Abstract: An active buffeting noise control arrangement for a vehicle having one or more window panels of a vehicle cabin. One or more actuators are positioned at or near the one or more window panels and are operable to selectively vibrate the one or more windows in order to generate sound waves that will counteract a low frequency throb or buffeting event. The arrangement further includes one or more sensors in a vehicle cabin for detecting the buffeting event in transmitting sensor data to a control module. The control module is connected to the one or more sensors as well as the one or more actuators where the control module receives the sensory data, determines if a buffeting event is occurring and commands the one or more actuator assemblies to vibrate the window and generate sound waves that are operable to counteract the buffeting event.

Abstract: An acoustical window assembly for a vehicle includes a transparent glass window panel and mounting portions for mounting respective perimeter regions of the window panel to a vehicle structure. A first mounting portion substantially fixedly mounts a first perimeter region of the window panel relative to the vehicle structure, while a second mounting portion mounts a second perimeter region of the window panel to the vehicle structure and includes a flexible element to allow for movement of the second perimeter region of the window panel toward and away from the vehicle structure. An actuating assembly is positioned at an actuating region of the window panel and has a substantially rigid interface element that engages the actuating region of the window panel. The actuating assembly is operable to vibrate the window panel via vibration of the substantially rigid interface element relative to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: An acoustical window assembly for a vehicle includes a transparent glass window panel and mounting portions for mounting respective perimeter regions of the window panel to a vehicle structure. A first mounting portion substantially fixedly mounts a first perimeter region of the window panel relative to the vehicle structure, while a second mounting portion mounts a second perimeter region of the window panel to the vehicle structure and includes a flexible element to allow for movement of the second perimeter region of the window panel toward and away from the vehicle structure. An actuating assembly is positioned at an actuating region of the window panel and has a substantially rigid interface element that engages the actuating region of the window panel. The actuating assembly is operable to vibrate the window panel via vibration of the substantially rigid interface element relative to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for covering an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (40) includes a cover (70) including a portion (82) movable upon inflation of the inflatable device from a closed condition to an open condition. A retainer (50) supports the inflatable device (40) on a portion of the vehicle. A membrane switch (100) in an electric circuit for actuating an electrically actuatable device (102) of the vehicle is movable with the movable portion (82) of the cover (70) from the closed condition to the open condition. The cover (70) has a portion engageable by the vehicle occupant to operate the membrane switch (100) and thereby to actuate the electrically actuatable device (102). The apparatus (10) includes a rigid back plate (110) for the membrane switch (100), and fasteners (90, 120) for connecting the back plate with the movable portion of the cover (70).