Douglas Alan Swanson

US Patent:

6521083, Feb 18, 2003

Filed:

Oct 20, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/422053

Inventors:

Douglas R. Swanson - Kentwood MI
David E. Nestell - Spring Lake MI
Niall R. Lynam - Holland MI

Assignee:

Donnelly Corporation - Holland MI

International Classification:

B32B 3126

US Classification:

1563809, 156538, 392423

Abstract:

A method of and apparatus for activating a ready-to-install heat activated adhesive for attaching a vehicle panel to a vehicle is disclosed which provides a âready-to-installâ panel assembly. The panel assembly includes first and second spaced apart surfaces, with the bead of heat activated adhesive provided on the second surface of the panel. The panel and bead are heated preferably by applying shortwave and longwave infrared radiation, with the shortwave infrared radiation being applied to an adhesive free side of the panel to heat the panel and, thereby, indirectly heat the bead of the heat activated adhesive. For example, where the window panel is such as a laminated windshield or side window or backlite comprising two glass sheets laminated with a polymer inner layer, such as plasticized polyvinyl butyral, or silicone or the like, it is preferable that the heat activation temperature of the adhesive be less than or equal to about 125Â C. , more preferably less than or equal to about 115Â C. , and most preferably less than or equal to about 105Â C.

US Patent:

6599386, Jul 29, 2003

Filed:

Mar 13, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/805540

Inventors:

Douglas R. Swanson - Kentwood MI
David E. Nestell - Spring Lake MI
Niall R. Lynam - Holland MI

Assignee:

Donnelly Corporation - Holland MI

International Classification:

B60J 100

US Classification:

1562722, 156108, 1562748, 1563796, 1563799, 1563803, 1563798, 1563809, 156349, 156295

Abstract:

A method of preparing a vehicle panel assembly for attaching the panel to a vehicle is disclosed which provides a âready-to-installâ panel assembly. The panel assembly includes first and second spaced sides, with the bead of heat activated adhesive provided on the second side of the panel. The panel and bead are heated preferably by applying shortwave and longwave infrared radiation, with the shortwave infrared radiation being applied to an adhesive free side of the panel to heat the panel and, thereby, indirectly heat the bead of the heat activated adhesive. The longwave infrared radiation is applied to the adhesive side of the panel to directly heat the bead and thereby activate the adhesive. The ready-to-install adhesive may be applied on or adjacent to a gasket, such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) molding, a urethane molding, or the like. Optionally, either during or after heating, the substrate is cooled in order to ease handling of the panel assembly after the bead of adhesive is activate and ready for installation.

US Patent:

6054001, Apr 25, 2000

Filed:

Feb 17, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/024226

Inventors:

Douglas R. Swanson - Kentwood MI
David E. Nestell - Spring Lake MI
Niall R. Lynam - Holland MI

Assignee:

Donnelly Corporation - Holland MI

International Classification:

B32B 3126

US Classification:

156108

Abstract:

A method of and apparatus for activating a ready-to-install heat activated adhesive for attaching a vehicle panel to a vehicle is disclosed which provides a "ready-to-install" panel assembly. The panel assembly includes first and second spaced apart surfaces, with the bead of heat activated adhesive provided on the second surface of the panel. The panel and bead are heated preferably by applying shortwave and longwave infrared radiation, with the shortwave infrared radiation being applied to an adhesive free side of the panel to heat the panel and, thereby, indirectly heat the bead of the heat activated adhesive. For example, where the window panel is such as a laminated windshield or side window or backlite comprising two glass sheets laminated with a polymer inner layer, such as plasticized polyvinyl butyral, or silicone or the like, it is preferable that the heat activation temperature of the adhesive be less than or equal to about 125. degree. C. , more preferably less than or equal to about 115. degree. C. , and most preferably less than or equal to about 105. degree. C.

US Patent:

62036394, Mar 20, 2001

Filed:

Feb 4, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/244367

Inventors:

Douglas R. Swanson - Kentwood MI
David E. Nestell - Spring Lake MI
Niall R. Lynam - Holland MI

Assignee:

Donnelly Corporation - Holland MI

International Classification:

B32B 3112
E06B 700

US Classification:

156108

Abstract:

A method of preparing a vehicle panel assembly for attaching the panel to a vehicle is disclosed which provides a "ready-to-install" panel assembly. The panel assembly includes first and second spaced sides, with the bead of heat activated adhesive provided on the second side of the panel. The panel and bead are heated preferably by applying shortwave and longwave infrared radiation, with the shortwave infrared radiation being applied to an adhesive free side of the panel to heat the panel and, thereby, indirectly heat the bead of the heat activated adhesive. The longwave infrared radiation is applied to the adhesive side of the panel to directly heat the bead and thereby activate the adhesive. The ready-to-install adhesive may be applied on or adjacent to a gasket, such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) molding, a urethane molding, or the like. Optionally, either during or after heating, the substrate is cooled in order to ease handling of the panel assembly after the bead of adhesive is activate and ready for installation.