Abstract: A method for adhesively bonding a covering to a support using a dry heat-sensitive adhesive to produce an assembly for an automotive interior. The method positions the layers to form an assembly of material layers in tooling that concentrates microwave radiation energy conversion to the adhesive layer above its melting temperature. The method for fabricating an assembly in accordance with the subject invention, particularly when the tooling is transparent to the radiation, controls the radiation reflection, which is generated at a frequency exceeding 30 GHz.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a monitoring device for sensing the presence of a body within the vehicle. A transmitter is provided in the vehicle for broadcasting an intrusion signal exterior to the vehicle in response to the monitoring device sensing the presence of the body within the vehicle. A remote vehicle interface device includes a two-way transceiver and an intrusion indicator. The two-way transceiver activates the intrusion indicator in response to the intrusion signal.

Abstract: A seat track assembly having a first track member and a second track member that defines a first recess. A single slide member is disposed between the first and second track members. The slide member additionally has an integral flange extending therefrom wherein the flange is adapted to engage the first recess for fixing the slide member relative to the second track member. The sliding member has a contact surface engaging the second track member and a sliding surface in sliding engagement with the first track member.

Abstract: A method for adhesively bonding a covering to a support using a dry heat-sensitive adhesive to produce an assembly for an automotive interior. The method positions the layers to form an assembly of material layers in tooling that concentrates microwave radiation energy conversion to the adhesive layer above its melting temperature. The method for fabricating an assembly in accordance with the subject invention, particularly when the tooling is transparent to the radiation, controls the radiation reflection, which is generated at a frequency exceeding 30 GHz.

Abstract: A seat track assembly having a first track member and a second track member that defines a first recess. A single slide member is disposed between the first and second track members. The slide member additionally has an integral flange extending therefrom wherein the flange is adapted to engage the first recess for fixing the slide member relative to the second track member. The sliding member has a contact surface engaging the second track member and a sliding surface in sliding engagement with the first track member.

Abstract: A method of making an interior trim part, in accordance with the invention, includes the steps of applying a thermoset adhesive on a main body; preheating the main body after applying the adhesive on the main body; sufficiently inhibiting curing of the adhesive such that the preheated main body may be further heated and formed in a molding operation; applying a catalyst on the main body, the catalyst being configured to facilitate curing of the adhesive; and forming the main body in a heated mold to achieve a desired shape, wherein the mold sufficiently heats the adhesive and the catalyst to thereby enable sufficient curing of the adhesive.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner assembly (10) and a method for injection molding the assembly by injecting into a mold 24 a single phase solution of an inert gas within a polymeric resin (16) to provide a microcellular headliner (14) with an 5 average cell size less than 100 microns and a cell density greater than 106 cell/cm3 and with headliner components (20) molded with the headliner. The inert gas utilized may be carbon dioxide, nitrogen and mixtures of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: A method for preheating a permeable, thermoformable material having first and second sides includes supplying heated fluid to a fluid distribution system; regulating flow of the fluid such that fluid having a first temperature flows at a first velocity, and fluid having a second temperature less than the first temperature flows at a second velocity greater than the first velocity; introducing the fluid onto the first side of the material; and developing a suction on the second side of the material sufficient to draw the fluid through the material thereby convectively heating the material; wherein the flow of the fluid is regulated so as to transfer substantially uniform energy flux to the material.

Abstract: A method for preheating a permeable, thermoformable material having first and second sides includes supplying heated fluid to a fluid distribution system; regulating flow of the fluid such that fluid having a first temperature flows at a first velocity, and fluid having a second temperature less than the first temperature flows at a second velocity greater than the first velocity; introducing the fluid onto the first side of the material; and developing a suction on the second side of the material sufficient to draw the fluid through the material thereby convectively heating the material; wherein the flow of the fluid is regulated so as to transfer substantially uniform energy flux to the material.

Abstract: A method of preheating a thermoformable laminate assembly having first and second sides is disclosed. The method includes supplying pressurized heated air to first and second manifolds, each of which has an inlet for receiving the heated air and a plurality of orifices for passing the heated air out of the respective manifold. The manifolds are configured such that the orifices disposed progressively further away from the inlet of one manifold correspond with the orifices disposed progressively nearer to the inlet of the other manifold. The method further includes homogenizing the heated air and introducing the heated air onto the first side of the laminate assembly. A suction is developed on the second side of the laminate assembly to draw the heated air through the assembly, thereby convectively heating the assembly. An apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.