Abstract: A computing device in a vehicle can determine an occupant type, location and orientation and determine intensity and direction of sunlight. The computing device can tint one or more portions of vehicle windows based on the occupant type, location and orientation and the strength and direction of sunlight.

Abstract: A method of assembling components of a vehicle is provided that includes locating a node relative to an adjoining component, measuring at least one geometrical feature of the node or the adjoining component, 3D printing an assembly adjustment member based on the measuring, and placing the assembly adjustment member proximate at least one of the node or the adjoining component. The assembly adjustment member is configured to allow relative movement between the node and the adjoining component for subsequent processing operations.

Abstract: A method of assembling components of a vehicle is provided that includes locating a node (20) relative to an adjoining component (22), measuring at least one geometrical feature of the node or the adjoining component, 3D printing an assembly adjustment member (24) based on the measuring, and placing the assembly adjustment member proximate at least one of the node or the adjoining component. The assembly adjustment member is configured to allow relative movement between the node and the adjoining component for subsequent processing operations.

Abstract: A computing device in a vehicle can determine an occupant type, location and orientation and determine intensity and direction of sunlight. The computing device can tint one or more portions of vehicle windows based on the occupant type, location and orientation and the strength and direction of sunlight.

Abstract: A method of assembling components of a vehicle is provided that includes locating a node (20) relative to an adjoining component (22), measuring at least one geometrical feature of the node or the adjoining component, 3D printing an assembly adjustment member (24) based on the measuring, and placing the assembly adjustment member proximate at least one of the node or the adjoining component. The assembly adjustment member is configured to allow relative movement between the node and the adjoining component for subsequent processing operations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for infrared sensor arrays for monitoring vehicle occupants and windows. An example vehicle includes a side window and an infrared sensor array. The infrared sensor array includes first pixels of measurement resolution to monitor an occupant and second pixels of measurement resolution to monitor the side window. The example vehicle also includes a cabin environment controller to detect, via the first pixels, whether a body temperature of the occupant is outside a predetermined temperature range and detect, via the second pixels, whether fog is on the side window.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for infrared sensor arrays for monitoring vehicle occupants and windows. An example vehicle includes a side window and an infrared sensor array. The infrared sensor array includes first pixels of measurement resolution to monitor an occupant and second pixels of measurement resolution to monitor the side window. The example vehicle also includes a cabin environment controller to detect, via the first pixels, whether a body temperature of the occupant is outside a predetermined temperature range and detect, via the second pixels, whether fog is on the side window.

Abstract: A system for generating power for an electric sub-assembly of a motor vehicle may include at least one reverse electrowetting energy harvesting element coupled to a tire of the motor vehicle. The system may further include at least one controller configured to accumulate electric energy generated by the at least one reverse electrowetting energy harvesting element and supply the accumulated electric energy to at least one sub-assembly mounted on the tire.

Abstract: A system for generating power for an electric sub-assembly of a motor vehicle may include at least one reverse electrowetting energy harvesting element coupled to a tire of the motor vehicle. The system may further include at least one controller configured to accumulate electric energy generated by the at least one reverse electrowetting energy harvesting element and supply the accumulated electric energy to at least one sub-assembly mounted on the tire.

Abstract: A method includes mixing a filler including silica and a bio-based oil including a soy polyol to form a filler mixture, and mixing the filler mixture with an elastomer to form an elastomeric composition. The weight ratio of silica to the soy polyol is 1.5 to 2.5. The elastomer is present in an amount less than 25 weight percent of the elastomeric composition.

Abstract: A method includes mixing a filler including silica and a bio-based oil including a soy polyol to form a filler mixture, and mixing the filler mixture with an elastomer to form an elastomeric composition. The weight ratio of silica to the soy polyol is 1.5 to 2.5. The elastomer is present in an amount less than 25 weight percent of the elastomeric composition.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a filler composition includes a filler including silica; and a bio-based oil contacting the filler and including at least one soy polyol, wherein an elastomer, if present, is less than 25 weight percent of the total weight of the filler composition. The filler composition does not contain appreciable amount of petroleum oil, which if present, is less than 25 weight percent of the filler composition. The filler composition does not contain appreciable amount of epoxidized oil which, if present, is less than 25 weight percent of the total weight of the filler composition. The soy polyol may include a hydroxyl number of from 10 to 350 KOH/g. The bio-based oil may further include soy oil.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a composition includes a thermoplastic resin and a softened rubber. The rubber ranges from 5 wt. % to 75 wt. % of the resin. The softened synthetic rubber comprises a rubber, a paraffinic oil, and a fatty-acid-containing material. The paraffinic oil ranges from 15 wt. % to 40 wt. % of the rubber. The fatty-acid-containing material ranges from 5 wt. % to 16 wt. % of the weight of the rubber.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a rubber composition is provided. In at least one embodiment, the rubber composition comprises a rubber, an oil blend of a petroleum oil and a bio-based oil, the bio-based oil being non-hydroxyl-functionalized, hydroxyl-functionalized, or combinations thereof; and a filler. In certain instances, the bio-based oil includes a soy oil. In certain other instances, the soy oil is hydroxyl-functionalized having a hydroxyl number of from 10 to 350 KOH/g, 40 to 150 KOH/g, or 25 to 200 KOH/g. According to at least another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising providing a rubber composition as described herein and molding the rubber composition to form the rubber article.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a rubber composition is provided. In at least one embodiment, the rubber composition comprises a rubber, an oil blend of a petroleum oil and a bio-based oil, the bio-based oil being non-hydroxyl-functionalized, hydroxyl-functionalized, or combinations thereof; and a filler. In certain instances, the bio-based oil includes a soy oil. In certain other instances, the soy oil is hydroxyl-functionalized having a hydroxyl number of from 10 to 350 KOH/g, 40 to 150 KOH/g, or 25 to 200 KOH/g. According to at least another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising providing a rubber composition as described herein and molding the rubber composition to form the rubber article.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a composition includes a thermoplastic resin and a softened rubber. The rubber ranges from 5 wt. % to 75 wt. % of the resin. The softened synthetic rubber comprises a rubber, a paraffinic oil, and a fatty-acid-containing material. The paraffinic oil ranges from 15 wt. % to 40 wt. % of the rubber. The fatty-acid-containing material ranges from 5 wt. % to 16 wt. % of the weight of the rubber.

Abstract: An automobile interior component including a support layer formed of a foam material and being generally covered by a cover layer, and a film layer generally disposed between the support and cover layers to prevent a selected portion of the foam material from directly contacting the cover layer during manufacture of the interior component, and/or allow placement of the cover layer on a selected portion of the support layer upon application of a vacuum within the film layer. The support, film and/or cover layers may be formed of biodegradable and/or renewable materials. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the aforementioned automobile interior component.