Abstract: A threaded fastener comprises a head component for the application of torque to the fastener, an externally threaded shank portion, a resilient linking member for interconnecting the head component and the shank portion a certain axial distance apart and for resiliently biasing against axial displacement of the shank portion from the head component a distance other than such certain axial distance, and a torque transmitting mechanism for transmitting torque from the head component to the shank portion. The torque transmitting mechanism is able to transmit sufficient torque from the head component to the shank portion to cause axial displacement of the shank portion in an aperture in a work piece against the resilient biasing of the resilient linking member, whereby the resilient member is elongated and put in axial tension.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming a glass sheet with differential gas pressure over opposite surfaces thereof. The glass sheet is formed by the action of differential gas pressure over a forming area located on a curved exterior surface of a rotatable glass former. The forming area moves on an arcuate path about an axis of rotation of the glass former. The glass sheet forming operation is carried out in an incremental manner by rotational contact of the forming area of the glass former and the glass sheet being formed. Full dimensional control can be achieved, whereby glass sheets may be produced which are substantially identical copies of one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a thermoformed, form-retaining article comprising a form-retaining thermoformable substrate and a flexible web coverstock. The method comprises feeding a continuous strip of the flexible web coverstock through a thermoforming line comprising at least a lamination station, a thermoforming station and transport means. Sheets of the substrate are fed into the lamination station and there laminated to said continuous strip of coverstock material. The coverstock is wider than the substrate sheetstock laminated thereto, and thus, it extends laterally beyond the sheetstock, i.e., it has free longitudinal edges. The transport means engages the continuous strip of coverstock material along the free longitudinal edges thereof. The transport means is actuated to advance the continuous strip and, hence, each successive piece of substrate laminated thereto from the lamination station into the thermoforming station.

Abstract: In a transparent glass article comprising an electrically conductive, transparent, metal-based coating on a glass substrate and polyvinyl butyral material (PVB) bonded thereto, adhesion between the coating and the PVB is improved by a thin chromium-based film on the metal-based coating interfacing with the PVB. Adhesion is particularly improved in its resistance to exposure to UV radiation. In an electrically heated windshield application, the adhesion is improved by chromium-based film (24) between the metal-based coating (22) on a first glass template (12) and a PVB interlayer (26) mediate the first glass template and a second glass template (28). The glass article is produced according to a method aspect of the invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a formable homogeneous propellant composition and to a process employing same for production of a self-supporting formed propellant charge. The propellant composition comprises a mixture of propellant grains and solvent-filled microcapsules in proportions suitable for consolidation under pressure to form the self-supporting formed propellant charge. The solvent-filled microcapsules comprise solvent suitable for partially solvating the propellant grains. The mixture of propellant grains and solvent-filled microcapsules are placed in a forming mold under sufficient pressure to rupture at least a substantial portion of the microcapsules. Pressure is maintained for a time sufficient to form the self-supporting formed propellant charge, after which the propellant charge can be removed from the forming mold and cured by exposure to drying heat.

Abstract: A discarding sabot projectile comprises:a subcaliber projectile;a discarding sabot means for providing a full caliber carrier for the projectile;a discarding sabot base abutting a rearwardly facing surface of the aft end of the projectile, which base is free of direct positive coupling to the projectile;sabot/projectile coupling means for direct connection of the discarding sabot means to the projectile to prevent axially forward displacement of the projectile relative the sabot; andsabot/base coupling means for direct and positive connection of the discarding sabot means to the sabot base, locking the projectile into position within the cavity defined by the discarding sabot means and sabot base.

Abstract: A wheel cover and assembly comprising same, in which the wheel cover has a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings, each of which is aligned with one of the lug stud receiving openings of the vehicle wheel and is adapted to receive the axially outer end of a lug stud. As a retention device for the wheel cover, each of the spaced openings has at its periphery an expandable ring, a radially outer portion of the ring being trapped in an annular channel formed by the wheel cover at the periphery of the spaced opening. A radially inner portion of the expandable ring is seated against and thereby held axially inward of an annular step of a corresponding lug stud nut. The expandable ring is capable of resiliently expanding radially at least sufficiently to pass over the outer end of the lug stud nut.

