Abstract: A method places a metallic layer between printing and a semi-permeable container to protect the contents of the container from printed layer inks and adhesives. The method comprises obtaining a semi-permeable container having a polymeric external surface, obtaining a metallic layer, placing the metallic layer against the external surface, and melting at least a portion of the external surface beneath the metallic layer. The metallic layer may include metallized polyester.

Abstract: The adhesive material contains a radical-polymerizable compound, a curing agent, and a thermoplastic resin; gives a negative result of the Ames test; and has a PII, or skin irritation, value of 2 or less. In particular, all the starting ingredients should preferably give a negative result of the Ames test and have a PII, or skin irritation, value of 2 or less.

Abstract: A single membrane insulation material including a nonwoven insulation mat, a fluoropolymer dispersion surface coated to one side of the mat and a fluoropolymer film component laminated to the thus coated side of the mat under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure. The coating has a depth of penetration which is less than the total thickness of said mat.

Abstract: This invention presents a plasma-enhanced processing apparatus, comprising; a process chamber in which a substrate is processed, a pumping system that pumps the process chamber, a gas-introduction system that introduces process gas into the process chamber, a plasma-generation means that generates plasma in the process chamber by applying energy to the process gas, a substrate holder that holds the substrate in the process chamber. An opposite electrode facing to the substrate held by the substrate holder is provided. The opposite electrode comprises a clamping mechanism that clamps the front board to support it. The opposite electrode comprises a main body, and a cooling mechanism that cools the front board via the main body. The clamping mechanism clamps the periphery of the front board by a clamping plate in surface contact with the front board. The clamping plate is flush with the front board.

Abstract: A plasma treatment apparatus and method are disclosed. The plasma treatment apparatus has a discharge unit with at least one discharge electrode assembly disposed on a generally rectangular-shaped housing in a position that is offset from being coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the discharge unit housing. A plurality of discharge units can be arranged side by side so that their discharge electrodes are alternately disposed with respect to one another in order to treat a wide work surfaces that are wider than the distance between discharge electrodes.

Abstract: A method of low-damage, anisotropic etching of substrates including mounting the substrate upon a mechanical support located within an ac or dc plasma reactor. The mechanical support is independent of the plasma reactor generating apparatus and capable of being electrically biased. The substrate is subjected to a plasma of low-energy electrons and a species reactive with the substrate. An additional structure capable of being electrically biased can be placed within the plasma to control further the extraction or retardation of particles from the plasma.

Abstract: A tape-sheathing device is provided to eliminate peeling of a tape adhered to an electric wire, in which a first die, a second die and a third die having tapered holes are serially arranged. An electric wire fed by a feed roller and a tape are inserted together into respective dies, and the tape is installed incrementally on the electric wire by the respective dies. Opening portions are provided in the first die and the second die by notching a portion in the range of about 90° of the downstream end portions of the first and second dies, in a condition in which the opening in the first die and the opening in the second die are shifted by about 90° relative to each other. When the tape passes through the first die, it is adhered to a partial peripheral portion of the electric wire, adhered to about three quarters of the wire by passage through the second die, and adhered completely around the periphery by passage through the third die.

Abstract: A retractable screen apparatus having an upper bracketing component and a lower bracketing component mounted to the upper and lower portions of an opening respectively. Each bracketing component has a connection portion that is connected to upper and lower connection regions of a substantially vertical screen dispenser. A handle attached to the screen of the screen dispenser displaces the screen to a retracted position where the upper and lower laterally extended edges of the screen are contained in slideways in the upper and lower bracketing components. A connection system employing a double threaded screw allows the apparatus to be retrofitted to existing door moldings having a regular shaped surfaces.

