Abstract: A protective coating for a metal substrate is provided that is light, durable, galvanically protective, and easily applied at the site of manufacture. The coating has at least two layers, one of which is a galvanizing layer and one of which is a micro-composite of a galvanic metal and a non-conducting material, such as polymer. Such coatings are useful for example to protect pipes or other metal surfaces in corrosive environments. Methods of producing the coating are provided, including methods that use advanced spraying techniques to provide very thin but consistent layers. Using the advanced spraying methods the composite layer can be created by co-spraying the galvanic metal and the nonconductive material onto the surface of the galvanic coating. Optionally, an outer coat of insulating material can be applied to provide further protection to the surface.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a new add-on or factory installed shade panel assembly for a vehicle which creates improved lateral and vertical adjustments for sun blocking positions. Optional attaching methods are wrap around straps with Velcro™ ends, suction cups (for window attachment), or a concealed magnetic strip inside the visor which permits infinite lateral and vertical adjustment of 1 or 2 magnetic shade panels. In some embodiments, the shade panel assembly offers the advantage of precise tunable sun blocking for a low sun situation while still maintaining good vision of a traffic light and other vehicles. The proposed embodiments provide a new a low cost fabric type visor, which is durable, color coordinated, and fits all cars and sizes-left or right hand drive.

Abstract: A multilayer coating has a first coating layer deposited on a substrate; a second coating layer deposited on the first coating layer; and a third coating layer deposited on the second coating layer. The first coating layer is substantially a metal, the second coating layer is a mixture of the metal and a polymeric material, and the third coating layer is substantially the polymeric material. The substrate is at least one of iron, iron pipe, steel, copper, nickel, concrete, wood, wood products, fiberglass, ceramic, plastic, and any other metal or non-metal material that can be used as a substrate, and the metal is at least one of zinc, aluminum, magnesium, indium, gallium, tellurium, and alloys thereof, whereby the metal used is anodic to the substrate. The polymeric material is at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), ethylene methacrylate acid copolymer (EMAA), a thermoplastic material and a thermoset material.

Abstract: A protective coating for a metal substrate is provided that is light, durable, galvanically protective, and easily applied at the site of manufacture. The coating has at least two layers, one of which is a galvanizing layer and one of which is a micro-composite of a galvanic metal and a non-conducting material, such as polymer. Such coatings are useful for example to protect pipes or other metal surfaces in corrosive environments. Methods of producing the coating are provided, including methods that use advanced spraying techniques to provide very thin but consistent layers. Using the advanced spraying methods the composite layer can be created by co-spraying the galvanic metal and the nonconductive material onto the surface of the galvanic coating. Optionally, an outer coat of insulating material can be applied to provide further protection to the surface.

Abstract: A riser assembly extends between a seat cushion and a floor of an automotive vehicle. The riser assembly includes a floor bracket that is fixedly secured to the floor. A rod extends laterally within the vehicle and is fixedly secured to the floor bracket. A front leg extends between upper and lower ends. The upper end is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion for movement of the seat cushion between a generally horizontal seating position and an upright position. The lower end is slidably coupled to the rod for lateral sliding movement of the seat cushion between primary and secondary positions. A pulley wheel is pivotally coupled to the front leg between the upper and lower ends. A cable includes an intermediate portion that extends between a first end fixedly secured to the seat cushion and a second end fixedly secured to the floor bracket.

Abstract: A powered track assembly (20) is provided for allowing selective forward and rearward adjustment of a seat assembly (10) along an interior floor of an automotive vehicle. The upper track (24) is fixedly secured to a bottom portion of the seat assembly (10). A rigid shaft (32) having a generally continuous helical thread (38) is rotatably supported by the upper track (24). A plurality of nuts (40) is threadingly engaged with the shaft (32). A cage (42) having a plurality of compartments (58) is fixedly secured to the lower track (22). Each compartment (58) supports one nut (40) to allow relative rotational movement of the rigid shaft (32) relative to the nuts (40). The nuts (40) are allowed a predetermined amount of movement within the respective compartments (58) to prevent binding between the nuts (40) and the rigid shaft (32) due to relative lateral or vertical movement between the upper and lower tracks.

Abstract: A primary air flow path has a pre-cooler and an evaporator. A secondary air flow path includes portions of an air conditioner assembly including a compressor and an condenser. The air conditioner assembly also has lines connecting the compressor and the condenser the evaporator. A cooling tower has a coolant fluid input and output with a heat exchanger section. The heat exchanger section conveys coolant fluid. A pump causes cooling flow of water over the section. The coolant fluid output is adapted to feed a coolant fluid in two coolant fluid paths. The first fluid path is in heat exchanging relationship with the air conditioner assembly. The second fluid pat is coupled to the pre-cooler.

Abstract: An exhaust system for receiving exhaust gas of an engine is provided. The exhaust system comprises a cooler configured to cool at least a portion of exhaust gas, a pressure sensor configured to measure an exhaust pressure drop across the cooler, and a controller configured to determine exhaust flowrate as a function the measured pressure drop across the cooler. Also provided is a method for operating an engine. The method comprises the steps of combusting a fuel and air mixture, exhausting at least some of the combusted fuel and air mixture as exhaust gas to an exhaust system of an engine, cooling at least some of the combusted exhaust gas in a cooler, measuring pressure drop of the exhaust gas across the cooler, and determining a flowrate of the exhaust gas across the cooler as a function of pressure drop.

