Abstract: An atomic layer deposition method for forming a barrier layer over a thermoelectric device comprises providing a thermoelectric device in a reactor, introducing a pulse of a first precursor into the reactor, introducing a pulse of a second precursor into the reactor, introducing an inert gas into the reactor after introducing the first precursor and after introducing the second precursor, wherein the acts of introducing the first precursor and introducing the second precursor are repeated to form a barrier layer over exposed surfaces of the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A reverse braking system for a commercial vehicle including sensors (102) for detecting an object in the path of the vehicle when reversing such that a park brake air supply (108) is connected to the brake chambers (111) to apply the brakes automatically when an object is detected. The brakes can only then be released when the vehicle parking brake has been applied.

Abstract: A method disclosed for producing polymer-based cantilevers for use in atomic force microscopy in a batch process. The method includes forming a mold in a mold material, for example PDMS, using a master cantilever, removing the master cantilever from the mold material to reveal a mold cavity, filling the mold cavity with plastic, for example polystyrene, to form a plastic cantilever in the mold, and removing the plastic cantilever from the mold, for example using adhesive tape or flexing the mold. At least one surface of the plastic cantilever can be coated with a reflective metal, such as gold. The plastic cantilever can be functionalized for use in magnetic force microscopy by attaching a probe tip formed of magnetic metal, for example a 10 ?m nickel sphere.

Abstract: A reverse braking system for a commercial vehicle including sensors (102) for detecting an object in the path of the vehicle when reversing such that a park brake air supply (108) is connected to the brake chambers (111) to apply the brakes automatically when an object is detected. The brakes can only then be released when the vehicle parking brake has been applied.

Abstract: Localized magnetic fields are measured at frequencies into the microwave (GHz) regime using a conductive loop that is integrated on a vibratable member, such as a cantilever. Driving an alternating current at a first high frequency through the loop produces a high frequency alternating magnetic dipole at the same frequency as the current, with the alternating magnetic dipole normal to and centered within the loop. The alternating magnetic dipole at the center of the loop mixes with a sampled alternating magnetic field at a second high frequency at the center of the loop, resulting in application of a mechanical force to the loop and vibratable member. The vibratable member vibrates when the difference between the frequency of the loop current and the frequency of the sampled alternating magnetic field equals the resonant frequency of the vibratable member.

Abstract: Localized magnetic fields are measured at frequencies into the microwave (GHz) regime using a conductive loop that is integrated on a vibratable member, such as a cantilever. Driving an alternating current at a first high frequency through the loop produces a high frequency alternating magnetic dipole at the same frequency as the current, with the alternating magnetic dipole normal to and centered within the loop. The alternating magnetic dipole at the center of the loop mixes with a sampled alternating magnetic field at a second high frequency at the center of the loop, resulting in application of a mechanical force to the loop and vibratable member. The vibratable member vibrates when the difference between the frequency of the loop current and the frequency of the sampled alternating magnetic field equals the resonant frequency of the vibratable member.

Abstract: A tool that obtains a performance goal based on actual calculated performance of the vehicle, thereby eliminating a driver model. The tool includes an optimizer to determine path target points to be sent to controls, such as a steering controller, to obtain a performance goal—such as minimum transit time for a road segment. The design parameters and target lateral coordinates are input to a closed loop steering controller in a generic vehicle dynamic code. The invention uses discrete points to describe targets for path and speed making the use of optimization tools effective. The optimization is based on the actual calculated performance of the vehicle; therefore the path followed by the vehicle may be different from that described by the target(s). The target path is simply modified to obtain the best performance.

Abstract: A method disclosed for producing polymer-based cantilevers for use in atomic force microscopy in a batch process. The method includes forming a mold in a mold material, for example PDMS, using a master cantilever, removing the master cantilever from the mold material to reveal a mold cavity, filling the mold cavity with plastic, for example polystyrene, to form a plastic cantilever in the mold, and removing the plastic cantilever from the mold, for example using adhesive tape or flexing the mold. At least one surface of the plastic cantilever can be coated with a reflective metal, such as gold. The plastic cantilever can be functionalized for use in magnetic force microscopy by attaching a probe tip formed of magnetic metal, for example a 10 ?m nickel sphere.