Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a clutch is operated while a vehicle is stopped and while a vehicle brake is applied to determine a clutch torque transfer function. The approach may improve vehicle launch after an engine stop.

Abstract: Provided are new dendrimers and processes for making them. The dendrimers are derived from a nitroalkyloxirane compound of formula (III): wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments for controlling condensate in a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, a method for a charge air cooler comprises, responsive to a condensate level in the charge air cooler, increasing boost pressure and maintaining a requested level of torque by routing a portion of air flow exiting the charge air cooler to an intake passage upstream of a compressor. In this way, accumulated condensate in the charge air cooler may be removed while maintaining driver-requested torque.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to reduce a hard brake pedal feel. A brake control variable is adjusted in anticipation of a hard pedal condition to increase hydraulic brake line pressure and maintain a normal pedal feel. A pedal force is inferred from brake line pressure relative to brake booster vacuum.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing interference in an inductive charging system within a vehicle. The method includes inductively charging a device with an inductive charger. The method also includes detecting at least one mode of operation of a potential interfering device in proximity to the inductive charger. The method further includes adjusting at least one of a frequency band employed by the charger and an amount of power provided to the device by the charger based on at least one detected mode of operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to polyols having resistance to hydrocarbons and articles made therefrom. More specifically, embodiments of the invention generally relate to hydrophilic polyester-polycarbonate polyols having resistance to hydrocarbons at high temperatures and articles made therefrom. The novel hydrophilic polyester-polycarbonate polyols described herein may be used in adhesive or elastomer applications requiring enhanced oil and/or diesel resistance. The disclosed polyols are liquid at room temperature, which facilitates processing into polyurethane products As described herein, an elastomer made from such hydrophilic polyester-polycarbonate polyols and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) retained >90% of tensile strength after 500 hours ageing at 121 degrees Celsius. A comparative example made from a polyester polyol retained 50% of tensile strength under similar conditions.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for detecting ammonia slip. In one example method, an amount of exhaust gas recirculation is reduced when output from an exhaust gas sensor indicates an increase in nitrogen oxide above a threshold amount. When the sensor output increases above a second threshold while the exhaust gas recirculation is reduced, the sensor output is allocated to nitrogen oxide; and when the sensor output does not increase above a second threshold while the exhaust gas recirculation is reduced, the sensor output is allocated to ammonia.

Abstract: Embodiments for balancing an engine are provided. In one example, a method for balancing mass forces of a crank drive of an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder comprises providing at least one balancing unit which has at least one balancing weight which serves as an unbalance and which rotates about a rotational axis when the balancing unit is operational, the at least one balancing unit being embodied as a switchable balancing unit, and switching on the at least one balancing unit as a function of at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Convert a methylamine (e.g. monomethylamine, dimethylamine and trimethylamine) to a mixture of olefins (e.g. ethylene, propylene and butylene) by placing the methylamine, optionally in a mixture with at least one of ammonia and an inert diluent, in contact with a microporous acidic silicoaluminophosphate catalyst or a microporous aluminosilicate catalyst.

Abstract: Various embodiments include tools and methods for diagnosing connected services in a vehicle. Communication with a vehicle computing system in a vehicle may be established. A diagnostic connection to a diagnostics server may also be established. Vehicle information and diagnostic data from one or more connected services may be received from the vehicle computing system and transmitted via a diagnostic connection to the diagnostics server. A connected services diagnostic status for the vehicle may be determined based on the vehicle information and the diagnostic data. The connected services diagnostic status may be received from the server and output to a user.

Abstract: PVC resin-based compositions that include biochemical plasticizers as the primary plasticizers are provided. The compositions include PVC resin, a compatibilizer, one or more biochemical plasticizers and, optionally, a thermoplastic elastomer impact modifier. The biochemical plasticizers are present in substantial quantities in the compositions and, in some embodiments, are the only plasticizers present in the compositions.