Abstract: A method for obtaining particulate calcium carbonate having an average particle size less than about 12 microns is provided. The method includes the steps of (1) withdrawing from a pulp mill a mixture containing calcium carbonate; (2) treating the mixture to remove contaminants contained in the mixture to produce a treated mixture containing calcium carbonate and further having a chemical composition and/or purity which substantially inhibits the fusing together of calcium carbonate particulates; (3) recovering from the treated mixture particulate calcium carbonate having an average particle size less than about 12 microns. The calcium carbonate produced has a high surface area to volume ratio and is therefore highly reactive and suitable for numerous applications such as in the treatment of soil, filler paper production, paint production, and contaminant containment in coal stack emission assemblies.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for removing fine impurities from a fibrous suspension. The process and apparatus each provide for conveying the fibrous suspension to at least one sorting device, separating the fibrous suspension using the at least one sorting device into an accepts portion and a rejects portion, finishing at least some of the accepts portion leaving the at least one sorting device using a finishing device, separating at least some portion of the rejects portion leaving the at least one sorting device using at least one last sorting device into an accepts portion and an rejects portion, separating at least some portion of the accepts portion leaving the at least one last sorting device into an accepts portion and a rejects portion using a flotation device, and finishing at least some portion of the accepts portion leaving the flotation device using the finishing device.

Abstract: From about 50 to about 90% by weight of fibers, in particular wood fibers, and/or pellets made from cellulose or from wood, are mixed with from about 10 to about 50% by weight of a hot-curing resin, each of the percentages by weight being based on the total weight of the mixture. Instead of a single resin it is also possible to use a mixture made from two or more hot-curing resins. The mixture made from fibers and/or pellets and resin is kneaded and homogenized and then passed on to an extruder which has various heating zones in which the mixture is heated. Care has to be taken here that the maximum temperature, arising at the extruder exit, does not exceed about 120° C., since above this temperature the resin(s) begin(s) to cure.

Abstract: The invention comprises a borosilicate retention aid composition and a method for improving the production of paper by addition of the borosilicate. The borosilicate may be utilized in conjunction with a high molecular weight synthetic flocculant and/or starch, with or without the addition of a cationic coagulant. The borosilicate material is preferably a colloidal borosilicate. Methods for the preparation of the borosilicate material are disclosed.

Abstract: A slide positioner for moving a structural member from an inoperating position to a working or operating position has a square shaft for supporting the structural member. Two bearing assemblies are adapted for supporting the sliding shaft. The two bearing assemblies are spaced one from the other and are connected to a stationary base. One of the bearing assemblies is rigidly connected to a pneumatic cylinder whose piston rod is connected to the sliding shaft. The bearing assemblies are mountable to the base in various angular positions since the bearing assemblies may be pivoted around an axis which is parallel to the axis of the sliding shaft.

Abstract: This invention involves a method of promoting solubility of a polymeric material of a master for separating the master from a mold in contact therewith to form a desired geometry on the mold. The method comprises providing a mixture of a non-polymeric organic material and polymeric material, and providing a molten material and a supercritical fluid. The non-polymeric organic material represents about 25% to 75% of the weight of the master. The polymeric material represents the balance of the weight of the master. The method further includes forming a master from the mixture. It has a predetermined shape on a contact surface thereof. The method further includes forming a mold in contact with the contact surface of the master, wherein the master and mold have relative mating surfaces to form the desired geometry on the mold. The method further includes separating the master from the mold by exposing the master to the supercritical fluid.

Abstract: Provided are a Fe-based metal porous preform capable of ensuring sufficient adhesiveness between a molten metal and a base material thereof even when a casting process having a time lag from completion of pouring of the molten metal till pressure impregnation is applied; and a manufacturing process for a metal composite member using such a preform. The Fe-based metal porous preform is a metal porous preform adopted in a casting process having a prescribed time lag from completion of pouring of a molten metal till impregnation of the molten metal when the metal porous preform set inside a mold is impregnated with the molten metal, and characterized by that the metal porous preform is made from an iron-based metal as a base, including chromium in the range of 10 to 40 wt % as a content.

Abstract: A heat recovery ventilator comprising four rectangular regenerative heat exchangers, two blowers, a rotating air switch all disposed in a compact rectangular housing. The regenerative heat exchangers are stationary with stationary seals between the outside and inside climate. One of the blowers blows a stale airstream out through the heat exchangers; the other blower blows a fresh airstream in through the heat exchangers. The rotating air switch operates in conjunction with the two blowers producing the necessary flow reversal through each regenerative heat exchanger to allow heat and moisture exchange between the stale airstream and the fresh airstream. The rotating air switch is completely on the inside climate side of the regenerative heat exchangers preventing freeze up in cold weather. The rotating air switch uses clearance seals. A high efficiency particulate air filtration filter may be disposed within the housing in the path of the fresh airstream.

