Abstract: A plastic part is formed with a hollow portion and an integral evacuation channel extending from the hollow portion to a gate at which plastic for the part was injected. During the injection molding process for the part, the channel and portion to be hollowed are filled with molten plastic, and a gas is injected into the portion to be hollowed to force molten material from the portion to be hollowed back through the channel.

Abstract: A clip assembly adapted to engage a male track member. The clip assembly includes a clamshell clamping member including a first leg and a second leg. The clip assembly further includes a female compression member adapted to fit in sliding relation at least partially about the clamshell clamping member. The female compression member is adapted to compress the first leg towards the second leg.

Abstract: A load bearing fabric assembly having a frame, a carrier and a load bearing fabric. The load bearing fabric is attached directly to the carrier. The frame defines view ports to enable visual inspection of the junction between the carrier and the load bearing fabric after the carrier and fabric have been mounted to the frame. A method of manufacturing the carrier for such a load bearing fabric assembly includes the steps of: (a) placing the fabric inside a mold with at least a portion of the fabric directly engaging the surface of the mold; (b) injecting a molten thermoplastic into the mold to form the carrier, the molten thermoplastic having a melt point greater than that of the fabric; and (c) permitting the molten thermoplastic to cure to form a carrier directly on the fabric. In one embodiment, the fabric is positioned so that the entry of molten thermoplastic urges the fabric against a surface of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A connector assembly configured to secure at least one component to a structure may include a base, at least one member configured to receive and retain a portion of a component, and a stud retainer extending from the base. The stud retainer may include first and second engaging legs within a retaining chamber. The first and second engaging legs are configured to automatically align the stud retainer with respect to a stud that passes into the retaining chamber.

Abstract: A pepper spray container assembly includes a first housing, a second housing secured to the first housing, and a pepper spray bottle securely retained by the first and second housings. A portion of the first housing is configured to be pressed into the assembly and moved forward into an activation position, thereby sliding the first housing forward relative to the second housing.

Abstract: A two-part buckle includes a male buckle component received in a female buckle component. Lock surfaces between the male and female buckle components are provided inwardly of flexible segments of the lock arms and axially between the flexible portion of the lock arm and accessible ends of the lock arms depressed for unlatching the buckle. The lock surfaces angle toward the disengaged positions in the direction of arm movement for unlatching.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly includes a first pair of busbars, each busbar having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion disposed at an angle with respect to the second portion, and a wedge-shaped assembly configured to be repositionable to form an electrical circuit between the first pair of busbars. Also described herein is a non-destructive testing system including the electrical switch assembly.

Abstract: A capacitive touch switch suitable for use in areas with high environmental and electrical contamination employs a complex excitation signal that is demodulated to better distinguish it from environmental effects. Improved discrimination allows these sensed signals to be offset against a signal developed by a reference electrode to allow the system to operate robustly with contamination on the electrodes that would otherwise trigger or obscure pulses.

Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface includes an integral attachment mechanism, wherein portions of the load bearing surface attach to each other to secure the load bearing surface to a support structure. In one embodiment, a molded elastomeric strip includes a tab that wraps around a support structure frame member, and a receptacle that receives and retains the first portion. The load bearing surface may be formed from a plurality of molded elastomeric strips, each having a tab extending around the frame member and an opening receiving the tab. The strips may be oriented to reduce creep by aligning the crystalline structure of the elastomer in one direction.

Abstract: A shaft of a rotary switch, for example, useful as a control for an appliance, such as a washing machine, incorporates an LED at the end of the shaft and projecting light laterally from the shaft to provide an indication of the rotary position of the corresponding knob with respect to printed indicia on a console. The LED may be powered by slip rings incorporated into the rotary switch and communicating directly with line power as controlled by the limiting resistor and the shaft may include a controlled breakage feature providing LED conductors that are recessed within the shaft in the event of shaft breakage to reduce the chance of operator contact with line voltage.

Abstract: A system for detecting a presence of a liquid within a receptacle includes a sensor and a processor. The sensor includes a transmitting probe and a receiving probe positioned within the liquid receptacle. The transmitting probe includes a first transducer and the receiving probe includes a second transducer. The processor is in electrical communication with the first and second transducers and monitors the first and second transducers to determine the presence and level of the liquid within the liquid receptacle based on a time between generation of a first extensional wave by the first transducer and reception of a second extensional wave by the second transducer.

Abstract: A vehicle refueling assembly includes a housing through which an inlet pipe is accessed and a door assembly that can be opened and closed relative to the housing. The door assembly includes a hinge and a decorative panel. The hinge includes a seal received in a ledge of the housing when the door assembly is closed.

Abstract: An inertia activated mechanism associated with a door latch mechanism of a vehicle obstructs operation of a door handle assembly when the inertia activated mechanism is subjected to acceleration forces from a vehicle event. Delaying structure in the inertia activated mechanism momentarily delays return to the pre-event condition during rapidly changing acceleration of the vehicle event.

Abstract: A system for dampening an opening motion of a door includes a frame, an access door and at least one dampening member. The access door is rotatably secured to the frame. The access door is configured to be moved with respect to the frame between closed and completely open positions. The at least one dampening member is secured to the access door or the frame. The dampening member(s) dampens movement of the access door toward the completely open position over a range of motion.

Abstract: A latch device including a latch strike retention assembly adapted for press-fit insertion into a panel opening and retention within the panel opening upon melting of any plastic components. The latch strike retention assembly includes a generally “U” shaped spring member having spring legs operatively connected to bushings arranged in converging opposing relation to one another and adapted to engage and retain a strike member disposed in opposing relation to the strike retention assembly. The spring member is held within a bracket member of substantially “U” shaped cross section. The bracket member is disposed in transverse orientation to the spring member.

Abstract: A screw terminal and a terminal block incorporating the same provides a mechanically a screw terminal frame with a closed perimeter that resists deformation of the terminal frame when a captured nut is being clamped against a wire within the terminal frame, allowing the captured nut to be clamped more tightly against the wire. Sidewalls of the terminal frame may include tabs that engage ledges of a block housing to support the screw terminal and the captured nut may have surface irregularities upon the surface that engages the wire and to improve electrical contact therebetween and resist mechanical pull out of the wire.