Abstract: A pendulum absorber fixed to the crankshaft of an engine comprises a pendulum and a pendulum carrier attached to the pendulum carrier attachment boss of the crankshaft. Each pendulum carrier has a pair of parallel ears extending therefrom. The carrier is tightly attached to the attachment boss such that the attachment boss is captured between the ears of the carrier. Attachment of the pendulum carrier to the sides of the attachment boss allows for feasibility in production, unlike known arrangements which require attachment of the pendulum carrier to the top of the crankshaft web. The fastener may be a pair of pressed-in pins, a single shrink-fit pin, shoulder bolts, Z-Form™ fastener assemblies, or rivets. Regardless of the type of fastener used, the side attachment arrangement of the disclosed inventive concept are sufficient to carry the load in sheer and prevent the pendulum assemblies from moving relative to the crankshaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles and a dispersant adsorbed onto the surfaces of TiO2 particles, wherein the dispersant is a water-soluble polymer functionalized with structural units of a carboxylic acid ester and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane. The composition of the present invention is particularly useful for achieving high hiding for paints containing associative thickeners.

Abstract: Single component compositions for making a moisture-cured polyurethane foam are disclosed. Foam produced from the compositions of the present invention produce very low foaming pressure due to their 60-95 percent open-cell content. After these compositions are applied and cure, they form a permanent seal around the perimeter of installed fenestration products.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for an engine having a valve for controlling dilution of intake air. The method comprises, during engine fueling, indicating a degradation of the valve when the valve is commanded closed but sensor output corresponds to an oxygen level below that of air. The method further comprises, absent engine fueling, indicating degradation of the sensor when the valve is commanded closed but the sensor output corresponds to an oxygen level below that of air.

Abstract: A method for controlling a diesel engine is disclosed in which the diesel engine is controlled to produce less soot when the operating state of an associated emission control device such as a diesel particulate filter or the amount of a contaminant such as fuel or soot in the oil used to lubricate the diesel engine exceed predetermined respective thresholds.

Abstract: The invention provides an ethylene-based polymer formed from at least the following: ethylene and a “monomeric chain transfer agent (monomeric CTA),” comprising a “copolymerization end” and a “chain transfer end.

Abstract: A method of providing a plurality of classified photovoltaic articles, including the steps of providing a first photovoltaic element that includes a plurality of photovoltaic articles on a continuous flexible substrate, forming a electrically insulating material on the first photovoltaic element at one or more predetermined locations, separating adjacent photovoltaic articles from each other, determining an efficiency of each photovoltaic article by measuring its current-voltage characteristics, and classifying each photovoltaic article according to its efficiency.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a catalyst assembly includes a substrate including a base and a number of rods extending from the base; a catalyst layer including a catalyst material; and a first intermediate layer including a first coating material disposed between the substrate and the catalyst layer, the first coating material having a higher surface energy than the catalyst material. In certain instances, the number of rods may have an average aspect ratio in length to width of greater than 1. The catalyst assembly may further include a second intermediate layer disposed between the catalyst layer and the first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer including a second coating material having a higher surface energy than the catalyst material. In certain instances, the first coating material has a higher surface energy than the second coating material.

Abstract: A modular body structure and a method for assembling a body structure in a vehicle includes fitting a pillar having first and second ends between a roof rail and a lower support such that the first end is disposed below a top of the roof rail. The pillar is fastened to the roof rail and the lower support with first threaded fasteners by friction drilling holes through the pillar and the roof rail and the lower support.

Abstract: In a convertible mirror assembly for a vehicle visor, a flexible mirror is operably coupled to a housing and is operable between first and second display states. A slider mechanism is slidably supported on the housing and operably coupled to the flexible mirror. The slider mechanism is adapted to move along the housing between retracted and extended positions, whereby the flexible mirror is in the first display state when the slider mechanism is in the retracted position, and in the second display state when the slider mechanism is in the extended position. When moved to the extended position, the slider mechanism urges the flexible mirror to an outwardly curved or convex configuration to define a conversation mirror configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle system operation method is provided. The method comprises, during a first operating condition, increasing back pressure in a first exhaust conduit positioned upstream of a turbine and downstream of a first emission control device and during a second operating condition, reducing back pressure in the first exhaust conduit and flowing boosted air from downstream of a compressor into a second exhaust conduit positioned upstream of a second emission control device and downstream of the turbine.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are presented to determine high voltage cable connectivity between an inverter module and a remote electric machine. A high frequency (HF) interlock module can be configured to inject a high frequency excitation signal that can be superimposed on inverter drive signals. High frequency current components can be determined and used to determine connectivity status. The sum and difference of positive and negative sequence component values can be compared to predetermined limitations to detect one or more open phases. An example method can include enabling a HF detection strategy under predetermined conditions. In response to an open phase detection a fault flag can be set.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively opening a drivetrain of a vehicle is described. In one example, an electrically operated clutch is opened during selected driving conditions to conserve kinetic energy of the vehicle. The method may reduce fuel consumption during selected conditions.

Abstract: An assembly including a plurality of parts fastened together with a flow drill screw. An indentation is formed on one side of a first part and a second part is assembled into engagement with the side of the first part with the indentation facing the second part. The flow drill screw is inserted through the indentation and material is displaced from the part into the indentation. Two or more panels or parts may be joined by aligning a flow drill screw with the indentations that are formed by embossing one or more panels.

Abstract: Two methods may be used to start the engine of a hybrid electric vehicle while the vehicle is moving under electric power. When smoothness is most important, a disconnect clutch is partially engaged to initiate engine rotation and then released as the engine accelerates under its own power toward a motor speed. When rapid starting is most important, the disconnect clutch torque capacity is controlled to decrease the time required for the engine to accelerates to the motor speed. A torque converter bypass clutch is disengaged during the engine restart under either method. Also, the motor torque is adjusted under either method to compensate for the torque provided to the engine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for stopping and starting an engine automatically are presented. In one example, a method inhibits automatic engine stopping in response to output of an on-board camera. The method prevents engine stopping during conditions where little fuel may be saved via automatically stopping the engine.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving a margin to surge. A compressor recirculation valve is held at a semi-open position during steady-state boosted engine operation and operation in a soft surge region. The valve is fully opened to reduce hard surge, or fully closed to meet a transient increase in boost demand.

Abstract: An engine system comprises a first turbocharger including a first wastegate, first wastegate actuator, and first turbocharger sensor, a second turbocharger including a second wastegate, second wastegate actuator, and second turbocharger sensor, and a controller configured to adjust the first wastegate actuator so that a parameter of the first turbocharger matches a parameter of the second turbocharger, based on output from the first and second turbocharger sensors. In this way, turbocharger output between the two turbochargers may be balanced.

Abstract: A family of transmissions has four planetary gear sets, five controllable clutches and brake, and a passive one way brake. Selective engagement of the brakes and clutches in combinations of three produces eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The passive one way brake is engaged in the first forward speed ratio and overruns in the second through fifth forward speed ratios.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for changing a motor vehicle in an autonomous travel mode to a safe state when the driver of the motor vehicle is not able to monitor the autonomous travel mode and to assume control of the motor vehicle. The vehicle driver is warned using warning signals of increasing intensity; other road users in the area surrounding the motor vehicle are warned using optical and/or acoustic signals; the motor vehicle is braked and/or accelerated repeatedly such that parts of the body of the vehicle driver noticeably move in the direction of travel owing to inertia (the braking and/or acceleration being so brief that the travel speed of the motor vehicle changes relatively little); and the motor vehicle is brought to a standstill or is kept at a standstill by automatic braking in order to change the vehicle to a safe state.