Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a vehicle apparatus for changing status for a key is provided. The vehicle apparatus comprises a controller. The controller is configured to receive a key identification signal from a first key and to transmit a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a master key and a non-master key based on the key identification signal. The controller is further configured to receive a change request signal corresponding to a request to change status for an additional key from a primary key to a secondary key if the first key is master key.

Abstract: A solar simulator combines mercury lamps and halogen lamps, to improve upon conventional solar simulators using halogen and infrared lamps which cannot recreate an environment close to that under real sunlight, and upon solar simulators using expensive and fragile metal halide lamps and arc xenon lamps. An environment recreation laboratory for solar simulation includes a lamp bank mounted at an upper portion thereof and including a plurality of halogen lamps, halogen filter lamps being halogen lamps provided with an infrared filter, respectively, and mercury lamps. A temperature control unit includes a cooling unit that discharges air to cool the lamp bank, and an air conditioner that distributes the air discharged by the cooling unit. An electrical panel controls operations of the lamp bank and the temperature control unit, such that an environment within the environment recreation laboratory may very closely simulate the environment under real sunlight.

Abstract: A trim part for use with a vehicle includes a substrate and a trim cover overlaying the substrate. The trim cover has first and second portions that are folded together to form a flexible edge seal that is engageable with the vehicle. A method of making such a trim part is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing compounds containing SiOC groups, in which chlorosilane(s) are partially reacted with alcohol and optionally also with water in a prereactor, and the partial reaction product therefrom is fed to a first reaction unit comprising a column, reacted with alcohol and optionally water to give a crude product which still comprises volatile constituents, and the crude product is transferred to a second reaction unit comprising a column in which alcohol is additionally introduced, and freed there of volatile constituents, optionally in the presence of an unreactive organic solvent, the desired end product being removed at the lower end of the second reaction unit.

Abstract: System and method for content-addressable search of holographically stored data primarily optimized with respect to search performance. A search is performed, by a holographic correlator system, on a structured representation of original data, stored in a holographic data storage medium. In a first aspect, orthogonal phase encoding of both data storage and search pages provides improvement of correlator system signal to noise ratio and dynamic range. In a second aspect, correlator incorporates heterodyne detection of a plurality of correlation signals, obtained by modulation and amplification thereof by a plurality of frequency-shifted reference beams. In a third aspect, the invention provides a method whereby multiple searches can simultaneously interrogate a single data storage location.

Abstract: A hybrid electric powertrain and control method for an automotive vehicle having mechanical and electro-mechanical power flow paths from an engine to a power output member. A mechanical power flow path is maintained when the electro-mechanical power flow path is disabled.

Abstract: A tonneau cover connected by a power driven linkage to the decklid of a vehicle is disclosed. The tonneau cover is movable from an extended position covering a storage well for a convertible top or retractable hardtop of a vehicle to a tonneau stowed position wherein the tonneau cover is suspended below the decklid of the vehicle. The linkage system includes right and left side linkages each of which include a four bar link made up of the tonneau cover, a cylinder mounting bracket, a front control link and a rear control link. The linkage is driven by a hydraulic cylinder through an arc of approximately 180°. The hydraulic cylinder is movably mounted on a cylinder rod that is mounted to the decklid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a thermoplastic air bag cover having a visually perceptible tear seam formed by a controlled amount of plastic sinkage during an injection molding process. A molten thermoplastic is injected into a mold cavity of a mold having a shape defining the air bag cover. The mold includes first and second mold halves which form the interior and exterior surfaces of the air bag cover. The first mold half has an outwardly extending projection which cooperates with a smooth inner surface of the second mold half to form the tear seam design in the air bag cover which appears on the outer surface of the air bag cover. The tear seam design formed on the outer surface of the air bag cover is primarily formed because of the near right angles formed at the top edges of the outwardly extending projection which cause the outer surface of the air bag cover to sink to a limited controlled extent during cooling of the plastic beneath its softening point.

Abstract: A compression release mechanism for a combustion chamber in an internal combustion engine comprises a pressure relief valve assembly and a control member. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a plunger cooperating with a vent passageway through the valve body to selectively allow pressure relief through the vent passageway. The control member cooperates with the plunger and is movable between an engaged position in which the control member urges the plunger toward the open position, and a disengaged position in which the plunger is held in the closed position. When the control member is engaged, the plunger oscillates between the open and closed positions in response to combustion chamber pressures during a combustion cycle which facilitates engine start-up while the compression release mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: A one-way clutch mechanism having tiltable sprags disposed between concentric races for controlling torque delivery is disclosed. The clutch mechanism includes an annular resilient stretchable spring member and either an inner cage member or an outer cage member. The cage member and spring member provide full phasing of the sprags. Enlarged sprag members can be utilized to increase the wedging and torque capacity of the clutch mechanism. The windows of the spring member can have one or more tabs, as desired, but preferably are tabless. In an alternative embodiment, the clutch mechanism has only a resilient, stretchable spring member to control and bias the sprags between the races.