Abstract: A winch strap anchor for securing the strap of a winch to the winch drum proximate the hub to maintain a low profile and eliminate crank force irregularities. The anchor is secured to the walls of the drum and is configured to lie against the winch hub thereby minimizing the eccentric winding of the strap onto the winch. The anchor includes a longitudinal slot for receiving the strap to secure the strap to the anchor. The anchor with the strap attached can be manually attached to the winch drum securing the strap.

Abstract: A mixing valve having a modular cartridge containing a volume control valve and a thermostatic valve. The cartridge comprises a tubular sleeve having rotatably disposed therein a hollow cylindrical housing containing a valve plate mounted on its bottom end. The valve plate cooperates with a fixed valve plate in a nose piece of the cartridge to control the volumetric flow of water into the cartridge. An inner housing is disposed within the hollow cylindrical housing and defines therewith cold and hot water inlet passageways which are in communication with a mixing chamber in the interior of the inner housing via cold and hot water supply openings. The thermostatic control valve includes a temperature responsive element disposed in the mixing chamber which is operably connected to a piston which is axially slidably movable in a cylinder.

Abstract: A spacer for rigidly securing plumbing pipes to a wall. The spacer comprises a back portion comprised of a generally C-shaped clamp adapted to snap-fit over a plumbing pipe and a front portion including a flat face adapted to abut against the hidden or back surface of the wall.

Abstract: An upper control arm for a vehicle suspension system having a modulus section of hollow construction for reduced weight. The modulus section of the control arm is of a stamped and welded construction thereby eliminating material weight while reducing the cost of manufacturing. The modulus section has a substantially triangular configuration with a reinforced rim flange along the high compression stress area of the control arm elbow. The reinforced rim flange improves the strength of the control arm without sacrificing the weight reduction provided by the hollow construction. A series of apertures are formed in the control arm to reduce weight and improve the harmonic resonancy of the control arm.

Abstract: An article carrier for mounting on a substantially flat exterior surface of a motor vehicle. The article carrier has two slat assemblies fixedly secured to the motor vehicle surface in a spaced apart, parallel relationship. Each slat assembly has at least one longitudinal rib. At least two pairs of brackets are provided, two brackets being removably and slidably fastened to the rib of each of the slat assemblies. A locking mechanism depending from the bracket is provided for securing the bracket in a fixed position along the slat assembly by clamping the rib between the bracket and a clamping member. One rail is supported by each pair of brackets to extend transversely therebetween above the surface.