Abstract: A seat trim cover having a 3-dimensional shape for an automotive vehicle seat is formed by pre-cutting a laminate blank into a predefined shape having a predefined selvage extending around an outer periphery of the laminate blank, vacuum forming the laminate blank in a 3-dimensional mold to form a 3-dimensional laminate blank, and forming a molded foam backing on the 3-dimensional shaped laminate blank to form the seat trim cover. The molded foam backing has an outer perimeter that is spaced apart from the predefined selvage such that the predefined selvage is free of foam.

Abstract: A duct attachment molded within a cellular foam pad is disposed between an air duct and an internal air flow channel of an automotive seat assembly for increasing the air flow between the air duct and the seat assembly. The duct attachment is insert molded within the foam pad which provides a mechanical connection and a seal between the duct attachment and the foam pad and reduces the potential for air leaks between the duct attachment and the foam pad.

Abstract: A pressure sensing system (24), seat cushion (20) incorporating the pressure sensing system, and method of sensing a weight group associated with an occupant of an automotive seat are described. The pressure sensing system includes a layer of an electrically conductive foam (28) and a flexible printed circuit (26) that includes a flexible substrate (26a) and N horizontal sensing wires (26b) and M vertical sensing wires (26c) securely placed on a top surface of the flexible substrate. The horizontal sensing wires intersect with the vertical sensing wires and form N×M intersections. The layer of an electrically conductive foam is placed on top of the N horizontal sensing wires and the M vertical sensing wires. When a pressure is applied to the layer of the electrically conductive foam, each intersection generates in real time an electric flux density value to reflect a degree of a compression caused by the pressure to a corresponding point of the electrically conductive foam.

Abstract: A seat trim cover having a 3-dimensional shape for an automotive vehicle seat is formed by pre-cutting a laminate blank into a predefined shape having a predefined selvage extending around an outer periphery of the laminate blank, vacuum forming the laminate blank in a 3-dimensional mold to form a 3-dimensional laminate blank, and forming a molded foam backing on the 3-dimensional shaped laminate blank to form the seat trim cover. The molded foam backing has an outer perimeter that is spaced apart from the predefined selvage such that the predefined selvage is free of foam.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for forming highly filled foam through dual axis mixing of precursor chemicals and fillers to form end products and parts. The manufacturing method provides an improved highly filled foam material as well as improved methods for shaping such foam into various parts and end products.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a door for an automobile vehicle, and doors obtained using the process. In the process, the door is made in two parts assembled independently of each other. The two parts include a lower part without guide elements for a moving window, and an upper part containing a window. The lower and upper parts are then fixed to each other at an assembly area of the door, extending approximately horizontally and corresponding to the top of the lower part and the bottom of the upper part.

Abstract: An opening roof structure for a motor vehicle, the structure comprising a frame (2) secured around the edge of an opening formed in the roof (1) of the vehicle, a window (4) which in a first position forms a panel for at least substantially closing the opening, a hinge (6) for the window (4) which is integral with the front edge (2a) of the frame (2) to removably receive corresponding hinge elements (5) secured to the window (4) about its hinge (5, 6) to the frame (2), the control device extending between the rear edge (2b) of the frame (2) and the window (4) from which they can be separated, at least in part, in which both the frame (2) and the window (4) have coupling devices in waiting which are placed in mutual co-operation when, after the window (4) has been uncoupled from the hinge (5, 6) and at least partly separated from the pivot control device, the window (4) is placed in a second position in which it overlies the rear edge (2b) of the frame (2).