JUNE 23, 2006NHTSA Welcomes New Administrator
WASHINGTON (June 17, 2006) - Nicole Nason has recently taken the administrative reins of the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), replacing Jeremy Runge. She began her duties on May 31. She joins NHTSA from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), where she was the Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs since July 2003. In that position, she was responsible for oversight of congressional affairs, coordinating all legislative and non-legislative relationships between DOT and Congress and directing the presentation of DOT's legislative program. She also worked closely with state and local governments, other federal agencies, public and special interest groups, transportation associations and non-profit organizations.(Source: NHTSA)EPA Close to Setting Nanotechnology Guidelines WASHINGTON (June 16, 2006) - Rachel Lattimore of the legal firm Arent Fox PLLC issued a statement announcing that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be publishing guidelines later this summer, to assist manufacturers in determining if a nano-engineered material they are developing is a new or existing chemical. Arent Fox monitors regulatory developments relating to nanotechnology and also acts on behalf of its clients in this field. These guidelines are intended to help manufacturers better understand their regulatory obligations regarding the materials they are producing. EPA has taken the lead in the U.S. regulation of nanotechnology, primarily under the authority of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Under its TSCA authority, EPA could propose a rule to require testing not only of potential environmental impacts of nanomaterials, but of potential human health impacts, as well. If testing identifies potential risks, the Agency could impose conditions on the manufacture and use of nanoscale materials and products containing those materials. Amy Farrell, EPA's deputy assistant administrator for prevention, pesticides and toxic substances, explained that the new guidance will help chemical manufacturers determine whether a nanomaterial is a "new" chemical, for which TSCA requires pre-manufacture notification to the EPA, or an "existing" chemical. Lattimore said EPA is strongly encouraging early consultations between chemical manufacturers and the Agency under the TSCA New Chemicals Program. A chemical manufacturer can submit to EPA a bona fide notice of its intent to manufacture or import a chemical that it believes already exists and does not need EPA review. EPA would then reply with a letter stating the Agency's position. In order to help expedite this voluntary review process, chemical manufacturers are encouraged to meet with Agency staff about new chemicals long before the chemicals are submitted for EPA review.(Source: EPA)Using Technology To Prevent Drunken Driving ALBUQUERQUE, NM (June 19, 2006) - According to the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), new technologies could become a major factor in reducing the 13,000 deaths and half-million injuries caused by drunk driving crashes each year - but only if courts start widely using these proven devices. Many of the in latest innovations - including alcohol-detecting sensors, anklet devices that test alcohol levels in skin and ignition interlock programs for repeat DUI offenders - were showcased at the International DUI Technology Symposium held here. The best-known anti-drunken driving technology is the ignition interlock, which requires a driver to breathe into a tube hooked to an alcohol sensor before the car will start. Ignition interlock has a 20-year record of reducing impaired driving relapses, and research has proven its effectiveness. Paul Marques, Ph.D., senior research scientist with PIRE, says that while more than 40 states have legalized such programs mainly for repeat offenders, courts more often than not simply decline to order ignition interlock to be used. "With about 1.4 million DUI arrests each year, fewer than 10 percent of all DUI offenders ever drive with an interlock," he said. Newer, more promising technologies include passive alcohol sensors and transdermal alcohol sensors. These devices are usually based on an alcohol fuel cell, the same kind of alcohol sensors in most interlocks and portable breath testers. Transdermal alcohol sensors lock onto the ankle of the offender; these devices can detect alcohol from the sweat on the skin surface, then store and quietly upload this information to a remote server - even while the offender sleeps. Passive sensors can be embedded in a flashlight and used by police officers at the roadside to test for alcohol in the air near the mouth of a driver. They can establish probable cause for further sobriety tests. These devices can markedly improve detection efficacy at sobriety checkpoints by police, where traditional methods will miss about half of all drivers with blood alcohol concentrations above the legal limit. Wider use of these and other methods, Marques argued, would go a long way to markedly deterring impaired ding nationwide. "We have technological solutions that can very likely save lives - it's time we started fully using them," says Marques. During the symposium, Marques was critical of courts that didn't implement proven measures that could keep drunks off the road, thereby saving many innocent lives. He notes that, "Most states and communities could employ this technology right away and see immediate benefits in reducing impaired driving. But they're not doing it."(Source: PIRE)Virginia Tech Wins "Sustainable Mobility" Competition ORION, MI (June 14, 2006) - Students from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University took top honors by winning the "2006 Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility" engineering competition. The Virginia Tech team was among 17 universities from across North America who took part in the second annual competition in this three-year engineering series.