Abstract: In order to fix a semiconductor module to a heat sink, the semiconductor module and the heat sink are clamped together by one or more clips made of spring material, i.e. spring clips. A mutually matched form of the spring clips optimizes the connection between the heat sink and the semiconductor modules. A respective connection of clip body and heat sink or semiconductor module is advantageously effective in such a way that the spring clip can be inserted into a respective spring clip receptacle and holds automatically on/in the heat sink or semiconductor module.

Abstract: Oligomeric silane coating compositions containing, for example, methyltrimethoxysilane, are used to coat new or used heat exchange apparatus, such as HVAC systems, to greatly improve the heat transfer efficiency and prevent or inhibit corrosion. These oligomeric coating compositions are able to fill microvoids in the heat exchange surfaces, and penetrate into the microcavities at the interface of swaged or force fit surfaces, such as fins and tubes. The oligomeric silane coating compositions are highly active and will form bonds not only with the metal and metal oxides of the heat transfer surfaces, but will also displace gasses or liquids at the heat transfer contact surfaces and form chemical and/or hydrogen bonds with the oxides and chemical impurities. By so doing, a parallel heat transfer pathway is formed. The applied coatings may be as thin as only a few millionths of an inch and will fill microcavities to a depth of up to about 2000 nanometers.

Abstract: An aluminum-copper clad member includes an aluminum-base member, a copper-base member and an insertion member made of pure aluminum or JIS A1xxx series aluminum alloy. The aluminum-base member and the copper-base member are clad via the insertion member. A heat sink includes a heat radiation portion made of aluminum-base material and provided with a plurality of tongue-like fins formed by skiving a surface layer of one side of the heat radiation portion and a thermal diffusion portion made of copper-base material and joined to the other side of the heat radiation portion via an insertion member made of pure aluminum or JIS A1xxx series aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A cryogenic heat exchanger has a pair of coaxial conduits. A pressurized refrigerant gas is passed through the internal conduit, out a thermal expansion valve and back through the annular space between the conduits. The closed end of the outer conduit is chilled by the expansion of the pressurized gas. The cryogenic effect is enhanced by precooling the pressurized warm gas with the depressurized cool return gas. A plurality of porous rings and disks bridging the lumen of the interior conduit and the annular space between the conduits assist in radial heat transfer to accomplish the desired precooling. The material chosen for the rings and disks is preferably highly porous, such as sintered metal, to increase the surface contact area and thereby increase heat transfer efficiency.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a plurality of fluidically parallel first layers which define first heat exchanger ducts through which a first medium is capable of flowing, and in each case has a second layer between the two first layers. The respective second layer is in thermal contact with the two adjacent first layers and defines at least one second heat exchanger duct through which a second medium is capable of flowing in parallel. The respective second layer comprises two fluidically parallel layer plies. A controllable supply of the second medium to the one and/or the other layer ply in each case is provided. Such a heat exchanger can be used, in particular, as an evaporator with an integrated starting and main evaporator part, and particularly as an evaporator in a reforming plant of a fuel-cell vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reboiler/condenser heat exchanger of the bath type for heat exchange between a first fluid (F1) to be vaporized and a second fluid (F2) to be condensed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a plate heat exchanger comprising the steps of providing heat transfer plates having fluid passage openings therein; disposing a metallic gasket assembly of a predetermined configuration around the fluid passage openings and perimeter portions of each heat transfer plate; alternating the heat transfer plates in a stacked relationship in a reverse orientation to form a plurality of flow cavities defined by the surfaces of the heat transfer plates and the metallic gasket assemblies; positioning turbulator members having corrugated grooves within each of the flow cavities for causing fluid turbulence; applying a braze alloy around the metallic gasket assemblies and on the surface of the heat transfer plates; and heating the braze alloy coated heat transfer plates to sealingly interconnect with each metallic gasket assembly and with one another.

Abstract: An improved method of cementing casing in a deep water offshore formation penetrated by a well bore comprising the steps of preparing a foamed cement composition comprised of calcium aluminate cement, a set accelerating additive, a thickening time increasing additive, water, a gas, and a mixture of foam forming and foam stabilizing surfactants; placing the cement composition in the annulus between the casing and well bore; and allowing the cement composition to set into a hard impermeable mass therein.

