Abstract: A glove box energy absorbing structure that does not use braces to attach to an instrument panel or instrument panel reinforcement is provided. The energy absorbing structure includes a selectively collapsible pillar proximate to a bottom region of an upper glove box and a selectively collapsible pillar as part of a top wall of a lower glove box. The selectively collapsible pillar of the lower glove box is oppositely disposed from and adjacent to the selectively collapsible pillar of the upper glove box. The two selectively collapsible pillars afford for engagement with each other and thereby afford for energy to be absorbed during an accident when the lower glove box is impacted by the knee of a passenger sitting in the front seat of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine having a seal assembly disposed between a piston and a running surface. The seal both lubricates and prevents exhaust of combustion gases. A first element, which ensures gas tightness, is received in a countersunk portion of the running surface. A second element, which ensures oil tightness, is partially embedded into the first element. A biasing element presses the second element against the first element so that the second and third elements are at least partially held within the first element.

Abstract: A stamped metal panel used as part of a pillar of a motor vehicle includes a main wall, an outer side wall, an inner side wall and a transitional portion. The outer side wall extends from one side of the main wall. The inner side wall extends from an opposite side of the main wall and forms a generally U-shaped cross section with the main wall and the outer side wall. The inner side wall has a first wall that extends from the main wall and a second wall that extends from an end of the first wall opposite from the main wall. The transitional portion extends arcuately between the first wall and the second wall. The transitional portion is substantially tangential with at least the first wall of the first side wall to facilitate removal of the panel from between upper and lower halves of a stamping tool.

Abstract: A bracket (20) for attachment to a side of a radio or other multimedia instrument (40) having a leading edge (22) with an outwardly projecting, generally U-shaped rib (23) positioned inwardly of a free end of the leading edge, and/or an in-turned flange (26) positioned away from the leading edge of the bracket and having a tab (27) extending normally from the flange for engagement with the instrument to support and position the instrument during attachment of wiring elements to the instrument.

Abstract: An adaptable blind for ladder stands and tree stands includes a platform that secures to a tree stand or ladder stand associated platform. A frame is assembled upon the platform and includes a plurality of upwardly extending and arcuately configured poles, these collectively establishing a superstructure which defines a three dimensional interior. A cover is assembled over the frame and encloses the interior, at least one access location in the cover material permitting a user to ingress and egress to and from the interior. A combination seat and ladder can be separately provided and which is both secured to the tree or pole as well as supported upon or against the platform.

Abstract: A lightweight assembly exhibiting a durable and puncture resistant outer material. An inflatable bladder is sandwiched between the outer material and an inner closable liner. One or more elongated articles, such a golf bag with clubs, is placed within an open interior bounded by the inner liner and, upon employing a built-in pump assembly incorporated into an attached skid plate, communicates through an inlet line to inflate the bladder in a substantially inward fashion to bias and cushion about the bag and clubs. A release valve formed at a top location of the bladder is revealed by a zippered portion in the bag, and to deflate the bladder.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for delivering content to a vehicle occupant through a wireless communications link between a wireless client associated with the vehicle and a wireless access point external to the vehicle. The wireless access point is in communication with a content supplier, and available content from the content supplier, as determined from a user subscription, is delivered to the user using the wireless communications link when the vehicle is stationary.

Abstract: A convertible car includes a mobile roof which can be retained on a windshield frame when closed. For retaining the roof, at least two mobile engaging elements and at least one actuating element for the same are provided. The actuating element is operatively coupled with the engaging elements via respective force transmitters which project with one component in the vehicle transverse direction. At least inward pointing ends of the force transmitters, for the purpose of force transmission, are movable in a purely translational manner and in parallel to their projecting component.

Abstract: A container assembly for use in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle includes a housing having a storage space. The housing has an outer surface and an opening formed in the outer surface providing access to the storage space. The container assembly also includes a door movably coupled to the housing for movement between a closed position covering the opening and preventing access to the storage space and an open position disposed below the outer surface to reveal the opening and allow access to the storage space. This allows the container assembly to slide beneath a bin lid of a center console when the door of the container assembly is in either the closed position or the open position without interfering with the bin door.

