Abstract: A trim piece for mounting to an interior panel of an automobile having a relatively rigid support member, foam padding, and an outer cover of vinyl or cloth. The cover and the foam padding are dielectrically bonded to the relatively rigid support member contiguous the edges of the trim member without enveloping the edges of the support member to provide a trim piece which mates with the surface of the interior panel. The method for making the trim piece involves using a dielectric die which defines an acute angle between an upper and lower die half, the acute angle being contiguous with the edge of the trim piece and being oblique with respect to the movement of the die halves. The lower die half mates with the support member and the upper die half mates with the vinyl cover at the points of dielectric bonding.

Abstract: An automotive casket handle includes a generally U-shaped frame, pivotally mounted to a support surface, and inside and outside cushion members secured to recesses in the frame. Each cushion member includes a structural strip, typically of steel, a cover, typically of preformed vinyl, and a foam strip positioned between the structural strip and the cover. The edges of the cover are captured between the structural strip and the frame. Thus, the exposed surface of the cover is smooth and seamless with rounded edges. One cushion member is secured to the frame by bendable tabs extending from the structural strip, passing through tab openings in the frame and then bent against the frame. The other cushion member is connected to the frame by the engagement of studs, extending from the structural strip, into push lock fasteners mounted to the frame.

Abstract: An air conditioning system with incorporated evaporative cooling apparatus dapted to sequentially pass compressed air from a compressor through a heat exchanger and expansion cooling turbine and into an enclosure. A condensate extractor is interposed downstream of the expansion cooling turbine and located above the heat exchanger. A nozzle is mounted to the heat exchanger and connected via a water conduit to the condensate extractor so that gravity delivers extracted condensate to the nozzle. The nozzle communicates via an air conduit with the compressor so that compressed air disperses the extracted condensate through the nozzle to impinge upon the heat exchanger thereby effectuating evaporative cooling.

Abstract: A trim piece for mounting to an interior panel of an automobile having a relatively rigid support member, foam padding, and an outer cover of vinyl or cloth. The cover and the foam padding are dielectrically bonded to the relatively rigid support member contiguous the edges of the trim member without enveloping the edges of the support member to provide a trim piece which mates with the surface of the interior panel. The method for making the trim piece involves using a dielectric die which defines an acute angle between an upper and lower die half, the acute angle being contiguous with the edge of the trim piece and being oblique with respect to the movement of the die halves. The lower die half mates with the support member and the upper die half mates with the vinyl cover at the points of dielectric bonding.

Abstract: An improved fastening system for automobile assist straps and the like using a threaded fastener having deep recesses on the surface which bears upon the strap component to be secured. The strap component has correlative ridges which mate with the recesses on the threaded fastener to resist rotation of the fastener.

Abstract: A vehicle assist strap having a central metal core with exposed ends which are secured to a vehicle body via an anti-rotation member. The anti-rotation member is completely concealed by covers which also conceal the fasteners and the ends of the strap. Since the anti-rotation member is completely concealed by the covers, it can be fabricated from relatively inexpensive materials and by relatively inexpensive manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the anti-rotation member is configured to be secured to the strap ends without an additional manufacturing step.

Abstract: A vehicle assist strap, and more particularly, an improved assist strap having a central metal core with formed ends which cooperate with covers for concealing fasteners utilized for fastening the assist strap to a surface of the vehicle. The covers are locked in their operative positions to prevent tampering and removal thereof during normal use. The covers may however be non-destructively removed to permit access to the fasteners as desired.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing mating splined parts under rotational torsional loag at selectively variable axial misalignments. The apparatus is in the form of what is commonly known as a four-square test machine to which a locked-in static torque is applied to simulate actual loading on splined connector parts during rotation.

Abstract: A banner towing adapter for use in the towing of a banner or target by an rcraft of the type having an arresting tail hook assembly. The towing adapter is installable in the hollow tail hook attachment pin of the aircraft by means of an expanding sleeve. The sleeve is fixed to a first upwardly extending immovable arm which secures the sleeve to the tail hook support structure located on the aircraft. A second arm, rotatably attached to the sleeve and coupled to the tail hook, is provided at its distal end with a hook suitable for securing a towline from the banner to be towed. The towline securing hook is disposable between two hook retainers which act as a constraint when the towline is on the hook. One of the retainers is disposed at the far end of the first arm while the other hook retainer is rotatable about a point fixed on the first arm. The second retainer is lockable in a retaining position by a ball lock pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing padded or cushioned straps having a main structural strap member adatped to be fastened to a surface, a vinyl wrap or cover and a foam cushion material intermediate the vinyl wrap and the strap member.

Abstract: A thermostatically controlled safety heater for upright immersion in an aquarium includes a housing with an axially extending, heat-transmitting tube forming a chamber in which an electric heating element is disposed in radially spaced relation from the tube. The radial space between the tube and element, over substantially the axial length of the element, is filled with a heat conducting, thermally expansible liquid. An actuator device including a linearly movable plunger reactive to thermal expansion of the liquid is provided for opening and closing a switch in circuit with the heating element for maintaining the heater at a desired temperature. A hunting tendency of the switch contacts is overcome by providing a damping medium in the form of an air space having a volume less than about ten per cent of the volume of liquid between the plunger and the liquid. An expansible sealing diaphragm supports the plunger and isolates the liquid to the portion of the tube in which the heating element is disposed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel ornamental strap or handle particularly suited for use as door pulls, assist straps, or the like in automobiles or the like. The invention provides a strap having a luxurious cushioned feel when grasped by an individual, a decorative appearance and strength and rigidity to accomplish its intended purpose. The strap of the present invention includes a base strip with a cushion strip of generous thickness disposed on at least one side thereof and a suitable cover strip wrapped securely around the base and cushion members. A trim strip is disposed over and conceals the longitudinal edges of the cover strip and is secured thereto by any suitable means such as dielectric heat fusion. Means are also provided to cushion the hard feel of the lateral edges of the base member. Thus, a decorative strap is provided which has a smooth wrinkle-free aesthetically pleasing contour and creates a soft plush luxurious feeling when engaged by the hand.

Abstract: The fitting is an elongated door or like pull strap which is ornamental and well suited for blending, or contrasting, with the decor of a passenger automobile interior. Certain embodiments are intended for installation on a door or other interior panel of a vehicle of the so-called luxury type; in other adaptations use in a less expensive or standard, less luxuriously appointed vehicle is contemplated. However, in all forms a basic and common feature relates to a bracket-mounted strap which presents a well cushioned or padded surface which faces the associated auto panel and is therefore felt by the fingers of the hand of a vehicle occupant; this is diametrically opposed to a finger grip on the rigid, inherently unyielding surface characteristic of automotive door and related pull straps in current use, which surface faces the panel also.