Abstract: A method of anodizing a coil comprised of wire having a copper core and a layer of a metal formed on the core is disclosed. The metal has electrically insulating characteristics when anodized. Two variations of the method are provided. In the first variation the metal-clad wire is partially anodized prior to being wound on a spool to form a coil. Once the partially anodized wire is wound onto a spool the coiled wire is anodized to complete anodization. The anodized coiled wire may be rinsed to remove residual electrolytic material. In the second variation the metal-clad wire is wound on a spool to form a coil. The coiled wire is then anodized. The method of the disclosed invention reduces or entirely eliminates the presence of micro cracks in the oxide layer. The resulting coil may be used in motors, electromagnets, generators, alternators and subsystems for the same.

Abstract: An insulated electric conductor and method for making such a conductor are disclosed. The conductor comprises a copper core, a layer of aluminum formed over the copper core, an aluminum oxide dielectric layer formed over the layer of aluminum, and a thin polymeric layer formed over said aluminum oxide dielectric layer. The thin polymeric layer is preferably between about 30 microns (0.001?) and about 500 microns (0.02?) and is more preferably between about 45 microns (0.0015?) and about 250 microns (0.01?). The polymeric layer may be any polymeric material selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, and silicone resins. Other polymeric materials may be used. The polymeric layer may be formed by a variety of methods including, but not limited to, spraying, brushing, dipping, and powder coating.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling ventilation of a passenger compartment of a vehicle. An intake vent may be opened to allow ambient air to enter the passenger compartment and an exhaust vent may be opened to allow cabin air to exit the passenger compartment when the cabin air temperature is greater than the adjusted ambient air temperature value and a precipitation condition is not present.

Abstract: A vehicle's front windshield's defrost airflow control system regulates the pattern of defrost airflow over the front windshield, and partially directs the defrost air towards rear portions of the vehicle. A number of suction ports provided over the front windshield's periphery, suck the defrost air discharged over the front windshield. A conduit communicates directs the sucked defrost air over the top of the front side glass, the rear side glass, and the rear windshield of the vehicle. A suction blower positioned within the conduit, enables suction of the defrost air through the suction ports, and guides the sucked air through a number of discharge ports mounted over the front side glass, the rear side glass and the rear windshield. The system enables defrost effect over the side glass and the rear windshield of the vehicle, and prevents penetration of defrost air into the eyes of the front occupant.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a central portion connected to the steering column for rotation about an axis, and a rim extending around the central portion. A steering wheel includes a passageway extending through portions of the steering wheel. A plurality of spaced apart rings are disposed on the rim, and a plurality of N-type and P-type thermoelectric (“TE”) elements are disposed on the rings. The thermoelectric elements may comprise Peltier devices in the form of relatively thin plate-like units having generally planar opposite surfaces, and rectangular perimeters. An electrical conductor interconnects the P-type and N-type elements in series. The steering wheel includes first and second thermal conductors thermally connected to inner and outer surfaces of the thermoelectric elements. An air circulation device moves air through the passageway to cool the rim of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for an interior of a motor vehicle having a temperature control loop circulating a heat-exchange fluid to a drivetrain component. A thermoelectric heat-pump (Peltier device) is disposed in the vehicle to heat or cool the desired area, and a fluid comfort control loop exchanges heat with the thermoelectric heat-pump and with the drivetrain temperature control loop, increasing the net amount of heating or cooling that can be delivered to the desired location by the thermoelectric heat-pump. The comfort control loop may branch from the drivetrain loop and carry a portion of the heat-exchange fluid carried in the drivetrain loop. Alternatively, the comfort control loop may carry a second heat-exchange fluid that remains separate from the heat-exchange fluid of the drivetrain loop and exchanges heat therewith in a heat exchanger.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a hydrogen storage system and a heat storage system is provided. The hydrogen storage system is configured to store hydrogen and to deliver a first heated fluid stream to an electrical generation system that generates a second heated fluid stream and electrical energy in response to the first heated fluid stream. The heat storage system includes a phase change material. The heat storage system is in fluid communication with the electrical generation system to deliver heat from the second heated fluid stream to a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: An insulated assembly of insulated electric conductors includes a first plurality of insulated electric conductors. Each insulated electric conductor has a copper core, a uniform thickness thin sheet of aluminum that is mechanically formed to envelope the copper core and a single dielectric layer of aluminum oxide that is formed by anodizing an outer surface of the thin sheet of aluminum. A first aluminum layer is mechanically formed to envelope the first plurality of insulated electric conductors and a first single dielectric layer of aluminum oxide surrounds the first aluminum layer.

Abstract: An insulated assembly of insulated electric conductors includes a first plurality of insulated electric conductors. Each insulated electric conductor has a copper core, a uniform thickness thin sheet of aluminum that is mechanically formed to envelope the copper core and a single dielectric layer of aluminum oxide that is formed by anodizing an outer surface of the thin sheet of aluminum. A first aluminum layer is mechanically formed to envelope the first plurality of insulated electric conductors and a first single dielectric layer of aluminum oxide surrounds the first aluminum layer.