Abstract: Several different cross sections of beam having more than four sides are disclosed that may form a central portion of a beam having end portions that have four sides. The end portions of the beams may be received by frame rails. The central portion of the beam between the frame rails may be formed with more than four sides. The additional sides may be recessed beads or protruding ribs. Beams having arcuate recesses or arcuate ribs may be provided on the central portion of the beam. The end portions of the beams may extend outboard of the frame rails. The ribs or beads on the central portion of the beam may provide equivalent performance to four-sided beams having considerably thicker walls. Weight reduction is achieved because the central portion is made of a thinner material while retaining strength by forming beads or ribs in the central portion.

Abstract: A double eccentric positioning apparatus uses two equal offset eccentric bushings to accurately position a tool in two dimensions. Miniature servo motors and precise gearing control the rotation of each eccentric bushing, which controls the direction of the offset vectors. The offset vectors are used to determine the final position of the drill bushing. The desired rotation angles can be mathematically calculated based on desired position. The inner eccentric bushing is located concentric to the offset of the outer eccentric bushing. This allows any position, within a radius of two times the eccentric offset, to be achieved. The use of worm gearing on the eccentric bushings prevents back-driving of the servo motors, due to the lead angle of the worm gears, and the friction between the worm wheel and worm gear.

Abstract: A mechanical pressure application system for applying a tailored pressure distribution to a plurality of structural components is provided. Each structural component has a first surface, and each first surface is configured to interface with the first surface of another of the structural components at a contact area. A base and at least one tooling block are configured to removably couple to the structural components. Each at least one tooling block includes a first surface configured to be positioned proximate at least one of the plurality of structural components. A second surface of each tooling block is configured to receive at least one forcing member. At least one biasing mechanism is configured to apply a predetermined load to the at least one forcing member, such that a force is transmitted from the at least one forcing member through the tooling block to a corresponding portion of the contact area.

Abstract: A method for adjusting front and rear vehicle doors rotatably connected to a vehicle body by upper and lower hinges with hinge holes. The upper and lower hinges are positioned to the vehicle body and the vehicle doors by aligning the hinge holes to corresponding receiving holes. The vehicle doors are temporarily mounted to the vehicle body by inserting cam bolts into aligned pairs of the hinge holes and the receiving holes. The vehicle doors are adjusted to desired positions relative to the vehicle body by rotating the cam bolts. The desired positions are secured with fasteners and the cam bolts are replaced with additional fasteners.

Abstract: To provide a jig for forming a sealant layer which enables to quickly and accurately form a sealant layer having a required film thickness. The jig includes: a sealant cup 13 that overlays a sealant 28 around a collar 26; a cup holder 12 that determines a position of the sealant cup 13 with respect to a fastener member 24; and a dummy cup 11 that determines a position of the cup holder 12 with respect to the fastener member 24. The cup holder 12 is determined in position with respect to the fastener member 24 by being guided along the dummy cup 11 determined in position with respect to the fastener member 24. The sealant cup 13 is guided along a guide of the cup holder 12 so as to overlay the sealant 28 around the collar 26 after removing the dummy cup 11 from the cup holder 12 determined in position with respect to the fastener member 24.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a vehicular arm component which is easily manufactured and advantageous in reducing a cost without causing a steep change in a cross section. [Solution] A vehicular arm component is formed by subjecting a workpiece (W), the workpiece being a flat plate extending in a plane formed by a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, to press processing in stages so as to butt and joint two side surfaces in the second direction.

Abstract: Improvements in a suspension arm for a land vehicle. The suspension arm is an A-Frame box suspension arm to be essentially fabricated from sheet metal. The sheet metal members are fabricated to the desired shape and then some members are bent. The top and bottom plate members to be keyed. The keyed members both position the components and minimize or eliminate the need for a fixture that holds the parts while they are being welded together. The driver and passenger suspension arms flipper or mirror images. This allows both the left and right sides of the vehicle to utilize the same suspension arm. The box structure transfers loads along the multiple wall structures of the suspension arm when loads are encountered by the wheels and then transferred into the frame. The suspension arms are used in off-road and on-road vehicles for transportation.

