Abstract: A method is provided for marking a location on a surface of a component. The location defines a normal extending perpendicularly therefrom. The method includes irradiating the location with a first laser beam to create a first mark having a first color. The first laser beam is disposed at a first angle relative to the normal. The method also includes irradiating the location with a second laser beam to create a second mark having a second color different than the first color. The second laser beam is disposed at a second angle relative to the normal. The second angle is different than the first angle.

Abstract: A method for marking a location on a surface of a component includes irradiating the location with a first laser beam to create a first mark having a first color. The location defines a normal extending perpendicularly therefrom. The first laser beam is disposed at a first angle relative to the normal. The method also includes irradiating the location with a second laser beam to create a second mark having a second color different than the first color. The second laser beam is disposed at a second angle relative to the normal. The second angle is different than the first angle.

Abstract: A cover for an optical device includes a concave surface, a convex surface, a hydrophobic coating, and an adhesive. The convex surface is formed on an opposite side of the cover than the concave surface. The hydrophobic coating is formed on the convex surface. The adhesive is disposed on the concave surface and is operable to attach the cover to the optical device.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle is formed at least in part from a polymer material, a first fibrous filler material, and a coating material. The polymer material defines an outer surface of the component. The first fibrous filler material is intermixed with the polymer material and exposed on the outer surface of the component. At least one layer of the coating material is disposed on the outer surface of the component such that the at least one layer of coating material adheres to the first fibrous filler material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hands-free activation of vehicle functions such as accessing doors and windows, and establishing driver preferences such as seat positions is disclosed. A capacitive sensor is embedded in a non-metallic portion of the vehicle such as a tail light, window, or cladding on the vehicle. The capacitive sensor is in communication with a vehicle control unit, which can detect the proximity of a user or a specific gesture to activate a predetermined vehicle function.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided and includes a housing having a window, a sensor disposed within the housing, and a shield supported by the housing. The shield operates in a first state permitting the sensor to be visible through the window and a second state restricting visibility of the sensor through the shield.

Abstract: A method of color marking a metal or metal-plated part is described involving setting at least one laser parameter of a laser, such as the power, scan speed, Q-switch, spot size, line separation, and scan repetition, and then energizing a metal containing surface layer of the part using the laser to change the color reflected by the surface layer.

Abstract: A method of color marking a metal or metal-plated part is described involving setting at least one laser parameter of a laser, such as the power, scan speed, Q-switch, spot size, line separation, and scan repetition, and then energizing a metal containing surface layer of the part using the laser to change the color reflected by the surface layer.

Abstract: A flexible member, comprising: an inner core member, comprising a plurality of strands of liquid crystal polymers cooperating with each other to define and provide the inner core member; an outer sheath disposed about the inner core member, the outer sheath defining an inner opening for receiving the inner core member therein, the inner core member being slidably received within the outer sheath, wherein the flexible member is capable of being disposed about a curved surface, wherein a lubricant is disposed upon an exterior surface of the outer sheath and the outer sheath further comprises an end-fitting member disposed about a portion of the flexible connector, the portion of the flexible connector comprising an engagement surface for securement of the end fitting thereto.

Abstract: A flexible member, comprising: an inner core member, comprising a plurality of strands of liquid crystal polymers cooperating with each other to define and provide the inner core member; an outer sheath disposed about the inner core member, the outer sheath defining an inner opening for receiving the inner core member therein, the inner core member being slidably received within the outer sheath, wherein the flexible member is capable of being disposed about a curved surface, wherein a lubricant is disposed upon an exterior surface of the outer sheath and the outer sheath further comprises an end-fitting member disposed about a portion of the flexible connector, the portion of the flexible connector comprising an engagement surface for securement of the end fitting thereto.

