Abstract: An apparatus for installing a split-ring on a sink flange to install a garbage disposer unit includes a first cylindrical member that is disposed co-axially with respect to a second cylindrical member. The cylindrical members are adapted for at least limited longitudinal movement with respect to each other. The first cylindrical member is used to temporarily retain the split-ring in an expanded position proximate an annular groove that is provided in the sink flange. The second cylindrical member is used to displace the split-ring off of the first cylindrical member and onto the annular groove of the sink flange where it is needed to complete installation of the garbage disposer. According to a preferred embodiment the first and second cylindrical members are not attached to each other and final installation of the snap-ring to the sink flange is accomplished by applying a downward pressure to the sink flange from above the sink while supporting the device from below the sink.

Abstract: A golf club head is formed with a unitary, one-piece body including a top crown, sole plate, face plate and side skirt. The side skirt includes an opening, and a cap is configured to cover the opening. Preferably, the cap is connected to the side skirt by a snap fit or interference fit. The interior portion of the golf club head preferably includes a reinforcement structure which supports the face plate. Desirably, the reinforcement structure includes three vertical ribs which are connected to the top crown, face plate and sole plate to form part of the one-piece body.

Abstract: By means of the fastener fixing tool fitted with a fastener-guide (30), the base plate and the end (23) of the fastener-guide (30) are firmly fixed together, by a relative movement of the base plate and the end (23) of the fastener-guide (30), the one in relation to the other, in a plane perpendicular to the axis (21) of the fastener-guide (30), the base plate is pressed against a receiver-support (100) and attached there by means of a fastener. Where the base plate constitutes a female part for firmly uniting with the end (23) of the fastener-guide (30), the fastener-guide (30) is provided with an exterior annular groove (24) to receive a snap fit clamp (11) of the base plate.

Abstract: A laundering implement is provided for cleaning an external surface of a vehicle. A plurality of spacers are supportable with respect to a path of travel for a vehicle to be cleaned and are arranged in first and second stacked or sandwiched groups of spacers for oscillating or rotating movement about a common axis of rotation or axial shifting oscillation along a common axis. The spacers are of a color different from that of the rest of the fixed structure of the laundering implement so that when the implement is in operation the moving spacers and cloth elements create an attractive and attention-getting visual effect. The colors of the spacers may be customized to suit the desires of any particular purchaser or operator of the vehicle laundry system. Each spacer has opposite complementary faces matable with an opposing face of an adjacent spacer. A plurality of cloth elements are interposed between adjacent stacked spacers for movement in concert therewith.

Abstract: A flexible motion transmitting core element (12) is attached a rod (14) and a conduit (16) movably supports the core element (12) and has an end portion to which is attached an end fitting (18). An insert (20) has a neck portion (22) embedded in the end fitting (18) and a spherical portion (24) presenting a ball-shaped pocket and extending from said neck portion (22) through a maximum inner diameter D. A swivel tube (26) has a bore therethrough for movably supporting the rod (14) and has a convex spherical surface (28) slidably supported in the ball-shaped pocket for swiveling movement relative to the end fitting (18). The end fitting (18) embeds only a portion of the spherical portion (24) of the insert (20) for allowing the open end (30) to move radially to snap the convex spherical surface (28) of the swivel tube (26) into the ball-shaped pocket of the insert (20). The insert (20) includes an anchor flange (32) for anchoring the insert (20) in the end fitting (18).

Abstract: A method is disclosed of coupling two component parts (10) for a power tool when the first component part (42) has a mounting spigot (90) with a channel (239) therein and the second component part (10) has a spigot receiving portion (54) with a rib (101) co-operable with the channel. The first component part includes a cylindrical projection with a chamfered edge (250) and a second component part including a detent such that the alignment of the channel in the mounting spigot with the co-operable rib on the spigot receiving portion is the first step of coupling two components. Subsequent steps include engaging the further rib of the spigot receiving portion with a channel on a side wall and finally urging the chamfered edge past the detent.

