Abstract: A molding method includes inserting a preform having a predetermined part shape into an external mold having the predetermined part shape. The preform has therein a perforated shape memory polymer mandrel in its temporary shape, and a bladder positioned within the perforated shape memory polymer mandrel. The shape memory polymer mandrel has i) the predetermined part shape as the temporary shape and ii) a shrunken shape as its permanent shape, wherein the shrunken shape is configured such that it is removable from the predetermined part shape. The method further includes configuring the bladder such that it substantially blocks perforations of the mandrel in its temporary shape, injecting resin into the external mold between an inner surface of the external mold and an outer surface of the preform such that the resin impregnates the preform, and curing the injected resin, thereby forming a molded part.

Abstract: A method of tracking short-range wireless communication in a vehicle. The method includes tracking a total usage time of a short-range wireless connection between a telematics unit and a portable wireless communication device, sending the tracked total usage time from the telematics unit to a call center via a wireless connection and generating a usage bill at the call center based on the total usage time.

Abstract: A decoupled mono tube damper assembly includes an outer tube attached to a vehicle's unsprung mass. The outer tube has a base and a sleeve end. An outer tube sleeve engaging end of an inner tube is slidingly engaged with the sleeve end. The inner tube has an end distal to the sleeve engaging end, and is attached to the vehicle's sprung mass at the distal end. A damper rod has one opposed end extending axially into a base aperture, and an opposed end connecting to the inner tube. The rod moves axially relative to the outer tube. A low amplitude energy-managing member is operatively disposed within the outer tube, and has a throughbore receiving the rod. A travel-limiting member attaches to the rod and is engageable with the energy-managing member to constrain axial movement of the rod through the outer tube base to a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A ventilating air and airflow control in a ventilating, heating or air conditioning system is provided. A structure and method to provide air flow mixture via an air mixer structure or ‘baffle’ located within a blend door are provided. The simplified HVAC unit provides a baffle/blend door assembly comprising an air mixer structure wherein the attachment means of baffle and barrel door is such that it provides for ease of assembly. The baffle/barrel door assembly provides for smaller packaging volume with the same functionality as larger HVAC units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions useful in production of plastic or resin based parts or component applications, especially those applicable to the automotive industry. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a composition comprising at least one hollow or essentially hollow sphere or spheroidal shaped material, such as glass bubble, is found in a matrix comprised of a plastic or resin or plastic or resin like material, and is used in forming parts or components useful for automotive applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arrangement of devices, and, in particular doors, in the architecture of HVAC units. Where space is a consideration, having doors that are common and/or that can be used or nested in a common operative space, reduce the need of inventory of different parts, and allow for use of smaller interior HVAC space volumes in HVAC units.

Abstract: An improved heat exchanger for an automotive vehicle, comprising at least one end tank; and at least two heat exchangers including a plurality of spaced apart metal tubes with fins between the spaced tubes. The heat exchangers are preferentially disposed so that their respective tubes and fins are generally co-planar with each other and are connected to the end tank. In preferred embodiments, the heat exchanger may include a radiator element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heat exchanger for transferring heat between at least two fluids and a method for forming the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger preferably includes one or more end tanks, one or more inlets and outlets, one or more tubes, one or more fins, and one or more improved baffle combinations including at least one single piece double baffle. The improved single piece double baffles act as part of a baffle system, with advantages over multiple-piece only double baffle systems due to being assembled in one piece.

Abstract: A marker molecule for monitoring cleaving enzyme activity is disclosed. The marker molecule includes a protein, a peptide, or an oligonucleotide. A co-factor is conjugated to the protein, the peptide, or the oligonucleotide, thereby forming a co-factor labeled protein, a co-factor labeled peptide, or a co-factor labeled oligonucleotide. The co-factor is adapted to produce an enzymatic signal that is optically detectable.

Abstract: A door decelerator system reduces or prevents undesirable limits of audible door noise in an HVAC unit. The system includes a door, movable between end or stop positions; and a kinematics lever connected to the door at a common axis of rotation or the kinematics lever having a deceleration axis common with the door, the kinematics lever having a deflection area incorporated therein. A rigid rib is incorporated in a housing of the HVAC unit, the rigid rib disposed in compressive contact with the deflection area at least as the kinematics lever reaches an end of travel. The deflection area is physically separable from the rigid rib.

