Abstract: A body component of a first vehicle comprises at least one of an integrated retroreflector system configured to reflect radar waves from a second vehicle according to a predefined retroreflective pattern and an integrated light accent system configured to generate and emit light waves according to a defined light pattern. Receipt of at least one of the reflected radar waves and the light waves by the second vehicle causes a controller of the second vehicle to recognize, by accessing a memory database, at least one of the defined retroreflective and light patterns and, in response to recognizing at least one of the defined retroreflective and light patterns, more accurately control an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system of the second vehicle to thereby improve the performance of the AEB system.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle comprises a body component of the vehicle that is formed of a microcellular foam and optionally having one or more decorative layers applied thereto and a radar device arranged behind the body component and configured to transmit/receive radar waves therethrough. A method of manufacturing a body component of a vehicle comprises obtaining a molten resin, introducing a gas or a chemical foaming agent into the molten resin to form a microcellular foam, injecting molding the microcellular foam by injecting the microcellular foam into a mold to form the body component, removing the body component from the mold, optionally applying one or more decorative layers to the body component, and arranging the body component in front of a radar device of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods for recovering manganese etchant solutions are provided wherein a process solution used to rinse or neutralize a nonconductive substrate after etching the substrate is collected and evaporated to provide a concentrated process solution that is fed back into the manganese etchant solution or acid rinse.

Abstract: Methods for recovering manganese etchant solutions are provided wherein a process solution used to rinse or neutralize a nonconductive substrate after etching the substrate is collected and evaporated to provide a concentrated process solution that is fed back into the manganese etchant solution or acid rinse.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removing water from a manganese-based etchant bath are disclosed. Water is removed from the manganese-based etchant bath by transferring a portion of the manganese-based etchant bath to a vacuum evaporator for processing and transferring the concentrated portion of the manganese-based etchant bath back to the manganese-based etchant bath.

Abstract: Methods for recovering manganese etchant solutions are provided wherein a process solution used to rinse or neutralize a nonconductive substrate after etching the substrate is collected and evaporated to provide a concentrated process solution that is fed back into the manganese etchant solution or acid rinse.

Abstract: A vehicle grille shutter assembly is provided that may include first and second louvers and a drive link. The first louver may be mounted for rotation about a first rotational axis. The second louver may be mounted for rotation about a second rotational axis. The first and second rotational axes may be angled relative to each other. The drive link may be connected to the first and second louvers and may transmit rotational motion of the first louver to the second louver.

Abstract: A fuel door assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The fuel door assembly includes a housing, a fuel door and a door seal. The fuel door is hingedly supported by the housing for rotation between an open position and a closed position. The door seal includes a proximal edge supported by the housing and a distal edge separated from the housing. The door seal has an arcuate shape extending from the proximal edge to the distal edge when the fuel door is in the open position.

Abstract: Provided are robust paint coating systems on metal-coated plastic substrates and processes for forming such material systems as decorative components. An organometallic adhesion promoter is applied to a metal-coated plastic substrate. The metal coating comprises chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) or combinations thereof. The organometallic adhesion promoter comprises (i) a transition metal selected from the group consisting of: zirconium (Zr), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), and combinations thereof, (ii) a first ligand complexed to the transition metal comprising an organofunctional group, and (iii) a second ligand complexed to the transition metal having a hydrolysable functional group. Then, one or more organic paint precursor materials are applied thereon.

Abstract: A fuel door assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The fuel door assembly includes a housing, a fuel door and a door seal. The fuel door is hingedly supported by the housing for rotation between an open position and a closed position. The door seal includes a proximal edge supported by the housing and a distal edge separated from the housing. The door seal has an arcuate shape extending from the proximal edge to the distal edge when the fuel door is in the open position.