Abstract: A clutch retaining device for use in a clutch collar and clutch assembly. The clutch retaining device includes multiple cover clips which extend downwardly from the cover and have a substantial L-shape. The clutch collar has corresponding cover clip notches which correspond to the cover clips of the clutch collar cover. The clutch collar assembly includes a first and second clutch collar cover. The entire assembly includes a series of drive springs and drive pins which are compressed in place by the first and second clutch collar covers. A method for assembling the clutch collar assembly is also included. The method includes the steps of inserting drive pins into drive springs into drive pin receptors, aligning cover clips of a clutch cover with cover clip notches on a clutch collar, and connecting the clutch cover to the clutch collar and thereby depressing the drive pins and the drive springs.

Abstract: A method for coupling a first computer component, such as a printed circuit board, to a second computer component, such as a chassis, with an engaging member. The method may comprise fastening a first portion of the engaging member to the first computer component and biasing a second portion of the engaging member toward the chassis to clamp a bracket of the printed circuit board against the chassis. The method may further comprise inserting a protrusion of the second portion of the engaging member through an aperture of the bracket and into a corresponding aperture of the chassis.

Abstract: By means of the fastener fixing tool fitted with a fastener-guide (30), the base plate and the end (23) of the fastener-guide (30) are firmly fixed together, by a relative movement of the base plate and the end (23) of the fastener-guide (30), the one in relation to the other, in a plane perpendicular to the axis (21) of the fastener-guide (30), the base plate is pressed against a receiver-support (100) and attached there by means of a fastener. Where the base plate constitutes a female part for firmly uniting with the end (23) of the fastener-guide (30), the fastener-guide (30) is provided with an exterior annular groove (24) to receive a snap fit clamp (11) of the base plate.

Abstract: A combination B-pillar molding and belt-line window molding for a motor vehicle door, and method for manufacturing the same. The molding comprises a main body including a window sealing structure and a mounting structure. The sealing structure is formed from a resilient material constructed and arranged to seal a belt-line gap between a motor vehicle door and a motor vehicle window. The mounting structure is constructed and arranged to mount the main body on a belt-line region of the motor vehicle door. The molding further includes a metal cover member having an elongate first portion with a channel configuration. The channel configuration of the first portion is flexible outwardly to receive a portion of the main body and flexible inwardly to grippingly engage the portion of the main body in secured relation. The metal cover member has an elongate second portion integrally formed with the first portion and extends laterally from the first portion.

Abstract: A 96-well solid phase extraction (SPE) plate assembly comprises a common base plate having plural apertures (bores), and removable extraction cartridges (containers, tubes) extending through the bores. The plate assembly is mounted on a conventional 96-well plate vacuum manifold. The cartridges preferably snap into the base plate, but may also screw in. The apertures have annular counterapertures (counterbores) complementary to annular ridges protruding from the side walls of the cartridges. Each ridge snaps into a corresponding counteraperture. The modular design allows the end user to customize the extraction medium mix of the extraction plate assembly by inserting extraction containers having different sorbents into a common base plate. Gaskets are used to maintain a vacuum seal between the base plate and extraction cartridges, for maintaining a pressure gradient across the sorbents.

Abstract: A method for setting stones in the surface of a jewel produced by electroforming, comprising the following steps: producing a base having external shapes and dimensions with a thickness close to the gold film forming the wall of the jewel to be produced and having seats for receiving the stones; depositing on the base, before setting the stones, a protective coating, then a thin gold film; setting the stones in the seats; then depositing a second thicker gold film; and finally extracting or removing the base and the protective coating. The invention is characterized in that when the base is being produced, at least one passage is provided perpendicular to each seat, capable of communicating, once the stone is set, the space between it and the bottom of its seat with outside, so as to enable the depositing of the second gold film to reach the space. The invention is useful for jewels produced by electroforming.

