Abstract: A single process for forming a finished component is described herewith. The process includes providing a core having two outer layers on each side of the core. A water activated resin system is provided that includes a resin and applicator for applying resin to the outer layers at the core. A film layer used for creating a final finished product is placed over the core and resin layers. The layers are pressed to form the finished product.

Abstract: A keyless entry system has a handle housing and a grip cover defining a door handle grip, a keyless entry pad defining a plurality of keys, each identified with a corresponding symbol, a plurality of sensors in proximity to the keys for detecting an object in the vicinity of the keys, an illumination source to selectively backlight the sensors and symbols, and a light-controlling membrane extending over the keyless entry pad. Entering a keyless entry code into the keyless entry pad by selecting keys in a predetermined sequence enables a latch to be selectively disposed in either a locked condition or an unlocked condition. In ambient light, the light-controlling membrane renders the symbol invisible. When the illumination source backlights the sensor and the symbol, the light-controlling membrane renders the symbol visible.

Abstract: A keyless entry system has a handle housing and a grip cover defining a door handle grip, a keyless entry pad defining a plurality of keys, each identified with a corresponding symbol, a plurality of sensors in proximity to the keys for detecting an object in the vicinity of the keys, an illumination source to selectively backlight the sensors and symbols, and a light-controlling membrane extending over the keyless entry pad. Entering a keyless entry code into the keyless entry pad by selecting keys in a predetermined sequence enables a latch to be selectively disposed in either a locked condition or an unlocked condition. In ambient light, the light-controlling membrane renders the symbol invisible. When the illumination source backlights the sensor and the symbol, the light-controlling membrane renders the symbol visible.

Abstract: A keyless entry system for a vehicle comprises a keyless entry pad having a plurality of keys. Each key has a corresponding symbol, and the symbols collectively form a textual representation of the vehicle and/or a user of the vehicle. A plurality of sensors in register with the keys for detecting the presence of a finger on each of the keys is coupled to an entry door latch for sending an unlock signal to the latch when a keyless entry code is entered a by selecting the keys with the finger in a predetermined sequence. When the latch is unlocked, the latch can be operated to open the entry door, such as with a door handle. The keyless entry system can be integrated with the door handle.

Abstract: A vehicular trim component comprises a substrate having external and internal surfaces and a finish on at least one of the external and internal surfaces. An illumination source actuatable between an illuminated state and a non-illuminated state is positioned behind the substrate to direct light through the finish with the illumination source is in the illuminated state. A mask associated with the substrate defines at least a masked portion and an unmasked portion, wherein the unmasked portion transmits more light than the unmasked portion. The finish extends across both the masked portion and the unmasked portion to conceal visible differences between the masked portion and the unmasked portion when the illumination source is in the non-illuminated state. When the illumination source is in the illuminated state, light passes through the unmasked portion and the finish to provide a visible distinction between the masked portion and the unmasked portion.

Abstract: An antenna is incorporated into the cowl grille of a motor vehicle adjacent the front windshield. The antenna comprises a receiver module or component and wire or cable which extends along the cowl grille generally parallel to the front windshield. The wire or cable can extend outside the cowl grille, and terminates in a connector which can be fed to the passenger compartment of the vehicle for connection to a radio, or the wire or cable can terminate as a molded-in connector as part of the cowl plastic allowing for direct connection from the vehicles wiring harness.

Abstract: A vehicular trim component comprises a substrate having external and internal surfaces and a finish on at least one of the external and internal surfaces. An illumination source actuatable between an illuminated state and a non-illuminated state is positioned behind the substrate to direct light through the finish with the illumination source is in the illuminated state. A mask associated with the substrate defines at least a masked portion and an unmasked portion, wherein the unmasked portion transmits more light than the unmasked portion. The finish extends across both the masked portion and the unmasked portion to conceal visible differences between the masked portion and the unmasked portion when the illumination source is in the non-illuminated state. When the illumination source is in the illuminated state, light passes through the unmasked portion and the finish to provide a visible distinction between the masked portion and the unmasked portion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door assembly comprising an outside door handle, an outside door handle linkage for connecting the outside door handle to a door latch, an inside door handle, and an inside door handle linkage for connecting the inside door handle to the door latch. The inside and outside door handle linkages are arranged to share many common elements whereby to reduce the overall cost of the total door handle assembly by virtue of reduced parts costs and reduced labor. Specifically, the inside and outside door linkages share a common spring to provide a positive return movement of the handles to the rest position; share a common latch actuator lever to simplify the overall assembly; and share a common damper mechanism to dampen the closing movement of the inside and outside door handles as they are released following an unlatching action.