Abstract: A thermosetting, organic solvent-based, primer coating composition for protecting metal surfaces which includes a solvent solution of: (a) a hydroxy-functional polyester resin; (b) a thermosetting acrylic resin; (c) a hydroxy-terminal polybutadiene resin, a hydroxy-terminal epoxidized polybutadiene resin, or mixtures thereof; (d) a blocked isocyanate crosslinker including at least one dimethyl pyrazole blocked isocyanate; (e) an aminoplast crosslinker including at least one melamine-formaldehyde condensate; (f) a catalyst; and, (g) a pigment. The primer exhibits excellent flexibility after curing to allow the primer to be coil coated onto metals as a thicker film and to have the metal subsequently formed without film fracture or loss of adhesion.

Abstract: A thermosetting epoxy resin powder coating composition is provided that comprises an epoxy resin composed of a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, a curing agent composed of a bisphenol A encapped diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, and a cure catalyst composed of an imidazole adducted to a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, in which the ratio of curing agent to epoxy resin is below 70% stoichiometry, and preferably between about 10% and 60% stoichiometry. The thermosetting epoxy resin powder coating composition not only exhibits the desired flexibility and fast cure speeds, but also exhibits superior adhesion and superior resistance to delamination and cathodic disbondment, preferably having cathodic disbondment values typically less than 4 mm radial disbondment, and preferably less than 2 mm radial disbondment. Such properties are highly advantageous for protective powder coatings used on rebars and pipelines.

Abstract: A new and improved single side wall air bag inflator includes a housing containing an ignition device, a quantity of pyrotechnic gas generant material and a filter. The housing includes a cup-shaped base member having an annular bottom wall with a central opening for access to the ignition device and an integrally formed, upstanding ported side wall extends upwardly of the bottom wall. The side wall has a radially inwardly deformable, free upper end portion forming a retaining flange for securing a top wall in place spaced above the bottom wall and closing off an upper end portion of the housing. The top wall has a depressed outer peripheral edge portion facing and sealed with the downwardly and radially inwardly deformed upper end flange of the single side wall.

Abstract: An element fixedly mounted in a motor vehicle having a free end and an aperture spaced apart therefrom is provided for securing an inner end portion of a flexible tether to the vehicle for restraining an air bag cover during air bag deployment. An attachment connector having a hook at one end is adapted to be engaged in hooked relation over the free end of the fixed element with the inner end portion of the tether sandwiched between facing adjacent surfaces of the attachment connector and the fixed element. A unidirectional, self-locking, snap-in-type, fastener mounted on the attachment connector remote from the hook end has a shank that is passed through the tether and is thereafter positioned to extend through the aperture of the fixed element when the attachment connector is engaged with the fixed element and pivoted about the hook end with the tether in sandwiched relation between the fixed element and the attachment connector.

Abstract: An air bag inflator module adapted for quick action, snap-action, permanent attachment onto a support in a motor vehicle, such as a steering wheel. Installation of the module on the support requires the use of no tools. The module has a base facing and movable toward the support. A fastening system is provided including a plurality of quick action, snap-action type fasteners extending between the base and the support. Either the base or the support includes openings for receiving a first portion of the fasteners extended therethrough as the module is pushed into place on the support with a unidirectional thrust. Each fastener also includes a second portion permanently mounted on the other of the base or the support opposite the opening for supporting the first portion projecting outwardly thereof. A snapaction expandable holding device is provided on the first portion of each fastener for engaging an opposite surface on the base or support after insertion through the opening.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a new and improved method and apparatus for packing an inflatable air bag cushion into a housing of an air bag module assembly of an occupant restraint system for a motor vehicle. After securing an inlet chute of the air bag cushion in the open end of the housing and placing the air bag on a flat support with a larger portion of the back wall thereof overlaying a small portion of the back wall with the front wall in between in a folded condition, a central portion of the air bag is clamped by a large blade and subsequently a first edge portion is folded over the central portion and a second opposite edge portion is folded over the first edge portion so that opposite edge fold lines extend outwardly just inside opposite ends of the housing. A rolling clamp is attached transversely across the folded air bag and the air bag is rolled-up on an axis moved toward the housing.