Abstract: A method of molding utilizes an apparatus (10) for molding a thin-wall plastic shell which includes a powder box (12) and a mold box (14). The powder box (12) is positioned to an operative position wherein an opening (18) in the powder box (12) is brought in proximity to the mold surface (20) of the mold. A bellows member (34) having a gasket (42) about the end thereof is extended from the opening (18) to perfect a sealed passageway between the opening (18) and the periphery (22) of the mold surface (20).

Abstract: A bolster formed of suitable cushioning material attached to the lap belt portion of an automotive three-point seat belt system, wherein the lap belt portion of an automotive three-point seat belt system, wherein the lap belt portion is attached at one end thereof to the sill at the base of the center pillar. The bolster is sized and positioned so as to contact the outside edge of the front seat and the hip portion of the occupant, spaced apart from the vehicle door, providing cushioning between the occupant and the door. When the seat belt is not in use, the bolster assumed a stowed position along side the center pillar intermediate the base and the usual upper shoulder belt dispenser, providing for easy entry and egress by the operator or passenger.

Abstract: Evaporation boats utilized in the vacuum metalizing process are categorized based on evaporation characteristics thereof to match similar boats for the metalizing process. Power is supplied to the evaluation boat and the period of time required for the evaluation boat to reach a predetermined temperature is monitored. This period of time is indicative of the evaporation rate of the boat during the metalizing process and is used to categorize and match boats as super slow, slow or fast.

Abstract: A method for making blind fastener which comprises a fastener body, a stem and a shaped shear ring wire. The shear ring in one embodiment is disposed in an annular groove disposed intermediate the ends of a neck of the stem. When the fastener is installed, a bulbing portion of the shear ring upsets the tail end of the fastener and then shears at a predetermined load. An anchor portion of the shear ring travels through the fastener body, with the stem neck radially expanding the fastener to fill the hole within the workpieces being secured together. A lock ring groove is formed in the stem midsection of smaller diameter at the intersections of the stem neck and midsection. In another embodiment, the shear ring is positioned at the intersection so that the shear ring anchor portion engages the rear of a lock ring positioned in said lock ring groove.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel has a decorative panel concealing a storage compartment for an inflatable air bag. The panel has a covering which comprises a backing plate having a U-shaped cut line framing the storage compartment and defining a cover door having a hinge line connecting the ends of the cut line U. An inner layer of foam is interposed between the backing plate and an outer skin layer. The skin has a peripheral groove outlining the door and comprises a hinge section overlaying the hinge line and a weakened tear seam line overlying the cut line. The groove is cut through at the bottom along the tear seam line but not along the hinge section. Inflation of the air bag will force the door outwardly, fracturing the foam layer along the tear seam line to swing the door away from the opening about the hinge section to enable deployment of the air bag outwardly of teh panel. The cuts in the panel layers can be made before or after a molding process.

Abstract: A coating is applied to the outside diameter surface of a bushing used to coldwork in a hole in a work piece. The bushing having the coating is positioned and fixed axially with respect to the hole and then expanded by an expansion mandrel with the coating on the outside diameter surface of the bushing coming into contact with the walls of the hole and the hole being coldworked. The coating reduces fretting of the coldworked joint thereby increasing the fatigue life of the joint. The bushing having the coating can be easily removed, and then replaced, by boring out the old bushing since the coating provides a margin of machining error and thereby protects the walls of the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for molding a thin-wall plastic shell includes a powder box (12) and a mold box (14). The powder box 12) is positioned to an operative position wherein an opening (18) in the powder box (12) is brought in proximity to the mold surface (20) of the mold. A bellows member (34) having a gasket (42) about the end thereof is extended from the opening (18) to perfect a sealed passageway between the opening (18) and the periphery (22) of the mold surface (20).

Abstract: An energy attenuating seat for a vehicle includes a seat member having a seat back and a seat pan. The seat pan includes a front and rear portion. The seat back is rigidly attached to a rigid seat structure or directly to the vehicle. Support structure is provided which is rigidly attached to the vehicle and which is disposed adjacent to the front portion of the seat pan for supporting the seat pan front portion. Structure is provided for hingedly interconnecting the seat pan front portion and the support structure, such that the seat pan rotates about this interconnection. An energy attenuator is interconnected between the seat back and the rear portion of the seat pan, such that vertical load forces experienced by an occupant of the vehicle during a crash causes the seat pan to pivot downwardly whereby the rear portion of the seat pan is disposed closer to the vehicle floor than the seat pan front portion. A vertical height adjustment is provided by allowing the seat to pivot upward and downward.

Abstract: An intertial-manual actuating chain brake for a chain saw in which a mechanical integrator distinguishes between relatively long duration accelerations developed by a "kickback" producing impulse and normal operating accelerations associated with operational and vibratory forces. Occurrence of a "kickback" impulse, developing a force of required magnitude, direction, and duration causes a spring-mass accelerometer to change from a brake released to a brake applied condition, applying a braking torque to the saw chain. The accelerometer utilizes a pivotable hand guard as the actuating means. The hand guard also provides for manual operation. The hand guard is comprised of a housing and an inertia weight that is connected to the housing. The weight and type of inertia weight can be selected to provide the brake applied condition for a predetermined movement of the chain saw or for a predetermined type of chain saw. The inertia weight can be adjusted to adjust the accelerometer.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing a method for forming a 360 degree integral skin handle in a thermoplastic part for use in automotive trim products. The apparatus includes a mold with a recess therein and a plug being supported on the mold for movement into a position for closing the tube surface and into a demolding position for releasing the molded part. A heater device directs heat from a first source through the mold and from a second source through the plug to form a completely closed, curved, heated tube surface on which thermoplastic material is cast against the curved, heated tube surface to fuse and cure a layer of material thereon in the form of a tube skin segment which is releasable from the mold when the plug is removed.

Abstract: An airbag cover assembly for the passenger side of an automobile. The assembly includes an exterior skin, a pair of underlying sub-assemblies, each including a U-shaped galvanized steel strip, a short nylon scrim and a long glass mat sandwiched therebetween and extending therefrom such that a narrow space exists between adjacent edges of the glass mats. A weakening notch is formed across the inside surface of the exterior skin along the center line of the narrow space. A low density polyurethane foam is injected into a foaming tool cavity bearing the skin and pair of sub-assemblies. When cured, the foam covers the nylon scrims and glass mats and becomes immersed throughout the interstices of each, serving as the body of the final assembly. The glass mats prevent fragmentation of the low density foam upon deployment of the airbag.