Abstract: A window release and wiper system and method is shown using a window latch having a latch release arm. The latch release arm is coupled to an output shaft of a wiper motor which also drives a wiper arm and a wiper blade between an inwipe position and an outwipe position. As the wiper motor drives the wiper arm between the inwipe and outwipe positions, the latch release arm rides on the output shaft of the wiper motor. When it is desired to open the window, the wiper motor is energized to drive the wiper arm to a window release position which, in turn, simultaneously drives the latch release arm to engage and actuate a latch release lever to actuate a window latch to release or unlock the window. After the window is closed, the wiper motor may drive the wiper arm and wiper blade from the window release position towards the inwipe position.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for at least two windshield wipers of a vehicle, in particular of an automotive vehicle, with a driving motor (1) which includes a gear unit accommodated in a gear casing (2) which is closed by means of a cap and where, on the end of an output shaft (3) protruding from the gear casing (2), a motor crank (4) is fastened in a torsion-resisting manner for driving the wiper shafts (8) of the at least two wiper bearings (5, 11) via rods, is to be improved so that, on the one hand, it is easily adaptable to the space or installation conditions prevailing on the vehicle while, on the other hand, due to a reduced number of components, it can be manufactured at lower cost as compared to known drive mechanisms.

Abstract: Fastening of a spindle or of another elongated cylindrical component perpendicularly to a lever. This fastening essentially consists in providing the galvanized deep-drawn sheet steel lever with a suitable rim hole into which the spindle is inserted. The spindle is secured against moving axially in relation to the lever by a peripheral projection which is formed by rolling the rim hole surface and which projects into a corresponding groove in the spindle.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for cleaning windshields and back lights of motor vehicles includes a windshield wiper arm assembly that can be attached to an oscillatory derivable wiper shaft by way of a mounting head. The wiper arm has a retainer which is essentially U-shaped in cross-section engaging an arm rod with its planar walls. Furthermore, the wiping system is provided with a fluid line, which is guided along the wiper arm in order to supply a washing nozzle with washing fluid. The washing nozzle is mounted upon a bracket which is integrally formed from one of the walls of the wiper arm retainer.

Abstract: A process for determining the distance between a distance sensor and an object, wherein an analog input signal is directed to a transmitter of the distance sensor. The transmitter emits a wave which is reflected by the object. A receiver of the distance sensor receives the reflected wave and thereupon emits an analog output signal whose level is dependent upon the distance and/or the type of object. The output signal is amplified by a subsequently added amplifier. The amplifier signal is directed to an analog/digital converter and is converted into a digital signal. The digital signal is directed to an evaluation circuit for the computation of a distance value. The signal amplification of the amplifier is controlled in an adaptively dependent manner on the level of the output signal and/or in a manner dependent on the signal value of an amplification signal made available by the evaluation circuit which is characteristic of an anticipated distance range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control knurl for the rotary adjustment of a potentiometer in an automotive vehicle which minimizes light loss of the light guide in a control knurl. The light guide of the control knurl reflects the light from inside onto the peripheral surface of the control knurl. A bright protective coating encompasses the light guide and reflects the beams of light which emit from the boundary surface of the light guide. Light loss is also avoided by not applying protective coating on mirror surfaces which redirect the light.

Abstract: An air filter apparatus includes a filter body mountable in a support surface. A filter insert is mounted in a bore extending from one end of the body. A labyrinth air flow path is formed between a portion of the exterior surface of the filter body and an end cap mounted over an end portion of the body and through the filter insert in the bore in the body to prevent the ingestion of fluid through the filter.

Abstract: In order to improve on a known wiper blade with a wind-directing device, which is manufactured as an integral component of the main support in one piece with this main support, especially with regard to a still greater amplification of the down-force of the wiper blade against the windshield to be wiped, the effective area of the wind-directing device is enlarged as follows: the wind-directing device on its opposite ends has cantilevered, wing-like elongations which protrude beyond the main support in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a switch, preferably a steering column switch for an automobile, with which both control currents and load currents are to be controlled. The object of the present invention is to mostly prevent soil and scale from forming on the contact surfaces. The present invention achieves this object by transforming the grinding movement of the operating element into a movement of the contact points perpendicular to one another with the help of a mechanical control. Advantageous embodiments involve the design and positioning of the contact points as well as the design of the mechanical control and a method of assembling the switch according to the present invention.

Abstract: Switch apparatus in the form of a family of like bases and interconnected housings each carrying two switch actuators and switch circuits. Conductive traces on each printed circuit board are engaged by contact elements operable by movement of each switch actuator to provide signals to connector terminals extending through the base for engagement with an external connector. The base is keyed to the external connector to accept only a specific connector in a specific base to connector orientation. The base includes key members permitting the base to be mounted in only one specific mounting position and one specific orientation in a support. 180.degree. rotation of the base permits the base to be mounted in a different mounting position with different key members. A high current contact is carried on the base and actuated by a switch actuator to operate a high current device.

