Abstract: A two-element array antenna system includes a first antenna element and a second antenna element. A transmitting, receiving, and processing (TRP) system is coupled to the first and second antenna elements via, respectively, a single first transmission element and a single second transmission element. The first and second transmission elements have respective transmit-path and receive-path functionality. The TRP system is configured to determine an amplitude offset and phase offset associated with the transmit-path functionality of the first and second transmission elements, and, based on data obtained during the determination of amplitude offset and phase offset associated with the transmit-path functionality of the first and second transmission elements, determine an amplitude offset and phase offset associated with the receive-path functionality of the first and second transmission elements.

Abstract: Joints are formed for articles of manufacture such as transportation vehicles (e.g., automotive vehicles). The joints typically include a connector that is adhered to a first member and a second member with a structural adhesive, which may be a foam.

Abstract: Joints are formed for articles of manufacture such as transportation vehicles (e.g., automotive vehicles). The joints typically include a connector that is adhered to a first member and a second member with a structural adhesive, which may be a foam.

Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including at least one hollow carrier, having an exterior shell and an interior portion, which substantially conforms to the dimensions and geometry of the structural member being reinforced; and a lightweight, low density material for filling the interior portion of one or more of the carriers. The material filling one or more of the carriers of the present invention can be a reinforcement material, self-curing material, or a heat activated expandable material. The carrier can be produced by blow molding or rotational molding and has an adhesive material disposed along at least a portion of the exterior shell used to place, adhere, and affix the carrier to a targeted portion of the structural member selected to be structurally reinforced.

Abstract: A two-element array antenna system includes a first antenna element and a second antenna element. A transmitting, receiving, and processing (TRP) system is coupled to the first and second antenna elements via, respectively, a single first transmission element and a single second transmission element. The first and second transmission elements have respective transmit-path and receive-path functionality. The TRP system is configured to determine an amplitude offset and phase offset associated with the transmit-path functionality of the first and second transmission elements, and, based on data obtained during the determination of amplitude offset and phase offset associated with the transmit-path functionality of the first and second transmission elements, determine an amplitude offset and phase offset associated with the receive-path functionality of the first and second transmission elements.

Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including at least one hollow carrier, having an exterior shell and an interior portion, which substantially conforms to the dimensions and geometry of the structural member being reinforced; and a lightweight, low density material for filling the interior portion of one or more of the carriers. The material filling one or more of the carriers of the present invention can be a reinforcement material, self-curing material, or a heat activated expandable material. The carrier can be produced by blow molding or rotational molding and has an adhesive material disposed along at least a portion of the exterior shell used to place, adhere, and affix the carrier to a targeted portion of the structural member selected to be structurally reinforced.

Abstract: There is disclosed a member for reinforcing, sealing or baffling a structure of an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle. The member preferably includes a carrier member and an activatable (e.g., expandable, curable or both) material disposed upon a surface of the carrier member. The carrier member is preferably formed of a thermosettable material such as a molding compound (e.g., a sheet or bulk molding compound).

Abstract: Joints are formed for articles of manufacture such as transportation vehicles (e.g., automotive vehicles). The joints typically include a connector that is adhered to a first member and a second member with a structural adhesive, which may be a foam.

Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including at least one hollow carrier, having an exterior shell and an interior portion, which substantially conforms to the dimensions and geometry of the structural member being reinforced; and a lightweight, low density material for filling the interior portion of one or more of the carriers. The material filling one or more of the carriers of the present invention can be a reinforcement material, self-curing material, or a heat activated expandable material. The carrier can be produced by blow molding or rotational molding and has an adhesive material disposed along at least a portion of the exterior shell used to place, adhere, and affix the carrier to a targeted portion of the structural member selected to be structurally reinforced.

Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including at least one hollow carrier, having an exterior shell and an interior portion, which substantially conforms to the dimensions and geometry of the structural member being reinforced; and a lightweight, low density material for filling the interior portion of one or more of the carriers. The material filling one or more of the carriers of the present invention can be a reinforcement material, self-curing material, or a heat activated expandable material. The carrier can be produced by blow molding or rotational molding and has an adhesive material disposed along at least a portion of the exterior shell used to place, adhere, and affix the carrier to a targeted portion of the structural member selected to be structurally reinforced.

Abstract: An energy management system and device for use in an automotive frame, rail, or other structural component of an automotive vehicle. The frame or rail having a cavity or exposed surface capable of supporting at least one member. The member having an interior portion and an exterior portion with the interior portion being defined by at least one trigger or step change to the geometry of the inner portion to target and direct axial bending of the system. A reinforcing material, such as a polymer-based expandable material, is disposed along the exterior portion of a member prior to final assembly of the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. The system is activated as the vehicle undergoes the final vehicle assembly process and paint operation which activates and transforms the reinforcing material to expand, bond and structurally adhere the frame rail to mange, direct, and/or absorb energy in the event of an impact to the vehicle from an applied load or an external force.

Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including at least one hollow carrier, having an exterior shell and an interior portion, which substantially conforms to the dimensions and geometry of the structural member being reinforced; and a lightweight, low density material for filling the interior portion of one or more of the carriers. The material filling one or more of the carriers of the present invention can be a reinforcement material, self-curing material, or a heat activated expandable material. The carrier can be produced by blow molding or rotational molding and has an adhesive material disposed along at least a portion of the exterior shell used to place, adhere, and affix the carrier to a targeted portion of the structural member selected to be structurally reinforced.

Abstract: A member is provided for reinforcing, sealing or baffling structures of articles of manufacture such as automotive vehicles. The member typically includes a carrier member that is typically at least partially formed of a metal. The member also typically includes an expandable material disposed on the carrier member.

Abstract: An energy management system and device for use in an automotive frame, rail, or other structural component of an automotive vehicle. The frame or rail having a cavity or exposed surface capable of supporting at least one member. The member having an interior portion and an exterior portion with the interior portion being defined by at least one trigger or step change to the geometry of the inner portion to target and direct axial bending of the system. A reinforcing material, such as a polymer-based expandable material, is disposed along the exterior portion of a member prior to final assembly of the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. The system is activated as the vehicle undergoes the final vehicle assembly process and paint operation which activates and transforms the reinforcing material to expand, bond and structurally adhere the frame rail to mange, direct, and/or absorb energy in the event of an impact to the vehicle from an applied load or an external force.

Abstract: A member is provided for reinforcing, sealing or baffling structures of articles of manufacture such as automotive vehicles. The member typically includes a carrier member at least partially formed of a metal material and having a cellular structure. The member also typically includes an expandable material disposed on the carrier member.

Abstract: A sun visor assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a sun visor panel having generally planar opposing sides sandwiched together to define a pocket therebetween. A longitudinally extending support rod is positioned between the opposing sides of the panel for supporting the panel in the interior of the vehicle. An adjustment mechanism is coupled between the support rod and the sun visor panel for providing selective sliding movement of the sun visor panel along the support rod between a retracted position and an extended position. The adjustment mechanism includes a support frame secured to the visor panel having an upper rail forming a longitudinal rack, a guide carriage secured to the support rod and slidably coupled to the support frame, and a gear rotatably supported by the carriage and meshed with the rack for guiding the sun visor panel along the support rod between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: An assembly having one or more members (e.g., panels), a first expandable material and a second expandable material is disclosed. One of the materials is typically more expandable than the other. Although, the assembly may be used for various articles, it has been found particularly suitable for roofs of automotive vehicles.

Abstract: A switch (60) is provided for disabling an airbag assembly (20) in an automotive vehicle when a sun visor (30) in the vehicle is positioned within a defined deployment area of the airbag assembly. The sun visor is movable in and out of the deployment area during regular use. A switch is adapted for signaling the presence or absence of the sun visor in the deployment area, and accordingly disables or enables the airbag assembly, respectively.

Abstract: An energy management system and device for use in an automotive frame, rail, or other structural component of an automotive vehicle. The frame or rail having a cavity or exposed surface capable of supporting at least one member. The member having an interior portion and an exterior portion with the interior portion being defined by at least one trigger or step change to the geometry of the inner portion to target and direct axial bending of the system. A reinforcing material, such as a polymer-based expandable material, is disposed along the exterior portion of a member prior to final assembly of the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. The system is activated as the vehicle undergoes the final vehicle assembly process and paint operation which activates and transforms the reinforcing material to expand, bond and structurally adhere the frame rail to mange, direct, and/or absorb energy in the event of an impact to the vehicle from an applied load or an external force.

Abstract: An energy management system and device for use in an automotive frame, rail, or other structural component of an automotive vehicle. The frame or rail having a cavity or exposed surface capable of supporting at least one member. The member having an interior portion and an exterior portion with the interior portion being defined by at least one trigger or step change to the geometry of the inner portion to target and direct axial bending of the system. A reinforcing material, such as a polymer-based expandable material, is disposed along the exterior portion of a member prior to final assembly of the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. The system is activated as the vehicle undergoes the final vehicle assembly process and paint operation which activates and transforms the reinforcing material to expand, bond and structurally adhere the frame rail to mange, direct, and/or absorb energy in the event of an impact to the vehicle from an applied load or an external force.