Abstract: A cargo vehicle comprises stairs extending downwardly from a walk-though door of a cargo compartment. A primary step is fixedly positioned on the vehicle and a secondary step is movable between a deployed position below the primary step and a withdrawn position adjacent an underside of said cargo vehicle. Movement of the secondary step is caused by a powered linkage supporting the secondary step, operated by a controller operable to automatically move the secondary step based on an operating condition of the cargo vehicle.

Abstract: A control wheel for controlling a control in an automotive vent has a resilient bushing which provides a frictional force to retain the control wheel in a desired position. The frictional force is substantially independent of tolerances of the components of the control wheel due to expected manufacturing variations.

Abstract: A control wheel for controlling a control in an automotive vent has a resilient bushing which provides a frictional force to retain the control wheel in a desired position. The frictional force is substantially independent of tolerances of the components of the control wheel due to expected manufacturing variations.

Abstract: A novel damper system for controlling airflow through a plenum provides an effective seal between a rotatable damper door and the plenum to substantially inhibit airflow through the plenum without requiring additional sealing materials such as rubber or foam. When the damper door is in the closed position, an upstanding rib on each of the upper and lower portions of the damper door engage a complementary groove in a respective sealing member on the interior of the plenum against which the damper door faces abut. The engagement of the ribs in the groove provides a seal comprising three surface-to-surface interfaces. The sealing members are relatively small, compared to the size of the plenum, and thus pesent little impediment to airflow through the plenum when the damper door is rotated to an open position.

Abstract: A control wheel for controlling a control in an automotive vent has a resilient bushing which provides a frictional force to retain the control wheel in a desired position. The frictional force is substantially independent of tolerances of the components of the control wheel due to expected manufacturing variations.

Abstract: A closed control knob for a vent having vanes and louvers includes a resilient member integrally molded within the control knob. The resilient member acts between the control knob and the louver on which it is mounted to provide a frictional force to retain the knob in the position it is placed by a passenger in a vehicle of other user. By integrally forming the resilient member with the control knob, assembly is simplified and failure of glued, snapped or welded joints is avoided.

Abstract: An air vent damper assembly that controls air flow into the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle and includes an air passage having a generally rectangular cross-section and a gasketless damper door. The damper door pivots between a closed position in which the door blocks airflow and a fully open position in which the door presents minimum obstruction to airflow. The damper door may be set at intermediate positions between closed and fully open to meter airflow and to direct air flowing from the exit end of the air passage.