Abstract: A vehicle accessory control circuit includes a processor electrically connected to a power source and a memory, the processor executing computer readable instructions stored on the memory to configure the accessory control circuit and an accessory control output. The control circuit includes at least one capacitive touch assembly having an electrically conductive conduit shielded by a portion of a steering mechanism of the vehicle. The capacitive touch assembly is connected to the power source and the processor such that the conduit is configured to transmit a capacitance input data signal to the processor to adjust the accessory control output. The capacitance input data signal is varied by a conductive touch object such as a human finger or palm to manipulate the output from the accessory system.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory control circuit includes a processor electrically connected to a power source and a memory, the processor executing computer readable instructions stored on the memory to configure the accessory control circuit and an accessory control output. The control circuit includes at least one capacitive touch assembly having an electrically conductive conduit shielded by a portion of a steering mechanism of the vehicle. The capacitive touch assembly is connected to the power source and the processor such that the conduit is configured to transmit a capacitance input data signal to the processor to adjust the accessory control output. The capacitance input data signal is varied by a conductive touch object such as a human finger or palm to manipulate the output from the accessory system.

Abstract: An acid-functionalized polyolefin material that can be used as an acid catalyst in a wide range of acid-promoted chemical reactions, wherein the acid-functionalized polyolefin material includes a polyolefin backbone on which acid groups are appended. Also described is a method for the preparation of the acid catalyst in which a precursor polyolefin is subjected to ionizing radiation (e.g., electron beam irradiation) of sufficient power and the irradiated precursor polyolefin reacted with at least one vinyl monomer having an acid group thereon. Further described is a method for conducting an acid-promoted chemical reaction, wherein an acid-reactive organic precursor is contacted in liquid form with a solid heterogeneous acid catalyst comprising a polyolefin backbone of at least 1 micron in one dimension and having carboxylic acid groups and either sulfonic acid or phosphonic acid groups appended thereto.

Abstract: An acid-functionalized polyolefin material that can be used as an acid catalyst in a wide range of acid-promoted chemical reactions, wherein the acid-functionalized polyolefin material includes a polyolefin backbone on which acid groups are appended. Also described is a method for the preparation of the acid catalyst in which a precursor polyolefin is subjected to ionizing radiation (e.g., electron beam irradiation) of sufficient power and the irradiated precursor polyolefin reacted with at least one vinyl monomer having an acid group thereon. Further described is a method for conducting an acid-promoted chemical reaction, wherein an acid-reactive organic precursor is contacted in liquid form with a solid heterogeneous acid catalyst comprising a polyolefin backbone of at least 1 micron in one dimension and having carboxylic acid groups and either sulfonic acid or phosphonic acid groups appended thereto.