Abstract: A collet quick connect fluid coupling includes a self-centering structure that is received within a channel (36) in a pilot (32). The channel and self-centering leg (28) ensures the collet (26) is approximately centered within the housing (22) as a tube (38) is moved into the housing. This prevents misalignment of the collet relative to the tube (38). In a preferred embodiment, the collet (26) has a ramp (30) on an inwardly facing surface that cams along a surface on the pilot (32), assisting the collet (26) in expanding when a tube (38) is moved into a housing (22).

Abstract: A PCV valve assembly including housing having a fluid inlet and outlet. A poppet valve is disposed in the housing between the fluid inlet and outlet and is moveable in an axial direction between a plurality of positions. A heating element having a positive temperature coefficient material is supported in the housing in proximity to at least a portion of the valve for automatically heating the valve in response to a given voltage. The material produces a first heat in response to a first temperature and the given voltage. The material produces a second heat less than the first heat produced in response to the given voltage and a second temperature greater than the first temperature. That is, the positive temperature coefficient material automatically regulates the flow of current and the temperature produced without the need of a thermostat in response to the same voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides for proper air bleed without using air wicking fabric strips and/or the perforated polyethylene material or the like. Instead, an inside surface of a curing envelope is molded with a unique embossed pattern which is designed to channel to a vacuum valve, expeditiously, all the air being evacuated from between the outer surface of a tire and an inner surface of the envelope. Additionally, a valve base area is recessed so as to allow the air channels to open directly into the valve base area during evacuation. The envelope is also designed to accept various styles and designs of air valves. Another unique feature is the creation of a decorative pattern on the inside shoulder area of a tire by transfer of a surface feature from the envelope interior. This pattern provides a significant improvement in the appearance of the finished tire.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a clamp to a hose assembly, preferably automatic or semi-automatic, incorporates precisely located mounting devices for receiving clamp tooling, cooperating hose guiding and positioning tooling which can support a unique hose assembly and locate a predetermined location on such hose assembly properly aligned with a clamp in the clamp tooling. An operator only needs to load a clamp and a hose assembly into tooling, then initiate an automatic cycle which scrubs a small area on the hose, places a predetermined quantity (e.g. drop) of adhesive on that area, then brings the clamp into position and presses the clamp, adhesive, and hose together holding that position for a period sufficient to allow the adhesive to set. The operator then removes the finished part (the hose with attached clamp) and loads another clamp and hose into the tooling.

Abstract: An isolator assembly (20) such as a cradle mount or a body mount assembly incorporates break-away features. An insert (70,70?) includes a thinned cross-sectional region (100) or a gap/interface (90) between insert portions (70a, 70b) that allow a bolt (24) to break-away under a predetermined load in a fore direction (80) and an aft direction (90). In addition, a retainer washer (50) may have an irregular configuration such as a tear-drop or clover-leaf configuration that cooperates with the insert (70, 70?) to allow the isolator assembly (20) to pull away in the negative z-direction under a predetermined load.

Abstract: A tube is insertable into a housing and secured by a collet connector. The tube has a first upset portion for actuating the collet and a second upset portion outwardly from the first upset portion. A retention clip has a first pair of arms which attach to a portion of the housing and a second pair of arms which attach to the tube outwardly of the second upset portion to further secure the tube within the housing. The end of each of the second pair of arms include a ramped surface. If the tube is not fully inserted within the housing before attaching clip, and thus the first upset portion has not fully actuated the collet, the ramps will cam along the second upset portion, thus pushing the tube into the housing and likewise the first upset portion through the collet.

Abstract: An improved method of applying an epoxy paint coating to a tube includes the step of mixing plastic particles into the epoxy paint prior to application on the tube. The plastic particles improve the paint's abrasion and corrosion resistance and also improves the paint's ability to withstand downstream forming operations.

Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly, such as an isolator bushing or cradle mount, includes a housing and an isolator connected to the housing. A shaft assembly includes first and second mating components, the first component being connected to the elastomer and having a cavity of a first dimension for receiving the second component having a different, second dimension therein. The differing dimensions alters the stress characteristics of the vibration isolator assembly. According to a preferred method of altering stress characteristics of a vibration isolator assembly, the method includes the steps of forming a cavity in the shaft and varying a dimension of the shaft to alter the spring rate characteristics. In the preferred arrangement, the shaft assembly includes a split, first component and a second component is inserted between the split portions to relieve tensile stress in the isolator and, if desired, to impart a compressive stress in the isolator.

Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly, such as an isolator bushing or cradle mount, includes a housing and an isolator connected to the housing. A shaft assembly includes first and second mating components, the first component being connected to the elastomer and having a cavity of a first dimension for receiving the second component having a different, second dimension therein. The differing dimensions alter the stress characteristics of the vibration isolator assembly. In the preferred arrangement, the shaft assembly includes a first component comprising first and second portions, a thin layer of elastomer interposed between the first and second components and a second component which is inserted between the portions to relieve tensile stress in the isolator and, if desired, to impart a compressive stress in the isolator. The thin layer of elastomer permits the first components to be made more economically.

Abstract: Methods for forming a composite extrusion for use as a vehicle weather strip and the products formed thereby are disclosed in which a main body member is formed from an elastomeric thermoset rubber and an abrasion resistant decorative layer comprised of a crosslinkable thermoplastic is extruded thereon. The crosslinkable thermoplastic may be an ethylene-octene copolymer or a copolymerized ethylene-styrene interpolymer. The thermoplastic contains grafted silane functional groups to allow the thermoplastic to be crosslinked in the presence of moisture. The abrasion resistant decorative layer may be extruded onto the thermoset either prior to or after the thermoset is cured and either prior to or after the abrasion resistant decorative layer is crosslinked. The material of the abrasion resistant decorative layer may be extruded into sheet form and laminated onto the main body member.

