Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an air conditioning system, a motorized directional air flow control feature, a display, and a controller configured to initiate a variable air flow routine. Initiation of the variable air flow routine prompts execution of a predetermined actuation sequence of the motorized directional air flow control feature such that the direction of air flowing from the air conditioning system into a cabin of the vehicle is varied sequentially by the motorized directional air flow control feature. Initiation of the variable air flow routine further prompts the display to display an air flow graphic having a directional quality that corresponds with the orientation of the motorized directional air flow control feature such that the directional quality of the air flow graphic varies sequentially with the direction of the air flowing from the air conditioning system.

Abstract: A structure-lining apparatus comprising a plurality of transversely and longitudinally extending panels connectable to a structure and connectable edge-to-edge via complementary connector components on their longitudinally extending edges. Each panel comprises transversely extending edges generally orthogonal to their longitudinally extending edges. Each panel comprises first and second complementary connector components on first and second longitudinally extending edges thereof.

Abstract: An airship comprising an airship body, a ballast assembly (7) comprising at least one ballast pod (7) coupled to the airship body, and a payload lifting device (4, 6) coupled to the airship body and configured to lift a payload wherein the ballast assembly (7) is configured to vary a weight force applied to the airship body by said ballast pod (7) when a payload is applied to the payload lifting device (4, 6) while the pod (7) is coupled to the airship body and is in contact with a planetary surface (8).

Abstract: Methods are provided for repairing an existing structure to cover at least a portion of the existing structure with a repair structure. Such methods comprise mounting one or more standoff retainers to the existing structure; coupling one or more standoffs to the standoff retainers such that the standoffs extend away from the existing structure; coupling one or more cladding panels to the standoffs such that the panels are spaced apart from the structure to provide a space therebetween; and introducing a curable material to the space between the panels and the existing structure, the panels acting as at least a portion of a formwork for containing the curable material until the curable material cures to provide a repair structure cladded, at least in part, by the panels. Corresponding apparatus for effecting such methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dyeing a textile, yarn or strand, in particular for use in footwear or apparel. The method may comprise the steps of: a) exposing at least a part of the textile, yarn or strand to a plasma field and a laser beam; and b) dyeing the textile, yarn or strand by digital dyeing, c) wherein the plasma field and the laser beam are at least partly overlapping to pre-treat the textile, yarn or strand prior to dyeing, and d) wherein the method is performed inside at least one of chamber(s). The present invention also relates to a textile, yarn or strand dyed according to the method of dyeing as well as to a system adapted for dyeing a textile, yarn or strand.

Abstract: This invention relates to the restoration of adipose tissue inpatients with lipodystrophy characterised by a defective gene. A heterologous nucleic acid that encodes a therapeutic gene product is administered to the patient. The therapeutic gene product may be functional version of the protein encoded by the defective gene or an RNA molecule that inhibits expression from the defective gene. Methods for the treatment of lipodystrophy and the amelioration of metabolic dysfunction associated with lipodystrophy are provided, along with agents and compositions for use in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dyeing a textile, yarn or strand, in particular for use in footwear or apparel. The method may comprise the steps of: a) exposing at least a part of the textile, yarn or strand to a plasma field and a laser beam; and b) dyeing the textile, yarn or strand by digital dyeing, c) wherein the plasma field and the laser beam are at least partly overlapping to pre-treat the textile, yarn or strand prior to dyeing, and d) wherein the method is performed inside at least one of chamber(s). The present invention also relates to a textile, yarn or strand dyed according to the method of dyeing as well as to a system adapted for dyeing a textile, yarn or strand.

Abstract: A structure-lining apparatus comprising a plurality of transversely and longitudinally extending panels connectable to a structure and connectable edge-to-edge via complementary connector components on their longitudinally extending edges. Each panel comprises transversely extending edges generally orthogonal to their longitudinally extending edges. Each panel comprises first and second complementary connector components on first and second longitudinally extending edges thereof.

Abstract: A cargo component of a vehicle includes a panel, at least one ridge, and a plurality of measurement gradations. The ridge extends along the panel. The plurality of measurement gradations are formed in and along the ridge. In one form, the ridge extends in a longitudinal direction of the panel.

Abstract: A cargo management system for a cargo area of a vehicle includes a first retention feature and a second retention feature. The first retention feature is formed in a first panel structure of the cargo area and adapted to support a first end of a support member. The second retention feature is formed in an opposing second panel structure of the cargo area and adapted to support an opposed second end of the support member. The first and second retention features are configured to inhibit movement of the support member in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle while also allowing the support member to move laterally past one of the first and second retention features into a space defined by a respective panel structure.

