Abstract: A method of manufacturing a chute panel of an airbag assembly. The method comprises forming a substrate from a material with the substrate comprising a plurality of projections projecting from a first surface of the substrate. A living hinge including a plurality of apertures is secured to the substrate with at least portion of the apertures mating with a portion of the projections of the substrate to secure the hinge to the substrate. A chute door is formed onto the substrate and onto the hinge secured to the substrate. A chute is formed onto the substrate with a portion of the chute interacting with a portion of the plurality of projections of the substrate, thereby forming a chute panel of an airbag assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyurethane foam and a method of preparing the same which utilizes only bio-renewable polyols and no petroleum derived polyols. The polyol is derived from a bio-renewable source and has a bio-renewable content of at least 70% by weight. The produced foams have mechanical and performance properties that are equal to or exceed those of similar polyurethane foams produced using petroleum derived polyols. The foams are preferably formed into sponges and other cleaning products for use by consumers and in industrial settings.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a chute panel of an airbag assembly. The method comprises forming a substrate from a first material to have a body having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween and a void residing in the body. The method further comprises forming a chute and a chute door from a second material. The chute comprises a base molded onto the substrate body and one or more sidewalls extending from the base. And wherein forming the chute door comprises filling the void in the substrate body with the second material to form the chute door.

Abstract: A direct and simple method to control cell size in a polyurethane foam is disclosed. Polyurethane foam is made by mixing prepolymer with foam-forming ingredients comprising isocyanate and water which react to give carbon dioxide. The reaction is driven by a catalyst and results in a foam structure with cells of a particular size. Using the addition of a pre-determined amount of mineral oil, the coalescence of neighboring cells of the foam structure may be advantageously controlled to form a cell structure with a desired average cell size.

Abstract: A device for holding a container is disclosed. The device includes a base configured to support the container, a retaining mechanism configured to retain the container relative to the base, and an actuator mechanism coupled to the retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism includes a longitudinal axis and an iris moveable between an insertion position and a retaining position. A central opening formed by the iris in the insertion position has an insertion diameter greater than a retaining diameter of the central opening formed by the iris in the retaining position. The iris includes a plurality of arms arranged in a first level and a second level. User rotation of the actuator mechanism in a first direction causes the arms of the iris to move to the retaining position, and user rotation of the actuator mechanism in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the arms of the iris to move away from the retaining position towards the insertion position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an automotive interior component may include providing a cover, a substrate, a chute connected to the substrate, heating the cover, forming the cover via a negative vacuum forming tool, and supporting the substrate and chute via a buck. The method may include moving at least of the negative vacuum forming tool and the buck toward the other of the negative vacuum forming tool and the buck such that the cover and the substrate may be in contact with each other. The method may include bonding the substrate with the cover via providing pressurized fluid to a chamber of the buck to force the substrate toward the cover. The chamber may be defined by the buck and the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an automotive interior component and a method for manufacture thereof are provided. The method includes providing a first and second layer of the automotive interior component. The method includes providing an apparatus comprising a first press component and a second press component, the first press component including a pressure chamber configured to receive a protrusion of the first layer. The method includes inserting the first layer into the first press component, such that the protrusion is received by the pressure chamber of the first press component. The method includes coupling the first layer and the second layer, wherein coupling comprises moving at least one of the first press component and second press component toward the other and introducing a first fluid into the pressure chamber of the first press component such that the fluid applies a fluid pressure to the first layer.

Abstract: A device for holding a container includes a base configured to support the container, a retaining mechanism configured to retain the container relative to the base, and an actuator mechanism coupled to the retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism includes an iris moveable between an insertion position and a retaining position. A central opening formed by the iris in the insertion position has an insertion diameter greater than a retaining diameter of the central opening formed by the iris in the retaining position. The iris includes a plurality of arms arranged in a first level and a second level. User rotation of the actuator mechanism in a first direction causes the arms of the iris to move to the retaining position, and in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the arms of the iris to move away from the retaining position towards the insertion position.

Abstract: A hydrophilic, polyurethane foam manufactured from a composition that includes 90-110 parts by weight of polyester polyol, 0.9-1.1 parts by weight of ester surfactant, 3-20 parts by weight of a hydrophilic surfactant, 1.89-2.31 parts by weight of a polyurethane catalyst, 0.126-0.154 parts by weight of an amine catalyst, 3.348-4.092 parts by weight of water, and 46.98-57.42 parts by weight of toluene diisocyanate. The polyurethane is capable of absorbing water in a time period of about 5 minutes or less. The polyurethane foam is a precursor to the formation of a molten metal filter.