Abstract: Some die cast aluminum alloy articles have internal cylindrical surfaces such as the round internal cylinder surfaces of a cylinder block for an internal combustion engine. During casting solidification molten aluminum alloys shrink against the metallic permanent mold tools used to mold and define such internal surfaces, and tend to stick to the tool surfaces making it difficult to remove the casting. The tendency of some aluminum casting alloys to solder to the tool can further intensify sticking. In this invention, an aluminum alloy sleeve is placed on and over the tool surface before casting and the sleeve isolates the tool from the molten aluminum. The sleeve becomes bonded to the casting and facilitates removal of the casting from the tool. The sleeve may be (and preferably is) fully machined from the internal casting surface. The sleeve may be of the same composition as the casting, in which case handling and recycling of machining chips would be facilitated.

Abstract: A method of monitoring verticality of a sinking caisson having a tip. A pole is inserted into the earth to a pole depth substantially corresponding to a desired final depth of the caisson tip, one or more levels are coupled to the pole, and an elevation of the levels(s) is established. Scales are carried on an interior surface of the caisson in spaced circumferential locations and in reference to the caisson tip, and the level(s) is applied to the scales to indicate heights from the caisson tip corresponding to the circumferential locations of the scales. Tip elevations corresponding to the circumferential locations of the scales are determined by subtracting the indicated heights from the established elevation of the level(s). Any tilt of the caisson is calculated from any differences among the determined tip elevations.

Abstract: In one implementation, a bracket includes a body having a first connection feature and a second connection feature each adapted to retain a separate portion of a component. The first connection feature is rotationally misaligned relative to the second connection feature so that a portion of the component is received in a first direction in the first opening and then the component is moved in a second direction to receive another portion in the second opening. In one form, the connection features include openings that are arranged such that one portion of the component is first slidably received in the first opening, and then the component is rotated generally about the portion received in the first opening so that another portion of the component can be received in the second opening.

Abstract: A thermoelectric augmented fuel cell system is disclosed. The system includes a fuel cell stack for generating electrical power and a thermoelectric unit provided in thermal contact with the fuel cell stack for receiving thermal energy from the fuel cell stack and generating additional electrical power.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (333) for measuring the sound-intensity vector in a half space bounded by a surface such as a wall or the ground (100) using an acoustic vector probe (AVP) (40), where the AVP consists of four small omnidirectional microphones (1, 2, 3 and 4) supported on narrow straight tubes at the vertices of an imaginary regular tetrahedron. The tubes are attached perpendicularly to a ring (42) with the microphones all pointing into the half space. The sound-intensity vector measured by the AVP determines the direction of a sound source within the half space. Interference from echoes caused by reflections from the boundary of the half space and from surrounding objects on the boundary can be reduced by attaching a concave solid structure (55) to the base of the AVP at the supporting ring (42). The inside of the concave structure is lined with absorbing material (65) to reduce interference by reflections from the structure.

Abstract: A system and method for providing user-initiated vehicle diagnostic testing and reporting in a telematics-enabled vehicle. In the method, a request for a vehicle diagnostic test is received from the driver through a user interface of a telematics unit on the vehicle. A simplified initial diagnostic check is made and a first voice message is played for the driver that provides information concerning any detected vehicle problem. The method then undergoes a more complete diagnostic check and the resulting diagnostic information is used to select and play a second voice message that provides instructions for taking corrective action to fix the detected problem. Communication with a live advisor is also provided by way of a cellular or other wireless carrier system.

Abstract: A method for obtaining vehicle-related data from a vehicle equipped with a telematics unit and making that data temporarily available to a third party that has been approved by an authorized user, such as the vehicle owner. This enables the authorized user to decide which third parties, if any at all, are to receive vehicle-related data so that they may take advantage of any promotions or other services that are offered by the third parties. The vehicle-related data is preferably maintained on a temporary basis so that after the occurrence of an event, such as the expiration of a predetermined period of time or after the authorized third party has already accessed the vehicle-related data, the data is deleted.