Abstract: A structure-lining apparatus comprising a plurality of transversely and longitudinally extending panels connectable to a structure and connectable edge-to-edge via complementary connector components on their longitudinally extending edges. Each panel comprises transversely extending edges generally orthogonal to their longitudinally extending edges. Each panel comprises first and second complementary connector components on first and second longitudinally extending edges thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for creating porous molds using additive manufacturing processes such as three-dimensional (3D) printing. At a high level, it has been found that creating a generally porous mold, or a mold with porous regions or zones, can improve the performance of the mold and the quality of the parts created therefrom. It has further been determined that porous molds can be created using additive manufacturing techniques through manipulation of mold manufacturing parameters such as, but not limited to, layer thickness, number of perimeter layers, fill pattern, and fill density. Through variation of these manufacturing parameters, the porosity of a mold created by an additive manufacturing device, e.g., a 3D printer, can be tailored for use with molded fiber.

Abstract: A method covers at least a portion of a surface of an existing structure with a repair structure. The method comprises: providing a standoff, the standoff elongated in a longitudinal direction and operable from an open configuration to a closed configuration; while the standoff is in the open configuration, mounting the standoff to the existing structure, such that the standoff projects outwardly away from the surface of the existing structure; closing the standoff to the closed configuration, the closing of the standoff forming a standoff connector; and coupling a cladding panel to the standoff by engaging the panel with the standoff connector at a location spaced outwardly apart from the surface of the existing structure by a void.

Abstract: A method covers at least a portion of a surface of an existing structure with a repair structure. The method comprises: providing a standoff, the standoff elongated in a longitudinal direction and operable from an open configuration to a closed configuration; while the standoff is in the open configuration, mounting the standoff to the existing structure, such that the standoff projects outwardly away from the surface of the existing structure; closing the standoff to the closed configuration, the closing of the standoff forming a standoff connector; and coupling a cladding panel to the standoff by engaging the panel with the standoff connector at a location spaced outwardly apart from the surface of the existing structure by a void.

Abstract: A vehicle air register assembly includes a housing defining a cavity. An upstream portion of the cavity is disposed proximate to an inlet and a downstream portion of the cavity is disposed proximate to an outlet. Vertical vanes are disposed within the upstream portion. The vertical vanes direct air in a horizontal direction. A horizontal vane assembly is disposed within the downstream portion. The horizontal vane assembly directs the air in a vertical direction. The horizontal vane assembly includes at least one horizontal vane including a driver portion rotatably coupled to the housing proximate to the outlet and a follower portion coupled to the housing proximate to the upstream portion. The follower portion is rotatably coupled to the driver portion.

Abstract: A method for repairing a multi-sided structure protruding from a first surface. The method comprises mounting a retainer to the first surface, coupling a first brace connector component of a first brace to a first panel, coupling the first panel to a primary retainer connector component of the retainer, coupling a second brace connector component of the first brace to a secondary retainer connector component of the retainer, and introducing a curable material into the space between the first panel and the multi-sided structure, the first panel acting as at least a portion of a framework for containing the curable material until the curable material cures to provide a repair structure cladded, at least in part, by the first panel.

Abstract: A solid-state hydrophone may include a piezoelectric rod positioned between at least two electrodes. The piezoelectric rod may be disposed within a metallic housing to shield the piezoelectric rod and its connections from acoustic and electromagnetic waves. The piezoelectric rod and the electrodes may be potted in the mechanical housing using a potting material that may be positioned adjacent to the piezoelectric rod. At least a layer of the potting material may be positioned between the piezoelectric rod and the metallic housing to physically separate the piezoelectric rod from the metallic housing.

Abstract: A cargo component of a vehicle includes a panel, at least one ridge, and a plurality of measurement gradations. The ridge extends along the panel. The plurality of measurement gradations are formed in and along the ridge. In one form, the ridge extends in a longitudinal direction of the panel.

Abstract: A cargo management system for a cargo area of a vehicle includes a first retention feature and a second retention feature. The first retention feature is formed in a first panel structure of the cargo area and adapted to support a first end of a support member. The second retention feature is formed in an opposing second panel structure of the cargo area and adapted to support an opposed second end of the support member. The first and second retention features are configured to inhibit movement of the support member in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle while also allowing the support member to move laterally past one of the first and second retention features into a space defined by a respective panel structure.

Abstract: Methods are provided for repairing an existing structure to cover at least a portion of the existing structure with a repair structure. Such methods comprise mounting one or more standoff retainers to the existing structure; coupling one or more standoffs to the standoff retainers such that the standoffs extend away from the existing structure; coupling one or more cladding panels to the standoffs such that the panels are spaced apart from the structure to provide a space therebetween; and introducing a curable material to the space between the panels and the existing structure, the panels acting as at least a portion of a formwork for containing the curable material until the curable material cures to provide a repair structure cladded, at least in part, by the panels. Corresponding apparatus for effecting such methods are also provided.