Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil and an elongate channel. The elongate channel includes a plurality of first electrical contacts and a plurality of electrical connectors comprising a plurality of second electrical contacts, wherein the electrical connectors are spring-biased such that a gap is maintained between the first electrical contacts and the second electrical contacts. The surgical instrument further includes a staple cartridge releasably attachable to the elongate channel, wherein the staple cartridge has a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities, a plurality of staples deployable from the staple cavities into the tissue, and a plurality of third electrical contacts, wherein the attachment of the staple cartridge to the elongate channel moves the electrical connectors causing the second electrical contacts to bridge the gap and become electrically coupled to the first electrical contacts.

Abstract: A vehicle trim component includes a substrate defining at least one wall of a storage compartment. The substrate has an edge surface which defines an opening into the storage compartment. A semi-rigid member extends outward of the edge surface and at least partially covers the opening to define a storage compartment closure. The semi-rigid member is manually deflectable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A trim panel assembly includes a first trim panel and a second trim panel. The first trim panel has an attachment portion, and the second trim panel has an attachment portion that cooperates with the attachment portion of the first trim panel to connect the first and second trim panels together to provide a trim panel assembly that allows relatively sliding movement between the first and second trim panels. The first trim panel can have a single attachment portion that extends continuously throughout the length thereof, while the second trim panel can have a plurality of discrete portions that extends along the length thereof, or vice versa. The attachment portion of the second trim panel can be molded either about or within the attachment portion of the first trim panel.

Abstract: An articulating speaker assembly for the interior of a motor vehicle, which includes sidewall trim defining a pocket in the trim, includes a housing and at least one speaker operatively supported within the housing. The assembly includes at least one pivot arm having first and second ends. The first end is operatively connected to the housing and defines a rotational axis, and the second end is attached to the vehicle and defines a pivotal axis. The at least one pivot arm is adapted to pivot about the pivotal axis to selectively move and position the housing at each point along a path between a retracted position wherein said housing is operatively supported within the pocket and aligned substantially flush with the sidewall trim such that the sidewall trim and the housing are substantially co-planar in the retracted position of the housing, and an extended position outside the pocket.

Abstract: A method of attaching a component to a vehicle door includes first providing a carrier. The component, such as a lock-latch assembly or a window regulator assembly, is then attached to the carrier. The carrier is then attached to the vehicle door. Subsequent to attaching the carrier to the vehicle door, the component is attached to and supported by the vehicle door. The component can then be unattached from the carrier. The carrier may then be removed from the vehicle door subsequent to unattaching the component from the carrier, thereby providing access to the component, such as for repair or removal of the component.

Abstract: A part for use with a vehicle includes a structural member made of foamed plastic material. The part also includes an expanded polypropylene substrate integrally attached to the structural member. Furthermore, the substrate cooperates with the structural member to provide a sufficient structural characteristic to the part.

Abstract: A sunshade (42) for substantially covering an automotive vehicle roof (32) has a plurality of roof bows (70 and 72) and a flexible sheet (50) spanning between these bows, all of which are slidably disposed proximate with an inside surface (40) of the roof (32).

Abstract: A sunshade (42) for substantially covering ail automotive vehicle roof (32) has a plurality of roof bows (70 and 72) and a flexible sheet (50) spanning between these bows, all of which are slidably disposed proximate with an inside surface (40) of the roof (32).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to container lift apparatus for a side loading garbage truck. The apparatus includes mechanism for lifting and rotating a container to dump the garbage therein in the open side hopper of the truck. Also, upper and lower retaining assemblies provide for shocking the garbage container during its rotation so that the garbage may be jarred loose from the container. Stabilizing legs support the side hopper to prevent the truck from tipping during the lifting and dumping of the container.

Abstract: A vehicle having a convertible top includes internal body reinforcement members including a belt line reinforcement assembly attached to the upper back panel and the upper portion of the body quarter panels. The belt line reinforcement assembly is connected to quarter panel reinforcements to form a box-like structure having an aperture therethrough which disposes the trunk and passenger compartments of the vehicle in communication. The quarter panel reinforcement members are attached to the body quarter panels and the wheelhouse panels of the vehicle. A cross-support member attached to the rear seat riser portion of the compartment floor pan and rocker panel reinforcement are also provided. A header is mounted to the upper edge of the vehicle windshield and is provided with a recessed rear portion for receiving the front cross-bow of the convertible top in a flush alignment with the upper surface of the header.

Abstract: A modular sliding roof panel assembly for a vehicle having an opening in the roof. The sliding roof panel assembly includes a movable roof panel having front and rear guide shoes engaging guide tracks mounted to an integrally formed plastic housing affixed to the interior side of the vehicle roof. Guide blocks secured to the longitudinal edges of the movable roof panel have cam tracks formed therein which are engaged by a cam follower mounted on the rear guide shoes to lower the rear edge of the movable roof panel below the stationary roof of the vehicle as the roof panel slides to the open position and to raise the rear edge of the roof panel above the stationary roof structure when the movable roof panel is pivoted about the front end. A water trough extending transversely across the rear edge of the housing is connected to the front guide shoes for sliding movement therewith.

Abstract: A modular sliding roof panel assembly for a vehicle having an opening in the roof. The sliding roof panel assembly includes a movable roof panel having front and rear guide shoes engaging guide tracks mounted to an integrally formed plastic housing affixed to the interior side of the vehicle roof. Guide blocks secured to the longitudinal edges of the movable roof panel have cam tracks formed therein which are engaged by a cam follower mounted on the rear guide shoes to lower the rear edge of the movable roof panel below the stationary roof of the vehicle as the roof panel slides to the open position and to raise the rear edge of the roof panel above the stationary roof structure when the movable roof panel is pivoted about the front end. A water trough extending transversely across the rear edge of the housing is connected to the front guide shoes for sliding movement therewith.

Abstract: A pivotal roof vent panel apparatus includes a frame adapted to be secured to the periphery of an opening in the roof of a vehicle to support a pivotal roof vent panel therein. The roof vent panel is pivotally disposed within the frame for pivotal movement about a front edge. A two part latch is connected to the rear edge of the roof vent panel at one end and is releasably connected to the frame at the other end. The latch acts as an over-center toggle linkage which forces the roof vent panel into secure engagement with the frame in a closed position and pivots the rear edge of the roof vent panel upward to a partially opened, venting position. A locking arrangement is carried by the latch for securely locking the latch in the extended, venting position.

Abstract: An adjustable and releasable locking device for a removable vehicle roof panel is disclosed. A rotating lever longitudinally projects a pair of tapered pins which mate with apertures in the windshield post and headliner. The transverse and vertical position of the tapered pins is adjustable to position the panel relative to other parts of the vehicle and provide a smooth transition between the vehicle roof and the removable panel and provide an adequate seal between the vehicle and the removable panel.