Abstract: A welding fume collector is disclosed that includes a flexible sheath, fume collection opening at the distal end of the sheath, and vacuum hose. A welding torch extends through the sheath with the nozzle extending beyond the distal end of the sheath. The vacuum hose extends into the proximal end of the sheath. A vacuum system creates a negative pressure inside the flexible sheath which extends out through the collection opening to collect fumes. The collection opening can be generally elliptical with a major axis extending along the welding direction. The vacuum system, vacuum hose and sheath can be sized to create the desired vacuum to collect welding fumes without interfering with the welding process. The diameters of the vacuum hose and sheath can be sized to create low-speed welding fume collection through the collection opening. The vacuum system can include a self-cleaning filter.

Abstract: A horn switch (40) for a vehicle steering wheel (20) includes a frame (50) for mounting to the steering wheel (20). The frame (50) includes a horn switch housing (56). A plunger (80) is associated with the switch housing (56). The plunger (80) is movable relative to the switch housing (56) between a non-actuating position and an actuating position. An actuatable cable (150) has a portion positioned in the switch housing (56). The actuating cable (150) includes first and second conductors (156, 158) for electrical connection to a circuit that when closed actuates a vehicle horn (30). The actuatable cable (150) has an expanded condition in which the first and second conductors (156, 158) are insulated from each other when the plunger (80) is in the non-actuating position.

Abstract: A horn switch (40) for a vehicle steering wheel (20) includes a frame (50) for mounting to the steering wheel (20). The frame (50) includes a horn switch housing (56). A plunger (80) is associated with the switch housing (56). The plunger (80) is movable relative to the switch housing (56) between a non-actuating position and an actuating position. An actuatable cable (150) has a portion positioned in the switch housing (56). The actuating cable (150) includes first and second conductors (156, 158) for electrical connection to a circuit that when closed actuates a vehicle horn (30). The actuatable cable (150) has an expanded condition in which the first and second conductors (156, 158) are insulated from each other when the plunger (80) is in the non-actuating position.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a single sheet of material (50) comprising a front panel (40) and a rear panel (42), each having a substantially circular configuration. The sheet (50) has a central portion (52) where peripheral portions of the front and rear panels (40 and 42) merge with each other. The sheet (50) is folded along the central portion (52) to position the front and rear panels (40 and 42) overlying each other. A perimeter connection (110) connects the front and rear panels (40 and 42) along the periphery of the front and rear panels.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) includes an air bag (30) and an inflator (40) for inflating the air bag. The apparatus (10) also includes a bracket (120) having an elongated back plate portion (122), a first flange portion (130), and a second flange portion (150). The flange portions (130 and 150) extend transverse to the back plate portion (122). The inflator (40) is insertable into the bracket. A first end portion (80) of the inflator (40) engages the first flange portion (130) and a second end portion (90) of the inflator engages the second flange portion (150) while the inflator is inserted in the bracket (120). The inflator (40) urges the first and second flange portions (130 and 150) to deflect away from each other while the inflator is inserted in the bracket (120). The first and second flange portions (130 and 150) are urged toward each other by resilience of the bracket and exert a clamping force on the inflator (40) to retain the inflator in the bracket (120).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) includes an air bag (30) and an inflator (40) for inflating the air bag. The apparatus (10) also includes a bracket (120) having an elongated back plate portion (122), a first flange portion (130), and a second flange portion (150). The flange portions (130 and 150) extend transverse to the back plate portion (122). The inflator (40) is insertable into the bracket. A first end portion (80) of the inflator (40) engages the first flange portion (130) and a second end portion (90) of the inflator engages the second flange portion (150) while the inflator is inserted in the bracket (120). The inflator (40) urges the first and second flange portions (130 and 150) to deflect away from each other while the inflator is inserted in the bracket (120). The first and second flange portions (130 and 150) are urged toward each other by resilience of the bracket and exert a clamping force on the inflator (40) to retain the inflator in the bracket (120).

Abstract: A padding element (10) for an interior component of a motor vehicle has a molded substrate (12) and a skin (14). The molded substrate (12) defines an external surface (16) having an inherent tackiness sufficient to adhere the skin (14) to the molded substrate (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a molded portion (60) associated with an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The molded portion (60) is molded as a single piece of plastic material. The molded portion includes a base portion (64) and a reinforcing portion (100). The base portion has a first thickness measured between a first class A surface (42) and an opposite second surface (80). The reinforcing portion (100) includes a main wall portion (126) spaced from the second surface and at least one side wall (110, 112, 114, 116) extending from the main wall portion, merging with the second surface, and having a second thickness about equal to the first thickness. The main wall portion (126), base portion (64), and at least one side wall (110, 112, 114, 116) define a chamber (170) in the molded portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel (10) comprises a rim portion (14), a spoke portion (18), and a foamed padding material (20) that is adhered to at least one of the rim portion (14) and the spoke portion (18). The foamed padding material (20) includes a first portion (89) and a second portion (90). The first portion (89) has a cellular structure (92) and a substantially uniform cell density. The second portion (90) has a continuous external surface free of interruption by a cell. The foamed padding material (20) comprises a gasified chemical foaming agent and thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer.