Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for purging condensate from a charge air cooler. In response to condensate in a charge air cooler during a tip-in, airflow is increased at a controlled rate to the intake manifold, purging condensate from the charge air cooler.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the temperature of intake air entering an engine. In response to condensate in a charge air cooler and engine operating conditions, the position of an induction valve is adjusted to draw in air from a warm or cool air duct. Induction valve operation is further controlled to reduce fuel economy losses.

Abstract: A method of forming a natural fiber polymer composite article includes the steps of introducing into an extruder a polymer, a natural fiber and a supercritical fluid to form a natural fiber polymer mixture; extruding the natural fiber polymer mixture to form a well-dispersed natural fiber polymer composite; and injecting the natural fiber polymer composite into a mold to form an article. The supercritical fluid may be introduced after the polymer is introduced into the extruder or injection molding machine. The supercritical fluid may be introduced before or after the natural fiber is introduced into the extruder or injection molding machine.

Abstract: A method comprising: a) determining the bow (28) in the extension direction of one or more linear paths on an outer surface or outer surfaces (11,13,14,16) of an extruded ceramic part (10) so that maximum extrusion direction bow (28) of the one of more linear paths or outer surfaces (11,13,14,16) may be determined of the extruded ceramic greenware part (10); b) identifying the linear path on the outer surface or the outer surfaces (11,13,14,16) having maximum convex bow; c) placing the greenware part (10) on a carrier with the linear path on the outer surface or the outer surface location having the maximum convex shape in contact with the carrier; and d) processing the greenware part (10) while disposed on the carrier with the linear path on the outer surface or the surface having the convex shape on the carrier, such that the bow (28) is reduced as a result of the process.

Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque converter impeller torque from beginning to end of transmission shifting is adjusted in response to variable driveline inertia. The approach may improve transmission shifting and reduce driveline torque disturbances.

Abstract: Economic cruise control where a response of a cruise control system used to control a powertrain is determined based at least in part on whether a driver of a vehicle system has selected to manage cruise control according to performance or efficient cruise control strategies. The performance strategy corresponding with fulfilling a request to accelerate or otherwise increase energy demands less efficiently, and in some cases more quickly, than if the request were to be fulfilled with the efficient cruise control strategy.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes providing an interface on a wireless device corresponding to an interface for vehicle infotainment system control. The method also includes providing simulated functionality of controls on the interface, such that activation of a control informs a user of what would occur if the control were activated on a vehicle interface. Further, the method includes saving at least one user setting input into the interface. The method additionally includes transferring the saved setting to a vehicle computing system (VCS) for use in infotainment system control when the wireless device is in communication with the VCS.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine including varying a level of ignition energy provided to the engine during an engine start is provided. For example, the ignition energy level may be varied responsive to the amount of alcohol in fuel delivered to the engine in order to improve cold engine starting with higher alcohol fuels.

Abstract: A method of operating a diesel engine 10 having LNT 11 and SCR 13 aftertreatment devices arranged in series to receive exhaust gas from the engine is disclosed in which the engine is operated in a rich early injection mode to generate ammonia in the LNT for storage in the SCR located downstream from the LNT. This reduces the amount of soot produced permitting longer operation of the engine in rich early injection mode and further may reduce the use of PGM material in the LNT and increase the amount of ammonia for use in the SCR.

