Abstract: A method of activating a device involves establishing communication between the device and another device and receiving, at the other device, a message including activation information from a third party facility. The activation information includes a header and a mobile dialing number. The method further includes using the header to identify the message as an activation message for the device and, via the device, retrieving the identified message from the other device. The mobile dialing number is stored in a memory associated with the device, where the mobile dialing number enables the third party facility to initiate communication with the device.

Abstract: A method of coating a surface of a fuel cell plate is disclosed herein, and involves forming a sol gel mixture by mixing a weak acid and a composition including at least two metal oxide precursors. One of the metal oxide precursors is configured to be hydrolyzed by the weak acid to form a mixed metal oxide framework with an other of the metal oxide precursors having at least one organic functional group that is not hydrolyzed by the weak acid. The mixture is applied to the surface, and is condensed by exposure to air at least one predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time. The sol gel mixture is immersed in water at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time to form a porous, hydrophilic, and conductive film on the surface.

Abstract: A method for reducing non-value added time between calls serviced at a call center includes selectively enabling an after-call-work state that is configured to be activated during a call from a subscriber vehicle when an advisor at the call center indicates a need for the after-call-work state. If the advisor does not activate the after-call-work state during the call, then upon completion of the call, automatically setting an operator station of the advisor to a call ready state. If, however, the advisor activates the after-call-work state during the call, then upon completion of the call, the method includes activating the after-call-work state.

Abstract: A composition for hydrogen storage includes a source of hydrogen atoms, a receptor, and a chemical bridge formed between the source and the receptor. The chemical bridge is formed from a precursor material. The receptor is adapted to receive hydrogen spillover from the source.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and reporting telematics unit communication network system acquisition and scanning performance is disclosed herein. An example of the method includes monitoring a scan of all cellular networks that are available to a vehicle telematics unit, and during the monitoring, recognizing a predetermined trigger. In response to the predetermined trigger, a memory buffer in the telematics unit stores data associated with at least one of performance or outcome of the scan. At least some of the stored data is transmitted from the telematics unit to a server in selective communication with the telematics unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of automotive heat exchanger assemblies, and, in particular, assemblies with cores with headers and end tanks and/or male and female connections. The present invention also relates to a method of making a positive leak path to determine leaks prior to employment of heat exchanger assembles. The present invention further relates to a method of determining whether or not a leak seal is temporary by providing a positive leak path at the point of assembly or initial evaluation or testing a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method for controlling mobile communications involves identifying an operator of the mobile vehicle, where the operator is associated with the mobile communications device. The method further includes recognizing, via a telematics unit in the mobile vehicle, a first in-vehicle trigger to initiate a vehicle data upload event with a telematics service center. The vehicle data for the vehicle data upload event includes information of the mobile vehicle and of the operator of the mobile vehicle. Upon receiving the vehicle data at the telematics service center, transmitting a request from the service center to a mobile communications service provider to disable at least one of an incoming communication for the mobile communications device or an outgoing communication from the mobile communications device. The method further involves disabling the incoming and/or outgoing communication.

Abstract: A method of updating a roaming list in a mobile device is disclosed herein. The method involves detecting an occurrence of an event via a processor at a back-end system, generating a trigger in response to the detecting of the occurrence of the event, and recognizing, by the processor, the trigger as a roaming list update trigger. The method further includes identifying the mobile device, via the processor, as requiring a roaming list update based on the recognizing of the roaming list update trigger, and transmitting, via a wireless connection, the updated roaming list from the back-end system to the identified mobile device.

Abstract: A method for staffing a call center involves, via a processor at the call center, generating a work schedule of a call center advisor for a then-current work day, the work schedule including i) information related to at least one planned activity, and ii) information related to at least one shrink activity, the information related to the at least one shrink activity being forecasted from a time-based, graduated ramp schedule. The method further involves, via the processor, utilizing the work schedule to determine an appropriate number of call center advisors for the call center throughout a future work day.