NiMH Battery Pack
(Photo: Cobasys) Challenge X is a unique program that strengthens cooperation of universities, government and industry in developing advanced propulsion technologies to reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil. Under this program engineering students compete in developing technologies and selecting different methods to minimize energy consumption, emissions and greenhouse gases while maintaining vehicle utility and performance. The winning entry was a re-engineered 2005 Chevrolet Equinox split parallel hybrid that used an advanced Cobasys Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery system, two electric motors and was fueled by E85 fuel that reduced vehicle petroleum use by 74 percent. The school and seven other participating teams used a Cobasys NiMHax 336 volt, 70 kW NiMH battery system. "The Challenge X competition engages engineering students to find new, clean solutions while boosting on-road fuel economy," says Erik Hansen, general sales manager for Cobasys - a joint venture between Chevron Technology Ventures LLC and Energy Conversion Devices Inc. The firm specializes in the design and manufacture of advanced NiMH battery system solutions for hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles and 36-/42-volt applications, in addition to stationary back-up power supply systems for other industries.(Source: Cobasys)Tenneco Leverages Diesel After-treatment Capabilities Into Aftermarket GRASS LAKE, MI (June 17, 2006) - Increasingly stringent emissions regulations - both domestically and globally - as well as growth in the diesel engine market are driving demand for emission control components and systems. As a result, Tenneco Inc. is investing heavily in emissions control research and product development Earlier this month, the company announced an expansion of its North American emissions control engineering center in Grass Lake, MI. The current facility, which serves OE manufacturers, will be increased by more than 25 percent to a total of 140,000 square feet, dedicated to the development and testing capabilities to meet the growing demand for advanced emissions control technologies. The expansion will enhance the company's sound engineering and emission control capabilities with an upgraded sound quality lab, engine dynamometers and a noise/vibration/harshness (NVH) evaluation lab. In addition, the company will complete a flow lab, capable of hot and cold conditions, which will be used in developing advanced after treatment solutions. "Stricter emission control standards and the growth in the North American diesel market are driving the demand for more emission control content on vehicles," says Mark P. Frissora, chairman, CEO and president for Tenneco. With EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations taking scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2007, Tenneco will be supplying three North American OEMs with advanced emissions control technologies for light-duty diesel pickup trucks, as well as providing one manufacturer with medium-duty diesel after-treatment technology. The company is also introducing retrofit diesel particulate filter (DPF), initially in the European market. The introduction comes in advance of the impending of European Union (EU) legislation and tax incentives for retrofit units that come into effect in The Netherlands this July. The DPF features a lightweight foam filter coated with precious metals and combines the catalytic converter and DPF into one unit. The design allows service professionals replace the catalytic converter with the DPF without adding additional weight and without disturbing the vehicle's entire NVH profile. "With EU pressure on reducing emission limits growing, we see significant potential for a fully-homologated, highly efficient retrofit product that offers consumers the opportunity to benefit from tax reduction incentives while avoiding potential driving bans in the event of particulate matter alerts," says Frissora. "In addition, the presence of a retrofit DPF has the potential to increase the resale value of older cars."(Source: Tenneco)New TRW System Further Integrates Active and Passive Safety PARIS (June 15, 2006) - TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. recently unveiled an advanced precrash system that combines its newest generation Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Active Control Retractor (ACR) seatbelt technologies to help prepare occupants before a crash occurs. The ACR seatbelt system has been integrated with the company's second-generation AC20 radar system to add a further level of occupant protection when a vehicle senses a potential crash. The AC20 radar can detect moving objects with an enhanced range of up to 200 meters and senses vehicles in the roadway ahead. The radar can identify target vehicles and how rapidly the acquiring vehicle is approaching them. If the system detects that the gap between the vehicles is closing too quickly, it will signal the ACR system to remove any seatbelt slack, which helps to better position the occupant for a potential crash and helps to warn the driver of a potential impending event. If the crash is avoided, the system will reverse itself and automatically loosen the seat belt slack. The precrash system uses a "situation management" algorithm that continuously processes signals from the vehicle's relevant dynamic systems such as ABS, electronic stability control or the ACC radar. The algorithm evaluates events such as braking, sliding, vehicle angle and object detection, and determines if a critical situation has been reached that warrants the activation of the ACR system. "Merging active and passive safety systems is a powerful tool in