Abstract: This disclosure relates to a valve assembly for a motor vehicle, such as a pressure relief valve, and a method of using the same. The valve assembly includes a flap moveable to between an open position and a closed position. The valve assembly further includes a pair of shape memory-alloy (SMA) wires configured to move the flap between the open and closed positions. Specifically, the valve includes a first shape-memory alloy wire configured to rebound to a first rebound shape to urge the flap to the open position, and a second shape-memory alloy wire configured to rebound to a second rebound shape to urge the flap to the closed position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a valve assembly for a motor vehicle, such as a pressure relief valve, and a method of using the same. The valve assembly includes a flap moveable to between an open position and a closed position. The valve assembly further includes a pair of shape memory-alloy (SMA) wires configured to move the flap between the open and closed positions. Specifically, the valve includes a first shape-memory alloy wire configured to rebound to a first rebound shape to urge the flap to the open position, and a second shape-memory alloy wire configured to rebound to a second rebound shape to urge the flap to the closed position.

Abstract: An active pressure relief system for a vehicle cabin in response to a cabin-door closure. An air-extractor may be configured to open when a cabin-door is opened, and remain open until the last of a number of cabin-doors are closed. The air-extractor allows for the increased pressure resulting from the cabin-door closure to be equalized with the external environment through the air-extractor. After the last of a number of cabin-doors are closed, the air-extractor closes to inhibit noise and external elements from entering the cabin through the air-extractor.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle opening is provided herein. The lighting system includes a seal disposed around a periphery of an opening in the body of a vehicle. A light source is disposed on a portion of the seal. The light source may implement a thin design, thereby helping to fit the light source into small package spaces of the vehicle. A first photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by at least a portion of the light sources.

Abstract: A modular upper-door assembly including a standard geometric corner component and a standard geometric B-pillar component for all vehicle model doors. Each header, belt and window-track has a different length and bend geometry for each vehicle model door while each respective component shares a standard geometric cross-section. All headers may connect to the corner component and B-pillar component in the same locations for each vehicle model door. All belts may connect to the corner component in the same location for each vehicle model door, but the attachment location on the B-pillar may vary from vehicle to vehicle. A stationary-glass or mirror-sail may also be overmolded into the assembly.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle opening is provided herein. The lighting system includes a seal disposed around a periphery of an opening in the body of a vehicle. A light source is disposed on a portion of the seal. The light source may implement a thin design, thereby helping to fit the light source into small package spaces of the vehicle. A first photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by at least a portion of the light sources.

Abstract: An integral window surround for a vehicle. The window surround includes upper, front, and rear glass runs for guiding and sealing a glass window, as well as a mirror sail for mounting a side mirror, and a B-pillar appliqué for providing decorative covering for the B-pillar. A belt molding extends across the bottom of the surround, with attachment means for securing the surround to the vehicle body. Sealing elements are also provided. If desired, an alternative implementation can be provided without the mirror sail, suitable for rear windows and windows that do not have a side mirror. The components of the surround are integral, which is accomplished by forming the surround in a two-shot molding process. The structural elements are molding in a first shot, and at that point decorative films can be inserted into the mold to provide a desired surface finish. The second shot forms the sealing elements.

Abstract: An integral window surround for a vehicle. The window surround includes upper, front, and rear glass runs for guiding and sealing a glass window, as well as a mirror sail for mounting a side mirror, and a B-pillar appliqué for providing decorative covering for the B-pillar. A belt molding extends across the bottom of the surround, with attachment means for securing the surround to the vehicle body. Sealing elements are also provided. If desired, an alternative implementation can be provided without the mirror sail, suitable for rear windows and windows that do not have a side mirror. The components of the surround are integral, which is accomplished by forming the surround in a two-shot molding process. The structural elements are molding in a first shot, and at that point decorative films can be inserted into the mold to provide a desired surface finish. The second shot forms the sealing elements.

Abstract: An air extractor optimized for reducing closing efforts when closing a vehicle door is provided. The air extractor includes one or more openings that allow air flow between the passenger compartment of the vehicle and the vehicle exterior. The air extractor also includes a closure member that is movable between an open and closed position, wherein the open position allows air flow through the one or more openings and the closed position inhibits air flow through the one or more openings. The air extractor further includes an actuator that moves the closure member to the open position when one or more vehicle doors are opened and subsequently moves the closure member to the closed position once all doors have been closed.

Abstract: An active pressure relief system for a vehicle cabin in response to a cabin-door closure. An air-extractor may be configured to open when a cabin-door is opened, and remain open until the last of a number of cabin-doors are closed. The air-extractor allows for the increased pressure resulting from the cabin-door closure to be equalized with the external environment through the air-extractor. After the last of a number of cabin-doors are closed, the air-extractor closes to inhibit noise and external elements from entering the cabin through the air-extractor.

Abstract: A modular upper-door assembly including a standard geometric corner component and a standard geometric B-pillar component for all vehicle model doors. Each header, belt and window-track has a different length and bend geometry for each vehicle model door while each respective component shares a standard geometric cross-section. All headers may connect to the corner component and B-pillar component in the same locations for each vehicle model door. All belts may connect to the corner component in the same location for each vehicle model door, but the attachment location on the B-pillar may vary from vehicle to vehicle. A stationary-glass or mirror-sail may also be overmolded into the assembly.

Abstract: A seal for an automobile body opening comprising a plastic carrier, an elastomeric bulb operably connected to the plastic carrier, and a plastic clip operably connected to, and extending away from, the plastic carrier for engagement to a flange for retaining the seal to the flange.

Abstract: A seal for an automobile body opening comprising a plastic carrier, an elastomeric bulb operably connected to the plastic carrier, and a plastic clip operably connected to, and extending away from, the plastic carrier for engagement to a flange for retaining the seal to the flange.

Abstract: A lighted vehicle body opening weather strip includes a longitudinally extending gripping portion having an outside wall, a co-extending tubular sealing portion disposed on the outside wall of the gripping portion, a carrier embedded within the gripping portion, a light source extrusion carried by the gripping portion, and an extrusion solid surrounding the light source extrusion.

Abstract: A lighted vehicle body opening weather strip includes a longitudinally extending gripping portion having an outside wall, a co-extending tubular sealing portion disposed on the outside wall of the gripping portion, a carrier embedded within the gripping portion, a light source extrusion carried by the gripping portion, and an extrusion solid surrounding the light source extrusion.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve assembly 10 including a generally rectangular member or housing 12, four generally flat and rectangular “flaps” or movable members 14, 16, 18, and 20, and eight substantially identical fastening members 24-34. Members 14-20 are pivotal along respective axes 78-84 which are each disposed at an angle 86 with respect to the longitudinal axis 60 of housing 12, and which allow assembly 10 to be operatively disposed in multiple positions and orientations.

Abstract: A vehicle door sealing system includes a flexible weatherstrip containing magnetizable particulate material. Selected areas of the weatherstrip are magnetized to enhance the sealing action at hard-to-seal zones, such as curved corner areas along the door perimeter. The magnetic action is confined to the hard-to-seal areas so that the magnetic action will not make it excessively difficult for a person to open the vehicle door.