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 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: 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: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent, greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member is in excess of the predetermined load.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent, greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member is in excess of the predetermined load.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent, greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member Is in excess of the predetermined load.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent, greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member is in excess of the predetermined load.

Abstract: A wiper arm and method for manufacturing a wiper arm provides a body having a first end connectible to and supportable by a drive shaft for imparting oscillatory rotary movement and a second end connectible to and supporting a wiper blade. A torsional region of the body is capable of toggle action and is located between the first and second ends of the body. The toggle action is defined by two stable positions, a primary position and a secondary position, lying spaced at opposite sides of an unstable range of movement, where one of the two stable positions exerts downward pressure on the wiper blade connectible to the body for engagement against a windscreen to be wiped. The torsional region is defined by first and second torsional members initially formed in a relaxed state. Each torsional member has a free end cantilevered outwardly from the first end of the body and spaced from one another. Each torsional member is subsequently flexed into a flexed state such that the free ends engage one another.

Abstract: A moisture sensing device for detecting moisture on a moisture collecting surface including an air pump for accelerating the formation of moisture on the moisture collecting surface. The moisture sensing device includes a moisture sensor that is operably positionable relative to a moisture collecting surface. The device also includes an air pump for accelerating the formation of moisture on the moisture collecting surface. A small pump can direct a flow of air over the moisture collecting surface to accelerate the formation of moisture through condensation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of applying a coating of a resinous material to a substrate to produce a molded device. The method involves installing a layer of the resinous material over a mold die and adding a molten substrate to melt the resinous layer and filling the mold. The mold is cooled and a molded device with a surface containing the resinous layer is formed.

Abstract: A hatch assembly for a vehicle wherein the components to be installed within the tailgate or the hatch are interconnected. The components can include one or more of a wiper drive motor, a cargo light, a center high mounted stop light, a fluid sprayer, a latch, and the vehicle hatch. The assembly can include corresponding shaped features on respective components so that the components can be interconnected without the use of additional fasteners. Electrical connections are also made between the components of the assembly. The electrical connections are embedded within the walls of the components, the cover, and/or the shaped features that provide the mechanical connections between the enclosures.

Abstract: A power drive system is adapted for a sliding door mounted on at least one side of a vehicle for sliding movement forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. The system includes a reversible motor. A bracket is guided within a guide along a fixed path between the opened and closed positions of the door. An elongated drive member is slidably disposed within the guide and connected to the bracket at one end for driving the bracket along the fixed path. A translator mechanism operably engages with the drive member for powering movement of the door. The translator mechanism can include a rotatable hub, operably engageable with the drive member, a gear transmission for driving the hub, and a clutch mechanism for connecting the motor to the transmission. The translator mechanism preferably has sufficient power to pull the sliding door into a primary latch position with respect to the corresponding portions of a latch mechanism attached to the door and frame defining the door opening.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus of performing vehicle obstruction sensing during vehicle reverse and liftgate opening movements. The invention uses the same sensors to perform both functions. When the vehicle is in reverse, the invention produces a visible and/or audible signal to the operator of the vehicle when an obstruction detected within the monitoring range of the sensor or sensors. When the vehicle transmission is in any position other than park, the liftgate driver is disabled. When the vehicle is in park, the liftgate sensing system is enabled. The invention either stops the liftgate opening movement or reverses the liftgate movement when an obstruction is detected. The invention can also signal an alarm when an obstruction is detected in the path of the liftgate. The present invention incorporates any number of existing sensors.

Abstract: A moisture sensing device for detecting moisture on a moisture collecting surface including an air pump for accelerating the formation of moisture on the moisture collecting surface. The moisture sensing device includes a moisture sensor that is operably positionable relative to a moisture collecting surface. The device also includes an air pump for accelerating the formation of moisture on the moisture collecting surface. A small pump can direct a flow of air over the moisture collecting surface to accelerate the formation of moisture through condensation.

Abstract: A hatch assembly for a vehicle wherein the components to be installed within the tailgate or the hatch are interconnected. The components can include one or more of a wiper drive motor, a cargo light, a center high mounted stop light, a fluid sprayer, a latch, a wiper light and the vehicle hatch. The assembly can include corresponding shaped features on respective components so that the components can be interconnected without the use of additional fasteners. Electrical connections are also made between the components of the assembly. The electrical connections are embedded within the walls of the components, the cover, and/or the shaped features that provide the mechanical connections between the enclosures.

Abstract: A power drive system is adapted for a sliding door mounted on at least one side of a vehicle for sliding movement forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. The system includes a reversible motor. A bracket is guided within a guide along a fixed path between the opened and closed positions of the door. An elongated drive member is slidably disposed within the guide and connected to the bracket at one end for driving the bracket along the fixed path. A translator mechanism operably engages with the drive member for powering movement of the door. The translator mechanism can include a rotatable hub, operably engageable with the drive member, a gear transmission for driving the hub, and a clutch mechanism for connecting the motor to the transmission. The translator mechanism preferably has sufficient power to pull the sliding door into a primary latch position with respect to the corresponding portions of a latch mechanism attached to the door and frame defining the door opening.

Abstract: A drive gear engages a driven gear with non-intersecting axes of rotation making an angle of approximately 90° with respect to one another. A shaft has a first portion with a predetermined diameter, and a second portion has an enveloped worm gear with at least one roll-formed helical tooth formed thereon with an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the first portion of the shaft. The extra envelopment achieves an overall smaller package size for competitive advantage. When the shaft is rolled, the outside teeth exceed the shaft diameter by a predetermined amount allowing more teeth to be in contact with the driven gear. An outer bearing can be placed at the end of the shaft to allow the teeth to be of a larger diameter than the shaft. The pitch of the teeth can vary. Preferably, the bearing groove is roll formed simultaneously with the teeth of the worm gear since the centroid of the enveloped teeth must be located with the gear center line.

Abstract: Novel poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates), such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), and blends of these with other polymers are disclosed. A novel process for producing these poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) is also disclosed which entails polymerizing one or more .beta.-substituted-.beta.-propiolactone(s) under polymerization conditions in the substantial absence of water in the presence of an anionic initiator.

Abstract: Novel poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates), such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), and blends of these with other polymers are disclosed. A novel process for producing these poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) is also disclosed which entails polymerizing one or more .beta.-substituted-.beta.-propiolactone(s) under polymerization conditions in the substantial absence of water in the presence of an anionic initiator.

Abstract: Novel poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates), such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), and blends of these with other polymers are disclosed. A novel process for producing these poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) is also disclosed which entails polymerizing one or more .beta.-substituted-.beta.-propiolactone(s) under polymerization conditions in the substantial absence of water in the presence of an anionic initiator.