Abstract: This invention relates to a seal assembly having a radially diffusive barrier surrounding a compressible combination seal. The combination seal has a radial seal portion and an axial seal portion, providing axial and radial sealing properties as they relate to both diffusive and convective mass flows.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for providing a visual indication of whether or not a connector is fully seated. The apparatus includes an overhanging lip on one half and a contrasting ring on the other connector half. When the connectors are fully engaged, the overhanging lip occludes view of the contrasting ring.

Abstract: A support structure for resisting deformation of an electronic component includes a terminal affixed to the electronic component and a carrier member affixed to the terminal which has a pressing member defining a pressing surface. A base has a stop member defining a stop surface which is adapted to engage the pressing surface and to resist a longitudinal force imposed on the terminal, thereby resisting deformation by that force of the electronic component.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a hub sleeve with an inside surface defining a longitudinal bore with at least a portion of the inside surface having a longitudinally oriented substantially tapered configuration disposed within a section of the bore closest to a vehicle driver. The steering wheel further includes a hub having an inside face and an outside face wherein the sleeve is formed as a single piece with the hub. The sleeve and hub have an inside surface with a longitudinal bore such that at least a portion of the inside surface of the sleeve further has a longitudinally oriented tapered configuration. The tapered portion is longitudinally disposed within a section of the bore closest to the inside face and a flat first locking sleeve formation is positioned along the tapered portion longitudinally adjacent an end of the bore.

Abstract: A solenoid has an axially movable plunger having a plunger rod extending from it. The plunger rod has the capability of angular deflection relative to the axial movement of the plunger within the solenoid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power pack for an exterior automotive mirror assembly having a central depression in its upper housing whereby a large diameter pivot cup can be used. The pivot cup, of this power pack, is separate from the mirror casing and is retained by a unique spring retainer.

Abstract: A rotary dimmer switch assembly for use with a vehicle push-pull switch controls at least one light dimming function. The rotary switch assembly comprises a stationary cam contact assembly, and a rotating carder assembly which carries a circuit element having an exposed circuit trace surface. The cam contact assembly is fixed to a circuit board and has a plurality of contact arms having one end biased against the circuit element circuit trace surfaces and the other end electrically connected to the circuit board. The cam contact assembly guides the rotation of the carrier assembly about the longitudinal axis of the push-pull switch. The circuit element rotates with the carrier assembly, which is rotated by rotation of a push-pull switching component, and the circuit trace surfaces sweep across the contact arms thereby controlling the light dimming function. A method of assembling the rotary potentiometer assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power pack for an exterior automotive mirror assembly having a central depression in its upper housing whereby a large diameter pivot cup can be used. The pivot cup, of this power pack, is separate from the mirror casing and is retained by a unique spring retainer.

Abstract: A family of retainer clip holders can each be adjusted to properly position a retainer clip at a desired location on a wire harness. In the past, it has sometimes been complicated to properly position a retainer clip holder relative to the base, and mount the holder base on a jig for assembling wire harnesses. There have typically been too many fixtures required on the jig. Thus, the prior art has attempted to assemble the retainer clips by individually tailoring hundreds of retainer clip holders for the particular orientation demanded by the particular retainer clip application. The inventive family of retainer clip holders allows the selection of the proper adjustable retainer clip holder and the adjustment of that retainer clip holder to accommodate the particular retainer clip application demanded. In this way, the invention replaces the hundreds of previously required holders with seven basic tools.

Abstract: An overhead console for a motor vehicle including an integral remote control unit storage compartment is provided. The invention allows for the remote control unit to be activated directly by actuating a pivotable door to an open position or indirectly while the remote control unit remains in the storage compartment.

Abstract: A switching assembly is disclosed which includes a base structure, spaced apart electrical contacts secured thereto, an electrical contact strip for selective electrical contact with the contacts, and spring biased switching means normally forcing the contact strip into selective engagement with one of the electrical contacts, the improvement resides in an electrical yoke terminal having one portion supporting the contact strip intermediate the ends thereof and another integral portion extending through the base structure for securing the yoke terminal to the base structure.

