Abstract: In a method of removing alkylene halogenohydrin from a cellulose ether the cellulose ether is provided, water is added to the cellulose ether and subsequently alkylene halogenohydrin and water is removed from the cellulose ether by evaporation. Alternatively steam or a steam mixture can be sparged across or through the cellulose ether to remove halogenohydrin from the cellulose ether.

Abstract: The invention provides a first composition comprising at least the following: A) a first ethylene-based polymer; B) one or more antioxidants, present in an amount greater than 1000 ppm, based on the weight of the first composition; and C) an “oxy amine”-containing compound.

Abstract: Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.

Abstract: A method of incrementally forming a workpiece. The method includes incrementally forming a first monotonic wrap surface in a first direction and incrementally forming a second wrap surface in a second direction disposed opposite the first direction.

Abstract: In a powertrain for a motor vehicle that includes an engine, a transmission driveably connected to the engine and wheels of the vehicle, an electric machine for transmitting power to at least some of the vehicle wheels, a method for controlling the powertrain includes operating the engine and transmission to produce a wheel torque at a desired vehicle speed with the transmission operating in a desired gear in response to a demanded wheel torque, increasing the demanded wheel torque due to the vehicle ascending a grade, determining a magnitude of wheel torque able to be produced in the desired gear, using the electric motor to provide a second wheel torque in combination with wheel torque whose magnitude is equal to or greater than the wheel torque being produced in the desired gear, and continuing to operate the transmission in the desired gear.

Abstract: A method for operation of a high pressure exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) system is provided. The method includes transferring heat from an exhaust flow through an EGR cooler to an engine coolant, the EGR cooler coupled to an EGR line fluidly coupled in parallel with a turbine and directing a controlled portion of the exhaust flow from the EGR cooler to an engine intake. The method further includes directing another controlled portion of the exhaust flow from the EGR cooler to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle braking system and method for controlling the same. The system includes an electronic controller communicatively coupled to a vehicle braking system and a vehicle motion detection device. The braking system is configured to be automatically activated in response to detection of an object in a path of the vehicle. Once activated, the braking system is deactivated either by the driver or a pre-determined time period after detection that motion of the vehicle has stopped. Prior to deactivation of the vehicle braking system an HMI message is activated indicating imminent deactivation of the vehicle braking system.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a crosslinkable aqueous composition, method of producing the same, crosslinked compositions, and method of producing the same. The crosslinkable composition comprising: an aqueous dispersion comprising; (a) water; (b) a polycarbamate comprising at least an average of 2.0 carbamate functional groups; (c) a polyaldehyde comprising at least two aldehyde groups; (d) an acid catalyst; and (e) optionally one or more surfactants; wherein said aqueous dispersion has a pH in the range of less than 7; and wherein said composition is capable of being crosslinked at a temperature in range of less than 80° C. upon substantial removal of water.

Abstract: A method for operating an international combustion engine, the engine also includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, an exhaust system, and a fuel cell in the exhaust system. The method comprises operating the first cylinder lean to provide air to the fuel cell during at least one condition; and operating the second cylinder rich or stoichiometric to provide torque output and fuel to the fuel cell.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing transmission control elements includes an accumulator for containing pressurized fluid, first and second check valves, a booster valve supplied with accumulator pressure, and an actuator that causes the booster valve to open a fluidic connection between the accumulator and the control elements through the check valves in response to an engine restart signal.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing member is mounted within a vehicle door outboard of an interior panel adjacent to a seating position. The member is rotatable between a first position wherein a maximum-stiffness axis of the member is relatively more aligned with an impact vector of an occupant of the seating position during a crash, and a second position wherein the maximum-stiffness axis is relatively less aligned with the impact vector. A controller receives signals from safety-related systems and operates an actuator to move the member between the first and second positions. Selection between the first and second position may be made at the start of a driving cycle based upon signals from an occupant sensor, stored biometric data, and/or a command from the occupant. The selection may be updated after the start of the driving cycle based upon signals from an impact sensor, a vehicle dynamics sensor, and/or a pre-crash sensor.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle propulsion system and method of operation have been provided. As one example, the system comprises an internal combustion engine including at least a combustion chamber configured to propel the vehicle via at least a drive wheel, a motor configured to propel the vehicle via at least a drive wheel, an energy storage device configured to store energy that is usable by the motor to propel the vehicle, a fuel system configured to deliver gasoline and alcohol to the combustion chamber in varying relative amounts, a control system configured to operate the motor to propel the vehicle and to vary the relative amounts of the gasoline and alcohol provided to the combustion chamber in response to an output of the motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.

Abstract: A non-synchronous automatic transmission up-shift control utilizes input torque measurements. The input torque is measured during an up-shift having preparatory, torque, and inertia phases. Target input torque profiles for the torque and inertia phases are determined based on the input torque during the preparatory phase. During the torque phase, an engine torque is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the torque phase. During the inertia phase, the on-coming clutch is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the inertia phase.

Abstract: A shutter system is provided for a grille of an automotive vehicle. A first vane set is disposed at a first grille opening section configured to pivot to a master position. A second vane set is disposed at a second grille opening section configured to pivot to a slave position. An actuator motor is coupled to the first vane set for controllably placing the first vane set to a selected master position. A linkage is coupled between the first and second vane sets for moving the second vane set to the slave position corresponding to the master position of the first vane set. The linkage includes a compensation spring configured to undergo compression when the first and second vane sets are placed in the closed positions and a limit strap for imposing a limit on expansion of the compensation spring.

Abstract: Polyolefin dispersions, froths, and foams and articles manufactured therefrom are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for generating a thermoplastic foam from an aqueous dispersion. The aqueous dispersion may include a thermoplastic resin, water, and a stabilizing agent. The method may include adding at least one frothing surfactant to the aqueous dispersion to form a mixture, adding a flame retardant and/or a phase change material, frothing the mixture to create a froth, and removing at least a portion of the water to produce the foam.

Abstract: A trim panel retention assembly for a vehicle includes a retention bracket mounted to an inner door panel and a trim panel bracket mounted to a door trim panel. The trim panel bracket is proximate and spaced from the retention bracket such that the retention bracket deters the trim panel bracket and door trim panel from detaching from the inner door panel during a side impact collision.

Abstract: Composite membranes including a coating of polyalkylene oxide and biguanide compounds along with various methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a thin film polyamide layer including a coating of a reaction product of a polyalkylene oxide compound and a biguanide-type compound. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a polymer including alkylene oxide repeating units and one or more biguanide functional groups.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for recording events in a vehicle based on driver status of a driver is provided. The apparatus comprises a vehicle interface device. The device is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of the driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver. The device is further configured to receive at least one vehicle event signal corresponding to vehicle events in response to the driver status signal indicating that the driver is the secondary driver and to store the at least one vehicle event signal to record the vehicle events. The device is further configured to generate a report indicating the recorded vehicle events for transmission to at least one of the primary driver and the secondary driver.

Abstract: A method for detecting backlash and adjusting driveline variables, includes measuring torque transmitted between components across a torsional discontinuity, measuring driveline twist across the discontinuity, using a ratio of driveline twist divided by torque and an inverse of driveline stiffness to determine whether the driveline is entering, exiting or in a backlash zone, and using measured driveline twist and torque at the backlash zone to adjust reference values of driveline twist and torque.