Abstract: A module in the form of a carrier with an optional decorative body is mountable on an exterior surface of a vehicle lift gate and provides a mounting platform for a plurality of components. The components include at least two of light sources in the form of LEDs or incandescent bulbs, an actuatable switch, a camera, a key lock cylinder and a movable handle. The carrier is affixed to the body and is alignable with apertures in the body for transmission of light from the light sources exteriorly of the body as well as to provide a field of view for the camera. The electric switch is actuatable through a resilient membrane.

Abstract: A pillar trim component is provided that has a pillar trim member with at least one surface and an attachment member projecting from the surface of the pillar trim member. The pillar trim component includes an attachment member adapted to connect to a portion of the vehicle. The pillar trim component further has a region defined by at least a portion of the surface of the pillar trim member and at least a portion of a surface of the attachment member. A raised portion is positioned in the region that extends between the portion of the surface of the pillar trim member and the portion of the surface of the attachment member. The raised portion is adapted to facilitate a deployment of a tether of an airbag.

Abstract: A cargo bed step is described including a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. The frame is disposed proximate a rear portion of a cargo bed. A pivoting mechanism is disposed between an inner surface and the upper portion for selectively pivoting the cargo bed step assembly between a stowed position and an extended position. At least one step is disposed proximate the lower portion. The frame is selectively pivotable to be generally flush with the inner surface of either an inner cargo bed surface or an inner tailgate surface in the stowed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a plurality of elongate vials, and a process for manufacturing the apparatus is disclosed. Each vial has a longitudinal length and an outer maximum diameter. The apparatus includes a single piece insert having a base wall with a plurality of integrally formed, parallel, elongate ridges extending outwardly therefrom in transversely spaced relationship with respect to one another to define a vial-receiving slot between each pair of adjacent ridges. The elongate ridges are spaced transversely from one another by a distance slightly less than the outer maximum diameter of each vial to be received therein permitting an interference press fit therebetween. The elongate ridges extend along a substantial portion of the longitudinal length of each vial to be received therein. A stop rib can be provided extending transversely adjacent one end of the plurality of ridges. At least one of the insert can be associated with a case.

Abstract: A fluid coupling includes a carrier carrying a retention ring with inward and outward radially and angularly extending fingers for respectively engaging an outer surface of an endform inserted through a bore in the carrier and the inner surface of a bore in a housing in which the carrier is mounted to fix the endform to the carrier and to fix the carrier to the housing. Inner and outer seal elements are also carried on the carrier to seal the carrier to the endform and the housing to the carrier. Both of the seal elements are disposed axially closer to one end of the carrier than the inward and outward extending fingers.

Abstract: A device to suction fuel from a fuel injector and a device to attach a fuel return line to a fuel injector with a C-shaped main body partially encircling the fuel injector having two retaining arms which abut the fuel injector and grip it from the back at least to a small degree, with a connector coacting with a drain passage of the fuel injector and at least one connecting fitting for the fuel return line. The connecting fitting and the connector are fluidically connected. The free ends of the retaining arms have a first section in which they are angled towards each other and towards the base of the main body.

Abstract: An adapter for holding a workpiece to be machined in an accurately located axial position can include a main sleeve having an interior wall defining a passage extending therethrough with at least one inner surface angled inwardly toward a centerline of the passage, a workpiece locator engageable within the passage and supporting a positive axial location stop, an axially and radially moveable collet interposed between the main sleeve and a workpiece to be processed, and a rotatable sleeve engageable with the collet for accurately locating the workpiece to be processed by radially grasping the workpiece to be processed and axially moving the workpiece into engagement with the positive axial location stop.

Abstract: A vehicle door and hinging is described that allow for the door of a vehicle to be translated forward and rotated upward upon being opened in order to improve occupant ingress and egress. In addition, the doors and hinges of embodiments of the present invention allow for the door to be translated slightly outward for increased body panel clearance. In one embodiment of the present invention, a door has a four bar link hinge where the first and second pivots of a first bar of the four bar link hinge each allow for a single degree of motion. The pivot points are not co-axial and allow the door to translate vertically and horizontally. A second bar has first and second pivot points that each allow for three degrees of rotation to allow for the vertical and horizontal translation of the door member when actuated.