Abstract: A double-walled, plastic, structural body panel for motor vehicles, such as a door or tailgate, comprises an outer part and an inner part, both preferably injection-molded of a thermoplastic synthetic material, which are joined together along edge areas. Both the outer edge areas (4) and the inner edge areas (5) have adjacent flat joining areas (7/8 and 9/10, respectively). A web or flange (11 and 12, respectively) extends approximately at right angles to the adjacent flat joining areas. An adhesion coating (6) or an adhesion welding joint is formed at the adjacent flat joining areas.

Abstract: An interior trim component 1 for a motor vehicle comprises a base 2 of a fibrous base material of approximately 80% wood fibers and approximately 20% synthetic resin fibers, which is compressed and consolidated by the action of pressure and heat into the desired shape. Padding and/or a fabric insert 5 may be placed over selected areas of the surface of the base 2 and a sheet 7 of plastic material is bonded over the whole of the visible side of the base 2, the parts of the plastic sheet 7 overlying the insert 5 having a continuous impressed separation so that they may be removed. The fibrous base material which is in the form of fibrous fleece mats of approximately 20 to 30 mm thickness is consolidatd in a hot-pressing shaping tool at 4000 N/M.sup.2 and approximately 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A telescoped ammunition round comprises:a propellant charge having an axial cavity for supplying firing power to the ammunition round;a control tube means housed within the aft end of the axial cavity;a booster charge within the axial bore of the control tube, fireable in response to a primer means of the ammunition round in communication therewith; anda sabot/projectile assembly mounted within the axial cavity, its aft end extending into the control tube, wherein the sabot comprises an integral piston at its aft end to receive propulsive forces upon firing of the booster charge of the ammunition round.

Abstract: An improved leaf spring clamp is provided, particularly for use with composite material leaf springs, to securely fix the position of the leaf spring relative to a wheel axle or other suspension system member, such as in the suspension system of a motor vehicle. The leaf spring clamp comprises a rigid clamp plate. The clamp base forms a channel adapted to receive the wedge insert. The inner surface of at least one side wall of the clamp base fairs from both ends into a channel-widening concavity, preferably at the longitudinal midpoint of the channel. The wedge insert forms an inner channel adapted to laterally jacket the leaf spring. The outer surface of the wedge insert substantially fills the clamp base channel, providing a convexity adapted to register with the channel-widening concavity of the clamp base. The clamp plate attaches to the clamp base to clamp the leaf spring between them under a pre-load.

Abstract: A synthetic material structural body panel is provided which comprises synthetic material suitable for use as structural body panel, for example, as a package tray in an automotive vehicular structural body, wherein an aperture extends through the synthetic material panel, and further comprising a metal attachment plate fixedly engaging the synthetic material and spanning the aperture. The invention further provides a method of making a structural body comprising a synthetic material structural body panel according to the invention. The invention further provides a joint between a synthetic material structural body panel of the invention and another structural body panel, which joint comprises a metal attachment plate as described above, and means such as spot welding, riviting, etc. securing the metal attachment plate to the other structural body panel.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for mounting a vibrating body to a support structure, being particularly adapted for use as an engine mount system for a motor vehicle. The assembly comprises a mount having a chamber which, in use, is fluid-filled, and further comprises a vacuum accumulator in fluid communication with the mount chamber. More specifically, the mount comprises (a) a housing comprising a substantially rigid wall with a first opening therethrough and a first elasticly deformable body sealingly bonded to the wall to form a fluid-tight closure of such first opening, the housing defining an elasticly expandable fluid-tight chamber with a first port, such chamber being in fluid communication with the vacuum accumulator through such first port via a fluid conduit; (b) a rigid attachment of the housing wall to either the vibrating body or the support structure; and (c) an attachment of the mount to the other of the vibrating body and support structure, which attachment is to the elastomeric body.

