Abstract: A vehicular pedal assembly includes a pedal housing with a mounting surface on a forward side for securement within a vehicle. A rotatable pedal has a proximal portion positioned in the pedal housing and a distal portion including a foot pad spaced from the pedal housing. The pedal is biased to a first limit position with respect to the pedal housing, and the distal portion is configured to be actuated from the first limit position in a forward direction. A friction system is provided for generating a resistance force against movement of the pedal toward and away from the first limit position. The friction system includes a friction lever having a friction pad, the friction lever being carried by the pedal and pivotable on the pedal to establish friction contact with a friction contact surface of the pedal housing.

Abstract: A radio frequency antenna with a two-piece sealing ferrule. The antenna includes a center antenna and an outer tube surrounding the center antenna. A mounting nut surrounds and is slidable relative to the outer tube. An outer ferrule surrounds and is slidable relative to the outer tube. An inner ferrule that is separate from the outer ferrule surrounds and is fixed to the outer tube. A mating nut is secured to the mounting nut. The threading of the mounting nut and the mating nut together results in the wedging between the inner and outer ferrules which results in the exertion of a first compressive force by the inner ferrule against the outer tube for sealing the inner ferrule and the outer tube and the exertion of a second compressive force of the inner ferrule against the mating nut for sealing the inner ferrule and the mating nut.

Abstract: A radio frequency antenna comprising an inner conductor or antenna surrounded by and spaced from an outer sleeve, the space between the inner conductor and the outer sleeve being filled with a granular or powder insulating material. A sealant material covers a first end of the outer sleeve for sealing and retaining the insulating material in the antenna. A method of making the antenna includes the step of bending the inner antenna and the outer sleeve during assembly following the steps of filling the space between the inner conductor and the outer sleeve with the insulating material and sealing the insulating material in the antenna. In one embodiment, the radio frequency antenna is adapted for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in a radio frequency vehicle exhaust control and sensor system.

Abstract: A radio frequency antenna comprising an inner conductor or antenna surrounded by and spaced from an outer sleeve, the space between the inner conductor and the outer sleeve being filled with a granular or powder insulating material. A sealant material covers a first end of the outer sleeve for sealing and retaining the insulating material in the antenna. A method of making the antenna includes the step of bending the inner antenna and the outer sleeve during assembly following the steps of filling the space between the inner conductor and the outer sleeve with the insulating material and sealing the insulating material in the antenna. In one embodiment, the radio frequency antenna is adapted for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in a radio frequency vehicle exhaust control and sensor system.

Abstract: An optical ornament is provided utilizing optic fibers, which can be attached to clothing, hair, a person's body, an animal, or an object. Light is received and focused onto a plurality of optic fibers which can be extended outwardly, whereby the optic fibers are illuminated in the absence of added electrical energy. Decorations such as gemstones, artificial flowers, and the like are provided to decorate the optical ornament and to color the light transmitted through the fibers.

Abstract: An optical ornament is provided wherein optic fibers are attached to a fastener for attaching the ornament to a person's hair, clothing or body or to an object. A plurality of optical fibers are extended outwardly from a portion of the ornament adapted to receive and focus light and are illuminated in the absence of added electrical energy. Decorations such as gemstones, artificial flowers, and the like are provided to decorate the fastener and to color the light transmitted through the fibers from the portion of the ornament adapted to receive and focus light.