Abstract: A reduced resistance bead seal is integrally formed on a mounting surface of two matingly engageable members to form a leak-free seal between the two members despite any eccentricity or angular variances between the two members. In one embodiment, the reduced resistance bead is formed on an inner conical flange of an inverted flared end of a hollow fluid conduit. The bead presents a deformable surface as a fitting urges the flared end of the conduit into engagement with a conical seat in a receiver where eccentricity or angular variances exist between the flared end of the conduit and the conical seat. A unique method and a unique forming tool are used to form the reduced resistance bead in the flared end of the conduit simultaneously with the flaring of the end of the conduit.

Abstract: A layered tubing for use in a motor vehicle composed of a thick outer tubing having an inner and an outer face, the outer tubing made of an extrudable thermoplastic such as a polyamide like Nylon 12; a thin intermediate bonding layer bonded to the inner face of the thick outer layer, the bonding layer composed of an extrudable melt-processible thermoplastic such as poly butylene terepthalate capable of sufficiently permanent laminar adhesion to the polyamide outer tubing; and an inner layer bonded to the intermediate bonding layer, the inner layer composed of an extrudable, melt-processible thermoplastic such as Nylon 12.

Abstract: A temperature resistant after incident clip is engageable with a retainer and mountable along with the retainer over a male component only when the male component is fully inserted into a bore in a female component. The clip is the form of a one-piece metal body having first and second spaced legs interconnected by an end wall and mountable about the male component. First and second arms project from the end wall and are engageable with a post on a retainer and lockingly mount the after incident clip on the retainer.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant tube comprises a metal tube having an outer surface. A zinc layer is electrostatically bonded to the outer surface, wherein the zinc layer is selected from the group consisting of powdered zinc, powdered zinc nickel alloys, powdered zinc cobalt alloys, and powdered zinc aluminum alloys. Optionally, one or more polymeric layers may be electrostatically bonded to the zinc layer, or to a surface treatment layer, wherein the polymeric layer(s) comprises powdered thermoplastic materials selected from the group consisting of powdered nylons, powdered fluoropolymers, powdered polyesters, and mixtures thereof. Optionally, the polymeric layer(s) may be electrostatically bonded directly to the outer surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a bend in a thermoplastic tube including a fixture having a former with a bend. A clamp holds the tube in place while an upper form and lower form sandwiches the tube therein. Infrared lights are positioned against the bends of the upper and lower forms. The upper and lower forms are made of a Teflon material to allow the infrared wavelengths to flow therethrough and heat only the bend of the tube. Another embodiment includes a hollow box having a top surface with a groove formed therein to correspond to the desired shape and bend of the tube. Along the bend portion of the groove are slots. The hollow upper box is connected to a solid lower box having air intake holes therethrough to the hollow interior of the upper box. Cold or hot air enters through one of the intake holes and is directed through the slots to the bend portion of the tube.

Abstract: A multi-layer tube for use in a motor vehicle system to transport fluids containing hydrocarbons such as would be found in a fuel line, a vapor return line or a vapor recovery tube having a first layer radially disposed innermost made up of an extrudable melt-processible thermoplastic material capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to automotive fuel and various fuel additives, and second layer made up of an extrudable, melt-processible non-polyester, non-alcoholic thermoplastic material capable of sufficiently permanent laminar connection with the first layer so as to prevent delamination between the first and second layers during a desired lifetime of the tube.

