Abstract: The innovation presented herein provides among its embodiments, a non-pneumatic structure such as a vehicle tire, consisting of a matrix of shape memory alloy (SMA) elements. The interlocking layering pattern provides geometries which leverage the SMA material properties to accomplish performance characteristics of traditional pneumatic structures across a spectrum of possible desired uses including normal personal use, recreational use, sport use and commercial use. Embodiments include applying structural design and material properties to provide a fixed or a variable set of performance characteristics. Similar to the fruits of other space program initiatives, the innovation leverages material science developed for extra-terrestrial purposes to accomplish advances over conventional items.

Abstract: A bi-channel tube for use in a heat exchanger is disclosed having a passageway or window formed in the common wall or divider separating the adjacent channels. This arrangement permits a controlled amount of interaction of the fluids flowing in the adjacent channels in the bi-channel tube. The bi-channel coolant tube includes a first fluid-carrying channel, a second fluid-carrying channel, a common wall or divider separating the first fluid-carrying channel from the second fluid-carrying channel, and at least one fluid-passing passageway or window formed in the common wall or divider. The fluid-passing passageway or window is preferably an elongated window that is formed along the long axis of the bi-channel coolant tube. The bi-channel coolant tube may be composed of a metal such as aluminum, including aluminum alloy, and steel, including stainless steel.

Abstract: A bi-channel tube for use in a heat exchanger is disclosed having a passageway or window formed in the common wall or divider separating the adjacent channels. This arrangement permits a controlled amount of interaction of the fluids flowing in the adjacent channels in the bi-channel tube. The bi-channel coolant tube includes a first fluid-carrying channel, a second fluid-carrying channel, a common wall or divider separating the first fluid-carrying channel from the second fluid-carrying channel, and at least one fluid-passing passageway or window formed in the common wall or divider. The fluid-passing passageway or window is preferably an elongated window that is formed along the long axis of the bi-channel coolant tube. The bi-channel coolant tube may be composed of a metal such as aluminum, including aluminum alloy, and steel, including stainless steel.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control canister for an automotive vehicle includes a canister body and a bracket for attaching the body to a structural member of a vehicle. A number of fastener sets attach the bracket to the canister body, with each of the fastener sets including a closed-end hollow core boss having a generally cylindrical wall of uniform thickness and a number of buttresses applied to an outer surface of the generally cylindrical wall. The buttresses have the same uniform thickness as the generally cylindrical wall and are molded along with the cylindrical wall as one piece with an inner portion of the canister body.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control canister for an automotive vehicle includes a canister body and a bracket for attaching the body to a structural member of a vehicle. A number of fastener sets attach the bracket to the canister body, with each of the fastener sets including a closed-end hollow core boss having a generally cylindrical wall of uniform thickness and a number of buttresses applied to an outer surface of the generally cylindrical wall. The buttresses have the same uniform thickness as the generally cylindrical wall and are molded along with the cylindrical wall as one piece with an inner portion of the canister body.