Abstract: A hybrid epoxy resin adduct comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of the reaction product of: (A) a material selected from the group consisting of a hybrid polyfunctional aliphatic epoxy resin, a hybrid cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, and combinations thereof; wherein (A) is formed by contacting: (a) a hydroxyl-containing material selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic hydroxyl-containing material, a cycloaliphatic hydroxyl-containing material, and combinations thereof; (b) a material selected from the group consisting of a monoglycidyl ether-containing material, a diglycidyl ether-containing material, and combinations thereof wherein (b) is prepared from a different precursor than (a); (c) an epihalohydrin; (d) a basic acting substance; (e) a non-Lewis acid catalyst; and (f) optionally, a solvent and (B) at least one epoxide reactive compound comprising one or more compounds having two or more epoxide-reactive hydrogen atoms per molecule, is disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure brake booster system includes an air pressure chamber; an ambient air chamber; a flexible diaphragm separating the air pressure chamber and the ambient air chamber; at least one air pressure source communicating with the air pressure chamber; a brake pedal shaft engaged by and movable with the diaphragm; and a brake master cylinder engaged by the brake pedal shaft.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting operation of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle responsive to a seasonal grade of the fuel available in the vehicle's fuel tank. If the seasonal grade of fuel in the fuel tank does not correspond to the seasonal grade of fuel mandated during the time of engine operation, a fuel injection amount is adjusted to compensate for differences between seasonal grades of a fuel.

Abstract: A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including an intake manifold selectably coupled to a boost tank. The method comprises pressurizing and storing air in the boost tank, discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold, and releasing condensate from the boost tank.

Abstract: The invention provides an article comprising a first layer and a second layer, and wherein the first layer is formed from a first composition comprising an ethylene/?-olefin/diene interpolymer, an isoprene rubber (synthetic), a natural rubber, a butadiene rubber, a styrene butadiene rubber, a chloroprene rubber, a nitrile rubber, a hydrogenated nitrile rubber, a chlorinated polyethylene, a chlorosulfonated polyethylene, an ethylene/propylene rubber, an ethylene/diene copolymer, a fluoro rubber, a polyurethane, a silicone rubber, or a combination thereof; and wherein the second layer is formed from a second composition comprising a butyl rubber, a halobutyl rubber, polyvinylidene chloride, a brominated polymer derived from a copolymer of isobutylene and p-methyl styrene, a nitrile rubber, a chloroprene rubber, a chlorosulfonated polyethylene, a chlorinated polyethylene, a polyurethane, a fluoro rubber, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A latch system for a door of a vehicle including a latch assembly having a catch and a pawl, an actuatable inside handle, and an actuator engaged with the pawl and being configured to be activated by actuation of the inside handle. The catch is configured to be moved to an open position by activating the actuator to thereby move the pawl to stop the pawl from maintaining the catch in the closed position. The catch is also configured to be moved to the open position after actuation of the inside handle or a toggle lever to stop the pawl from maintaining the catch in the closed position to when the vehicle does not have power.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for facilitating refueling operations in vehicles operating with multiple fuels. A vehicle operator may be assisted in refueling the multiple fuel tanks of the vehicle by being provided one or more refueling profiles that take into account the vehicle's future trip plans, the predicted environmental conditions along a planned route, and the operator's preferences.

Abstract: An impact sensor system for a vehicle that includes a frame member having a cavity and a chamber arranged within the cavity. The chamber includes two ends with different cross-sectional areas. The impact sensor system further includes a sensor coupled to the chamber that generates a signal indicative of a pressure change within the chamber caused by an impact to the frame member.

Abstract: Structural adhesives are prepared from an elastomeric toughener that contains urethane and/or urea groups, and have some terminal isocyanate groups that are capped with a phenol and other terminal isocyanate groups that are capped with a hydroxy-functional acrylate or a hydroxy-functional methacrylate. In certain embodiments, the presence of both types of capping on the toughener leads to higher impact peel strengths and a greater level of cohesive failure, than when the toughener is capped with a phenol an hydroxy-functional acrylate or hydroxy-functional methacrylate alone.

Abstract: A light assembly for motor vehicles includes a body made of a light-transmitting material. The light-transmitting material preferably includes a front light-emitting surface, and a plurality of rear surface portions that provide for inward reflection of light from a plurality of LEDs or other light sources. The reflective surface portions may be in the form of truncated parabolas having flat upper, lower, and/or side surfaces to reduce the overall height and/or width of the light assembly. The reflective surfaces can be oriented at off-axis relative to a vehicle axis to provide a specific beam intensity and direction.

Abstract: An energy management load limiting vehicle seat member or construction is shown with collision energy absorbing and anti-submarining features.