Abstract: A cooperative catalyst system includes a Lewis acid and a Lewis base for the formation of non-isocyanate based polyurethane using a cyclic carbonate and an amine. A method of forming non-isocyanate based polyurethane includes providing a cyclic carbonate, an amine, and a cooperative catalyst system that has a Lewis acid and a Lewis base.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing operation of a catalyst are presented. In one example, threshold limits for catalyst variables are adjusted in response to attributes of a catalyst monitor sensor that may vary with sensor age. The catalyst variables may provide insight into whether or not the catalyst is degraded or operating as intended.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a driveline disconnect clutch transfer function may be adapted in response to engine operating conditions during closing of the driveline disconnect clutch.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for adjusting oil pressure supplied to engine components. In one example approach, a method for controlling oil flow in an engine comprises adjusting oil pressure supplied to the engine based on engine acceleration. For example, engine acceleration may be used to predict future engine lubrication requirements so that oil pressure adjustments may be scheduled accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for improving processing of gases contained within the crankcase of an internal combustion engine is presented. The system is especially suited for single boiling point fuels because it allows the storage of such fuels until the fuel can be opportunistically combusted.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting barometric pressure (BP) changes based on tire pressure changes are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises adjusting an evaporative leak detection threshold based on a change in barometric pressure, where the change in barometric pressure is based on a tire pressure change.

Abstract: A gasket for use with in an internal combustion engine having lubricating oil drainback passageways and an integrated exhaust manifold formed in the cylinder head is disclosed. The gasket includes at least one drainback passageway opening to fit substantially around the drainback passageways formed in the cylinder block. A loose component-capturing constraint feature is integrally formed with the gasket and effectively provides a bridge over the drainback passageway opening of the gasket. The constraint feature does not restrict the flow of lubricating oil and may be of any of several designs including, for example, a rib. The cylinder head gasket is preferably of a multi-layer construction and is preferably steel. The constraint feature may be a single gasket layer. The cylinder head gasket includes both active and non-active areas. The constraint feature may be either or both an active and a non-active area of the gasket.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel delivery apparatus, having: a surge chamber configured to store fuel; a fuel filter distally positioned with respect to and connected to the chamber; and a fuel level sender positioned between the filter and surge chamber.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing pad is provided having a polishing layer; and an endpoint detection window incorporated into the chemical mechanical polishing pad, wherein the endpoint detection window is a plug in place window; wherein the endpoint detection window comprises a reaction product of ingredients, comprising: a window prepolymer, and, a window curative system, comprising: at least 5 wt % of a window difunctional curative; at least 5 wt % of a window amine initiated polyol curative; and, 25 to 90 wt % of a window high molecular weight polyol curative.

Abstract: An approach for supplying spark to a spark ignited engine having activated and deactivated engine cylinders is disclosed. In one example, the approach increases ignition energy supplied to spark plugs of deactivated cylinders to reduce the possibility of spark plug fouling for the deactivated cylinders while continuing to supply spark to activated cylinders.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting a fuel system leak. One or more of a boost pressure from a compressor and vacuum from an intake manifold is sequentially applied on a fuel tank. A leak is detected based on a subsequent change in fuel tank pressure.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled engine and method for its operation is described wherein the engine includes a cylinder head comprising at least one coolant jacket and exhaust manifold at least partially integrated therein. In one particular example, the exhaust pipes merge in stages within the cylinder head before merging into a common exhaust gas collector outside the cylinder head. Inclusion of a coolant system according to the present disclosure allows the thermal load of the cylinder head to be controlled, which thereby allows cooling to be achieved in a targeted manner inside the cylinder head by means of liquid cooling and forced convection.

Abstract: A brake pedal assembly for a hybrid electric vehicle having a brake pedal arm and a cam follower extending from the brake pedal arm is provided. The cam follower is configured to cooperate with a stamp bracket having a cam surface to provide brake pedal feel resistance as the brake pedal arm is actuated by a user of the hybrid electric vehicle. This brake pedal feel resistance increases as the cam follower traverses along the cam surface of the stamp bracket.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle includes a light source and a light pipe. The light pipe has a first end coupled with the light source, a second end, and a side surface extending between the first and second ends for radially emitting light. A carrier surrounds the side surface and includes an opaque portion and a translucent portion. The opaque portion abuts the side surface for preventing light from emitting beyond the side surface. The translucent portion extends adjacent to the opaque portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to polyurethane foams having high air flow while maintaining viscoelastic properties. In one embodiment, a reaction system for preparation of a viscoelastic polyurethane foam is provided. The reaction system comprises (a) a polyisocyanate component and (b) an isocyanate reactive component. The isocyanate reactive component comprises (i) from 35 to 74% by weight of the isocyanate reactive component of one or more propylene oxide rich (PO-rich) polyols having a combined number average equivalent weight from 200 to 500, (ii) from 24 to 50% by weight of the isocyanate reactive component of one or more ethylene oxide rich (EO-rich) polyols having a combined number average equivalent weight from 200 to 2,800, and (iii) from 2 to 10% by weight of the isocyanate reactive component of one or more butylene oxide rich (BO-rich) polyethers having a number average equivalent weight of 2,000 or more.

Abstract: An example for operating a spark ignition engine comprises discharging exhaust gases via an exhaust system comprising exhaust pipes from the at least two cylinders coming together to form an exhaust manifold; and initiating autoignition with exhaust gas from a first, exhaust-gas-supplying cylinder, which is discharged from the first cylinder into the exhaust system, the exhaust gas is introduced into an adjacent, exhaust-gas-receiving cylinder via the exhaust system. Exhaust gas from the first cylinder mixes with the air-fuel mixture of an adjacent cylinder raising the temperature therein. Under high loads the higher temperature and density of the aircharge is suitable to undergo autoignition.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion. A flexible comfort carrier is disposed over a front surface of the polymeric body portion and includes a multitude of openings defining a support matrix configured to support the weight of a passenger. A head restraint includes a headrest and a single downwardly extending support post that is homogenously formed with the headrest. The support post includes side portions that define slots. The support post is rotatably coupled to the seat back. The headrest is rotatable between a use position, wherein the downwardly extending support post extends into the seat back, and a storage position, wherein the downwardly extending support post is withdrawn from the seat back and rotated forward such that the head restraint extends substantially orthogonal to the seat back.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a leak in a canister purge valve are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises indicating a leak in response to a temperature change in a fuel vapor canister coupled to a fuel tank in an emission control system while the engine is in operation and a purge valve is closed.

Abstract: A method may comprise, on board a vehicle and executed by a vehicle controller, determining a liquid volume based on a fuel level sensor, determining a gas volume based on the liquid volume, the liquid volume comprising first and second fuels, the gas volume comprising the second fuel, determining a second fuel solubility in the first fuel based on a fuel temperature sensor, determining first and second fuel quantities based on the second fuel solubility, and adjusting engine operation based on the first and second fuel quantities.

Abstract: A system for controlling an internal combustion engine. The system includes engine shutdown/restart means and energy storage means configured for supplying power to an associated active vehicle suspension system when the engine is shut down. A controller is configured for controlling the shutdown/restart means responsive to an energy state of the energy storage means.