Abstract: A linking arm assembly adapted to receive and retain a ball stud. The assembly includes an elongated rod structure and a socket head and is variable over a range of lengths by adjustment of the relative position of the elongated rod structure and the socket head. Linking arm assemblies consistent with the present disclosure may be adjusted for use in different applications while using common components.

Abstract: A linking arm assembly which is readily adaptable to assume a wide range of operative lengths and configurations using a small number of common components. Linking arm assemblies consistent with the present disclosure may be adjusted for use in very different applications while using common components. Accordingly, substantial efficiencies may be achieved while performance is maintained.

Abstract: A capless refueling system is provided which utilizes snap-in attachment of a multi-stage valve assembly within a fuel pipe. The valve assembly includes a lower body portion and a cover independent from the lower body portion. The lower body portion and the cover are configured to be lockingly adjoined to one another. The cover is adapted to be adjoined to the fuel pipe. The system is sealed at a position above the primary shutoff valve thereby eliminating the need for a spring pin support bracket.

Abstract: A capless refueling system is provided which utilizes snap-in attachment of a multi-stage valve assembly within a fuel pipe. The valve assembly includes a lower body portion and a cover independent from the lower body portion. The lower body portion and the cover are configured to be lockingly adjoined to one another. The cover is adapted to be adjoined to the fuel pipe. The system is sealed at a position above the primary shutoff valve thereby eliminating the need for a spring pin support bracket.

Abstract: A threaded fastener includes a shank having a tip and a head configured for engagement by an associated driving tool. The fastener is configured for use with an associated threaded opening. The head is disposed on the shank opposite the tip. The shank has a helical thread formed thereon. The thread extends from about the tip to about the head and defines a plurality of zones. Each zone has a plurality of individual threads extending 360 degrees about the shank. A leading thread in each zone is formed with a wave-form profile having an amplitude that is greater than the amplitude of each prior leading thread. In one embodiment, threads other than the leading thread in each zone do not have an amplitude as great as their respective leading threads. A fastening assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roll stabilizer for a vehicle includes a resilient member operatively connected between a movable end and a fixed end, and structure for activating and deactivating operation of the stabilizer by affecting compression of the resilient member.

Abstract: A bar clamp assembly configured to be secured to a structure through a fastener includes a bar clamp, a securing base, and a fastener retention member. The securing base may be integrally formed with the bar clamp, and is configured to receive and retain the fastener. The fastener retention member is within or on the securing base, and is configured to secure the fastener in the securing base. The bar clamp assembly may also include a plurality of braces, clips and other support structures between the bar clamp and the securing base in order to provide a more robust assembly.

Abstract: A grommet connector includes a first end portion and a second end portion with a barrier therebetween. The first end portion is adapted for insertion into a grommet, and the second end portion is adapted for connecting to another part, such as a nut or washer to form a subassembly of the grommet and the other part.

Abstract: A damper system is connected between pivotal components of a vehicle suspension system to inhibit movement of the components during a condition of potential vehicle roll. The system can be actively or passively controlled. The damper system can have a single damper or multiple dampers and may be connected to work in conjunction with vehicle stabilizers including torsion bars, single compensator stabilizing systems and dual compensator stabilizing systems. In the compensator stabilizing systems, the damper can be separate from the compensators or integral with the compensators. The dampers also can be formed as integral structures with shock absorbers. The dampers can be of various types, including but not limited to linear dampers and rotary dampers.

Abstract: A threaded fastener includes a shank having a tip and a head configured for engagement by an associated driving tool. The fastener is configured for use with an associated threaded opening. The head is disposed on the shank opposite the tip. The shank has a helical thread formed thereon. The thread extends from about the tip to about the head and defines a plurality of zones. Each zone has a plurality of individual threads extending 360 degrees about the shank. A leading thread in each zone is formed with a wave-form profile having an amplitude that is greater than the amplitude of each prior leading thread. In one embodiment, threads other than the leading thread in each zone do not have an amplitude as great as their respective leading threads. A fastening assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a clamp assembly configured to securely clamp a tubular member to a structure. The clamp assembly includes a bracket configured to secure to the structure, and an inner bushing integrally connected to the bracket. The bracket and the inner bushing are pre-assembled together as a single unit.

Abstract: A fastener assembly configured to secure a component to an interior wall of a housing includes a wall mount configured to securely mount to the interior wall of the housing. The wall mount includes a first plate secured to a second plate through a neck. The first plate has a larger axial cross-sectional area than the second plate, which, in turn, has a larger axial cross-sectional area than the neck. The second plate is configured to pass through a portion of a securing passage formed through the housing. The first plate is larger than the portion of the securing passage, so that the first plate is unable to pass through the securing passage. The wall mount is configured to be rotated into a locked position with respect to the securing passage, wherein the wall mount is prevented from shifting in the locked position.

Abstract: A ball socket ring seal for use with a ball joint assembly eliminates the need for a boot or bellows to protect the ball joint against the environment. The ball socket ring seal of the invention is positioned between the ball and the socket at the point of contact between the ball and socket. The ball socket ring seal not only provides a seal against the environment, it further functions as a wiper for the ball during articulation of the ball stud. The ball socket ring seal of the present invention reduces the weight and complexity of the ball joint assembly through the elimination of several parts, including the known boots or bellows, retainer rings, bands and clips.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a grommet having an enlarged bulbous body and a cylindrical extension projecting therefrom, the projection and body defining axially aligned openings therethrough. The cylindrical projection is configured to retain a washer on the outside thereof and a fastener on the inside thereof.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a vehicle suspension system having first and second pivotal components with an anchor above one of the pivotal components and an anchor below the other of the pivotal components. The stabilizer includes a bending member connected to the first and second anchors. The bending member can be of a variety of shapes to fit within the suspension systems architecture on various vehicles.

Abstract: The present technique provides a stabilizer system comprising a plurality of piston cylinder assemblies, which have multiple interconnected chambers to provide cross compensation between suspension members coupled to those piston cylinder assemblies. The piston cylinder assemblies may have two or more chambers separated by pistons, which move in response to a load imposed on the suspension member coupled to that piston cylinder assembly. As the piston moves in response to movement of the corresponding suspension member, a fluid pressure is transmitted to another suspension member to distribute the load between the two suspension members.

Abstract: A molding-in-place technique for joint assemblies, such as a ball joint. The technique is particularly well suited for molding “in-place” a linkage structure about a joint structure. The technique uses a molding assembly having a plurality of centering and sealing structures for sealingly centering the linkage structure about the joint structure. A desired mold material is injected between the linkage structure and the joint structure “in-place” to provide a self-toleranced, self-retained, molded-in-place joint assembly.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a vehicle suspension system having first and second pivotal components with an anchor above one of the pivotal components and an anchor below the other of the pivotal components. The stabilizer includes a bending member connected to the first and second anchors. The bending member can be of a variety of shapes to fit within the suspension systems architecture on various vehicles.

Abstract: A grommet connector including a first end portion and a second end portion with a barrier extending therebetween. The first end portion is adapted for connecting to a grommet, and the second end portion is adapted for connecting to another part, such as a second grommet, a nut or the like to form a subassembly of the grommet and the other part.

Abstract: The present technique provides a stabilizer system comprising a plurality of piston cylinder assemblies, which have multiple interconnected chambers to provide cross compensation between suspension members coupled to those piston cylinder assemblies. The piston cylinder assemblies may have two or more chambers separated by pistons, which move in response to a load imposed on the suspension member coupled to that piston cylinder assembly. As the piston moves in response to movement of the corresponding suspension member, a fluid pressure is transmitted to another suspension member to distribute the load between the two suspension members.