Abstract: Disclosed is a passenger module (10) with a cover coupling mechanism (12, 14, 28, 30). The cover coupling mechanism has a generally C-shaped bracket (12, 14), which interfaces with a plurality of slots (65, 66) defined in an air bag cover (20). The C-shaped bracket further has a plurality of apertures (22) which interface with a plurality of threaded studs (24) on the module's housing.

Abstract: An air bag module comprises an air bag having an interior cavity. The air bag has an air bag opening in communication with the interior cavity. The air bag module has an air bag inflator with an outlet for inflating the air bag. At least one vane extends from the air bag opening into the interior cavity of the air bag.

Abstract: A UV-transmissable window assembly for a DMD device includes a UV-transmissable glass window provided in a frame. The window and frame are bonded together to preferably effect a hermetic seal therebetween. Optical coatings specific to the intended wavelength of light transmission are applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the glass window to reduce reflection and increase light transmission therethrough. The window assembly, and DMD provided with the same, is adapted for excellent transmission of ultraviolet light, even at the deep ultraviolet portion of the spectrum. The DMD window assembly has application in the medical arts, both surgery and device manufacture, in the production of integrated circuits (IC), and in other optical lithography applications, among other fields.

Abstract: An air bag module comprises an air bag having an interior cavity. The air bag has an air bag opening in communication with the interior cavity. The air bag module has an air bag inflator with an outlet for inflating the air bag. At least one vane extends from the air bag opening into the interior cavity of the air bag.

Abstract: A UV-transmissable window assembly for a DMD device includes a UV-transmissable glass window provided in a frame. The window and frame are bonded together to preferably effect a hermetic seal therebetween. Optical coatings specific to the intended wavelength of light transmission are applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the glass window to reduce reflection and increase light transmission therethrough. The window assembly, and DMD provided with the same, is adapted for excellent transmission of ultraviolet light, even at the deep ultraviolet portion of the spectrum. The DMD window assembly has application in the medical arts, both surgery and device manufacture, in the production of integrated circuits (IC), and in other optical lithography applications, among other fields.

Abstract: A method for forming microcellular foams that causes the material to expand uniaxially during the foaming process, and a method for forming objects from the foam. Liquid crystal polymers or polymers having a planar crystalline structure are saturated with a fluid, normally a gas such as carbon dioxide. The ambient conditions are changed such that the fluid is in a supersaturated state, and the material is brought to near its glass transition temperature to induce the formation of nonspherical elongated gas-filled cells. A process for making objects, such as transducer diaphragms, from microcellular foams includes the step of forming the objects prior to the foaming process.

Abstract: An air bag module comprising an inflator (350) having at least one exit port located on one side of a body, wherein inflation gas exiting the at least one exit port includes an axial component of flow, which exits the exit port in an axial direction; and an air bag assembly (200) comprising an outer air bag (202) and an inner air bag (300), the inner air bag disposed about the inflator to receive inflation gas before the inflation gas can substantially affect a trajectory of the inflating outer air bag (202), the inflation gas flowing within the inner air bag in at least the axial direction, the inner air bag including a first and second opening (306) to direct inflation gas into the inner bag with components of gas flow exiting the second opening(s) at at least a skewed angle while a portion of the gas flow may optionally flow in a vertical up and down direction, the inner bag also including a third opening (320) disposed near a remote side of the inner bag for directing inflation gas into the outer bag in a

Abstract: A system and method for eye screening is provided. The system may include a remote data entry device for receiving patient information and eye images. A centralized facility is provided to receive data from the remote device and pass the information to still further remote reading centers. The method provides for eye screening by readers at a site remote from the patient. Furthermore, the method contemplates maintaining the quality of reader output through electronic monitoring and training.

Abstract: An air bag module (20) including: an air bag (90); a housing (22) formed of loosely interfitting upper (26) and lower (24) housing members, the air bag linked to at least one of the interfitting portions (32) of the upper housing member to provide an insulating barrier between the members.