Abstract: A multi-layer tube comprises a metal tube having an outer surface and a zinc layer bonded to the metal tube outer surface, wherein the zinc layer is selected from the group consisting of zinc plating, zinc nickel alloys, zinc cobalt alloys, zinc aluminum alloys, and mixtures thereof. A surface treatment layer is bonded to the zinc layer, wherein the surface treatment layer is selected from the group consisting of a zinc/aluminum/rare earth alloy, phosphate, chromate and mixtures thereof. A first polymeric layer is bonded to the surface treatment layer, wherein the first polymeric layer is selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer, an ionomer, a nylon, a fluoropolymer, and mixtures thereof. A second polymeric layer is bonded to the first polymeric layer, wherein the second polymeric layer is selected from the group consisting of a nylon, a thermoplastic elastomer, a fluoropolymer, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An elongated multi-layer tubing for connection to a motor vehicle system to handle fluids containing hydrocarbons. The tubing comprises an inner layer disposed radially innermost and having an inner surface capable of prolonged exposure to a fluid containing hydrocarbons, the inner layer formed from an extrudable, melt-processible thermoplastic, such as Nylon 12. An outer jacket layer is formed from an extrudable, melt-processible thermoplastic, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The tubing further comprises an anhydride-modified, linear low-density polyethylene intermediate layer extruded between the inner and outer layers, the intermediate layer sufficiently adhering the inner layer to the outer jacket to substantially prevent slipping therebetween. At least one of the inner and intermediate layers is resistant to permeation by hydrocarbons. At least one layer of the tubing is capable of dissipating electrostatic energy in a range of 104 to 109 Ohm/cm2.

Abstract: A connector element is provided for tubing or hoses of elastically expandable material with a tubular part of inelastic material that can be inserted tightly sealed into a tubing or hose end and that features a so-called pine-cone or thorn profile. In order to simplify the handling and to improve the sealing effect, this connector element has an axially extending cylindrical area with an outer diameter matched to the inner diameter of the tubing or hose end at the front end of the tubular part. A circumferential groove, rectangular in cross section, into which an annular seal of noncircular cross section is arranged is formed in the cylindrical area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for influencing a lighting installation, and more particularly, includes a lighting installation of a motor vehicle, depending on ambient light. The device comprises a switching device to turn the lighting installation on and off. At least one optical sensor is provided to detect the wavelength of the ambient light. An evaluation device sends a control signal to the switching device when the wavelengths of the ambient light detected by the sensor are essentially those contained in the daylight. Since the filter and the sensor are jointly formed by at least one light emitting diode which operates as a light-sensitive element, the passing lights can be automatically turned on in a simple and favorable manner.

Abstract: A multi-layer tube suitable for use in a motor vehicle system to transport fluids containing hydrocarbons such as would be found in a fuel line, a vapor return line or a vapor recovery tube having a first layer radially disposed innermost made up of an extrudable melt-processible thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of aromatic polyketones, aliphatic polyketones and mixtures thereof, and second layer made up of an extrudable, melt-processible thermoplastic material capable of sufficiently permanent laminar adhesion with the first layer so as to prevent delamination between the first and second layers during a desired lifetime of the tube, and a third layer overlying the first layer made up of a melt-processible thermoplastic material such as polyamides, high density polyethylenes and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A layered tubing for use in a motor vehicle composed of an outer layer having an inner and an outer face, the outer layer made of an extrudable thermoplastic; an intermediate layer connected with the inner face of the outer layer, the intermediate layer composed of an extrudable melt-processible thermoplastic capable of sufficiently permanent laminar adhesion or connection with the outer layer; and an inner layer connected with the intermediate layer, the inner layer composed of an extrudable, melt processible thermoplastic capable of sufficiently permanent laminar adhesion of connection with the intermediate bonding layer, the thermoplastic containing as a major constituent a fluoroplastic such as polyvinylidine fluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose fitting, more specifically, for a brake arrangement in a motor vehicle, for connecting, in a compression-proof manner, a multi-layer hose to a metallic end piece. At least part of one free end of the end piece engages with the inside of the hose and features at least one bulge, with a metallic pressed sleeve encompassing the hose, overlapping the bulge and also featuring, lateral to the bulge, respective first pressed sections. The crux of the invention is based on the fact that elastic and electrically nonconducting surface layers are arranged on the hose and end piece, upon which are arranged, in each case, a second pressed section in a liquid-tight manner. The invention is associated with the advantage that a hose fitting is sealed with respect to electrolyte penetration from the outside, and that, moreover, local cell formation, with resultant corrosion of the hose fitting, is prevented.

