Abstract: Roof frames and methods of making the same are disclosed. Roof frames may comprise at least a first, second, third, and fourth structures. One or more of the structures may comprise a first surface formed from a first continuous fiber composite comprising a multidirectional laminate. At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth structures may comprise a second surface formed from a second continuous fiber composite comprising a unidirectional laminate, wherein the first surface and the second surface are selected to be formed from the first continuous fiber composite and the second continuous fiber composite, respectively, based at least upon a stress analysis for the respective surface, wherein the first surface exhibits a higher stress profile as compared to the second surface.

Abstract: Roof frames and methods of making the same are disclosed. Roof frames may comprise at least a first, second, third, and fourth structures. One or more of the structures may comprise a first surface formed from a first continuous fiber composite comprising a multidirectional laminate. At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth structures may comprise a second surface formed from a second continuous fiber composite comprising a unidirectional laminate, wherein the first surface and the second surface are selected to be formed from the first continuous fiber composite and the second continuous fiber composite, respectively, based at least upon a stress analysis for the respective surface, wherein the first surface exhibits a higher stress profile as compared to the second surface.

Abstract: This disclosure includes vehicle cross members and related methods. Some cross members include an elongated beam having a sidewall extending between first and second ends to define a first channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the beam and across at least longitudinally adjacent first and second sections of the beam, the first channel being open on a first side of the beam, and a second channel extending along the longitudinal axis and across at least the second section, the second channel being disposed below the first channel and open on a second side of the beam that is opposite the first side. Some cross members include a composite body having a plastic material and one or more laminates, where the body defines the beam such that at least one of the laminate(s) borders a majority of an inner cross-sectional perimeter of each of the first and second channels.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a side door for a vehicle, includes: a structure comprising a shell comprising a shell support beam positioned across a main body portion of the shell, wherein the shell support beam comprises substantially unidirectional fiber strip sections; wherein the shell comprise a inner shell and a outer shell; and wherein the side door has a score of at least 4 points in a side impact test conducted according to European New Car Assessment Protocol (Euro NCAP) Side Impact Testing Protocol Version 5.2 (November 2011).

Abstract: In an embodiment, a side door for a vehicle, includes: a structure comprising a shell comprising a shell support beam positioned across a main body portion of the shell, wherein the shell support beam comprises substantially unidirectional fiber strip sections; wherein the shell comprise a inner shell and a outer shell; and wherein the side door has a score of at least 4 points in a side impact test conducted according to European New Car Assessment Protocol (Euro NCAP) Side Impact Testing Protocol Version 5.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a side door for a vehicle, includes: a structure comprising a plastic shell comprising a shell support beam positioned across a main body portion of the shell, wherein the shell support beam comprises substantially unidirectional fiber strip sections; wherein the plastic shell comprise a plastic inner shell and a plastic outer shell; and wherein the side door has a score of at least 4 points in a side impact test conducted according to European New Car Assessment Protocol (Euro NCAP) Side Impact Testing Protocol Version 5.2 (November 2011).

Abstract: In an embodiment, a side door for a vehicle, includes: a structure comprising a plastic shell comprising a shell support beam positioned across a main body portion of the shell, wherein the shell support beam comprises substantially unidirectional fiber strip sections; wherein the plastic shell comprise a plastic inner shell and a plastic outer shell; and wherein the side door has a score of at least 4 points in a side impact test conducted according to European New Car Assessment Protocol (Euro NCAP) Side Impact Testing Protocol Version 5.2 (November 2011).

