Patents by Inventor Frederick J. Hornburg

Frederick J. Hornburg has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method of processing a laser scored instrument panel with an invisible seam airbag opening
    Patent number: 6657158
    Abstract: A process for forming an instrument panel or other motor vehicle interior trim component having a laser scored invisible deployment restraint system opening. Processing of such components having foam material layers often produces compression forces in the foam. Heat ageing of the foam causes the compression set to be relieved, which causes the deployment seam line to become visible. In this invention the part is heated prior to laser scoring to relieve compression forces within the foam layer prior to laser scoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon M. Skelly, Robert C. Bondar, Frederick J. Hornburg