Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example, output of an electric machine is adjusted after commanding reactivation of all engine cylinder valves that have been deactivated. The electric machine torque may counteract the engine producing torque that is greater than a requested torque due to high intake manifold pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain that includes an engine and a motor/generator are described. The systems and methods provide a way of prepositioning an engine to improve a range of driveline disconnect clutch transfer function adaptation. In one example, an engine is positioned at a location where its torque to turn exceeds a threshold torque.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example, output of an electric machine is adjusted after commanding reactivation of all engine cylinder valves that have been deactivated. The electric machine torque may counteract the engine producing torque that is greater than a requested torque due to high intake manifold pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, the systems and methods determine a driveline disconnect boost time during vehicle operating conditions when it may be less noticeable. The driveline disconnect boost time may then be used to close a driveline disconnect clutch in a way that may reduce torque disturbances through the driveline.

Abstract: Powertrains may include a spring damper between the engine crankshaft and transmission input shaft. In some circumstances, an oscillation known as shuffle may occur in such powertrains. Active adjustment of engine torque is substantially more effective at mitigating shuffle oscillations if the engine torque includes a p-term proportional to displacement of the damper spring in addition to a d-term proportional to the speed difference across the damper. For various reasons, the spring displacement is difficult to measure directly. An observer algorithm is utilized to calculate a current estimated spring displacement based on a crankshaft speed sensor, a transmission input speed sensor, a wheel speed sensor, and past engine torques, using a dynamic model of the powertrain.

Abstract: Powertrains may include a spring damper between the engine crankshaft and transmission input shaft. In some circumstances, an oscillation known as shuffle may occur in such powertrains. Active adjustment of engine torque is substantially more effective at mitigating shuffle oscillations if the engine torque includes a p-term proportional to displacement of the damper spring in addition to a d-term proportional to the speed difference across the damper. For various reasons, the spring displacement is difficult to measure directly. An observer algorithm is utilized to calculate a current estimated spring displacement based on a crankshaft speed sensor, a transmission input speed sensor, a wheel speed sensor, and past engine torques, using a dynamic model of the powertrain.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, the systems and methods determine a driveline disconnect boost time during vehicle operating conditions when it may be less noticeable. The driveline disconnect boost time may then be used to close a driveline disconnect clutch in a way that may reduce torque disturbances through the driveline.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain that includes an engine and a motor/generator are described. The systems and methods provide a way of prepositioning an engine to improve a range of driveline disconnect clutch transfer function adaptation. In one example, an engine is positioned at a location where its torque to turn exceeds a threshold torque.

Abstract: The Invention relates to an exchanger comprising a network of channels extending between two parallel faces, in order to allow the circulation of a heat transfer fluid in the channels and the heat exchange between this heat transfer fluid and the outside through at least one of the faces. The network of channels is formed by a three-dimensional hollow laminated panel based on fibres hardened by the impregnation of a resin, comprising two two-dimensional woven layers which are impervious and stiff forming the parallel faces, and a stiff weaving of orthogonal fibres, connecting the two layers together by providing a hollow intercalated space by forming rows of parallel walls between them defining the channels.

Abstract: A method for treating a deployed conductive translucent layer that includes exposing the layer to ultra-violet (“UV”) radiation for the design purpose of increasing the conductivity of the layer. The layer advantageously includes a metal oxide dopant such as an indium-tin-oxide. The invention includes exposing the layer to UV radiation both during and/or after curing. The exposure to UV radiation has been shown to increase the conductivity of the layer without appreciably affecting the translucence. In one embodiment, the method includes confining the exposure to UV radiation to preselected zones on the layer so as to create pathways of increased conductivity on the layer.

Abstract: An improved grease-expelling wheel bearing assembly (1) comprises a grease expelling seal (3), and a grease distributor (5). The grease distributor (5) comprises a collar (7) for mounting about the shaft (9) of a rotor nut (11) and, projecting from the collar (7), at least one grease spreading blade (13) extending radially outwards from the collar towards the assembly housing (15), part (17) of the area between the collar (7) and the housing (15) not being covered by a blade (13), the arrangement being such that rotation of the blade (13) causes grease expelled from the bearing seal (3) to be spread evenly around the circumference of the seal, without preventing its contact with the rotor nut (11).

Abstract: An insect repellent animal collar is disclosed wherein a strip of flexible polymeric material adapted to be worn on the neck of the animal is impregnated with a thujane derivative such as thujic acid, thujic ester, thujone and a thujaplicin, or a mixture thereof. The thujone derivative is released through the porous structure of the polymeric material.

Abstract: A pellet and a process for making same are disclosed wherein the pellet comprising a high percentage, of 75% by weight and greater, of comminuted vegetable matter, particularly peanut shells, an inorganic fertilizer and a plurality of seeds. The peanut shells serve as a growing medium for the seeds. In one preferred aspect the pellets are freeze-dried to levels of less than about 5% moisture so as to minimize the seed exposure to moisture prior to use. The pellets are particularly useful in growing grass seed for lawns and the like.