Abstract: The retaining spring is used for detachably connecting two components. The retaining spring includes a retaining plate attached to one component and an engagement spring which is moveably guided on the retaining plate between an engagement position and a released position in the direction of attachment. The engagement spring is provided with a catch edge for securing over an engagement projection which is provided on the other component. A slanted insert limb used to raise the engagement spring when the slidable component is moved in the direction of attachment. In order to connect and detach the two components with greater ease, even when space is lacking in the area immediately surrounding the connection points, the engagement spring is maintained in a position of engagement on the retaining plate by an engagement means acting against the resistance of the spring in the direction of attachment.

Abstract: A variable ratio brake pedal assembly includes a support bracket having a mounting face and two spaced apart side arms extending from opposing edges of the mounting face. The brake pedal assembly also includes a pedal arm pivotally mounted to the support bracket at a first pivot point, and having a pedal pad mounted to a lower end of the pedal arm. The brake pedal assembly also includes a pedal link having a first end and a second end, such that the first end is pivotally connected to the pedal arm at a third pivot point, and a brake booster link having a first end and a second end, and the first end of the brake booster link is pivotally mounted to the second end of the pedal link at a fourth pivot point and the second end of said brake booster link is pivotally mounted to the support bracket at a second pivot point.

Abstract: A cold start fuel control system is disclosed for use with an internal combustion engine having a plurality of combustion chambers, a source of fuel and an intake manifold having an inlet and an outlet port connected to each combustion chamber. The system includes a cold start fuel injector assembly having an inlet and an outlet to provide a vapor fuel charge during a cold start engine condition. The cold start fuel injector assembly inlet is fluidly connected to the source of fuel. An auxiliary intake manifold has an internal chamber and the cold start fuel injector assembly outlet is fluidly connected to the auxiliary intake manifold chamber. The auxiliary intake manifold chamber is then fluidly connected through a control orifice to each of the combustion chambers at a position downstream from the inlet of the primary intake manifold.

Abstract: A clip system for fixing an attachment to a support part is provided using a connecting clip (1) consisting of a resilient material. The connecting clip (1) can be clamped to a retaining rib (8) of the attachment (6) and can be inserted into an essentially rectangular orifice (9) of the support part (7). The connecting clip (1) has two springloaded limbs (3), which originate from a central segment (2) and are bent back on themselves, whose free ends (4) are bent outwards and backwards in such a way that when the external limbs (5) formed by the bend are introduced into the orifice (9), they are pressed together in a spring-loaded manner between the edges (10) and snap into the opening, thus securing the connecting clip (1) in a non-positive fit. Once the connecting clip (1) has been introduced into the orifice (9), additional tension is exerted on the claws (16) by the pressure of the external sprig-loaded limbs (5), thus further increasing the retaining force on the retaining rib (8).

Abstract: A multi-piece crankshaft having a shaft with two ends and in which the shaft is adapted to rotate about its shaft axis and a crankpin with at least one indentation. The shaft and crankpin are placed within a mold having a first mold cavity corresponding in shape to the desired counterweight and the other end of the shaft is positioned within a second mold cavity corresponding in shape to a flywheel taper support for the crankshaft. The counterweight and flywheel taper support are then both formed by simultaneously casting a liquid material, such as zinc, into both the first and second mold cavities.

Abstract: A dental pliers appliance and associated method for removing teeth from a patient's gum line and bone. First and second pivotally connected handles are provided, each including a user grasping portion. The first handle terminates in an arcuately extending jaw exhibiting a substantially pointed end, the second handle terminates in an opposing and offset support exhibiting a support surface with an ergonomic configuration substantially matching that of the patient's gum line. Upon aligning the support along a selected location below the gum line, and further aligning the jaw in abutting fashion against an inwardly facing side of a tooth, the offset support defining a center point of rotation proximate to an edge location of the gum line and bone. The handles are subsequently rotated in an outward fashion away from the patient's gum line to forcibly dislodge the tooth from the patient's gum line and bone.

Abstract: A fixture for suspending banners, signs and the like on the sides of multistory buildings, includes a U-shaped bracket adapted to engage the sides and end of a vertical parapet or a horizontal overhang. The fixture supports a powered winch over which cables connected to the banner or the like are arranged so as to allow the raising and lowering of the banner by powering the winch. Clamps on the U-shaped brackets securely retain the fixture in position on the building.

Abstract: A bumper system for an automotive vehicle includes a rolled steel tube having a box or C-shaped cross section fixed to the forward ends of the side rails of the vehicle so as to extend transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. The forward surface of the vehicle is formed by a plastic fascia which may have sloped surfaces for styling or aerodynamic reasons. The space between the forward end of the bumper bar and the fascia is filled with foam intended to absorb energy in an impact. To better match the sloped sections of the fascia, certain sections of the bumper bar are twisted about the longitudinal axis of the bar to create surfaces inclined relative to the vertical. The bars are formed by roll forming a steel web into an elongated member having generally vertical opposed faces. A section of the rolled member is heated above a metallurgical transition temperature.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism for use with a vehicle seat having bottom and a pivotally secured back. A release mechanism is operably engaged to the back and includes an actuating handle extending from the bottom. A plate is secured to the back at a first location and pivotable along with the back about an axis defined at a second location, an arcuate exterior surface defined by the plate exhibiting a recessed detent. A floor release lever is secured to the bottom proximate the plate and is pivotally associated with the release mechanism by a cable extending to a floor latch mechanism associated with the vehicle. A male detent is pivotally secured to the seat bottom in inter-disposed fashion between the floor release lever and the plate.