Abstract: A fuel door assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The fuel door assembly includes a housing, a fuel door and a door seal. The fuel door is hingedly supported by the housing for rotation between an open position and a closed position. The door seal includes a proximal edge supported by the housing and a distal edge separated from the housing. The door seal has an arcuate shape extending from the proximal edge to the distal edge when the fuel door is in the open position.

Abstract: A fuel door assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The fuel door assembly includes a housing, a fuel door and a door seal. The fuel door is hingedly supported by the housing for rotation between an open position and a closed position. The door seal includes a proximal edge supported by the housing and a distal edge separated from the housing. The door seal has an arcuate shape extending from the proximal edge to the distal edge when the fuel door is in the open position.

Abstract: Provided are robust paint coating systems on metal-coated plastic substrates and processes for forming such material systems as decorative components. An organometallic adhesion promoter is applied to a metal-coated plastic substrate. The metal coating comprises chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) or combinations thereof. The organometallic adhesion promoter comprises (i) a transition metal selected from the group consisting of: zirconium (Zr), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), and combinations thereof, (ii) a first ligand complexed to the transition metal comprising an organofunctional group, and (iii) a second ligand complexed to the transition metal having a hydrolysable functional group. Then, one or more organic paint precursor materials are applied thereon.

Abstract: A daylight opening system for a vehicle window opening may include a module having a carrier, a trim member and a first seal. The carrier may be adapted to be secured to a door of a vehicle. The trim member may be secured to the carrier and may cooperate with the carrier to define a space in which a window pane is selectively receivable. The first seal member may be integrally formed with the carrier and configured to sealingly engage the window pane.

Abstract: Molded metallized polymeric components are formed by methods of multi-shot injection molding of a first resin and a second resin, where the first resin forms a first polymer that is metal-platable and the second resin forms a second polymer that is colored and resistant to metallization. Select regions corresponding to the metal-platable polymer surface are metallized. Further, one or more interface regions between the first metal-platable polymer and the second colored polymer can be concealed from a visible direction. Molded decorative polymeric components formed from such methods are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a vehicle window opening may include a carrier, at least one molding member, at least one trim piece, a nut and a fastener. The carrier may have a first attachment feature and a second attachment feature. The at least one molding member may be removably secured to the first attachment feature of the carrier. The at least one trim piece may be removably secured to the second attachment feature of the carrier and arranged adjacent the at least one molding member. The nut may be connected to the carrier or the vehicle window opening. The fastener may extend between the vehicle window opening and the carrier and may engage the nut to removably secure the carrier, the at least one trim piece, and the at least one molding member to the vehicle window opening.

Abstract: A daylight opening system for a vehicle window opening may include a module having a carrier, a trim member and a first seal. The carrier may be adapted to be secured to a door of a vehicle. The trim member may be secured to the carrier and may cooperate with the carrier to define a space in which a window pane is selectively receivable. The first seal member may be integrally formed with the carrier and configured to sealingly engage the window pane.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a vehicle window opening may include a carrier, at least one molding member, at least one trim piece, a nut and a fastener. The carrier may have a first attachment feature and a second attachment feature. The at least one molding member may be removably secured to the first attachment feature of the carrier. The at least one trim piece may be removably secured to the second attachment feature of the carrier and arranged adjacent the at least one molding member. The nut may be connected to the carrier or the vehicle window opening. The fastener may extend between the vehicle window opening and the carrier and may engage the nut to removably secure the carrier, the at least one trim piece, and the at least one molding member to the vehicle window opening.

Abstract: A system may include first and second louvers and a drive system. The first louver may be movable between first and second positions. The second louver may also be movable between first and second positions. At least one of the first and second louvers may be positioned proximate an opening in a vehicle, such as a grille, to control airflow therethrough. The drive system may drive at least one of the first and second louvers between the first and second positions. The drive system may include a first member connected to the at least one of the first and second louvers, and a rotatable member having a first arcuate guide. The first arcuate guide may slidably engage the first member. The rotatable member may rotate to cause movement of the at least one of the first and second louvers.