. The body is configured to flex between a relaxed state and a compressed state. The body is compressed between two external surfaces in a compressed state to maintain the alignment and position of the retaining device without the fastener. The flexure of the body causes the body to exert an outward spring force against the external surfaces sufficient to maintain the location of the retaining devices before insertion of a fastener. The fastening assembly includes the fastener for insertion into the retaining device.

Abstract: A bellow assembly covers portions of a tie rod and a steering gear housing of an automotive vehicle. The bellow assembly includes a first ring and a bellow. The first ring has a cylindrical portion formed to be press fit onto the tie rod. The bellow has an outer end axially retained by the first ring for coupling the bellow to the tie rod. The outer end of the bellow is rotatable relative to the first ring to facilitate an alignment of vehicle wheels.

Abstract: There is provided an open roof construction for a vehicle having a closure means (4) of which at least one of its forward and rearward edges is movable by a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism comprises a stationary guiding (7), a slide (12) engaging said guiding and a link member (16) that in a sliding and hingeable manner engages the stationary guiding, such that when the slide (12) moves the respective edge of the closure means (4) not only moves along with the slide but also is moved away or towards the vehicle.

Abstract: A center bearing hanger assembly (68) for supporting a drive shaft (62) of a vehicle is provided. The center bearing hanger assembly (68) includes a center bearing (66), which supports the drive shaft, having an outer housing (76). The outer housing (76) is mechanically coupled to a male hanger (102). The male hanger (102) is received by a female receptacle (104). The female receptacle (104) is attached to an undercarriage of the vehicle. The center bearing hanger assembly (68) increases the ease of vehicle assembly.

Abstract: A center bearing hanger assembly (68) for supporting a drive shaft (62) of a vehicle is provided. The center bearing hanger assembly (68) includes a center bearing (66), which supports the drive shaft, having an outer housing (76). The outer housing (76) is mechanically coupled to a male hanger (102). The male hanger (102) is received by a female receptacle (104). The female receptacle (104) is attached to an undercarriage of the vehicle. The center bearing hanger assembly (68) increases the ease of vehicle assembly.

Abstract: An independent suspension and rear halfshaft assembly for a vehicle having at least one wheel, a frame and at least one source of torque transmission, comprising at least one rigid arm hingedly connected to the frame and connected to the wheel, a Cardan type universal joint operatively connected to the source of torque transmission and having a pivot point approximately collinear with the pivot axis of the rigid arm, a rigid axle shaft operatively connected to the Cardan type universal joint and a crown spline joint operatively connecting the rigid axle shaft and the wheel.