Abstract: A structural member for a motor vehicle, that is selectively positioned inside of a tubular frame rail that operatively deforms to absorb and dissipate energy in the event of a collision. The structural member having a tubular body with strengthening ribs located inside of the tubular body.

Abstract: A structural member for a motor vehicle, that is selectively positioned inside of a tubular frame rail that operatively deforms to absorb and dissipate energy in the event of a collision. The structural member having a tubular body with strengthening ribs located inside of the tubular body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a steel stud to an aluminum member is disclosed. An aluminum member comprising a bore is provided, along with a steel stud, the stud comprising a tapered portion. An aluminum collar comprising a tapered bore for receiving the tapered portion of the stud is provided and placed proximate to the member such that the bores are aligned. The collar is secured to the member, via tack welding and the stud is inserted through the collar and the member such that the tapered portion of the stud engages with the tapered bore of the collar. A device is then attached to the end of the stud.

Abstract: A dynamic impact energy absorbing assembly for a motor vehicle includes an inner panel, an outer panel joined to the inner panel in spaced relation to define a cavity therebetween, and an energy management panel disposed in the cavity to absorb energy of an impact on the outer panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing side impact forces in a body-on-frame vehicle includes a plurality of impact reducing members connected between the body and the frame of the body-on-frame vehicle. One embodiment of the impact reduction member includes a flexible cord preferably constructed from polymer fibers. The cord is looped around a portion of the frame and a portion of the body. Another embodiment comprises a self-securing polymer sleeve. The impact reducing members further may be protected by a sheath. Connecting members for connecting the impact reducing members to the frame include an arm and a plurality of bolts connecting the arm to the frame. The impact reducing members reduce the side impact forces during a collision.

Abstract: The present invention provides a windshield frame utilizing composite technology. More particularly, the windshield frame preferably comprises a fiber reinforced plastic molded upper frame section bonded with a structural grade adhesive to a fiber reinforced plastic molded lower frame section. According to the invention, steel reinforcements and tapping plates are bonded on or molded into the frame sections to stabilize the structure and provide hardware attachment points. Continuous carbon fibers may also be molded in the frame sections in critical high stress areas. The strength of the bonding between the frame sections is enhanced by a tongue and groove geometry along the interface. In addition, dowel pins and bushings are used to mechanically tie the frame sections together near body side attachment points.

Abstract: A method of making a lightweight reinforced composite framing member for an automotive vehicle comprises forming a foam core of resinous plastic material in the general shape and configuration of the composite framing number. A plurality of cover strips made of a sheet molding compound containing a thermosetting material is molded in an uncured or only partially cured, flexible, tacky condition and then pressed on the core in a manner covering substantially the entire outer surface of the core. The assembly consisting of the core with the cover strips adhered thereto is placed in a mold and by the application of heat and pressure the cover strips are caused to flow into a uniform and continuous sheath bonded on the core in the configuration of the reinforced composite framing member. While in the mold, the sheath is cured and set, completing the formation of the framing member.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding process for manufacture of class `A` surface vehicle body panels. The process has critical ranges of resin (38%-44%) reinforcement fibers (28%-32%) and a filler material (28%-30%).

Abstract: A resin transfer molding process for manufacture of class `A` surface vehicle body panels. The process has critical ranges of resin (38%-44%) reinforcement fibers (28%-32%) and a filler material (28%-30%).

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel structure is provided for extending transversely across the width of a vehicle interior forwardly of a vehicle occupant seat. The instrument panel structure includes an upstanding backing plate having a layer of foam material thereon covered by a decorative covering. The backing plate is a unitary member formed of a plastic material. A pair of spaced apart elongated horizontally extending box-like protuberances are provided on one portion of the lower section of the backing plate in the path of occupant knee travel which may occur during sudden deceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of optionally cellular, polyurethane elastomer moldings or optionally cellular, rigid structural polyurethanes by reacting a reaction mixture containing(i) a polyisocyanate,(ii) a high molecular weight polymer having at least two isocyanate-reactive groups and having a molecular weight of 400 to about 10,000,(iii) about 5 to 50% by weight, based on the weight of component (ii) of a chain-extender having at least two isocyanate-reactive groups and(iv) about 0.05 to 10 weight percent, based on the weight of components (ii) and (iii) of a salt based on a carboxy functional siloxane and an amidine group-containing compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of optionally cellular, polyurethane elastomer molding by reacting a reaction mixture containing(I) a polyisocyanate,(II) an isocyanate-reactive polymer having a molecular weight of about 1800 to 12,000,(III) about 5 to 50% by weight, based on the weight of component (II) of a chain extender comprising a sterically hindered aromatic diamine and(IV) an internal mold release agent mixture comprising(a) about 0.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of optionally cellular, polyurethane elastomer molding by reacting a reaction mixture containing(I) a polyisocyanate,(II) an isocyanate-reactive polymer having a molecular weight of about 1800 to 12,000,(III) about 5 to 50% by weight, based on the weight of component (II) of a chain extender comprising a sterically hindered aromatic diamine and(IV) an internal mold release agent mixture comprising(a) about 0.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of polyurethane elastomer moldings by reacting a reaction mixture in a closed mold, wherein said reaction mixture comprises:(a) an organic polyisocyanate;(b) an organic active hydrogen group-containing compound having a molecular weight of from 1800 to 12,000 and containing at least two active hydrogen groups;(c) 1,3,5-triethyl-2,6-diamino benzene and, optionally(d) a catalyst for the reaction between hydroxyl groups and isocyanate groups,wherein component (c) is present in an amount of from 25 to 35 percent by weight based on the combined weight of components (b) and (c), wherein the amounts of components (a), (b) and (c) are such that the isocyanate index of the reaction mixture is from about 90 to 110, and wherein all of said components are processed via a one-shot process whereby (a) is mixed simultaneously either with (b), (c) and (d) or with a non-reacted premixture of some or all of (b), (c) and (d).