Abstract: A support system for a motor within a fan shroud. Struts extending from the shroud to the motor support the motor. The struts are arranged in groups, which are spaced from adjacent groups, and each group contains a non-radial strut.

Abstract: A selectively controllable heated wash system for a vehicle surface includes a wiper system control module operatively disposed in the vehicle and may be adapted to receive at least one sensed input. A fluid heating module is controlled by the wiper system control module, the heating module adapted to heat fluid therein to a predetermined target temperature, or to a preferred temperature determined as a result of recognition and analysis of the sensed input(s). Fluid is dispensed onto the surface from the heating module manually, according to predetermined parameters, or according to predetermined parameters determined at least in part as a result of recognition and analysis of the sensed input(s).

Abstract: A module in the form of a carrier with an optional decorative body is mountable on an exterior surface of a vehicle lift gate and provides a mounting platform for a plurality of components. The components include at least two of light sources in the form of LEDs or incandescent bulbs, an actuatable switch, a camera, a key lock cylinder and a movable handle. The carrier is affixed to the body and is alignable with apertures in the body for transmission of light from the light sources exteriorly of the body as well as to provide a field of view for the camera. The electric switch is actuatable through a resilient membrane.

Abstract: An engine cooling fan motor has a water baffle positioned in a water line of sight passage through structures surrounding the motor to prevent water from impacting on the air vents at the front end of the motor. The baffle blocks the water line of sight passage. In one aspect, a rear cover is spaced from the rear endwall of the motor and has one or more baffled inlets to create an airflow passage to air inlet vents on the rear endwall of the motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A fault-handling system for a 2-phase motor. When an electric motor is used for power assist in a steering system in a vehicle, malfunctions can cause loss of assist, and detectable vibration. The invention utilizes a 2-phase motor in such an application, and implements alternate modes of operation when certain malfunctions occur, thereby maintaining the assist function in situations wherein the function would otherwise be lost or reduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A liftgate component module mountable on a pivotal liftgate window provides a unitary mounting platform for a plurality of components including a window wiper drive motor and a window latch. A unitary bracket carries the wiper drive apparatus and the window latch apparatus. A handle, which may include an electrical switch, is also mounted on the window. The electrical connections between the handle switch and a controller carried on the window as part of the motor enables instantaneous response of the latch to activation of the handle switch. The same controller can also control a liftgate latch and a liftgate electrical switch handle.

Abstract: An electrically powered axial-flow fan has a hub to house the motor and support the fan blades. Small blades or vanes on the inside of the hub function as a radial-flow blower to draw cooling air through cooling ports on the electric motor housing. The vanes inside the hub cooperate with a flange surrounding the motor to form a low pressure chamber under the hub to improve cooling flow through the motor. This motor cooling air flow is then ejected into the exhaust stream of the axial-flow fan.

Abstract: A windshield wiper drive linkage is provided for use in a wiper system. The linkage includes a crank arm connectible to an output shaft of a drive motor. A drive arm is pivotally connected to the crank arm for movement between first and second angular positions about a pivot pin with respect to one another. A flexible composite spring extends between the crank arm and the drive arm. The flexible composite spring is preloaded into an initial arcuate position and is bendable from the initial position to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a load applied to the arms exceeds a predetermined load.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: This invention relates to a windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence of a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A digital wake-up signal is generated from an analog switch on a printed circuit board in which a ground trace and multiple conductive switch traces are bridged by a moveable contactor responsive to movement of an actuator. A resistor network is coupled to the switch traces and alternatingly connects the switch traces to two outputs to generate distinct analog voltage outputs. A logic gate determines when both outputs are at the same voltage corresponding to the contactor engaged between two adjacent switch traces and generates a wake-up command signal.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus for a vehicle window has a wiper arm pivot rotatably mounted in a pivot holder fixedly securable to vehicle structure. An end portion of the wiper arm pivot normally extends exteriorly of an impact line defined by vehicle structure. The wiper arm pivot includes an inner pivot shaft telescopingly displacable with respect to an outer pivot shaft upon the imposition of an impact load on the exterior end of the wiper arm pivot. A first pin separably holds the inner pivot shaft to the outer pivot shaft at a first position. An energy absorption material mass is disposed between the inner pivot shaft and the outer pivot shaft to control the telescoping movement of the inner pivot shaft in the outer pivot shaft and to absorb impact forces acting on the inner pivot shaft. A second fixed pin is carried by the outer pivot shaft and limits movement of the inner pivot shaft to a second position adapted for temporary operation of the wiper apparatus.

Abstract: A fluid heater apparatus and method of making same includes a low porosity material, thermally conductive mass. A heat source is disposed in the thermally conductive mass for imparting heat to the mass. Fluid in a flow path through the mass absorbs heat from the mass. The thermally conductive mass is molded, cast or extruded from a material which, with the selected forming process, provides a low porosity mass. The mass may be formed of ceramic, aluminum and poltruded carbon. The mass can be cast from a material which is introduced into the casting mold in a semi-solid temperature state.

Abstract: A cooling fan having a circumferential ring. In ordinary fans of this type, deformation of fan blades causes the ring to buckle inward at locations between the blades. In one form of the invention, mass is added to the ring between the blades to counteract the buckling.

Abstract: A wiper arm pivot is rotatably mounted in a pivot holder fixedly securable to vehicle structure. The wiper arm pivot is telescopingly displacable in the pivot holder upon an impact load on one end of the wiper arm pivot. An energy absorption material has a gel state when disposed in the pivot holder and flows through one or more orifices from the pivot holder under impact forces causing telescoping movement of the pivot in the pivot holder absorption of the impact force on the pivot shaft. In another aspect, the energy absorption material is a liquid which is retained within the pivot holder by a releasable plug which is separable from the orifice under a predetermined impact pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An integrally formed, one-piece construction nozzle body having a primary flow channel and associated secondary flow channel and outlet configuration which cooperate to produce a jet of fluid having a predetermined geometric configuration. A system and method are also shown for creating the one-piece construction nozzle body.