Abstract: In an embodiment, a side door for a vehicle can comprise: a structure comprising a plastic inner shell comprising a fiber strip, and a plastic outer shell comprising an outer shell support beam positioned across a width of the outer shell. The outer shell support beam can comprise a fiber strip with ?50 wt. % fibers oriented at an angle of less than or equal to ±45° to a main axis. In an embodiment, a method for making the side door for a vehicle can comprise: flow molding a fiber-reinforced polymer over a fiber strip to form a plastic inner shell; flow molding a fiber-reinforced polymer over a fiber strip deposited to form a plastic outer shell, wherein the outer shell comprises an outer shell support beam positioned across a width of the outer shell; and joining the inner shell and the outer shell together to form a composite structure.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a side door for a vehicle can comprise: a structure comprising a plastic inner shell comprising a fiber strip, and a plastic outer shell comprising an outer shell support beam positioned across a width of the outer shell. The outer shell support beam can comprise a fiber strip with ?50 wt. % fibers oriented at an angle of less than or equal to ±45° to a main axis. In an embodiment, a method for making the side door for a vehicle can comprise: flow molding a fiber-reinforced polymer over a fiber strip to form a plastic inner shell; flow molding a fiber-reinforced polymer over a fiber strip deposited to form a plastic outer shell, wherein the outer shell comprises an outer shell support beam positioned across a width of the outer shell; and joining the inner shell and the outer shell together to form a composite structure.

Abstract: The optical assemblies disclosed herein advantageously utilize a beamsplitting apparatus in association with (i) the illumination path or (ii) the collection path of a color measurement instrument. Thus, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide one or more initial beams of light to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to illuminate a target using at least a first and second of the plurality of resultant beams. Alternatively, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide light received from a target to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to detect at least a first and second of the plurality of resultant beams of light. Advantageously, each of the first and second resultant beams is a product of a distinct set of one or more spectral constraints exacted by the beamsplitting apparatus.

Abstract: A handheld portable spectrophotometer is provided including keys for input of instructions by a user, an illuminator for illuminating a sample, and a spectral analyzer for separating light reflected from the sample into spectral components to produce a signal corresponding to the level of each spectral component. A processor is provided for executing the user instructions and for analyzing the signal. The results of the signal analysis are presented on a display. A power source is provided for providing power for operation of the handheld portable spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A handheld portable spectrophotometer is provided including keys for input of instructions by a user, an illuminator for illuminating a sample, and a spectral analyzer for separating light reflected from the sample into spectral components to produce a signal corresponding to the level of each spectral component. A processor is provided for executing the user instructions and for analyzing the signal. The results of the signal analysis are presented on a display. A power source is provided for providing power for operation of the handheld portable spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A conical illuminator for use in colorimetry, spectrophotometry, densitometry or sensitometry. In a preferred embodiment, light from a source such as a pulsed xenon lamp is integrated within a integrating chamber. The light source may be placed in a second integrating chamber adjacent to the aforementioned integrating chamber. Alternatively, the lamp may be placed directly within the integrating chamber. The light is emitted through an exit port and conformed to a conical configuration, according to a pre-selected standard, via an annular stop. An imaging optic relays the conformed light uniformly onto a sample plane. The annular stop is placed at or near the tangential focal length of the imaging optic. The annular stop may be coated with a light absorbing coating, or can be formed with a grooved or mirrored surface. Alternatively, in lieu of an integrating chamber, a diffuser may be employed for homogenizing the light. Various configurations of the imaging optic and annular stop are possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing the gain of a self scanned photo-diode array is provided for use with spectrophotometers and other light measurement equipment. A gain stabilizer light emitting diode (LED) constantly illuminates the array so that photons are continuously impinging upon the self-scanned photo-diode array. In the course of a typical measurement sequence, an illuminated scan is first taken, wherein said photo-diode array is illuminated by LED and the light being analyzed, followed by a dark reading wherein the photo diode array is illuminated by the LED only. The dark reading measurement is then subtracted from the illuminated reading to derive an accurate reading of the light being analyzed.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer (10) is provided having the capability to accurately measure spectral reflectance at relatively long sample distances. A first illumination optics arrangement (14) assures uniform illumination to a portion of the sample and a second optical arrangement (20) focuses the reflected image of part of the illuminated sample onto a polychromator (22). Reference beam means are provided so that the polychromator sequentially measures the spectral characteristics of the reference beam and the sample. Continuous monitoring of the illumination at select wavelengths provides illumination normalization data so that a microprocessor (40) can normalize the illumination and compare the reference beam and sample measurements to accurately determine the spectral reflectance characteristics of the sample. Angular and raster scanning capability is also provided.