Abstract: A method of controlling an engine during an engine startup or shutdown condition includes operating a valve to open a port of a combustion chamber to allow fluid to flow between the combustion chamber and the port for at least one entire engine cycle. The method also includes preventing combustion of fuel during a combustion stroke of the at least one engine cycle. The engine cycle occurs during the engine startup or shutdown condition.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a frame that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A seat cushion is secured to the frame. The seat cushion defines a seat width. A seatback is secured to the frame and is pivotal with respect to the seat cushion. A loop fastener is fixedly secured to the frame and extends between the seat cushion and the seatback. The loop fastener selectively receives a child seat latch therethrough to secure a child seat to the seat assembly. The seat assembly also includes a removable bolster that is selectively securable to the loop fastener. The removable bolster covers the loop fastener when the child seat is removed from the seat assembly. Therefore, the occupants of the seat assembly will contact the removable bolster and be prevented from feeling the loop fastener when sitting on the seat assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for presenting leasing arrangements for a plurality of rental spaces. The method includes the steps of providing a graphical user interface that depicts the plurality of rental spaces within a two-dimensional layout on a display of the graphical user interface where a relative size and relative location of each rental space on the display is proportional to a relative physical size and relative location of the actual rental spaces and associating a menu with at least some of the rental spaces on the display where the menu provides additional information regarding the rental space, building, rental space user prospects and associated documents. The method and apparatus also allow user IDs to simultaneously have access to information in multiple database partitions within a management system.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine including at least one cylinder and a piston slidable in the cylinder is provided. In at least one embodiment, the method includes: supplying a mixture of pressurized air and recirculated exhaust gas from an intake manifold to an air intake port of a combustion chamber in the cylinder; operating an air intake valve to open the air intake port to allow the pressurized air and exhaust gas mixture to flow between the combustion chamber and the intake manifold during a portion of a compression stroke of the piston; and operably controlling a fuel supply system to inject fuel into the combustion chamber via a common rail fuel injector.

Abstract: An engine and a method of operating an internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises supplying a pressurized air from an intake manifold to an air intake port of a combustion chamber in the cylinder, operating an air intake valve to open the air intake port to allow the pressurized air and exhaust gas mixture to flow between the combustion chamber and the intake manifold during a portion of a compression stroke of the piston, and operating the engine in an HCCI combustion mode. In at least some embodiments, a mixture of pressurized air and recirculated exhaust gas is supplied from an intake manifold to an air intake port of a combustion chamber in the cylinder. In some embodiments, the method further comprises causing an exhaust stream of an engine to contact a NOx adsorber.

Abstract: Engines and methods of controlling an engine may involve at least one fluid actuators associated with one or more engine intake and/or exhaust valves. Timing of valve closing/opening and use of an air supply system may enable engine operation according to a Miller cycle.

Abstract: An engine and method of operating an internal combustion engine with either a continuously variable speed transmission or electric drive is provided. The engine and method comprises operating the engine at its optimum engine speed throughout a range of vehicle speeds through, supplying pressurized air from an intake manifold to an air intake port of a combustion chamber in the cylinder, and operating an air intake valve to open the air intake port to allow the pressurized air to flow between the combustion chamber and the intake manifold during a portion of a compression stroke of the piston. In at least one embodiment, the engine and method further comprises using a mixture of pressurized air and recirculated exhaust gas.

Abstract: An engine and method of operating an internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises supplying pressurized air from an intake manifold to an air intake port of a combustion chamber in the cylinder, operating an air intake valve to open the air intake port to allow the pressurized air to flow between the combustion chamber and the intake manifold during a portion of a compression stroke of the piston, and filtering particulate matter from an exhaust stream of the engine with a particulate filter.

Abstract: Engines and methods of controlling an engine may involve one or more fluidically controlled actuators associated with engine intake and/or exhaust valves. In some examples, the actuators may be used to hold valves open. Timing of valve closing/opening and possible use of an air supply system may enable engine operation according to a Miller cycle.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine, including at least one cylinder and a piston slidable in the cylinder, may include supplying pressurized air from an intake manifold to an air intake port of a combustion chamber in the cylinder, selectively operating an air intake valve to open the air intake port to allow pressurized air to flow between the combustion chamber and the intake manifold substantially during a majority portion of a compression stroke of the piston, and operably controlling a fuel supply system to inject fuel into the combustion chamber after the intake valve is closed.

Abstract: Engines and methods of controlling an engine may include producing ammonia from exhaust gas and using the ammonia to reduce certain emission components of the exhaust. Timing of valve closing/opening and use of an air supply system may enable engine operation according to a Miller cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal spray gun apparatus and methods that improves the operating efficiency of the thermal spray process by preheating the wire feedstock prior to the wire reaching the combustion chamber of the thermal spray gun. Methods and arrangements for preheating the feed wire prior to or after the point the wire is engaged by the spray gun's wire feeding mechanism are disclosed.