Abstract: A method for assembling and delivering a drivepipe to a drill site, the method having the following steps: assembling the drivepipe at a shoreline assembly station; attaching floatation devices to the drivepipe and floating the drivepipe in the ocean; towing the drivepipe with tow vessels to a drill site; delivering the drivepipe in a horizontal orientation to a drilling vessel at the drill site; attaching a upper end of the drivepipe to the drilling vessel and detaching the tow vessels from the drivepipe; pivoting the drivepipe about its point of attachment to the drilling vessel until the drivepipe is vertically oriented; deactivating the buoyancy function of the floatation devices attached to the drivepipe; removing the floatation devices from the drivepipe; equipping the drivepipe with a driving mechanism; and lowering the drivepipe with a running string from the drilling vessel to the sea bed.

Abstract: A method of retarding sand build up in heavy oil wells involving a first step of providing a pumping apparatus with subterranean impellers coupled to a rotary top drive unit by a plurality of connective rods. The plurality of connective rods have fixed outwardly extending vanes that rotate with the plurality of connective rods and are configured to provide a supplementary lifting force. A second step involves positioning the plurality of connective rods in a heavy oil well having a circumferential sidewall. A third step involves activating the rotary drive unit to rotate the plurality of connective rods. The vanes attached to the connective rods assist in lifting sand to surface with the heavy oil.

Abstract: Arrangements and associated methods are described for providing an isolated electrically conductive path in a system in which a boring tool is moved through the ground in a region. The system includes a drill rig and a drill string which is connected between a boring tool, or other in-ground device, and the drill. The drill string is made up of a plurality of electrically conductive drill pipe sections, each of which includes a section length and all of which are configured for removable attachment with one another to facilitate the extension and retraction of the drill string by one section length at a time.

Abstract: An Internal Bottom Hole Assembly (IBHA) for a Coiled Tubing (CT) enables the CT to be used with other devices downhole. The IBHA includes a connector, a valve assembly and an emergency disconnect device, all of which are mounted internally in the CT. The connector couples to the inside of the CT by means of wedges that are urged against the inside wall of the CT. The valve assembly may be mounted either between the connector and the disconnect device or may be on the side of the connector away from the disconnect device. The valve assembly includes one or more flapper valves that are able to pass a ball through at a minimum flow rate of fluid, enabling the ball to be used to operate the disconnect device.

Abstract: A formation isolation valve assembly for use in a well includes first and second fluid paths that are coupled to at least first and second completion zones. A first valve controls fluid flow from the first zone to the first fluid path, and a second valve controls fluid flow from a second zone to the second fluid path. The valves may include ball valves and sleeve valves.

Abstract: A spindle (60) for a machine tool comprising a rear spindle portion (62) and a forward spindle portion (64) with each of the rear spindle portion and the forward spindle portion being rotatable about the same axis relative to one another. The inventive spindle includes one or more spring elements (68) extending between the rear spindle portion and the forward spindle portion whereby with the forward spindle portion and the rear spindle portion rotating at a predetermined amount and with the rotation of the forward spindle portion being constrained at that amount, an additional rotation applied to the rear spindle portion results in a deflection of the springs thereby effecting a torque between the forward and the rear spindle portions. The present invention also includes a control method which has as its objective to control the position of, not the torque applied to, one of the spindles, usually the gear member spindle.

Abstract: A hammer is provided which enables the orientation of a tool or bit mounted within a spindle of the hammer to be rotated to the required orientation. The hammer comprises a housing part having an aperture therein in which a spindle that is mounted so that the spindle extends out of the housing through the aperture. The spindle is capable of being rotated about its axis to any of a plurality of orientations, so as to alter the orientation of a tool or bit mounted therein. A locking ring is located around the spindle which locking ring can be moved axially along the spindle into and out of engagement with the housing part, so that when the locking ring engages the housing, it prevents the spindle from rotating with respect to the housing. A grip ring is located around the spindle and can be rotated about the axis of the spindle from a first position in which it prevents disengagement of the locking ring from the housing.

Abstract: A cover fitting for connecting more than one raceway includes an L-shaped top having first and second curved grooves extending along the inner surface of the top and a plurality of hooks extending outwardly from the inner surface for engaging a portion of each raceway base. The cover fitting further includes first and second opposing sides extending from the inner surface of the top. The cover fitting can be used with a fitting base received in first and second grooves for situations requiring a specific bend radius, or in applications without a fitting base, where there are no bend radius requirements.

