Abstract: A power folding mirror assembly has a mirror housing that defines a cavity therein. An applique is mounted proximate the mirror housing. The applique has a pivot arm extending into the mirror housing. The pivot arm has a pivot point thereon. The mirror housing is coupled to the pivot arm at the pivot point. A housing arm extends from the mirror housing. A motor mounted within the vehicle has a drive gear coupled thereto. A gear mechanism is coupled between the housing arm and the drive gear so that as the motor rotates, the pivot gear causes the mirror housing to pivot about the pivot point.

Abstract: A mirror assembly has a housing that defines a cavity therein. A mirror is disposed within the cavity. The mirror transmits and reflects at least a portion of the light incident thereupon. A light guide has a first surface spaced a predetermined distance apart from the second surface. The light guide is placed within the mirror housing. A plurality of light sources are coupled to the light guide and direct light between the first and second surfaces. Light is reflected out of the light guide and transmitted through the mirror to provide an indicator function on the mirror.

Abstract: A power pack for controlling the position of a rearview mirror of an automotive vehicle which is to be mounted within a mirror housing. The mirror housing is shaped to define a cavity. The power pack is connected to a base plate which holds the mirror within the housing cavity. A stationary pivot assembly is connected to the power pack to pivotally couple to the base plate. A movable pivot assembly is connected to the base plate for pivoting the mirror about the stationary pivot assembly. A motor is located within the power pack and is rotatably coupled to a drive shaft. A first portion of the drive shaft has a first set of threads and a second portion of the drive shaft has a second set of threads opposite that of the first portion. A first arm and second arm are coupled to said first set of threads and the said second set of threads, respectively. Each arm is also connected to the moveable pivot assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector for joining flexible tubular members. The connector has a cylindrical body having an outer diameter and at least one circumferential recess. At least one barb member is positioned and retained at least partially in the recess. The barb member has first and second ends with at least one of the ends having a diameter which extends beyond the outer diameter of the tubular body. The first end has a diameter which is greater than that of the second end and a rigid edge for engaging a flexible tubular member. The barb member provided with the connector can resist pull-off of the tubular member from the connector. The present invention also relates to a method for forming such a connector.

Abstract: A pivot connection system includes an elongated member having a generally ball-shaped end. A rigid socket is sized to receive the ball-shaped end. The rigid socket has a first opening into which the ball-shaped end is inserted and a second opening. The ball-shaped end has a width greater than the width of the first opening. The ball-shaped end has a deformable hollow core. A core lock is sized to be received within the core to prevent the core from deforming after the ball-shaped end is inserted into the socket.

Abstract: A link assembly connectable to a member and adapted for rotary motion and conical deflection relative to the connectable member generally consisting of an elongated rigid member having an opening therethrough for receiving said connectable member therein. A bushing disposed in said connectable member opening, the bushing being formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane material and having an opening therethrough providing an interior, cylindrical wall therein. The interior cylindrical wall having a plurality of dimples therein.

Abstract: A signaling mirror assembly for mounting to an exterior of a motor vehicle comprises a mirror shell mounted to a side of the vehicle body and a mirror mounted within the shell having reflectivity of at most 70% and transmissivity of at least 40%. The signaling mirror also has a light source disposed between the mirror and the shell which is operably illuminated in response to operating signals. Also included is diffractive means disposed between the light source and the mirror for diverting light from the vehicle operator to a viewing pattern which generally fans out from the side of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A link assembly connectable to a pair of spaced members and adapted for rotary motion and conical deflection relative to each of the connectable members generally consisting of an elongated, rigid member having a pair of spaced head segments interconnected by an intermediate segment, each of the head segments having an opening therethrough for receiving a connectable member therein, the rigid member further including a pair of identically configured, co-extensively disposed sections mated and rigidly secured together, each of the sections including a pair of spaced head portions interconnected by an intermediate portion, each of the head portions having an opening therethrough registered with an opening in an adjoining head portion of the other section to provide the connectable member receiving opening in one of the head segments, and a bushing disposed in each of the connectable member receiving openings in the head segments of the rigid member, being formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane material and havi