Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for activating a visual control interface, and in particular, for activating a visual control interface using an eye tracking system in a vehicle. A switch is used to activate and deactivate a control section of an eye tracking system in a human-machine interaction control system. The system allows a driver (or operator) of a vehicle to signal the system with selection of the switch to activate or deactivate the control section, thereby providing functional support to the driver when desired, but remaining inconspicuous otherwise.

Abstract: A lens for use with a display panel configured to emit light and display images is provided. The lens has a light-emitting surface and a plurality of enhancement portions. A first enhancement portion is configured to physically correspond to a first image displayed on the display screen. The first enhancement portion is further configured to collect at least a portion of the light emitted by the display screen and emit the light through the light-emitting surface of the lens. A second enhancement portion is configured to physically correspond to a second image displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: There is provided a composite drive shaft fabrication apparatus comprising stiffening mold members and a cylindrical mold with receiving grooves designed to receive the elongated stiffening mold members. Also provided is a composite drive shaft made of composite fibrous material in a cylindrical shape holding the elongated stiffening mold members in place. A method for making the composite drive shaft is also provided, where a layer of composite fibrous material is wrapped around the cylindrical mold, the stiffening mold members inserted, and a second layer wrapped around the mold. The composite drive shaft consolidated and the cylindrical mold is removed. There is also provided an apparatus for use in composite drive shaft construction comprising two layers of composite fibrous material with a plurality of elongated stiffening mold members positioned between them. Also provided is a method of use for such an apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a composite drive shaft with enhanced strength characteristics, comprising a plurality of features placed in a composite drive shaft formed from composite fibrous material. A method for making the composite drive shaft is also provided, where a first later of composite fibrous material is applied around a cylindrical mold with receiving grooves. Features are pushed through the composite material into the receiving grooves. A second layer of composite fibrous material is wrapped around the first layer, the drive shaft is consolidated, and the cylindrical mold is removed. Also provided is a method for making a composite drive shaft wherein the features are inserted into the cylindrical mold and then pushed through the first layer of composite fibrous material after said layer is wrapped around the mold and the features.

Abstract: A suspension subframe for a vehicle is disclosed comprising a plurality of metal tubes standardized for use in vehicle exhaust systems, such as those defined by 1.5 mm gauge walls, that are affixed to each other. A structural foam material, such as an epoxy-based foam, is positioned within the metal tubes. Also provided is a method for making a suspension subframe for a vehicle comprising providing a plurality of metal tubes standardized for use in vehicle exhaust systems, such as those defined by 1.5 mm gauge walls. The metal tubes are welded together in a desired shape and a structural foam material, such as an epoxy based foam, is inserted into the tubes.

Abstract: A container defines an annular chamber that is partially filled with a liquid coolant. The container is capable of receiving a cooling conduit in which forced air or liquid flows. Heat generated by an electronic device is transferred to the liquid coolant within the container and causes the liquid coolant to boil. The vaporized coolant rises away from the electronic device carrying the latent heat of vaporization. The vaporized coolant condenses on and near surfaces within the container cooled by the cooling conduit and the heat is transferred to the air or liquid within the cooling conduit. The condensed coolant travels back toward the electronic device via gravity and/or a wick structure.