Abstract: A vehicular, powered slider drive interface and drive assembly are provided. The interface has a driver bracket, which includes contact surfaces, mounted on a regulator, a driver receiver, which includes contact surfaces, mounted on a slider panel, and separate bumpers disposed on each driver surface. When the regulator is caused to move in an open direction, a first driver contact surface is brought into selectively non-attached pushing or pulling mechanical contact with a first driver bumper to smoothly open the slider-panel. When the regulator is caused to move in a closed direction, a second driver contact surface is brought into selectively non-attached pushing or pulling mechanical contact with a second receiver bumper to smoothly close the slider panel. Since the driver bracket and the driver receiver are not rigidly/directly mechanically attached, the slider panel slides freely without binding and requiring precise alignment of the drive interface.

Abstract: A modular sliding window assembly (10) having at least a fixed vision panel (12), a frame member (14), and at least one guide member (16) integrally molded from a thermoplastic material, preferably a polycarbonate material, such that the resulting window assembly (10) is suitable for installation as a modular unit in an opening in a vehicle body.

Abstract: A substantially flush mounted vehicular window frame assembly and method for producing same are provided, where a slider panel can be moved in either direction across a fixed panel having a window aperture defined therein. Stationary rails, near horizontal edges of the aperture, run in parallel and extend the width of the assembly. The slider panel with locator rails attached to two edges, mates with and moves between the stationary rails. Pillar seals attached to the fixed panel near vertical aperture edges, make sealable contact with the slider panel when it covers the aperture. Slider seals attached to fixed panel edges that form the horizontal edges of the aperture, make sealable contact with the slider panel when it covers the aperture. Flush mounting of the assembly is achieved by placing the window frame assembly and associated panels in substantially an exterior vehicle body frame plane.

Abstract: A positioning device precisely positions a work piece at a workstation. Precise positioning is accomplished through the use of a tool controller, a programmed mechanism, and a minimal pneumatic circuit. Pre-programming of the tool controller results in initially locating the work piece, precisely positioning the workpiece at the workstation, and then locking-in the position of the workpiece at the workstation time-after-time. A method for operating the positioning device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A molding method utilizing a moveable mold platen which may hold, have affixed to, or carry a first portion of a mold or molds. A second or door platen may hold, have affixed to, or carry a second portion of a mold or molds. The door platen is placed in its closed position, and the moveable mold platen is brought up adjacent to it, so that the two portions of the mold are brought into engagement with one another. A desired molding material is injected into the mold cavity, after which the moveable platen is retracted, the door platen is opened, and the part is removed. A part to be encapsulated may be placed into the mold before the two portions of the mold are brought into engagement.

Abstract: A vehicular, powered slider drive interface and drive assembly are provided. The interface has a driver bracket, which includes contact surfaces, mounted on a regulator, a driver receiver, which includes contact surfaces, mounted on a slider panel, and separate bumpers disposed on each driver surface. When the regulator is caused to move in an open direction, a first driver contact surface is brought into selectively non-attached pushing or pulling mechanical contact with a first driver bumper to smoothly open the slider-panel. When the regulator is caused to move in a closed direction, a second driver contact surface is brought into selectively non-attached pushing or pulling mechanical contact with a second receiver bumper to smoothly close the slider panel. Since the driver bracket and the driver receiver are not rigidly/directly mechanically attached, the slider panel slides freely without binding and requiring precise alignment of the drive interface.

Abstract: A molding method utilizing a moveable mold platen which may hold, have affixed to, or carry a first portion of a mold or molds. A second or door platen may hold, have affixed to, or carry a second portion of a mold or molds. The door platen is placed in its closed position, and the moveable mold platen is brought up adjacent to it, so that the two portions of the mold are brought into engagement with one another. A desired molding material is injected into the mold cavity, after which the moveable platen is retracted, the door platen is opened, and the part is removed. A part to be encapsulated may be placed into the mold before the two portions of the mold are brought into engagement.

Abstract: A positioning device precisely positions a work piece at a workstation. Precise positioning is accomplished through the use of a tool controller, a programmed mechanism, precision locating tools, and a minimal pneumatic circuit. Pre-programming of the tool controller results in initially locating the work piece, precisely positioning the workpiece at the workstation, and then locking-in the position of the workpiece at the workstation time-aftertime. A method for operating the positioning device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding and a molding method utilizing a moveable mold platen which may hold, have affixed to, or carry a first portion of a mold or molds. A second or door platen may hold, have affixed to, or carry a second portion of a mold or molds. The door platen is placed in its closed position, and the moveable mold platen is brought up adjacent to it, so that the two portions of the mold are brought into engagement with one another. A desired molding material is injected into the mold cavity, after which the moveable platen is retracted, the door platen is opened, and the part is removed. A part to be encapsulated may be placed into the mold before the two portions of the mold are brought into engagement.

