Abstract: A flexible coupling for a drive train, the coupling having a drive yoke, a driven yoke, and a connector for transferring rotational torque between the yokes. The drive and driven yokes are manually inserted into slots in the connector. The drive yoke connects to a drive shaft and the driven yoke connects to a driven shaft. Rotating the drive shaft rotates the drive yoke against the connector causing it to rotate; which in turn transfers torque to and rotates the driven yoke. Surfaces on the yokes and connector that contact one another during rotation define contact surfaces. Portions of the yokes and/or connector having the contact surfaces are obliquely profiled so that contact surfaces on the yokes are complementary to corresponding contact surfaces on the connector, which increases the areas of force transfer between the yokes and connectors.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for a drive train, the coupling having a drive yoke, a driven yoke, and a connector for transferring rotational torque between the yokes. The drive and driven yokes are manually inserted into slots in the connector. The drive yoke connects to a drive shaft and the driven yoke connects to a driven shaft. Rotating the drive shaft rotates the drive yoke against the connector causing it to rotate; which in turn transfers torque to and rotates the driven yoke. Surfaces on the yokes and connector that contact one another during rotation define contact surfaces. Portions of the yokes and/or connector having the contact surfaces are obliquely profiled so that contact surfaces on the yokes are complementary to corresponding contact surfaces on the connector, which increases the areas of force transfer between the yokes and connectors to reduce stress concentrations.

Abstract: A door lock cable and trim panel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a door lock cable and a trim panel assembly. The door lock cable includes a sheath assembly having a sheath tube and a cable core, a casing cap attached to an upper end of the sheath tube and an end insert element affixed to the cable core. The end insert element is inserted into an inside blind bore of a lock knob. In addition, the trim panel assembly includes a knob hole and a trim-interface slot transversely protruded from an inner surface of the trim panel assembly. The trim-interface slot has an upper and lower portion being engaged with the casing cap of the door lock cable.

Abstract: A door lock cable and trim panel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a door lock cable and a trim panel assembly. The door lock cable includes a sheath assembly having a sheath tube and a cable core, a casing cap attached to an upper end of the sheath tube and an end insert element affixed to the cable core. The end insert element is inserted into an inside blind bore of a lock knob. In addition, the trim panel assembly includes a knob hole and a trim-interface slot transversely protruded from an inner surface of the trim panel assembly. The trim-interface slot has an upper and lower portion being engaged with the casing cap of the door lock cable.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a plurality of rectangular-shaped photovoltaic modules and a plurality of separate and spaced-apart support members supporting and orienting the photovoltaic modules in an array on the support surface without penetrating the support surface. The support members are formed of plastic and each of the photovoltaic modules is supported by at least four of the support members. Each of the support members is secured to and supports at least one of the photovoltaic modules but is not directly secured to any of the other support members. Thus the support modules can be utilized to support a wide variety of different sizes of photovoltaic modules. A wind shield is located at the rearward most support members. The wind shield is spaced a distance from the rearward photovoltaic modules and shaped to deflect wind up and over the array of photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a plurality of rectangular-shaped photovoltaic modules and a plurality of separate and spaced-apart support members supporting and orienting the photovoltaic modules in an array on the support surface without penetrating the support surface. The support members are formed of plastic and each of the photovoltaic modules is supported by at least four of the support members. Each of the support members is secured to and supports at least one of the photovoltaic modules but is not directly secured to any of the other support members. Thus the support modules can be utilized to support a wide variety of different sizes of photovoltaic modules. A wind shield is located at the rearward most support members. The wind shield is spaced a distance from the rearward photovoltaic modules and shaped to deflect wind up and over the array of photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door module assembly including a door module plate assembly mounting a bell crank having a first arm portion positioned to be engaged by an outside door handle and a second arm portion connected to a link arranged to trip the door latch. The door module assembly is integrally formed with a socket pivotally receiving the bell crank. The bell crank includes a pivot shaft portion sized to be journaled in the socket. The pivot shaft portion is configured to be inserted into the socket in a first angular position and, following insertion, the bell crank is rotated to rotate the pivot shaft portion in the socket to a second, operative angular position where the link may extend between the bell crank second arm portion and the latch and inadvertent withdrawal of the pivot shaft portion is precluded.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door module assembly including a door module plate assembly mounting a bell crank having a first arm portion positioned to be engaged by an outside door handle and a second arm portion connected to a link arranged to trip the door latch. The door module assembly is integrally formed with a socket pivotally receiving the bell crank. The bell crank includes a pivot shaft portion sized to be journaled in the socket. The pivot shaft portion is configured to be inserted into the socket in a first angular position and, following insertion, the bell crank is rotated to rotate the pivot shaft portion in the socket to a second, operative angular position where the link may extend between the bell crank second arm portion and the latch and inadvertent withdrawal of the pivot shaft portion is precluded.

Abstract: A window regulator for raising and lowering a window glass in a motor vehicle. The regulator includes at least one rail defining at least one track, at least one glass carrier for receiving the window glass and mounted for movement along the at least one track, at least one cable where the at least one cable is attached to the at least one glass carrier generally parallel to the at least one track, and a drive unit for operably engaging the at least one cable to move the at least one glass carrier along the at least one track. The cable attachment includes at least one aperture of the glass carrier for receiving an end of the at least one cable and at least one elongated aperture of the glass carrier for receiving a length of the at least one cable generally parallel to the at least one track. The glass carrier additionally includes a cushioned support member for supporting the lower edge of the window glass.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting a truck toolbox in the rear compartment of a truck is provided that permits movement of the truck toolbox along the length of the side walls of the rear compartment is provided. The mounting system is installed for each of the side walls of the rear compartment. The mounting system includes: a rail disposed on the top of the side wall, a carriage that is connected to the truck tool box and which moves on the rails, and a pair of locking devices that when secured to the rail in abutting engagement of the carriage at either end thereof are operable to block the carriage from being removed from the rail. The blocking engage is achieved by an end portion defined by either end of the carriage overlapping with the locking devices when the locking devices are secured abutting, or in close proximity to, either end of the carriage. A truck toolbox is also provided that incorporates the carriage of the mounting system for mounting on the rail.

Abstract: A drive system suitable for a bicycle and capable of providing various drive ratios comprising first and second pairs of conical members, each pair including primary and secondary conical members, both of which are rotatable about a first or second transverse axis. The conical members each comprise a series of evenly spaced sectors with the sectors of the primary conical member being slidable between the sectors of the secondary conical member in each pair. There is a first shaft for rotating the first pair of conical members. The primary conical member of the first pair is slidably mounted on the first shaft. The secondary conical member of the first pair is fixedly mounted on the first shaft . The conical members of the second pair are mounted on a second shaft. The secondary conical member of the second pair is mounted for axial sliding movement relative to the primary conical member. A continuous V-shaped drive belt extends about both pairs of conical members.