Abstract: An integrated windshield cowl and seal assembly includes a body of a rigid thermoplastic material and upper and lower forward and lower rear resilient seals bonded to the body. The seals may be either bonded by material compatibility or by mechanical, interlocking or other mechanisms. The cowl assembly according to the present invention significantly reduces the number of parts when compared to prior art assemblies. The cowl and seal assembly may also include fender closeouts which extend to the adjacent inner surfaces of the fenders and seal thereagainst.

Abstract: A two piece outer belt weatherstrip provides a seal between the upper portion of a door and the lower portion a window. The weatherstrip comprises two individual components: a cover and a body. The cover is generally T-shaped and includes a curved outer surface that is visible when assembled and installed and a centrally disposed web. The body is a complex generally S-shaped member having adjacent parallel slots opening in opposite directions. One slot receives the web of the cover and the other receives a vertical flange of the vehicle door and secures the weatherstrip thereon. An S-shaped metal reinforcing member resides with the body and a pair of wiper flanges extending from one face of the body engage the window glass and seal thereagainst. These components are preferably extruded but may be molded depending, inter alia, upon the configurations of their terminal portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously seaming cured EPDM membrane to form a composite sheet of predetermined width and indefinite length. The method includes the steps of providing at least two rolls of cured EPDM membrane having longitudinal marginal edges and feeding the cured EPDM membrane from the at least two rolls in a first direction. The longitudinal marginal edges of the cured EPDM membranes are positioned in an overlapping relationship as the cured EPDM membranes are fed in the first direction and then the overlapping longitudinal marginal edges are continuously seamed to form a composite sheet of indefinite length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously seaming cured EPDM membrane to form a composite sheet of predetermined width and indefinite length. The method includes the steps of providing at least two rolls of cured EPDM membrane having longitudinal marginal edges and feeding the cured EPDM membrane from the at least two rolls in a first direction. The longitudinal marginal edges of the cured EPDM membranes are positioned in an overlapping relationship as the cured EPDM membranes are fed in the first direction and then the overlapping longitudinal marginal edges are continuously seamed to form a composite sheet of indefinite length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously seaming cured EPDM membrane to form a composite sheet of predetermined width and indefinite length. The method includes the steps of providing at least two rolls of cured EPDM membrane having longitudinal marginal edges and feeding the cured EPDM membrane from the at least two rolls in a first direction. The longitudinal marginal edges of the cured EPDM membranes are positioned in an overlapping relationship as the cured EPDM membranes are fed in the first direction and then the overlapping longitudinal marginal edges are continuously seamed to form a composite sheet of indefinite length.

