Abstract: Disclosed is a workpiece retention assembly including a plurality of measuring fixtures for supporting and positioning a workpiece. The measuring fixtures are aligned along a platform for positioning the measuring fixtures. The measuring fixtures include a selectively adjustable stanchion and a selectively rotatable clamping member for retaining the workpiece. Workpieces of widely varying types, shapes and sizes can thus be positioned using the measuring fixtures according to the teachings of the present invention.

Abstract: A split sprocket with quick locking mechanisms is made of non-metallic components. The split sprocket is coupled to a shaft element by removable wedge members disposed between the sprocket's half members. Key members, in conjunction with set screws, secure the wedge members and prevent the sprocket's half members from tilting about the shaft element. The wedge members maintain a uniform pitch diameter of the sprocket's teeth by preventing contact between the half sprocket members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding the fibers of a fiber reinforced plastic preform. A fiber reinforced plastic preform is created in a preselected geometry from a mixture of reinforcing fibers and binding fibers, the binding fibers being responsive to a high frequency electromagnetic field to melt thereby binding the reinforcing fibers. The fiber reinforced plastic preform is then exposed for a short period of time to a high frequency electromagnetic field, with the high frequency electromagnetic field causing the binding fibers to melt thus binding the reinforcing fibers of the preform.

Abstract: A composite brake drum particularly adapted for motor vehicle applications. The brake drum includes a reinforcement assembly embedded within the cylindrical portion of the drum. The reinforcement assembly is preferably made from steel wire stock and includes a plurality of circular rings or loops spaced axially within the brake drum cylindrical portion. Axially extending locator wires are mechanically fastened to the reinforcing loops and serve to locate the loops. End portions on the locator wires contact only one of the mold halves forming the mold cavity and enable the device to be essentially self-locating without crossing the parting line of the mold. The end portion of the locator wires contacting the radially outer side of the mold cavity is formed with a spring bar to enable the locator wires to move outward as the reinforcing loops are thermally expanded during the casting process.

Abstract: An intrusion beam structure for reinforcing a vehicle door includes an elongated member adapted to be attached to a surface of the inner panel of a door frame that is substantially parallel to the axis defined by the elongated member. The elongated member includes first and second end portions interdisposed by a middle portion. The end portions are substantially identical and each taper away from the middle portion. In a first embodiment, the elongated member is unitarily formed and has a substantially circular cross-section. In a second embodiment, the elongated member includes first and second bar portions which substantially traverse the entire length of the elongated member and are disposed substantially parallel to each other. The first and second bar portions are separated by an intermediate structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for bonding a multi-panel device together by injecting a liquid adhesive into a flow channel created by a hem flange located along a perimeter of two contacting panels. The adhesive is then cured and thus forms a permanent bond between the panels.

Abstract: An intrusion beam structure for reinforcing a vehicle door includes an elongated member adapted to be attached to a surface of the inner panel of a door frame that is substantially parallel to the axis defined by the elongated member. The elongated member includes first and second end portions interdisposed by a middle portion. The end portions are constructed of a first material, and the middle portion is constructed of a second, different material. The elongated member is unitarily stamped from a composite sheet and is formed to include first and second mounting members, each having a planar surface adapted to mount to the inner panel.

Abstract: A robot hand adaptable to a robot arm for rigidly connecting a work tool to a robot arm while the work tool is positioned, but appropriately aligning and substantially isolating the work tool from the robot arm during the work tool's manufacturing operation.

Abstract: Molded articles prepared from flexible sheet molding compounds, and method of making the same. A flexibility modifying agent is incorporated into a thermoset resin composition (e.g. sheet molding compound) to improve the flexibility characteristics of the thermoset resin composition by lowering the flexural modulus. The thermoset resin composition also contains therein an isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer; a thickening agent; a catalyst; a fibrous reinforcing material; and an inert filler.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly for an anti-lock braking system including a method of making the same. The present invention includes a ferrous hub having a plurality of non-ferrous elements integrally cast into the hub. Each of the elements is substantially embedded in the hub and includes an exposed surface which is coincidental with the outer surface of the hub. During rotation of the assembly, a sensor will alternately sense the hub and the interruptions.

