Abstract: Methods and systems for cleaning a capless refueling system in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to a leak detected following a refueling event, cleaning the capless refueling system using engine vacuum.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing an efficiency of engine starting of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises operating a laser ignition device in an engine cylinder and identifying engine position in response thereto; and igniting an air and fuel mixture in the cylinder with the laser ignition device.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a seat body having a seating surface and a storage cavity. A headrest is carried on the seat body. Further a neckrest is pivotally attached to the seat body. The neckrest is selectively displaceable between the storage position in a cavity of the seat body and a deployed position above the seating surface. In one possible embodiment the seat assembly also includes a neck support that may be displayed with the neckrest between storage and deployed positions.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for detecting exhaust reductant injector degradation based on an exhaust NOx sensor are disclosed. In one example, degradation of the reductant injector is indicated when an actual NOx sensor output differs from an expected NOx sensor output by more than a threshold amount under engine off conditions.

Abstract: A family of transmission gearing arrangements produces at least nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of three shift elements in various combinations. Each disclosed transmission includes four planetary gear sets, three brakes, and either three or four clutches. One embodiment produces twelve forward speed ratios and two reverse speed ratios. Another embodiment produces thirteen forward speed ratios.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing and operating an engine with a fuel pump that supplies fuel to a fuel injector that may be temporarily deactivated are described. In one example, injection of fuel may commence in response to a level of lubrication of a fuel pump. The system and methods may extend fuel pump life in systems where fuel injection may be deactivated.

Abstract: A facing assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. That facing assembly includes a resilient facing member and a resilient reinforcing element. The resilient reinforcing element engages and supports the resilient facing member against wind forces experienced during vehicle operation so as to provide desired aerodynamics at speed while allowing the necessary flex when contacted by an obstruction to provide clearance and the necessary resiliency to return to the home position once clear of the obstruction. Further, the resilient reinforcing element includes a channel that receives, holds and guides a towing or wench cable and protects the resilient facing member during the towing or wenching operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing each of a plurality of engine cooling system components including various valves and grill shutters. Each valve may be individually closed and opened for a specified duration, and corresponding changes in coolant temperature may be monitored. If all the components are functional, the various valves may be adjusted to stagnate coolant at the engine and expedite engine warm-up during a cold-start.

Abstract: Cutting fluids for brittle materials, e.g., silicon ingot, comprise, in weight percent: A. 70-99% polyalkylene glycol (PAG), e.g., polyethylene glycol; B. 0.01-10% PAG-grafted polycarboxylate; and C. 0-30% water. These cutting fluids are used with abrasive materials, e.g., silicon carbide (SiC), to form cutting slurries. The slurry is sprayed on the cutting tool, e.g., a wire saw, to cut a brittle work piece, e.g., a silicon ingot.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing idling torque imbalances between cylinders by actuating a common camshaft to which the cylinders are coupled. The camshaft may be adjusted within camshaft limits during each combustion event of each cylinder. In this way, idling NVH issues may be addressed.

Abstract: A vehicle armrest assembly includes a vertically operable armrest. A door frame is coupled to the armrest and the armrest assembly includes an adjustment mechanism that selectively positions the armrest between a plurality of vertical positions relative to the door frame. A control is in communication with the adjustment mechanism. An interior door trim is configured to slidably engage a recess defined in the armrest. The recess positions the door trim distal from a substrate of the armrest.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The control circuitry monitors the signal responsive to the activation field and determines a differential change in generated signal, and further generates an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a threshold. The control circuitry further distinguishes an activation from an exploration of the plurality of switches and determines activation upon detection of a stable signal. The control circuit further determines a rate of change and generates an output when the rate of change exceeds a threshold rate to enable activation of a switch.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing pad is providing containing a polishing layer having a polishing surface; and, an endpoint detection window; wherein the endpoint detection window comprises a reaction product of ingredients, comprising: an isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer having 2 to 6.5 wt % unreacted NCO groups; and, a curative system, comprising: at least 5 wt % of a difunctional curative; at least 5 wt % of an amine initiated polyol curative having at least one nitrogen atom per molecule and an average of at least three hydroxyl groups per molecule; and, 25 to 90 wt % of a high molecular weight polyol curative having a number average molecular weight, MN, of 2,000 to 100,000 and an average of 3 to 10 hydroxyl groups per molecule. Also provide are methods of making and using the chemical mechanical polishing pad.