Abstract: Optimized designs of heat exchangers, and, in particular, heat exchangers and assemblies comprising multi-exchangers or combo coolers comprising different heat exchanger parts or elements, and fins or separators of different types and/or characteristics on the different tube parts of the heat exchanger results, are disclosed. The two part heat exchanger is capable of being traversed by different fluids, and fins differ in characteristics, such as height and pitch, to increase overall heat exchanger efficiency.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly includes a core with a header, an end tank and a joint between the header and the end tank. A seal between the header and the end tank is in an area at the joint between the header and the end tank. The seal normally produces a permanent seal except when a misalignment of the seal at the joint between the header and the end tank produces a temporary seal. At least one groove or channel is defined in the header or the end tank at the joint between the header and the end tank, for detecting the temporary seal. The at least one groove or channel extends beyond a highest point at which the temporary seal is formed. The groove or channel functions as a positive leak path between the temporary seal and the header and/or the end tank in the area at the joint between the header and the end tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automotive heat exchanger assemblies that can withstand high environmental temperature and pressures conditions. By providing a tube strengthener inserted into the tubes at the areas of highest stress, the heat exchanger assembly is strengthened to be efficient under typical operating conditions.

Abstract: A method for reducing contaminants during synthesis of pentachlorophenol includes providing a phenol-based starting material and a catalyst, which form a reaction mixture. A chlorine flow is introduced so that it is in contact with the reaction mixture, and the starting material and chlorine are reacted via a temperature-programmed reaction. The chlorine flow is terminated at a predetermined temperature prior to an end of the temperature-programmed reaction and/or at a point where the yield of pentachlorophenol is less than about 95%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to distribution of conditioned air from automotive HVAC units, in particularly, distribution systems having both front and rear components. In particular, the present invention improves the temperature characteristics of the rear floor area of distribution in the cockpit, cab or passenger compartment, in a variety of temperature modes. By providing for a valving or closing off means on a rear distribution door, regulation and adjustment of the stratification and temperature of air reaching the rear, and especially, the rear floor area of the cockpit, cab or passenger compartment, is achieved by blocking or closing off a channel between the heater core area of the HVAC and the distribution system.

Abstract: A method for lubricating a metal workpiece during a metalworking process includes delivering supercritical carbon dioxide to the workpiece during the metalworking process. The supercritical carbon dioxide acts as a lubricant, coolant, chip evacuator, and/or carrier for another lubricant or corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A structure to provide air flow an mixture in an HVAC unit utilizing a separate piece air deflector located within the lower housing of the HVAC unit and ribs to direct airflow, the separate piece air deflector configured to cause air deflection and airflow towards the distribution area of the unit.

Abstract: Control panel architectures, and, specifically, architectures having bulb assemblies as features, particular those in control panels used in motor vehicle applications, are disclosed. By providing restricting means such as for leg features as part of the control panel assay, bulb assemblies are more resistant to damage to the bulb globe or filaments, or other elements, due to the effect of undesired movement or vibration that occurs in motorized vehicles.

Abstract: A material includes a surface and a reactive agent that is located at the surface of the material, covalently attached to a backbone of the material, and/or located within the material. The reactive agent has nitrite reductase activity, nitrate reductase activity, and/or nitrosothiol reductase activity. The reactive agent also converts at least one of nitrites, nitrates and nitrosothiols to nitric oxide when in contact with blood. A reproducible nitrosothiol sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Modified porous materials are disclosed having interconnected, complexly shaped three-dimensional surfaces. The modification is accomplished by crosslinking the three-dimensional surfaces and/or by coating the three-dimensional surfaces with a layer of a predetermined material. The porous materials are macro structures including at least one of nano-features, micro-features, and combinations thereof. The modifying accomplishes changing surface properties of the porous materials, changing the three-dimensional surfaces, and/or rendering the porous materials substantially stable in a predetermined environment.