Abstract: A laundering implement is provided for cleaning an external surface of a vehicle. A plurality of spacers are supportable with respect to a path of travel for a vehicle to be cleaned and are arranged in first and second stacked or sandwiched groups of spacers for oscillating or rotating movement about a common axis of rotation or axial shifting oscillation along a common axis. The spacers are of a color different from that of the rest of the fixed structure of the laundering implement so that when the implement is in operation the moving spacers and cloth elements create an attractive and attention-getting visual effect. The colors of the spacers may be customized to suit the desires of any particular purchaser or operator of the vehicle laundry system. Each spacer has opposite complimentary faces matable with an opposing face of an adjacent spacer. A plurality of cloth elements are interposed between adjacent stacked spacers for movement in concert therewith.

Abstract: A method for removably mounting to a chassis a computer component having a first surface with a first aperture extending therein and a second surface having a second aperture therein. The method includes inserting a first protrusion of an attachment assembly into the first aperture and inserting a second protrusion of the assembly into the second aperture to restrict motion of the assembly relative to the component. The method further includes engaging a first portion of the assembly with a first surface of the chassis facing the first portion, and engaging a second portion of the assembly with a second surface of the chassis facing the second portion to restrict motion of the component relative to the chassis.

Abstract: The method of installing a handle in a mattress border comprising the step of bending a back strap and a material into a U shape so that inside surface is convex outward and so that first apertures are aligned, inserting a pulling tool through the aligned apertures, coupling a second coupling means to a first coupling means, and using the tool to pull the handle so that one of anchors passes through the first aligned apertures.

Abstract: A decorative container member has an enclosing side wall with a rim around an upper extremity of the side wall, the rim defining a downwardly extending outer portion. A decorative ring member is dimensioned so that at least a portion fits in overlapping relationship with the outside surface of the rim. The side wall of the container member and the ring member are provided with distinctively different decorative characteristics (i.e., texture, color or finish) so as to provide the desired contrast.

Abstract: A method for mounting a slider device on a recloseable package includes mounting the slider device by intersecting the slider device with a zipper arrangement so that at least one of the slider device and the zipper arrangement is distorted to allow mounting. A particular method includes mounting the slider device includes intersecting the slider device with the zipper arrangement at an angle between about 20 to 60.degree., preferably about 45.degree.. In another method, the zipper arrangement is distorted to facilitate mounting of the slider device thereon, and in yet another method, the slider device is distorted to facilitate mounting.

Abstract: The present invention is a personal computer case that is easy to assemble and disassemble. The computer case can be separated into two members, the first covering the top, front, right and left sides of the case, and the second covering the bottom, front, and rear sides of the case. A push button operated latch enables one member to become detached from the other member, allowing the case to be opened, without requiring the use of screws or special tools. The push button contains a slidable detent feature that can prevent the button from being depressed, thus preventing the inadvertent disassembly, separation, and opening of the computer case. The case contains a security feature that involves attaching a padlock to a tab portion of one member that is slid through a hole in the other member. With the padlock attached, the tab can not be retracted from the hole, thus preventing the unwanted separation of the two members.

Abstract: A method of assembling a belt-line window molding for a motor vehicle door comprising i) a main body including a resilient window sealing structure constructed and arranged to seal a gap between the motor vehicle door and the motor vehicle window, and a mounting structure constructed and arranged to mount the window molding on the motor vehicle door, the mounting structure including a rigid portion, and ii) a metal cover member having a channel configuration constructed and arranged to cover a portion of the mounting structure which is adapted to extend in overlying relation to an exterior surface of the door.

Abstract: A modular pressure regulator/filter wherein the fuel filter is adapted to be attached to a fuel delivery system of an internal combustion engine and the housing thereof has a projecting wall on the filter housing adjacent to a female opening in the fuel filter housing. This projecting wall has at least one slot therein. A clip is provided and includes a disc portion with a central opening therein for selectively receiving a male outlet conduit from the pressure regulator. A clip projection, which is integral with and movably attached to the disc portion, is adapted to be selectively received into the slot in the projecting wall whereby the clip is held from moving away from the projecting wall. An annular projection on the pressure regulator housing is disposed between the disc portion and the clip projection when the clip projection is in the first position thereof for holding the pressure regulator housing in the clip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snap arrangement comprising snap hooks (208) associated with a first housing (200) that snap over corresponding protrusions (111) in a second housing (100). The snap hooks preferably include an inclined portion (212) such that a finger (504) of a certain width of a removal tool (502) will force them apart to the deflection required for disassembly. Once the tool has been inserted beyond the elbow (213), the snap hook is not deflected any further regardless of the motion of the tool. This enables the tool to continue moving the front housing apart from the rear housing without further deflecting the snap hooks. This ensures that the snap hooks are never overstressed, that the front housing comes completely off of the rear housing every time, and that repeated disassembly will only minimally affect the strength of the snaps.

