Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laser welding at least two components (1, 2) made of plastic, particularly a pipe (2) and a carrier plate (1), wherein the first component (1) at least in certain regions has a relatively high permeability for the laser beam (3) used during laser welding. The second component (2) at least in certain regions has a relatively low permeability for the laser beam (3) used during laser welding. A compact design of the components (1, 2) can be achieved if the laser beam (3) reaches the respective weld location (14) by means of refraction and/or reflection during laser welding.

Abstract: Laser welding of plastic involves a laser passing through laser translucent then laser absorbent material. A technical description as envisaged here is Laser Contour Welding. Universally, laser welding is done by Quasi simultaneous techniques and rarely by Contour techniques. Regular or symmetrical parts, under 5 inches are welded by Quasi simultaneous. Asymmetric and large parts are best welded by Contour Welding. Kinematics of robots permits a complex contour. Automotive plastic manifolds exceed 5 inches with asymmetry. The pairing of robot contour and laser welding facilitates a new Automotive manifold. It requires a new split line for laser access and manufacturing as described. Encompassing the above requirements and solutions can reduce the moldings for a V8 to 2 major operations.

Abstract: An active noise control system (100) and method modifies a noise made when a vehicle closure, such as a door, hood, or trunk, closes by detecting the closure's velocity and selecting a delay time and control noise amplitude appropriate for the velocity. By modifying the noise of a vehicle door closing, the system (100) can reduce the frequency and reverberation of the noise generated by the door, improving user perception of the vehicle itself.

Abstract: An air induction system for an internal combustion engine. The system includes an air cleaner having an air intake and an intake manifold for distributing air to cylinders of the engine. A throttle body installed in a neck portion of the manifold is also provided, wherein the throttle body serves to regulate a flow of air to the manifold. In addition, the system includes a hose for providing air from the air cleaner to the manifold and the throttle body, wherein the hose includes a first end which is affixed to both the throttle body and the manifold. The first end also includes sealing elements for sealing the throttle body and the manifold.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel is formed of a plastic rim that receives a tire. The tire is preferably welded at each of its two beads to portions of the rim. The plastic rim is preferably formed of both a disc and an internal part. A sensor for sensing pressures within the tire is incorporated into the disc piece. It is imagined that the entire vehicle wheel could be secured together for the life of the wheel. That is, the tire cannot be replaced. Since a plastic rim is utilized, the sensor could utilize LF (or other wireless means) to communicate a signal indicative of pressure, acceleration (which is translated into wheel speed), temperature and other information that may be deemed as important for safety and convenience from the tire to a receiver on the vehicle. Since the rim will not be separated from the tire, the sensor can also store incoming information providing a complete record of the entire life of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle air cleaner system 10 includes a cyclone chamber 14 and a variable inlet 30. The variable inlet 30 communicates airflow to the cyclone chamber 14 at a relatively constant velocity by varying an opening 32 in response to airflow which enters the inlet 12. During a relatively low airflow condition the variable inlet 30 directs airflow closer to a center of the cyclone chamber 14 which increase the angular velocity of the airflow by directing airflow toward smaller radii 42s within the cyclone chamber. During a relatively high airflow condition the variable inlet directs airflow toward the outer diameter of the cyclone chamber 14 and larger radii 42 L to assure an angular speed sufficient to separate out undesirable particles yet prevent an undesirable pressure drop across the air cleaner system 10. By varying communication of airflow to particular radii within the cyclone chamber 14, a relatively constant pressure drop across the air cleaner system 10 is provided regardless of airflow velocity.

Abstract: A vehicle air cleaner system 10 includes a cyclone chamber 14 and a variable inlet 30. The variable inlet 30 communicates airflow to the cyclone chamber 14 at a relatively constant velocity by varying an opening 32 in response to airflow which enters the inlet 12. During a relatively low airflow condition the variable inlet 30 directs airflow closer to a center of the cyclone chamber 14 which increase the angular velocity of the airflow by directing airflow toward smaller radii 42s within the cyclone chamber. During a relatively high airflow condition the variable inlet directs airflow toward the outer diameter of the cyclone chamber 14 and larger radii 42 L to assure an angular speed sufficient to separate out undesirable particles yet prevent an undesirable pressure drop across the air cleaner system 10. By varying communication of airflow to particular radii within the cyclone chamber 14, a relatively constant pressure drop across the air cleaner system 10 is provided regardless of airflow velocity.

Abstract: An active noise control system (100) and method modifies a noise made when a vehicle closure, such as a door, hood, or trunk, closes by detecting the closure's velocity and selecting a delay time and control noise amplitude appropriate for the velocity. By modifying the noise of a vehicle door closing, the system (100) can reduce the frequency and reverberation of the noise generated by the door, improving user perception of the vehicle itself.

Abstract: An integrated intake manifold-fuel rail construction with a separately molded trough-shaped fuel rail component friction welded to a runner spanning mounting plate molded as a part of the manifold. A filter is installed within the fuel rail component to intercept particles generated by the friction welding process to prevent their entry into the fuel injectors, each having one end installed in one of a series of sockets formed in the fuel rail component.