Abstract: The present disclosure relates to spare tire damper assemblies for a vehicle and methods for reducing vibration. The assemblies can include a support frame configured to secure a spare tire thereto and a first adjustable isolator positioned with respect to the support frame. A second isolator is positioned in series with the first isolator so that adjustment of the first isolator adjusts a static preload of the second isolator.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a boosted engine having a split intake system coupled to a split exhaust system. Aircharges of differing composition, pressure, and temperature may be delivered to the engine through the split intake system at different points of an engine cycle. In this way, boost and EGR benefits may be extended.

Abstract: A variety of improved hydroclone based fluid filtering systems are described. The hydroclones generally include a tank having an internal chamber and a filter (preferably a surface filter) that is positioned within the internal chamber. The filter defines a filtered fluid chamber within the internal chamber of the tank. The hydroclone may be operated such that a vortex of flowing fluid is formed between the chamber wall and the filter with the filter being located in the center of the vortex. With this arrangement, the filter acts as a cross-flow filter. In one aspect of the invention, a circulating cleaning assembly is provided in the hydroclone region. In yet another aspect of the invention, improved hydroclone intake structures are described.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a knock control fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, and CMCV, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients.

Abstract: An active bolster is integrated within a seat for a transportation vehicle by covering an inner inflatable bladder with an outer cushion layer to provide a seating support surface. Seating loads are borne on the support surface from the weight of an occupant by elastic deformation of the bladder. When a vehicle crash event is detected, at least a portion of the bladder is inflated to extend a seat surface to protect the occupant. Size and weight of the seat are reduced as a result of the bladder contributing significantly to the normal cushioning of the seat in everyday usage.

Abstract: A vehicle light assembly includes an array of light sources mounted in a generally planar base. An optical element includes a first surface having a first optical design and a second surface having second optical design. The second optical design includes a wedge having a first wedge wall and a second wedge wall that converges with the first wedge wall. The second wedge wall extends at an angle to the first wedge wall. A bezel surrounds the base and the optical element, and an outer lens is positioned adjacent the outside surface of the optical element. The optical element is between the base and the outer lens, and the outer lens has an inner surface including an optical design.

Abstract: A vehicle with a front fascia and a decorative badge integrated with the fascia. A rear surface of the badge is attached to a front portion of the fascia. The portion of the fascia to which the badge is attached is the badge mounting region, and the fascia's portion surrounding the badge mounting region is the fascia surrounding region. A radar system mounted behind the fascia emits radar beams in forward direction, which are intercepted by the fascia and the badge in the badge mounting region, and by the fascia, in the fascia surrounding region The rear surface of the fascia in the badge mounting region is indented the amount of the badge's average thickness, and the cumulative average thickness of the badge and the fascia material in the badge mounting region remains uniform throughout, equal to the average thickness of the fascia in the fascia surrounding region.

Abstract: A fuel injection system including injectors for two different fuels is disclosed. In one example, fuel injection is adjusted to compensate for changes in engine intake air amount. Combustion stability during transient conditions may be improved.

Abstract: A dispensing device (10) for dispensing compressed fluid from a can (100) through a valve stem (110) of the can, the dispensing device containing a hollow tube (20) defining a channel (22) there-through, a connector (40) defining a conduit (46) there-through that is in fluid communication with the channel of the hollow tube, a plug (30) located in the channel of the hollow tube that is able to move in the channel of the hollow tube and seal the hollow tube from fluid flow when pressed towards the dispensing end (24) of the hollow tube (22), a sealed port between the inside and outside of the dispensing device and a flexible and inelastic extension piece (50) attached to the plug and extending through the channel of the hollow tube and, optionally, the conduit of the connector then out from the dispensing device through the sealed port and capable of attaching to a can (100) to which the dispensing device (100) is connected.