Abstract: A nib for a marking pen which has at least one, preferably two, grooves or valleys formed in the sides thereof which intersect a projection on an inside surface of the marking pen barrel for securing the nib within the marking pen. In the preferred embodiment, the nib is formed from flat strips of stock by forming two grooves down the center of the strip and subsequently cutting parallelogram-shaped nibs from the strip. When the nib is assembled to the pen, the projection intersects a first one of the grooves at a front of the nib, and intersects the second one of the grooves at the back of the nib. Advantageously, this construction provides for stable orientation of the nib within the pen and facile assembly, without the need for pinning or die cutting an irregular shape. In addition, the method of forming the nib allows for high throughput production.

Abstract: An actuator for manipulating a bowden cable assembly of a lumbar support structure includes a housing having a longitudinal passage and a screw coupled to a cable and operable for moving in the housing passage. A threaded nut is operable for rotating and moving the screw through the housing passage. A barrel is configured for receiving the bowden cable assembly and is operable for providing movement of the cable of a bowden cable assembly completely therethrough and further operable for engaging a sleeve of the bowden cable assembly for preventing movement of the sleeve completely therethrough. The barrel is fixedly coupled to the housing to fix the movement of the bowden cable sleeve with respect to the housing passage such that movement of the screw in the housing is operable for drawing the cable through the fixed sleeve of the bowden cable structure for manipulating a lumbar support structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for mounting an element on a chassis. The method comprises several steps. The element is stopped from sliding in at least one direction when the element is placed on the surface of the chassis. A clip is pivotably connected to the chassis. The clip pivots between first and second position holding the element in place in the second position. The clip is locked in the second position.

Abstract: A method is shown for installing a pipe gasket within the bell end of a pipe section. The bell end is oriented along a horizontal work axis. The annular gasket is inserted within the mouth opening of the bell end of the pipe. The gasket is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the horizontal axis, whereby a leading edge of the annular gasket moves past the annular groove provided in the bell end and a trailing edge of the gasket engages the annular groove. A retracting force is exerted on the gasket by pulling the leading edge backwards in the direction of the mouth opening of the bell end of the pipe until the gasket snaps into a lock-in position within the annular groove. The gasket body has an embedded relatively rigid ring which is precisely located to ensure that the gasket, once in snap-fit position, is securely retained within the gasket groove and cannot be displaced.

Abstract: A modular fence system. The system includes fence planks designed for insertion into open channels of upper and lower fence rails. The fence rails are supported in a horizontal orientation between intermittent fence posts, with the fence planks extending vertically between the rails. The planks include resilient protrusions at their upper ends. The protrusions of the planks are designed to fit into internal passages formed in the open channels of the upper fence rail, into engagement with ledges defining the passages, to inhibit inadvertent removal of the planks from the upper rail.

Abstract: A method of mounting a suspension bumper (10) in a motor vehicle providing a high degree of manufacturing confidence. The method includes inserting a first end (54) of an installation tool (50) in a blind bore (20) of the suspension bumper; aligning a retaining tip (40) with an aperture (44) in the vehicle; applying an insertion force (60) on the suspension bumper to compress the retaining tip through the aperture and allow a retaining groove (48) to engage a periphery (49) of the aperture; and applying a withdrawal force in a direction opposite from the insertion force sufficient to remove the installation tool from the suspension bumper, the withdrawal force being smaller in magnitude than a force required to disengage the retaining groove from the periphery.