Abstract: An anti-collision component consisting of a metal hollow profile for automobiles includes a collision side flange, a body side flange, and a web connected to the flanges. The hollow profile has a longitudinal end at which a cross-sectional configuration is deformed by swaging to reduce a dimension between the flanges. The following relations are established: tW>TW RCI?(tW?TW) where tW is a wall thickness of the web at the end, TW is a wall thickness of the web at a portion where the cross-sectional configuration is not deformed, and RCI is an inside corner radius of a corner formed of the web and each flange at the portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying and fastening a decorative layer on a preform for the formation of a support part, with the steps: inserting a first section (22) of the preform (20) together with the decorative layer (30) into a first tool (W1), moving the first tool (W1) together, wherein an end section (32) of the decorative layer (30) covers at least a portion of the first region (42) of a connecting section (40), having a groove, placing a second section (24) of the preform (20) onto a second tool (W2), moving the first (W1) and the second tool (W2) relative to one another in the groove depth direction (NT), whereby the second region (44) of the connecting section (40) is deformed such that the latter forms a groove (46) with an increasing groove depth and wherein the relative movement of the tools (W1, W2) with respect to one another takes place such that the end section (32) of the decorative layer (30) is introduced in the groove depth direction (NT) into the groove (46), and pressing

Abstract: A lift arm cross member may connect a tilt lever support to a pair of lift arms. The lift arm cross member may have a top plate with a generally convex outer surface as the outer surface extends from a first end edge to a second end edge, and a bottom plate having first and second end edges, a first planar portion extending from the second end edge, and a curved portion extending from the first planar portion opposite the second end edge. The first end edge of the bottom plate may be connected to an inner surface of the top plate and the second end edge of the first plate may be connected to an inner surface of the bottom plate. A buffer plate may be provided within the lift arm cross member and extend between the inner surfaces of the top and bottom plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a component {1, 2, 3, 4, 6) within the interior of a vehicle. Specifically, the present invention relates to a part of a seat-structure. The present invention further relates to a process to produce a component { 1, 2, 3, 4, 6) w{umlaut over (?)}thin the interior of a vehicle.

Abstract: A body frame for mounting to a base frame of a vehicle includes a body mount assembly including an aluminum, tubular cross member having an inner passage and an aluminum collar support received in the inner passage for supporting the tubular cross member once it is coupled to the base frame of the vehicle. The collar support member has a multi-hollows design including an inner and outer, cylindrically-shaped portions and a plurality of equi-angularly spaced, radially extending walls interconnecting the inner and outer portions for providing the body mount the required flexibility during assembly and the required structural support and performance during vehicle use.

Abstract: A strengthening member for an automotive vehicle comprises a twelve-cornered cross section including sides and corners creating internal angles and external angles. Each internal angle ranges from about 100° to about 110° and each external angle ranges from about 105° to about 130°.

Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an inflatable curtain airbag with a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The inflatable curtain may have a first chamber and a second chamber that inflates forward of the first chamber. The second chamber may be separated from the first chamber by a non-inflating region. The non-inflating region may have a width selected such that in-plane bending of the inflatable curtain occurs during deployment. The in-plane bending may position the second chamber lower than the first chamber such that the second chamber overlaps a significant portion of a door adjacent to the inflatable curtain. Forward and rearward portions of the non-inflating region may be attached together to form a fold that decreases the width of the non-inflating region, thereby enhancing the in-plane bending. The second chamber may also bend out-of-plane relative to the first chamber to help provide protection in small overlap collision situations.

Abstract: A hinge pillar assembly includes a hinge pillar panel that is cast from a die casting process, and that defines an interior surface. An acoustic foam layer is disposed adjacent the interior surface of the hinge pillar panel. An inner retainer panel is attached to the hinge pillar panel. The inner retainer panel secures the acoustic foam layer between the inner retainer panel and the hinge pillar panel. The hinge pillar assembly is cast to define a cored boss that is used to retain the hinge pillar panel within an upper ejector half of a die set during the casting process. A fastener is disposed in the threaded engagement with the cored boss to attach the inner retainer panel to the hinge pillar panel. A vehicle component may be attached to the inner retainer panel.

