Abstract: A process for remediating the insulating properties of magnet wire insulation is described. Magnet wire, used in electric motors and other electrical devices, comprises an electrically-conductive core covered by a thin insulating layer. The insulating layer may be damaged or compromised during manufacture or service. A process for incorporating polymerizable materials, sequestered in microcapsules, within the insulating layer is described. When the insulating layer is subjected to conditions sufficient to compromise its insulating character, the microcapsules fracture and release their contents which then polymerize and re-establish the insulating properties of the layer.

Abstract: An adaptive tire utilizing active material actuation to sense and/or modify an excessive and/or low inflation pressure, so as to autonomously maintain proper inflation pressure.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a part from a workpiece including a hollow portion, using a mandrel and a conventional press such as a stamping press includes filling the hollow portion of the workpiece with a mandrel material and transforming the mandrel material to form a mandrel. The mandrel material is removable from the formed part and may be recycled to form a mandrel for another workpiece.

Abstract: A method of forming an adhesive bond between a first substrate and a second substrate includes applying a semi-crystalline polymeric adhesive composition to a bonding area of the first substrate, and, after applying, disposing the second substrate adjacent to and in contact with the composition to form a workpiece. After disposing, the method includes heating the workpiece to cure the composition and thereby form a thermoset polymeric adhesive material that is crosslinked. After heating, the method includes cooling the workpiece such that the material has a crystalline molecular structure. Concurrent to cooling, the method includes imposing a stress on the material to thereby orient the crystalline molecular structure in a desired direction, and, after imposing, dissipating the stress along the crystalline molecular structure in the desired direction to thereby form the adhesive bond between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: A cable adapted for use as an actuator, adaptive structural member, or damper, includes a plurality of longitudinally inter-engaged and cooperatively functioning shape memory alloy wires.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a bipolar plate assembly with an adhesive bond layer. The bipolar plate assembly is used in a fuel cell stack and includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a first border and the second plate has a second border. The adhesive bond layer is located between the first border and the second border, and is used to mechanically and structurally join the first plate and the second plate together.

Abstract: Methods for improving adhesion between a shape memory alloy and a polymeric material include functionalizing a surface of the shape memory polymer with a phosphorous containing compound or an organosilane coupling agent. Other methods include surface texturing the shape memory alloy surface, independently or in combination with the functionalization.

Abstract: A composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell is disclosed. The membrane is formed of a polymer having layers of a clay-based cation exchange material. The substrate comprises an electrode formed from a solution that has an exfoliated, inorganic, sodium-based cation exchange material, an ionically conductive polymer-based material, and a solvent-dispersant.

Abstract: A process for remediating the insulating properties of magnet wire insulation is described. Magnet wire, used in electric motors and other electrical devices, comprises an electrically-conductive core covered by a thin insulating layer. The insulating layer may be damaged or compromised during manufacture or service. A process for incorporating polymerizable materials, sequestered in microcapsules, within the insulating layer is described. When the insulating layer is subjected to conditions sufficient to compromise its insulating character, the microcapsules fracture and release their contents which then polymerize and re-establish the insulating properties of the layer.

Abstract: A tire includes a pair of sidewalls in spaced apart relation and extending substantially radially from a respective inner circumferential portion to a respective outer circumferential portion, a tread extending between and connecting outer circumferential portions of the sidewalls, at least a portion of a tire cavity defined by the tread and sidewalls, and a bead portion on the inner circumferential portion of each radially extending sidewall, the bead portion providing an engagement surface for engaging a wheel on which the tire is to be mounted, and a noise reducing foam disposed in at least a portion of the tire cavity.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes an active material in operative communication with a seat surface configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to change at least one feature of the seat surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanocomposite material includes introducing a nanofiller material having polar end groups into an extruder having a polymeric material therein. An unsaturated shielding material is introduced into the extruder. The unsaturated shielding material reacts with the polar end groups, thereby forming a shielded nanofiller material. The shielded nanofiller material is grafted to the polymeric material, thereby forming the nanocomposite material. The nanofiller material therein is substantially exfoliated, and the nanocomposite material exhibits enhanced physical properties.

Abstract: A multi-layer nanocomposite material includes a first layer of a first polymeric material and a second layer of nanocomposite material. The nanocomposite material includes a second polymeric material and a nanofiller material exfoliated therewithin. The second layer is established on the first layer, or the first layer is established on the second layer. The multi-layer nanocomposite material exhibits enhanced physical properties and enhanced ductility due to the improved stress dissipation of the secondary layers during impact.

Abstract: Hybrid articles comprising a molded mixture of a light metal alloy and a polymer are formed by processing (including co-molding and co-extruding) the metal in a semi-solid state at a high shear rate and the polymer in a melt processable state. For example, magnesium alloy particles in a thixotropic condition are mixed with particles or globules of the polymer and molded into a hybrid metal-containing and polymer-containing body. The proportions of magnesium and polymer may be varied substantially depending on the desired properties of the hybrid article. In another embodiment the light metal and polymer may be co-extruded as two or more distinct layers into a solid or hollow hybrid body.

Abstract: An active material assembly for interconnecting with at least one structural member of a structure, sustaining a load over a predetermined period, and selectively effecting a change in the structure, includes at least one active material element, such as a shape memory wire, and a reinforcing connector, such as a ring terminal crimp fixedly secured to the wire, and more preferably including the use of one or more tube or shim intermediate the wire and crimp, wave form imparting configurations, collets, or ferrules.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment includes a method comprising providing a tire having a component constructed and arranged to cause at least one portion of the tire to have a first stiffness or resistance to force exerted thereon under a first condition and a second stiffness or resistance to force exerted thereon under a second condition and selectively causing the first or second condition to occur.

Abstract: An adaptive tire employable by a vehicle traveling upon a surface, so as to define a rolling resistance, and including at least one active material element operable to selectively modify the resistance when activated.

Abstract: An adaptive tire utilizing active material actuation to sense and/or modify an excessive and/or low inflation pressure, so as to autonomously maintain proper inflation pressure.

Abstract: A system for and method of reducing the rolling resistance of a tire by pre-heating the tire prior to use.

Abstract: A cable adapted for use as an actuator, adaptive structural member, or damper, includes a plurality of longitudinally inter-engaged and cooperatively functioning shape memory alloy wires.