Abstract: A windshield wiper structural assembly and a method of forming the same is disclosed. The structural member is generally comprised of an elongate tubular component, which is bent to the desired configuration. The pivot mechanisms (8, 10) are designed for application to the exterior surface of the tubular component, whereupon they are clamped to the tubular component where they are retained. The clamping is done by wire clips which are crimped around the pivot mechanisms (8, 10). Pins can also be driven through the housings and the tubular component to prevent rotation of the housings.

Abstract: A control device for switching control of vehicular accessories between separate vehicle control stations. The device has an output connector connected to the vehicle's accessories, input controls including a control switch located at each control station, and a gating means connected between the input controls and the output connector. When one of the control switches is activated, the gating means connects the control inputs of the corresponding control station to the output connector and disconnects all other control stations. When a control switch is continuously activated for a predetermined duration of time, control is transferred to the corresponding control station and a discrete vehicle accessory driven by the control switch is activated.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly includes a wiper arm carrying a windshield wiper blade, an arm head, and a pivot attaching the wiper arm to the arm head. A spring retainer and coil spring extends between the arm head and the arm, thereby biasing the wiper blade against the windshield. When the wiper arm is lifted off the windshield to a hold off position, the spring retains the wiper blade in the hold off position. A finger extending from the spring retainer engages a shoulder on a drive drum which is received in a socket in the arm head. Accordingly, the wiper assembly is automatically released from the driving mechanism when the wiper assembly is moved to the inactive or hold off position. The wiper assembly can then be removed from the vehicle, which facilitates changing of the wiper blade.

Abstract: A windshield washer control system for a vehicle having an air pressure source includes an electrically actuated control valve for controlling communication between the air pressure source and a bladder pump which squirts windshield washer fluid up to the windshield of the vehicle. A fluid restricting orifice is opened and closed by a solenoid actuator such that the pressure communicated to the bladder pump is limited to be below that of the air pressure reservoir. A second orifice controls communication from the pump to ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston fluid powered motor which has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Reciprocation of the piston is controlled by a reciprocable valve spool which communicates with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet. The valve spool cooperates with a valve slide which is shiftable on said valve spool to control spool reciprocation. Fluid flow through the fluid inlet and outlet is controlled by electrically actuated solenoid valves connected in flow communication to the fluid inlet and a park port. An electric pulse width modulating switch is connected to each solenoid valve and has a plurality of positions to enable the piston to reciprocate at continuous low and high speed as well as in an intermittent mode. The switch may also be connected to an air powered washer fluid pump to deliver cleaning fluid on command.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston fluid powered motor having fluid inlet and outlet, wherein reciprocation is controlled by a reciprocable valve spool communicating with said fluid inlet and outlet and cooperating with a valve slide shiftable on said valve spool to control reciprocation of said valve spool. A needle valve assembly controls the exhaust rate proportionally to the operative speed of the motor.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston fluid powered motor having fluid inlet and outlet, wherein reciprocation is controlled by a reciprocable valve spool carrying a manifold communicating with said fluid inlet and outlet and cooperating with a valve slide shiftable on said valve spool to control reciprocation of said valve spool.

Abstract: A ball socket member molded of resilient resin material is open at one end to receive and retain a ball in a part spherical cavity within the body communicating with a chamber containing a lubricant. The socket member carries a skirt at its open end which is adapted to form a seal with a member which carries the ball to prevent leakage and/or contamination of lubrication contained within the body cavity. Relief grooves are formed in the socket member which distribute lubricant on the ball and vent excess lubrication from the cavity as the ball is pressed into the cavity. The socket member has a polygonal external surface having a circumferential groove formed therein which receives the portion of the linkage member surrounding a complementary polygonal opening therein, so as to anchor the socket member against rotation relative to the linkage member.

Abstract: A normally closed pneumatic valve and regulator assembly having regulator and vent valve spools is actuated by an operator pushbutton to automatically regulate pressure of a fluid provided from a pressure source. The valve assembly automatically vents when the pushbutton is released. A bias spring is operatively positioned between the pushbutton and one of the valve spools. The spring is preloaded by a pair of interlinked hook members which limits the travel of the pushbutton with respect to the valve spool and which maintains the spring in a preloaded condition so as to set a minimum value of regulated pressure. Fluid pressure from the pressure source urges the regulator valve spool into a normally closed position and the vent valve spool into an opened position. Pushing the pushbutton opens the regulator valve and closes the vent valve. The spring acts in opposition to fluid pressure on the combined valve spools to provide a regulated, reduced pressure for fluid exiting the valve.

Abstract: A multi-function valve device for controlling the operation of a pneumatically-driven motor. A spring-biased linkage couples a cam-operated push pin to a valve spool assembly. The valve spool assembly coaxially combines the movable elements of a pressure regulator valve, a run valve, and a park valve into a single unit slidable axially within the valve housing and positioned by the spring-biased linkage. The pressure regulator valve permits an increasing pressure to be applied to a slowed or stopped pneumatic motor, approaching the pressure of the pneumatic source to aid in restarting the motor or to provide the additional force necessary to drive a heavily loaded motor. Automatic park and shutoff functions are also provided.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston fluid powered motor providing great flexibility in its mounting and the location of the motor shaft and fluid inlet lines. Relatively few component parts are employed and a number of the components are used as-cast or with minimal machining operations required.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a windshield wiper blade in an oscillatory motion over the surface of a windshield. The wiper blade is driven in a straight line over the windshield surface rather than in the usual arcuate or modified arcuate path.

Abstract: A windshield wiper arm is formed of a single metal blank bent to different cross sectional configurations along its length to strengthen and reinforce it, and including a long substantially tubular portion intermediate its ends. A windshield washer nozzle is mounted at the free end of the arm and is supplied by an elongated liquid tube concealed and protected within the arm by the tubular portion of the arm and by the coil spring urging the arm toward the windshield.