Abstract: A guide piece molded out of a rigid but slightly resilient material, such as plastic, having an elongated body with a U-shaped channel, used to hold an edge of a printed circuit card, extending the length of the guide piece to form an opening on each end. The guide piece has a plurality of raised tabs along the external surface of one leg of the channel and middle and end nubs on the external surface of the other leg of the channel. The raised tabs mate with fingers formed in a chassis, and the middle and end nubs mate with holes in the chassis. The combination of the raised tabs mating with fingers, and the middle and end nubs mating with the holes, secures the guide piece to the chassis, without requiring protrusions through the chassis.

Abstract: A fuel filler pipe housing mountable on automotive body panels. The housing generally includes a flange member coupled to a body member mountable on a surface of the body panel, and a trim member coupled to the flange member by a hinge. The trim member is movable relative to the flange member between a first position where the trim member is disposed away from a surface of body panel and a second position where the trim member is disposed toward the surface of the body panel, whereby the trim member is biased toward one of the first and second positions. The housing may be installed on the body panel with the trim member positioned away therefrom prior to applying paint thereto, whereafter the trim member is positioned toward the body panel.

Abstract: A component and wire harness combination includes a component comprising a panel having a channel with an opening. A plurality of wires are disposed in the channel. A sheath encases the plurality of wires in the channel, protecting the wires and retaining them within the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a zipper for a reclosable thermoplastic bag having opposing rib and groove profiles wherein at least one of the opposing zipper profiles has an longitudinally extending part interlockable and substantially free of interdigitation with the opposing profile and wherein the part is structurally discontinuous along its length. When the rib and groove profiles are interlocked, an audible clicking sound and/or a vibratory or bumpy feel perceptible to the touch is imparted. Further disclosed is a process and apparatus for making the zipper wherein a zipper profile is extruded and indentions are formed within and along it.

Abstract: In its preferred embodiment, a quick connector (10) for connecting a male conduit (12) to a female receptacle (14) has a pair of waist segments (60 and 62), a body segment (56), and a pair of leg segments (68). Each of the leg segments (68) are defined by a pair of projecting elements (76) which are at least partially compressible toward one another thereby causing the pair of waist segments (60 and 62) to move toward one another. A confirmer ring (114) is provided on the pair of projecting elements (76). Confirmation that the quick connector (10) is properly locked in place is made when the confirmer ring (114) is fully seated within a portion of the opening (18) of female receptacle (14). An alternate embodiment provides for use of the confirmer ring (114) as an installing tool when connecting the male conduit (12) with the female receptacle (14).

Abstract: An accessory of any kind, for example an end-cap, is designed to be fitted to the base of trunking. To make the retention of the end-cap to the trunking more firm, at least one thickness-increasing device is fitted to its base, before the end-cap, and forms a localized increased thickness on the base. Applications include moldings.

Abstract: A wiper blade includes a metal carrier, a metal yoke, and a plastic joint part. The metal yoke is attached to the metal carrier in a way the permits the yoke to pivot about a pivot axis. The joint part is interposed between the metal carrier and the metal yoke, and is stationary with respect to the carrier. Both the carrier and the yoke have a substantially U-shaped cross-section at the location at which the joint part is interposed between them, and the yoke is positioned substantially within said carrier. At least one leg of the U-shaped cross-section of the yoke includes a protrusion formed as part of the yoke at the location of the pivot axis. The protrusion pivotally engages in the joint part. The carrier has at least one hole provided coaxially with the pivot axis. A cylindrical portion of the joint part is provided through the hole, and the protrusion of the yoke extends into the cylindrical portion. A method of manufacturing a wiper blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lock-down device for use in a circuit breaker assembly. The device comprises a base for releasably securing the device to the assembly's saddle, an arm portion connected to the base, and a hand portion, connected to the arm portion, for engaging the housing of a first circuit breaker such that when the first circuit breaker and a second circuit breaker is mounted on the saddle the hand portion is intermediate the first and second circuit breakers and the first circuit breaker cannot be inadvertently removed from the saddle. In an alternative embodiment, the hand portion of the device comprises flanges for engaging and permitting the lock-down of the second circuit breaker as well.

