Abstract:
A snap-on steering wheel assembly (10) is provided with an integral air bag housing (38) for supporting an air bag (50) therein. The assembly includes a steering wheel having a hub. An inflator (100) is threadably connected to an insert member (60) and longitudinally extends from the hub or insert member. A collar (80) mounted relative to the insert provides a snap-fit engagement to a steering column (12).
Abstract:
An improved method for producing substrates coated with dielectric films for use in microelectronic applications wherein the films are processed by exposing the coated substrate surfaces to a flux of electron beam. Substrates cured via electron beam exposure possess superior dielectric properties, density, uniformity, thermal stability, and oxygen stability.
Abstract:
A snap-on steering wheel assembly is provided with an integral airbag housing. The assembly includes a steering wheel having a hub (20), a plurality of support arms (26, 28) extending from the hub, and a rim (30) connected to the support arms. An airbag housing (34) is formed integrally with the hub (20) for supporting the airbag (64). The hub is adapted for mating with a steering column shaft (12). A snap-on attachment arrangement (80) is provided in cooperation between the hub and the steering column shaft (12) so that the steering wheel may be snapped onto the steering column shaft.
Abstract:
A stabilized and/or modified polymer substrate is prepared by a solvent-free, thermally induced diffusion process. The process features the steps of electrostatically depositing an effective amount of stabilizer and/or modifier additive(s) as a powder onto selected surfaces of the substrate followed by heating the powder to a temperature above the Tg of the substrate and above the melting point of the additives until the powder melts and diffuses into the substrate. Light stabilized polyester or polyamide woven fabrics which are resistant to fading and degradation by light can be made which have utility in seat belt webbing and industrial webbing. Polyester tire cord and polyester or polyamide woven fabrics with enhanced adhesion to various coatings can also be made which have utility in tires and coated fabrics, respectively.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a tufted fabric and a method of manufacturing the same. The tufted fabric generally comprises a primary backing and tufts mounted in the primary backing to form a fabric with a faceside having piles and a backside having loops. A thermoplastic polymer adhesive, which bonds the tufts to the primary backing, is formed by applying a reactive mixture comprising a polymerizable monomer to the backside of the tufted fabric and in-situ polymerizing the monomers to form the thermoplastic polymer adhesive. The process is particularly advantageous for the manufacture of recyclable tufted fabrics in which the adhesive polymer and tufts are formed from substantially the same polymer. The tufted fabric can be used in articles, such as, for example carpets, rugs and upholstery.
Abstract:
A glassy metal alloy consists essentially of the formula: FeaCobNicMdBeSifCg, where "M" is at least one member selected form the group consisting of molybdenum, chromium and manganese, "a-g" are in atom percent, "a" ranges from about 30 to about 45, "b" ranges form about 4 to about 40, "c" ranges from about 5 to about 45, "d" ranges from about 0 to about 3, "e" ranges from about 10 to about 25, "f" ranges from about 0 to about 15 and "g" ranges from about 0 to about 2. The alloy can be cast by rapid solidification into ribbon, annealed to enhance magnetic properties, and formed into a marker that is especially suited for use in magneto-mechanically actuated articles surveillance systems. Advantageously, the marker is characterised by relatively linear magnetization response in the frequency regime wherein harmonic marker systems operate magnetically. Voltage amplitudes detected from the marker are high, and interference between surveillance systems based on mechanical resonance and harmonic re-radiance is virtually eliminated.
Abstract:
A silicon nitride body is sintered in a silicon nitride crucible at a temperature ranging from about 1700 DEG C to 2100 DEG C. Sintering is carried out in the presence of nitrogen gas having sufficiently high pressure to prevent decomposition of the silicon nitride. The sintered body exhibits as-fired surface strength greater than 75 % of its bulk, machined-surface strength.
Abstract:
A cladded birefringent pressure sensor for use in a pressure-sensing system. The sensor is a single composite plate consisting of two plates (122, 124) each with different indices of refraction. One surface of the sensor is exposed to the environmental pressure under measurement. A collimated broad band light source is transmitted via a fiber optic cable, a polarizer and a birefringent bias element which transmits a wavelength/polarization component of light through the sensor. An external force applied to the sensor adds a stress-induced component to the polarized lightwave. The lightwave exits the sensor and is captured by a second polarizer producing a modulated light spectrum. A focusing element collects the light and transmits it down another fiber optic cable. The cable transmits the light to an opto-electronic interface where the fringe pattern is extracted and a computer compatible signal is generated for a CPU. The CPU performs a Fourier transform on the fringe pattern, where the phase term for a selected frequency is the measure of the externally applied pressure on the sensor.
Abstract:
An optical tapered waveguide for use in optical arrays is described which contains at least one inclusive structure. The inclusion may possess an abrupt refractive index interface within the body of the tapered optical waveguide or it may consist of a graded refractive index region within the tapered optical waveguide. The tapered waveguide propagates light rays via total internal reflection from the sidewalls of a tapered optical waveguide. The different refractive index of the inclusion also acts to alter the direction of the light rays passing through the waveguide. The tapered waveguide is advantageously useful in an array of waveguides for use in display devices, such as for example projection display devices, off screen display devices, and direct view displays. Such displays are used in a wide range of applications including computer terminals, airplane cockpit displays, automotive instrument panels, televisions, and other devices that provide text, grapics, or video information.
Abstract:
A side impact occupant system including the combination of: a vehicle seat (16) having a cushioned resilient portion (18) in a seat back (14) thereof, an air bag module (10) comprising a compliant air bag retained to a channel by a soft, resilient exterior package shell (70) directly adjacent to and facing an interior part of the resilient cushioned portion of the seat, wherein the resiliency of the cushioned seat portion is not markedly changed by the adjacent resilient shell.