Abstract: A detachable device for covering an end of an electrical connector, comprising a non-conductive cover, sealingly attachable, and completely covering the mating end of the connector. An external end of the cover is generally planar with electrically conductive pads corresponding to the conductive terminals of the connector, and electrically connecting the pads to the terminals. The electrically conductive pads are arranged in a pattern, oriented to provide a single line-of-sight for machine recognition.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an expendable alignment ring is adapted for centering opposing conical surfaces of a transmission torque converter and an engine crankshaft. The ring has an annular body formed of a thermoplastic such as high density polyethelene. The body has first and second ends formed by axially spaced inner and outer coaxial conical surfaces extending between inner and outer peripheries. The ring is installed over a pilot of the torque converter so that the conical ends of the ring align the conical surfaces of the torque converter and the crankshaft during assembly to center the torque converter relative to the crankshaft. Upon assembly of the torque converter to the crankshaft, the alignment ring is slightly compressed and provides the mechanism for precise alignment of the torque converter to the crankshaft.

Abstract: A grommet bridge assembly includes a grommet bridge having at least one grommet-receiving aperture disposed therein and a plurality of grommets. Each of the grommet-receiving apertures is shaped for engaging at least a portion of one of the grommets. The grommet bridge assembly also includes a fastener-receiving aperture and an elongated fastener that is fitted through the fastener-receiving aperture and fitted through one of the grommets. At least a portion of each of the other grommets is received in each of the grommet-receiving apertures.

Abstract: A sealed cover assembly for a fluid-containing cavity of an engine includes a cover including a fluid-containing wall with a peripheral edge having a sealing surface adapted to oppose a corresponding sealing surface of the engine, and a plurality of mounting openings in the peripheral edge; a reaction pad adjacent each of the openings and disposed at the peripheral edge on an opposite surface of the sealing surface around a perimeter defining the cover; a brace disposed against the reaction pad around the perimeter defining the cover; and mechanical fasteners extending through the reaction pad and the brace for securing the cover to a mating edge of the engine cavity, the fasteners when engaged providing substantially equal compression forces on the reaction pad via the brace and supporting the cover sealing surface with a predetermined gap from the cavity mating edge for engagement with a compliant sealing material disposed between the surfaces.

Abstract: A fluid container assembly design has a wide tolerance variation in the width of an open seal gap between opposed sealing surfaces of different assemblies. A resilient seal is provided with a generally rectangular central section partially supported within a groove and partially unsupported by excessive extension beyond the groove. To avoid buckling, the extending portion includes resilient stabilizers including barb-like projections. These resiliently engage a component surface adjacent the groove to stabilize the extending portion and prevent buckling. This allows the seal to compress over its total height to seal the gap between the bottom of the retaining groove in one component and the opposite sealing surface of the other assembly component while the stabilizer projections yield to avoid involvement in the sealing function and act only to prevent buckling of the seal unsupported portion. Exemplary applications for engine rocker covers and oil pan-crankshaft seal gaps are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid container assembly design has a wide tolerance variation in the width of an open seal gap between opposed sealing surfaces of different assemblies. A resilient seal is provided with a generally rectangular central section partially supported within a groove and partially unsupported by excessive extension beyond the groove. To avoid buckling, the extending portion includes resilient stabilizers including barb-like projections. These resiliently engage a component surface adjacent the groove to stabilize the extending portion and prevent buckling. This allows the seal to compress over its total height to seal the gap between the bottom of the retaining groove in one component and the opposite sealing surface of the other assembly component while the stabilizer projections yield to avoid involvement in the sealing function and act only to prevent buckling of the seal unsupported portion. Exemplary applications for engine rocker covers and oil pan-crankshaft seal gaps are disclosed.