Abstract: A hydro-forming tool for use in a method of forming a blank into a liquid filled chamber. The chamber is formed by a container ring and a moveable wall that together define a variable volume chamber for containing the liquid. The wall is moveable relative to the container ring to provide a chamber in which the volume of liquid required to back up the blank is minimized. The liquid reduces friction at the chamber entry rim. Liquid may be ported through a counter punch to hydro-form the blank into the detail forming areas.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include a method and system for testing data defining one or more navigation routes. A starting location may be input at a computer remote from the starting location. A destination location may also be input. Map data including GPS information based on the starting location input and the destination location input may be received. Route data may also be received. Based on the map data and the route data, data defining one or more navigation instructions may be generated for one or more routes. The one or more navigation instructions may be executed at the computer and compared to the map data. Based on the comparison, an accuracy of the navigation instructions may be determined. The data defining the navigation instructions may be corrected if the data is determined to be inaccurate.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes registering at least one medical condition associated with a vehicle occupant. The method also includes monitoring environmental conditions for the onset of a trigger likely to cause complications with regards to the medical condition. The method further includes warning the vehicle occupant about the onset of the trigger. The method also includes adjusting a vehicle component or system, via the VCS, in response to the onset of the trigger.

Abstract: A system for an engine drive that engages a timing band with a camshaft and a crankshaft is provided. The system further includes a coupling device that couples the camshaft to another camshaft that is not engaged with the timing band. The coupling device and the camshafts are in such a configuration that the camshafts rotate in opposing directions.

Abstract: Provided are polyhydroxy-diamine compounds of the formula I: or salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as defined herein. The compounds are useful as low additives for paints, coatings and epoxy formulations.

Abstract: A method for determining a route for a vehicle includes receiving input indicative of a driver's dynamic control of the vehicle, determining the driver's driving style based on the input, and selecting values of parameters representing the driver's anticipated dynamic control of the vehicle based on the driving style. The method also includes identifying a plurality of candidate routes between an origin and destination, partitioning each of the candidate routes into a set of predefined route patterns, and determining an energy usage associated with each of the candidate routes based on the selected values and the set of predefined route patterns defining the candidate route. The method further includes identifying the candidate route having the minimum energy usage and providing output describing the route having the minimum energy usage.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a start-stop system for an engine in a vehicle includes automatically stopping the engine with a transmission gear lever of the vehicle in DRIVE. The engine is automatically restarted when the vehicle is shifted out of DRIVE and at least one condition is met. The at least one condition includes a final position of the gear lever. Automatic restarting of the engine is suppressed when the vehicle is shifted out of DRIVE and at least one other condition is met; the at least one other condition also including a final position of the gear lever.

Abstract: A direct fuel injection fuel system includes a fuel rail cap and a fuel injector received within the fuel rail cap. A clip extends through slots in the fuel rail cap and engages the fuel rail to support the fuel rail within the fuel rail cap. The fuel rail cap includes a groove adjoining the slots to accept a portion of the clip. The clip engages a shoulder on the fuel injector assembly. The shoulder may be on the injector body or on an adapter secured to the injector body.

Abstract: A pencil brace is incorporated into a cross car assembly of an automotive vehicle as a secondary energy absorption device to assist in managing the energy and controlling the column stroke due to a collision.

Abstract: A retractable air dam assembly for a vehicle is provided. The air dam assembly has an air deflector panel adapted to be mounted adjacent a front bumper of a vehicle. A linear actuator is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle. At least one rocker arm is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, and coupled to the linear actuator at a first end, and coupled to the panel at a second end. The linear actuator translates the panel linearly between a stowed position, in which the panel is at least partially concealed by the front bumper, and a deployed position, such that the panel at least partially extends a distance below a bottom surface of the front bumper to reduce airflow beneath the vehicle. A counter-balance is connected to a third end of the rocker arm to offset a weight of the panel.

Abstract: A seal for an automobile body opening comprising a plastic carrier, an elastomeric bulb operably connected to the plastic carrier, and a plastic clip operably connected to, and extending away from, the plastic carrier for engagement to a flange for retaining the seal to the flange.