Abstract: An over-molded beaded driving cable which has an inner core, a plurality of inner core structures. An outer jacket may encompass the inner core and inner core structures. Each of a plurality of outer beads concentrically surrounds an inner core structure. The outer beads are over-molded in this position, forming an interlocking inner core structure and outer bead configuration capable of high load and high flexible performance. An end fitting placed at each end portion of the inner core provides for a driving cable assembly with a variety of end fitting configurations, including a closed loop connection, for automotive and non-automotive applications.

Abstract: A preformed heating element for use in a steering wheel including a heating element, embedded into a rubber or polyurethane material and preformed with manufacturing methods such as vacuum forming, resin impregnating, injection molding, and pultrusion progressive die.

Abstract: A plastic driving cable for attachment and use in driving systems. The plastic driving cable is comprised of an all-plastic inner core, with or without an outer jacket, and all-plastic molded end fittings. The inner core has a configuration of interwoven or bundled fibers of high performance polymer providing a cable of increased strength and flexibility that fits a smaller bending radius and has high performance at low temperatures. The outer jacket comprises a non-metallic material that surrounds the inner core providing improved performance at low temperatures.

Abstract: A variable load limiting restraint retractor for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a housing for operative connection to vehicle structure. The variable load limiting restraint retractor also includes a take-up spool operatively connected to the housing and connected to a belt of a seat restraint system for winding and unwinding the belt. The variable load limiting restraint retractor includes a rotatable shaft operatively connected to the take-up spool and the housing, the take-up spool being mounted on the shaft. The variable load limiting restraint retractor further includes a load limiting assembly operatively connected to the shaft for variably limiting load on the belt when the seat restraint system is in a buckled position.

Abstract: A reinforced interior trim panel assembly and method of making same for attachment to structure of a vehicle includes a reinforcement and a carrier formed from a plastic material for attachment to the structure of the vehicle and incorporating the reinforcement within the plastic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a damped steering assembly are provided. The damped steering assembly includes a steering wheel attached to a steering column. Disposed between the steering wheel and the steering column is an active vibration control mechanism. The active vibration control mechanism damps vibration transmitted from the steering column to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A damped steering assembly includes a steering wheel for operative attachment to a steering column of the vehicle and a suspended member connected to the steering wheel. The damped steering assembly also includes a mass connected to the suspended member. The damped steering assembly further includes at least one damping element positioned on the suspended member to cooperate therewith to actively damp vibration from the steering wheel.

Abstract: A member for producing an audible sound in a vehicle including a speaker area having an upper surface and a lower surface, the speaker area being located on the member. A piezo bimorph is attached to the speaker area, the piezo bimorph including a first piezoelectric element attached to the upper surface of the speaker area, and a second piezoelectric element attached to the lower surface of the speaker area. An amplifier in electrical communication with the piezo bimorph, the amplifier supplying an electrical field to the piezo bimorph, the piezo bimorph causing the speaker area and the member to vibrate, causing an audible sound.

Abstract: A molded in place antenna assembly and method of making same for attachment to structure of a vehicle includes an antenna and a carrier formed from a plastic material for attachment to the structure of the vehicle and incorporating the antenna within the plastic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a damped steering assembly as disclosed herein. The damped steering assembly includes a steering wheel attached to a steering column. Disposed between the steering wheel and the steering column is an active vibration control mechanism. The active vibration control mechanism damps vibration transmitted from the steering column to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A preformed heating element for use in a steering wheel including a heating element, embedded into a rubber or polyurethane material and preformed with manufacturing methods such as vacuum forming, resin impregnating, injection molding, and pultrusion progressive die.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for rapidly making an electrode for electrical discharge machining. According to the invention, a stereolithography process is used to make a cured resin model of the electrode and having a network of interconnected supporting members defining the shape of the electrode and leaving channels between the supporting members to drain away uncured resin from the model. After the model is fully cured and the uncured resin drained away, a slurry mixture of graphite and resin is infiltrated into the voids of the model. The resin is then heat cured so that the resin is burned away leaving the electrode of pure carbon. Alternatively, the graphite and resin mixture can be cured sufficiently to harden and then an electrically conductive metalized coating is applied on the outer surface.

Abstract: A structural prototype of the component part is made by first creating a model of the part which is of cured resin and has a network of interconnected supporting members defining the shape of the part and leaving channels between the supporting members to drain away uncured resin from the model. A hardenable structural material is infiltrated into the channels of the model and cured so that the resin model has become reinforced to provide a structural model of the component part. The hardenable structural material may be a mixture of powdered graphite and resin which is cured by heat. The heat may be sufficient to both cure the hardenable structure material and burn away the cured resin of the model so that the component part is then comprised of the hardened structural material having a network of channels therein where the cured resin of the model has been burned away. The model can then be further strengthened by filling the network of channels with a suitable hardenable material.

Abstract: The method for making an energy absorbing panel comprises the steps of coating a stretchable lightweight fabric with resin, molding the resin coated fabric into a generally planar sheet having a plurality of spaced apart conical projections rising from the planar sheet, cutting the fabric to provide molded panels in a size and shape of the desired energy absorbing panel structure, cutting adhesive coated planar sheet material in a size and shape of the desired energy absorbing panel structure to provide interface panels, interleaving the molded panels and the adhesive coated interface panels to the desired thickness of the energy absorbing panel structure, and then curing the adhesive to attach the panels and thereby form the energy absorbing structure. Upon the imposition of a force against the energy absorbing structures, the resin rigidified projections collapse to absorb energy.