Abstract: Loads, such as power relays controlling wipers, windows and lights are connected to an automobile battery through individual transistor drives that are controlled by a microcontroller. A switch, connected to the microcontroller, is operated to activate each drive. The microcontroller checks the load characteristic when each drive is activated and inactivated. When the load is inactivated, it is part of a resistance network producing a test voltage that is digitally converted and supplied to the microcontroller, which compares the test voltage to a stored voltage to determine if the load is correct. An analog multiplexer is controlled by the microcontroller to select the voltage produced for each load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power pack for an exterior automotive mirror assembly having a central depression in its upper housing whereby a large diameter pivot cup can be used. The drive motors are arranged within the power pack housing such that the central depression partially extends below the top plane of the motors and an overall low profile for the power pack is maintained. The pivot cup, of this power pack, is separate from the mirror casing and is retained by a unique spring retainer.

Abstract: A bi-directional multifunction switch which incorporates a single contact carrier having conductive contacts adapted to be moved in various directions as a result of rotary and push/pull actuation of an interconnected knob. Electrically conductive circuit paths formed in a substrate surface are contacted by protrusions on the conductive contacts to accomplish electrical switching functions. The contact carrier is moved via a shaft which securely retains the contact carrier along opposing axes and which moves as a result of turning, pushing or pulling the actuating knob.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effects of ground float upon electrical signal measurements in an electronic control system. The signals are measured with respect to a virtual ground rather than signal or chassis ground, where the virtual ground provides a regular and reliable signal level regardless of circuit electrical variances.

Abstract: A jig is provided which is capable of being selective locked in place to support a work piece and quickly dropped out of place to allow the work in progress to pass by. The jig includes a plurality of fingers which can be selectively configured to support a variety of work pieces. The fingers can be easily reconfigured to handle a variety of work pieces without requiring modification of the basic jig structure.

Abstract: A wash/wiper switch control assembly having an integrally formed wash/wiper contact member. The wash/wiper contact member includes a plurality of wiper contact arms which are integrally formed with a central body portion and a wash contact arm which is also integrally formed with the central body portion. The wash/wiper contact member is secured to an actuator member via conventional staking techniques. By manufacturing the wash/wiper contact member as a single component, the overall cost of manufacturing a wash/wiper switch control assembly is reduced. The complexity of manufacturing the wash/wiper contact member is also reduced while the reliability is improved since only a single component part need be secured to the actuator member versus prior art arrangements in which a wash contact and a separate wiper contact are secured to separate component parts of a wash/wiper switch control assembly.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly having a terminal stuffer member for securely maintaining a plurality of terminal members within a connector body. The terminal stuffer member includes a plurality of flexible locking arm members. The connector body includes a plurality of openings adapted to slidably receive a corresponding plurality of terminal members therein. At least one wall portion of the connector body includes a plurality of recessed portions associated with the openings for the terminal members, with each of the recessed portions having a ramped portion associated therewith. When the terminal stuffer member is slidably inserted into a first, preloaded position, the locking arm members are slidably received within the recessed portions and therefore do not interfere with the openings into which the terminal members are inserted. Accordingly, the terminal members may be inserted into the connector body when the terminal stuffer member is in the preloaded position.

Abstract: A slide actuated holding clamp for holding a connector stationary while a push test or pull test is performed on a conductor secured to the connector. The clamp comprises a main body portion having an opening formed therein, a locking member adapted to fit nestably substantially within the opening, and an actuating member adapted to fit nestably within a recessed portion in the locking member. The actuating member is pivotally coupled to an upper end portion of the locking member and the locking member is captively held within the opening in the main body portion by a locking pin. The locking member includes elongated openings which allow the locking member to be urged slidably longitudinally within the main body portion as the actuating member is moved in first and second longitudinal directions. The pivotal coupling of the actuating member and locking member allows the locking member to be urged pivotally into abutting engagement with a connector as the actuating member is moved in a first linear direction.

Abstract: A motor has an end play insert which is installed within a tunnel of a housing proximate with an end of an armature shaft. This insert is installed a predetermined distance into the tunnel so as to set the armature shaft in a selected and consistent longitudinal position relative to the housing, thereby accurately controlling the end play of this armature shaft.