Abstract: Methods for the prediction of the frequency of high order resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) diagnostic modes are used to limit the band width of diagnostic testing at high order mode frequencies. Testing of parts at low order frequency modes is used to calculate part dimensions, and then these calculated part dimensions are used to predict high order diagnostic mode frequencies. Lower order mode frequencies are used to predict high order diagnostic mode frequencies.

Abstract: A method for temperature compensation of resonant frequency measurements of parts uses Temperature Functions which are mathematical relationships between measured resonant frequencies and temperature. The Temperature Function is used to adjust frequencies measured at any temperature to a resonant frequency at a pre-determined reference temperature. The temperature of a surrogate part or specimen can be measured to eliminate the need to touch a part being tested where the surrogate part has essentially the same dimensions and material properties and is positioned and mounted such that its temperature is essentially the same as the part being tested. The temperature function may be in the form off.sub.r =f.sub.m *(1+(T.sub.m -T.sub.r)/C)where f.sub.r is the resonant frequency compensated to the reference temperature, f.sub.m is the measured resonant frequency, T.sub.m is the measured temperature and T.sub.r is the reference temperature.

Abstract: Methods for the prediction of the frequency of high order resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) diagnostic modes are used to limit the band width of diagnostic testing at high order mode frequencies. Testing of parts at low order frequency modes is used to calculate part dimensions, and then these calculated part dimensions are used to predict high order diagnostic mode frequencies. Lower order mode frequencies are used to predict high order diagnostic mode frequencies.

Abstract: A steering column support having a bracket on the steering column secured to vehicle support structure by fasteners at the rear edge of the bracket. Isolator pads at the front edge of the bracket are clamped under pressure between the bracket and the support structure The isolator pads dampen vibration of the steering column and also prevent undesirable tilting or rocking of the steering column when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting resonant ultra sound (RUS) Spectroscopy peaks which is based upon taking the second derivative of the RUS spectrum. The second derivative provides a more sensitive analysis tool, and makes it possible to separate and distinguish peaks in the spectrum which are not readily discernable by other analyses of the spectrum. Analysis criteria such as cut off heights and Z-widths provide judgment criteria for identification of resonant peaks.

Abstract: A washer for a male or female threaded fastener includes an annular ring portion and a seat portion with a cantilever portion extending therebetween. The washer hardness is selected to exceed the threaded fastener hardness by an amount that enhances the elastic deflection of the washer and reduces the tendency of the fastener to loosen. The selected hardness relationship also reduces the washer diameter dilation during loading and the permanent deformation of the washer diameter.

Abstract: A metal surface is now described having enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings. The substrate metal of the article, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be initiated by selection of a metal of desirable metallurgy and heat history, including prior heat treatment to provide surface grain boundaries which may be most readily etched. In subsequent etching operation, the surface is made to exhibit well defined, three dimensional grains with deep grain boundaries. Subsequently applied coatings, by penetrating into the etched intergranular valleys, are desirably locked onto the metal substrate surface and provide enhanced lifetime even in rugged commercial environments.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably locking the tilt steering column assembly of an automotive vehicle in adjusted position. A rack on the steering column assembly is engaged by a pawl to lock the steering column assembly in the position selected by the driver. A bracket is provided to positively hold the pawl engaged with the rack and prevent it from becoming disengaged. The tilt of the steering column can only be re-adjusted by moving the bracket so that the pawl can disengage the rack.

Abstract: An instrument panel for an automotive vehicle has a door for concealing an air bag. The door is covered with an extension of the same decorative material that covers the instrument panel. The door is placed between two laterally spaced air vents.

Abstract: A transducer component support has a fabric with at least two thermoplastic polymer fibers with different melt temperatures.

Abstract: The instrument panel assembly is made by initially forming an instrument panel substrate having a door-receiving notch, initially forming a door substrate, and attaching the door substrate to the instrument panel substrate so that the door substrate covers the notch and its sides extend beyond the notch and overlie portions of the instrument panel substrate. A single decorative cover layer is also initially formed. The attached substrates are positioned in a mold in spaced relation to the cover layer, and a foamable material is forced into the space to provide a foam padding for both the instrument panel and the door. The sides of the door substrate overlying the instrument panel substrate are braced to prevent distortion thereof during molding.