Abstract: Multi-layer coatings are disclosed that include (a) a first layer deposited from at least one composition that includes a polymeric composition, and (b) a second layer applied over at least a portion of the first layer in which the second layer is deposited from at least one liquid composition that includes (i) a photocatalytic material, and (ii) a binder that is hydrophilic and comprises an essentially completely hydrolyzed organosilicate. Also disclosed are substrates coated with such multi-layer coatings, methods of applying such multi-layer coatings to a substrate and methods of making a painted surface easy-to-clean.

Abstract: Multi-layer coatings are disclosed that include (1) a first layer comprising an inorganic oxide network, and (2) a second layer applied over at least a portion of the first layer, wherein the second layer is deposited from at least one liquid composition that is hydrophilic and includes an essentially completely hydrolyzed organosilicate. Also disclosed are substrates coated with such multi-layer coatings, methods of applying such multi-layer coatings to a substrate and methods for improving the anti-fouling, self-cleaning, easy-to-clean, and/or anti-fogging properties of an article.

Abstract: In a mobile communication system, a relay station (RS) is used for signal exchange with a base station (BS), and includes a first antenna set including at least one antenna, used for signal exchange with the BS, and a second antenna set including at least one antenna, used for signal exchange with a mobile station (MS). The RS selects at least one antenna from the second antenna set for each of the at least one MS, and exchanges a signal with the MS using the selected at least one antenna.

Abstract: A hard coat composition comprising an acid functional organosiloxane polyol wherein at least some of the acid functionality has been neutralized is disclosed. The hard coat is suitable for application to a substrate, and can be used without an adhesive promoting primer.

Abstract: Coating compositions are disclosed that include an alkoxide and a silica sol that includes silica nanoparticles and a polymerizable (meth)acrylate binding agent. The polymerizable (meth)acrylate binding agent remains substantially uncrosslinked after the coating composition has been cured to form a hard coat. Also disclosed are articles at least partially coated with a hard coat deposited from such a coating composition, methods for depositing a hard coat on at least a portion of a plastic substrate, and methods for improving the adhesion and abrasion resistance of a coating composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are tinted, abrasion resistant coating compositions comprising polymer-enclosed color-imparting particles. Also disclosed are methods for making such a composition and substrates at least partially coated with a hard coat deposited from such a composition.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) for automatically laying out punching tools on a turret is used in a computer-aided manufacturing system for sheet-metal punching. The system includes a server (1), a database (3), and client computers (7). The apparatus resides in the server, and is used for receiving drawings from the client computers to obtain information on workpieces, selecting punching tools in accordance with sizes and shapes of each type of drawing entity of the workpieces and in accordance with materials of the workpieces and machining allowances set by users, selecting a corresponding tool station on the turret for each of the selected punching tools in accordance with a type of the turret and specifications of the selected punching tool, mounting each punching tool on the corresponding tool station, selecting an optimum manufacturing path for each punching tool, and recording punching tool layout information. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An energy absorbing knee bolster for use in an interior of a vehicle is disclosed. An energy absorbing support structure is configured to support an instrument panel within a vehicle. The energy absorbing structure has a deployable tubular mechanism for absorbing occupant impact energy and an impact plate coupled to the tubular mechanism for absorbing occupant energy. An energy absorbing locking mechanism is disposed between the impact plate and the support structure. The locking mechanism is configured to encourage the collapse of the tubular means for absorbing energy in a telescopic fashion.

Abstract: A shock mount is configured sized to receive a disc drive storage system therein and is configured to surround the disc drive storage system. The shock mount has a plurality of sides and is shaped to fit in a housing. A plurality of shock absorbing protrusions extend from the shock mount. The protrusions are of a shock absorbing material and are configured to hold the data storage device at a spaced apart position from the housing and provide shock absorption therebetween.

Abstract: A hard coat composition comprising a cationic acrylic polymer is disclosed. The hard coat is suitable for application to a substrate, and can be used without an adhesive promoting primer.

