Abstract: Methods for combining conductive filled low surface energy substrates, such as but not limited to polyolefins, and flame applied nitrogen based coupling agents are described. The methods include adding a conductive material to a surface and or matrix of the thermoplastic substrate so as to form a conductive thermoplastic substrate and a flame applied nitrogen-based coupling agent to form functional groups on the conductive thermoplastic substrate. The methods provide improved paint transfer efficiency, paint coverage, and adhesion durability characteristics. The methods are especially suitable for paintable automotive components, such as but not limited to exterior body panels, fascias, and the like.

Abstract: A stabilizer or drogue, packageable in a minimal volume, which can be auttically deployed to dampen horizontal, vertical and rotational motion of a device, such as a hydrophone, operating in a relatively viscous fluid. The stabilizer is disposed on a line or cable connected between the device and a surface float, and includes a horizontally oriented fabric fin extended and supported by a plurality of rigid arms, and a plurality of vertically oriented perpendicular fabric fins connected to, extended and supported by the arms and by a rigid vertical tube slidably disposed on the line. The arms are adjacently pivotably connected to a rigid body loaded by the device. Before deployment, the fabric is wrapped around the tube, and the arms are in a raised position substantially adjacent and parallel to the line and the tube, all stowed within a cylindrical container having an open end. The closed end of the container is fixedly connected to the line.