bridging the gap between helping to avoid accidents and in mitigating occupant injuries if a crash does occur," says Uwe Class, manager of reversible systems for TRW's Occupant Safety Systems. "When the systems work in concert, vehicle speeds can be reduced and systems like the ACR can help to place occupants in a more ideal position to take fuller advantage of the inflatable restraint systems." The precrash system provides the basis for further integration opportunities such as radar enabled emergency braking that uses ACC technology to help detect if an accident is unavoidable and can automatically engage the brakes while activating the ACR, adds TRW. The ACR again helps to warn the driver of impending danger, together with other warnings such as audible signals through the vehicle sound system or vibrating the steering wheel. These warnings can also be helpful in other situations such as when a driver becomes drowsy.(Source: TRW)DuPont Lightens Laminated Glass WILMINGTON, DE (June 13, 2006) - Auto industry experts predict that by 2010, 40 percent of all new cars will feature sunroofs in response to consumer demands for brighter, more open vehicle interiors. In addition, the use of panoramic sunroofs, which provide even greater exposure to the exterior environment, is increasing rapidly. As sunroofs grow in size, so do vehicle weight and concerns about safety in the event of impact. As a solution to both the safety and weight concerns, DuPont introduced Spallshield composite interlayer technology, which enables the use of laminated glass with improved protective capabilities and reduced weight, according to Craig Binetti, vice president and general manager for DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers. "As we continue to see the need for increasing safety in automobiles, we have a number of exciting research developments in light control, light-weighting and new structural materials that can improve passenger comfort and safety." Spallshield is a plastic composite that provides up to eight times the impact performance of standard laminated glass, says DuPont. Two layers of plastic are laminated to a single layer of glass with the plastic on the inside, protecting passengers from glass shards resulting from an exterior impact and from the potential of ejection in the event of a rollover accident. By essentially eliminating one layer of glass from a standard glass laminate and replacing it with an abrasion-resistant polyester film, weight reductions of up to 30 percent can be achieved, says DuPont. The technology has already been adopted by DaimlerChrysler for its Mercedes S and R Class vehicles. Larger sunroofs translate into more exposure to sunlight and higher energy transmission into the vehicle. Binetti noted that in this area of working with "electrochromics," DuPont scientists are developing technology for "smart windows" that will enable motorists to dynamically control the amount of light and solar energy coming into vehicles.(Source: DuPont)BP Joins Biotechnology Industry Organization WASHINGTON (June 14, 2006) - Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood announced that global energy group BP has become the first fully integrated energy company to become a member of BIO. "BP joins a growing list of forward-looking companies in BIO's Industrial and Environmental Section, all of whom recognize the key role industrial biotechnology will play in transforming how we produce fuels and consumer products in the 21st century," says Greenwood. The move signals an important shift in fuels production that couples biotechnology with the use of renewable agricultural feedstocks. Twenty years of research in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics is now being integrated with industrial biotechnology as a key driver towards a cleaner, greener and more secure energy future. Membership in BIO compliments BP's announcement today of a $500 million investment to establish an Energy Biosciences Institute in either the United States or the United Kingdom as part of its continuing drive to find longer term commercial alternatives to oil and gas. The investment is aimed at funding research aimed at probing the emerging secrets of bioscience and applying them to the production of new and cleaner energy, principally fuels for road transport. Specific areas of focus will include: * Developing new biofuel components and improving the efficiency and flexibility of those currently blended with transport fuels. * Devising new technologies to enhance and accelerate the conversion of organic matter to biofuel molecules, with the aim of increasing the proportion of a crop that can be used to produce feedstocks. * Using modern plant science to develop species that produce a higher yield of energy molecules and can be grown on land not suitable for food production. "The world needs new technologies to maintain adequate supplies of energy for the future," says BP CEO Lord Browne. "Bioscience is already transforming modern medicine and we believe it can bring immense benefits to the energy sector. By creating this integrated and dedicated research centre, we plan to harness a technical discipline with enormous potential to provide new energy solutions."(Source: Biotechnology Industry
Organization, BP)Improving Safety For Motorcycle and ATV Riders CRESTWOOD, KY (June 16, 2006) - In situations where staying flat-free matters - motorcycle racing or ATV trail riding for example - the Tire Balls High Performance Inflation System offers an alternative to tube or foam-filled tires. Unlike an inner tube or tubeless design tire, whose vulnerable one cell design can lead to flat tires, the Tire Ball system is composed of multiple cells that inflate the tire.