Abstract: Disclosed are tinted, abrasion resistant coating compositions comprising polymer-enclosed color-imparting particles. Also disclosed are methods for making such a composition and substrates at least partially coated with a hard coat deposited from such a composition.

Abstract: A hard coat composition comprising an acid functional organosiloxane polyol wherein at least some of the acid functionality has been neutralized is disclosed. The hard coat is suitable for application to a substrate, and can be used without an adhesive promoting primer.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite transparencies and methods for their production. The colored composite transparencies include a surface at least partially coated with a transparent tinted coating deposited from a coating composition comprising polymer-enclosed color-imparting particles.

Abstract: Multi-layer coatings are disclosed that include (1) a first layer comprising an inorganic oxide network, and (2) a second layer applied over at least a portion of the first layer, wherein the second layer is deposited from at least one liquid composition that is hydrophilic and includes an essentially completely hydrolyzed organosilicate. Also disclosed are substrates coated with such multi-layer coatings, methods of applying such multi-layer coatings to a substrate and methods for improving the anti-fouling, self-cleaning, easy-to-clean, and/or anti-fogging properties of an article.

Abstract: Multi-layer coatings are disclosed that include (a) a first layer deposited from at least one composition that includes a polymeric composition, and (b) a second layer applied over at least a portion of the first layer in which the second layer is deposited from at least one liquid composition that includes (i) a photocatalytic material, and (ii) a binder that is hydrophilic and comprises an essentially completely hydrolyzed organosilicate. Also disclosed are substrates coated with such multi-layer coatings, methods of applying such multi-layer coatings to a substrate and methods of making a painted surface easy-to-clean.

Abstract: Liquid compositions are disclosed that include a photocatalytic material and a hydrophilic binder that includes an essentially completely hydrolyzed organosilicate. Also disclosed are methods of making such compositions, methods of coating a substrate with a hydrophilic composition, and substrates coated with such compositions. The compositions may, for example, be embodied as stable one-pack compositions.

Abstract: A volume-filling mechanical structure for modifying a crash or impact comprising a honeycomb celled material expandable from a compact state to a expanded state and methods for operating the same.

Abstract: A four-point seat belt system is provided which includes a seat mountable within the vehicle, the seat has upper and lower medial locations. A first seat belt is disclosed having a first end coupled to the lower medial location and a second end coupled to the upper medial location. The seat belt further has a first tongue disposed between the first and second ends. A second seat belt is provided which has a first end coupled to the lower medial location and a second end having a second tongue. A first track located on the vehicle's door is provided which has a first seat belt buckle and a first drive mechanism. A second track is provided on the vehicle's door frame which has a second seat belt buckle. The first drive mechanism is configured to move at least one of the first seat belt buckle or the second seat belt buckle from a first location to a second location.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) for automatically laying out punching tools on a turret is used in a computer-aided manufacturing system for sheet-metal punching. The system includes a server (1), a database (3), and a number of client computers (7). The apparatus resides in the server, and is used for receiving drawings from the client computers to obtain information on workpieces, selecting punching tools in accordance with sizes and shape of each type of drawing entity of the workpieces and in accordance with materials of the workpieces and machining allowances set by users, selecting a corresponding tool station on the turret for each of the selected punching tools in accordance with a type of the turret and specifications of the selected punching tool, mounting each punching tool on the corresponding tool station, selecting an optimum manufacturing path for each punching tool, and recording punching tool layout information. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer numerical control (CNC) code-simulating system includes a number of client computers (6), a server (1), and a database (2). The database stores all information used and generated by the system. The client computers provide user interfaces enabling users to timely view information on machining of workpieces. The server is connected to a production management system (5), and is used for: obtaining turret information and machining paths of tools from the database; generating CNC code files according to the turret information and the machining paths of tools; constructing figurations of the tools according to parameters of the tools recorded in the CNC code files; simulating machining of the workpieces according to the figurations, the machining paths and of the tools and the turret information; and exporting relevant production management information to the production management system to generate statements for controlling of machining processes. A related method is also disclosed.