Abstract: A wheel for a pneumatic tire has a rim with one monolithic bead seat and a removable beat seat. The removable bead seat has two halves that embrace the rim and engage a groove to retain the tire. The removable bead seat may have a second lip either monolithically formed or as a part of a separate retainer that bolts to the bead seat. The wheel may be made from aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A wheel for a pneumatic tire has a rim with one monolithic bead seat and a removable beat seat. The removable bead seat has two halves that embrace the rim and engage a groove to retain the tire. The removable bead seat may have a second lip either monolithically formed or as a part of a separate retainer that bolts to the bead seat. The wheel may be made from aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A wheel for a pneumatic tire has a rim with one monolithic bead seat and a removable beat seat. The removable bead seat has two halves that embrace the rim and engage a groove to retain the tire. The removable bead seat may have a second lip either monolithically formed or as a part of a separate retainer that bolts to the bead seat. The wheel may be made from aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A wheel for a pneumatic tire has a rim with one monolithic bead seat and a removable beat seat. The removable bead seat has two halves that embrace the rim and engage a groove to retain the tire. The removable bead seat may have a second lip either monolithically formed or as a part of a separate retainer that bolts to the bead seat. The wheel may be made from aluminum alloy.

Abstract: Methods for welding a first metal part to a second metal part by a solid state process to form a welded article having at least a welded region are provided herein. The welded region of the weld is post-weld aged by heating it to a set temperature for a set time and compressing the weld.

Abstract: The present invention in one embodiment provides a door structure that includes a door shell having an exterior panel and an interior panel; an anti-intrusion beam positioned between the interior panel and the exterior panel of the door shell; a hinge end casting positioned at a first end of the door shell connected to a first end of the anti-intrusion beam through the interior panel; a lock end casting positioned at a second end of the door shell connected to a second end of the anti-intrusion beam through the interior panel; and a door hardware module mounted to the exterior face of the interior panel.

Abstract: The invention in one embodiment provides a cooling structure including a body panel including an air intake and exhaust; and a heat exchanger integrated between the air intake and the exhaust of the body panel, the heat exchanger comprising a plurality of channels for circulating coolant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roof rack including at least two forward recesses and at least two rear recesses within a roof panel; a vertically extending stanchion in each of at least two forward and rear recesses, a forward transverse recess starting at one forward recess and ending at an opposite forward recess; a forward transverse bar in said transverse recess having pivoting connections with said vertically extending stanchions; a rear transverse recess starting at one rearward recess and ending at an opposite rearward recess; and a rear transverse bar in said transverse recess having pivoting connections with said vertically extending stanchions in each of said at least two rear recesses, wherein said each of said rear transverse bar and said forward transverse bar having a stored position with a vertical height below an upper surface of said roof panel and a deployed position above said upper surface of said roof panel.

Abstract: A joint structure is ideally suited for use in the manufacture of assemblies and subassemblies in aluminum structures. More particularly, the alternative joint structures and methods of forming joint structures facilitate the assembly of a vehicle body-in-white. The friction welded joints of this invention provide assemblies in which lineals and sheet, cast, or extruded components are joined together.

Abstract: A tool for making simultaneously a plurality of parallel friction stir welds includes at least one shank for holding in a chuck or collet of a friction stir welding machine, a plurality of friction stir welding pins, and friction stir welding shoulders including at least four working surfaces adjacent said ins, the shoulders and pins mounted in axial relationship; dimensions of said friction stir welding pins and shanks corresponding to dimensions and spacings of said friction stir welds.

Abstract: A fracture resistant friction stir welding tool includes a pin for plunging into one or more workpiece(s) to be welded and a shoulder for preventing plasticized material from flowing out of the joint being welded. The friction stir welding tool includes a tool body including a cavity for receiving the shoulder and exerting a compressive stress on the shoulder, and the pin is placed in compression by an axial tension member in the pin.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool includes an integral shank-pin unit and a shoulder attached to the shank-pin unit.

Abstract: A composite adsorbent includes a shaped substrate having an adhesive film on a portion of at least one side and an adsorbent that has been immobilized as a layer on the adhesive portion of the substrate. The composite adsorbent is designed to be shaped into a form that provides a high adsorption capacity, low pressure drop, high volume capacity, and fast adsorption kinetics to effectively adsorb odors over an extended period of time. Optionally, the composite adsorbent is also used in combination with an air permeable unit wherein it is advantageously positioned to provide enhanced adsorption of contaminants found in gas phase.

Abstract: A composite adsorbent includes a substrate to which an adsorbent material has been immobilized. The composite adsorbent is designed to be shaped into a variety of forms that provide a high adsorption capacity, low pressure drop, high volume capacity, and fast adsorption kinetics to effectively adsorb contaminants. Optionally, the composite adsorbent is also used in combination with an air permeable unit wherein it is advantageously positioned to provide enhanced adsorption of contaminants found in gas phase.

Abstract: A sliding door for vehicles including a space frame formed from a U-shaped extruded aluminum tube and a crossbeam to which inner and outer aluminum door panels are attached. Hardware for operation of the door is mounted on the exposed inside surface of the door. The overall weight of the door is about 20 pounds and the door is about 35 mm thick. A movable window assembly for such a door and a method of making are also disclosed.

Abstract: The liftgate for a motor vehicle includes a frame member, an inner panel, and an outer panel. The frame member is a U-shaped member formed by a cross member and a pair of spaced apart legs extending from the cross member. The inner panel is connected to the legs and extends part way up the legs of the frame member. The outer panel is connected to the inner panel and is positioned opposite the legs and an inner side of the inner panel. The outer panel also extends part way up the legs of the frame member. The frame member defines a window opening with the inner panel and the outer panel. The frame member forms the entire upper portion of the liftgate.