Abstract: A lid for closing an opening of a vessel includes a lid body configured to engage the opening, with the vessel having a defined shape. The lid body includes an engagement part which engages a corresponding surface of the vessel, thereby closing the opening. A handling element is disposed on an outer portion of the lid, with the handling element extending in parallel with an axis of the vessel. The handling element is for handling the lid for opening and closing the vessel.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for snapping a coupler of a rearview mirror assembly onto a base mounted to a vehicle. The tool includes a handle, a shaft attached to and extending outward from the handle, and a structural configuration formed on an end of the shaft opposite the handle for simultaneously engaging both the coupler of the rearview mirror assembly and the base when the coupler is initially partially engaged with the base, and for moving the coupler relative to the base in response to a levering force applied to the handle until the coupler of the rearview mirror assembly is slid into full engagement with the base. To move the coupler in this manner, the tool directly applies a levering force to an interior surface of a rear wall of the coupler in response to a directional force applied to the handle.

Abstract: A pipe connecting assembly and method for joining two lengths of steel pipe in the field without the need for welding the connection includes a pair of tubular members both having cylindrical exterior and interior surfaces that substantially conform to the exterior and interior surfaces of the two lengths of steel pipe. At one end of one of the tubular members a male connector is formed. The male connector has a plurality of annular flat and tapered ridges and flat annular surfaces formed thereon. At one end of the other tubular member a female connector is formed. The female connector has a plurality of flat annular ridges and tapered and flat surfaces formed thereon. In employing the tubular members in connecting the two lengths of steel pipe, the ends of the members opposite the male and female connectors are first welded to opposed ends of the steel pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a lens into the eye opening of an eyewear frame front includes a lens-seating surface on which a lens is placed. The lens-seating surface is reciprocally movable within a lower block. An upper block is reciprocally movably along a common vertical axis with respect to the lower block such that the upper block can be alternately raised and lowered relative to the stationary lower block. The upper block releasably carries a stretching cone which is placed on top of the lens on the lens-seating surface; the upper block is then raised while leaving the cone on the lens, and the eye opening of a heated front frame is placed over the stretching cone. The upper block is again lowered to capture the frame portion surrounding the eye opening, and the lens-seating surface is raised to force the cone through the eye opening.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in assembling a steering wheel cover, an air bag device and a retainer plate into a single unit. The air bag device includes an inflatable cushion portion and a base plate portion. The steering wheel cover includes a central portion and a plurality of side portions which extend out from the central portion to define with the central portion a pocket for receiving the air bag device. At least one of the side portions has a tab for lockingly engaging the retainer plate.

Abstract: A rod guide is provided for centering a sucker rod within a tubular string that powers the pump within a well bore. The rod guide comprises a spool securable to the rod and having tipper and lower end members thereon, and a plastic material sleeve extending between the upper and lower end members. The sleeve may be mounted to the rod during a molding operation. The rod guide further includes a guide body which may be machined from an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material which has desired abrasive and wear characteristics. In one embodiment, the body is rotatable about the spool. A slot within the guide body and scalloped-shaped cut-outs at both ends of the guide body provide fluid communication between an annulus formed between the O.D. of the sleeve portion of the spool and the I.D. of the guide body.

Abstract: A structural support shell for a tilt-back chair has a back portion, a seat portion, and a flexible compression zone extending between the back and seat portions in an integrally molded, one-piece unit. The chair has a base with a recline control pivoting recline control lever. The seat portion of the shell is fixed to the base and the back portion of the shell is fixed to the recline control lever. The flexible compression zone provides a simplified construction for an ergonomic chair design having an effective axis of rotation between the back portion and seat portion which is located above the seat portion, forward of the back portion, and generally adjacent to the hip joints of a seated user. The chair includes side arms that laterally and then rotatably engage side arm supporting connectors on the chair to facilitate assembly. The chair further includes a one-piece shell having tabs for mateably engaging flanges on the chair seat and back to also facilitate assembly.

