Abstract: A vehicle-based system and a method of performing communication include one or more in-vehicle devices configured to obtain data. A controller obtains the data from the one or more in-vehicle devices. A first wireless communication unit associated with one or more of the one or more in-vehicle devices transmits data from the one or more of the one or more in-vehicle devices to the controller wirelessly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring video content provided to a vehicle. In one embodiment a method includes: receiving video content at the vehicle; monitoring the video content based on guidelines data stored in a datastore; and selectively modifying the video content based on the monitoring.

Abstract: An air induction system consisting of a cylindrical main flow tube, a helical vane disposed within the main flow tube, and, preferably, a noise absorbing perforated tube disposed within the main flow tube in concentric relation to the helical vane. The twist direction of the helical vane provides air flow rotation in the same direction of rotation as the turbine wheel. The helical vane causes noise reflection and enhancement of noise attenuation by the perorated tube and its adjoining one or more acoustic cavities.

Abstract: A method is provided for shifting a transmission having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. At least one of the torque transmitting devices is a dog clutch or a band clutch. The method includes applying a torque transmitting mechanism to interconnect a first member of a planetary gear set with another member of a planetary gear set or a stationary member. The method also includes applying the dog clutch or band clutch to interconnect a second member of a planetary gear set with another member of a planetary gear set or the stationary member, after the first torque transmitting mechanism is applied. After the dog or band clutch is applied, the torque transmitting mechanism is released.

Abstract: A battery charging system for an electrically-powered vehicle comprises an operator interface and a battery configured to power the vehicle and receive a charge from an off-board charging source. The interface is configured to receive an operator input defining a desired vehicle range and to provide it to the charging controller. The charging controller is configured to receive the operator input, to predict a charging duration based on the operator input, to provide the estimated charging duration to the operator interface for presentation to the operator, and to affect duration of the charge in response to the operator input. A method of charging a battery comprises receiving an operator input defining a desired vehicle range, predicting an estimated charging duration based on the operator input, presenting the estimated charging duration to the operator, and affecting the charging duration based on the operator input.