Abstract: A composite brake drum for motor vehicle applications incorporating an embedded annular ring insert. The annular ring is positioned within a casting cavity to define the surfaces of a labrynth groove at the open rim of the brake drum. The labrynth groove defines a region for a backing plate flange to define a labrynth seal to prevent entry of debris into the brake drum. By defining the labrynth groove using an annular ring inserted within the mold, the post-casting machining requirements are significantly reduced. Moreover, the presence of a steel ring in the rim of the brake drum provides structural benefits. The annular ring further preferably incorporates locating features to assure accurate positioning within the casting mold cavity.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic fuel tank includes a multipurpose inner liner that serves as an aid during molding as well as a corrosion resistant protector and/or secondary fuel container for the tank when in use. This plastic fuel tank is molded by first covering an exterior surface of the inner liner with a fibrous material. The inner liner is then placed into a mold and pressurized. Thereafter, resin is injected into the mold, impregnating the fibrous material, while the inner liner supports the resin injected material to define a hollow interior for the tank. Once the resin has been injected into the mold, the resin is cured to form the molded tank.

Abstract: A bushing cap used to close a gap in a liquid cooled bushing which surrounds a coil contained in a channel induction furnace. The coil, bushing and bushing cap is further surrounded by a thin refractory layer which is further surrounded by a molten metal loop. The bushing cap and bushing are liquid cooled to maintain a substantial uniform thermal gradient about the thin refractory layer surrounding the bushing and bushing cap. Preferably, this is accomplished by way of a bushing cap having a cooling member attached to a cover and mounted within the bushing gap. A cooling fluid is passed through both the cooling member of the bushing cap and cooling channels within the bushing to maintain a substantial uniform thermal gradient about the thin refractory layer.

Abstract: A motor vehicle wheel having an annular wheel rim and a wheel disc in which the flange of the wheel disc is formed with a frustoconical outer surface for engagement with and attachment to a frustoconical inner surface of the wheel rim enabling the disc to be attached to the wheel rim at an inclined, larger diameter section of the wheel rim than the drop center well or the inflation ledge of the rim. This increases the size of the internal envelope formed by the wheel assembly thus increasing clearance for vehicle components within the wheel envelope, such as the brake assembly. Alternatively, a larger brake assembly may be utilized.

Abstract: A cutting tool which can be used for milling metals, metal alloys and for woodworking. The cutting tool includes a shaft which is attachable to means of rotation and a head portion provided with multiple cutting edges. The cutting tool is capable of cutting in any direction and allows for cutting at increased speeds.

Abstract: An assembly machine and method for assembling an integral bearing unit onto a motor vehicle wheel hub. The assembly process involves applying an axial force onto the elements causing the elements to be pressed together. In order to avoid localized brinelling of the surfaces of the bearing including the faces and rolling elements, the hub is rotated during the pressing operation to cause the forces to be spread over areas of the rolling elements and bearing races. The machine and method further incorporate a sensor to detect improper position or installation of the bearing on the assembly tooling and a load cell to monitor pressing loads enabling detection of improper part fit or other defects.

Abstract: A molded composite bumper including a resin and reinforcing thermoplastic fibers having sufficiently compatible elongation characteristics thereby allowing the bumper to sustain higher strains and deformation upon an impact force.

Abstract: Sheet molded compound (SMC) charges are preheated before being molded into exterior automotive body panels using compression molding techniques under vacuum.

Abstract: A hub assembly for a motor vehicle equipped with an anti-lock brake system in which the exciter ring for the ABS is press fit over the outer surface of the hub with the ring providing an inner cylindrical surface for a press fit mount of a seal assembly into the exciter ring rather than providing a mounting surface in the hub for the seal assembly. As a result, only the bearing race and the exciter ring are press fit to the hub. This configuration enables the exciter ring to be positioned radially outwardly from the bearing such that the bearing provides radial support to the hub beneath the exciter ring whereby distortion of the hub assembly components due to multiple press fit mounts is reduced, part to part variation is reduced and dimensional instability of the assembly is reduced.

Abstract: A steering knuckle attachment configuration for mounting with motor vehicle suspension and steering components is provided in a one piece steering knuckle housing. The lower end of the housing includes a flat major face to which a bearing carrier or torque plate may be mounted. The knuckle housing has both an upper end and a lower end, one of which includes an integrally formed open ended channel that is also open on one side. The channel is adapted to receive in its open end an attachment post projecting a suspension component. The post is secured within the channel by a transversely inserted fastener which engages the post member in an interference relationship.