Abstract: A collapsible ballistic body armor system having a linear arrangement of two to four armor panels in a deployment condition defining a rectangular prism array of armor panels shielding the front of the user. Each adjacent armor panel is interconnected along their respective edges by a hinge connection so that the collapsible ballistic body armor system is movable between the deployment condition and a folded position. In the deployment condition, a cover panel pivotably attached to each armor panel pivots to cover a gap between each adjacent armor panel. The system provides a neck strap from which initial deployment may be achieved under the urging of gravity.

Abstract: A method for controlling an autonomous vehicle is provided. While the vehicle is at a commanded destination the method may be responsive to an absence of an ingress/egress of a passenger for a predetermined period. The predetermined period may depend on whether the vehicle is in arrival mode or departure mode. The method may include commanding the vehicle to travel to a predetermined location selected to have measures of cellular-wireless signal strength that are greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for automated parking of autonomous vehicles are provided herein. An example method includes receiving, by an automated driving system of an autonomous vehicle, a pull over request during a trip to a destination; initiating, by the automated driving system, a pull over sequence, the pull over sequence including determining if the autonomous vehicle is within a pre-determined distance from the destination; stopping the autonomous vehicle when the autonomous vehicle is within the pre-determined distance; and when the autonomous vehicle is not within the pre-determined distance, initiating a parking sequence to park the autonomous vehicle at a nearest available parking location.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for purifying ethanol.

Abstract: A motor vehicle secondary hood latch release mechanism comprises a striker, a primary hood latch, and a secondary hood latch. A remote secondary hood latch release device actuates the secondary hood latch only after a primary hood latch switch provides a signal to the controller indicating that the primary hood latch is in the disengaged position. A hood sensor provides a signal when the hood has been lifted to the open condition. The controller actuates the secondary hood latch to the disengaged position for a prescribed period of time upon actuation of a vehicle system input device, and thereafter the controller actuates the secondary hood latch to the engaged position upon the earlier of expiration of the prescribed time or the hood sensor providing the signal to the controller that the hood has been lifted to the open condition.

Abstract: A method for controlling an autonomous vehicle is provided. While the vehicle is at a commanded destination the method may be responsive to an absence of an ingress/egress of a passenger for a predetermined period. The predetermined period may depend on whether the vehicle is in arrival mode or departure mode. The method may include commanding the vehicle to travel to a predetermined location selected to have measures of cellular-wireless signal strength that are greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for automated parking of autonomous vehicles are provided herein. An example method includes receiving, by an automated driving system of an autonomous vehicle, a pull over request during a trip to a destination; initiating, by the automated driving system, a pull over sequence, the pull over sequence including determining if the autonomous vehicle is within a pre-determined distance from the destination; stopping the autonomous vehicle when the autonomous vehicle is within the pre-determined distance; and when the autonomous vehicle is not within the pre-determined distance, initiating a parking sequence to park the autonomous vehicle at a nearest available parking location.

Abstract: A test apparatus includes a linear-motion generator, an airbag, a plate, an anthropomorphic test device, a crushable member, and a guide bar. The linear-motion generator is deployable in a deployment direction. The airbag is spaced from the linear-motion generator and inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The plate and the anthropomorphic test device are movable together by the linear-motion generator. The crushable member is fixed relative to the airbag in the uninflated position and disposed in the deployment direction from the plate. The guide bar has an end fixed relative to the airbag in the uninflated position and is positioned to intersect the airbag in the inflated position. The test apparatus has a beltline bar that is elongated along an axis transverse to the deployment direction, adjacent the airbag in the uninflated position, and spaced farther from the linear-motion generator than the airbag in the inflated position.

Abstract: A composite applique assembly for a vehicle interior trim piece includes a flexible receiver element and a flexible insert connected to the flexible receiver element by a sliding joint. An end of the flexible receiver element is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. An end of the flexible insert opposite to the flexible receiver element end is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. The flexible receiver element defines an internal channel configured for slidingly receiving the flexible insert therein. The flexible receiver element further defines at least a partial-length slot providing fluid communication with the internal channel.

