Abstract: Embodiments for vacuum generation are provided. In one example, a method comprises when boost is below a threshold, generating vacuum with an actuator in a first position by flowing air from a compressor outlet to an intake manifold through a first ejector, and when boost is above the threshold, generating vacuum with the actuator in a second position by flowing air from the compressor outlet to a compressor inlet through a second ejector. In this way, vacuum may be generated by more than one ejector via actuation of a common actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle computing system may execute a recommendation application to identify driver characteristics descriptive of the driving style of a driver of the vehicle based at least in part on captured vehicle data, determine an application recommendation for a mobile application to be installed by the driver based on the driver characteristics, and to send the application recommendation to the driver.

Abstract: A hybrid-electric vehicle includes a traction battery. A controller may operate the traction battery within certain state of charge and voltage limits. The controller may define a minimum operating voltage or state of charge below which no power may be requested from the traction battery. The minimum voltage and state of charge may be based on an electrical resistance of the traction battery. The voltage may also be based on a minimum power level required to crank the engine while meeting emissions standards. As the battery ages, the minimum voltage level may be adjusted such that the minimum power level is available at the minimum voltage level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supplying gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine are presented. In one example, a gaseous fuel pump is selectively activated to extend a vehicle's operating range. The methods and systems may be useful for operating an engine that includes directly injected gaseous fuel.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicular armrest substrate includes load-bearing strips extending across a gap defined within a support frame. A first tunable element secures the load-bearing strips in a support position on the support frame. A first tension-adjusting portion sets a predetermined first tension limit of the first tunable element. The load-bearing strips disengage from the support position when the first tunable element experiences an actual tension greater than the predetermined first tension limit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving engine torque response are presented. In one example, engine idle speed is increased to shorten engine torque response based on engine operating conditions. The methods and systems may be useful for operating an engine that is supplied a gaseous fuel.

Abstract: A map indicating respective locations of a plurality of vehicles included in a ride-sharing service is generated. A vehicle is identified in the plurality of vehicles that is in need of relocation. A user is identified in a vicinity of the identified vehicle for an offer to use the identified vehicle. The offer is transmitted, via a network, to the user for use of the identified vehicle in a manner to support the relocation.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to communicate with an application running on an extra-vehicular device. The processor is also configured to determine if new voice-recognition improvement data exists on the device. Further, the processor is configured to download any new improvement data determined to exist on the device. Additionally, the processor is configured to store the downloaded data in a voice-recognition profile associated with a driver and utilize the downloaded data in voice-recognition when the driver attempts voice input.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a hardener compound for curing with an epoxy resin, where the hardener compound includes a copolymer having a first constitutional unit of the formula (I), a second constitutional unit of the formula (II), and a third constitutional unit of the formula (III), where each q, n and m is independently a positive integer; each b is independently selected from the group of 6, 8, 10 and 12; each Y is independently an organic group; and each R is independently selected from the group of a hydrogen, an organic group and a halogen. Embodiments of the present disclosure include an epoxy system that includes the hardener compound and an epoxy resin.

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: A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle operates the engine and/or traction motor in response to energy costs or prices received from an external source, such as a user or network. The vehicle can include a battery; an engine; an electric motor; a memory to store a battery charge point, and a controller to modify the battery charge point in response to arbitration criteria to control battery charging from the engine. The arbitration criteria can be based at least partially on fuel cost for the engine. The arbitration criteria can be based at least partially on electricity cost. The arbitration criteria can also include location of the vehicle. The controller may alter a deadband between charging the battery with the engine and discharging the battery to power the traction motor based on the arbitration criteria.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for depressurizing a fuel tank prior to refueling. In one example, before refueling the fuel tank having a pressure above a first predetermined pressure, the pressure may be released through a first valve to the first predetermined pressure and the first valve may be closed. Further, a second valve may be opened to further reduce the pressure to a second predetermined pressure, and if flow through the second valve is less than desired, then the first valve may be opened until the second predetermined pressure is reached.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive vehicle GPS coordinates. The processor is also configured to compare the received GPS coordinates to known device coordinates. Further, the processor is configured to page a vehicle computing system, requesting connection, if the vehicle coordinates and the known device coordinates are within a predetermined proximity and connect to the vehicle upon receipt of a response message from the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a radar sensor for detecting objects in the vehicle path. The radar sensor may become blocked by contaminants or debris. A controller monitoring the radar system may detect a radar blockage when a return signal magnitude is less than a threshold. A typical response may be to set a radar blockage diagnostic under such a condition. The controller may inhibit setting a radar blockage diagnostic when other data indicates that the radar sensor is not blocked. Data such as vehicle position, traffic information, camera images, and historical radar returns may be used. A controller may confirm a radar blockage diagnostic when other data indicates that the radar sensor may be blocked. Data such as temperature, vehicle position, surface roughness, automated brake interventions, and heating system status may be used. Return signal dependent functions may be operated based on the radar blockage diagnostic.

Abstract: A lamp assembly is provided for installation in an opening of a vehicle body. The lamp assembly includes a lamp container having first and second sides, each of the first and second sides integrally including first and second stops, and at least one clip assembly including a clip, a threaded bolt, and a nut. The clip has a connecting wall with respective first and second side walls extending from the connecting wall, and first and second tabs extending inwardly respectively from the first and second side walls, the threaded bolt being inserted through an opening in the connecting wall of the clip, and the nut being threaded onto the bolt. When the lamp assembly is in a pre-compressed position, the nut is spaced away from the stops, and, when the lamp assembly is in a compressed position, at least one of the nut and the connecting wall contacts the stops.

Abstract: A device may register a mobile application with a vehicle-based computing system (VCS) using an application proxy configured to manage nomadic device connection to the VCS, and utilize the application proxy, by the mobile application, to present a mobile application user interface via a human-machine interface (HMI) of the VCS in accordance with an HMI status received from the VCS and indicative of a level of mobile application HMI access.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to detect a primary vehicle emergency-state. The processor is also configured to determine that emergency-services communication through an on-board device is not possible. Further, the processor is configured to search for a secondary vehicle having vehicle-to-vehicle communication capabilities. The processor is additionally configured to send an emergency-services request to the secondary vehicle to establish communication with the secondary vehicle and send prioritized emergency data to the secondary vehicle.

Abstract: A method for a vehicle, comprising: depressurizing a fuel tank while restricting access to a fuel fill line responsive to receiving a refueling request from a refueling request module located external to a vehicle cabin; and allowing access to the fuel fill line responsive to the fuel tank pressure decreasing below a threshold. In this way, all of the steps of a refueling procedure can be carried out entirely outside of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a passenger compartment, one or more movable body panels to expose the passenger compartment to an outside environment, and a motion sensor located in the passenger compartment. The vehicle also includes a temperature sensor located in the passenger compartment, and a controller operable to open the one or more movable body panels when the vehicle is turned off, movement is detected within the passenger compartment prior to opening any door of the vehicle, and temperature in the passenger compartment exceeds a temperature threshold.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a verbal instruction identifying a navigation instruction and a contact name. The processor is also configured to retrieve a physical address saved in a vehicle computing system contact entry corresponding to the contact name. Further, the processor is configured to verify the validity of the retrieved address as a navigation destination and set the retrieved address as the navigation destination after the validity has been verified.