Abstract: A trainable transceiver for learning and transmitting an activation signal that includes a rolling or other variable code for remotely actuating a device, such as a garage door opener. The trainable transceiver preferably includes a receiver, a signal generator, and a controller operating in a learning mode or in an operating mode. In the learning mode the controller recognizes the presence of a variable code, identifies a prestored cryptographic algorithm related to the cryptographic algorithm used by the remote transmitter to generate the variable code, and stores data identifying the cryptographic algorithm and last transmitted code of the activation signal. In the operating mode, the controller generates output data representing a next sequential code of the variable code using the identified cryptographic algorithm and the data representing the last transmitted code.

Abstract: A vehicle structural accessory includes one or more electronic accessories. One electrical accessory which may be provided is an electronically trainable transmitter which is trainable to generate a control signal which will actuate a garage door opening mechanism. Another electronic accessory which may be included is an electronic compass. Yet another device is an electronically adjustable mirror having parameters set for each driver of a vehicle. The electronically adjustable rearview mirror and the electronically trainable garage door opener may be advantageously provided with a keyless entry system.

Abstract: A wireless system for monitoring vehicle parameters, such as tire pressure, using radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted from transmitters close in proximity to an associated parameter sensor, to a centrally located receiver. The transmitted RF signals from the transmitters may be distinguished by the frequency of the respective transmitted RF signals. To detect the presence of an RF signal having a particular frequency, the wireless vehicle parameter monitoring system of one embodiment includes a digitally controlled tuner or a plurality of parallel bandpass filters, which pass different ranges of frequencies corresponding to the frequencies of the RF signals output from the transmitters. In this manner, RF signals transmitted from different tires may be distinguished based upon the frequency of the transmitted signal. The receiver of this system may be implemented in the receiver of a trainable transmitter such that a dedicated receiver need not be provided.

Abstract: An electronic vehicle theft detection system employing a magnetic field sensor for mounting within a vehicle to provide signal information representing the earth's magnetic field. The sensor is coupled to an electrical processing circuit for sampling the data provided by the sensor and for generating a theft alarm signal when the heading of the vehicle has changed due to unauthorized movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A visor includes a guide channel which receives an elongated pivot rod and combined torque control and slide. The slide comprises a lubricous polymeric member which surrounds the torque control to present a sliding interface between the visor rod and channel within the visor body while the torque control allows the visor to be raised to desired adjusted positions between a raised storage position adjacent the vehicle roof and lowered use positions. In one embodiment, at least one bias spring extends between the slide and channel for providing the desired sliding action and permitting tolerance variations in the manufacture of the visor control.

Abstract: A modular electronic system for vehicles employing a microprocessor to facilitate the implementation of additional vehicular features embodied in electronic accessory modules. The system includes a housing with separate mounting areas for receiving at least one of a plurality of plug-in electrical modules and one of a plurality of display boards for displaying information relating to associated modules.

Abstract: A sports racquet has a head portion with an elliptical cross-section in which the major axis is oriented parallel to the string plane. Preferably, the racquet includes a pair of converging throat frame members, and a throat bridge, which also have elliptical cross-sections oriented parallel to the string plane. As an alternative to a conventional throat bridge, in which some of the main strings are secured to the sides of the frame, a power ring, which bows inwardly toward the strung surface, spans the throat area, and supports the all the main strings, which are wrapped therearound. The racquet provides improved playability for hitting spin shots, by reducing wind resistance and reducing the minimum required angle of incidence (making it easier to hit the ball). Also, the hoop strength of the racquet is increased, which is particularly advantageous when using a power ring, which needs to provide tension to all the main strings.

Abstract: A visor rod assembly includes a polymeric torque device having an elongated bore which includes at least one detent formed on the inner radius thereof and which receives an elongated visor pivot rod having a noncircular cross section. A visor with such an assembly can slide along the pivot rod to a variety of selected use positions.

Abstract: A trainable transceiver provides an integrated trainable transmitter and control system receiver for a vehicle electrical system. The transceiver includes an input circuit and an output circuit coupled to a controller. The transceiver also includes an interface connected between the controller and the vehicle's electrical system. The input circuit which receives RF signals includes an amplitude control for adjusting the reception range of the transceiver. The transceiver also disconnects the output circuit from the antenna in a remote control training mode or a transmitter signal detection mode. The transceiver is manually controlled to enter the remote control training mode and a transmission mode for controlling a remote device. The transceiver automatically enters the transmitter signal detection mode on a periodic basis.