Abstract: A polymer blend of an ethylene-&agr;-olefin-diene rubber and a conjugated diene rubber suitable for use as a replacement for unblended EPDM rubber in automotive applications. The rubber blends of the present invention comprise a high molecular weight EPDM rubber, a conjugated diene rubber, and a low molecular weight, high ethylene content EPDM rubber that functions as a compatibilizer. The resultant blend exhibits physical properties, including tensile and tear strength, that are comparable to conventional EPDM rubbers, while maintaining the excellent heat and weather resistance possessed by EPDM rubbers.

Abstract: A plastic bracket (10) including a screw housing cover (26) and a pair of opposing tabs (28) is pressed over a screw housing (12) of a worm drive clamp (14) to secure the worm drive clamp (14) to a hose (24). The tabs (28) can extend either be inside or outside of the screw housing cover (26). A protrusion (46) located on each of the opposing inner surfaces (48) of the screw housing cover (26) retain the bracket (10) over the screw housing (12). End caps (40) and (44) molded across opposing sides of the screw housing cover (26) maintain the position of the screw housing (12) in the screw housing cover (26) during assembly and prevent the sliding of the worm drive clamp (14).

Abstract: An insertable wear strip assembly is dimensioned for insertion into an associated cavity of an associated weatherseal. The wear strip assembly includes a generally U-shaped base portion having a base wall, and first and second sidewalls extending from the base wall for receiving the window glass. First and second compliant thin wall regions extend outwardly from the first and second sidewalls, respectively, for low friction, sliding engagement with the window glass. Optionally, the insertable wear strip is secured to the weatherseal via fasteners.

Abstract: A weatherseal employing a magnetic appendage for enhancing the sealing with a mounting surface. The weatherseal includes an elastomeric base that conforms to and engages the mounting surface. The seal portion extends from the base for selective engagement with a second surface, such as a door of a vehicle. An appendage is fabricated from a magnetic elastomer that is sufficiently flexible to conform to irregularities in the mounting surface. Preferably, only the appendage is formed of the magnetic elastomer to achieve an effective seal with only a small amount of the expensive magnetic elastomer to enhance the seal with the mounting surface and avoid, for example, the use of more expensive welded mounting channels that add undesired weight to the vehicle.

Abstract: An EGR valve apparatus regulates the amount of exhaust gas recirculated in an EGR system. The EGR valves are opened or closed by a rotatable shaft which is actuated by a motor. Alternatively, the valves can be balanced on the shaft, the valves moving in opposing direction during rotation. An inline poppet can be employed to overcome pressure in the system prior to movement of the valves. In another alternative embodiment, the motor rotates threaded shaft to move a pintle towards and away from an orifice.

Abstract: Vulcanized ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM) rubbers are disclosed that are particularly suited for use in dynamic applications as a replacement for natural rubber parts. The ethylene-propylene-diene rubbers exhibit excellent thermal and oxidative resistance while displaying tensile strength and dynamic fatigue resistance comparable to similar compounds based on natural rubber. The ethylene-propylene-diene rubbers comprise a high molecular weight EPDM, a processing oil, a carbon black, and a cure system containing sulfur, tetramethylthiuram-disulfide and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole.

Abstract: An integrally formed single piece light strip and light strip manufacturing system. The light strip also includes a substrate populated with a plurality of LED light circuits. A plurality of bus elements are spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance and are in electrical communication with the plurality of light circuits. A plastic material is extruded around the plurality of light circuits and the substrate to completely encapsulates the bus elements and the plurality of light circuits to provide a protective housing. In one embodiment, an electrical connector is also integrally formed as part of the light strip to eliminate the need for separate connectors. The light strip is o manufactured in a cost efficient manner, and is impervious to moisture penetration, thereby allowing the strip to be used in a variety of applications and environments.

Abstract: An integral single piece extruded LED light strip and an associated process for producing such an LED light strip. The light strip includes first and second bus elements spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. The light strip also includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) connected between the bus elements that is illuminated when the first bus element conducts electricity provided from a power source. An extruded plastic material completely encapsulates the first and second bus elements and the LED, thereby providing a barrier to protect the elements from damage and to make the light strip impervious to moisture.

Abstract: A laminate of an elastomeric substrate and a high density polyethylene having certain properties is disclosed. The preferred high density polyethylene has a density of from 0.940 to 1.000 g/cm3, a melt index of less than 10 grams per 10 minutes under conditions of 190° C. and 2.160 kg load and 298.2 kPa, and a melt index of greater than 5 grams per 10 minutes under conditions of 190° C. and 21.6 kg load and 2,982.2 kPa pressure. The laminate is particularly well suited for use in automotive seals.

Abstract: A process for producing a vulcanized elastomeric rubber composition that minimizes or eliminates the appearance of discoloration on the surface of the rubber, and the products formed from this process are disclosed. The process includes the incorporation of polar functional groups into the elastomeric rubber by grafting the functional groups onto a compound miscible in the rubber. It is believed that the polar functional groups increase the solubility of the compounds responsible for iridescence and blooming observed in vulcanized rubber and decrease their migration to the rubber surface. Additional techniques for reducing or eliminating undesirable discoloration in rubber are disclosed.