Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to a dispensing system comprising a first chamber capable of receiving a bulk material to be dispensed, a first set of finned shafts positioned within the first chamber and capable of feeding bulk material into a second chamber, and a second set of finned shafts positioned within the second chamber and capable of dispensing a controlled dose of bulk material from the second chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to a dispensing system comprising an upper chamber capable of receiving a bulk material to be dispensed, a first set of finned shafts positioned within the upper chamber and capable of feeding bulk material into a lower chamber, and a second set of finned shafts positioned within the lower chamber and capable of dispensing a controlled dose of bulk material from the lower chamber.

Abstract: A method for performing a multi-phase extraction of plant biomass to obtain active substances is provided. The method uses a novel freeze-dry extraction technique to obtain a volatile terpene fraction from frozen plant material. In particular, the method disclosed provides terpene extracts with compositions that strongly resemble that of the parent plant material.

Abstract: A method of providing interior trim for a motor vehicle comprising forming a first interior trim article providing a first interior trim level, wherein the first article comprises a first article decorative covering overlying a first article cushion member and a first article substrate; and forming a second interior trim article having a base structure comprising the first interior trim article; wherein the second interior trim article provides a second interior trim level different from the first interior trim level; wherein the second interior trim article comprises a second article decorative covering and a second article cushion member overlying the base structure; wherein the first article decorative covering includes an elongated channel; wherein the second article decorative covering comprises a plurality of decorative covering segments joined at a joining seam; and wherein the joining seam is located in the elongated channel.

Abstract: A method of providing interior trim for a motor vehicle comprising forming a first interior trim article providing a first interior trim level, wherein the first article comprises a first article decorative covering overlying a first article cushion member and a first article substrate; and forming a second interior trim article having a base structure comprising the first interior trim article; wherein the second interior trim article provides a second interior trim level different from the first interior trim level; wherein the second interior trim article comprises a second article decorative covering and a second article cushion member overlying the base structure; wherein the first article decorative covering includes an elongated channel; wherein the second article decorative covering comprises a plurality of decorative covering segments joined at a joining seam; and wherein the joining seam is located in the elongated channel.

Abstract: A pocketed panel assembly for a vehicle door is disclosed herein. The pocketed panel assembly includes a trim panel, a partial pocket structure, and a living hinge. The trim panel has a pivotal edge, and the partial pocket structure also has a pivotal edge. The living hinge integrally joins the pivotal edge of the trim panel to the pivotal edge of the partial pocket structure. In such a configuration, the partial pocket structure can be rotated about the living hinge and substantially abutted against the trim panel so as to form an open pocket on the trim panel.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include interior vehicle trim panel having a sprayed expanded polyurethane layer and method of making same. In at least one embodiment, the method of making the vehicle interior trim panel comprises providing a skin layer on a spray tool, spraying expandable polyurethane reactive components onto the skin layer to form a resilient layer, and securing a rigid substrate on the resilient layer, such that the resilient layer extends between and connects the skin layer with the substrate to form the vehicle interior trim panel.

Abstract: A pocketed panel assembly for a vehicle door is disclosed herein. The pocketed panel assembly includes a trim panel, a partial pocket structure, and a living hinge. The trim panel has a pivotal edge, and the partial pocket structure also has a pivotal edge. The living hinge integrally joins the pivotal edge of the trim panel to the pivotal edge of the partial pocket structure. In such a configuration, the partial pocket structure can be rotated about the living hinge and substantially abutted against the trim panel so as to form an open pocket on the trim panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved trim part, e.g. a bolster or trim plate, with integrated appliqué for use in a trim assembly, and to a continuous two-shot molding operation that may be performed utilizing a single mold assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the trim part, i.e. a bolster, includes a substrate formed by injecting a first material into a first shot mold cavity in a first shot of a molding operation. An appliqué is provided in a second shot mold cavity then a cover is formed between the substrate and appliqué by injecting into a mold chamber a second foamed material in a second shot of the molding operation. The formed cover is integrally molded to at least a portion of the substrate and the appliqué to form a trim part with integrated appliqué.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention relates to automobile interior trim panel having an insert molded trim cover sheet. In at least one embodiment, the automobile interior trim panel is made by providing a trim cover sheet within a first mold cavity and introducing a first resin into the first mold cavity to form a door panel sub assembly comprising a door panel portion secured to the trim cover sheet. In this embodiment, the door panel portion has a first upper door panel portion having a portion circumscribing the trim cover sheet and a lower door panel portion below the first upper door panel portion. The method further comprises providing the door panel sub assembly within a second mold cavity, and introducing a second resin less rigid that the first material into the second mold cavity to form a second upper door panel portion over and secured to at least a portion of the first upper door panel portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a multi-piece vehicle interior trim panel. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises providing a major panel having a major substrate, a sprayed urethane major skin layer disposed over at least a portion of the major substrate, and a foam layer between the major substrate and the major skin layer. The method further includes forming a minor panel by spraying polyurethane material proximate a relatively small mold surface to form a sprayed urethane minor skin layer, spraying expandable polyurethane material onto the minor skin layer to form a first resilient layer, placing a mounting substrate onto the first resilient layer, and spraying expandable polyurethane material onto the first resilient layer and the mounting substrate to form a second resilient layer. The method further comprises removing the minor panel from the mold and securing the minor panel to the major panel portion.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention relates to automobile interior door panel having an insert molded bolster. In at least one embodiment, the automobile interior door panel is made by providing a bolster within a first mold cavity, introducing a first resin into the first mold cavity to form a door panel sub assembly comprising a door panel portion secured to the bolster, with the door panel portion having a first upper door panel portion above the bolster and a lower door panel portion below the bolster, providing the door panel sub assembly within a second mold cavity, and introducing a second resin less rigid that the first material into the second mold cavity to form a second upper door panel portion over and secured to the first upper door panel portion.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention relates to an automobile trim panel with an insert molded decorative component. In at least one embodiment, the automobile interior panel is made by a) providing a molding tool comprising a first mold half and a second mold half that cooperate to form a first mold cavity, b) providing an insert component within the first mold cavity having a substrate made of a first material, and a decorative portion made of a second material less rigid that the first material, with the first mold half, the second mold half, and the insert component forming a second mold cavity, and c) introducing a resin into the second mold cavity to form a panel secured to the insert component.

