Abstract: Provided herein is a tow hook assembly, and more specifically, a tow hook assembly that is employed to improve passenger safety of a vehicle particularly in an offset vehicle impact. A tow hook assembly may include a mounting plate configured to be attached to a structural member of a vehicle at a front end of the vehicle, the mounting plate comprising a first portion and a second portion; and a tow hook extending from the first portion of the mounting plate in a first direction away from the vehicle, where the second portion of the mounting plate extends laterally outboard from the first portion in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The tow hook, during a small overlap impact with an object, provides for a lateral push away from the object.

Abstract: An integrated tailgate assembly for a vehicle includes a tailgate moveable between a closed position, an open position, and a step position. The integrated tailgate assembly is configured to provide a stepping surface for a user, to assist with egress and ingress into a vehicle storage compartment. In some implementations, the integrated tailgate assembly includes a first connecting member rotatably coupled to the vehicle. In some implementations, the integrated tailgate assembly includes a second connecting member coupled to the first connecting member and the tailgate. In some implementations, the integrated tailgate assembly includes a deployable platform with a platform cover and a deployable platform grip surface, the deployable platform rotatably coupled to the tailgate and moveable between a stored position with the platform cover flush with the tailgate inner surface and a deployed position with the deployable platform grip surface providing a step.

Abstract: A plurality of particles comprising a crosslinked aromatic epoxy vinyl ester polymer, wherein a particle from the plurality of proppant particles swells not more than 20 percent by volume when submerged in toluene for 24 hours at 70° C. is disclosed. A plurality of particles comprising a crosslinked aromatic epoxy vinyl ester polymer, wherein a particle from the plurality of particles maintains at least 75 percent of its height under a pressure of 1.7×107 Pascals up to at least 135° C. is also disclosed. Mixtures of the plurality of particles and other particles, fluids containing the plurality of particles, methods of making the plurality of particles, and methods of fracturing a subterranean geological formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A side door impact reinforcement beam incorporates a cantilevered member that is welded at one end thereof internally of the impact reinforcement beam and projects forwardly thereof. Upon side impact, the bending of the impact reinforcement beam deploys the cantilevered member outwardly from within the section of the reinforcement beam to strike an energy transfer block placed on a forward portion of the inner door panel to engage the outwardly projecting cantilevered member and receive impact energy therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement beam has a hat-shaped cross-sectional configuration that is formed with a pipe welded at a rearward portion thereof to project forwardly to be positioned for engagement with the energy transfer block when projected outwardly during impact bending of the reinforcement beam. The energy transfer from the outwardly deploying cantilevered pipe directs impact loads away from the pelvic region of the occupant toward the femur region.

Abstract: A side door impact reinforcement beam incorporates a cantilevered member that is welded at one end thereof internally of the impact reinforcement beam and projects forwardly thereof. Upon side impact, the bending of the impact reinforcement beam deploys the cantilevered member outwardly from within the section of the reinforcement beam to strike an energy transfer block placed on a forward portion of the inner door panel to engage the outwardly projecting cantilevered member and receive impact energy therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement beam has a hat-shaped cross-sectional configuration that is formed with a pipe welded at a rearward portion thereof to project forwardly to be positioned for engagement with the energy transfer block when projected outwardly during impact bending of the reinforcement beam. The energy transfer from the outwardly deploying cantilevered pipe directs impact loads away from the pelvic region of the occupant toward the femur region.

Abstract: The valve spring wear plate is proposed for use in a locomotive engine cylinder head to protect the areas of the cylinder head each acting as a valve spring seat from becoming grooved by the action of the spring thereagainst. The wear plate accommodates one spring seat at each end thereof, the two end portions being connected together by a narrow bridge portion, the bridge portion keeping the ends from rotational movement caused by action of the spring thereagainst.