Abstract: A first panel defines a first surface characterized by a first base portion and a protuberance extending from the first base portion. A second panel defines a second surface having a second base portion and a depression. The protuberance extends into the depression, and adhesive is disposed on the first base portion, the protuberance, the second base portion, and in the depression, to bond the first panel to the second panel. The protuberance and surface defining the depression provide regions of shear when the base portions are in peel, thereby increasing the strength of the adhesive joint between the first and second panels.

Abstract: A method of joining a first thermoplastic component with a second thermoplastic component includes abutting a joint surface of the first thermoplastic component against a joint surface of the second thermoplastic component. The first thermoplastic component includes a thermoplastic protrusion extending from the joint surface, and the joint surface of the second thermoplastic component defines a receiving pocket adapted to receive the thermoplastic protrusion. Abutting a joint surface of the first thermoplastic component against a joint surface of the second thermoplastic component further includes inserting the thermoplastic protrusion into the receiving pocket. Once abutted, thermal energy is applied to a heat-apply surface of the second thermoplastic component, that is opposite the joint surface. The thermal energy is sufficient to melt a portion of the thermoplastic protrusion and a portion of the joint surface of the second thermoplastic component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structural support member for a vehicle includes forming a first portion, forming a second portion, and connecting the first portion and the second portion together. The first portion and the second portion may be formed from one of an aluminum material, a magnesium material, a cold-formable steel material, a glass fiber composite material, or a plastic material. The first portion and the second portion are connected together such that the second portion is disposed in a tensile loading condition in response to an impact load applied to the first portion. A laminate layer is attached to the second portion. The laminate layer includes an ultra high strength material having a yield strength equal to or greater than five hundred fifty (550) MPa. The laminate layer may include, for example, an iron based glassy metal foil or an iron based glassy metal foil fabric.

Abstract: Some select variations may include methods, devices and systems for simultaneously treating a substrate and adhering or applying a bonding agent thereto.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a handle assembly having a grab bar. The grab bar is moveable in a normal direction relative to an exterior panel surface of the closure assembly between a retracted position and an extended position. When in the retracted position, an outboard surface of the grab bar is disposed approximately flush with the exterior panel surface. The closure assembly includes a position sensor configured for sensing the presence of an operator, and signals the handle assembly to move the grab bar into the extended position when the presence of the operator is sensed. When the grab bar is grasped, the handle assembly signals a latch mechanism to move into an un-latched position to allow the closure assembly to open.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for a vehicle door latch includes, but is not limited to, a pushable member. The actuator assembly further includes a mounting member connected to the pushable member and configured for connection to a vehicle door. The mounting member is further configured to mount the pushable member to the vehicle door in a manner that enables the pushable member to be pushed from a closed position to an open position. The actuator assembly further includes a latch engaging member connected to the mounting member and configured for engagement with a latch of the vehicle door. The latch engaging member is configured to move the latch from a latched position to an unlatched position when the pushable member moves from the closed position to the open position, whereby the user is enabled to both unlatch the vehicle door and open the vehicle door with a single pushing movement.

Abstract: An obstacle detection system includes a first component and a second component. The motor is configured to move the second component toward the first component. Radio frequency identification tags (RFIDs) are connected to one of the first component and the second component. A controller is operatively connected to the motor and has a transmitter operatively connected to the other of the first component and the second component. The transmitter is operable to create a magnetic field between the first component and the second component. Each of the RFIDs is operable to provide a respective signal in response to the field. The controller is configured to modify power delivery from a power source to the motor when the respective signals received by a receiver change due to at least a portion of the magnetic field being at least partially blocked or attenuated. A method of detecting an obstacle is also provided.

Abstract: An energy management network is provided, comprising: at least one thermostat controller operable to control HVAC equipment on a premise, the at least one thermostat controller being installed by a installer; an environmental web service, operable to communicate with the at least one thermostat controller across a network and provide a registered user with remote portal access and control to the at least one thermostat controller; and wherein the environmental web service is operable to query the registered user through one of the remote portal access and the thermostat controller to rate the installation experience provided by the associated installer of their at least one thermostat controller, and receive installation experience data from the registered user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide high durability joints between ceramic articles, particularly between beta-silicon carbide (?-SiC) articles, and methods of making and using the same. In one embodiment, a joint between first and second articles each comprising a ceramic polymorph comprises a matrix comprising the ceramic polymorph and extending between the first and second articles; a plurality of inclusions comprising the ceramic polymorph and being distributed throughout the matrix; and a sealing layer comprising the ceramic polymorph and being respectively disposed on the first and second articles and the matrix.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating or updating a provisioning record for a subscriber on an energy management network. The method comprises installing a controller for HVAC equipment on a premise, the controller being adapted to communicate with an energy metering device already installed on the premise over a personal area network. The controller temporarily displays at least one controller identifier, the at least one controller identifier being associated with the premise. The at least one controller identifier is recorded on a mobile device equipped with identifier-sensing equipment. The mobile device transfers data which includes the at least one controller identifier from the mobile device to an energy management server, which creates or updates the provisioning record for the subscriber on the energy management network.