Abstract: A novel method of altering extruded membrane films for PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells in such a manner that the membrane films swell substantially uniformly in both the in-plane x and y directions when immersed in water or ionomer solution is disclosed. The invention includes cutting a membrane film from an extruded membrane sheet in a diagonal orientation with respect to the membrane process direction of the membrane sheet. The membrane film exhibits reduced internal stress as compared to conventionally-prepared membrane films and allows a more even distribution of pressure in a fuel cell stack, thereby reducing the incidence of swollen membrane-induced failure mechanisms in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A system and method for asynchronous data communication over a cellular communications network that allows the transmission of different types of data frames over a voice channel using a vocoder. The data frames include a synchronization signal and data segment, with the synchronization signal being selected in accordance with an attribute of the data segment so that, upon receipt of the data frame, the synchronization signal can be used by the demodulating modem to determine not only where the data segment begins, but also to identify what type of data segment is in the received data frame. The synchronization signals used have low cross-correlation and an auto-correlation function that approximates a unit impulse function to provide reliable transmission through the vocoder.

Abstract: An internal coolant circulation system and method of homogenizing waste heat in a fuel cell stack using homogenous thermal coolant cycling is disclosed. The method includes operating a fuel cell stack, distributing a coolant through the fuel cell stack, terminating operation of the fuel cell stack, retaining the coolant in the fuel cell stack and circulating the coolant throughout the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A vehicle maintenance event reporting system and method that utilizes a vehicle email notification system in which triggers are used to initiate the generation and transmission of email messages that provide diverse types of dynamic vehicle information to the owner or other authorized subscriber. The email notifications are triggered by different events, some of which are independent of the vehicle (e.g., a monthly trigger), and others of which occur at the vehicle, such as a mileage or low oil life trigger. The notification system builds and sends to the subscriber an email message that contains the dynamic vehicle information. Maintenance service events such as an oil change reset are detected and used to trigger email reporting to the subscriber as well as to transmit the oil change reset event back to a central data system where it is included in a vehicle maintenance record.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic (PV) module(s) is arranged in series and/or parallel electrical connection to deliver direct current electrical power to an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen. The electric power is delivered by the array at its maximum power point (Vmpp) to deliver Ioper at Voper for the electrolyzer. The arrangement of the PV modules in the array, or the arrangement of cells in the electrolyzer, is continually monitored and controlled by an automatic controller system to operate the PV and electrolyzer systems at or near their respective maximum efficiencies. A DC-DC converter may be used to adjust the Vmpp to the operating voltage of the electrolyzer.

Abstract: There is provided a pressure-responsive device (40) suitable for use in an inhaler, the pressure-responsive device (40) comprising a closed frame (42) over which is fixed a membrane (44), a tongue (46) being supported on the membrane (44). Two upstanding wings (50) are integrally moulded with the tongue (46) and incorporate square apertures (52). A method of manufacturing the pressure-responsive device (40) is also provided.

Abstract: Compositions including a base resin, a reinforcement and a modifier including a block copolymer for producing vesicles, spherical and/or cylindrical micelles and composites made therefrom.

Abstract: A downward illumination assembly for directing light downward from the ceiling area of a room. A lamp housing has an open lower end positionable adjacent an opening in a ceiling panel. A power supply module is removably supported in an installed position on the housing. The power supply module carries a lamp socket such that, when the power supply module is in the installed position, a lamp plugged into the lamp socket is disposed in a position to radiate light out the lower end of the lamp housing and through an opening in a ceiling panel that the housing is mounted on. The power supply module is removable interiorly of the lamp housing through the open lower end of the lamp housing.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a housing and a core having a shell. The shell may have an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of opposed side walls interconnecting the upper and lower walls to define at least part of an enclosure in which a fluid may be received. The housing may have an upper plate adjacent to the upper wall, a lower plate adjacent to the lower wall and a pair of side plates each adjacent to a separate one of the side walls. The upper plate may be connected to the lower plate and the side plates may be connected together to support the upper wall, lower wall and side walls of the shell. The support provided by the housing may, in at least some applications, permit use of a lower strength and less expensive shell.

Abstract: A process including coating a fuel cell component using a coating solution including nanoparticles.

Abstract: A cultivar of Miscanthus sinensis called ‘Tiger Tail.’ This cultivar is characterized by its long green leaves banded by yellow portions. It is tall in stature with thick, strict culms giving it an appearance of being tall and leafy throughout the growing season. The culms are green and less visible due to its color being similar to the leaf color.