Abstract: A method of plating a substrate includes etching at least a portion of a surface of the substrate to form voids within the surface. The substrate includes a composite material with a network of electrically conductive nanostructures dispersed therein. Electrodes are attached to the substrate, it is placed in a bath of a first electrically conductive metal, and a voltage is applied to the substrate through the electrodes to deposit a first electrically conductive metal layer onto the surface of the substrate, and a second electrically conductive metal layer is electroplated thereon.

Abstract: This disclosure details exemplary portable power systems for vehicles. The portable power systems may be configured as a secondary battery pack that is removably stored within a front trunk of a vehicle. The portable power systems may include a plurality of individually removable battery units that can be used to extend vehicle driving range or power electrically powered devices that are separate from the vehicle. In some embodiments, when the portable power system is stored in the vehicle and an electrically powered device is connected to the portable power system, the vehicle may be controlled in a Following Mode in which the vehicle is autonomously moved to follow an operator of the electrically powered device.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for guiding an individual to an electrical power outlet in a vehicle. An example method executed by a processor of an electrical power outlet controller in a vehicle includes determining that an individual is seeking an electrical power outlet provided on the vehicle, selecting a first electrical power outlet from a plurality of electrical power outlets provided on the vehicle, and providing location information of the first electrical power outlet. The location information may be provided in various forms such as in the form of an audio signal (a beeping sound produced by a beeper, for example), a visual indication (a light source illuminating the electrical power outlet, for example) an audible instruction (navigation assistance provided via a speaker, for example), a graphical indication (navigation assistance via a personal device), and/or a text message (navigation assistance via a personal device).

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for controlling electrical power outlets in a vehicle. An example method executed by a processor of an electrical power outlet controller includes detecting a transitioning of a vehicle to a drive mode and further includes disconnecting, based on the transitioning, electrical power supplied to a first electrical power outlet in the vehicle. The transitioning of the vehicle to the drive mode may be detected based on a transition of a drive selector of the vehicle from a park position to a drive position. In another example method, the processor, detects the vehicle in motion and disconnects electrical power supplied to a second electrical power outlet in the vehicle. The first electrical power outlet and/or the second electrical power outlet are accessible from outside the vehicle, and may, for example, be located outside a cabin area of the vehicle.

Abstract: A composite material includes a recycled polymer matrix, a continuous network of linked carbon nanostructures dispersed within the recycled polymer matrix, and a compatibilizer. The recycled polymer matrix is in an amount of at least 90 wt. %. The continuous network of linked carbon nanostructures is in an amount between 0.5 wt. % to 1.0 wt. %. The compatibilizer is in an amount of about 3.0 wt. %.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a cargo bed having a first and a second sidewall. A rail assembly is disposed on the first sidewall. The rail assembly is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the first sidewall. An actuator system raises and lowers the rail assembly to move the rail assembly between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: An item repositioning method includes, in response to a request for an item, moving a vehicle along a first route to a location of the item, loading the item in the vehicle using a lift assist device mounted to the vehicle, moving the vehicle along a second route to transport the item to a desired location, and at the desired location, unloading the item from the vehicle using the lift assist device.

Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of fasteners includes extruding a continuous strip of material, the continuous strip defining a base portion, a tip portion, and a stem portion extending between the base portion and the tip portion. A portion of material is removed from the continuous strip of material along the tip portion such that a plurality of tip portions are separated from each other and spaced apart, each tip portion having at least one flexible tab. The continuous strip of material is then extruded through a foaming die, wherein the flexible tabs are elastically displaced away from the base portion during a foaming process such that a foam material fills a cavity of the foaming die to form a sealing element around the stem portion. Portions of the continuous strip between each of the tip portions are separated to produce a plurality of individual sealed fasteners.

Abstract: A vehicle electrical distribution system includes an electrical box having at least one power outlet. The electrical box is configured to be moved between a stowed position where the electrical box is housed within a compartment of a vehicle, and an deployed position where the electrical box is outside the compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body, an access aperture that is defined by the body, a closure panel, a load ramp, and a moisture sensor. The access aperture provides access to an interior of the vehicle. The closure panel selectively covers at least a portion of the access aperture. The closure panel is movable between an open position and a dosed position relative to the access aperture. The load ramp is deployably coupled to the closure panel. The load ramp includes a coupled end and a free end. The load ramp is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The moisture sensor is positioned proximate to the free end of the load ramp. Methods of controlling the vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes, among other things, a spare tire cover comprising an attaching ring configured to surround an outer circumference of a tire and a center panel that is attached to the attaching ring. At least one exciter is mounted to the center panel. A method includes, among other things, molding at least one temperature sensor to a center panel, mounting the center panel to enclose one open side of an attaching ring to form a spare tire cover, and mounting at least one exciter to the center panel to selectively generate a desired sound.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to an apparatus and methodology for detecting three-way call attempts during telephone conversations. Per the methodology, apparatus is configured to, in effect, “ping” a called telephone by transmitting an audio frequency range tone over the loop established from the calling telephone to the called telephone, measuring the tone return time and using that measurement as a base measurement comparison point for additional measurements during the course of a conversation. The base measurement would be inherently determined by the particular path established for a given call, which path does not ordinarily change during the call. If the return time for a subsequent measurement deviates significantly from the base measurement, a determination is made that a three-way call attempt has been made because it would be a strong indicator that the total path of the call had changed, which would only occur if the inherent nature of the call changed (i.e., became a three-way call).

Abstract: A telephone operating system is described. The invention is a telephone system have unique monitoring methods and equipment to allow the user to following conversations and retrieve portions of the conversation and to take certain actions in connection with conversations. There may be two groups of users within the system, the first being the maker and recipient of the call and the other being a person or device monitoring the call. The system provides a telephone monitoring device for reading a biological marker for an individual and associating the marker with a pin number and associating the pin number with other call information to be stored with data on the call along with an interface means for storing information on a call from a group of information comprised of the locations from and to which the call is made, the PIN number and name or the maker, time when made and when finished, data of the call, telephone numbers and the like.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus for providing service to a plurality of telephones located at a particular facility, and with the capability of controlling the connection of calls to such telephones as well as recording selected phone conversations. In particular, control of call connection is accomplisued with access control data that is phone-related and PIN number-related. Phone-related data activates the telephone based on, for example, its location in the facility, time of day and day of the week. PIN number-related data allows access to the phone depending on data associated with the caller to whom a unique PIN number has been assigned. The recording of conversations is controllable based on a comparison of call-related data, particular to the call being attempted, with stored recording control data that may also be phone-related and/or PIN number-related.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus for providing service to a plurality of telephones located at a particular facility, and with the capability of controlling the connection of calls to such telephones as well as recording selected phone conversations. In particular, control of call connection is accomplisued with access control data that is phone-related and PIN number-related. Phone-related data activates the telephone based on, for example, its location in the facility, time of day and day of the week. PIN number-related data allows access to the phone depending on data associated with the caller to whom a unique PIN number has been assigned. The recording of conversations is controllable based on a comparison of call-related data, particular to the call being attempted, with stored recording control data that may also be phone-related and/or PIN number-related.