Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the dispensing of a washer fluid onto a rear windshield upon detecting the disablement of the rear wiper arm is provided. The disablement of the rear wiper arm may be caused by the movement of the rear windshield from a fully closed position to an open position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for providing and using concealable license plate mounting systems. Specifically, the present invention is a license plate mounting system that provides an aesthetically pleasing and aerodynamically efficient bumper surface in states not requiring front license plates, while simultaneously allowing the simple and secure affixing of a license plate in states requiring the display of a front license plate.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to armrests equipped with cup holders, wherein the armrest is in pivotal communication with a seat frame member so that the armrest can be stowed and deployed. Some embodiments are also equipped with a locking mechanism that can maintain the armrest in a deployed and/or stowed configuration. Still further, some embodiments include structure for detecting whether the cup holder is occupied and either engaging or disengaging the locking mechanism accordingly. Thus, some embodiments are adapted to lock the armrest in a deployed configuration when a cup or other object is detected within the cup holder.

Abstract: A cart for transporting associated paper refuse bags may include a first frame foldably attached to a second frame with a hinge for folding the cart between a use condition and a storage condition, a first mesh fixedly attached to the first frame for supporting a first associated paper refuse bag, a second mesh fixedly attached to the second frame for supporting a second associated paper refuse bag, a first plurality of wheels operatively attached to the first frame, a second plurality of wheels operatively attached to the second frame, a handle operatively attached to the first frame for moving the cart, and a plurality of tarp attachment devices for attaching a tarp to cover the associated paper refuse bags.

Abstract: A composition for dust suppression including an acrylic polymer, a polyvinyl acetate polymer, glycerin, and water is herein disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing structure for a loading dock opening, consisting of two flexible side seals on opposite sides with a sealing form and mounted in a vertical orientation to a frame, and a curtain-like head seal also affixed to the frame, which is affixed to the loading dock walls. Taken together, the sealing structure sealingly engages the cargo body such that weather elements do not enter the warehouse or truck body but goods can be moved between the cargo body and the warehouse. The seal is deformable but resilient, forming a seal when in contact with the truck cargo body, which has shape memory and stiffness to revert to its original form when it no longer contacts the truck cargo body. The present invention also provides in one embodiment of the present invention, side seals mounted in a vertical orientation on each side of the loading dock entrance, an outer layer forming a sealing shape, typically that of a teardrop, in profile.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving the strength and longevity of secondary roadways through environmentally sound practices are disclosed herein. A composition for road sealing includes an aqueous emulsion of acrylic and vinyl acetate polymer, water, and a resin-modified emulsion, wherein the resin-modified emulsion includes a mixture of pitch and rosin, an emulsifying agent, and water.

Abstract: A random pitch impeller for a fuel pump has number of blades. An incremental angle of the blades is set by the expression: ?? ? ? i = ( 360 N ) + ( - 1 ) i × Am × sin ? ( p 1 × 360 N × i ) × cos ? ( P 2 × 360 N × i ) , where ??I is the incremental angle between the blades, N is the total number of blades (N=2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, . . . ), Am is the distribution magnitude of the inter-blade interval (equally divided angle) (0<Am<360/N), i is the order of the blade (i=1, 2, 3, . . . , N), and P1 and P2 are the factors exerting an influence on the cycle (0<P1<N, and 0?P2?N). The incremental angle has maximum and minimum values a difference of which satisfies the expression: 2°?MAX?MIN?6°, where MAX is the maximum value, and MIN is the minimum value of the incremental angle.

Abstract: An audio system for a motor vehicle is provided, including an audio head unit that generates an audio signal. One or more external speakers are provided that receive the audio signal and produce an acoustic output within the motor vehicle. A supplemental output interface receives the audio signal through a hard-wired connection to the audio head unit. The supplemental output interface comprising at least one output speaker connection, for providing a removable speaker connection.

Abstract: Devices and methods for filling fuel tanks are disclosed. Some embodiments include components that reduce the level of turbulence in a fuel stream thereby increasing its flow rate. In some embodiments such anti-turbulence components can include one or more parallel flow vanes for directing the flow of fuel through a fuel filler pipe in a manner that reduces turbulence. Other embodiments may include a vane attached to a bracket in a mouth of the fuel filler pipe for directing the flow of fuel through a bend in the pipe.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments generally relate to a device for reinforcing an automotive roof assembly. Some embodiments include a stiffening member for attaching to a cross member of an automotive roof assembly. The stiffening member may have a plurality of supports for providing additional stiffness in longitudinal, lateral, and/or vertical directions. Some embodiments relate to methods of making and/or using the device.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to methods and processes for determining how a range of weather conditions can affect a selected physical parameter of a material. In some embodiments the weather conditions can include relative humidity and/or temperature, and the selected physical parameter can be mass and or dimensions. For instance, some embodiments can be used to estimate the amount of water that a material may be expected to absorb under in-service conditions. In some embodiments the amount of water can defined by a range bounded by amounts observed at opposing extremes of simulated conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly for on-line painting includes a polymeric fender and a polymeric bracket adhesively bonded to the fender. The bracket includes finger-like extensions received by an edge flange of the fender. The bracket includes a tab extension extending from an opening of the bracket engaging a support structure frame member for limited thermal expansion deformation of the fender. The adhesive a resin component and a curative component providing an initial partial cure for handling of the bracket and fender and a subsequent more fully-cured condition following high temperature baking in the on-line painting process. The assembly can also include fasteners securing the bracket to the fender to limit peeling separation of an adhesive connection provided by the adhesive.

Abstract: A mirror assembly in one embodiment may include a first conductive member that is substantially transparent, a second conductive member that comprises a reflective portion, a third conductive member that is operatively connected to the first conductive member and the second conductive member, a front portion that is substantially transparent and that is formed by injecting a first thermoplastic material into a mold on a first side of the first conductive member, an inner portion that is formed by injecting a second thermoplastic material into the mold on a second side of the second conductive member, and a back portion that is substantially opaque and that is formed by injecting a third thermoplastic material into the mold on the second side of the second conductive member. The front portion and the back portion together may substantially encompass a first perimeter of the first conductive member and a second perimeter of the second conductive member.

Abstract: Surgical instrumentation for use in placing an implant into a disc space between a pair of spinal vertebrae may include: (a) a distractor having a distal end that may be placed into the disc space between the pair of spinal vertebrae; (b) an inserter for use in moving the implant toward the disc space between the pair of spinal vertebrae; and, (c) a distractor/inserter rail/groove interconnection that interconnects the distractor and the inserter for relative movement thereby.

Abstract: A method for providing soil improvement to a particulate surface soil including applying to and allowing to penetrate the associated surface soil a composition comprising a synthetic fluid and a binder and applying as a second surface a synthetic fluid, a binder, and synthetic fibers.

Abstract: A composition for chemical improvement of soil and road base materials including an aqueous solution of a water repellant and an aqueous emulsion of a soil stabilizer and dust retardant is herein disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for chemical soil improvement includes a synthetic fluid or base oil, a pour point depressant, polyisobutylene, and synthetic fibers, and various combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for reducing capillary water uptake and preventing soil erosion is herein disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for dust suppression including an acrylic polymer, a polyvinyl acetate polymer, glycerin, and water is herein disclosed.