Abstract: A system and method for friction stir processing of a hand-held cutting edge, wherein friction stir processing techniques are used to modify the properties of the hand-held cutting edge to obtain superior edge retention and superior resistance to chipping of the hand-held cutting edge.

Abstract: A system and method for friction stir processing of a hand-held cutting edge, wherein friction stir processing techniques are used to modify the properties of the hand-held cutting edge to obtain superior edge retention and superior resistance to chipping of the hand-held cutting edge.

Abstract: A method for operating a power sliding door and a power liftgate in an automobile, such as a minivan, using a remote keyless entry (RKE) is comprised in a control system that includes a user input interface for receiving sliding door actuation requests from a user. The actuation signals are carried to a body control module (BCM) where the request is broadcast to a power sliding door module (PSDM) over a serial data bus communications network meeting the SAE J1850 multiplex communications protocol standard. Upon receipt of the actuation message the PSDM monitors several operating conditions of the automobile and makes a determination whether or not to carry out the power sliding door activation request. Power sliding door actuation is controlled by the PSDM via electric motors located at or near the power doors. A power liftgate module (PLGM) controls the power liftgate actuation upon via electric motors located at or near the liftgate.

Abstract: An ice rescue vehicle used to aid a victim who has fallen through thin ice. The ice rescue vehicle is capable of traveling over ice, water, a broken ice and water mixture, mud, snow and solid ground. The vehicle has a buoyant hollow sled pulled behind a traction wheel that includes a plastic, buoyant, rotating drum. The drum has a number of fins to propel the vehicle in water. Mounted to the fins are three annular rings having tangs for traction on ice. A small internal combustion engine provides power to turn the drum via two gear belt drives on each side of the drum. Handle bars are used to steer the vehicle, and a throttle control, similar to those used on motorcycles, provides the rescuer with a means to control the engine and vehicle speed. The sled and drum both provide flotation during travel over broken ice and open water.

Abstract: A fire starter material is comprised of a mixture of magnesium and at least one heat-processable polymeric material. It can also be comprised of a mixture of magnesium and calcium carbonate or a mixture of magnesium, calcium carbonate and one or more heat processable polymeric materials. Binders such as waxes or resinous substances may also be present, especially in the presence of calcium carbonate. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the heat-processable polymeric material also serves as such a binder. The fire starter material can be formed by compacting the magnesium/heat-processable polymeric material into the desired shape under high pressures and temperature capable of heat processing the polymeric material.

Abstract: A device for attracting deer and elk includes a pair of members made of a synthetic polymer having a specific gravity from about 0.8 to about 1.2. Each of the members includes an elongate portion with a manually graspable handle near one end and at least two prongs formed on each of the elongated portions. Advantageously, at least three prongs are included and some of the prongs may be curved out of the plane of the elongate portion to facilitate the intermeshing of the members. A blowing agent and talc may be incorporated into the synthetic polymer. These added substituents are capable of creating a device which produces a sound very close to the sound created by deer or elk when they butt or clash their antlers during the mating season.