Abstract: A process for connecting a non-symmetrical inside diameter vehicle spindle to a stationary housing is provided. Low and high stress areas of the spindle are determined, where correspondingly reduced and increased material cross sections are provided or increased cross sections are located in an orientation relative to a spindle axis. Consequently, the low and high stress areas of the spindle are aligned with corresponding areas of the stationary housing. Then, the spindle and stationary housing are connected by way of friction welding. This in turn results in selecting a section modulus of the connection of the spindle to the stationary housing, thereby achieving the lowest weight to strength ratio for the connection.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle frame, includes: forming compatible threads on a first rail composed of a first material and a second rail composed of a second material; forming a pair of locators on the first and second rails, said locators configured to indicate an alignment condition of the first rail and second rail when screwed together; and screwing together the first rail and second rail.

Abstract: In a method of making a tubular body, material is pressed through a die of a forming tool into a first mold cavity disposed in downstream relationship to the die to produce a first end piece. A mandrel is then moved in a direction of the die to thereby displace the mold cavity in the same direction and to extrude a tubular center piece to adjoin the first end piece. The mandrel is then replaced by a mold having a second mold cavity to mold a second end piece to adjoin the center piece.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly includes a first end configured to couple to a first component of the steering column assembly and a second end configured to couple to a second component of the steering column. An intermediate portion extends between the first end and the second end. The intermediate portion includes a curved portion having a radius and a leg portion extending between the curved portion and the second end. The leg portion includes a plurality of localized surface features to tune a collapse characteristic of the energy absorbing device and to facilitate maintaining the radius constant when a force moves the first end relative to the second end and deforms the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: A roof rack and soft top assembly for a vehicle having an exposed passenger compartment protected by a windshield and a roll cage. The assembly includes an outer frame mounted to the vehicle exterior to the roll cage and surrounding a rear passenger compartment, and a plurality of slide rails mounted to the top of the roll cage above a front passenger compartment. The assembly further includes a soft top suspended from the outer frame with fasteners and a header assembly attached to a forward portion of the soft top that slides along the slide rails to engage with the top edge of the windshield, thereby covering the front passenger compartment. When open air driving is desired, the soft top can be withdrawn or removed from the slide rails and the outer frame and stored in the vehicle.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method is employed to fabricate a roof bow. A first body element and a second body element each have one or more tabs are both formed from a substrate. The tabs of the first body element are clinched to the second body element. The tabs of the second body element are clinched to the first body element. An upper cord is clinched to a top edge of the coupled body elements and a lower cord is clinched to a bottom edge of the coupled body elements to form the roof bow.

Abstract: A method for assembling parts. A sealant is placed between a plurality of parts in a stack up to form a workpiece. The workpiece is clamped using a permanent magnet unit and an electromagnetic clamping device in an activated state such that a number of forces caused by a magnetic field clamps the workpiece between the electromagnetic clamping device and the permanent magnet unit. A number of holes are drilled in the workpiece. A number of fasteners are installed in the number of holes.

Abstract: A wheeled system for coolers including a wheel support and a handle support securable to a cooler using handle grips and tie-down anchor points defined on the cooler body. The wheeled system can include a telescoping handle, brake, lock, and connector tightener.

Abstract: A header beam couples between A-pillars of a vehicle frame. The header beam is formed from a generally straight beam segment that is extruded to have a hollow body portion with supportive legs extending within the hollow interior along the length of the beam segment, defining uninterrupted forward and rearward box sections for supporting continuous load paths on the header beam. The end portions of the beam segment are clamped and the beam segment is stretch bent to form a curvature between the end portions that remain generally straight. A front flange extends forward along the body portion and is struck proximate the end portions to form an edge that is parallel to the curvature formed between the end portions. The end portions are attached to the A-pillars and the edge of the front flange is attached to a windshield.

