Abstract: A method of launching a software program or application is provided for use with a graphical user interface (GUI) display. One portion of the GUI display includes a taskbar while a second portion is divided into a plurality of windows. To launch one of the programs/applications represented by the icons within the taskbar, the user first selects the icon representing the icon to be launched. When the user drags the selected icon into one of the windows and then releases the icon, the selected program/application is launched in the selected window.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing cells includes: assembling cells that include at least electrodes and electrolyte contained in a housing; after assembly, storing the cells in contact with a liquid-based thermal system; circulating liquid in the liquid-based thermal system at least while the cells are in contact with the liquid-based thermal system, the liquid having a first temperature; after storing the cells at the first temperature, and while the cells have at least a partial charge, performing a first open circuit voltage (OCV) test on the cells; after the first OCV test, storing the cells at a second temperature lower than the first temperature; after storing the cells at the second temperature, performing a second OCV test on the cells; and for each of the cells, discarding or keeping the cell based at least in part on the first and second OCV tests.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a front windshield that continuously extends along an A-pillar so as to form a partial roof of the vehicle above a driver area; a visor having a proximate end hinged to the A-pillar so as to assume a stowed position along the A-pillar; and on the front windshield, an attachment configured to selectively engage a distal end of the visor in a deployed position.

Abstract: A power conditioning unit for delivering power from a dc power source to an ac mains power supply output includes a dc power input to receive dc power from a dc power source, an ac power output for delivering ac power to the ac mains power supply, a dc link coupled between the dc power input and the ac power output, first and second dc-to-dc converters coupled between the dc power input and the dc link, wherein one or both of the first and second dc-to-dc converters comprises a pair of resonant capacitors, a sensing element connected in parallel to one of the pair of the resonant capacitors for sensing a ripple voltage, and a controller operative to control the first and second dc-to-dc converters in response to the sensed ripple voltage.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes housing, a substrate, a first semiconductor die, a second semiconductor die, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The first terminal in a first terminal plane couples to the first semiconductor die. The second terminal has a contact portion in a contact portion plane within the housing that couples to the second semiconductor die, a main portion in a main portion plane partially within the housing, the main portion plane substantially parallel to and offset from the first terminal plane, and the main portion plane substantially parallel to and offset from the contact portion plane, and an offsetting portion within the housing and that connects the contact portion to the main portion. At least some of the main portion of the second terminal overlaps the first terminal and the first terminal and the main portion of the second terminal extend from the housing in a same direction.

Abstract: An air vent assembly includes a cover member having an inlet for allowing a flow of air to enter the cover member. The cover member also has a vent extending from the inlet for allowing a flow of air to exit the cover member. The vent includes a first vent portion, and a second vent portion located adjacent to the first vent portion. The first vent portion has a first set of flow guiding vanes disposed therein. The second vent portion has a second set of flow guiding vanes disposed therein. Each of the vanes is spaced apart from one another and pivotally coupled to a pair of opposing walls of the cover member. The first and second sets of flow guiding vanes are independently moveable with respect to each other using an actuating mechanism for providing a variety of flow-guiding positions one of which includes a split flow-guiding position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a carrier comprising a top semiconductor layer having isolated positive electrode regions and isolated negative electrode regions separated by a frontside trench through the top semiconductor layer extending at least to an underlying insulating layer positioned between the top semiconductor layer and a bottom semiconductor layer. A dielectric layer covers the top exposed surfaces of the carrier. Backside trenches through the bottom semiconductor layer extending at least to the insulating layer form isolated backside regions corresponding to the frontside positive and negative electrode regions. Backside contacts positioned on the bottom semiconductor layer and coupled to the positive and negative electrode regions allow for the electric charging of the frontside electrode regions.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a composition that can be used to heal cracks in plastics and other substrates. In the present invention, a composition comprising nanotubes, healing agent(s), and end caps for the nanotubes may be used to heal crack(s) as they begin to occur. With the composition, the healing agent(s) are contained within the nanotubes, and a reaction releases the healing agent(s) after the end caps can be removed from the nanotubes. This invention also includes a method of preparing a composition for healing cracks in plastics and other substrates. For this method, the healing agent(s) are filled inside of the nanotubes, and then end caps are bound onto the ends of the nanotubes. After a reaction occurs to remove the end caps and release the healing agent(s), the cracks within the substrate may then be healed.