Abstract: A molding method and apparatus is shown which utilizes a plasticizing or injection unit in combination with a horizontal booking press having a first or moveable mold platen carrying a first portion of a mold or molds, and a second, or fixable, door platen carrying a second portion of a mold or molds. The door platen swings open and closed on a hinge, and is fixable in its closed position. When the moveable mold platen is in its′ closed position adjacent the fixed position of the door platen, a mold cavity is formed by the first and second portions of the mold or molds, and material is injected into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A substantially flush mounted vehicular window frame assembly and method for producing same are provided, where a slider panel can be moved in either direction across a fixed panel having a window aperture defined therein. Stationary rails, near horizontal edges of the aperture, run in parallel and extend the width of the assembly. The slider panel with locator rails attached to two edges, mates with and moves between the stationary rails. Pillar seals attached to the fixed panel near vertical aperture edges, make sealable contact with the slider panel when it covers the aperture. Slider seals attached to fixed panel edges that form the horizontal edges of the aperture, make sealable contact with the slider panel when it covers the aperture. Flush mounting of the assembly is achieved by placing the window frame assembly and associated panels in substantially an exterior vehicle body frame plane.

Abstract: A homogeneous sash or fenestration unit is shown which may be made of a wide variety of materials, and holds a first and a second pane of glazing material in a parallel, spaced apart, relationship without the use of spacers or a preassembled glazing unit. A novel method and apparatus for making the sash or fenestration unit may use a double door horizontal booking press with fixed or adjustable molds.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for injection molding is shown which utilizes an injection molding or plasticizing unit in combination with a novel detachable clamping unit to provide a readily interchangeable clamping unit having easy access to both halves of the injection mold.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method of use thereof. The molding apparatus has a stationary mold base, and at least one moveable mold core rotatable into and out of a facing relationship with the stationary mold base. When the moveable mold core is in its closed position, it cooperates with the stationary mold base to define a mold cavity. The mold base may be shaped so as to aid in forming a part, or to hold a sheet of material onto which molding material is to be deposited so as to encapsulate the part on one or more edges or surface regions. Structure may also be encapsulated onto the surface of the material during the molding operation.

Abstract: A mold, a molding apparatus embodying said mold, and a method of use thereof. The mold has a moveable mold core and a multi-part mold base having at least a fixed mold base and at least one moveable or slideable mold base slideable from an adjacent to an adjoining position with regard to said fixed mold base. When the moveable mold core is in its closed position the slideable mold portions are adjoining the fixed mold portion to define a mold cavity. The mold base may be shaped so as to aid in forming a part, or to hold a sheet of material onto which molding material is to be deposited so as to encapsulate the part on one or more edges or surface regions.

Abstract: A window frame assembly is provided with a sliding glass mechanism and seal system for vehicular backlites. The assembly includes a pair of fixed side windows secured in a frame in spaced-apart relationship, and one or more sliding windows positioned in channel brackets to close and open the aperture between the fixed window panes. A single gasket formed by a reaction injection molding process is formed around the periphery of the window assembly for mounting the window assembly in the opening of a body panel of a pickup truck. The gasket is integrally formed about the aperture during the reaction injection molding process and includes a flexible lip to engage the sliding window. The sliding window slides in the channels of the channel brackets and is positioned to engage the lip of the gasket to seal the aperture. The required sliding force to open and close the sliding window may be reduced by spring loading the sliding window in the channel.

Abstract: A window frame assembly is provided with a sliding glass mechanism and seal system for vehicular backlites. The assembly includes a pair of fixed side windows secured in a frame in spaced-apart relationship, and one or more sliding windows positioned in channel brackets to close and open the aperture between the fixed window panes. A single gasket formed by a reaction injection molding process is formed around the periphery of the window assembly for mounting the window assembly in the opening of a body panel of a pickup truck. The gasket is integrally formed about the aperture during the reaction injection molding process and includes a flexible lip to engage the sliding window. The sliding window slides in the channels of the channel brackets and is positioned to engage the sealing lip of the gasket to seal the aperture. A channel liner continuously engages the horizontal edges of the sliding window to maintain the sliding window in tension in the channels.