Wilfred R Jaeger

US Patent:

56369530, Jun 10, 1997

Filed:

Jun 11, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/661938

Inventors:

Wilfred R. Jaeger - Rochester Hills MI
Gary G. Gordon - Southfield MI

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

F16B 1304
F16B 3902

US Classification:

411 82

Abstract:

A fastener assembly for mounting to a panel to allow connection of associated structures thereto comprises a fastener receiving and retaining member formed of plastic and including an elongated sleeve-like body having a head end and a terminal end with a central aperture extending axially therebetween. A flange extends radially from the head end and a fastener receiving bore is carried at the terminal end in alignment with the central aperture. Radially extending retaining elements are carried on the sleeve-like body. A first set of openings is formed through the flange and a second set of openings is formed through the sleeve-like body at a location closely adjacent the flange. A sheet of temperature expandable sealer material is carried on the sleeve-like body adjacent the flange such that when the said member is mounted to a panel by extending the sleeve-like body through an opening in the panel the sheet of expandable sealer material is compressed between the flange and the panel. Thereafter, heating the assembly causes the sealer material to expand and bond the fastener in position while sealing the opening in which it is mounted.

US Patent:

55031781, Apr 2, 1996

Filed:

Nov 18, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/342335

Inventors:

Steven J. Miskelley - Harrison Township MI
Wilfred Jaeger - Rochester Hills MI

Assignee:

TRW, Inc. - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

F16K 1714
B60H 128
F24F 1104

US Classification:

137 67

Abstract:

An apparatus for relieving overpressure conditions in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle comprises a valve assembly that is mounted in an opening formed in an exterior wall of the compartment, the assembly includes a frame panel sized to fill the opening and having a passage formed therethrough to define an exhaust from the interior of the compartment to the exterior ambient space. Flap valve elements overlying the exhaust for allowing free flow of air in a direction from the interior of the compartment to the exterior while preventing air flow in the opposite direction. Overpressure relief support connectors mount the frame panel in the opening in the wall and are adapted to release the frame panel from its mounted position whenever the air pressure within the compartment exceeds a predetermined minimum level about atmospheric pressure.