Abstract: A sports ball bladder and method of manufacture which produces a sports ball in which a valve element (48) is fused to the bladder and is disposed away from a parting line (40) of a mold (34). The bladder is made by extruding a parison (64) and closing a mold cavity (42) in surrounding relation thereof. A blow needle (46) supports the valve element thereon and delivers fluid pressure to an interior area (68) of the parison. The expanding parison fills the mold cavity and impinges on the valve element. The expanded parison is cooled to solidify the thermoplastic material. The pressure in the interior area is then relieved through the blow needle and the mold is opened. To avoid thinning of the bladder adjacent to the parting line, thermoplastic material is pushed inwardly into the mold cavity from a pinch pocket (80) as the mold is closed. After the ball bladder is formed, a valve member (72) is inserted into the valve element to enable holding of the bladder in an inflated condition.

Abstract: The multipartite impeller assembly includes an impeller portion, a magnetic coupler, a snap-fit connector, and a radial bearing. The impeller portion and the magnetic coupler have complementary polygonal shapes which can be interlocked. The impeller portion and the magnetic coupler are secured together by a snap-fit connector, which is reinforced by a radial bearing adjacent to the snap-fit connector. The radial bearing prevents radial movement of the snap-fit connector or snap-fit joint, which could otherwise tend to release the snap-fit joint.

Abstract: The process of the invention employs a post type fastening member that provides, at one end, an insertion friction connection to the circuit card and at the other end, extending through the heat sink, a compression spring means that urges the heat sink toward the cirduit card. A plurality of the post type fasteners are positioned around the periphery of the chip package to retain the heat sink parallel to the circuit card and compressing the chip package. The packaging structure of the invention permits larger area heat sinks than the chip package area to be supported by the circuit card with the only relationship with the chip being that of a compression thermal transfer contact and radiation shield.

Abstract: An airtight clip device for inflation nozzle of an air bag. The clip device includes a clip seat, a clip board and a folding section foldably connecting the clip board with the clip seat. The clip seat is disposed with two hook edges on two sides and multiple clip teeth are arranged on the clip seat between the hook edges. Multiple clip teeth are formed on the clip board in cooperation with the clip teeth of the clip seat. The clip board is foldable onto the clip seat to be fixedly inserted between the hook edges thereof with the clip teeth of the clip board engaged with the clip teeth of the clip seat so as to airtightly clip and seal the inflation nozzle.

Abstract: A side-mountable liquid level sensor utilizes a rubber sealing grommet to temporarily hold the buoyant member within the cylinder of the liquid container opening to facilitate assembly. The buoyant member has an open slot with cooperating limit structure on the buoyant member and sensor rod to facilitate manufacture.

Abstract: A die (24) and punch (32) is employed to form a joint (74) between at least two sheets of material (70; and 72). The preferred embodiment die (24) has a shield (54) surrounding an anvil (52). This shield (54) has at least one aperture (120) extending therethrough.

Abstract: A conduit, to be attached to a fluid port in a block or wall, has an enlarged end with a sealing ring and an attachment plate with a cut-out engaging the enlarged end, preferably with the plate secured against the enlarged end by a retaining ring or convolution. The plate has an attachment hole with a snap ring in the hole which is snap-locked onto a barbed stud threaded into the block retaining the enlarged conduit end in the fluid port. The conduit is disconnected by unthreading the stud through the plate hole from the block.

Abstract: An airbag gas generator has a housing within which a solid gas generating composition is located. The housing has an opening through which a gas formed during fuel combustion exits the housing. A gas distribution cap is fitted to an outlet end of the housing, the cap having a projecting lip at a forward end thereof. The housing has a corresponding recess in the outlet end for accepting the lip therein. The cap further has a plurality of longitudinal slots through which the gas is distributed, the slots defining flexible wall segments which deform during insertion of the cap into the outlet end prior to engagement of the lip with the recess for locking the cap to the housing. Utilizing the present invention, threaded or welded joints are avoided and a light weight, low cost assembly is achieved.