Abstract: Processes for purifying polyether polyols via treatment with ion exchange resins. A mixture that includes the polyether polyol and alkali metal ions is passed through a first bed that includes a cation exchange resin comprising carboxylic acid and/or phosphonic acid groups to remove alkali metal ions from the mixture. Thereafter, the product is passed through a second bed comprising an anion exchange resin comprising quaternary ammonium groups and a cation exchange resin comprising carboxylic acid and/or phosphonic acid groups to thereby produce a purified polyether polyol.

Abstract: A connector assembly comprises a first housing, a second housing, a machine readable identifier coupled to the second housing, and a position assurance lock disposed proximate to the second housing. The position assurance lock is configured to secure the first housing to the second housing and place the machine readable identifier in a first state or a second state, depending on whether the first housing is secured to the second housing.

Abstract: A connector assembly comprises a first housing, a second housing, a machine readable identifier coupled to the second housing, and a position assurance lock disposed proximate to the second housing. The position assurance lock is configured to secure the first housing to the second housing and place the machine readable identifier in a first state or a second state, depending on whether the first housing is secured to the second housing.

Abstract: A plug for enclosing an opening within a wall of a hollow pillar and securing a wire harness running within the pillar. Included are at least two locks that resiliently engage the edge of the opening in order to secure the plug within the opening and align the plug within the opening along a first axis. Also included are at least two tensioners that resiliently engage the edge of the opening and align the plug within the opening along a second axis. At least one stabilizer then resiliently engages the wall, thereby exerting tension within the plug along a third axis.

Abstract: A two-part grommet assembly for routing wiring and/or washer fluid conduit through an aperture in automotive bodywork to a spoiler mounted CHMSL/rear window washer. The grommet assembly includes a first soft pliable component having a tubular portion and a bell-shaped portion, the latter being configured to provide an interior annular volume to receive the external flange of a second component made of a relatively stiff material. The second component is configured to snap into the aperture in the automotive bodywork to mount the grommet on the exterior of the vehicle and/or within a spoiler assembly. Complemental retention structure is provided within the annular retainer volume which receives the flange of the snap lock component and compression of the materials during installation enhances the retention function.

Abstract: A tolerance-accommodating, flexible mounting pad formed integrally in the base point mounting portion of a bussed electrical center cover. The base point of the bussed electrical center is adapted to be secured directly to a vehicle mounting surface, the location of which may vary due to dimensional variations within an expected tolerance range. The cover is typically secured by one or two fixed mounting points at an upper portion thereof to mounting points in the vehicle, and the tolerance-accommodating mounting pad is then used to secure the base point of the cover directly to the final vehicle mounting surface. If a gap exists between the base point and the vehicle mounting surface due to variations within the expected tolerance of the vehicle mounting surface, a fastener inserted through the mounting pad and engaging the mounting surface is operable to flex the normally recessed mounting pad outwardly into direct, tensioned contact with the vehicle mounting surface.

Abstract: A bussed electrical center (BEC) assembly includes a BEC having a BEC connector on its lower surface, and a lower housing adapted to be secured in position within an automobile engine compartment. Flexible retaining arms extend upwardly from the housing and engage a connector and secure it in a pre-set position in the housing. When the BEC is later mounted to the housing, the connector is automatically aligned with the BEC connector and a shroud extending downwardly from the BEC contacts the retaining arms and deflects them outwardly so that the connector is released from the pre-set position and is free to slide upwardly toward the BEC connector. A bolt passes through the BEC connector and engages a captive nut in the connector so that rotation of the bolt draws the connector upwardly into engagement with the BEC connector.

Abstract: A bus bar type conductor arrangement for a vehicle-type electrical junction box, used to electrically connect components such as relays and fuses with wire harnesses from vehicle electrical systems. Three dimensional bus bar conductors are mounted on a three-dimensional array of post-type mounting points formed in the junction box, such that the conductors can cross paths and connect components and terminals of varying height in the junction box. The conductor arms are preferably coated between the conductive contact ends with an electrically insulating material, and can include intermediate conductive regions adapted to be mounted to components or other bus bars in the same fashion as the conductive ends.

Abstract: A switch mechanism for electrical service quick connect/disconnect, especially suitable for electric vehicles. The switch mechanism includes a handle for turning a shaft which, through a lost motion connection, rotates a gear in engagement with a rack. The rack moves the switch contacts from a disconnect to a connect position to make and break electrical connection between the vehicle battery pack and the vehicle electrical system. An over center device biases the handle into either a full connect or a full disconnect position once the handle passes an intermediate position. A spring forces a locking detent into a notch on the rack to prevent inadvertent movement of the rack from the connect position, and a cam mounted on the shaft actuates a cam follower portion of the locking detent to move the locking detent out of the notch and allow the rack to move to its disconnect position. Further springs are compressed in response to movement of the contacts to their connect position.