Abstract: A composite pulse sequence for MR systems is described. The pulse sequence involves a plurality of pulses which each individually have a desired rotation (A°, B° etc.) in which the pulses each cause a rotation about respective axes. Slice selection magnetic gradients may be employed to make the component rotations of the composite pulse slice selective. Optionally phase correction (re-phasing) gradients can also be included in the pulse sequence. One or more of the pulses making up the composite pulse are not based on a sinc shaped pulse envelope.

Abstract: A roof rail for a motor vehicle roof includes an elongated main body portion having an open channel extending between opposing first and second ends. An end portion is integrally formed with the main body portion at each of the first and second ends thereof for attaching the roof rail to the motor vehicle roof.

Abstract: A method of forming members of fiber reinforced thermoplastic members via molding, the members including at least one hollow chamber, formed by water injection into the melt in the mold, to stiffen the finished member. The thermoplastic is preferably selected from a group comprising polypropylene, Nylon, PET, ABS, TPO and thermoplastic polyurethane, while the reinforcing fibers are preferably selected from a group comprising glass, aramid, carbon and natural fibers. Preferably, the extruded melt is produced such that the average length of the reinforcing fibers is longer than the length conventionally obtained.

Abstract: A series of brackets is provided that have a universal base, but have unique mounting features which are used to mount a running board onto a vehicle's inner rocker panel. The running boards have a support which has a universal mounting surface that can accept the bracket's universal base in order for the bracket to attach to the support. The top of the bracket can be shaped differently in order to avoid obstructions on the vehicle's inner rocker panel. Therefore, the running board can be mounted easier because the top of the bracket can be shaped to avoid the inner rocker panel's obstructions and the bottom can be formed to the universal shape in order to fit the running board's support.

Abstract: A molded running board is fabricated from a moldable material such as thermoplastic or the like and includes a main body with a lower surface, having a stiffening structure, and an upper surface to which one or more trim pieces can be attached. The main body has at least two mount members which are metal inserts molded in place with the main body, the mount members including a portion which extends beyond the main body for use to attach the running board to a vehicle. By altering the finish of the main body and/or the trim pieces, a wide variety of cosmetic appearances of the running board can be obtained without requiring different molds for the main body. Also, by standardizing the location and configuration of the portion of the mount members, the running board can be attached to different vehicles by employing suitable adaptor hardware to connect the mount members to the vehicle, again without requiring different molds for the main body.

Abstract: Compression moulding methods and products produced therefrom are provided, including compression moulded products produced from liquid resins having structural reinforcements incorporated therein. A requisite amount of the liquid resin is poured or sprayed into a mould cavity so as to cover the majority of the tool surface. A reinforcing material is then introduced into the mould cavity. The mould is then closed so as compress the liquid resin and wet out the reinforcing material and fill the cavity. The liquid resin is allowed to cure and harden in the mould cavity, whereupon the mould is then opened, and the reinforced structural part is removed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for compounding a thermoplastic melt for molding articles, the melt being reinforced with reinforcing fibers. The thermoplastic material is plasticized with an adhesion promoting agent to obtain an initial melt to which the reinforcing fibers are added. The thermoplastic material forms bonds to bond reception sites on the reinforcing fibers to obtain an intermediate melt to which one or more desired additives, such as a colorant, are then added to obtain the final melt. By forming the intermediate melt without the presence of the one or more desire additives, competition between the one or more desired additives and the thermoplastic material for the bond reception sites is prevented, as is damage to the reinforcing fibers from abrasives in the one or more desired additives. Articles molded with the resulting final melt have improved mechanical properties compared to articles made with prior art methods and systems.

Abstract: A bed assembly for a motor vehicle includes a floor pan that defines a bed surface extending between longitudinal sides. Each of the longitudinal sides includes a side support surface spaced from and parallel to the bed surface. The bed assembly also includes a sidewall panel having a lower end defining a base surface disposed adjacent to and supported by the side support surface. In addition, the bed assembly includes a retention member extending along a portion of one of the longitudinal sides to secure the base surface to the side support surface. The retention member maintains the sidewall panel in abutting relation to the floor pan.

Abstract: A bed assembly for a motor vehicle includes a floor pan that defines a bed surface extending between longitudinal sides. Each of the longitudinal sides includes a side support surface spaced from and parallel to the bed surface. The bed assembly also includes a sidewall panel having a lower end defining a base surface disposed adjacent to and supported by the side support surface. In addition, the bed assembly includes a retention member extending along a portion of one of the longitudinal sides to secure the base surface to the side support surface. The retention member maintains the sidewall panel in abutting relation to the floor pan.

Abstract: A stowable step has a housing, a U-shaped step platform and a sliding member pivotally engaging the step platform. The sliding member is slidably mounted within the housing for reciprocating movement between a retracted stowed position wherein the platform extends into the housing and a deployed position wherein the platform can pivot relative to the sliding member to a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A readily openable pouch containing a moistened hygenic cleaning pad is attached to the bottom of a beverage can. The pad can be removed from the pouch and used to wipe and sanitize the can top and adjacent side wall prior to drinking from the can through a top orifice. After use the pad may be replaced in the pouch for discarding with empty can.