Abstract: A method of extruding a component includes: creating a first design of a component, wherein in the first design the component comprises a member and is configured for an implementation; adding at least one radial fin to the member in the first design, the member and the radial fins being a second design of the component; extruding a piece that conforms to the second design and has at least one extruded radial fin; and altering the extruded radial fin on the extruded piece, the alteration adding or enhancing a structural property of the component in the implementation.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically routing a wire lead of a stator from a first position to a second position includes a base assembly to receive the stator. A clamp assembly is mounted on the base assembly to hold the wire lead in the first position. An arbor rotates the wire lead. The arbor has a holder to hold the wire lead. An end effector grips and moves the wire lead. A controller moves the end effector to grip the wire lead at the first position and to couple the wire lead with the arbor. Further, the controller rotates the arbor to rotate the wire lead along the circumference of the stator by a pre-determined angle. The controller moves the end effector to grip the wire lead held by the holder, and to move the wire lead to the second position.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention can provide a system for fabricating a photovoltaic structure. During fabrication, the system can deposit a first passivation layer on a first side of a Si base layer of the photovoltaic structure using a static chemical vapor deposition process. The static chemical vapor deposition process can be performed inside a first reaction chamber. The system can then transfer the photovoltaic structure from the first reaction chamber to a second reaction chamber without the photovoltaic structure leaving a common vacuum space comprising both reaction chambers, and deposit a second passivation layer on the first passivation layer using an inline chemical vapor deposition process. The inline chemical vapor deposition process can be performed inside the second reaction chamber.

Abstract: An enhanced multi object potting fixture for exposure to a curing modality that sets an adhesive includes a fixture housing supporting a plurality of objects, the fixture housing having a wall defining a plurality of bonding wells with each the bonding well receiving a first portion of one of the objects, each the bonding well including an aperture in the wall proximate the first portion wherein each bonding well includes a target zone for selective cure of the adhesive to inhibit the adhesive from exiting the aperture; and a fixture enhancement structure integrated into the wall concentrating the curing modality in each the target zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to high voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit possible excessive thermal condition of the individual battery cells and modules. A microprocessor-implemented response system for high voltage electrolysis in a battery pack an evaluator to monitor, using the microprocessor, a high voltage electrolysis flag indicative of a possible high voltage electrolysis within an enclosure including a plurality of electrically-coupled battery modules storing energy for the battery pack and a coolant distribution system disposed among and electrically isolated from the plurality of battery modules; and a remediation system, coupled to the enclosure and responsive to the possible high voltage electrolysis when the evaluator detects a likelihood of the possible high voltage electrolysis, to decrease risks associated with the possible high voltage electrolysis when operated.

Abstract: An electric vehicle drive unit includes an inverter, a gear box, an electric motor coupled to the inverter and to the gear box, a cooling jacket, and coupled to the gear box, a main coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and an external passive air bleed device. The cooling jacket has a cooling chamber and surrounds at least a portion of the electric motor. The main coolant inlet couples to the cooling jacket. The coolant outlet is located at a lower portion of the gear box. The external passive air bleed device runs between an upper portion of the cooling jacket and the coolant outlet. The inverter may couple to a first side of the gear box and the electric motor may couple to a second side of the gear box such that the inverter and the electric motor reside on opposite sides of the gear box.

Abstract: A solar panel includes a backsheet layer, a bottom encapsulant layer adjacent the backsheet layer, a plurality of photovoltaic cells adjacent the bottom encapsulant layer, a top encapsulant layer adjacent the plurality of photovoltaic cells having a plurality of louvers constructed therein to block side view of the plurality of photovoltaic cells, and a top layer adjacent the top encapsulant layer.

Abstract: A solar module is provided. The solar module includes a number of photovoltaic structures. Each photovoltaic structure has an interdigitated back contact, and the photovoltaic structures are cascaded, wherein any two adjacent structures are electrically coupled by overlapping their edges.

Abstract: A method is provided for interacting with audience members in an event, each of the potential attendees having available thereto a unique identifier. The method comprises creating, for an attendee, a unique ID (UID) on a mobile wireless device (MWD) by the steps of inputting to the MWD one of the unique identifiers, combining the obtained unique identifier with a UID time stamp at the time of creation of the UID; receiving with a server on a first wireless channel communications from the MWD; registering the UID at the physical location of the event; generating a visual query; displaying on the MWD response indicators; receiving at the server from the registered attendee a response, to the query over the first wireless channel; and storing in a database on the server the received response in association with the displayed query.

