Abstract: An electrified vehicle having an electric machine coupled to a traction battery to selectively propel the vehicle and associated method for the electrified vehicle include receiving trip data from an external server, the trip data including a plurality of road segments of a selected route from a starting location to a destination, each road segment having an associated energy consumption and distance, calculating a distance-to-empty (DTE) based on a remaining trip distance to the destination, available energy of the traction battery, an estimated traction battery energy required for the remaining trip distance, and an overall vehicle efficiency, the estimated traction battery energy being based on a combination of the received segment energy consumption and distance of each remaining segment in the trip, and communicating the DTE to a display within the electrified vehicle to reduce fluctuations in displayed DTE during travel along routes with nonlinear energy consumption (changing energy efficiency).

Abstract: Devices for sealing a toilet are provided. The devices comprise at least one barrier comprising barrier members configured to releasably and sealingly engage with and magnetically attract to each other. The barrier members are configured to be coupled to a toilet lid, a toilet seat and/or a toilet bowl and when the barrier members sealingly engage with each other, the at least one barrier inhibits or reduces movement of material from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl.

Abstract: An algae-based thermoplastic foam is provided having a protein-rich algae biomass selected from either microalgae, macroalgae or combinations thereof. The protein content is greater than or equal to 15% by weight of the algae biomass and the algae biomass is dried to a moister content of less than or equal to 15% by weight having an average particle size of up to 200 microns. The composition includes a resin configured to exhibit rheological properties suitable for blending with algae including a melting temperature less than 250° C. and a melt flow rate in excess of 0.01 g/10 min. The foam includes a foaming ingredient selected from the group consisting of crosslinkers, compatibilizers, plasticizers, accelerants, catalysts, blowing agents, other ingredients, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: This document discloses algae-derived flexible foams, whether open-cell or closed-cell, with inherent antimicrobial and flame resistant properties, wherein a process of manufacturing includes the steps of: harvesting algae-biomass; sufficiently drying the algae biomass; blending the dried algae biomass with a carrier resin and various foaming ingredients; adding an algal-derived antimicrobial compound selected from various natural sulfated polysaccharides present in brown algae, red algae, and/or certain seaweeds (marine microalgae); and adding a sufficient quantity of dried algae biomass to the formulation to adequately create a fire resistant flexible foam material.

Abstract: This document presents algae-derived antimicrobial fiber substrates, and a method of making the same. The fiber may be a synthetic fiber, but can also be formed as a cellulosic (e.g., cotton). In various implementations, an algae-derived antimicrobial fiber substrate can be made to have identical properties and characteristics of nylon-6 of nylon 6-6 polymer or the like, and yet contain antimicrobial, anti-viral, and/or flame retardant algal derived substances. Any of various species of red algae, brown algae, blue-green algae, and brown seaweed (marine microalgae and/or macroalgae) are known to contain a high level of sulfated polysaccharides with inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and flame-retardant properties, and can be used as described herein. Additionally disclosed are algae-derived flexible foams, whether open-cell or closed-cell, with inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and flame resistant properties.

Abstract: Systems and methods may predict vehicle charging events and prepare electrified vehicles for charging. Learned charging habits such as typical charging locations, charging times, and battery level when charging occurs may be leveraged for predicting when a user is likely to charge their electrified vehicle. A contactor system of the electrified vehicle may be controlled to maintain a set of contactors of the contactor system in a closed position upon vehicle shutdown in response to predicting that the charging event is likely. Maintaining the set of contactors closed when charging events are expected reduces contactor wear and decreases noise, vibration, and harshness, thereby facilitating a more satisfying user charging experience.

Abstract: An algae-based thermoplastic foam is provided having a protein-rich algae biomass selected from either microalgae, macroalgae or combinations thereof. The protein content is greater than or equal to 15% by weight of the algae biomass and the algae biomass is dried to a moister content of less than or equal to 15% by weight having an average particle size of up to 200 microns. The composition includes a resin configured to exhibit rheological properties suitable for blending with algae including a melting temperature less than 250° C. and a melt flow rate in excess of 0.01 g/10 min. The foam includes a foaming ingredient selected from the group consisting of crosslinkers, compatibilizers, plasticizers, accelerants, catalysts, blowing agents, other ingredients, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle includes control pilot circuitry, connected with a charge port, that carries a control pilot signal from electric vehicle supply equipment, and a controller that exits a sleep mode and increases power consumption responsive to changes in the control pilot signal while a plug of the electric vehicle supply equipment is mated with the charge port and an accumulated time associated with the changes remains less than a predefined value.

