Abstract: The invention provides a process to form an ethylene-based polymer, and said ethylene-based polymer, said process comprising polymerizing a reaction mixture comprising ethylene and at least the following A) and B): A) a Rheology Modifying Agent (RMA) selected from the following i) through v), as described herein; B) at least one comonomer selected from the following a) through c), as described herein.

Abstract: A method of recommending radio stations including the step of generating a plurality of driver models. Each driver model may correspond to a different driver and documents audio content listened to by that driver while driving. The plurality of driver models may be aggregated to generate a recommendation model correlating radio stations, audio content, and geographic regions. Thereafter, a request for recommendations may be received from a driver while the driver is in a familiar or unfamiliar geographic region. A driver model corresponding to the driver may be compared against other data contained within the recommendation model in order to identify one or more radio stations that present audio content within the geographic region that best matches the audio content documented within the driver model corresponding to the driver. The one or more radio stations may then be communicated to the driver.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for identifying degradation of active engine mounts coupled to a vehicle engine. By correlating the monitored vibrational pattern to a selected active mounts operating mode, the conditions of active engine mounts may be distinguished. Timely diagnosis of active engine mounts may improve active engine mount health and prevent noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues.

Abstract: A parking place alert system may include an interface, and a controller configured to generate an alert to be displayed via the interface and identifying a set of available park assist features selected in response to an indication that an available parking place is of a user identified type that defines a desired vehicle orientation and position relative to other parked vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a recyclable barrier film comprising a first layer comprising high density polyethylene; and a barrier layer comprising a polymer other than polyethylene; where the polymer is operative to reduce the oxygen transmission rate through the barrier film relative to the oxygen transmission rate through the first layer; where the barrier layer is present in the barrier film in an amount of less than 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the barrier film. Disclosed herein too is a method of manufacturing the disclosed barrier film.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for variable thermal capacity charge air cooler (VTC-CAC). In one example, the VTC-CAC includes a plurality of cooling channels and an integrated bypass that diverts air around the cooling channels. Division of boosted intake air between the cooling channels and the bypass is regulated by a positioning of dual-gate mechanism that is adjusted in response to manifold charge temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately determining the composition of a knock control fluid using sensors already present in the engine system. An intake or an exhaust oxygen sensor is used to estimate the water and the alcohol content of a knock control fluid that is direct injected into an engine cylinder responsive to an indication of abnormal combustion. A change in the pumping current of the oxygen sensor due to the water content of the knock control fluid is distinguished from a change in the pumping current of the oxygen sensor due to the alcohol content of the knock control fluid.

Abstract: A tow hook assembly includes a U-shaped tow hook received in a housing. The U-shaped tow hook includes first and second legs where the first and second legs each include forward and rearward locking flanges. The legs of the U-shaped tow hooks are received in a housing. The housing includes springs which bias the U-shaped tow hook in a forward direction and the locking flanges prevent the U-shaped tow hook from moving in a forward direction. The springs allow the U-shaped tow hook to deflect in a rearward direction upon a forward impact with the U-shaped tow hook.

Abstract: A proximity switch and moisture sensing assembly includes a vehicle window and a proximity switch including a proximity sensor located on the window and providing an activation field. The proximity switch and moisture sensing assembly also includes control circuitry monitoring a signal responsive to the activation field, determining a switch activation based on the signal, and determining a moisture value based upon the signal. A conductive shield may be disposed between the proximity sensors and the outside environment to reduce the effects of moisture on the outer side of the window.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of a USB port and cable storage assembly includes a housing, a displaceable cord cleat and a USB port carried on the cord cleat. The housing includes a cleat receiver and opposed stop receivers. The cord cleat includes a stem and a faceplate. The apparatus also includes an actuator, displacing the cord cleat toward a deployed position, a guideway on the housing and the cord cleat and a cord receiver along an outer edge of the faceplate.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a frame and a seat that includes a cushion and a cushion cover. The seat defines a handle slot. A retractable handle is disposed in the handle slot and is operable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The retractable handle includes an elongate flexible body having first and second ends fixedly coupled with the frame, and first and second stretchable members operably coupled with the first and second ends, respectively, and configured to draw down a portion of the elongate flexible body. A graspable webbing is disposed between the first and second stretchable members, wherein the graspable webbing is configured to be grabbed by a user and drawn away from the frame which stretches the first and second stretchable members.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes a cavity in an exhaust manifold of a turbocharged engine are described. The systems and methods may improve engine efficiency and provide a way of controlling temperatures of engine exhaust components. The cavity may be located between an exterior wall of the exhaust manifold and an interior wall of the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: A header beam couples between A-pillars of a vehicle frame. The header beam is formed from a generally straight beam segment that is extruded to have a hollow body portion with supportive legs extending within the hollow interior along the length of the beam segment, defining uninterrupted forward and rearward box sections for supporting continuous load paths on the header beam. The end portions of the beam segment are clamped and the beam segment is stretch bent to form a curvature between the end portions that remain generally straight. A front flange extends forward along the body portion and is struck proximate the end portions to form an edge that is parallel to the curvature formed between the end portions. The end portions are attached to the A-pillars and the edge of the front flange is attached to a windshield.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one and/or one or more in-vehicle and/or onboard controller(s) that is/are coupled to spaced apart sensor groups that are arrayed within a headliner and/or seats of the vehicle cabin. Each sensor group generally corresponds to and/or with a plurality of and/or one or more seat positions, each having a single seat, and which include a driver zone seat position that has a driver seat. Each sensor group in the array includes at least one signal processor, and a plurality of transceivers, antennas, and/or sensors configured for and tuned to different electromagnetic frequencies and/or powers. Also included are electromagnetically active, directional waveguides that adjust, amplify, and/or attenuate the sensitivity of each of the respective antennas, to electromagnetic energy detected and received from mobile devices located in the vehicle cabin, such that the sensitivity is limited to electromagnetic emissions within a limited effective range for each antenna.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a stator defining a circular opening having an inner diameter, and a rotor to rotate within the circular opening such that a gap is formed between a rotor surface and the stator at the inner diameter. The powertrain further includes a repellant, coated on the stator and the rotor surface, to control fluid flow in the gap.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for warming an engine and/or engine fluids. In one example, a method may comprise powering on an electric motor of an intake boost device to generate heat, circulating coolant and/or engine oil through the boost device to absorb the heat produced by the boost device, and then flowing the coolant and/or engine oil to the engine to transfer the heat absorbed from the boost device to the engine. In this way, an engine may be warmed without running the engine rich by using the heat generated by the electric motor of the boost device to warm the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided that includes a seat base, a cushion on the seat base, one or more channels formed in the cushion, and a moisture sensor located in the seat base to sense liquid in the one or more channels. The sensed liquid indicates a wet seat condition which may be used to control usage of the seat and drying of the seat.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a door frame coupled to a vehicle frame at a hinge. A door operating mechanism is coupled to the door and vehicle frames for applying rotational force to the door frame about the hinge. The door operating mechanism including external cogs of an inner gear that mesh with inner cogs of an outer gear and a single oblong bearing that biases the inner gear in partial engagement with the outer gear.

Abstract: A seat includes a seatback having an exterior panel. The seat includes a first member and a second member each being inflatable to an inflated position and defining an inflation chamber, the inflation chambers spaced from each other. The exterior panel extends between and is secured to the first member and the second member external to the inflation chambers in the inflated position.