Abstract: The high or very high voltage DC cable has extruded polymeric insulation made out of a styrene-containing material. The material of said insulation is constituted by a mixture comprising polyethylene, a hydrogenated block copolymer of styrene, and an anti-oxidizing agent, with the styrene content by mass being 11% to 18%, and the material is not cross-linked. The cable is suitable for use as a DC power cable.

Abstract: A lightweight flexible conduit particularly suitable for aircraft applications for shielding electrical wire and cable from electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference, comprising an inner core of elastically deformable flexible tubing having an outside surface of helical corrugations, metalized fabric wrapped around the helical corrugations and post-formed onto the corrugated helix of the core by string, thread, or wire which pulls the fabric down into the base of the continuous trough of the corrugations, and a protective jacket. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an axial drain wire incorporated into the lamination and running the length of the conduit to provide lower ground path resistance. A method for making said conduit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A patch cable having better stability of electrical parameters, particularly attenuation, includes a stranded conductor to which a polymeric material is bonded, filling interstices occurring peripherally about the stranded conductor. Insulation is bonded to the polymeric material. Pairs of such insulated conductors are twisted together and terminated by an RJ-45 type connector or the like in typical applications.

Abstract: A flat cable containing several conductor elements and corresponding bus bars are provided. An end portion of each conductor element is welded to a first end portion of each bus bars. A second end portion of each of the bus bars is formed into a terminal. Meanwhile, a cable reel includes a mobile member and a fixed member. At least one of the mobile member and the fixed member is provided with a connector unit having an outward opening. The terminal of each of the bus bars extends in the connector unit through a terminal path hole, while a terminal of an outside electrical cable is inserted into the connector unit through the outward opening of the connector unit, so that the bus-bar terminal and the electrical cable terminal are fitted and connected to each other.

Abstract: There is provided a ball grid array (BGA) electronic component package having a configuration which is capable of improving mounting efficiency as well as preventing footprints from breaking away at circuit-connecting portions of the electronic component package. The BGA package has reinforcing bumps formed in an area located outward of a predetermined area in which conventional circuit-connecting bumps are arranged. Therefore, even if a shock is applied to the BGA package e.g. when a printed circuit board having the BGA package mounted thereon is carelessly dropped during the manufacturing work, at the outer or peripheral portion of the BGA package, which is most sensitive to such a shock, the shock is absorbed by the reinforcing bumps and reinforcing footprints which have no electrical connection with the circuitry of the electronic component package.

Abstract: A method for detecting misalignment of layers of a multi-layer circuit board. A plurality of layers of electrically insulating material are formed. At least one artwork feature is formed on a surface of at least one of the layers of electrically insulating material in the vicinity of at least one edge of the at least one layer of electrically insulating material. At least one reference point is formed on the at least one layer of electrically insulating material. The layers of electrically insulating material are joined together. The at least one artwork feature is exposed by removing a portion of the at least one layer of electrically insulating material. A location of the at least one artwork feature relative to the at least one reference point is visually determined, thereby detecting misalignment of the layers of electrically insulating material.

Abstract: A circuit component built-in module capable of mounting the circuit component with high density and having high heat releasing property and the high reliability. The circuit component built-in module 100 includes the insulating substrate 101 made of a first mixture 105 and a second mixture 106, wiring patterns 102a and 102b formed on one principal surface and another principal surface of the insulating substrate 101, a circuit component 103a electrically connected to the wiring pattern 102a and sealed with the second mixture 106 in an internal portion of the insulating substrate 101, the inner via conductor 104 electrically connecting the wiring pattern 102a and 102b.

Abstract: A computing device unit includes a rigid-to-flexible protection mechanism for e.g. die-on-flex technologies. According to one example, a flexible electronic device includes an electronic component for generating or receiving signals, a substrate for supporting the electronic component, and structure for stiffening the substrate, the structure being disposed to provide the substrate with a first rigidity adjacent the electronic component and a second rigidity more distant from the electronic component, the first rigidity being greater than the second rigidity such that the electronic component is protected against excessive flexing.