Abstract: A method for sharp, crisp hemming inner and outer aluminum sheet metal panels in which a flange is formed along an outer edge so that the flange extends from a bend line and lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the outer panel. This bend line, furthermore, has an outer radius in the range of (1.0 mm+t)>R>(0.2 mm+t) where t=the thickness of the outer panel. The inner panel is then positioned on the outer panel so that an outer edge of the inner panel is adjacent the bend line. The flange is then bent so that the flange overlies the outer edge of the inner panel while simultaneously compressing the flange in the direction towards the bend line. Thereafter, the flange is compressed against the outer peripheral portion of the inner panel thus completing the hem.

Abstract: A water skipping article for use by a user in launching the article in a substantially horizontal trajectory and with a specified rotation spin. The article includes a three-dimensional body constructed of a biodegradable material and having a smooth and continuous exterior surface with a substantially circular and smooth edged outer perimeter. The body further includes a side profile defined by upper and lower elliptically extending faces and which converge into the smooth profile of the circular outer perimeter. A hollowed, substantially elliptical and interior cavity is defined in substantially centric and suspended fashion within the body. Upon launching of the water skipping article by the user, the configuration of the interior cavity causes centrifugal forces to be applied in a direction towards the solid outer perimeter of the article and to thereby increase individual incidences of the article contacting the water surface in a skipping fashion.

Abstract: This invention concerns a gas assist mold dump valve positioned between a gas controller and a mold cavity. Preferably, the valve includes a pressure regulator having a body with a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A vent is formed in the body between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the gas controller and the outlet is in fluid communication with the mold cavity. A piston is mounted for reciprocal motion within the body and is movable between a first position to close and a second position to open the vent. Finally, a check valve communicates with the inlet and the outlet and has an open position that allows gas to flow from the inlet to the outlet and a closed position to close off the flow of gas from the outlet to the inlet. In operation, gas entering the inlet urges the piston toward its first position, passes through the check valve into the outlet and then enters said mold cavity.

Abstract: A topical composition has from 0.1 to 2 total weight percent of a first surfactant, an organic solvent, a polymer thickener, and 80 to 98 total weight percent water. The topical composition affords good topical cleaning or lotion actions and rapid water rinse in a form that has a suitable shelf life. The surfactant is chosen to yield a net HLB of between 7 and 13.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable runner length intake air manifold operative to optimize the performance of an internal combustion engine over a wide range of engine speeds. The manifold includes a housing formed of upper and lower halves fixedly attached via conventional fastening means. The upper and lower halves define a plurality of runners having constant cross-sectional areas but different cross-sectional shapes. A tapered drum is disposed within the housing and includes one open end and a plurality of openings formed in the outer surface that communicate with corresponding runners of the housing. The tapered drum is rotatably mounted within the housing such that the effective runner length or airflow path of the manifold is made adjustable by varying the angular position of the tapered drum disposed within the housing.

Abstract: An environmentally controlled appliance enclosure includes an enclosed spacer and a heater assembly positioned within the spacer. A heater unit and a fan are secured to the heater assembly. A mounting plate is positioned on the assembly mount and an appliance is secured to the mounting plate. A cover is secured to the spacer to enclose the appliance. Once sealed, the heater unit and fan of the heater assembly operate to maintain a uniform temperature within the enclosure.

Abstract: A resistance welding tip assembly having a welding tip support to which a welding tip is secured. A sleeve is constructed of an electrical insulating material, such as ceramic, and the sleeve includes a throughbore along a preset axis. The sleeve is slidably mounted to the welding tip support along the preset axis between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the welding tip support. A compression spring disposed between the welding tip support and the sleeve urges the sleeve towards its extended position. The welding tip extends through the sleeve throughbore and is of the same size and cross-sectional shape as the sleeve. Furthermore, when the sleeve is in its extended position, a free end of the welding tip is recessed within the sleeve throughbore. Conversely, when the sleeve is in its retracted position, the free end of the welding tip is adjacent a free end of the sleeve and accessible for a welding operation.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for simulating human traumatic injury in an animal, said apparatus comprising a support having an aperture having end walls and side walls disposed therein; a sliding element slidingly engaged with said side walls of said aperture, said sliding element having a retainer disposed thereon for receiving an animal holder having a hinged first end therein; and a crank arm operatively connected to both said sliding element, and an actuator mechanism. The apparatus allows animal head motion simulative of hyperflexural trauma associated with actual injuries.