Abstract: A multiple liquid phase composition and process for preparing an oxirane product, such as epichlorohydrin, including a reaction mixture of: (a) at least one olefin, wherein the olefin is selected from one of (i) an aliphatic olefin or substituted aliphatic olefin, with the proviso that the aliphatic olefin is not propylene, (ii) a cycloaliphatic olefin, (iii) an aromatic olefin, (iv) a cycloaromatic olefin, and (v) mixtures thereof; (b) at least one peroxide compound, (c) at least one catalyst, and (d) and a solvent mixture; wherein the solvent mixture comprises at least (i) at least one alcohol or a combination of alcohols, and (ii) at least one non-reactive co-solvent; wherein the solvents are mixed at a predetermined concentration; wherein the non-reactive co-solvent has a different boiling point than the oxirane product; and wherein the oxirane product partitions into a high affinity solvent during the reaction.

Abstract: A vehicle having a traction battery disposed within a battery housing is provided. The battery housing is in selective fluid communication with the cabin of the vehicle. An accessory battery separate and distinct from the traction battery is also provided. A closeable barrier system is electrically connected with the accessory battery and is configured to fluidly isolate the battery housing from the cabin when closed. At least one controller is configured to, in response to a trigger condition, disable the traction battery and increase an output of the accessory battery to close the barrier system to isolate gas in the battery housing from the cabin.

Abstract: A tether for connecting tubes includes two mutually spaced pads, each pad located on an opposite side of a lateral axis and releasably connectable to one of the tubes, an elastic stretchable connector that provides structural continuity between the pads, and handles, each handle located at an opposite axial end of the tether, suited to be gripped manually for the application of tensile force to the tether.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a power source in a vehicle that has an engine and an electric machine operable to provide torque to start the engine, includes the step of setting a first discharge power limit for the power source that is at least partly based on the power capability of the power source. A second discharge power limit for the power source is also set. The second discharge power limit is higher than the first discharge power limit, and it is a function of at least the power capability of the power source and the first discharge power limit.

Abstract: An ethylenic polymer comprising amyl groups from about 0.1 to about 2.0 units per 1000 carbon atoms as determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and both a peak melting temperature, Tm, in ° C., and a heat of fusion, Hf, in J/g, as determined by DSC Crystallinity, where the numerical values of Tm and Hf correspond to the relationship Tm?(0.2143*Hf)+79.643. An ethylenic polymer comprising at least one preparative TREF fraction that elutes at 95° C. or greater using a Preparative Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation method, where at least one preparative TREF fraction that elutes at 95° C. or greater has a gpcBR value greater than 0.05 and less than 5 as determined by gpcBR Branching Index by 3D-GPC, and where at least 5% of the ethylenic polymer elutes at a temperature of 95° C. or greater based upon the total weight of the ethylenic polymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include dispersion compositions having a nonionic surfactant for use in enhanced petroleum recovery, and methods of using the dispersion compositions in petroleum recovery processes. For the various embodiments, the nonionic surfactant of the dispersion composition promotes the formation of a dispersion from carbon dioxide and water.

Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission includes using signals of first solenoids to control first and second clutches, servos of first gears and servos of second gears, using signals of a second solenoid to establish a flow rate to cool the clutches and to actuate the servo that is associated with a selected gear, and using signals of a third solenoid to direct the flow rate to one of the clutches and to engage the selected gear.

Abstract: A system for injecting from an injector into a duct of an engine system is provided. The system may include a first flange on a duct connection side, a second flange on an injector connection side, a stand-off separating the first flange from the second flange to form an air gap therebetween, and a seal offset from at least one of the first and the second flanges and located within the airgap and between the first flange and the second flange.

Abstract: A towed vehicle is towed by a towing vehicle. The towed vehicle includes a motor/generator for both regenerative braking and for powering wheels. A tow member connects the towed vehicle to the towed vehicle. A sensor measures or infers the tension and compression in the tow member. A computer communicates with the sensor and with the motor/generator. The computer commands the motor/generator to either utilize regenerative braking or provide assistance in propulsion of the towed vehicle based upon the tension and compression forces in the tow member.