Abstract: A seat cushion support for an upholstered seat cushion comprises a one-piece, form-retaining, resilient seat pan, preferably of molded plastic, and a pair of mounting tangs, each unitary with the seat pan. The seat pan has a curvilinear upper surface, ishium accommodating means in a rearward portion of the seat pan, which is concavely curved downwardly, and a forward portion which curves downwardly to a forward edge. The mounting tangs are located inboard of and proximate lateral edges, each mounting tang extending downwardly from connection with the seat pan. An upholstered seat cushion assembly comprises such seat cushion support, a cushion, an upholstery covering, and mounting brackets to which the mounting tangs are attached.

Abstract: An interior trim component 1 for a motor vehicle comprises a base 2 of a fibrous base material of approximately 80% wood fibers and approximately 20% synthetic resin fibers, which is compressed and consolidated by the action of pressure and heat into the desired shape. Padding and/or a fabric insert 5 may be placed over selected areas of the surface of the base 2 and a sheet 7 of plastic material is bonded over the whole of the visible side of the base 2, the parts of the plastic sheet 7 overlying the insert 5 having a continuous impressed separation so that they may be removed. The fibrous base material which is in the form of fibrous fleece mats of approximately 20 to 30 mm thickness is consolidated in a hot-pressing shaping tool at 4000 N/M.sup.2 and approximately 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A method is provided of treating an air-contacted surface of an air conditioning system comprising the steps of:(A) introducing to the air passage and air-borne biocide in a biocidally effective amount; and(B) subsequently introducing into the air passage an air-borne biostat adapted to coat the surface with an air-driable, substantially water insoluble biostat coating, the biostat being introduced in an amount sufficient to coat the surface with a biostatically effective coating. According to another aspect of the invention, a kit is provided of interrelated parts for carrying out such treatment method.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for testing final coating layer thicknesses on motor vehicle bodies by means of measuring probes moved along a body by way of automatic manipulators. A measuring probe (20), disposed in a guide member suspended on gimbals, is attached to the surface of the body by means of a suction cup (15), an inner stop ring (16) and a spring (21) which cooperate to ensure that the measuring probe is applied with a specific pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a preform for a resin transfer molding process and a preform core for same. The invention further provides a resin transfer molding process employing such preform. A surface portion of the core having a concavity therein, the core comprises a flexible web secured to its surface forming a convexity over such concavity. The convexity formed by the web is deformable into the concavity during the resin transfer molding operation, but prior to the molding operation is sufficiently firm to support, without substantial deformation, oriented continuous fibers applied under tension onto the surface of the core.

Abstract: A fillable tank is disclosed, which tank is adapted to cooperate with a filler pipe for conveying material into the tank. The tank comprises a tank wall and a filler pipe seat defining an opening through the tank wall, which opening is adapted to receive the filler pipe. The filler pipe seat comprises a frustro-conical shoulder to improve the retention of the filler pipe in the tank against pull-out forces. The smaller diameter end of the shoulder is inward of the larger diameter end which latter is integral with the tank wall. The frusto-conical shoulder comprises integral reinforcement ribs extending substantially longitudinally on the surface thereof. Optionally, the small diameter end of the shoulder may provide a radial surface adapted to bear against a radially outward extending annular bearing surface of the filler pipe to prevent pull-out of such filler pipe from the tank.

Abstract: A driveshaft for a motor vehicle having a double tapered tubular body with its largest diameter near its midpoint and its least diameter adjacent its opposite ends. The body is substantially and continuously tapered from the midpoint to each of the ends. The tapered section of the tubular body has its outer surface positioned near a surface defined by a parabola revolved about the longitudinal axis of the body. The parabola has its apex at the midpoint of the driveshaft and intersects two points on the longitudinal axis at approximately the mounting planes where the driveshaft is supported at its ends. In addition, a method of manufacturing the tapered tubular body of the driveshaft includes a mold having a tapered wall section and cylindrical shaped end sections to receive the cylindrical tube. The cylindrical tube is able to receive varying lengths of elastomeric plugs which can be sequentially compressed to deform the tube outwardly to abut the tapered wall section of the mold.