Abstract: A method and system for producing hollow rib structures for trim components and panels using gas assisted injection molding. Movable insert members are provided in the mold cavity, particularly at the ends of the structural rib members. After the plastic material is injected into the mold cavity, the plastic is packed in the mold, and the insert members are locked in position. Selectively activatable locking mechanisms are used to lock up the insert members. Thereafter, gas or another fluid is introduced into the rib members in order to provide hollow channels therein. Movement of the insert members provides a recess or groove for placement of the displaced resin from the rib members. The displaced resin material completes the formation of the molded plastic article.

Abstract: A method and system for producing hollow rib structures for trim components and panels using gas-assisted plastic injection molding. Movable and floating core members are provided in the mold cavity, particularly adjacent structural rib members. After the plastic material is injected into the mold cavity, the plastic is packed in the mold. The moveable core members are then moved creating a void or opening in the mold cavity. Thereafter, gas or another fluid is introduced into the rib members to provide hollow channels in them. The fluent plastic material in the rib member is displaced into the voids forming integral portions of the completed plastic article.

Abstract: A method and system for producing hollow rib structures for trim components and panels using gas assisted injection molding. Spring biased movable insert members are provided in the mold cavity, particularly at the ends of the structural rib members. After the plastic material is injected into the mold cavity, gas is introduced into the rib members in order to provide hollow channels therein. The displaced resin material forces the insert members to the full cavity positions and completes the formation of the molded plastic article.

Abstract: An automotive tire pressure monitoring assembly 10 for installation in a vehicle 12 is provided. The automotive tire pressure monitoring assembly 10 includes at least one tire pressure sensor 34 generating a signal based on the pressure of air within a tire 14. The at least one tire pressure sensor 34 further includes a sensor receiver 68 in communication with a sensor control logic 38. The sensor control logic 38 is adapted to receive spectral noise 20 from at least one noise generating assembly 18. The automotive tire pressure monitoring assembly 10 further includes a controller assembly 52 positioned within the vehicle 12 and in remote communication with the at least one tire pressure sensor 34. The automotive tire pressure monitoring assembly 10 includes a positioning logic adapted to determine the position of the at least one tire pressure sensor 34 based on the strength of the spectral noise 20.

Abstract: An emergency locking console assembly (10) for automatically locking in a closed position during a vehicular collision is provided. The assembly (10) includes an open-topped container (18) that is coupled to a vehicle (12). This container (18) has a lid (20) couple thereto for enclosing various items within the assembly (10). In addition, the assembly (10) includes an inertia actuated locking mechanism (34) coupled to the container (18) for the purpose of automatically engaging the lid (20) and locking the assembly (10) in a closed position during a vehicular collision.

Abstract: A remote zone connector circuit (16) includes a circuit board (36) that has an onboard circuit (38) with a node (90) that is configured for an electronic device. Multiple electrical connections (40) are electrically coupled to the circuit board (36). A remote zone connector housing (42) securely retains the circuit board (36) and engages with the electrical connections (40). A remote zone connector transceiver (27) is coupled to the circuit board (36) and transmits and receives signals to and from the electronic device.