Abstract: A filtration vessel is provided with improved sealing surfaces and alignment methods. The sealing surface is provided by a perforated sleeve within the filtration vessel. An alignment mechanism is provided which allows for improved servicing of the filtration vessel.

Abstract: A composite applique assembly for a vehicle interior trim piece includes a flexible receiver element and a flexible insert connected to the flexible receiver element by a sliding joint. An end of the flexible receiver element is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. An end of the flexible insert opposite to the flexible receiver element end is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. The flexible receiver element defines an internal channel configured for slidingly receiving the flexible insert therein. The flexible receiver element further defines at least a partial-length slot providing fluid communication with the internal channel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle secondary hood latch release mechanism comprises a striker, a primary hood latch, and a secondary hood latch. A remote secondary hood latch release device actuates the secondary hood latch only after a primary hood latch switch provides a signal to the controller indicating that the primary hood latch is in the disengaged position. A hood sensor provides a signal when the hood has been lifted to the open condition. The controller actuates the secondary hood latch to the disengaged position for a prescribed period of time upon actuation of a vehicle system input device, and thereafter the controller actuates the secondary hood latch to the engaged position upon the earlier of expiration of the prescribed time or the hood sensor providing the signal to the controller that the hood has been lifted to the open condition.

Abstract: A test apparatus includes a linear-motion generator, an airbag, a plate, an anthropomorphic test device, a crushable member, and a guide bar. The linear-motion generator is deployable in a deployment direction. The airbag is spaced from the linear-motion generator and inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The plate and the anthropomorphic test device are movable together by the linear-motion generator. The crushable member is fixed relative to the airbag in the uninflated position and disposed in the deployment direction from the plate. The guide bar has an end fixed relative to the airbag in the uninflated position and is positioned to intersect the airbag in the inflated position. The test apparatus has a beltline bar that is elongated along an axis transverse to the deployment direction, adjacent the airbag in the uninflated position, and spaced farther from the linear-motion generator than the airbag in the inflated position.

Abstract: A composite applique assembly for a vehicle interior trim piece includes a flexible receiver element and a flexible insert connected to the flexible receiver element by a sliding joint. An end of the flexible receiver element is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. An end of the flexible insert opposite to the flexible receiver element end is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. The flexible receiver element defines an internal channel configured for slidingly receiving the flexible insert therein. The flexible receiver element further defines at least a partial-length slot providing fluid communication with the internal channel.

Abstract: A composite applique assembly for a vehicle interior trim piece includes a flexible receiver element and a flexible insert connected to the flexible receiver element by a sliding joint. An end of the flexible receiver element is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. An end of the flexible insert opposite to the flexible receiver element end is fixedly connected to a vehicle door element. The flexible receiver element defines an internal channel configured for slidingly receiving the flexible insert therein. The flexible receiver element further defines at least a partial-length slot providing fluid communication with the internal channel.

Abstract: A filter element having an end cap is provided with a seal that can better accommodate non-round holes. The seal may be a chevron type seal and/or other similar seal having a sealing flange for forming a radial seal. Methods of replacing a filter having an O-ring gasket to improve upon sealing are provided as well as filtration systems employing the filter element.

Abstract: Multi-stage filtration apparatus is provided. A fluid is forced through different filter stage elements allowing for removal of various contaminants from the fluid.

Abstract: A filtration vessel is provided with improved sealing surfaces and alignment methods. The sealing surface is provided by a perforated sleeve within the filtration vessel. An alignment mechanism is provided which allows for improved servicing of the filtration vessel.

Abstract: A filter element having an end cap is provided with a seal that can better accommodate non-round holes. The seal may be a chevron type seal and/or other similar seal having a sealing flange for forming a radial seal. Methods of replacing a filter having an O-ring gasket to improve upon sealing are provided as well as filtration systems employing the filter element.

Abstract: Multi-stage filtration apparatus is provided. A fluid is forced through different filter stage elements allowing for removal of various contaminants from the fluid.