Abstract: A method of illuminating a component, having an outer skin layer, the method including the steps of: forming the outer surface layer from at least two separate pieces of an outer skin layer, the outer skin layer having a show surface and an opposite backing surface; forming a seam in the outer surface layer such that the at least two separate pieces are secured to each other; locating an elongated light conducting medium in the seam and behind a stitch securing the at least two separate pieces together; and securing the elongated light conducting medium to the outer surface layer.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a component, having an outer skin layer, the method including the steps of: forming a seam of the outer skin layer; and locating an elongated light conducting medium in the seam.

Abstract: A deployable armrest system for a vehicle is provided. The system having: a pair of side walls configured to be located in a facing spaced relationship with respect to each other to define an operator area therebetween; and a pair of deployable armrests movably secured to the pair of side walls and configured for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein each of the pair of deployable armrests have a support member that can be flush with a surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the stowed position and wherein the support member of each of the pair of deployable armrests extends outwardly from the surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the deployed position.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a component, having an outer skin layer, the method including the steps of: forming the outer surface layer from at least two separate pieces of an outer skin layer, the outer skin layer having a show surface and an opposite backing surface; forming a seam in the outer surface layer such that the at least two separate pieces are secured to each other; locating an elongated light conducting medium in the seam and behind a stitch securing the at least two separate pieces together; and securing the elongated light conducting medium to the outer surface layer.

Abstract: A sunshade for use in a vehicle is provided including a core having at least one opening extending there through. A layer of material is positioned adjacent at least a first surface of the core. The sunshade also includes a light generation system arranged to direct light through the at least one opening.

Abstract: A deployable armrest system for a vehicle is provided. The system having: a pair of side walls configured to be located in a facing spaced relationship with respect to each other to define an operator area therebetween; and a pair of deployable armrests movably secured to the pair of side walls and configured for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein each of the pair of deployable armrests have a support member that can be flush with a surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the stowed position and wherein the support member of each of the pair of deployable armrests extends outwardly from the surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the deployed position.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a component, having an outer skin layer, the method including the steps of: forming a seam of the outer skin layer; and locating an elongated light conducting medium in the seam.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a sliding door is disclosed, the drive assembly having a power drive unit for providing a rotational force to rotate a cable drum of the drive assembly, the power drive unit being mounted within the sliding door; a cable having one end secured a guide track of the drive assembly and another end secured to the guide track; a roller assembly configured to slidably engage the guide track; an arm fixedly secured to the sliding door and pivotally mounted to the roller assembly at a pivot point; a pulley rotationally mounted to the roller assembly, the axis of rotation of the pulley being aligned with the pivot point and the cable engages the pulley in opposite directions as the cable drum rotates and the roller assembly slides along the guide track as the cable drum rotates, wherein movement of the roller assembly causes movement of the sliding door.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a sliding door is disclosed, the drive assembly having a power drive unit for providing a rotational force to rotate a cable drum of the drive assembly, the power drive unit being mounted within the sliding door; a cable having one end secured a guide track of the drive assembly and another end secured to the guide track; a roller assembly configured to slidably engage the guide track; an arm fixedly secured to the sliding door and pivotally mounted to the roller assembly at a pivot point; a pulley rotationally mounted to the roller assembly, the axis of rotation of the pulley being aligned with the pivot point and the cable engages the pulley in opposite directions as the cable drum rotates and the roller assembly slides along the guide track as the cable drum rotates, wherein movement of the roller assembly causes movement of the sliding door.

Abstract: A door trim panel assembly and method of making same for attachment to structure of a vehicle includes a door trim panel and a carrier formed from a plastic material attached to the door trim panel and for attachment to the structure of the vehicle. The door trim panel assembly also includes a seal integral with the carrier for contacting the structure to seal the carrier to the structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for quickly, and substantially uniformly, heating and cooling a bed of polymeric fibers having high melting point and low melting point fibers therein for softening the low melting point fibers and bonding them to the high melting point fibers to form a seat cushion. Hot and cool gases are flowed through the bed of fibers via a plurality of ventilator spikes extending into the fibers in the mold cavity to effect substantially uniform gas flow rates through the fibers for quick more uniform heating/cooling of the fibers.