Abstract: A pneumatic shade includes a plurality of slats, a plurality of first fold members, and a plurality of second fold members. Each slat is elongated and includes and spans laterally between opposite longitudinal edges. Each of the first- and second-fold members are elongated and co-extend longitudinally with the slats. Each first fold member is attached to longitudinal edges of the respective adjacent slats. Each second fold member is attached to longitudinal edges of respective adjacent slats and are alternatingly orientated with respect to the first fold members such that each slat spans laterally between a respective first fold member and second fold member. Each of the first fold members and the second fold members are adapted to move between a folded state and an unfolded state upon application of pressurized air.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a foam in a conduit comprises extruding a metal conduit. A metal foam powder is injected into a cavity of the metal conduit. The metal foam powder is activated to form a metal foam in the cavity of the metal conduit. A device for producing a foamed metal comprises an extruder that comprises one or more screws for extruding a metal through a die to form a conduit. The die comprises a plurality of ports for injecting a metal foam powder into a central hollow cavity or a wall cavity of the conduit. The device comprises a pressurizing section for increasing pressure on the metal foam powder and a thermal section for increasing the temperature of the metal foam powder to facilitate its expansion into a metal foam.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a foam in a conduit comprises extruding a metal conduit. A metal foam powder is injected into a cavity of the metal conduit. The metal foam powder is activated to form a metal foam in the cavity of the metal conduit. A device for producing a foamed metal comprises an extruder that comprises one or more screws for extruding a metal through a die to form a conduit. The die comprises a plurality of ports for injecting a metal foam powder into a central hollow cavity or a wall cavity of the conduit. The device comprises a pressurizing section for increasing pressure on the metal foam powder and a thermal section for increasing the temperature of the metal foam powder to facilitate its expansion into a metal foam.

Abstract: A method to join three panels together for a motor vehicle includes one or more of the following: layering the three panels, the three panels including a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel, the second panel being positioned between the first panel and the third panel, the third panel having a higher electrical conductivity than the first panel and the second panel; joining the first panel and the second panel together; and joining the third panel to the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: A pneumatic shade includes a plurality of slats, a plurality of first fold members, and a plurality of second fold members. Each slat is elongated and includes and spans laterally between opposite longitudinal edges. Each of the first- and second-fold members are elongated and co-extend longitudinally with the slats. Each first fold member is attached to longitudinal edges of the respective adjacent slats. Each second fold member is attached to longitudinal edges of respective adjacent slats and are alternatingly orientated with respect to the first fold members such that each slat spans laterally between a respective first fold member and second fold member. Each of the first fold members and the second fold members are adapted to move between a folded state and an unfolded state upon application of pressurized air.

Abstract: A method for bonding metal workpieces includes: (a) heating a plurality of metal workpieces until the metal workpieces are fully annealed; (b) applying pressure to the metal workpieces to compress the metal workpieces together while the metal workpieces are still heated until the metal workpieces fuse together; and (c) actively cooling the metal workpieces while the metal workpieces are compressed together to join the metal workpieces together.

Abstract: A vehicle roof panel attachment assembly includes a substructure, a fastening device, a roof panel, and a side panel. The fastening device is engaged to the substructure and projects through an opening in the substructure. The roof panel includes a top portion spaced above the substructure, a flange, and a bend feature disposed between the top portion and the flange. The flange projects, at least in-part, downward from the bend feature and is engaged to the fastening device. The side panel includes an outer segment and an inner segment projecting, at least in-part, downward from the outer segment. A seam is carried by and between the bend feature and the inner segment.