Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation, lateral motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal plane, as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: A modular column mount comprising a base fixture, a clamp float in engagement with the base fixture, and a first ring in engagement with the clamp float, the ring defining an aperture adapted to accept a steering column therethrough. The modular column mount further comprising at least one of a plurality of second rings of different predetermined inner and outer diameters used singularly or mixed and matched between the aperture of the first ring so as to provide various combinations providing a column mount of predetermined aperture size. The cost of manufacturing and inventory control of various first and second rings is substantially less than the cost of manufacturing and inventory control of column mounts of fixed aperture size in all the various aperture sizes that are possible and provided by the modular column mount.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide solenoid plungers, solenoid actuators, and solenoid-actuated mechanisms, that provide for an adjustable stroke, adjustable rated force, and adjustable plunger extension that overcome the problems and issues associated with non-adjustable solenoid actuators. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable solenoid plunger is provided that comprises a stem, a stem tail retention element adjustably coupled to the stem tail, and an armature having an armature bore, the armature adjustably coupled to the stem. The stem engages the armature bore and is adapted for advancement of the armature along at least a portion of the stem. The stem tail retention element is adapted to be advanced along the stem tail so as to adjust the extent of the plunger extending from the solenoid so as to adjust stroke, force, and plunger extension.

Abstract: A plunger for use with a solenoid having a winding defining a bore is provided in an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, comprising a plunger first end, a plunger second end opposite the plunger first end, and a plurality of through-holes defining eyelets disposed in the plunger second end. The plunger first end is adapted to extend within the bore and the plunger second end adapted to extend from the bore. The eyelets are adapted to accept a cable therethrough. In another embodiment, the eyelets are substantially the same size, substantially equally spaced and substantially collinear. In another embodiment, the eyelets are in a staggered arrangement. In another embodiment, the plunger first end comprises a retention portion adapted to couple with a suitable coupler adapted to retain the plunger first end within a bore of a solenoid.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to providing a turn signal flasher unit that controls the operation of the vehicle turn signal lamps. The turn signal flasher unit provides a plurality of user-defined modes of operation, including, but not limited to: a continuous cycle of switching from a voltage output of zero to an output of H, in an operation referred to as traditional flash mode; a continuous cycle of raising from a voltage output of zero to an output of H and back down to zero at a predetermined adjustable rate, in an operation referred to as full cycle pulse mode; and a cycle of a half cycle pulse mode circuit adapted to provide cycling between a continuous raising from a voltage output of zero to an output of H, in an operation referred to as half-cycle pulse mode.

Abstract: A fuel pump relay module comprising a shock sensor adapted to sense acceleration forces above a predetermined threshold so as to terminate electric power to a fuel pump. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a fuel pump relay module for controlling a fuel pump, comprising a relay including an activation coil, a normally open contact and an armature, the activation coil in operable arrangement with the armature, the armature in operable arrangement to contact the normally open contact when activated by the activation coil and a shock sensor including a normally closed contact adapted to open upon experiencing an acceleration force above a predetermined value, the normally closed contact connected in electrical series with the normally open contact and connected in electrical series with the fuel pump.

Abstract: A modular column mount comprising a base fixture, a clamp float in engagement with the base fixture, and a first ring in engagement with the clamp float, the ring defining an aperture adapted to accept a steering column therethrough. The modular column mount further comprising at least one of a plurality of second rings of different predetermined inner and outer diameters used singularly or mixed and matched between the aperture of the first ring so as to provide various combinations providing a column mount of predetermined aperture size. The cost of manufacturing and inventory control of various first and second rings is substantially less than the cost of manufacturing and inventory control of column mounts of fixed aperture size in all the various aperture sizes that are possible and provided by the modular column mount.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation, lateral motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal plane, as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: A laminate composite sheet comprising a two-ply base layer comprised of a bottom ply and a top ply, wherein the bottom ply is comprised of unbleached cellulosic fibers and wherein the top ply is comprised of bleached or brightened cellulosic fibers and a further layer attached to the top ply with a layer of adhesive; said further layer having a top and a bottom surface, said further layer selected from the group consisting of paper or film; said layer of adhesive containing no pigment, and said top surface of said further layer having no coating.

