Abstract: A process using an electrical signal for electrokinetic floatation of solids and semi-solids in paint sludge water includes collecting the paint sludge water into a tank. The process further includes generating the electrical signal from a bottom of the tank to separate the solids and semi-solids from the water in the paint sludge water to induce electrokinetic floatation of the solids and semi-solids to a top surface in the tank. After separating the solids and semi-solids from the water, the process includes removing the solids and semi-solids from the tank.

Abstract: A vehicle function switch and a controller electrically are connected together. The controller has a passive mode of operation in which the controller is not responsive to activation of the vehicle function switch to transmit a vehicle function signal. The controller also has an active mode of operation in which the controller is responsive to activation of the vehicle function switch to transmit a vehicle function signal. A mode switch is associated with the controller and adapted to cause the controller to change from the passive mode of operation to the active mode of operation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of a seat assembly for a motor vehicle a seat back pivots about a hip axis, a seat bottom pivots about a knee axis, and at least one seat bottom leg is pivots about an ankle axis, so that the seat back folds down against the seat bottom and the seat bottom kneels on the floor to at least partially define a seating load floor. According to another embodiment, a seat bottom and a seat back are articulatable in a forward direction to fold the seat bottom and back down toward a floor of the vehicle to at least partially define a seating load floor.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle includes a first gear set and a second gear set. A first plurality of elements are operable in an applied state and a released state and a second plurality of elements are operable in an applied state and a released state. A controller toggles the first and second plurality of elements between the applied state and the released state to achieve a desired gear ratio. The controller times entry of at least one of the first and second plurality of elements into the released state with entry of at least another of the first and second plurality of elements into the applied state by controlling a hold pressure applied to the at least one element entering the released state. The controller determines the hold pressure by referencing current operating conditions of the transmission in a lookup table stored in a memory of the controller.

Abstract: A gas compression spring is mounted with an exterior element configured to allow a user to adjust the extension of the spring by rotating or sliding the exterior element. The user can line up an internal mechanism which is configured to limit the extension of the gas spring, and therefore stop the extension of the gas spring at a predetermined height. Additionally, an override mechanism is included where a user requires full extension of the gas spring. For example, the user can override the internal mechanism by applying a force in the direction of the extension, which disengages the mechanism allowing full extension. When the spring is compressed again, the mechanism resets and opens to the predetermined height. The gas spring can be utilized in a vehicle liftgate system, allowing the liftgate to open at one or more heights based upon the internal mechanism settings of the gas spring.

Abstract: A seal used in a vehicle steering assembly. The seal comprising a first member carried by a steering component, and a second member carried by a vehicle panel. When installing the steering component in the steering assembly, the first member mates with the second member to form at least one seal. A method is also provided for installing the seal in the vehicle steering assembly.

Abstract: An airbag folding arrangement for an airbag that includes a housing, an inflation device, and an airbag deployable between a un-deployed and deployed state. The airbag includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a pair of side panels connecting the top panel and the bottom panels, and a crown panel that includes a central portion surrounded by a plurality of outer portions that connect the top panel, the bottom panel, and the pair of side panels. The top panel, bottom panel, and the side panels are radially folded in a direction toward the central portion of the crown panel and the outer portions of the crown panel are rolled in a direction toward the housing and toward the central portion when the airbag is in the un-deployed state such that the central portion is in direct communication with the inflation device.

Abstract: An arrangement for retaining a cover to an airbag housing, including a reaction housing. The retaining arrangement includes a removable retainer ring, a plurality of cover tabs extending outwardly from a surface of the cover, and a plurality of housing tabs extending outwardly from a surface of the reaction housing. The plurality of cover tabs and housing tabs are positioned such that each cover tab will align with and abut a corresponding housing tab when the cover is engaged with the air bag housing. The retainer ring includes openings positioned to receive the plurality of cover tabs and housing tabs. The plurality of cover tabs and housing tabs are biased into the openings in the retainer ring to removably secure the reaction housing to the cover.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid transmission includes controlling the transmission according to a drive mode, which includes a continuously variable speed relationship, and controlling the transmission according to a fixed speed relationship mode, which includes a plurality of fixed speed relationships including mechanical gear ratios and virtual gear ratios.

