Abstract: A light controlled semiconductor switch (LCSS), method of making, and method of using are provided. In embodiments, a vertical LCSS includes: a semiconductor body including a photoactive layer of gallium nitride (GaN) doped with carbon; a first electrode in contact with a first surface of the semiconductor body, the first electrode defining an area through which light energy from at least one light source can impinge on the first surface; and a second electrode in contact with a second surface of the semiconductor body opposed to the first surface, wherein the vertical LCSS is configured to switch from a non-conductive off-state to a conductive on-state when the light energy impinging on the semiconductor body is sufficient to raise electrons within the photoactive layer into a conduction band of the photoactive layer.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, methods and systems for measuring temperature in Automated Fiber Placement materials without contacting same via an antennae to measure current induced within an electromagnetic coil to accurately measure the temperature of the materials employed in the Automated Fiber Placement process.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tire traction element are provided. In one embodiment, a tire traction element is oriented in a circumferential groove of a tire to provide improved snow and/or mud traction. In one embodiment, a tire for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a tread having a circumferential direction, the tread having at least one circumferential groove which extends in the circumferential direction, the at least one circumferential groove having a groove base, and at least one groove sidewall; a plurality of traction elements in the circumferential groove connected to the at least one groove sidewall and the groove base; wherein at least one of the traction elements has a plurality of indentations formed on a radially outermost edge between the base portion and the at least one sidewall portion; and wherein the radially outermost edge has an angle of inclination ? relative to the radial direction.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tire traction element are provided. In one embodiment, a tire traction element is oriented in a circumferential groove of a tire to provide improved snow and/or mud traction. In one embodiment, a tire for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a tread having a circumferential direction, the tread having at least one circumferential groove which extends in the circumferential direction, the at least one circumferential groove having a groove base, and at least one groove sidewall; a plurality of traction elements in the circumferential groove connected to the at least one groove sidewall and the groove base; wherein at least one of the traction elements has a plurality of indentations formed on a radially outermost edge between the base portion and the at least one sidewall portion; and wherein the radially outermost edge has an angle of inclination ? relative to the radial direction.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tire having an offset body ply construction are disclosed.