Abstract: A tube having a cylindrical main body and a thin wall defined by an inner surface and outer surface. The tube includes a first segment having a generally constant cylindrical cross-section and another segment having a variable cross-section containing convolutions to allow for flexing of the tube during installation. The convolutions extend less than the entire circumference of the tube or have tapered side walls which substantially reduce the size of the convolutions as the convolutions extend from one position along the circumference to a second position.

Abstract: A high pressure quick connector is disclosed for use in connecting brake lines of a vehicle, particularly to a brake junction for an anti-lock brake system. The connector includes a housing for receiving a tube retainer. The tube retainer has a lower cylindrical portion that is positively attached to enclose a flared end form to provide a fluid seal. Retaining means in the form of a snap ring works in conjunction with a pop top to provide a low force and a positive insertion indicator. The snap ring has ears that are compressed together and inserted up inside a slot in the pop top. Upon installation of the tube retainer and retaining means into a central bore of the housing, an end portion of the housing makes contact with the pop top so that the pop top slides up the tube. As the pop top slides up the tube, the snap ring ears are released from the pop top slot. The snap ring expands upon release into a final latching position with the housing and tube retainer.

Abstract: A push rod ball has an exteriorly oriented wear surface surrounding an interior core. The interior core is composed of a steel or steel alloy containing between about 0.1% and about 0.2% by weight carbon. A hardened case layer is of an essentially uniform depth is located between the exterior surface and the inner core. The push rod ball has a cylindrical throughbore transiting its diameter. A central through bore diametrically bisects the spherical metal body forming the push rod ball. The bore is bounded by a cylindrical inner wall composed of metal of the central core and the hardened case regions of the metal body. The push rod ball can be positioned on a suitable push rod shaft to provide a push rod assembly in which the weld region connecting shaft to ball extends through the hardened case region into the central core of the push rod ball.

Abstract: A one-way flow valve quick connector is used in automotive fuel tank filler systems to interconnect the fuel filler tube with the fuel tank without the use of tools or special equipment. The quick connector includes a check valve to establish a substantially hermetic seal between the tank and the environment at all times to prevent the escape of liquid fuel during the refueling process as well as the escape of toxic vapors. A bypass vent operates during the refueling process to draw any vapors escaping from the tank or entering through the fuel fill tube inlet, filtering and returning them to the fuel tank.

Abstract: An elongated multi-layer tubing is disclosed for connection to a motor vehicle system to handle fluids containing hydrocarbons. The tubing includes a first layer disposed radially innermost and having an inner surface capable of prolonged exposure to a fluid containing hydrocarbons and an outer surface spaced a first predetermined radial thickness from the inner surface, the first layer consisting essentially of an extrudable, melt-processible thermoplastic. The tubing also includes a second layer having a second predetermined radial thickness at most equal to the thickness of the first layer. The second layer is uniformly and homogeneously connected to or bonded to the first layer and consists essentially of an extrudable, melt-processible thermoplastic capable of sufficiently permanent laminar adhesion with the first layer to prevent delamination during a desired lifetime of the tubing. At least one of the first and second layers is resistant to permeation by hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing push rod balls including the steps of introducing a metal ball, having an exterior surface, into contact with a carbon enriched medium for an interval sufficient to diffuse carbon into metal matrix forming the exterior surface region and, then, rapidly cooling the carburized metal balls. After the carburized metal balls are cooled, a central bore is drilled through the body of the metal ball. After drilling, the metal ball is brought into contact with a hardening atmosphere at a suitable temperature for an interval sufficient to harden the metal region proximate to the exterior surface of the metal ball. After contact with the hardening atmosphere, the metal balls are oil quenched. The resulting push rod balls have an exteriorly oriented wear surface surrounding an interior core. The interior core is composed of a steel or steel alloy containing between about 0.1 and about 0.2% by weight carbon.

Abstract: A quick connector releasibly connects first and second conduits fixedly mounted in first and second, interconnectable connector bodies. The first body has an axially extending tubular first end, a frusto-conical portion, a reduced diameter shaft and an enlarged second end. A pair of angularly inwardly extending latch arms project from the second body to releasibly engage a peripheral edge on the frusto-conical portion of the first body.