Abstract: Methods for making a negative electrode material for use in an electrochemical cell, like a lithium ion battery, are provided. The electroactive material includes a functionalized surface having a grafted reactive group (e.g., an amino group, a carboxyl group, an anhydride group, and the like). The electrically conductive material includes a functionalized surface having a grafted reactive group (e.g., an amino group, a carboxyl group, and the like). The functionalized electroactive material and the functionalized electrically conductive material is admixed and reacted with at least one binder precursor having a reactive group (e.g., an amino group, an anhydride group, and the like). A porous solid electrode material is thus formed. Negative electrodes are also provided, which provide significant performance benefits and reduce the issues associated with capacity fade, diminished electrochemical cell performance, cracking, and short lifespan associated with conventional silicon anode materials.

Abstract: A vehicle communication test system is described that includes a diagnostic computer having a computer program product stored thereon. The program product includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium for the diagnostic computer that includes an application software program stored on the computer-readable medium that includes instructions adapted to validate encrypted messages transmitted over a network connection in a vehicle. The instructions include: performing an initialization sequence that includes receiving initialization data at the diagnostic computer, wherein the initialization data is associated with a plurality of vehicle system modules (VSMs) which are coupled together via the vehicle network connection; receiving as a data input at the diagnostic computer an encrypted message transmitted over the network connection; and based on the initialization data, determining at the diagnostic computer whether the received encrypted message is valid.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a foldable scooter comprising a first frame component, wherein the first frame component comprises a steering column and a handlebar, wherein the steering column is integrated with an electric drive unit speed controller which is constructed and arranged to operatively control a removeable electric drive module; a second frame component, wherein the second frame component is rotatably attached to the first frame component so that the first frame component can fold onto the second frame component and wherein the second frame component includes a deck; a front wheel operatively connected to the first frame component; and a rear wheel operatively connected to the second frame component.

Abstract: A combustion system for use with one or more cylinder bores of an internal combustion engine includes at least one cylinder head defining first and second intake ports in fluid communication with the one or more cylinder bores. A flap is adjustably connected to the at least one cylinder head. The flap includes a first flap portion cooperating with the first intake port extending from an arm and a second flap portion cooperating with the second intake port extending from the arm and disposed adjacent the first flap portion. A controller in electrical communication with an actuator monitors the condition of the engine and actuates the flap to position the first and second flap portions between first and second positions to create a first combustion condition and a second combustion condition.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a phone charger assembly that may include a housing assembly that may include a retainer body, a housing, a housing liner, a vent, and trim which may be constructed and arranged to house a cell phone. The housing may be dimensioned to store a multitude of cellphones in a vertical position. The phone charger assembly may further include a pawl assembly that may include a pawl ratchet, a plurality of screws, a pawl, and a release wherein the pawl assembly is constructed and arranged to raise and lower the housing within the phone charge assembly. Additionally, the phone charger assembly may include a gear rail assembly which may include at least one gear rail and at least one dampener. The gear rail assembly and pawl assembly may be constructed and arranged to raise and lower the housing within the phone charge assembly.

Abstract: A powertrain assembly has multiple torque actuators. The assembly includes a first controller configured to control a first torque actuator and a second controller configured to control a second torque actuator. The first controller is configured to receive a signal from an input sensor and convert the signal into a torque demand. The second controller is configured to receive the torque demand from the first controller and determine respective optimal torque allocations for the first and second torque actuators based on the torque demand and a plurality of optimization factors. The first controller includes a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method of controlling the multiple torque actuators across the at least two controllers via a dynamic look-up table. The dynamic look-up table is populated by a plurality of stored torque production allocation values based on a respective plurality of torque requests.

Abstract: Disclosed are electromagnetic apparatuses for separating non-ferrous blanks, methods for making and for using such apparatuses, and automated systems with electromagnetic destacking unit for handling stacks of non-ferrous blanks. Presented is a destacking unit with a magnet placed adjacent a stack of non-ferrous blanks, and two electrical terminals placed in contact with the top blank of the stack. The magnet generates a magnetic field across the surface of the top blank. The terminals pass electrical current through the blank transversely across the top surface. The direction of the electrical current is generally normal to the direction of the magnetic field such that a magnetic separation force sufficient to displace the blank from the stack is generated in a generally vertical direction.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product that may include a mounting bracket portion that may include a spring housing that may define at least one through hole. The product may further include a lock spring that may include a first end may be disposed within the at least one through hole such that the first end extends through the through hole and protrudes from the spring housing.

Abstract: A power module assembly has a plurality of electrically conducting layers, including a first layer and a third layer. One or more electrically insulating layers are operatively connected to each of the plurality of electrically conducting layers. The electrically insulating layers include a second layer positioned between and configured to electrically isolate the first and the third layers. The first layer is configured to carry a first current flowing in a first direction. The third layer is configured to carry a second current flowing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby reducing an inductance of the assembly. The electrically insulating layers may include a fourth layer positioned between and configured to electrically isolate the third layer and a fifth layer. The assembly results in a combined substrate and heat sink structure. The assembly eliminates the requirements for connections between separate substrate and heat sink structures.

Abstract: A thermostatic valve for a diesel fuel system includes a valve housing and a valve element movable within the housing between a position directing heated diesel fuel returning from an engine to the inlet of a fuel pump and a position dumping the fuel into a reservoir where the fuel mixes with lower temperature fuel. A temperature responsive thermostatic element moves the valve element in response to the temperature of the diesel fuel. A temperature relief valve is provided in the housing to dump the returning fuel into the reservoir if the temperature reaches a temperature indicating overheating of the fuel. The temperature relief valve is a bi-metal valve mounted in an end wall of the valve housing.