Abstract: A dockable connection assembly attached to the ceiling of a motor vehicle so that passengers can enjoy watching a display monitor at desired and comfortable angles while still being able to access the electrical components of the display screen and its counterparts in video technology. This structure allows for the screen to move at all angles, whether it be up, down, clockwise, or counterclockwise. The structure also has a safety feature that will allow for disengagement in case of emergency situations. This dockable connection assembly comprises a retainer assembly, a connector assembly, and a harness assembly. The retainer assembly provides the support for the entirety of the dockable connection assembly by holding the connector assembly and the display monitor onto the ceiling. The connector assembly provides for the electric connection a point of contact and allows for the rotation of the display monitor.

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 lamp with connector housing for motor vehicles comprising a push/push switch, a light source, and a backplate with a 3-way connector. The backplate with a 3-way connector further comprises a connection between point ground and point door and a connection between point ground and point B. This lamp with connector housing is twisted into the motor vehicle headliner with no screws or other fasteners, it has a compact size, and only uses one light source to illuminate the interior of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A cell phone storage pocket for a vehicle console comprising a hinged armrest, a flip under tray, and a hinged mechanism. This invention provides secure storage for a driver or passenger's cell phone while maintaining it in an easy to read location. Also, this cell phone storage pocket allows a user to keep the cell in an accessible location which can lead to safer driving habits.

Abstract: An automotive remote start assembly 10 for use in an automobile 14 is provided. The automotive remote start assembly 10 includes a portable remote device 12 having a remote transmitter element 18 and a remote receiver element 20 in communication with a remote controller element 16. The remote controller element 16 is configured to transmit an operator initiated ignition signal 24, receive a main system confirmation signal 34, and transmit a remote system confirmation signal 42 upon receipt of the main system confirmation signal 34. The automotive remote start assembly 10 further includes an in-vehicle remote start module 26 having an internal transmitter element 30 and an internal receiver element 32 in communication with an internal controller element 28.

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: A filament circuit resistance adjusting apparatus (36), for a filament circuit (38) having a filament (50) with a first resistance is provided. The filament circuit resistance adjusting apparatus (36) includes a first resistor (70), which has a second resistance and is electrically coupled to the filament (50). The first resistor (70) adjusts the resistance of the filament circuit (38). A method for adjusting the resistance of the filament (50) is also provided.

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: A superconducting magnet support structure is provided. The support structure includes an exterior portion and an interior portion. The exterior portion has multiple shoulders and multiple pockets. The shoulders and pockets are dimensioned corresponding to dimensions of a superconducting magnet. The interior portion has a base coupled to the shoulders. The exterior portion and the interior portion contain roving at approximately 0° and 90° directions relative to a center axis extending through the support structure. A method of fabricating the support structure is also provided including applying an integrated multi-layer glass tape to a preformed support tooling during a wet winding process.

Abstract: A system and process for gas-assisted injection molding of plastic materials using gas holding pressure in the mold cavity. An infinitely controlled gas pressure valve is utilized to provide initial pressure in a sealed mold and the gas is vented to a prespecified pressure when plastic is injected into the mold cavity. Additional gas is injected into the plastic material from a gas pin assembly in order to force the plastic to completely fill the mold cavity and to provide a hollow cavity in the completed part. Once the injection molding process has been completed and the part has cooled and solidified, the mold is opened, and the completed plastic molded component or part is removed or ejected.

Abstract: A method for making a punched headliner 20 adapted to be installed in a motor vehicle is provided. The method includes placing a flange element 32 within a punch tool 12, the punch tool 12 comprising a punching component 14 and a mating component 16. The flange element 32 is placed abutting the mating component 16. A headliner blank 18 is placed within the punch tool 12 between the punching component 14 and the flange element 32. A punching edge 22, positioned on the punching component 14, is moved towards the mating component 16. The headliner blank 18 is thereby pressed between the punching edge 22 and the flange element 32. The punching edge 22 is pressed into contact with the flange element 32 such that a shearing edge 54 is formed on the headliner blank 18 and a waste component 46 is separated from the headliner blank 18.

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 vehicle seat assembly including a seatback frame and an active head restraint system including a headrest, upper armature, lower armature and linkage operatively interconnecting the upper and lower armatures. In the event of a rearward impact, the lower armature is operable to absorb energy generated at the pelvic and lumbar regions and to cause the headrest to pivot upwardly and forwardly toward the head of the occupant through interaction with the upper armature and the link. Similarly, the upper armature is further operable to absorb energy generated at the thoracic region to activate the headrest following the initial response by the lower armature.

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.

Abstract: An automotive easy-entry assembly 10 is provided, including a seat pan 12 and a back frame 14 rotatably attached to the seat pan 12. The back frame is rotatable between a back frame upright position 16 and a back frame dumped forward position. A secured track 28 includes a plurality of engagement slots 44 and a memory block 92. An adjustment track 36 is mounted to the seat pan 12 and slidably engages the secured track 28. A locking arm 46 including one or more engagement teeth 44 is mounted to the adjustment track 36 and is movable between an engagement position 50 and a travel position 52. An actuator arm 62 is in communication with the back frame 14 such that as the back frame 14 is moved into the back frame dumped forward position 18 the actuator arm 62 is moved into an actuator active position 68.

Abstract: A vehicle-seat assembly includes a pair of elongated outer tracks operatively fixed to the floor pan of the vehicle in spaced relationship with respect to each other, a seat riser, and a pair of elongated inner track assemblies operatively connected to the seat riser. Each inner track assembly is supported in sliding relationship with a corresponding outer track to slidably mount the seat riser on the floor pan. A pair of trigger mechanisms is supported for pivotal movement relative to a corresponding inner track assembly and adapted to releasably engage a corresponding outer track. A release mechanism is connected to the trigger mechanisms and operable to be manually movable to pivot the trigger mechanisms so as to engage and disengage the trigger mechanisms relative to the outer tracks to facilitate adjustable sliding movement of the inner track assemblies relative to the outer tracks.

Abstract: An overhead-storage system for the interior of a motor vehicle having a headliner and defining a passenger compartment includes a housing having at least one convenience feature supported in the housing and adapted for use by a passenger of the vehicle. The housing is operatively supported for rotational movement relative to the headliner and about a rotational axis of the housing such that the at least one convenience feature may be selectively moved angularly relative to the rotational axis into close proximity of the passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle seat and headrest arrangement (100) includes a seatback frame (102) and a headrest (104) having a cushion portion (108) and an impact target (113) pivotally associated with the seatback frame (102). A rearward force acting upon the impact target causes the cushion portion to rotate forwardly. A spring (116) operatively associated with the headrest (104) and the seatback frame (102) biases the headrest against pivotal movement. The arrangement further includes a damper (118) operatively associated with the headrest (104) and the seatback frame (102).