Abstract: Gages allowing for removable and replaceable dial, indicator needle, crystal and bezel.

Abstract: An illuminated keyed remote control device providing illumination in the visible spectrum and the functionality of a wireless signal transmitter. Light projects from one or more translucent portions of the remote control device, at least a portion of which illuminates the key. The illuminated remote control device comprises at least one translucent portion adapted for the transmission of light from a cavity to the outer surface of the housing. At least one control feature is provided to operate transmitter electronics and/or the light source housed in the cavity. The light source produces light within the cavity, the light being then guided from the cavity to the surface by a translucent portion of the housing. The illumination provides the user with an increased ability to see or be seen in the dark and provides illumination that is visually appealing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operating speed of a manufacturing facility is disclosed. It includes determining a desired operating speed that is dependent on at least one economic variable. The variables vary with the operating speed. Also, the operating speed is adjusted (if necessary) in response to the determination. Preferably the control is closed loop and includes determining a current operating speed and comparing the current operating speed to the desired operating speed. The operating speed is controlled in response to the comparison. The economic variable is preferably a cost of manufacturing, and/or manufacturing inflows, and/or manufacturing outflows. The economic efficiency is dependent on one or more economic variables that vary with operating speed. The current economic efficiency of the facility is obtained along with information on the business transactions that affects the economic variables.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide solenoid plungers, solenoid actuators, and solenoid-actuated mechanisms, that provide for an adjustable stroke, adjustable rated force, and adjustable plunger extension that overcome the problems and issues associated with non-adjustable solenoid actuators. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable solenoid plunger is provided that comprises a stem and an armature including an axial armature bore. The stem engages the armature bore and is adapted for advancement of the armature along at least a portion of the stem.

Abstract: A laminated paperboard package is produced by initially printing graphics by high speed printing on a sheet of clay-coated publication paper. The printed paper is then continuously applied to a surface of cellulosic substrate and bonded to the substrate, preferably through use of starch as an adhesive, to provide a laminated product. The laminated product is then die cut to the desired shape, folded and glued into the configuration of a box or container. A layer of water absorbent, cellulosic fiber material can be bonded to the inner surface of the substrate to prevent moisture from the contained product from seeping outwardly through the substrate to the printed paper.

Abstract: A hinge for automobile doors so as to provide for gull-wing operation comprising fastening elements provided with fixed pivot pins and with sliding guides, which can be housed respectively in the thickness of the door and in a corresponding roof header; linkages for connecting the fastening elements with their first extremity, hinged on the fixed pivot pin of one of the fastening elements and with a second extremity including a shoe engaged in the sliding guide of the other fastening element; and a joint interposed at the extremities of the linkages which pivotally connects the linkages to each other allowing their relative angular mobility. The fastening elements further comprise a control means in cooperative engagement with the sliding guide and shoe for adjustably controlling the maximum range of rotation of the hinge.

Abstract: A fluid containment unit for automotive applications that is capable of being easily enlarged, changed, modified and configured.

Abstract: A multi-axis automobile door hinge, comprising a first leaf, a second leaf, and a third leaf. The first leaf and the second leaf are pivotally coupled defining a swing-out hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially horizontal plane about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The second leaf and the third leaf are pivotally coupled about a lift bearing defining a vertical-lift hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially vertical plane about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. The multi-axis automobile door hinge provides a combination of swing-out and vertical-lift motion suitable for retrofitting a conventional swing-out automobile door for swing-out and vertical-lift operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide power drives comprising a drive unit, a drive cable, a trolley, and a track on which a trolley is guided for moving components for use in motor vehicle applications. The drive unit comprises a gear powered by an electric motor. The electric motor rotates the gear that meshes with and advances the drive cable. The drive unit is coupled to an end of the track by an intermediate cable sleeve comprising a flexible material allowing for independent placement of the drive unit and the track by selectively bending the intermediate cable sleeve. The drive cable passes through the intermediate cable sleeve and is coupled to the trolley and is adapted to advance the trolley along the track. The electric motor causes the gear to rotate in a forward or reverse direction to advance the trolley along the track.