Abstract: A transistor package comprising: a substrate; a first transistor in thermal contact with the substrate, wherein the transistor comprises a gate; the substrate sintered to a heat sink through a sintered layer; an encapsulant that at least partially encapsulates the first transistor; and a Kelvin connection to the transistor gate.

Abstract: A vehicle seat restraint system includes a control system and a second-row restraint system. The control system receives a first-row seat value and a second-row seat value from seat sensors. The control system generates relative position data for a first-row seat and a second-row seat based upon the first-row seat value and the second-row seat value. The control system selects a load limiter setting value using a multidimensional load limiter model based upon body impact values as a function of load limiter setting values and the relative position data, a selected load limiter setting value outside a value avoidance zone for the body impact values. The second-row restraint system is configured by the control system with the selected load limiter setting value. The control system may also determine an occupant weight value and select the load limiter setting value using the occupant weight value.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a plurality of photovoltaic structures is provided. The apparatus can include a pair of end plates, a set of stationary posts coupling together the end plates, and a wafer-locking mechanism that can be engaged when the apparatus changes orientation. At least one stationary post can be shaped like a comb and have a first array of comb teeth for separating the photovoltaic structures. The wafer-locking mechanism can be configured to lock the photovoltaic structures in position, thereby preventing motion-induced damage to the photovoltaic structures.

Abstract: The composition described herein for the prevention of corrosion comprises: sacrificial metal particles more noble than a metal substrate to which the composition contacts; carbonaceous material that can form electrical contact between the sacrificial metal particles; and means for providing an anticorrosion coating material for the metal substrate. The composition can form a coating on a metal substrate surface. A method for applying the composition for the prevention of corrosion is also described herein.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a vehicle HVAC system includes: a housing that defines at least first and second air conduits to a vehicle interior compartment; and at least first and second heat rods that each traverses the first and second air conduits, wherein a first positive temperature coefficient along a length of the first heat rod is greater at the first air conduit than at the second air conduit, and wherein a second positive temperature coefficient along a length of the second heat rod is greater at the second air conduit than at the first air conduit.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a bifacial solar panel. The bifacial solar panel includes a first transparent cover on a first side of the solar panel, a second transparent cover on a second side of the solar panel, a plurality of solar cells sandwiched between the first cover and the second cover, and one or more lead wires for outputting power generated by the solar panel. The lead wires are positioned on an edge of the solar panel without shading the first and second sides of the solar panel. A respective solar cell comprises a photovoltaic structure, a first metal grid on the first side of the photovoltaic structure, which allows the solar cell to absorb light from the first side, and a second metal grid on the second side of the photovoltaic structure, which allows the solar cell to absorb light from the second side.

Abstract: A perforation tool for a battery enclosure system of a vehicle battery pack, comprising: an engaging tip configured to mechanically breach a thermal-control-agent-retaining enclosure of a traction battery pack including a plurality of interconnected batteries with the enclosure reinforced for mechanical protection of the batteries when installed in an electric vehicle; a port for receiving a thermal-control agent having a pressure in a range of about 5-100 psi; and a housing, coupled to the tip and to the port, wherein the tip includes an aperture and wherein the housing includes a channel communicating the port to the aperture wherein the pressurized thermal-control agent is produced at the tip at about the pressure.

Abstract: A coil former, also referred to herein as a bobbin, is provided for use in conduction-cooled magnetic components that contain an air gap. The diameter of the disclosed bobbin is increased and ribs/splines or tabs are created to keep the winding centered about the core center post while allowing thermally conductive silicone-based or equivalent encapsulant to fill the voids between the coil former and the core, the coil former and the windings and/or both depending on the placement of the locating tabs. The disclosed bobbin may be fabricated from traditional injection molding resins or from high-thermal conductivity resins. As a result of the disclosed bobbin designs, the achievable power density is increased while maintaining acceptable temperatures.

Abstract: A method of automatically adjusting the ride height of a vehicle each time the vehicle is in a particular location is provided, where the automatic ride height adjustment is based on location and ride height information previously gathered from a user.

Abstract: An electric motor includes a case, a stator that includes a stator laminaiton and end-windings, a rotor coupled to the case via at least one rotor bearing. The rotor includes a hollow cylindrical body, a first shaft portion, and a second shaft portion. The hollow cylindrical body includes an inner wall, an outer wall, a first distal end, and a second distal end. The first shaft portions couples to the first distal end and the second shaft portion couples to the second distal end. The second shaft portion includes a fluid feed tube formed therewith having a fluid receive end and a fluid feed end, the fluid feed end extending to a central inner portion of the hollow cylindrical body. A plurality of fluid exit ports adjacent the first distal end and the second distal end of the hollow cylindrical body spray fluid onto components of the stator.