Abstract: A two part magnetic closure for a towel has a first part including a towel and a double thickness strip of material sewn to the towel at one end and a magnetic disk secured between the double thickness strip of material at the opposing end of the strip. A second part of the closure includes a clasp secured to one end of a second double thickness strip of material. Another magnetic disk of opposite polarity is secured between the second double thickness strip of material. The pair of strips of material provides planar surfaces for rotational and slidable connection and movement of the towel relative to the clasp.

Abstract: A vehicle seat or seat portion including a frame, a central cushion defining a seating surface attached to the frame and a bolster connected to the frame. The bolster is moveable between a first retracted position and at least one second extended position relative to the central cushion. The vehicle seat also includes an actuator coupled to the bolster to move the bolster between the first retracted position and at least one second position.

Abstract: A water wheel assembly is disclosed and comprises a water wheel including a plate having a rotation axis and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced receivers, each including a first slit defined through the plate, proximal to the axis, and a second slit defined through the plate, distal to the axis. A vane is provided for each receiver and includes: a body hinged to the plate for movement between a lowered position, flush therewith, and a raised position, angularly extending therefrom; and a pair of flaps extending from the body to: project through respective slits and beyond the plate when the body is lowered; and define, in combination with the body and the plate, a scoop, when the body is raised. The plate is mounted in a flow of water with its axis normal thereto and such that the plate is free to rotate about the axis.

Abstract: An external wire coupler is attachable to a housing of an electrical service apparatus mountable in a watthour meter socket by a slide-in or snap-in connection. An access control member is carried within the coupler for controlling access through the coupler to the interior of the socket adapter. A cover may be releasibly attached to an open end of the coupler to close access to the interior of the coupler.

Abstract: With a variable valve timing system, engine operability may be lost when performing open control of lift characteristic amounts to the minimum or the maximum of a variable range when a sensor error occurs. The present invention provides a lift operation angle changing mechanism that can continuously change intake valve lift amount and operation angle within a prescribed variable range. A target operation angle is calculated based on the number of engine revolutions and the accelerator pedal opening APO. An error is determined for the operation angle sensor that detects the actual operation angle. A normal control amount is calculated based on the target operation angle and the actual operation angle, and a failure control amount is calculated based on the number of engine revolutions. Therefore, an intermediate value within the variable range can be obtained as the failure control amount.

Abstract: A fitted top sheet for a mattress includes a material blank having a pair of opposed fitted corners formed by at least one pleat on a blank surface of the sheet. A plurality of pleats may be formed in each corner to form a pocket mountable over a bottom corner of a mattress. The bottom edges of the fitted top sheet hang freely below the bottom edge of the mattress without tucking beneath the mattress to allow ample foot room between the top sheet and the mattress for a user's feet while without separating from the mattress during use of the bed.

Abstract: A lag time is set in a period from the time when a leak down is finished to the time when measurement of the amount of fuel vapor is started for the purpose of returning a deformed fuel tank to its original shape. A fuel vapor amount estimating means is provided that estimates the amount of fuel vapor produced in the fuel tank during the time of the leak down. This means is so set as to make the lag time shorter as the amount of fuel vapor increases. With this, undesired precision in measuring the amount of fuel vapor produced under a condition wherein the amount of fuel vapor is large can be avoided.

Abstract: A tailgate for a pickup truck or other vehicle. The tailgate is convertible to a loading ramp to facilitate access to the cargo-holding area of the vehicle. The tailgate includes at least one extensible hook member on one side edge of the tailgate and a panel extensible from the other side edge of the tailgate. In use, the tailgate is removed from the truck, the hook member is extended, the panel is extended, and the hook member is engaged with a rear edge of the cargo-holding area with the tailgate and extended panel extending rearwardly to define the ramp.