Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to cyanate resin blends comprising, for example, a mixture of a cyanate monomer and a cyanate oligomer. The resin blends are effective to provide a dielectric constant of less than 2.7, a glass transition temperature of at least 150° C. and a moisture absorption of less than 1.5%. Radomes using the resin are also described.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint apparatus for an automotive vehicle includes an air bag deployment door formed in a trim panel. The air bag deployment door outer surface has an area of 5 in2 to 35 in2, and at least a portion of the perimeter comprises a frangible marginal edge. The frangible marginal edge includes a frangible length, and at least 20% of the frangible length is non-linear. The apparatus also includes an air bag dispenser containing an air bag a volume of at least 90 liters. The air bag dispenser includes an elongated container having an air bag receptacle containing an air bag and an inflator receptacle containing an inflator.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint apparatus for an automotive vehicle includes an air bag deployment door formed in a trim panel. The air bag deployment door outer surface has an area of 5 in2 to 35 in2, and at least a portion of the perimeter comprises a frangible marginal edge. The frangible marginal edge includes a frangible length, and at least 20% of the frangible length is non-linear. The apparatus also includes an air bag dispenser containing an air bag having a volume of at least 90 liters. The air bag dispenser includes an elongated container having an air bag receptacle containing an air bag and an inflator receptacle containing an inflator.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint apparatus for an automotive vehicle includes an air bag deployment door formed in a trim panel. The air bag deployment door outer surface has an area of 5 in2 to 35 in2, and at least a portion of the perimeter comprises a frangible marginal edge. The frangible marginal edge includes a frangible length, and at least 20% of the frangible length is non-linear. The apparatus also includes an air bag dispenser containing an air bag having a volume of at least 90 liters. The air bag dispenser includes an elongated container having an air bag receptacle containing an air bag and an inflator receptacle containing an inflator.

Abstract: An underwater thermoplastic pelletizer has an extruding die, and a cutter for cutting a thermoplastic polymer extruded from the die into pellets as the molten polymer is solidified under water that is circulated to cool the extruded polymer and convey the pellets away for collection. The extruding die includes a die plate that is mounted in the face of the die concentric with and opposite the cutter and has a plurality of groups of extruding die holes that are connected in the die to a central main feed passage by separate radially extending distribution feed passages. The die holes in the groups are arranged in circular patterns of uniform radius about a center line intersecting with a circle concentric with the cutter path and the groups are equally angularly spaced about the cutter center line.

Abstract: The soft interior trim panel (52) includes a substrate (54), a foam layer (56) and a flexible skin (58). An electrical switch (60) is supported by the trim panel (52) adjacent to the flexible skin (58). A contoured area (62) and indicia (64) indicate the location of a switch (60) under the flexible skin (58). A clear coat (65) is applied to protect the flexible skin (58) and the indicia (64). The switch (60) is closed by applying pressure to the flexible skin (58) on the contoured area (62). The contoured area (62) can be a depression or indentation as well as a raised area. The indicia (64) can be provided using luminescent ink.

Abstract: A reinforced vinyl shell comprises a two layer construction for covering air bag doors that open through the shell when an air bag is deployed. The reinforced vinyl shell includes a first layer of unreinforced vinyl and a second layer is fused to the first layer and is formed of a vinyl material mixed with reinforcing fibers. Such fibers are randomly dispersed in the vinyl and may be comprised of fillers, such as glass, recycled RIM, or recycled vinyl. Other thermoplastic castable materials may be used in place of the vinyl.