Abstract: A system for providing operational feedback to a user of a detection probe may includes an optical sensor to generate data corresponding to a position of the detection probe with respect to a surface; a microprocessor to receive the data; a software medium having code to process the data with the microprocessor and pre-programmed parameters, and making a comparison of the data to the parameters; and an indicator device to indicate results of the comparison. A method of providing operational feedback to a user of a detection probe may include generating output data with an optical sensor corresponding to the relative position with respect to a surface; processing the output data, including comparing the output data to pre-programmed parameters; and indicating results of the comparison.

Abstract: A tray has a bottom panel for supporting a battery. An inner panel projects upwardly from the bottom panel to provide an inner locator for the battery. A retainer holds the battery down on the bottom panel. A lock member for the retainer is moveable from an unlocking position to a locking position, and when moved to the locking position forces the retainer inwardly. The retainer has an abutment engageable with the battery to move the battery inwardly against the upright panel when the retainer is moved inwardly. Two fulcrum points in the retainer cause a vertical force to hold the battery in place by a lever effect of the lock member and fulcrum points.

Abstract: A solenoid valve is provided generally including a bobbin for supporting a coil and a core located adjacent to the bobbin. An armature is movably disposed relative to the core. A plunger is coupled to the armature and movable with the armature. A seal is coupled to the plunger, with the seal movable between an open position and a closed position sealingly engaged with a valve seat. The solenoid valve further includes a plunger damper which includes a resilient feature that is configured to engage the plunger when the seal moves toward the closed position. The plunger damper may damp, or cushion, any impact between the seal and the valve seat.

Abstract: A socket for positioning and installing an integrated circuit on a circuit board includes multiple contacts mounted in a base, each contacts receiving one of the leads which extend from the sides of the integrated circuit. The contacts include a pair of engagement members which are spread apart by spreader members which are forced between the engagement members by operation of an actuating member which is slidably mounted on the base, thereby permitting installation of the leads within the contacts. Upon release of the actuating member, the contact engagement members return to their initial position and engage on opposite sides of the leads, thus providing an electrical connection between the contacts and the leads. The contacts include offset lips on the upper end thereof which permits the engagement surfaces to deflect without interference with adjacent contacts.

Abstract: An open-top vehicle rear cross car beam body support arrangement for an open-top vehicle having a passenger compartment defined in part by a front floor pan ending in an elevated rear floor pan together with right and left rear inner wheelhouse panels. The beam arrangement includes forming each wheelhouse panel upper inboard portion with a recessed step defining opposed upstanding riser portions each having a lower edge terminating in an inboard extending tread portion. An upper horizontal gusset panel of the beam is welded to upper portions of spaced apart front and rear downstanding gusset panels, while lower flanges of the front and rear gusset panels are welded to the rear floor pan forming a closed section cross beam. The outboard ends of the upper gusset panel terminate in connector portions, each formed with an upstanding shroud having a top panel defined by fore and aft downstanding side walls together with an inboard wall.

Abstract: A battery support device for supporting a battery in an automobile, the automobile having an engine compartment, the engine compartment having a side and a side rail. The side rail has an upper surface, the upper surface having an outer side toward the side of the engine compartment. The engine compartment further has a vertical wall extending upwardly from the outer side of the upper surface of the side rail. The battery support device includes a one-piece support tray for supporting a battery, the support tray being attachable to the side rail of the automobile so that the battery is cantilevered off the side rail.

Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor comprising a housing, the housing being adapted to receive internally thereof a stationary armature, a coil subassembly, return springs, and a block subassembly, the block subassembly comprising a block adapted to receive terminals and a carrier subassembly, the carrier subassembly comprising a carrier member adapted to receive and retain a movable armature, the housing having internally thereof a plurality of detents adapted to be overridden by the block subassembly and to snap over exposed surfaces of the block subassembly to lock the block subassembly, the stationary armature, and the coil assembly in the housing, whereby to complete assembly of the contactor without fasteners; and a method for making the contactor.

Abstract: A snap acting heat motor operated gas valve having a valve member carried by a spring blade that is secured to one end of an electrically heated control bimetal strip. Magnetic means associated with the spring blade normally bias the valve member to a closed position to permit opening of the valve member upon a predetermined heating of the control bimetal member and to effect a snap action opening and closing of the valve member. An ambient temperature compensating bimetal member has a cantilever portion in spaced relation to the control bimetal strip and acting on the spring blade to offset the effects of ambient temperature changes upon the control bimetal member.