Abstract: The invention relates to devices configured and adapted to give a fluid stream the appearance of being lighted. Different colors of light, such as those provided from LEDs, may be used to generate an aesthetically pleasing effect of flowing colored fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid illumination may be accomplished by a light source directed towards a fluid stream from an external angle, for example. Alternatively, the light source may be pointed in the direction of the fluid stream, lighting it substantially internally. In yet other embodiments, the fluid illumination may be enhanced with the employment of reflective surfaces that bounce light around and through the fluid stream. To increase the appearance of being lighted, the reflective fluid surface area may be increased by generating turbulent flow. In certain embodiments, turbulent flow is achieved with the use of a separator to separate a single fluid stream into a plurality of micro-streams.

Abstract: A dampening clip assembly may include a spring mount, a clip member, and a sealing member. The spring mount may include a base, a piston cylinder extending from the base and defining an interior cavity, a mounting surface having a passage formed therethrough, and a spring positioned between the base and the mounting surface. The clip member is secured to the spring mount and configured to retain a tube. The clip member includes a piston extending from a main body. The piston may be disposed within the interior cavity of the piston cylinder. The sealing member may be secured to a portion of the piston, and forms a fluid-tight seal between the piston cylinder and the piston.

Abstract: A rib clip for connecting first and second components is provided with first and second legs deflectable relative to each other. One leg is substantially straight and includes a shelf. The other leg is bent and includes inner and outer arms biased against a component held between the legs. The rib clip is inserted in a window of the other component, which compresses the legs toward each other, securing the first and second components relative to each other.

Abstract: A self-tapping screw includes a head, a shaft, a tapered end and a rounded distal tip. A thread includes a thread start on the tapered end. The axial position of the thread start and a first full thread, the radius of the round distal tip and the diameter of the tapered end at the thread start are controlled in relation to the screw size for consistent, improved screw performance.

Abstract: A push button latch includes a housing, an actuator movable along a path substantially axial of the housing and a lock movable along a path transverse to the axial path. A spring biases the lock to a latching position, and structures in the lock and housing inhibit unintended opening of the latch.

Abstract: A sealing element is formed from a desirably shaped body of a sealant material formulated from a first polymer, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), in a concentration of about 25 percent to about 30 percent, a calcium carbonate inert filler material in a concentration of about 25 percent to about 30 percent, a second ethylene polymer other than EVA in a concentration of about 20 to about 35 percent, and a hydrocarbon resin in a concentration of about 10 percent to about 15 percent. The sealant further comprising an epoxy resin in a concentration of about 2 to about 5 percent and an activator in a concentration of about less than one percent of the sealant. The sealant material, when positioned about a first component is overmolded with a material forming a second component. The sealant material, which is heat activated, forms a seal between the first and second components.

Abstract: A self-tapping screw includes a head, a shaft, a tapered end and a rounded distal tip. A thread includes a thread start on the tapered end. The axial position of the thread start and a first full thread, the radius of the round distal tip and the diameter of the tapered end at the thread start are controlled in relation to the screw size for consistent, improved screw performance.

Abstract: A switch assembly comprising a body, an actuator, and a base design to provide a device that can actuate various Hall-Effect chip devices in a single design. The switch assembly of the invention may provide a momentary switch connection, such as a single push system, or a maintained switch connection, such as a push-push system. Further, the switch assembly may include feedback mechanisms, such as LED components and the like that provide a visible feedback of the switch connection, and tactile feedback components that also indicate the switch connection.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a door hinge housing configured to be mounted to a door, a body hinge housing configured to be mounted to a stationary object, and a check assembly including a spring. The body hinge housing is pivotally secured to the door hinge housing. The check assembly is covered by at least one of the door hinge housing and the body hinge housing.

Abstract: A tie strap assembly includes a strap, a fastener rail or beam and a fastener. The strap is connected to a lock housing, wherein a distal end of the strap is configured to pass into a lock passage of the lock housing to form a loop. The fastener rail is offset from the strap, such that the strap does not directly contact the fastener rail. A fastener is slidably secured on the fastener rail, and is therefore, not in contact with the strap. Wires bundled within the strap do not contact the fastener. Thus, the fastener may be easily slidably adjusted on the fastener rail without interference from bundled wires or the strap.

Abstract: A connector block is provided with a plurality of channels. Separating the channels are ribs and conductors are mounted in the channels. The conductors may each include a soldering region for joining with a surface conductor and a contact region for joining with conductors on a mating connector block. The contact region may include a conductor that is bifurcated. The rib positioned between adjacent channels acts as a shield and may extend below the soldering region of the conductors so as to prevent solder from adjacent conductors from inadvertently forming a short.

Abstract: A w-base retainer that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, includes two-stage double-snap-over w-base features with opposite w-base features for assembling moldings to a sheet metal or substrate panel. The w-base retainer will improve the ease of assembly of parts, provide a proper fit, and provide a functional retention of moldings to structural panels. The w-base retainer may be used on, for example, automotive body side moldings, including, for example, doors, pillars, green house moldings and other moldings.

Abstract: A fastener and plug device for mounting a trashcan bar to a trashcan and for covering the hollow ends of the trashcan bar includes a plug portion and a fastener portion. The plug portion includes an end cap and a plurality of spaced apart discs for enclosing the openings in the ends of the trashcan bar. The fastener portion includes an extension member extending outwardly from the end cap for engaging and extending through an aperture in the trashcan bar for securing the trashcan bar to the trashcan. The fastener and plug device of the invention reduces the known multiple steps of installing the trashcan bar onto the trashcan, eliminates the use of multiple fasteners typically needed to secure the trashcan bar to the trashcan, is installable in the field, and permits the trashcans to be more easily stackable for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A floating damper assembly operates between first and second associated components. A damper is adjustably mounted in the first component and includes a damper gear engaged with a gear on the second component. The second component defines a guide surface and the damper has a bearing surface engaging the guide surface.

Abstract: A cord attachment device is provided for sewing into a garment, bag or other structure and includes a receiver for holding an end of a cord therein. A sew tab has ribs for strengthening and is stitched into the structure. The receiver has a limited opening through which a knot of a cord cannot be pulled and a plurality of cleats on an inner surface for holding the cord.

Abstract: A drain valve to be used with numerous drain applications, such as draining fluid from an engine, includes in an exemplary embodiment a valve body, a first and second o-ring and a valve sleeve. The drain valve eliminates the need for a tool, such as a wrench, to drain the fluid from the engine, for example. The drain valve includes a twist-and-pull valve sleeve feature to manipulate the valve; however, the valve sleeve remains on the drain valve and therefore cannot be lost or misplaced. The valve sleeve further includes an easy grip for opening and closing the valve. The drain valve may include a notch formed on the valve body to serve as a break-away point to permit the valve to break under certain conditions.

Abstract: A multi-part closure provides remote indication of a secured or unsecured state of the closure. The closure includes first and second mating members that when engaged define a secured state and when disengaged define an unsecured state. A self-contained transmitter is disposed in the first member. A switch is disposed in the first member in electrical communication with the transmitter. The switch is positioned within the first member for engagement by the second member when the first and second members are mated with and secured to one another. A remote receiver provides indication of the engage or disengaged state of the first and second members.