Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing an aluminum fuel cell cradle are provided. The method comprises providing a negative cast mold having cavities to form the cradle, and comprises providing a feeding mechanism disposed about the mold and in fluid communication with the cavities thereof. The feeding mechanism comprises a plurality of primary risers connected to and in fluid communication with cavities. The method further comprises melting a first metallic material to define a molten metallic material, and comprises moving the mold to a vertical casting orientation about a rotational axis, while feeding molten metallic material through the runner to the cavities. The method further comprises cooling the molten metallic material to define a solidified metallic material. A second solidification time in the risers is greater than a first solidification time in the mold such that shrinkage of the solidified metallic material occurs in the risers away from the mold.

Abstract: An integrally formed single piece light strip and light strip manufacturing system. The light strip also includes a substrate populated with a plurality of LED light circuits. A plurality of bus elements are spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance and are in electrical communication with the plurality of light circuits. A plastic material is extruded around the plurality of light circuits and the substrate to completely encapsulates the bus elements and the plurality of light circuits to provide a protective housing. In one embodiment, an electrical connector is also integrally formed as part of the light strip to eliminate the need for separate connectors. The light strip is o manufactured in a cost efficient manner, and is impervious to moisture penetration, thereby allowing the strip to be used in a variety of applications and environments.

Abstract: An integral single piece extruded LED light strip and an associated process for producing such an LED light strip. The light strip includes first and second bus elements spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. The light strip also includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) connected between the bus elements that is illuminated when the first bus element conducts electricity provided from a power source. An extruded plastic material completely encapsulates the first and second bus elements and the LED, thereby providing a barrier to protect the elements from damage and to make the light strip impervious to moisture.

Abstract: An integrally formed single piece light strip and light strip manufacturing system. The light strip also includes a substrate populated with a plurality of LED light circuits. A plurality of bus elements are spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance and are in electrical communication with the plurality of light circuits. A plastic material is extruded around the plurality of light circuits and the substrate to completely encapsulates the bus elements and the plurality of light circuits to provide a protective housing. In one embodiment, an electrical connector is also integrally formed as part of the light strip to eliminate the need for separate connectors. The light strip is manufactured in a cost efficient manner, and is impervious to moisture penetration, thereby allowing the strip to be used in a variety ions and environments.

Abstract: An integral single piece extruded LED light strip and an associated process for producing such an LED light strip. The light strip includes first and second bus elements spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. The light strip also includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) connected between the bus elements that is illuminated when the first bus element conducts electricity provided from a power source. An extruded plastic material completely encapsulates the first and second bus elements and the LED, thereby providing a barrier to protect the elements from damage and to make the light strip impervious to moisture.

Abstract: An integrally formed single piece light strip having no internal voids, comprising first and second bus elements spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance for operative connection to a power source. A substrate strip includes a top surface and a bottom surface having a printed circuit thereon. At least one light emitting diode (LED), including electrical contact prongs, is provided, with the LED being mounted on the top surface of the substrate strip, and with the electrical contact prongs contacting the printed circuit on the bottom surface of the substrate strip. The printed circuit is in electrical contact with the bus elements to conduct electricity thereon. An extruded plastic material completely encapsulates the first and second bus elements, with the substrate strip and the LED to thereby provide a protective barrier and thereby make the light strip impervious to moisture.

Abstract: An electroluminescent lamp and associated method for manufacturing the same having coplanar contact pads, thereby allowing the lamp to be positioned at any point along a conductive bus bar. The lamp includes a base nonconductive film having an electrically conductive coating. A first layer of illuminative material is screen printed on to the base film. A second layer of insulative material is applied over the first layer of illuminative material. A third layer comprised of a conductive ink coating is then screen printed over the second layer of insulative material in inlaid fashion. An insulative coating is then applied over the third layer of conductive material to effectively seal the first, second, and third layers between the base nonconductive film and the insulative coating. First and second coplanar contact pads are then formed on the lamp for electrically connecting the lamp to a power supply. The first electrical conductive contact pad is electrically connected to the base film conductive coating.

Abstract: An elongated electroluminescent light strip is provided. The electroluminescent light strip includes a lighting element which includes a phosphor matrix layer. The lighting element or lamp is encapsulated in a moisture impervious material. A process for manufacturing an elongated electroluminescent light strip is also provided.

Abstract: An elongated electroluminescent light strip. An electroluminescent light element which has a layer of semi-transparent film is encapsulated in a moisture impervious material. A process for extruding such a strip is also provided.

Abstract: A low friction wear resistant coating for the base of a glass run channel and method. A thermoplastic powder is applied to a thermoset rubber substrate. The combination is heated to form free form shaped domains of thermoplastic on the thermoset rubber.

Abstract: A magnetic window seal assembly for frameless and full flush window systems of automotive vehicles comprises a flexible sealing strip having a compressible body portion with a first magnetic element embedded therein mounted to the vehicle body. A complementary second magnetic element is provided on the lateral edge of the window being sealed. When in sealing engagement with the windowpane and the vehicle, the body portion of sealing strip is compressively tapered along its length, being more tapered or compressed at the roofline than at the beltline of the vehicle. The tapered configuration of the sealing strip and its compressibility at the beltline accommodates transverse or lateral inward movement of the beltline edge of the windowpane to allow the opening of the window by a camming mechanism without undue compressive resistance to such action.

Abstract: A glass reveal molding has a symmetrical generally C-shaped clamping portion which has a substantially equal amount of mass above and below its center clamping axis and exerts substantially even gripping pressure on both top and bottom surfaces of the glass. The equalized pressure of the clamping portion will substantially eliminate gapping around the radius and retain the molding on the windshield without gapping or rolling of the molding. The molding also has a crown with a stabilizing tail that nests with the C-shaped clamping portion.

Abstract: A summer blend, solvent-based, clear caulking composition having as a primary polymer an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a 40-52% vinyl acetate content. Other ingredients in the improved caulking composition include a water white styrenic hydrocarbon resin, thickening agents, and an organic solvent. Optional components include plasticizers, bactericides, antioxidants, U.V. light stabilizers, pigments and dyes, etc. The resulting caulk has excellent pumpability, slump control, and weatherability at the temperature of use.

Abstract: A solvent-based, clear caulking composition having as a primary polymer an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a 45-55% vinyl acetate content and having as a secondary polymer and a small amount of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a lower vinyl acetate content. Other ingredients in the improved caulking composition include a water white styrenic hydrocarbon resin, thickening agents, and an organic solvent. Optional components include plasticizers, bactericides, antioxidants, U.V. light stabilizers, pigments and dyes, etc. The resulting caulk has excellent pumpability, slump control, and weatherability.