(Photo: Tire Ball) Each individual Tire Ball cell is made from materials that are 10 times more puncture resistant than conventional heavy-duty neoprene tubes, says the company. Punctures are still possible, but very rare. Instead of losing all the air in your tire, only one cell goes flat, allowing you to finish the ride. The system consists of multiple individual inflation cells inside your tire - not just one tube. Effective tire pressure can be adjusted for varying conditions by adding or removing cells or by adjusting the air pressure in the individual cells. Cell pressures can be adjusted from 8 to 9 pounds for trail riding and 12 to 13 for high-speed desert conditions. Lighter than most tubes, the balls also avoid the additional weight of foam, which can affect the suspension system. The company says Tire Balls are lubricated upon installation in the tire to avoid friction wear and melting. (Source: Tire Ball Development Co.)Toyota Lays Out 2010 Plan TOKYO (June 13, 2006) - Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki Watanabe recently outlined his company's short-term technology plans through 2010. In a two-pronged approach - achieving sustainable mobility while preserving the global environment - Toyota will continue the develop sound environmental technologies and strengthening its leadership in introducing environmentally friendly vehicles. Specifically, Toyota will focus on improving fuel efficiency to reduce emissions of CO2, making exhaust emissions cleaner to help abate atmospheric pollution and pursuing energy diversification to limit the use of fossil fuels, particularly that of petroleum. Key goals with the Toyota plan include: * Revamping of entire gasoline engine and transmission lineup by 2010. As part of this effort, a new 1.8-liter gasoline engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) have been developed as the main powertrain for Toyota compact and midsize passenger vehicles. This new powertrain, to be introduced this fall, will reduce CO2 emissions through higher fuel efficiency and to achieve cleaner exhaust emissions. * The automaker aims to make hybrid vehicles more widespread by doubling the number of hybrid models. The company will also advance its research and development of plug-in hybrid vehicles. Currently, Toyota says it is working on a next-generation vehicle that can extend the distance traveled by the electric motor alone, providing a significant reduction in CO2 and helping to abate atmospheric pollution. * Toyota recently implemented the technology necessary to allow all its gasoline engines to run reliably on gasoline with 10 percent bioethanol content. Additionally, the company plans to introduce to the Brazilian market - where bioethanol fuel is widely used - flex-fuel vehicles that can run on 100 percent ethanol in the spring of 2007. For the United States, the automaker is considering introducing flex-fuel vehicles in consideration of policies to promote bioethanol fuels. Toyota also plans to further its development of fuel cell passenger vehicles. (Source: Toyota)Hydrogen Energy Storage Breakthrough Patented EMERYVILLE, CA (June 12, 2006) - Nanomix Inc. has been granted a new U.S. patent (Patent No. 7,036,324) for its hydrogen storage technology and follows five earlier patents issued to the company in this field. For the emerging fuel cell industry, efficient, safe, high-density hydrogen storage is critical to realizing the promise of practical and cost-effective energy hydrogen. This new technology tackles the current limitations of liquid hydrogen storage, says the company. Using novel nano-materials, hydrogen storage systems can meet the performance needs of both automotive and portable electronic applications. The new patent describes the storage of hydrogen using nanostructured materials that enables non-chemically bound low-pressure storage of hydrogen. The system employs a combination of thermal insulation and an enclosure for the storage and controlled distribution of hydrogen as a high-energy fuel. The storage medium used is primarily solid boron oxide and compounds closely related to it, rather than other conventional mediums, such as magnesium-based alloys. This new technology can address storage life limitations, energy penalties, and/or weight penalties associated with liquid hydrogen, metallic hydride and high-pressure gas-phase hydrogen storage, says the company. (Source: Nanomix, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office)WSJ Recognizes Mighty Auto Parts ATLANTA - What does Mighty Auto Parts have in common with Domino's Pizza, Del Taco and Subway? Only this: that Mighty, like each of these robust service businesses made the Wall Street Journal's (WSJ) top 25 franchises out of the nation's more than 2,500 franchise brands. According to the recent WSJ article titled, "The 25 Franchises that Made the Cut," "[the businesses] must be well-established, have expert leadership, exhibit overall financial health and have a proven record of the franchise's success," says Lauren Kim, senior editor at WSJ StartupJournal.com. Mighty was the only automotive-related franchise listed in the survey that disclosed some 35 qualifying facts and financial figures pertaining to the Atlanta-based company. (Source: Mighty Auto Parts)