Abstract: A passenger airbag system is designed for an automotive vehicle with a passenger compartment, a windshield and an instrument panel disposed between the passenger compartment and the windshield. The instrument panel has a top portion adjacent the windshield, a lower surface generally directed toward the legs of an occupant and a mid-portion with a surface that extends between the top and lower portions. The system includes a first airbag and a second airbag both disposed in the instrument panel. Each airbag has a cushion deployable from the housing through the instrument panel along a predetermined path for direct contact with an occupant seated in the passenger compartment. The second airbag has a lower portion when deployed that fills a space between the occupant's lower extremities and the lower portion of the instrument panel and thus acts as a knee airbag.

Abstract: A seat back support for seat cushioning to be attached thereto and provide a seat component is disclosed. In addition, a process for making the seat back support is also disclosed. The seat back support can have first panel and a second panel. The first panel can have a base portion and a raised portion extending outwardly from the base portion, and the second panel can have a corrugated structure with a channel portion extending from a joining surface. The second panel is fixedly attached to the first panel by having at least part of the raised portion melt and re-solidified while in contact with the joining surface of the second panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a metal article includes a station which receives and supports a workpiece. The station has a source of electrical current and a source of a fluid. The station further includes a first and a second electrode clamp. Each clamp is in electrical communication with the source of current and in fluid communication with the source of fluid. The clamps engage a workpiece and deliver an electrical current and a fluid thereto. The system includes an actuator mechanically associated with at least one of the clamps. The actuator is operable in combination with a clamp to apply mechanical force to the workpiece. The system is operable to selectably control the temperature profile and/or ambient conditions of a workpiece during forming or processing steps. Disclosed are specific systems including modular systems. Also disclosed are methods for using the systems.

Abstract: A collapsible and transportable dolly including first and second rigid base portions hingedly secured together at a central location. First and second pairs of wheels secure to underside locations associated with the base portions. First and second substantially rectangular and frame shaped end supports secure in upwardly extending fashion to opposite end locations of the hingedly connected base portions and first and second pairs of top brackets secure in interconnecting and hinged fashion between the end supports, and such that associated angled bracket portions extend from end locations of each of the top brackets and telescopically engaging the end supports. In this fashion, the dolly is converted from a use to a folded storage/transport position by folding the base portions upwardly about the central hinged connection, concurrent with inwardly and downwardly folding the top brackets concurrent with telescoping the angled brackets along end support channels.

Abstract: A load transfer structure in an A-pillar assembly for transferring force from a frontal impact to the vehicle rail, rocker and door reinforcement. The load transfer structure having a support wall, a pair of transverse walls, and a longitudinal wall and is disposed in a space within the A-pillar assembly. Accordingly, the load transfer structure reduces material required in conventional A-pillar assemblies while maintaining the same load transfer capabilities.

Abstract: A motor vehicle tire carrier includes a housing having an aperture. A drive shaft is rotatably secured to the housing. A spool is positioned in the housing and is rotatably driven by the drive shaft. A flexible elongate member has a first end secured to the spool, is wound about the spool, and extends through the aperture in the housing. A wheel plate is secured to a second end of the elongate member and is configured to support a motor vehicle tire. A crash plate is secured to the housing and has an aperture through which the elongate member extends, with the housing being secured to the crash plate. A guide member on the crash plate has an arcuate surface about which the elongate member will bend when the tire carrier is subject to a lateral force.

Abstract: A process for determining an optimum range of compositions for a nanocomposite thermoelectric material system is provided. The process is performed for a nanocomposite thermoelectric material system having a first component and a second component made from nanoparticles. The process includes selecting a plurality of material compositions for a nanocomposite thermoelectric material system to be investigated and calculating a thermal conductivity value and calculating an electrical resistance value for each material composition selected. In addition, at least one Seebeck coefficient is determined for the material compositions selected. Then, a plurality of figure of merit values are calculated using the calculated plurality of thermal conductivity values, the calculated plurality of electrical resistivity values and the determined at least one Seebeck coefficient.

Abstract: A headliner assembly covers an inner surface of a motor vehicle roof having a sunroof opening. The headliner assembly includes a dimensionally stable substrate having a first edge extending along the sunroof opening. The substrate has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the motor vehicle roof. The substrate further has a bottom surface opposite the upper surface. A molded reinforcement is fixedly secured to the upper surface of the substrate. The reinforcement has a second edge extending along the sunroof opening. The second edge of the reinforcement has a contoured portion that extends further inwardly toward a center of the sunroof opening relative to the first edge of the substrate. A trim cover has a third edge extending along the sunroof opening.