Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a housing at least partially defining a cavity. A ball stud includes a head portion positioned within the cavity and a shaft extending from the head portion. A ball race having an inner surface is positioned within the cavity to define an interface between the inner surface of the ball race and an outer surface of the head portion. A solid friction coating is positioned within the interface. The solid friction coating is coupled to the inner surface of the ball race and/or the outer surface of the head portion of the ball stud. A piston can also be positioned within the cavity, wherein at least one gap is defined between the ball race and the piston and/or between the ball race and the housing. Methods of assembling a ball joint assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a housing at least partially defining a cavity. A ball stud includes a head portion positioned within the cavity and a shaft extending from the head portion. A ball race having an inner surface is positioned within the cavity to define an interface between the inner surface of the ball race and an outer surface of the head portion. A solid friction coating is positioned within the interface. The solid friction coating is coupled to the inner surface of the ball race and/or the outer surface of the head portion of the ball stud. A piston can also be positioned within the cavity, wherein at least one gap is defined between the ball race and the piston and/or between the ball race and the housing. Methods of assembling a ball joint assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: The process of the present invention significantly increases the durability of superhydrophobic surfaces, while retaining similar optical properties to those of the original surface. The process uses velocity and heat to take freshly formed nano- and ultrafine particles and can partially embed and chemically bond them to the substrate, creating a strongly bonded nano-to-submicron textured surface. This nanotextured surface can then be modified to have desirable surface properties; for example, it can be hydrophobic, oliophobic, or hydrophilic. The high points of the coating made with this process protect the remainder of the surface from abrasion, thus greatly increasing product life in many uses. In preferred embodiments, the process is used to coat transportation vehicle windshields.

Abstract: A jig for connecting a part to a body for an on-line painting process may include a plastic adaptor and a metal hanger. The plastic adaptor may be configured to be connected to a part to be painted, and the metal hanger may be removably connectable to the plastic adaptor. The metal hanger may be configured to be connected to a body to be painted.

Abstract: An electrical grounding apparatus for a vehicle includes an inner wall spaced apart from an outer wall, a first contacting surface having a plurality of elevated portions, and a second contacting surface. The elevated portions of the first contacting surface extend at least partially into the first vehicle component creating electrical contact between the first contacting surface and a first vehicle component. The second contacting surface makes electrical contact with the second vehicle component. The electrical grounding apparatus is substantially formed of an electrically conductive material, which provides electrical contact between the first and second vehicle components.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for electromotively coating a part can include a conveyor that has a plurality of hangars that are configured to be positively connected to respective parts that are to be coated. An attachment mechanism can be provided on the hangar and the part, the attachment mechanism being configured to exert force in more than a single direction. The part can be a conductive plastic part and can include an attachment structure that is formed thereon, for example, screw threads integrally formed in the part. The hangar can include a similar fastener that is configured to connect to the attachment structure of the part. For example, the fastener of the hangar can be a screw thread that mates with threads integrally or otherwise formed on the part.

Abstract: The process of the present invention significantly increases the durability of superhydrophobic surfaces, while retaining similar optical properties to those of the original surface. The process uses velocity and heat to take freshly formed nano- and ultrafine particles and can partially embed and chemically bond them to the substrate, creating a strongly bonded nano-to-submicron textured surface. This nanotextured surface can then be modified to have desirable surface properties; for example, it can be hydrophobic, oliophobic, or hydrophilic. The high points of the coating made with this process protect the remainder of the surface from abrasion, thus greatly increasing product life in many uses. In preferred embodiments, the process is used to coat transportation vehicle windshields.

Abstract: A method for creating condensation in an accelerated weathering device, the method having the step of creating condensation in a weathering chamber of an accelerated weathering device by cooling a surface in the chamber to a temperature that is colder than the dew point of the air inside the chamber. An accelerated weathering device having a weathering chamber and at least one radiant cooling tube that is either touching or less than about 2.5 centimeters away from at least one surface in the weathering chamber so that by passing a fluid through the at least one radiant cooling tube, the temperature of the a least one surface can be decreased as a result of the radiant cooling from the radiant cooling tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for electromotively coating a part can include a conveyor that has a plurality of hangars that are configured to be positively connected to respective parts that are to be coated. An attachment mechanism can be provided on the hangar and the part, the attachment mechanism being configured to exert force in more than a single direction. The part can be a conductive plastic part and can include an attachment structure that is formed thereon, for example, screw threads integrally formed in the part. The hangar can include a similar fastener that is configured to connect to the attachment structure of the part. For example, the fastener of the hangar can be a screw thread that mates with threads integrally or otherwise formed on the part.

Abstract: A jig for connecting a part to a body for an on-line painting process may include a plastic adaptor and a metal hanger. The plastic adaptor may be configured to be connected to a part to be painted, and the metal hanger may be removably connectable to the plastic adaptor. The metal hanger may be configured to be connected to a body to be painted.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting, transporting and storing biospecimen. The apparatus includes a vial having a first open and second closed end. The apparatus includes an inner tube suitable for insertion into the vial and having a first open and second end. The apparatus also includes a lid to cover the first open end of the vial. The inner tube preferably includes a trapping means at the inlet of the first open end. A solution is preferably introduced into the vial. Biospecimen is typically introduced into the first open end of the inner tube, the lid closed and the apparatus agitated to cause the biospecimen to be eluted into the solution.