Abstract: A decompression panel for use in an aircraft assembly is provided. The decompression panel includes a body portion including a top edge and a bottom edge, and a front surface and a rear surface opposing the front surface. A plurality of openings are formed in the body portion, and a first stiffening member is formed on the rear surface below the plurality of openings. The first stiffening member extends from the rear surface towards the top edge such that the plurality of openings are at least partially obstructed by the first stiffening member.

Abstract: Disclosed are a tubular back beam assembly for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the tubular back beam assembly. The tubular back beam assembly may include a plurality of main members, each of which is formed by cold rolling and hot stamping. The plurality of main members may be coupled to form a vertically stacked structure with flat portions coupled in a surface contact fashion. Or the tubular back beam assembly may include a main member and at least one support member that are directly coupled to form a vertically stacked structure.

Abstract: A frame component of a vehicle, such as a header beam that couples between the A-pillars of a vehicle frame, includes an extruded hollow member having top and bottom exterior walls and side walls that together enclose an elongated internal volume of the hollow member. A pair of interior walls extends along the internal volume separating outer load sections adjacent to the side walls from a central attachment section. The outer load sections are void of apertures for supporting continuous load paths. A formation on the bottom exterior wall protrudes into the internal volume in the central attachment section. The formation includes an inset surface angled, located, and otherwise configured for attaching a subassembly to the frame component.

Abstract: A method for preventing twisting of a strap of a car seat, the method comprising receiving the strap through a body portion of a device, wherein the body portion includes opposite open ends, and wherein the strap extends through the body portion and protrudes from each of the ends, and positioning the device below at least one of a chest clip and a bottom clip coupled to the strap.

Abstract: Fuselage skins of aircraft are joined using friction stir welding. A strip of cladding is removed from the skins along an abutment between the skins before the skins are welded in order to prevent the cladding from interfering with the welding process. The cladding is replaced after the welding is completed.

Abstract: In a method for assembling a component on a motor-vehicle body structure, a device is set with a manipulator into a condition of connection with a component placed in a pick-up position, according to a predetermined mutual positioning; the component is gripped with the device to connect the component thereto; the device connected to the component is carried with the manipulator to a motor-vehicle body structure that is located in a position, on a conveying line, upstream of a centre for welding or fixing the component on the body structure; the component is constrained with the device to the body structure according to a mutual positioning whereby the component comes to occupy the proper position of assembly; the device is supported with the body structure; and with the device supported by the body structure, the body structure is conveyed with the conveying line to the centre.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first panel made of a first material to a second panel made of a second material is provided. The method includes creating a second panel hole in the second panel at a weld location. An insert composed of the first material is inserted into the second panel hole in the second panel. At least a portion of the insert is fittable in the second panel hole and sized to correspond to the second panel hole. The first panel and the insert are welded together at the weld location, thereby bonding the first and second panels. In one embodiment, the first and second panels are placed between the first and second electrodes of a welding gun. A force is applied to clamp the insert and the first panel between the first and second electrodes and a welding current is delivered. A bonded structure is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a structure. A part for the structure may be supported on a plurality of mobile fixtures configured to control an orientation of the part. The part for the structure may be moved using the plurality of mobile fixtures to a number of stations for performing a number of operations for manufacturing the structure using the part. The plurality of mobile fixtures may be configured to move in a coordinated manner and substantially maintain a desired orientation for the part while moving the part to a station in the number of stations. The number of operations for manufacturing the structure may be performed at the number of stations while the plurality of mobile fixtures supports the part.

Abstract: A yoke assembly adapted for use in a rack and pinion steering gear assembly for a vehicle comprises a yoke housing having a bore; a yoke bearing disposed in the bore; a yoke cover secured in the bore; a spring disposed in the bore between the yoke bearing and the yoke cover; and an automatic-adjusting mechanism secured in the yoke cover. The automatic-self adjusting mechanism includes a member which is configured to self adjust and move in a direction toward the yoke bearing so as to maintain the member in constant contact against the yoke bearing as associated components of the rack and pinion steering gear wear.

