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SUSTAINING LIFE: Delphi Automotive PLC--an overmolded polyamide heated tip fuel injector for Honda Motor Company. An electrical heater within the injector is energized by the vehicle controller, rapidly heating the ethanol fuel and thereby dramatically improving vaporization and reducing emissions. By making possible reduced fueling during engine warm-up, these injectors also offer reduced emissions on ethanol and gasoline applications. Total hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions were reduced by 40% - 70%.

PROTECTING LIFE: Promogroup--plastic/metal hybrid floor rocker reinforcement for the 2015 Fiat Chrysler Jeep Renegade. This honeycomb reinforcement was designed for high-energy, high-speed side impact crashes. The use of this solution reduces the component weight by 45% versus the steel solution, or 1 kg/vehicle, with the added benefit of a 10% cost reduction. This new technology sets a precedent for similar applications across the body structure, including 30-40% mass reduction from each reinforcement, performance comparable to high strength steel, and ease of assembly.

QUALITY OF LIFE: Sonoco Plastics--39 ml blow molded VariBlend dual dispensing bottle. The VariBlend dispenser sits atop a two-compartment bottle. A new design locks securely to ensure the package will travel without leaking and the product will maintain its integrity. Consumers can select different formula strengths by turning the dial on the dispenser, satisfying their demand for product personalization and freshness. Six positions exist, or brand owners can set fixed ratios. Keeping products separate until time of use keeps them fresher for longer. Designed for products that come in multiple strengths, require ingredient segregation, offer shade/ color selection, or need mixing and blending. Submitted by toolmaker FGH Systems.

IMPROVING LIFE: Productive Plastics Inc.—nine pressure formed parts for covers for an MRI medical scanning device. Utilizing cast and machined molds to ensure no shrink tolerance and CNC linear tolerances for molded in dimensions. All parts utilized pushers to pre-stretch materials. Use of Sekisui’s Kydex T sheet made it possible to maintain the required wall thickness and consistency over multiple runs. The parts include undercuts and are formed in mating parts to better line up for fit. The assembly allows for the parts to fit a separate metal frame that is assembled at the staging location. This custom hardware reduced the amount of tools required to install and service, and reduced the total time required for installation and service.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: SureCan Inc.—blow molded gasoline can. The 2.2 and 5.0 gallon can makes it possible to direct how and where fuel is dispensed, with a rotating nozzle, thumb trigger, and hand support grips at the bottom. The thumb safety trigger securely seals the vent on top of the can. The thumb button assembly is made up of two main parts, the thumb button itself and the safety trigger. The vent does not open or release any air unless the safety trigger is pulled straight back and then depressed with the main thumb button. On average the SureCan releases fuel at a rate of about 2 gallons per minute.