Abstract: A retainer for a vehicle cargo area that is bounded in part by a floor and a door moveable between open and closed positions includes a retaining member spanning at least a portion of the cargo area, a pivot feature operably associated with the retaining member, and a retaining feature that yieldably retains the retaining member in its second position to facilitate retaining cargo within the cargo area. The retaining member pivots about the pivot feature relative to the cargo area between a first position and a second position wherein the retaining member is inclined relative to the floor of the cargo area. When the door is open the retainer is normally in its second position to facilitate retaining cargo within the cargo area.

Abstract: A cup holder, wherein the cup holder comprises a well adapted to receive a beverage container through an open top of the well. The cup holder also includes a sealing unit having a ring seal secured to the well adjacent to the open top of the well. The ring seal engages the container when the container is disposed in the well to cooperate with the well in providing a substantially closed and sealed chamber resistant to heat transfer to or from the chamber.

Abstract: A spare tire and wheel assembly is stowed on a rear tail gate of a motor vehicle by a carrier. The carrier is pivoted to rigid vehicle frame structure beneath the rear tail gate for vertical swinging movement about a transverse horizontal axis from a generally upright stowage position downwardly to a rearwardly extending, lower position. A latch mechanism releasably latches the carrier to the tail gate in the stowage position. The tire and wheel assembly is releasably mounted on the carrier.

Abstract: A combination storage and tread unit has a housing which is installed beneath a second row of seating in an automotive vehicle body. The housing has a tread pad at each end which a person can step on to reach a third row of seating when a seat in the second row is tumbled forwardly. The housing has two module-receiving compartments for storing electrical control modules and related wiring. The compartments are covered and protected by the second row of seating when the seats in the second row are in a normal occupant-supporting position, but are readily accessible when the seats are tumbled forwardly, so that the modules may be removed and serviced without removing the seats.

Abstract: This technology provides methods and systems for catalyst feasibility analysis and the optimal determination of automotive catalyst specifications utilizing, but not limited to, light-off performance, air-to-fuel ratio tolerance, and steady state emissions performance catalyst criteria. This technology additionally provides a catalyst feasibility index algorithm that includes various catalyst criteria inputs and provides for weighting factors to independently value each catalyst input. The technology further provides for the optimal determination of automotive catalyst specifications in order to reduce vehicle toxic exhaust emissions such as hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

Abstract: A system for controlling a torque converter clutch in a vehicle powertrain includes a controller having an input for receiving powertrain operating parameter information. The controller is configured to determine a torque converter speed ratio based on the powertrain operating parameter information and to compare the speed ratio to a specified speed ratio limit. The controller is further configured to determine a target torque converter slip when the speed ratio exceeds or meets or exceeds the specified speed ratio limit; to compare the target slip with a desired slip value based on an vehicle noise, vibration or harshness (NVH) limit; and to control torque transmission of the torque converter clutch based on comparison of the target slip and the desired slip value. A method for controlling a torque converter clutch is also provided.

Abstract: A system for protecting a head lamp of a motor vehicle includes at least one headlamp protector device. The at least one headlamp protector device is adapted to be coupled to a bumper beam and adapted to be coupled to a crush can. The at least one headlamp protector device extends beyond the end of the bumper beam to protect the head lamp during an impact event.

Abstract: A brake drum includes a generally cylindrical sidewall that is open at one end and at least partially closed by an endwall at its other end. The sidewall preferably has a thickness that vanes along its axial length and preferably is thickest at the end closest to the endwall. In one implementation, the outer surface of the sidewall is generally frustum shaped in cross section with a straight radially tapered outer wall. In another implementation, the outer surface of the sidewall is generally concave or sloped from the first end to a second end spaced from the endwall. In another implementation, the outer surface of the sidewall is generally convex.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine having an output and a transmission selectively driven by the output of the engine. A torque converter is disposed between the engine and the transmission for selectively coupling the output of the engine to the transmission. A controller is in communication with the engine and the torque converter and controls a pressure: within the torque converter based on an input parameter supplied to the engine.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold for an engine having at least one combustion chamber and multiple exhaust valves arranged on a first plane is provided with a housing formed to provide a longitudinally extending main exhaust gas passage on a second plane terminating in an outlet at one end. A plurality of discrete, laterally spaced, inlet branch passages include a floor and a ceiling which are initially level with the exhaust valve for a distance equal to one-half the width of the inlet branch passage prior to sloping downward toward the main exhaust gas passage. One of the inlet branch passages is positioned at an end of the housing opposite the exhaust gas passage outlet. The remaining inlet branch passages include integrally formed deflector members arranged to provide an angular change of flow direction requiring exhaust gas to enter the main exhaust gas passage in the downstream direction.