Abstract: An over-molded beaded driving cable which has an inner core, a plurality of inner core structures. An outer jacket may encompass the inner core and inner core structures. Each of a plurality of outer beads concentrically surrounds an inner core structure. The outer beads are over-molded in this position, forming an interlocking inner core structure and outer bead configuration capable of high load and high flexible performance. An end fitting placed at each end portion of the inner core provides for a driving cable assembly with a variety of end fitting configurations, including a closed loop connection, for automotive and non-automotive applications. Alternatively, the over-molded beaded driving cable has a plurality of clamps and/or pins surrounded by the outer beads respectively. The cables may also be provided with seamless connection structure for forming closed loops.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for customizing the pressure within an inflatable cushion of an air bag module is provided. The method comprises determining whether additional venting of an air bag is required. A sensing and diagnostic module will receive its relative inputs from a plurality of sensors and will determine whether vents in an inflatable cushion should be opened to allow diffusion of an inflation gas. The apparatus allowing vents to open at specified times to allow for diffusion of the inflation gas.

Abstract: Provided for herein is a method of making a heated steering wheel, comprising depositing an electrically conductive layer on at least a portion of a steering wheel substrate to produce thereon a heating element for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat. Also disclosed is a heating element for a steering wheel and a heated steering wheel assembly formed using this method.

Abstract: A flexible member, comprising: an inner core member, comprising a plurality of strands of liquid crystal polymers cooperating with each other to define and provide the inner core member; an outer sheath disposed about the inner core member, the outer sheath defining an inner opening for receiving the inner core member therein, the inner core member being slidably received within the outer sheath, wherein the flexible member is capable of being disposed about a curved surface, wherein a lubricant is disposed upon an exterior surface of the outer sheath and the outer sheath further comprises an end-fitting member disposed about a portion of the flexible connector, the portion of the flexible connector comprising an engagement surface for securement of the end fitting thereto.

Abstract: An over-molded beaded driving cable which has an inner core, a plurality of inner core structures. An outer jacket may encompass the inner core and inner core structures. Each of a plurality of outer beads concentrically surrounds an inner core structure. The outer beads are over-molded in this position, forming an interlocking inner core structure and outer bead configuration capable of high load and high flexible performance. An end fitting placed at each end portion of the inner core provides for a driving cable assembly with a variety of end fitting configurations, including a closed loop connection, for automotive and non-automotive applications.

Abstract: A method of making a heated steering wheel comprises depositing an electrically conductive layer on at least a portion of a steering wheel substrate to produce thereon a heating element for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat. Also disclosed is a heating element for a steering wheel and a heated steering wheel assembly formed using this method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for customizing the pressure within an inflatable cushion of an air bag module is provided. The method comprises determining whether additional venting of an air bag is required. A sensing and diagnostic module will receive its relative inputs from a plurality of sensors and will determine whether vents in an inflatable cushion should be opened to allow diffusion of an inflation gas. The apparatus allowing vents to open at specified times to allow for diffusion of the inflation gas.

Abstract: An over-molded beaded driving cable which has an inner core, a plurality of inner core structures. An outer jacket may encompass the inner core and inner core structures. Each of a plurality of outer beads concentrically surrounds an inner core structure. The outer beads are over-molded in this position, forming an interlocking inner core structure and outer bead configuration capable of high load and high flexible performance. An end fitting placed at each end portion of the inner core provides for a driving cable assembly with a variety of end fitting configurations, including a closed loop connection, for automotive and non-automotive applications. Alternatively, the over-molded beaded driving cable has a plurality of clamps and/or pins surrounded by the outer beads respectively. The cables may also be provided with seamless connection structure for forming closed loops.

Abstract: A member for producing an audible sound in a vehicle including a speaker area having an upper surface and a lower surface, the speaker area being located on the member. A piezo bimorph is attached to the speaker area, the piezo bimorph including a first piezoelectric element attached to the upper surface of the speaker area, and a second piezoelectric element attached to the lower surface of the speaker area. An amplifier in electrical communication with the piezo bimorph, the amplifier supplying an electrical field to the piezo bimorph, the piezo bimorph causing the speaker area and the member to vibrate, causing an audible sound.

Abstract: Provided for herein is a method of making a heated steering wheel, comprising depositing an electrically conductive layer on at least a portion of a steering wheel substrate to produce thereon a heating element for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat. Also disclosed is a heating element for a steering wheel and a heated steering wheel assembly formed using this method.