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: A sensor assembly includes a blower, a sensor, an air nozzle positioned to receive airflow from the blower and eject the airflow onto the sensor, an air pump positioned to eject airflow onto the sensor, and a heater mounted to the air pump and positioned to heat airflow passing through the air pump.

Abstract: An injection moldable composite material includes a polymer matrix, glass microspheres, a conductive network of linked nanostructures, and a plurality of additives. The polymer matrix includes a polypropylene impact copolymer. The plurality of additives includes a polymer adhesive configured to adhere the conductive network of linked nanostructures to the polymer matrix.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed. The sensor may comprise: a housing, comprising a transmitting coil; and an optic assembly, comprising a body supporting at least one receiving coil and a conductive film that is in electrical contact with the at least one receiving coil, wherein, when the transmitting coil is energized, the at least one receiving coil is wirelessly energized causing a temperature of the film to increase.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a plurality of panels connected to each other in a loop around the sensor. A duct is positioned to direct air towards the sensor. A heating element is disposed in the duct. First and second valves are disposed in the duct and spaced from each other along the duct. The first and second valves are selectively actuatable between an open position permitting airflow through the duct and a closed position blocking airflow through the duct. A computer is communicatively coupled to the heating element and the first and second valves. The computer is programmed to, upon determining a first difference between one respective panel temperature and an ambient temperature is greater than a first threshold, actuate the second valve to the closed position and maintain the first valve in the open position. The computer is further programmed to actuate the heating element to a first heating level based on the first difference.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a camera including a lens, a casing extending around the lens, at least three heating elements embedded in the casing and arranged circumferentially around the lens, and a computer communicatively coupled to the camera and to the heating elements. The computer is programmed to, upon detecting ice at a location on the lens, select a first subset of the heating elements based on the location of the ice; activate the first subset of the heating elements to a first heating level; determine a second heating level based on an ambient temperature and a lens temperature; and activate a second subset of the heating elements to the second heating level, the second subset including the heating elements not in the first subset.

Abstract: A composite material includes polypropylene in an amount between 60 wt. % and 95 wt. %, glass bubbles in an amount between 3.0 wt. % and 20.0 wt. %, a secondary structural filler of magnesium oxysulfate or wollastonite in an amount greater than 0.0 wt. % and up to 30.0 wt. %, and at least one additive. In one form of the composite material, the secondary structural filler is either magnesium oxysulfate or wollastonite. In another form the magnesium oxysulfate is in an amount between 2.0 wt. % and 6.0 wt. %. in yet another form the wollastonite is in an amount between 6.0 wt. % and 12.0 wt. %.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed. The sensor may comprise: a housing, comprising a transmitting coil; and an optic assembly, comprising a body supporting at least one receiving coil and a conductive film that is in electrical contact with the at least one receiving coil, wherein, when the transmitting coil is energized, the at least one receiving coil is wirelessly energized causing a temperature of the film to increase.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a latch assembly, having a housing and a latch carried in the housing, a heating feature, and a rechargeable battery connected to the heating feature. That heating feature includes a thermoelectric cooler controller and a resistive heating element. The resistance heating element may be a heater film molded to a face of the housing.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle with a portable signature light assembly, and a corresponding method. In an example, a signature light assembly configured to promote brand recognition of the motor vehicle is operable in a first mode in which the signature light assembly is connected to the motor vehicle and a second mode in which the signature light assembly is removed from the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a vehicle body panel and a camera having a field of view. The camera is disposed on the vehicle body panel. A grille assembly is coupled to the vehicle body panel. The grille assembly includes a plurality of light sources, an optic layer defining channels disposed adjacent to the light sources, and a metalized sheet disposed on the optic layer.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a vehicle body panel and a camera having a field of view. The camera is disposed on the vehicle body panel. A grille assembly is coupled to the vehicle body panel. The grille assembly includes a plurality of light sources, an optic layer defining channels disposed adjacent to the light sources, and a metalized sheet disposed on the optic layer.

Abstract: A material includes a base polymer, cellulose fibers dispersed through the base polymer, a pigment coloring the base polymer and the cellulose fibers, and a sealant selected from epoxidized soybean oil and polyolefin. The sealant coats and seals the cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A composite material includes polypropylene in an amount between 60 wt. % and 95 wt. %, glass bubbles in an amount between 3.0 wt. % and 20.0 wt. %, a secondary structural filler of magnesium oxysulfate or wollastonite in an amount greater than 0.0 wt. % and up to 30.0 wt. %, and at least one additive. In one form of the composite material, the secondary structural filler is either magnesium oxysulfate or wollastonite. In another form the magnesium oxysulfate is in an amount between 2.0 wt. % and 6.0 wt. %. in yet another form the wollastonite is in an amount between 6.0 wt. % and 12.0 wt. %.

Abstract: A vehicle grille assembly is provided herein. The grille assembly includes a panel sealingly coupled to a substrate and defining a cavity therebetween. A light source is disposed within the cavity. A diffuser is disposed between the light source and a portion of the panel.

Abstract: A sensor and a system using the sensor are described. The sensor may comprise: a cover; and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) shroud located at a periphery of the cover. The system may include one or more such sensors in a passage of a housing. The system further may comprise a blower that moves air through the passage and across at least a portion of the sensor(s).

Abstract: A sensor and a system using the sensor are described. The sensor may comprise: a cover; and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) shroud located at a periphery of the cover. The system may include one or more such sensors in a passage of a housing. The system further may comprise a blower that moves air through the passage and across at least a portion of the sensor(s).

Abstract: A B-pillar vehicle warning system includes a plurality of regions that can be illuminated to provide green, yellow, and red light. The warning system may be configured to utilize inputs from an autonomous driving sensing system to determine a location of a pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle, etc. relative to the vehicle. The system may be configured to illuminate specific lights in a predefined sequence based on a position of a pedestrian to alert/warn a pedestrian approaching the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle grille assembly is provided herein. The grille assembly includes a panel sealingly coupled to a substrate and defining a cavity therebetween. A light source is disposed within the cavity. A diffuser is disposed between the light source and a portion of the panel.

Abstract: A B-pillar vehicle warning system includes a plurality of regions that can be illuminated to provide green, yellow, and red light. The warning system may be configured to utilize inputs from an autonomous driving sensing system to determine a location of a pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle, etc. relative to the vehicle. The system may be configured to illuminate specific lights in a predefined sequence based on a position of a pedestrian to alert/warn a pedestrian approaching the vehicle.