Abstract: An applique article for a “B” pillar or other external surface of a vehicle is composed of integrally bonded cosmetic and functional materials. The applique article includes a thermoplastic base portion, an elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer functional sealing lip portion and a decorative covering portion applied to an exposed surface of the article. At least the functional sealing lip portion and the base portion are integrally bonded together in a mold during a process of manufacturing the article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying a bead of TPO or TPE adhesive between a talc-free first roofing membrane and an overlapping talc-free second roofing membrane. The apparatus includes a movably supported chassis and an extruder attached to the chassis having a nozzle including an outlet having at least one opening for applying the TPO or TPE adhesive between the first membrane and the overlapping second membrane to adhere the overlapping second membrane to the first membrane. The TPO or TPE adhesive is heated within the apparatus allowing application along the seam between the first and second membranes. The outlet of the nozzle is positioned between the first and second membranes with the TPO or TPE adhesive applied between the overlapping portions of the membranes while pressing the overlapping first and second membranes to hold the overlapping portions together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying a bead of TPO or TPE adhesive between a talc-free first roofing membrane and an overlapping talc-free second roofing membrane. The apparatus includes a movably supported chassis and an extruder attached to the chassis having a nozzle including an outlet having at least one opening for applying the TPO or TPE adhesive between the first membrane and the overlapping second membrane to adhere the overlapping second membrane to the first membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously seaming cured EPDM membrane to form a composite sheet of predetermined width and indefinite length. The method includes the steps of providing at least two rolls of cured EPDM membrane having longitudinal marginal edges and feeding the cured EPDM membrane from the at least two rolls in a first direction. The longitudinal marginal edges of the cured EPDM membranes are positioned in an overlapping relationship as the cured EPDM membranes are fed in the first direction and then the overlapping longitudinal marginal edges are continuously seamed to form a composite sheet of indefinite length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively curing a sheet of ethylene-propylene diene termonomer (EPDM) material to form a roofing membrane for installation on a roof deck. The method includes the steps of providing a sheet formed of ethylene-propylene diene termonomer, the sheet having a field and longitudinal edge areas bordering the field; and then simultaneously shielding at least one edge area of the EPDM sheet and exposing at least the field to a source of radiation to cure at least the field of the EPDM sheet and provide a selectively cured EPDM roofing membrane. Also disclosed is the product formed by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively curing a sheet of ethylene-propylene diene termonomer (EPDM) material to form a roofing membrane for installation on a roof deck. The method includes the steps of providing a sheet formed of ethylene-propylene diene termonomer, the sheet having a field and longitudinal edge areas bordering the field; and then simultaneously shielding at least one edge area of the EPDM sheet and exposing at least the field to a source of radiation to cure at least the field of the EPDM sheet and provide a selectively cured EPDM roofing membrane. Also disclosed is the product formed by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying a bead of TPO or TPE adhesive between a talc-free first roofing membrane and an overlapping talc-free second roofing membrane. The apparatus includes a movably supported chassis and an extruder attached to the chassis having a nozzle including an outlet having at least one opening for applying the TPO or TPE adhesive between the first membrane and the overlapping second membrane to adhere the overlapping second membrane to the first membrane. The TPO or TPE adhesive is heated within the apparatus allowing application along the seam between the first and second membranes. The outlet of the nozzle is positioned between the first and second membranes with the TPO or TPE adhesive applied between the overlapping portions of the membranes while pressing the overlapping first and second membranes to hold the overlapping portions together.

Abstract: A heat weldable roofing membrane including a substrate sheet formed of ethylene-propylene diene monomer and a top film layer laminated to at least one surface of the substrate sheet and selected from TPE and TPO.

Abstract: An elastomeric mount for automotive application is provided having a preassembled, sealed fluid composite with a first and a second fluid chamber connected by means of a restricted orifice. The fluid package is accepted into and supported by an upper and a lower compliance member which provide general damping of vibration and oscillation of an automotive component. Means are provided to regulate the flow of the fluid and/or the fluid flow characteristics between the first and the second chamber in response to a stimulus to selectively isolate and dampen undesired vibration.

Abstract: An applique article for a "B" pillar or other external surface of a vehicle is composed of integrally bonded cosmetic and functional materials. The applique article includes a thermoplastic base portion, an elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer functional sealing lip portion and a decorative covering portion applied to an exposed surface of the article. At least the functional sealing lip portion and the base portion are integrally bonded together in a mold during a process of manufacturing the article.

Abstract: A method of continuously manufacturing and curing in-line a sheet of ethylene-propylene diene monomer to form an EPDM roofing membrane. The method includes the steps of forming a continuous sheet material of ethylene-propylene diene monomer and then continuously heating and pressing the sheet material to partially cure the sheet material and remove any voids within the sheet material. The partially cured sheet material is then continuously fed through a curing oven to fully cure the sheet material to form EPDM roofing membrane.

Abstract: An elastomeric mount for automotive application is provided having a preassembled, sealed fluid composite with a first and a second fluid chamber connected by means of a restricted orifice. The fluid package is accepted into and supported by an upper and a lower compliance member which provide general damping of vibration and oscillation of an automotive component. Means are provided to regulate the flow of the fluid and/or the fluid flow characteristics between the first and the second chamber in response to a stimulus to selectively isolate and dampen undesired vibration.

Abstract: A method directed to the preparation of acyclic polyenes by the reaction of 1-pentene with cyclopentene to form a predominance of unsymmetrical acyclic polyenes.