Abstract: An electric motor includes a case, a stator that includes end-windings, a rotor coupled to the case via at least one rotor bearing, at least one drive motor fluid pump, and drive motor electronics. The rotor includes a hollow cylindrical body, a first shaft portion, and a second shaft portion, a fluid feed tube having a fluid receive end and a fluid feed end, the fluid feed end extending into the hollow cylindrical body, and a plurality of fluid exit ports. The drive motor electronics power the stator with or without causing rotation of the rotor. The drive motor fluid pump pumps fluid into the hollow cylindrical body via the fluid feed tube, pumps the fluid out of the plurality of fluid ports, and onto the stator end-windings to collect heat from the rotor and the stator. The heated fluid may be used for heating a battery.

Abstract: An electric motor includes a case, a stator having stator windings, a rotor having a rotor shaft, and at least one main rotor bearing coupling the rotor shaft to the case. Common mode charge builds up on the rotor due to imbalances of the stator. The at least one main rotor bearing has a first electrical resistance between the rotor shaft and the case. The electric motor further includes a rotor discharge bearing coupling the rotor shaft to the case. The rotor discharge bearing has a second electrical resistance between the rotor shaft and the case that is less than the first electrical resistance, causing the common mode charge to discharge through the rotor discharge bearing. In a differing embodiment, a rotor discharge brush coupled between the case and the rotor shaft along the longitudinal axis of the rotor shaft discharges the common mode charge.

Abstract: A method of thermally servicing a solvent-refining column comprises: running a closed-loop water-steam system past a top and bottom of a first column, the first column containing at least a solvent and impurities; boiling pressurized water in the closed-loop water-steam system to steam using first heat from the top of the first column; compressing the steam in the closed-loop water-steam system to a higher temperature; and providing second heat to the first column by condensing the steam at the bottom of the first column after compression.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode grid positioned at least on a first surface of a photovoltaic structure. The electrode grid can include a number of finger lines and an edge busbar positioned at an edge of the photovoltaic structure. The edge busbar can include one or more paste-alignment structures configured to facilitate confinement of conductive paste used for bonding the edge busbar to an opposite edge busbar of an adjacent photovoltaic structure.

Abstract: A method of managing leakage of liquid inside a battery system comprises: containing leaking liquid in a non-liquid sensitive region of the battery system so as to protect internal electrical components of the battery system from coming in contact with the leaking liquid; and in direct response to the leakage, expunging the leaking liquid from the battery system. A drain device includes: a body with a port therethrough, the body configured to be positioned in a wall of a container; means for opening the port in response to a first liquid contacting the drain device on an inside of the container; and means for resisting ingress into the container by a second liquid that contacts the drain device on an outside of the container.

Abstract: A combined gas-compressor and dehumidifier system composed of a gas compressor for compressing a first gas, a dehumidifier for dehumidifying a second gas, and a cooling system. The gas compressor is composed of (a) one or more compression stages and (b) one or more intercoolers, wherein the one or more intercoolers are connected to a cooling system. The dehumidifier for dehumidifying a second gas is composed of a first dehumidifying stage that uses a first desiccant to adsorb water from the second gas and output a second intermediate gas, a second dehumidifying stage that uses a second desiccant to adsorb water from the second intermediate gas, and a waste heat exchanger, wherein the waste heat exchanger is used to reactivate the first desiccant. The cooling system is composed of a liquid contained in connectors, and the connectors connecting the one or more intercoolers to remove heat from the gas compressor and provide the removed heat to the dehumidifier.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes: a door; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the door; a push-open actuator mounted at a rear of the door, the push-open actuator configured for pushing against a body of the vehicle; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle. A system for a vehicle includes: a front door; a rear door behind the front door, the rear door having a dual-hinge design that opens and closes in a substantially vertical direction; an electric actuating motor that opens and closes the front door, the electric actuating motor configured for actuating at a hinge of the front door; and a wireless device configured for communications to the vehicle.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module includes an optical concentrator and a tunneling-junction solar cell. The tunneling-junction solar cell includes a base layer, a quantum-tunneling-barrier (QTB) layer situated above the base layer, an emitter layer, a front-side electrode, and a back-side electrode.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing parts using a die comprising: providing a three-dimensional model; converting the three-dimensional model into G-code; executing the G-code to deposit a metal die; determining whether one or more dimensions of the metal die are within predetermined tolerance levels; based on the determination, milling the die if the one or more dimensions are not within predetermined tolerance levels or depositing additional metal if the one or more dimensions are not within predetermined tolerance levels; and synthesizing a part using the metal die.