Abstract: A method of making automobile interior panels includes a step in which a first insert is positioned in the cavity formed by a first and second mold section. The first insert is trimmed by a first lifter to form a trimmed first insert. A first resin is subsequently introduced into a second mold cavity such that this first resin bonds to the trimmed first insert. Complex interior panels are formed by utilizing additional lifters and/or mold sections to define mold cavities and paths for introducing additional resins.

Abstract: An armrest bun. The armrest bun inserts within an armrest to provide cushioning. The armrest bun includes a support substrate and a poured foam layer. The bun inserting within a cavity of the armrest. The foam layer shaped to match the armrest cavity to limit dead-spots. The bun can be manufactured by position a support substrate in a pouring tool. Foam is poured into a cavity of the pouring tool. The poured foam solidifies to bond to the support substrate. The bun can then be inserted into the armrest.

Abstract: In one advantageous embodiment of the claimed invention, an integral cushioned trim panel (14a-14c) for a vehicle passenger cabin (10) is provided. The integral cushioned trim panel (14a-14c) includes a substrate (22) for attachment to a predetermined portion (12a-12c) of the vehicle. The substrate (22) has a cover member (24) coupled thereto for substantially covering the substrate (22). In addition, the substrate (22) and the cover member (24) have a cushioning member (16) disposed therebetween. The cushioning member (16) is injection molded between the substrate (22) and the cover member (24) for forming an integral construction, minimizing the manufacturing cycle time, and decreasing the costs associated therewith.

Abstract: A trim panel assembly and a method of manufacture. The trim panel assembly includes a trim panel and a backplate. The trim panel includes a speaker grill that allows sound to transmit from a speaker into the interior of a vehicle. The backplate is attached to the trim panel and includes a speaker mounting portion located adjacent to the speaker grill and a seal located adjacent to the speaker mounting portion that is configured to inhibit sound leakage.

Abstract: An automotive interior trim component includes a rigid substrate member that forms the structural support for the trim component. A portion of the substrate member has a thickness that is reduced relative to surrounding portions of the substrate member to define a target area for providing a soft feel to the trim component. The trim component may further include a flexible cover layer and a backing member disposed on a side of the substrate member opposite the cover layer. The substrate member and cover layer may be formed in a two-shot molding operation.

Abstract: An automotive assembly having an integrated spring mechanism. The assembly includes a first member and a second member pivotally coupled to the first member and moveable between a first and second position with respect to the first member. The assembly further includes a resilient element integrally molded with one of the first and second members. The resilient element includes an extension portion having a free end that is coupled to the other one of the first and second members. The extension portion imposes a force on the second member to bias the second member in at least one direction. A method of making the assembly includes a two shot molding process where the one of the first and second members is formed in a first shot of the molding operation and the resilient element is integrally molded thereto in the second shot of the molding operation.

Abstract: A door trim panel for a door frame of a motor vehicle. The door trim panel includes a main body portion adapted to be removably secured to the door frame and a bolster removably secured to the main body portion. The bolster covers an access opening in the main body portion. The bolster includes a substrate having a bolster portion integrally formed with an armrest portion. A cover is integrally molded with the substrate and includes a first portion overlying the bolster portion and having a first thickness, and a second portion overlying the armrest portion and having a second thickness greater than the first thickness to provide a softer feel. The bolster may be made in a two shot molding process with the substrate being formed in the first shot of the molding process and the multi-feel cover being formed in the second shot of the molding process.