Abstract: A thermoplastic polyolefin article is coated with a multilayer coating comprising a halogenated polyolefin primer layer, polymeric base coat layer deposited on the primer layer, a chrome or chrome and nickel alloy layer deposited on the polymeric layer, and a polymeric top coat layer deposited on the chrome or chrome and nickel alloy layer.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating comprising a polymeric layer deposited on the surface of the article, a zirconium compound or titanium compound layer deposited on the polymeric layer, and a polyurethane layer deposited on the zirconium compound or titanium compound layer.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating comprising a polymeric layer deposited on the surface of the article, a chrome/nickel alloy layer deposited on the polymeric layer, and a silicone resin layer deposited on the chrome/nickel alloy layer.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating comprising a polymeric layer deposited on the surface of the article, a chrome/nickel alloy layer deposited on the polymeric layer, and an acrylic layer deposited on the chrome/nickel alloy layer.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer coating comprising a polymeric layer deposited on the surface of the article, a zirconium compound, titanium compound or zirconium/titanium alloy compound layer deposited on the polymeric layer, and a silicone resin layer deposited on the zirconium compound or titanium compound layer.

Abstract: A mounting box 30 for mounting an electrical connector 40 laterally to a cross tube 32 of a trailer hitch 34. Walls 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50 enclose the body. An opening 52 of the box 30 is closed by two walls 39 and 37 of the cross tube. The electrical cable extends through a first end wall 44 through a cut out 69. The cable is connected to a connector 40 that is mounted through an opening 68 in the end wall 42. The sections 282 and 284 in proximity to the v-shaped notches 54 and 56 adjacent the open side 52 are trimmable to change the shape of the notches into semi-circular notches 154 and 156.

Abstract: A clutch housing for a vehicle transmission assembly and a method of making the same. The housing is generally cup-shaped with an axial hub. The outer wall of the housing is formed with a plurality of longitudinal splines of varying configurations. Select splines are formed at an increased depth. A groove is formed in the exterior surface of the housing at a depth sufficient to intersect the select splines of the inner surface thereby forming apertures through the wall of the housing. The dimensions of the apertures are determined by the configuration of the exterior groove and the interior splines.

Abstract: A system for converting the tail light signals of a towing vehicle to control the tail lights of a towed vehicle. The converter includes full buffering for all input signals thereby minimizing any loading effect caused by the converter or the towed vehicle. Also, the converter employs an override circuit so that the towed vehicle brake lights operate even if the emergency flashers have been activated on the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A panel assembly that may be used in doors, particularly hollow metal doors, and other types of panels such as interior and exterior walls, room partitions, and the like. The panel assembly exemplified by a hollow or filled metal door is constructed from a deep pan and a shallow pan made from unitary pieces of sheet metal sheet and each pan includes top, bottom, and two opposing side flanges extending from rectangular face members. The flanges of the deep pan are substantially perpendicular to its rectangular face member and higher than those of the shallow pan. Side flanges of one of the pans have first latch members formed along free side edges of their side flanges remote from their respective face member and side flanges of the other pan have second mating latch members formed along free side edges of their side flanges remote from their respective face members.

Abstract: An article carrier for an automotive vehicle includes a pair of elongated side members adapted to be mounted on an exterior body surface of the vehicle in spaced-apart parallel relation. At least one article securing member is adapted to be mounted for longitudinal movement on each side member and a mechanism is provided for selectively locking the article securing members in position along the side members. Each side member includes a plurality of apertures therein and the locking mechanism includes a latching member spring biased into self-locking engagement with one of the apertures when the latching member is aligned therewith. A push button and a cam are operative for moving the latching member against the bias of the spring and out of engagement with the apertures.

Abstract: A panel assembly that may be used in doors, particularly hollow metal doors, and other types of panels such as interior and exterior walls, room partitions, and the like. The panel assembly exemplified by a hollow or filled metal door is constructed from a deep pan and a shallow pan made from unitary pieces of sheet metal sheet and each pan includes top, bottom, and two opposing side flanges extending from rectangular face members. The flanges of the deep pan are substantially perpendicular to its rectangular face member and higher than those of the shallow pan. Side flanges of one of the pans have first latch members formed along free side edges of their side flanges remote from their respective face member and side flanges of the other pan have second mating latch members formed along free side edges of their side flanges remote from their respective face members.

Abstract: Control systems including control circuitry and optional communications systems for operating a sliding power-operated member of an automotive vehicle. A powered sliding door in an automotive vehicle, such as a van, moves along a predetermined path of travel between a closed position and a fully open position relative to the body of the vehicle. Such a sliding door may be provided with one or more electrically-operated actuators for performing functions associated with the door, such as power opening and closing the door, power unlatching the door, power locking and unlocking the door, and power clamping and unclamping the door in a soft or low-momentum manner. The invention is directed toward improved control systems and circuitry for operating such power-sliding door systems. One such control system employs a wireless communications link between the door and body, which is preferably implemented using radio frequency communication signals containing digitally encoded control signals.

Abstract: An article carrier for an automotive vehicle or the like includes a pair of elongated side rails adapted to be mounted on an exterior body surface of the vehicle in spaced-apart parallel relation with the inboard sides thereof facing toward the longitudinal center line of the vehicle. Each of the side rails is formed with a transverse cross-section having a height greater than its width and an upper surface including a substantial portion thereof sloping downwardly and outwardly with respect to the vehicle center line. At least one article securing member is adapted to be mounted for longitudinal movement on each side rail and a mechanism is provided for selectively locking the article securing members in position along the side rails.

Abstract: An upper control arm for a vehicle suspension system having a modulus section of hollow construction for reduced weight. The modulus section of the control arm is of a stamped and welded construction thereby eliminating material weight while reducing the cost of manufacturing. The modulus section has a substantially triangular configuration with a reinforced rim flange along the high compression stress area of the control arm elbow. The reinforced rim flange improves the strength of the control arm without sacrificing the weight reduction provided by the hollow construction.

Abstract: An upper control arm for a vehicle suspension system and a method of making the same to form a reinforced arm for receiving a ball joint assembly. The arm is constructed by inserting an aluminum rod into a straight piece of steel tube with aluminum insert positioned at the center point of the tube, the tube is bent into the general shape of the control arm. The apex of the arm containing the aluminum insert is flattened into a substantially oval cross-sectional configuration. A hole is tapered reamed at the apex through both the tube and the aluminum insert to receive the ball joint assembly. As a result, critical sections of the control arm are reinforced yet a lightweight construction is maintained.

Abstract: An upper control arm for a vehicle suspension system having a modulus section of hollow construction for reduced weight. The modulus section of the control arm is of a stamped and welded construction thereby eliminating material weight while reducing the cost of manufacturing. The modulus section has a substantially triangular configuration with a reinforced rim flange along the high compression stress area of the control arm elbow. The reinforced rim flange improves the strength of the control arm without sacrificing the weight reduction provided by the hollow construction.