Abstract: A batting tee and/or hitting training device is provided that includes a platform, a support extending upwardly from the platform and a holder disposed on the support opposite the platform for holding the ball to be hit. The holder includes a lower tubular member and an upper ball-retaining portion that are integrally formed with one another.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine, a battery, a power takeoff, a display unit, and a controller. The electric machine is configured to propel the vehicle. The battery is configured to provide electrical power to the electric machine. The power takeoff is configured to transfer power from the battery to one or more external devices. The display unit is configured to display a distance-to-empty. The controller is programmed to, adjust the distance-to-empty based on an expected energy use of the one or more external devices.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery, a human-machine interface (HMI), and a controller. The controller responsive to detecting electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) utilizing multiple price tiers corresponding to multiple maximum charge powers, outputs a message indicating a charge price corresponding to the maximum charge power for each of the price tiers via the HMI. The controller also, responsive to receiving user input indicating an adjusted maximum charge power less that a default maximum charge power of the vehicle, sends the adjusted maximum charge power to the EVSE and permits charging from the EVSE at or below the adjusted maximum charge power.

Abstract: An electrified vehicle having an electric machine coupled to a traction battery to selectively propel the vehicle and associated method for the electrified vehicle include receiving trip data from an external server, the trip data including a plurality of road segments of a selected route from a starting location to a destination, each road segment having an associated energy consumption and distance, calculating a distance-to-empty (DTE) based on a remaining trip distance to the destination, available energy of the traction battery, an estimated traction battery energy required for the remaining trip distance, and an overall vehicle efficiency, the estimated traction battery energy being based on a combination of the received segment energy consumption and distance of each remaining segment in the trip, and communicating the DTE to a display within the electrified vehicle to reduce fluctuations in displayed DTE during travel along routes with nonlinear energy consumption (changing energy efficiency).

Abstract: A jaw protection panel or guard is formed with a shape that includes a body that is symmetrical in one or more different lines or planes of the body. This symmetry enables the guard to be secured to either side of a helmet in order to provide enhanced protection to the side of the jaw and face of the wearer of the helmet without the need for multiple guards configured for exclusive use on one side of the helmet.

Abstract: A base or similar structure utilized in playing a sport is provided including a top base structure including a number of bores formed therein and an insert including an upper surface having a number of studs thereon engageable with the bores, and a lower surface including a number of posts thereon. The posts extend outwardly from the insert to securely engage the ground against horizontal or lateral forces exerted on the base.

Abstract: A batting tee and/or hitting training device is provided that includes a platform, a support extending upwardly from the platform and a holder disposed on the support opposite the platform for holding the ball to be hit. The support additionally includes a cross-beam disposed on the support adjacent the holder. The cross-beam can be positioned at an angle with regard to the support, such that the cross-beam has an upward slope from one end to the other. This slope enables the batting tee to provide the individual with a guide for an upward swing path of the bat towards the ball disposed on the holder.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine, a battery, a power takeoff, a display unit, and a controller. The electric machine is configured to propel the vehicle. The battery is configured to provide electrical power to the electric machine. The power takeoff is configured to transfer power from the battery to one or more external devices. The display unit is configured to display a distance-to-empty. The controller is programmed to, adjust the distance-to-empty based on an expected energy use of the one or more external devices.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to customizable charge status indicator systems for electrified vehicle charge port assemblies. Exemplary charge status indicator systems may include a charge port lighting module, and a human machine interface (HMI) that includes various user interfaces configured for receiving inputs for customizing different lighting effects that can be emitted by the charge port lighting module. The charge status indicator systems may further include a controller operably coupled to both the charge port lighting module and the HMI and configured for commanding the charge port lighting module to emit customized lighting effects in response to receiving input signals from the HMI.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to customizable charge status indicator systems for electrified vehicle charge port assemblies. Exemplary charge status indicator systems may include a charge port lighting module, and a human machine interface (HMI) that includes various user interfaces configured for receiving inputs for customizing different lighting effects that can be emitted by the charge port lighting module. The charge status indicator systems may further include a controller operably coupled to both the charge port lighting module and the HMI and configured for commanding the charge port lighting module to emit customized lighting effects in response to receiving input signals from the HMI.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an onboard power source, a vehicle interface, and a controller. The controller, responsive to an external power application drawing power from the onboard power source, outputs a power source time to empty for display by the vehicle interface. The power source time to empty is derived from a location of the vehicle and a power drawn from the onboard power source by the external power application.

Abstract: A batting tee and/or hitting training device is provided that includes a platform, a support extending upwardly from the platform and a holder disposed on the support opposite the platform for holding the ball to be hit. The holder includes a lower tubular member and an upper ball-retaining portion that are integrally formed with one another.