Abstract: A controller for operating HVAC equipment on a premise. The controller has a processor and memory, and is adapted to regulate operation of the HVAC equipment based upon a scheduling program stored in memory. The scheduling program includes usage periods and a set point associated with each usage period. The controller is adapted to receive time of use pricing; the controller is further adapted to present a graphical representation of the scheduling program period on a display, the graphical representation providing a scheduling grid and each usage period being shown as an area on the scheduling grid; the controller is operable to display a time of use pricing overlay over the graphical representation of the scheduling program; and the controller creates at least one new usage period based upon where the time of use pricing overlay bisects the at least one usage period being presented on the display.

Abstract: A controller is provided for HVAC equipment. The controller has a processor, memory, and a RF module for a home automation network, and is operable to regulate operation of the HVAC equipment based upon a scheduling program stored in memory. The scheduling program includes at least one usage periods and at least one set point associated with each usage period. The controller is also operable to regulate operation of remote electrical devices over the home automation network; and to create a device scheduling program for the remote electrical devices, the device scheduling program including at least one device period and an operational state associated with each device period.

Abstract: An obstacle detection system includes a first component and a second component. The motor is configured to move the second component toward the first component. Radio frequency identification tags (RFIDs) are connected to one of the first component and the second component. A controller is operatively connected to the motor and has a transmitter operatively connected to the other of the first component and the second component. The transmitter is operable to create a magnetic field between the first component and the second component. Each of the RFIDs is operable to provide a respective signal in response to the field. The controller is configured to modify power delivery from a power source to the motor when the respective signals received by a receiver change due to at least a portion of the magnetic field being at least partially blocked or attenuated. A method of detecting an obstacle is also provided.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a panel that defines an opening. A handle includes a grab bar that is moveable from a retracted position through the opening into an extended position. A cover is coupled to and moveable with the handle. The cover is disposed within the opening and flush with the exterior surface of the panel when in a closed position. When the handle moves from the retracted position into the extended position, the cover moves out of the closed position to allow the handle to pass through the opening. When the handle moves from the extended position into the retracted position, the cover moves into the closed position to close the opening. A closeout is coupled to and moveable with the handle. The closeout moves into an exposed position as the handle moves into the extended position to conceal the remainder of the opening not occupied by the handle.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a handle assembly having a grab bar. The grab bar is moveable in a normal direction relative to an exterior panel surface of the closure assembly between a retracted position and an extended position. When in the retracted position, an outboard surface of the grab bar is disposed approximately flush with the exterior panel surface. The closure assembly includes a position sensor configured for sensing the presence of an operator, and signals the handle assembly to move the grab bar into the extended position when the presence of the operator is sensed. When the grab bar is grasped, the handle assembly signals a latch mechanism to move into an un-latched position to allow the closure assembly to open.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a panel that defines an opening. A handle includes a grab bar that is moveable from a retracted position through the opening into an extended position. A cover is coupled to and moveable with the handle. The cover is disposed within the opening and flush with the exterior surface of the panel when in a closed position. When the handle moves from the retracted position into the extended position, the cover moves out of the closed position to allow the handle to pass through the opening. When the handle moves from the extended position into the retracted position, the cover moves into the closed position to close the opening. A closeout is coupled to and moveable with the handle. The closeout moves into an exposed position as the handle moves into the extended position to conceal the remainder of the opening not occupied by the handle.

Abstract: The geometric stiffness of structural sheet metal panels, such as those employed in motor vehicles, may be increased, without major increase in the mass of the panel, by application of a coating of a structural polymer. However conventional means of applying such a polymer layer require multiple applications to achieve a desired thickness. By incorporating magnetic particles in a resin, and subjecting the resin to a magnetic field as it is applied, the desired thickness may be achieved in a single application. Embodiments appropriate to the application of such a resin to both magnetic and non-magnetic materials are described.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the structural integrity of a component such as a vehicle component includes receiving signals from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags embedded in the component. The signals received are then compared to stored data indicative of sets of signals and that is correlated with different physical conditions of the component. A level of structural integrity of the component is then determined based on the comparison. The RFID tags may be wirelessly activated by an RFID reader to generate the signals. The comparison and determination may be carried out by a processor of an RFID reader. A system for evaluating the structural integrity of a component is also provided.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for a vehicle door latch includes, but is not limited to, a pushable member. The actuator assembly further includes a mounting member connected to the pushable member and configured for connection to a vehicle door. The mounting member is further configured to mount the pushable member to the vehicle door in a manner that enables the pushable member to be pushed from a closed position to an open position. The actuator assembly further includes a latch engaging member connected to the mounting member and configured for engagement with a latch of the vehicle door. The latch engaging member is configured to move the latch from a latched position to an unlatched position when the pushable member moves from the closed position to the open position, whereby the user is enabled to both unlatch the vehicle door and open the vehicle door with a single pushing movement.

Abstract: A reinforced structural assembly includes a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component attached to the first vehicle component to define a substantially closed cavity. An acoustic foam member is contained within a container, also referred to as a vehicle pouch, containing the acoustic foam member and is made of a material that has a predetermined strength. A sealant with adhesive properties is included on at least a portion of an outer surface of the container, and is impregnated within or coated onto the container. The container and the acoustic foam member substantially fill the cavity so that the outer surface of the container contacts at least a portion of an inner surface of the vehicle components and the sealer seals the acoustic foam member and adheres the container to the inner surface of the attached vehicle components. A method of reinforcing vehicle components is provided.