Abstract: A joint assembly for an aircraft is provided. The joint assembly includes a single main fitting including a first flange, a second flange, and a third flange, an external spar component coupled to the first flange using at least one fastener, an internal spar component coupled to the second flange using at least one fastener, and a body rib coupled to the third flange using at least one fastener.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly comprises an inner panel integrally formed by upper and lower horizontal beams interconnected by front and rear upright beams, and an outer panel bonded to the inner panel. The frame portion comprises opposite front and rear U-shaped side frame members non-detachably attached to each other by upper and lower intermediate frame members so as to form a continuous perimeter. The side frame members are made of a first steel material and the intermediate frame members made of a second steel material, which is different from the first steel material. A method for manufacturing the inner panel comprises the steps: providing U-shaped sheets of the first steel material, providing top and bottom sheets of the second steel material, non-detachably connecting the U-shaped sheets to the top and bottom sheets so as to form a blank, and stamping the blank into the frame portion.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle and a method of assembling the vehicle are disclosed. The assembly includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel includes a first edge and the second panel includes a second edge generally aligning with the first edge of the first panel. The assembly also includes a bracket attached to one of the first and second panels. The assembly further includes a coupler engaging the bracket. The coupler includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is movable with respect to one of the first and second panels as the proximal end portion is secured to the other one of the first and second panels such that one of the first and second edges moves toward the other one of the first and second edges.

Abstract: A golf cart vehicle is disclosed having a suspension that includes a single suspension device that provides for a plurality of functions. In one embodiment the single suspension device includes a plurality of transverse mounted leaf springs that are longitudinally spaced apart from one another to provide a spring and control arm combined effect. The leaf springs can be coupled to a wheel, such as through a steering knuckle via a ball and socket joint. The leaf springs can further be mounted to a chassis via clamps. In one embodiment the clamps are connected to the leaf springs through resilient bushings which can be spaced apart from one another to provide an anti-roll bar effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for a wheelchair caddy to be attached to a disabled rider adapted cycle or scooter that may include connectors connecting the caddy and cycle, a rear or double rear axle attached to the base of the caddy frame, a handle for the user to grip while pulling the wheelchair onto the caddy, a rod as an emergency brake, a ratcheting strap or straps and bungee cord for securing the wheelchair in the caddy, walled footwells for the securing the passengers feet, a secured foam rubber middle console, a fitted, padded back rest, thigh restraining straps, lower ribcage restraining straps and other features.

Abstract: A mobile or transportable body that can be moved or transported by motive power, the body having a floor, front and rear ends, opposing side walls and a roof; wherein the floor and each side wall are each formed from at least one panel; the floor has opposing side edges, each side edge having an edge profile defining a plurality of laterally extending projections; each side wall has an upper edge and a lower edge and each side wall lower edge has a plurality of spaced projection receiving sections located towards the lower edge, the floor side edge projections are received within the projection receiving sections of the side walls so as to engage the side walls with the floor.

Abstract: A structural beam includes a reinforcement beam having a length and mounts at ends of the beam and cross sectional shapes at various locations along the length, including a first cross sectional shape near ends of the beam providing a first bending moment and a second cross sectional shape at a center of the beam providing a second bending moment different than the first bending moment, and further including intermediate cross sectional shapes between the ends and center having intermediate bending moments between the first and second bending moments. The cross sections may define open C-shapes or may include a tubular shape.

Abstract: An insert is configured for anchoring within a cored panel and has a wide flange on one end, a sacrificial cover and threaded pin on its opposite end and a nut captured therein. The panel is prepared by forming a countersunk hole therein and filling or coating such opening with an adhesive. The insert is fitted into the hole such that the flange is positioned against one surface of the panel while the sacrificial cover and threaded pin protrude from the opposite surface. A screw fixture is threaded onto the threaded pin to maintain the insert in place while the adhesive cures. Subsequent removal of the screw fixture and sacrificial cover completes the anchoring process and exposes the nut that is captured within the insert for receipt of an appropriate fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for assembling a front panel, a plurality of side panels, a back panel, and a roof panel in a complete body assembly line for various vehicles. The complete body assembling apparatus realizes a new type of a coupling apparatus by which hangers for vehicle models are held in a post buck in a complete body line for a vehicle and the post buck is flexibly movable depending on the changes in various vehicle models. This in turn, allows various vehicle models to be produced in a single process by flexibly coping with various vehicle models and enhancing the efficiency of an entire complete body assembling process.

