Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a multilayer dry adhesive system capable of reversible joining of rigid substrates.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a multilayer dry adhesive system capable of reversible joining of rigid substrates.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a multilayer dry adhesive system capable of reversible joining of rigid substrates.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a multilayer dry adhesive system capable of reversible joining of rigid substrates.

Abstract: An item such as a passenger assist handle is anchored to an automotive framing component by a mounting stud passing through a hole in the framing component. The mounting stud includes a shaft with a helix at a first end and a threaded portion at a second end. The helix and threaded portion are of opposite hands and the threaded portion receives a stop nut thereon. The automotive framing component has a teardrop shaped opening therethrough having a first diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the shaft and a second diameter substantially equal to the radius of the helix. Upon threading the nut onto the shaft, while the stud is held initially stationary by frictional engagement between its surface and surfaces of the framing component adjacent to the teardrop shaped opening, the stop nut bottoms against a shoulder on the shaft and then begins rotating the shaft to drive the helix through the teardrop shaped opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an electrical cable to and making an electrical connection with a mounting post on a vehicle battery includes a base portion having an aperture extending through a first end and a second end thereof. The first end of the base portion is placed over the mounting post. An insert is received in the second end of base portion. A spring is received in the base portion and a cap having an open end sized to be placed over the base portion compresses the spring. At least one stop member is attached to the base portion. The stop member interacts with the cap to lock the cap in position with respect to the base portion when the spring is compressed, maintaining compression on the spring and the insert to ensure an electrical connection between the insert and the mounting post.

Abstract: A battery assembly for a vehicle includes a battery with a post extending therefrom. A terminal is connected to the post, and a blade extends from the terminal. A battery cable includes an attached connector. The connector is configured to receive the blade in a snap-in relationship. The blade includes a protrusion thereon, and the connector includes a spring member configured to provide sufficient normal force on the blade to force the blade against a wall of the connector to provide a reliable electrical contact. The spring member abuts the protrusion to secure the blade in the connector.

Abstract: A battery assembly for a vehicle includes a battery with a post extending therefrom. A terminal is connected to the post, and a blade extends from the terminal. A battery cable includes an attached connector. The connector is configured to receive the blade in a snap-in relationship. The blade includes a protrusion thereon, and the connector includes a spring member configured to provide sufficient normal force on the blade to force the blade against a wall of the connector to provide a reliable electrical contact. The spring member abuts the protrusion to secure the blade in the connector.