Abstract: A stator device for an axial flow fan has a plurality of first stator elements and a corresponding plurality of second stator elements, the first stator elements being disposed axially rearwardly of the second stator elements so as to define an air flow slot therebetween.

Abstract: This invention includes a system and method for maintaining an impeller in a centrally located position in a pump cavity defined by an impeller housing in order to reduce noise and vibration between the impeller and the impeller housing. The system and method include situating an end or tip of the impeller in a bearing which is integrally molded onto the impeller housing at an inlet end thereof. Another embodiment illustrates the use of a locator integrally molded at the inlet end of the impeller housing and which cooperates with a locating aperture in an impeller end of the impeller to cause the impeller end to be maintained in a substantially centrally located position in the pump cavity defined by the impeller housing.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a washer fluid above a predetermined temperature at a point of delivery where the fluid is directed onto a windshield of a vehicle. The system and method include a washer nozzle that has an internal resistance such that, when a current is passed through the nozzle, a temperature of nozzle is maintained at a predetermined temperature which is above the freezing temperature of the fluid. In one embodiment, the nozzle body and its electrical terminals are a one-piece molded construction, with another embodiment having a plurality of metallic conductors insert-molded into the nozzle. The nozzle has a nozzle body which is molded of an electrically conductive, internally-resistive, thermo-plastic which can be energized with less than about twenty or even ten amperes so that the nozzle body temperature is maintained above, for example, one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit when an ambient temperature of about seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A hydraulic cooling system and method for use in a vehicle comprises a hydraulic pump which is coupled to a hydraulic motor for driving a fan blade in operative relationship with a radiator via a hydraulic conduit. The hydraulic conduit is formed and provided to not only hydraulically couple the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor, but also to define a support structure for supporting the hydraulic motor in operative relationship with the radiator, without the need for additional support brackets or structure. It is envisioned that the hydraulic conduit could be pre-formed in a general pyramidal or frusto-conical shape to absorb forces exerted by the motor and so that it can easily be assembled and-mounted to the fan shroud.

Abstract: This invention deals with a system and method for manufacturing a drive gear having a plurality of teeth in cross section where the teeth are situated on a drive shaft in a substantially parallel manner. The drive gear is characterized in that the teeth are substantially parallel to each other and contact mating driven teeth at points which define an arc which is not concentric about an axis of the driven gear. The drive gear is characterized in that it has multi-tooth contact points which do not contact the teeth of the mating gear at exactly the same contact point on the mating teeth, thereby lengthening the life of the driven gear as well as distributing the torque load to a plurality of teeth. A method and procedure for generating a drive gear having the features of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A blower assembly includes a motor cover having (1) a body portion defining a motor cavity, (2) an air flow guide surface connected to an end of the body portion, the guide surface extending radially outwardly from the body portion, and (3) a cooling duct integrally formed with the body portion and having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being located at the end of the body portion and the outlet being defined in a sidewall of the body portion. The blower assembly further includes a motor positionable in the motor cavity, the motor having a motor shaft having a central axis. In addition, the blower assembly includes a fan housing is connected to the motor cover, wherein (1) the fan housing defines a scroll cut-off line, and (2) a plane passes through the scroll cut-off line and the central axis, and (3) the cooling duct is positioned adjacent to the plane.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for moving a vehicle door relative to a vehicle frame. The apparatus includes a motor for rotating a shaft. The apparatus further includes a first threaded member coupled to the shaft of the motor, wherein the first threaded member is mechanically linked to the vehicle frame. In addition, the apparatus includes a second threaded member which cooperates with the first threaded member so that the second threaded member is moved relative to the first threaded member when the first threaded member is rotated by the shaft of the motor, wherein the second threaded member is mechanically linked to the vehicle door. A method for moving a vehicle door relative to a vehicle frame is also disclosed.