Abstract: An end bodyshell of a railcar bodyshell includes: a pair of end posts provided at a width direction middle portion of the end bodyshell; corner posts respectively provided at both width direction end portions of the end bodyshell; an end plate to which upper portions of the end posts and upper portions of the corner posts are coupled; and an end-side end beam to which lower portions of the end posts and lower portions of the corner posts are coupled. The end-side end beam includes: a middle member connecting the end posts in the width direction; and two side members each connecting the end post and the corner post in the width direction.

Abstract: A coupling structure includes a hollow rod section formed of a metal pipe and fastening sections formed by plastic deformation of the metal pipe so as to be connected with end sections of the hollow rod section. The fastening section includes a pair of base end sections which are each connected with a peripheral wall section forming a closed cross-section at the end section of the hollow rod section, and are separated from each other, and a bottom wall including a flat surface connected with the pair of the base end sections, and a pair of front end sections including a pair of side walls curving inwards from at least widthwise end sections of the bottom wall on a base end section side.

Abstract: A door operating assembly for a railcar includes an actuating device. The railcar includes a railcar container and a lower portion coupled to the railcar container. The railcar container includes two opposing sidewalls and at least one door coupled to the lower portion. The railcar defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The door operating assembly also includes at least one door operating mechanism coupled to the actuating device. At least a portion of the at least one door operating mechanism extends longitudinally along one sidewall of the two opposing sidewalls. The door operating assembly further includes at least one axial drive member coupled to the at least one door operating mechanism. The door operating assembly also includes at least one door drive assembly coupled to the at least one axial drive member. The at least one door drive assembly is coupled to the at least one door.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a motor vehicle body with a lateral roof frame, a sliding roof structure and an angled connecting flange with a first web and second web. The first web is connected in a frictionally and/or positively joined manner to the lateral roof frame by means of a first elongated hole arrangement. The second web is connected to the sliding roof structure in a frictionally or positively joined manner by means of a second elongated hole arrangement.

Abstract: A sidewall construction arrangement for a trailer includes a plurality of upstanding panels. Each panel includes two opposing flanges. The flanges are disposed on opposing lateral edges of the panel. Adjacent flanges of two adjacent panels partially overlap each other. Each of a plurality of vertically oriented logistics posts includes two lateral margins. A first of the margins is attached to a respective first of the flanges of the two partially overlapping panels. A second of the margins of the post is attached to each of the first and second flanges of the two partially overlapping panels.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments are methods of improving efficiencies of adsorbed gas fuel systems and to recover vapors from gasoline containers.

Abstract: An interchangeable axle suspension spacer system of method of using same, in conjunction with an in-line skate frame, wherein the system includes a wheel means and shock absorbing apparatus having multiple layers, wherein certain layers are compressed within an embedded wall while others allow the for restricted tracking along a determined path, and wherein the system enables an individual to interchange, customize, and replace the shock absorbing apparatus amid operation of in-line skates.

Abstract: A process for the production of an acoustic treatment panel that can be connected at a surface of an aircraft, in particular at a leading edge such as an air intake of an aircraft nacelle, whereby the panel includes an acoustically resistive layer (24), at least one alveolar structure (26), and a reflective layer (28), and channels (30) placed between the alveolar structure and the acoustically resistive layer, each channel being bordered by a wall (32), the process including deforming a layer so as to produce furrows at one of its surfaces, flattening and making integral the deformed layer (34) with the acoustically resistive layer so as to border the channels, and removing material in such a way as to eliminate at least a portion of the thickness of the deformed layer (34) in which the furrows are formed between the channels, prior to the assembly of the alveolar structure.