Abstract: A method for making a sound-dampened automotive enclosure, such as an oil pan, having a metal constraining layer, a metal housing layer, and a viscoelastic layer sandwiched therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the constraining layer and viscoelastic layer are between the housing layer and the die while the housing layer is being drawn. This results in a very close and snug fit between the layers, leading to enhanced sound-dampening effectiveness. The article thus produced is also disclosed.

Abstract: A damped heat shield for a vehicle exhaust manifold includes inner and outer thin steel layers. An intermediate aluminum layer is located between the two steel layers. A high temperature corrosion-resistant coating is applied to the exterior surfaces and the edges of the shield. Such coating along the edges prevents the entry of corrosion producing substances into the interior of the shield. The outer steel layer has a thickness greater than the inner steel layer, so that the two layers do not resonate at the same frequency, and therefore, tend to damp vibrational energy more efficiently and reduce radiated sound energy and noise.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of using constrained layer sound damping. A composition and a laminated structure are provided for the reduction of noise coming from housings such as oil pans for automobiles. The composition comprises a rubbery polyurethane, an olefin polymer, and a filler. The laminated structure comprises the housing, the composition, and a sheet metal liner. The composition contains a blowing agent which is activated to provide a single unitary structure which dampens noise. The polyurethane and olefin polymer are thoroughly intermixed with each other, but maintain their separate identities in the blend.

Abstract: A barrier to the passage of sound, vibration, and moisture through a hollow channel in a motor vehicle body and a method for producing same are provided. The barrier is comprised of a resilient body such as flexible foam and a heat-deformable member such as a tube which defines a passageway between the ends of the resilient body when the resilient body and the member are mounted in the hollow channel. The barrier may be coated with hot melt adhesive. The barrier is mounted in the hollow channel and the motor vehicle body is dipped in a paint bath and drained. Paint flows in and out through the passageway in the barrier, thus coating the interior of the hollow channel. When the motor vehicle body is passed through the bake oven, the heat-deformable member collapses, the barrier is closed, and the hot melt adhesive bonds the barrier to the channel.

Abstract: The invention concerns constrained layer sound damping. A composition and a laminated structure are provided for the reduction of noise coming from housings such as oil pans for automobiles. The composition comprises a rubbery polyurethane, an olefin polymer, and a filler. The laminated structure comprises the housing, the composition, and a sheet metal liner. The composition contains a blowing agent which is activated to provide a single unitary structure which dampens noise. The polyurethane and olefin polymer are thoroughly intermixed with each other, but maintain their separate identities in the blend.

Abstract: The invention concerns constrained layer sound damping. A composition and a laminated structure are provided for the reduction of noise coming from housings such as oil pans for automobiles. The composition comprises a rubbery polyurethane, an olefin polymer, and a filler. The laminated structure comprises the housing, the composition, and a sheet metal liner. The composition contains a blowing agent which is activated to provide a single unitary structure which dampens noise. The polyurethane and olefin polymer are thoroughly intermixed with each other, but maintain their separate identities in the blend.

Abstract: A tire for a wheelchair wheel or the like in the form of a composite extrusion comprising a relatively soft, elastomeric casing extruded over a semirigid core. End faces of a length of extruded stock are joined by thermal fusion developed by a ferromagnetic element inserted in the tire and exposed to high frequency electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A closure for a hole in a panel, such as a body panel in an automotive vehicle, is provided. The closure includes a plate with dimensions which are complementary to the hole. A gasket member is secured to the top of the plate. The plate includes means to secure the plate to the body panel. The gasket has dimensions which are somewhat larger than the hole, so that the gasket overlies the panel defining the hole, as well as the plate. The gasket has a first or bottom side low melt layer and a second or top side copolymer layer. The total thickness of the gasket ranges from about 0.0030 inch to about 0.0065 inch. Upon exposure to elevated temperatures during baking, the gasket melts over the plate and adheres to the panel to cause a seal between the plate and the panel.

Abstract: A closure for a panel hole which includes a heat activatable gasket that permanently expands into positive fluidtight sealing engagement with opposed marginal surfaces of the panel and a rigid closure plate.