Abstract: A system for heating and cooling a vehicle includes a solar panel disposed on a surface of a vehicle and a thermoelectric unit i) disposed on or in an internal surface disposed in a cabin area of the vehicle, and ii) operatively connected to the solar panel. The thermoelectric unit is configured to heat and/or cool the internal surface in response to electric current applied thereto from the solar panel. The system further includes a control unit operatively associated with the thermoelectric unit. The control unit is configured to determine the amount and direction of the electric current to be applied to the thermoelectric unit based on i) a measured ambient temperature, ii) a measured temperature of the internal surface, and iii) a user-preferred reference temperature.

Abstract: A clinching method includes establishing a first layer on a second layer. The first layer has an aperture formed therein and is thinner than the second layer. A rotating punch is engaged with the second layer through the aperture in the first layer, thereby generating frictional heat and softening the second layer. The rotating punch is configured with at least a first diameter, a shoulder, and a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The rotating punch is pressed into the softened second layer, thereby causing at least some of the second layer to: back extrude through an annulus defined by the aperture in the first layer and at least one of the diameters of the punch; contact the shoulder of the rotating punch; and extend onto a surface of the first layer adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: An interactive information dissemination and retrieval system is disclosed herein. The system includes a website configured to host a blog and to receive at least one blog post. An information retrieval reporting system is configured to i) extract a first set of tags from the blog and a second set of tags from the at least one blog post and ii) recognize a semantic relationship between the first and second sets of tags. At least one analyzer is included in the system and is configured to analyze the semantic relationship and generate at least one action item based on the semantic relationship. Method(s) for generating action item(s) are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of treating carbon fibers includes introducing a functional group to a carbon fiber surface, and reacting the functional group with a silane to incorporate a silanol moiety to the carbon fiber surface. The functional group is chosen from amine groups, carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups, and/or carbonyl groups. Also disclosed herein are a fiber-reinforced resin and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A method of controlling corrosion at an interface formed between at least two metal components includes applying a blend of magnesium particles and one of an adhesive or a sealant to the interface. The magnesium particles have a diameter sufficient to span a distance between the metal components. The method further includes exposing the metal components to a substantially corrosive environment, where the corrosive environment at least partially dissolves the magnesium particles. At least partial dissolution of the magnesium particles i) cathodically protects the metal components at the interface, ii) alkalizes the corrosive environment, and iii) generates hydrogen bubbles that substantially block a crevice formed at the interface.

Abstract: Porous materials and methods for forming them are disclosed. One method for immobilizing micro-particles and/or nano-particles onto internal pore surfaces and/or external pore surfaces of porous materials includes suspending the micro-particles and/or nano-particles in a liquid adapted to swell, soften, and/or deform either the porous materials and/or the particles, thereby forming a liquid-particle suspension. The method further includes adding the suspension to the porous materials; and removing the liquid, thereby forming the porous materials having the micro-particles and/or nano-particles immobilized on the internal pore surfaces and/or the external pore surfaces.

Abstract: A system for mounting a control valve on an engine includes an engine head operatively disposed on a cylinder block of the engine. The engine head has one or more open receptacles. A retainer is operatively configured to hold the control valve in the open receptacle. The retainer is further configured to be removeably engaged with the open receptacle. The retainer is co-axial with the open receptacle.

Abstract: Methods of reducing corrosion between magnesium and another metal are disclosed herein. In one method, a corrosion protection material is cold sprayed at an interface formed between the magnesium and the other metal, the corrosion protection material including magnesium. In another method, a cladding layer is applied to heat affected areas of the magnesium and/or the other metal, at a welded joint, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A self-attaching fastener and panel assembly wherein the free open end of the tubular barrel portion is coined, collapsed axially, flattened and deformed radially inwardly and outwardly and axially against a panel surrounding the panel opening. The method of installation includes driving the free end of the tubular barrel portion against a substantially planar die surface, deforming an end portion radially, then collapsing an intermediate portion over the radially deformed end portion, flattening the end portion, substantially thickening the tubular barrel portion and forming an annular surface engaging and supporting the panel surrounding the opening. The die member includes an annular moat surrounding a central die post and a planar die surface extending generally perpendicular to the axis of the die button.

Abstract: A fluid includes a liquid medium having iron particles mixed therein. An organic phosphonate based coating is established on the iron particles. The organic phosphonate based coating does not substantially include phosphonic acid groups at an outer surface thereof, and increases oxidation resistance of the iron particles. A method of making such a liquid medium is also disclosed herein.