Abstract: A method of forming an insulated composite piston head may include: creating a preformed aluminum or aluminum alloy foam core; suspending the preformed foam core in a piston head mold; forming a molded piston head and removing it from the mold; depositing an insulating material on at least one surface of the molded piston head; performing at least one machining operation on the molded piston head so it conforms to a predetermined specification for the insulated composite piston head; and optionally applying a lubricious piston coating to at least a portion of the outer surface of the insulated composite piston head.

Abstract: An insulated composite piston head that includes three or more layers is formed and used in a combustion engine. The first layer is an aluminum or aluminum alloy foam core. The second layer is a metal layer that at least partially encapsulates the foam core; wherein the metal layer is selected to be aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The third layer is a layer of an insulating material located on at least one surface of the metal layer. The deposition of the insulating layer is accomplished via the use of a coaxial laser process.

Abstract: An insulated composite piston head that includes three or more layers is formed and used in a combustion engine. The first layer is an aluminum or aluminum alloy foam core. The second layer is a metal layer that at least partially encapsulates the foam core; wherein the metal layer is selected to be aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The third layer is a layer of an insulating material located on at least one surface of the metal layer. The deposition of the insulating layer is accomplished via the use of a coaxial laser process.

Abstract: A seat device for a vehicle includes: a seat cushion and a seat base of a rear row seat, the seat base mounted on a floor of a vehicle standing upward from the floor and forming a support structure of the seat cushion; a movable cushion portion forming a sitting surface for a passenger; a seat-cushion-moving mechanism to rotate and translate the movable cushion portion so that the movable cushion portion moves between a seating position, an extended position, and a tray position. In particular, a passenger sits on the movable cushion portion in the seating position, the movable cushion portion rotates away from the seat base in the forward direction to expose a lower side of the movable cushion portion in the extended position, and the tray position is obtained when the movable cushion portion translates rearwardly from the extended position with the lower side remaining exposed.

Abstract: A seat device for a vehicle includes: a seat cushion and a seat base of a rear row seat, the seat base mounted on a floor of a vehicle standing upward from the floor and forming a support structure of the seat cushion; a movable cushion portion forming a sitting surface for a passenger; a seat-cushion-moving mechanism to rotate and translate the movable cushion portion so that the movable cushion portion moves between a seating position, an extended position, and a tray position. In particular, a passenger sits on the movable cushion portion in the seating position, the movable cushion portion rotates away from the seat base in the forward direction to expose a lower side of the movable cushion portion in the extended position, and the tray position is obtained when the movable cushion portion translates rearwardly from the extended position with the lower side remaining exposed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes a thermoelectric generator (TEG) layer that comprises a thermoelectric nanostructure. The system also includes a thermal conductance layer coupling the TEG layer to a catalytic converter and provides heat from an exhaust gas passing through the catalytic converter to the TEG layer. The system additionally includes a cooling layer coupled to the TEG layer opposite the thermal conductance layer that provides cooling to the TEG layer.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, a thermoelectric generator (TEG) insert is used for recovery of engine waste heat. The embodiments include an engine having an exhaust manifold outlet, and an exhaust pipe having an inlet and an outlet. The TEG insert, which is configured to convert heat from exhaust gas leaving the engine into electrical power, may be disposed between the exhaust manifold outlet of the engine and the inlet of the exhaust pipe. The location of the TEG insert may maximize the thermal conversion of heat to electricity. Further, the size of the TEG insert may be minimized through the use of a high-efficiency nano-material. As a result, overall fuel economy may be maximized, the size of ancillary components, e.g., alternator, coolant pump, oil pump, etc., may be reduced, and minimal engine design change may be required to accommodate the TEG insert described herein.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, a thermoelectric generator (TEG) insert is used for recovery of engine waste heat. The embodiments include an engine having an exhaust manifold outlet, and an exhaust pipe having an inlet and an outlet. The TEG insert, which is configured to convert heat from exhaust gas leaving the engine into electrical power, may be disposed between the exhaust manifold outlet of the engine and the inlet of the exhaust pipe. The location of the TEG insert may maximize the thermal conversion of heat to electricity. Further, the size of the TEG insert may be minimized through the use of a high-efficiency nano-material. As a result, overall fuel economy may be maximized, the size of ancillary components, e.g., alternator, coolant pump, oil pump, etc., may be reduced, and minimal engine design change may be required to accommodate the TEG insert described herein.