Abstract: A sliding trap door butt cap for use on a sports racquet such as a tennis racquet includes a cap base and a removable cap plate. The bottom of the cap base has a rectangular guide opening including a pair of opposed keyways, and a ramp portion extending from the keyway on the inwardly facing surface of the cap base. A cap plate has a pair of L-shaped legs extending from the upper surface. The legs are inserted into the respective keyways, and then slid along the ramp portions to draw the cap plate against the cap base. Preferably, the base has an outer border that defines a socket for receiving the cap plate, and the cap plate further includes a tab that engages the guide opening when the cap plate is in position over the socket, so as to lock the cap plate.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory has a mounting wall with an elongated slot which slideably receives a snap-in fastener which is fixed in the orthogonal direction of installation of the snap-in fastener. The fastener cooperates with an elongated slot formed in a vehicle support structure which slot extends orthogonally to the slot in the vehicle accessory such that the fastener can be moved into alignment on two axes to align with the aperture in the vehicle for insertion of the fastener and installation of the accessory.

Abstract: An assist strap including an elongated handle-shaped body having opposite ends with inwardly projecting locking flanges formed on a tapered locking member. The locking flange is spaced from an opposed support surface a distance to compressibly engage the vehicle's sheet metal roof and surrounding headliner material. The tapered locking member includes a spring mounted on a side of the locking member opposite the locking flange for urging the flange into continued contact with the supporting sheet metal thereby holding the assist strap in secure engagement within an aperture formed in the vehicle sheet metal structure.

Abstract: A vertical die cast apparatus having a novel docking/shot assembly in which the docking and docking cylinder and shot cylinder are constructed in one compound cylinder. A novel construction for supporting the docking/shot assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A container is provided for a support having an upper that is generally flat, such as in a van console or an armrest. The container holder includes a pair of offset overlapping recesses which have different diameters and depths, such that one of the recesses is adapted to receive a coffee mug having a handle with the handle extending into the second recess, and the second recess is configured to support a smaller diameter soda can or the like.

Abstract: An assist handle includes a generally elongated C-shaped handle having opposed ends which include upwardly extending projections defining hooks for receiving hangers at each of the opposite ends. A pair of mounting brackets are provided for mounting in spaced relationship to the vehicle and for pivotally receiving the opposite ends of the handle for pivotally mounting the handle to a vehicle. In one embodiment, the mounting brackets are integrally formed in a concave handle receiving bezel.

Abstract: A trainable transceiver provides an integrated trainable transmitter and control system receiver for a vehicle electrical system. The transceiver includes an input circuit and an output circuit coupled to a controller. The transceiver also includes an interface connected between the controller and the vehicle's electrical system. The input circuit which receives RF signals includes an amplitude control for adjusting the reception range of the transceiver. The transceiver also disconnects the output circuit from the antenna in a remote control training mode or a transmitter signal detection mode. The transceiver is manually controlled to enter the remote control training mode and a transmission mode for controlling a remote device. The transceiver automatically enters the transmitter signal detection mode on a periodic basis.

Abstract: A grip for a sports racquet, such as a tennis racquet, a squash racquet, a badminton racquet, or a racquetball racquet, comprises a thin layer of synthetic material and a porous backing material, e.g., felt. One or more longitudinal channels are formed in the thin synthetic layer to expose the backing material, thereby allowing moisture to pass directly to the backing material. The channel or series of channels run substantially coextensive with the grip, so that when the grip is wound onto a sports racquet handle, the channel or channels will be provided about the handle along its length. The exposed surface of the backing material may have a different color than the outer strip, to produce a pleasing decorative appearance. Also, in a preferred embodiment, a pair of parallel channels extend substantially the length of the strip, and a pair of parallel stitch lines, located between the channels, compress the outer surface of the strip to create a raised section.

Abstract: A trainable transceiver provides an integrated trainable transmitter and control system receiver for a vehicle electrical system. The transceiver includes an input circuit and an output circuit coupled to a controller. The transceiver also includes an interface connected between the controller and the vehicle's electrical system. The input circuit which receives RF signals includes an amplitude control for adjusting the reception range of the transceiver. The transceiver also disconnects the output circuit from the antenna in a remote control training mode or a transmitter signal detection mode. The transceiver is manually controlled to enter the remote control training mode and a transmission mode for controlling a remote device. The transceiver automatically enters the transmitter signal detection mode on a periodic basis.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory includes a trainable transmitter for duplicating the signal of an existing remote control. In one embodiment, the system includes a variable frequency generator having a frequency control input and an output. In one embodiment, also, the transmitter includes a switch for selectively disabling the variable frequency generator. According to another embodiment, the transmitter is trained by adjusting the frequency of the signal output by the variable frequency generator until it matches a signal transmitted by an existing remote control for a garage door opening mechanism. According to another embodiment, a variable attenuator is controlled to adjust the magnitude of the output signal of the variable frequency generator in inverse relationship to the duty cycle of output signals therefrom.