Abstract: The fluoropolymer compositions of the present invention generally incorporate ingredients comprising one or more fluoropolymers, an ultraviolet light protection component (hereinafter UV protection component), and optionally one or more additional ingredients if desired. The UV protection component includes a combination of at least one hindered tertiary amine (HTA) compound having a certain structure and a weight average molecular weight of at least 1000. This tertiary amine is used in combination with at least one organic, UV light absorbing compound (UVLA compound) having a weight average molecular weight greater than 500. When the HTA compound and the UVLA compound are selected according to principles of the present invention, the UV protection component provides fluoropolymer compositions with significantly improved weatherability characteristics for protecting underlying materials, features, structures, components, and/or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a poppet valve operator that may be implemented in a hydraulic rolling cylinder deactivation system of a vehicle, wherein a hydraulically operated pivot ball selectively engages a pivot pocket of a rocker arm. Simple and reliable deactivation systems are needed that can fit into limited packaging space while including fewer moving mechanical components that are susceptible to wear and damage. The proposed systems and methods involve selectively pressurizing hydraulic fluid to rigidly or flexibly hold a piston of the poppet valve operator in place in order to open or close a gas exchange valve.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regenerating a particulate filter in an engine exhaust, where burning of soot is initiated by introducing additional oxygen into the exhaust gas upstream of the particulate filter where an exhaust temperature exceeds a threshold, a soot burn rate controlled by adjusting pulsing of the additional oxygen. Further, the pulsing of the additional oxygen is introduced via a high-pressure EGR passage during boosted engine conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat portion disposed adjacent to a seat back having a front surface, a back surface, an inboard surface, and an outboard surface. A side pocket extends across the inboard surface and terminates at a forward edge proximate the front surface at a first end and terminates at a rearward edge proximate the back surface at a second end. An upper back pocket disposed is on an upper back surface of the seat back and a lower back pocket disposed on a lower back surface of the seat back.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition comprising a) a stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles having one or more structural units of i) a polyurea macromer; and ii) an acrylate, a methacrylate, a vinyl ester, or a styrene monomer, or a combination thereof; and/or b) an aqueous mixture of a i) polyurea macromer polymer particles; and b) acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl ester, or styrenic polymer particles, or a combination thereof, wherein the polyurea macromer is characterized by the following formula I: where A1, A2, R1, R2, and R3 are as defined herein. Compositions prepared using the compound of the present invention can be used to form coatings with excellent balance of low temperature film formation, hardness, and flexibility.

Abstract: A flowable or spoonable medicament, food, food ingredient or food supplement is useful for inducing satiety. It comprises (a) one or more mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharides and (b) a methylcellulose, wherein the methylcellulose has anhydroglucose units joined by 1-4 linkages wherein hydroxy groups of anhydroglucose units are substituted with methyl groups such that s23/s26 is from 0.17 to 0.36, wherein s23 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxy groups in the 2- and 3-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with methyl groups and wherein s26 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxy groups in the 2- and 6-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with methyl groups.

Abstract: A friction stir spot welding tool and a self-piercing riveting tool are disclosed for joining parts. The parts are clamped between a head and anvil support of the friction stir spot welding tool or the self-piercing riveting tool. A plurality of clamping and heating modules are attached to an attachment fixture on the head and the anvil support that heats the area around the pin of the friction stir spot welding tool or self-piercing riveting tool prior to and during the joining operation.