Abstract: A welded electrical connection includes an aluminum electrical conductor welded to a copper electrical conductor. The copper electrical conductor and the aluminum electrical conductor form a butt joint, A ferrule is over the butt joint and attached to the copper electrical conductor and the aluminum electrical conductor. The ferrule is not directly attached to welded portions of the copper electrical conductor and the aluminum electrical conductor. In some embodiments, weld flash is between the butt joint and the ferrule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin vehicle closure panel design that substantially reduces a thickness (panel gauge plus the perpendicular distance or depth between the panels) of a vehicle hood (5) and the impact effect on the head of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle hood (5) includes a hood shell (15) including an outer panel (25) and an inner panel (20); a unitary foam core (100) positioned between and bonded to the outer (25) and/or the inner panel (20) of the hood shell (15); and at least one recess (10) that corresponds to an underhood component (42). In another aspect of the invention, a vehicle hood (5) is provided in which a latch attachment member (60) and/or hinge members (70) are attached to inner surface (50) of the inner panel (20) of the hood shell (15).

Abstract: Structural connectors for watercrafts, buildings and aircrafts are disclosed. In general, each structural connector includes at least a pair of members extending outwardly from and substantially perpendicular to a body of the structural connector, the members spaced apart from one another so as to form a recess therein between. In some embodiments, the recess may be sized and shaped for receiving supporting members including the likes of stringers and support plates.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first structural member made from a first material, such as aluminum, and having a first and a second flange, a second structural member having a first and a second flange and made from a second material, such as magnesium, and a third and a fourth structural member made from the first material and each having a first and second flange for contacting with the flanges of the first and second structural members so as to lock the first and second members together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin vehicle closure panel design that substantially reduces a thickness (panel gauge plus the perpendicular distance or depth between the panels) of a vehicle hood (5) and the impact effect on the head of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle hood (5) includes a hood shell (15) including an outer panel (25) and an inner panel (20); a unitary foam core (100) positioned between and bonded to the outer (25) and/or the inner panel (20) of the hood shell (15); and at least one recess (10) that corresponds to an underhood component (42). In another aspect of the invention, a vehicle hood (5) is provided in which a latch attachment member (60) and/or hinge members (70) are attached to inner surface (50) of the inner panel (20) of the hood shell (15).

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 panel member consisting of inner and outer interconnected panels, and reinforcement members placed therebetween to increase the strength of said panel in localized areas. The reinforcements consist of a structure made up of a base material of plastic or aluminum and an insert material of a hard metal. Loads are transferred to the panel through the metal insert material and dissipated to the panel members through the base structure. In the illustrated arrangements, the reinforcement members are used, for example, in the latch and hinge areas of car hoods.

Abstract: A panel member consisting of inner and outer interconnected panels, and reinforcement members placed therebetween to increase the strength of said panel in localized areas. The reinforcements consist of a structure made up of a base material of plastic or aluminum and an insert material of a hard metal. Loads are transferred to the panel through the metal insert material and dissipated to the panel members through the base structure. In the illustrated arrangements, the reinforcement members are used, for example, in the latch and hinge areas of car hoods.