Abstract: A quick-break switch in which, for switching-over purposes under the spring force (1) of a switching element, the two individual wedge faces of a wedge surface are felt. In order to render the pressure point more perceptible, in particular when the switch is manually operated, the wedge faces are curved. These curves can also help to improve the switching behavior of the switch with respect to the switching process and contact-making.

Abstract: A ring bracket-shroud mounting assembly for an car engine cooling system includes a bracket for enclosing and supporting fan blades and motor, and a shroud with a mounting seat for supporting the bracket. The bracket has at least one active lock coupler, and a shroud has at least one passive lock coupler. Each active lock coupler includes an overhanging means and each passive lock coupler includes a catch. The overhanging apparatus and catch are adapted to matingly engage and retain the ring bracket to the shroud when the overhanging apparatus and catch are placed adjacent to each other and the ring bracket is rotated relative to the shroud to a locking position to have the overhanging apparatus combined with the catch.

Abstract: An apparatus retains and aligns an electrical ignition switch of a motor vehicle with respect to a steering column housing. A switch housing supports the electrical switch and has at least one first aperture formed therein. The steering column housing slidably receives the switch housing therein, and the steering column housing has at least one second aperture formed therein. At least one locking member is engagable within the first aperture and is moveable between a first position retracted within the aperture and a second position extended outwardly with respect to the first aperture. The locking member engages within the second aperture when the switch housing is slidably engaged and fully seated within the steering column housing and holds the switch housing with respect to the steering column housing when engaged within the second aperture. A biasing member urges the locking member toward the second position.

Abstract: A connection between a wiper arm and the bracket of a wiper blade that is easy to manipulate during wiper blade changes but nevertheless is a secure rotatable connection, for a wiper blade in which a connector is provided on the wiper arm or the wiper rod, is achieved as follows; the connector has a through-hole with inside thread; the through-hole is placed concentrically to a geometric axis running transversely; a screw serving as the hinge pin is screwed into the through-hole, and in this way a releasable frictional engagement between the screw and the connector is created. The screw is fitted on its opposite ends with cylindrical bearing segments which protrude laterally out of the through-hole of the connector and are mounted rotatably in the respective bearing holes in the side walls of he connecting segment of the wiper blade bracket.

Abstract: A rotary switch of the type assembled in steering column switches. In switches of that type it is frequently necessary to safeguard that in small angular switching distances they reliable take the switching positions in which the desired indexing operations take place. The present invention uses a replaceable locking ring which through its equidistantly arranged teeth fixes the possible angular positions of the rotary switch in that at least one tooth of the support, in the different angular positions, respectively engages between the locking teeth. Advantageous developments of the invention are concerned with means to lock the switch against twisting by inadvertence in that a gate valve is to be placed in its unlocking position before the switch can be indexed by one rotating step to the next position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a casing for a sensor which is to be thin-walled in places. The principle of the invention is to align the sensor circuit precisely and completely seal it in plastic using separately actuatable support devices and a slowly curing plastic.

Abstract: A drive unit for a windshield wiper apparatus includes an electrical motor, a drive unit, and an electronic unit for the control of the motor. In addition, a so-called parking position switch, which is activated by the primary gear of the drive unit, is provided. In order to achieve a compact unit, the electronic unit as well as the drive unit is provided in a casing, whereby the electrical motor is flange-mounted to the casing, and the casing is provided with a plug casing, whereas the electrical connections between the plug in the plug casing, the electronics unit, the electrical motor, and the parking position switch are carried out by way of conducting strips which are placed exclusively in the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bumper that features holders suitable for the acceptance of ultrasound transducers. The objective of the invention is to improve the coating properties of such a holder by avoiding mold seams. The invention essentially consists in providing the holder with an integrally cast panel which covers mold seams on the transducer and/or divides the holder into two holder segments, with the first holder segment being integrally cast onto the bumper.

Abstract: A wiper system and method for use in a wiper system on a vehicle, such as an automobile, a truck, an agricultural vehicle, and the like is shown having a wiper motor having a drive shaft which is driven at a substantially linear rate. A first gear is cooperatively coupled to the output shaft and driven thereby at the linear rate. A second gear is coupled to the first gear and it is driven in response to the movement of the drive shaft. The second gear is operatively coupled to a third gear which drives a crank which is coupled to a plurality of wiper blades via suitable linkage. The system and method are have at least one gear which is non-symmetrical about its axis which enables or cause the crank to be driven at a non-linear rate relative to the rate of the drive shaft.

Abstract: Under the invention, collection surfaces are provided in a vehicle. The invention uses the collection surfaces to collect rainwater for a windshield washing system. The collection surfaces become contaminated by agents such as road salt. The invention uses initial rainwater to flush the collection surfaces, and discards this initial rainwater. Then, the invention uses the flushed surfaces to collect subsequent rainwater.