Abstract: An integrated inertia locking mechanism may be incorporated with a door handle assembly and is particularly beneficial in acceleration events, such as a multiple axis crash, by counteracting the forces of inertia caused by such crash. In an exemplary aspect, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will prevent the door latch mechanism, which releases the door, from releasing and the door opening during a multiple axis crash. After the crash, or when the crash force is removed, the integrated inertia locking mechanism will allow the latch mechanism to function normally, thereby permitting the door to be opened and the occupants to exit from the vehicle.

Abstract: A magnet retention clip for assembling modular wall panels includes a magnet holder, prongs insertable into the wall panel and stabilizers outwardly of the magnet holder.

Abstract: A damper system is connected between pivotal components of a vehicle suspension system to inhibit movement of the components during a condition of potential vehicle roll. The system can be actively or passively controlled. The damper system can have a single damper or multiple dampers and may be connected to work in conjunction with vehicle stabilizers including torsion bars, single compensator stabilizing systems and dual compensator stabilizing systems. In the compensator stabilizing systems, the damper can be separate from the compensators or integral with the compensators. The dampers also can be formed as integral structures with shock absorbers. The dampers can be of various types, including but not limited to linear dampers and rotary dampers.

Abstract: A telescoping fastener includes a debris clearance and drain port in a housing of the fastener, and a plunger operable in the housing to move contaminants toward the port for removal. A force concentrating tip breaks up snow, ice or accumulated debris. Relief channels in the plunger facilitate movement of contaminants around the plunger and movement of the plunger through contaminants within the housing.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a spring in a passenger assist handle assembly for a vehicle includes spaced supports and a canister containing a spring connected to the supports on opposite ends of the canister. Protrusions and receiving surfaces are provided on each end of the canister and on the supports for securing a position of the canister relative to the supports and resisting rotational forces exerted against the canister.

Abstract: A shut-off valve assembly includes a one-piece housing having an inlet and an outlet. During manufacture, the housing is formed with an inlet end plate and a fully open end opposite the end plate. A valve door assembly including a flapper door is secured in the housing, and includes a seal between the flapper door and the housing. The open end is then reformed to provide an outlet from the housing. In a fuel system, a cover assembly is releasably secured to the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing load bearing fabric structures in which the peripheral edge of the load bearing fabric terminates with the mold cavity. The apparatus includes a stretching assembly for stretching the fabric, a fabric retaining assembly for holding the fabric in the stretched condition and a mold assembly for molding the frame about the periphery of the fabric.

Abstract: A fastener has a recessed drive configuration with outlet channels extending from the recessed drive configuration to the outer surface of the fastener.

Abstract: A system configured to allow adjustment of a vehicle seat includes a securing bracket, an extension bracket, and a latching member. The securing bracket is configured to be secured to structure within a vehicle, and includes an adjustment guide track having a plurality of recessed grooves separated by a plurality of teeth or ribs. The extension bracket is movably secured to the securing bracket and includes a fixed arm track, a lever engaging arm positioned within the arm track, and a lever operatively connected to the lever engaging arm. The engaging arm includes a curved channel. The latching member includes a boss or knob and a protuberance. The boss is positioned within the curved channel. The protuberance is configured to be retained within each of the recessed grooves. Movement of the lever engaging arm in a first linear direction causes the latching member to move in a second linear direction that is perpendicular to the first linear direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a trapped acoustic wave system and a method of assembling such a system. The system may include a substrate having an acoustic wave cavity and a transducer mounted on the substrate. The transducer is configured to resonate the acoustic wave cavity. An acoustically transmissive adhesive secures a first portion of the transducer to the substrate. An additional adhesive, which is separate and distinct from the acoustically transmissive adhesive, anchors at least a second portion of the transducer to the substrate.

Abstract: A w-base fastener that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, combines the functionality of a w-base fastener with the serviceability of other fasteners. The w-base fastener of the invention provides the ability to service the w-base fastener without damaging the panel or hole in which the fastener is inserted. This is accomplished by incorporating a secondary connection into the w-base fastener. This secondary connection permits the fastener to be easily extracted by providing a technique for pulling the legs of the w-base fastener inward prior to extraction of the fastener from the hole.

Abstract: A shut-off valve assembly includes a one-piece housing having an inlet and an outlet. During manufacture, the housing is formed with an inlet end plate and a fully open end opposite the end plate. A valve door assembly including a flapper door is secured in the housing, and includes a seal between the flapper door and the housing. The open end is then reformed to provide an outlet from the housing. In a fuel system, a cover assembly is releasably secured to the housing.

Abstract: A door handle assembly includes a handle pivot housing and a main handle rotatably or otherwise pivotally secured within the handle pivot housing. The handle pivot housing includes handle engaging-walls defining a handle pivot cavity therebetween. At least one of the handle-engaging walls includes an integrally formed boss extending into the handle pivot cavity. The main handle includes an arm integrally formed with a pivot joint defining a pivot axis, and a counterweight. The pivot joint rotatably or otherwise pivotally secures to the boss. The counterweight and the arm are positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axis. The main handle may be configured to receive and retain a plurality of caps, which may be formed of a different material than said main handle. Each of the caps may differ in at least one of size, shape, structure, material, texture, and color.

Abstract: A door handle assembly includes a handle pivot housing and a main handle rotatably or otherwise pivotally secured within the handle pivot housing. The handle pivot housing includes handle engaging-walls defining a handle pivot cavity therebetween. At least one of the handle-engaging walls includes an integrally formed boss extending into the handle pivot cavity. The main handle includes an arm integrally formed with a pivot joint defining a pivot axis, and a counterweight. The pivot joint rotatably or otherwise pivotally secures to the boss. The counterweight and the arm are positioned on opposite sides of the pivot axis. The main handle may be configured to receive and retain a plurality of caps, which may be formed of a different material than said main handle. Each of the caps may differ in at least one of size, shape, structure, material, texture, and color. A counterweight includes a fin that abuts the cap so as to secure the cap onto the handle.