Abstract: The present approach automatically generates an optimized building façade design given a set of building design parameters including a specified interior layout. The generated building façade design comprises a set of MegaPanels that are then displayed to the building designer for review and facilitate customization as desired by the façade designer. Some or all of this process can then be repeated when building design parameters are changed thereby facilitating automated and iterative building façade design as differing design parameters and resulting optimized building façade designs are considered.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly has a housing and two slide assist members that are slideably supported by the housing. The slide assist members each include at least one mating slot adapted to receive a mating portion of a mating connector. A U-shaped slide assist lever having first and second spaced apart arms is pivotally interconnected with the housing and the slide assist members to move the slide assist members and facilitate mating with the mating connector. Each slide assist member includes a notch and each lever arm includes a protrusion that mates with the corresponding notch when the slide assist member is in an engaged location and the lever is in an engaged position.

Abstract: A throttle valve for an internal combustion engine includes a body having a throttle bore defining an axis. A throttle plate for controlling air flow through the throttle valve is molded within the throttle bore, thereby providing a relatively exact throttle plate to throttle bore positional relationship The throttle plate may be integrally molded within the throttle bore and attached to the throttle body. The throttle plate is subsequently detached from the throttle body for relative rotation within the throttle bore. To facilitate detaching of the throttle plate, the plate may be weakened about is periphery. The throttle plate may be also formed with a bend for reducing throttle plate sticking upon rotation from an idle position and for controlling air leakage when the throttle plate is in the idle position. Further, the throttle plate may include a wedge to control air flow through the throttle bore and reinforcing ribs to further control the deflection of the throttle plate.