Abstract: A surface-mounting substrate, for mounting thereon a part such as a semiconductor device, which comprises a core substrate, a plurality of layers of patterned wiring lines, which are separated from each other by an insulation layer interposed therebetween, vias piercing through the insulation layer to connect the wiring lines at the adjacent layers to each other, and a layer of connecting terminals to mount a part on the surface-mounting substrate, each of the connecting terminals connecting with the wiring line at the outermost layer of wiring lines, wherein the connecting terminal is filled in an outermost insulation layer provided at the surface of the surface-mounting substrate, and has a surface exposed at substantially the same level as the level of the surface of the outermost insulation layer. A structure comprising a surface-mounting substrate and a part mounted thereon, which comprises, as the substrate used, the surface-mounting substrate of the invention, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conductive composition, and articles and methods using the conductive composition are disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary drag bit and method for drilling subterranean formations including a bit body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per bit rotation, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the bit and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit. The exterior of the bit preferably includes a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute the weight of the bit against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.

Abstract: A self-contained excavation device, with specific application as a beach umbrella excavator and anchor apparatus, includes a cutting head with a stepped cutting edge to penetrate thin shell layers, recesses defining anchor shelves to prevent pullout from wind, and anchor sweep faces for severing a structural connection between the compacted formation material and the recesses for easy removal of the device. The self-contained excavation device also includes a pressure limit chamber to prevent overpressure of the drilling fluid, a floating piston with straight intake ports for easy maintenance, and a self-cleaning valve to prevent debris from accumulating and clogging the valve.

Abstract: A PDC-equipped rotary drag bit especially suitable for directional drilling. Cutter chamfer size and backrake angle, as well as cutter backrake, may be varied along the bit profile between the center of the bit and the gage to provide a less aggressive center and more aggressive outer region on the bit face, to enhance stability while maintaining side cutting capability, as well as providing a high rate of penetration under relatively high weight on bit.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit is provided with enhanced fluid flow near the bottom of an associated borehole resulting in improved removal of cuttings and other debris from the bottom of the borehole. The drill bit includes a plurality of fluid passageways extending from the bit body to the exterior of the drill bit. The bit body may include an enlarged cavity with the fluid passageways extending therefrom. One end of the cavity preferably includes an opening to receive fluid from a drill string attached to the drill bit. The end of the cavity opposite from the opening may have a generally parabolic configuration. For one application, a web member extends from the lower portion of the bit body, occupying a void area between each cutter cone assembly. The web member preferably contains a plurality of fluid passageways which direct drilling fluid from the drill string, through the bit body, through the web member, and exiting at nozzles adjacent to the bottom of the associated borehole.

Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising the steps of locating, on a surface of a downhole component, a plurality of thermally stable polycrystalline diamond (TSP) bearing elements, and then applying to the surface a settable facing material which bonds to the surface between the bearing elements and embraces the elements to hold them in place. A method in which bearing elements each comprising a body of TSP at least partly surrounded by a layer of less hard material are secured to the surface by welding or brazing part of the surface of each bearing element which comprises said less hard material to said component is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a track and suspension system for an agricultural tractor. Invention consists of an endless rubber track encircling a drive wheel, front and rear idle wheels and a supporting undercarriage. The undercarriage has front and rear suspension arms supporting front and rear idler wheels. Movement of the suspension arms is limited and controlled by a bridge beam and a pair of air springs. The undercarriage also has mid track roller frames whose movement are limited and controlled by a bridge beam.

Abstract: An electric power source device including a plurality of battery cells accommodated within a battery casing installed on an automotive vehicle, such that the battery cells are cooled air introduced from a compartment of the vehicle into the battery casing, wherein the battery casing is disposed adjacent to the vehicle compartment and is generally isolated from the compartment by a floor or covering member which partially defines the compartment or covers the battery casing, and the floor or covering member has an inlet of an air intake passage, through which the air is introduced into the battery casing, for cooling the battery cells.

Abstract: The combination of a multi-layer instrument panel having a skin layer with an exposed surface and an opening therethrough and a first accessory that is mounted in the opening. The first accessory has an exposed surface that is substantially flush with the exposed surface of the skin layer with the first accessory mounted in the opening and operatively connected to the multi-layer instrument panel. The invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing the instrument panel with the first accessory.