Abstract: A connector for a space frame on an automotive vehicle having a plurality of structural members in at least two dimensions includes an inner panel, and an outer panel spaced from the inner panel and substantially parallel thereto. The connector also includes a connector panel attached to the inner and outer panel to form a channel defining one dimension and adapted to receive one of the structural members. The connector further includes at least one extension member attached to either one of the connector panel and the inner panel and the outer panel and extending outwardly therefrom to define a second dimension relative to the first dimension and adapted to be disposed within another one of the structural members to form a joint therebetween.

Abstract: A modulated conveyor shuttling system for transfering a pallet therealong. It has a series of pedestals aligned along a predetermined path, a carrier supported on each of the pedestals with a plurality of bearings to movingly support the pallet, and locomotion apparatus incorporating air bladders to effect sequential lifting, tilting, and lowering of adjacent carriers on adjacent modules to steppingly move the pallet along such path.

Abstract: A reinforced structure is disclosed to comprise a plastic body, at least one elongate member within the plastic body, and a layer of resilient material mediate the plastic body and the elongate member. A method aspect of the invention comprises the steps of (A) putting a layer of resilient material on the exterior surface of an elongate member; (B) introducing first the elongate member and then plastic in a moldable condition into the cavity of a molding tool; (C) molding the plastic to at least partially envelop the elongate member; thereby sandwiching the resilient material between the plastic and the elongate member, and (D) removing the reinforced plastic structure from the molding tool cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of plastic outer body panels to automotive vehicle subframes including positioning a cup within apertures in the subframe, applying a thixotropic heat curable plastic/adhesive to the cup, heat curing the plastic/adhesive in situ while forming a blind aperture in the plastic/adhesive, and securing the body panel to the subframe through threaded insertion of a fastener into the blind aperture.

Abstract: An improved construction for an automotive vehicle door provides an upstanding peripherally extending mounting flange formed integrally with the outer panel of the door for carrying a resilient seal for sealing engagement with the vehicle body when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the attachment of plastic outer body panels to automotive vehicle subframes including positioning a cup within apertures in the subframe, applying a thixotropic heat curable plastic/adhesive to the cup, heat curing the plastic/adhesive in situ while forming a blind aperture in the plastic/adhesive, and securing the body panel to the subframe through threaded insertion of a fastener into the blind aperture.

Abstract: A double-walled, plastic, structural body panel for motor vehicles, such as a door or tailgate, comprises an outer part and an inner part, both preferably injection-molded of a thermoplastic synthetic material, which are joined together along edge areas. Both the outer edge areas (4) and the inner edge areas (5) have adjacent flat joining areas (7/8 and 9/10, respectively). A web or flange (11 and 12, respectively) extends approximately at right angles to the adjacent flat joining areas. An adhesion coating (6) or an adhesion welding joint is formed at the adjacent flat joining areas.

Abstract: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet material incorporating fibrous reinforcement, e.g. 20 to 60% glass fibre, is holding superimposing layers of reinforcement and molten PET in contact under pressure and then cooling the layers to below the glass transition temperature of PET at a rate sufficient to avoid crystallization of the PET. The resulting sheet material contains PET in its amorphous phase and can be moulded to form articles such as motor vehicle body panels by heating the sheet in a mould to a temperature above its glass transition temperature but below its melting point and holding the sheet at that temperature until the PET undergoes crystallization.