Abstract: One or more techniques are disclosed for a method for functionalized a graphitic material comprising the steps of: 1) providing a graphitic material; 2) providing a first molecule comprising a first group, a spacer, and a second group; 3) providing a second molecule comprising a third group, a spacer, and a fourth group, wherein the third group is a different group from the first group; and 4) bonding the first molecule and the second molecule to the graphitic material. Also disclosed is a tunable material composition comprising the functionalized carbon nanotubes or functionalized graphene prepared by the methods described herein.

Abstract: One or more techniques are disclosed for a method for functionalized a graphitic material comprising the steps of: 1) providing a graphitic material; 2) providing a first molecule comprising a first group, a spacer, and a second group; 3) providing a second molecule comprising a third group, a spacer, and a fourth group, wherein said third group is a different group from said first group; and 4) bonding the first molecule and the second molecule to the graphitic material. Also disclosed is a tunable material composition comprising the functionalized carbon nanotubes or functionalized graphene prepared by the methods described herein.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a solar cell. The solar cell includes a base layer comprising crystalline Si (c-Si), a hole collector situated on a first side of the base layer, and an electron collector situated on a second side of the base layer, which is opposite the first side. The hole collector includes a quantum-tunneling-barrier (QTB) layer situated adjacent to the base layer and a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) layer situated adjacent to the QTB layer. The TCO layer has a work function of at least 5.0 eV.

Abstract: A vortex separator includes: a housing having a cylindrical chamber therein; an inlet through a mantle of the cylindrical chamber, the inlet positioned at a proximal end of the housing; a pipe that enters the housing at the proximal end and extends axially through the cylindrical chamber toward a distal end of the housing which is closed; an outlet through the mantle, the outlet positioned at the distal end; and a catch basin at the outlet.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a vehicle HVAC system includes: a housing that defines at least first and second air conduits to a vehicle interior compartment; and at least first and second heat rods that each traverses the first and second air conduits, wherein a first positive temperature coefficient along a length of the first heat rod is greater at the first air conduit than at the second air conduit, and wherein a second positive temperature coefficient along a length of the second heat rod is greater at the second air conduit than at the first air conduit.

Abstract: A method includes: determining first and second row seat values using seat sensors; generating relative position data for the seats using the values; selecting a load limiter setting value using the relative position data and a multidimensional load limiter model including at least i) body impact values as a function of at least load limiter setting values and as a function of relative position values, and ii) restraint interaction values as a function of at least the load limiter setting values and as a function of the relative position values, the load limiter setting value selected so that the load limiter setting value is outside a first value avoidance zone defined for the body impact values, and outside a second value avoidance zone for the restraint interaction values; and configuring a second row restraint system in the vehicle with the selected load limiter setting value.

Abstract: An integrated coolant bottle assembly includes a reservoir configured for use in a thermal system. Examples of such thermal systems include a cooling/heating system of a battery powered electric vehicle, electric power generators (e.g., motor-based systems), other physical plant installations, etc. Such a reservoir includes a first section and a second section. The second section is joined to the first section at a reservoir interface thereby forming the reservoir that is configured for storage and/or flow of a liquid medium. The first section may include an integrated channel that provides a pathway for the flow of the liquid medium. The reservoir may also include a component interface configured to facilitate connection of a component thereto (e.g., a pump, a battery pump, a powertrain pump, a chiller, a heater, a filter, an aerator, a valve, a connector, a fan, or a radiator).

Abstract: An energy storage system includes multiple cells, a heat pipe, a first heat transfer channel, and a second heat transfer channel. Each cell has a first end with anode and cathode terminals and a second end opposite the first end with the multiple cells arranged so that the second ends are aligned. The heat pipe has a U-shape and includes an evaporation portion having a flat evaporation surface facing the second ends of the multiple cells, a first condensation portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the evaporation portion, and a second condensation portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the evaporation portion. The first condensation portion is at a first end of the evaporation portion and the second condensation portion is at a second end of the evaporation portion. The first heat transfer channel abuts the first condensation portion and the second heat transfer channel abuts the second condensation portion.