Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle includes: a memory configured to store terminal clamp voltage (CV) and a cutoff current (CC) combination pairs; a charging receptacle configured to connect to an offboard charging station; and an onboard charging circuit. The onboard charging circuit includes: a high-voltage direct current bus connected to a rechargeable energy storage system; and a control module configured to communicate with the offboard charging station and determine charging capabilities of the offboard charging station and the onboard charging circuit, to select one of the CV and CC combination pairs based on the charging capabilities of the offboard charging station and the onboard charging circuit, and to initiate charging of the rechargeable energy storage system based on the selected one of the CV and CC combination pairs.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic transmission connected to an engine in a motor vehicle includes receiving an input signal generated via an application of force by a switch inside the vehicle. The switch has a predetermined travel and is configured to request a transmission speed-ratio change via an output signal indicative of the received input signal. The output signal is received via a controller programmed with a permitted engine speed range. The transmission is commanded to execute a change from a currently selected speed-ratio to another speed-ratio if the requested speed-ratio change would generate an engine speed within the permitted engine speed range. The switch is commanded to execute full travel under the application of force if the speed-ratio change in the transmission was commanded. Alternatively, the switch is commanded to execute partial travel under the application of force if the speed-ratio change in the transmission was not commanded.

Abstract: An audio entertainment system for a vehicle includes a primary audio entertainment source to play a primary audio program and a secondary audio entertainment source to play a secondary audio program. The system has a plurality of front speakers, a left rear speaker, and a right rear speaker. A headphone set is for private listening by a rear seat passenger to the secondary audio program. The headphone set is selectably connectable to the secondary audio entertainment source. The system has a normal mode and a selectable enhanced rear seat entertainment mode. In the enhanced mode, an output sound power frequency spectrum of the rear speakers is automatically adjustable by frequency band to reduce audible interference between the primary program and the secondary program as audibly detected by the rear seat passenger while minimizing a disturbance to the primary audio program audibly detectable at the front seat row.

Abstract: An audio entertainment system for a vehicle includes a primary audio entertainment source to play a primary audio program and a secondary audio entertainment source to play a secondary audio program. The system has a plurality of front speakers, a left rear speaker, and a right rear speaker. A headphone set is for private listening by a rear seat passenger to the secondary audio program. The headphone set is selectably connectable to the secondary audio entertainment source. The system has a normal mode and a selectable enhanced rear seat entertainment mode. In the enhanced mode, an output sound power frequency spectrum of the rear speakers is automatically adjustable by frequency band to reduce audible interference between the primary program and the secondary program as audibly detected by the rear seat passenger while minimizing a disturbance to the primary audio program audibly detectable at the front seat row.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic transmission connected to an engine in a motor vehicle includes receiving an input signal generated via an application of force by a switch inside the vehicle. The switch has a predetermined travel and is configured to request a transmission speed-ratio change via an output signal indicative of the received input signal. The output signal is received via a controller programmed with a permitted engine speed range. The transmission is commanded to execute a change from a currently selected speed-ratio to another speed-ratio if the requested speed-ratio change would generate an engine speed within the permitted engine speed range. The switch is commanded to execute full travel under the application of force if the speed-ratio change in the transmission was commanded. Alternatively, the switch is commanded to execute partial travel under the application of force if the speed-ratio change in the transmission was not commanded.

Abstract: A method for providing display information for preset options using a vehicle onboard computer system is provided. The method replaces a default screen display with a selection screen display for a designated period of time, wherein the selection screen display comprises a plurality of user-selectable preset options; and displays associated broadcast information at each of the plurality of user-selectable preset options.

Abstract: Embodiments of method performed in conjunction with a vehicular garage door control system are provided, as are embodiments of a vehicular garage door control system and a program product executed by a smartphone in communicating with such a garage door control system. The vehicular garage door control system may include an in-vehicle Garage Door Opener (GDO) signal generator, a wireless receiver, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, at the controller via the wireless receiver, a request signal originating from a remote electronic device requesting actuation of a GDO unit that, when actuated, moves a garage door between open and closed positions. In response to receipt of the request signal, a command signal is supplied from the controller to the in-vehicle GDO signal generator commanding the in-vehicle GDO signal generator to generate a GDO actuation signal requesting actuation of the GDO unit.

Abstract: A method for providing display information for preset options using a vehicle onboard computer system is provided. The method replaces a default screen display with a selection screen display for a designated period of time, wherein the selection screen display comprises a plurality of user-selectable preset options; and displays associated broadcast information at each of the plurality of user-selectable preset options.

Abstract: Embodiments of method performed in conjunction with a vehicular garage door control system are provided, as are embodiments of a vehicular garage door control system and a program product executed by a smartphone in communicating with such a garage door control system. The vehicular garage door control system may include an in-vehicle Garage Door Opener (GDO) signal generator, a wireless receiver, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, at the controller via the wireless receiver, a request signal originating from a remote electronic device requesting actuation of a GDO unit that, when actuated, moves a garage door between open and closed positions. In response to receipt of the request signal, a command signal is supplied from the controller to the in-vehicle GDO signal generator commanding the in-vehicle GDO signal generator to generate a GDO actuation signal requesting actuation of the GDO unit.

Abstract: A waste container assembly (10) comprising a housing (11) adapted for engagement with a tipping apparatus capable of raising the housing to an elevated tipped position, and one or more mobile containers (12) located within the housing, the housing and mobile container(s) co-operating to hold the mobile container(s) captive within the housing, the mobile containers are emptied into a refine collecting vehicle.

Abstract: An infrared photo-responsive element (R.sub.D) is monolithically integrated into a source follower circuit of a metal oxide semiconductor device (10) by depositing a layer of a lead chalcogenide as a photo-resistive element forming an ohmic bridge between two metallization strips (26, 28) serving as electrodes of the circuit. Voltage from the circuit varies in response to illumination of the layer by infrared radiation.