Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a climate control system and a battery that is connected to the climate control system for supplying power. The vehicle also includes at least one controller that is configured to receive input indicative of a battery power limit and a battery state of charge (BSOC). The at least one controller is also configured to disable the climate control system and reduce the battery power limit to an intermediate power limit, when the BSOC is less than a discharge limit.

Abstract: Embodiments for an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder, at least one exhaust line for discharging combustion gases via an exhaust-gas discharge system, and at least one intake line for supplying charge air via an intake system are provided. In one example, an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust-gas recirculation arrangement which comprises a recirculation line which branches off from the exhaust-gas discharge system and which opens into the intake system, an exhaust-gas turbocharger comprising a compressor arranged in the intake system and a turbine arranged in the exhaust-gas discharge system, a throttle element which is arranged in the intake line downstream of the compressor, a bypass line which branches off from the intake line upstream of the throttle element and which opens into the intake line again downstream of the throttle element, and an expansion machine for gaining additional energy arranged in the bypass line.

Abstract: A system and methods for inferring a local engine temperature based on various engine conditions input to a dynamic model are disclosed. In the example system provided, an inferential temperature sensor uses a trainable model to estimate a local metal temperature in an exhaust valve bridge of a cylinder head which thereby allows closed loop control of a coolant flow device independent from engine speed, engine state, coolant flow state or system temperature. In response to estimated local metal temperatures, the methods described further allow thermal management of the engine system to be optimized.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a particulate matter sensor is described. In one example, a liquid is purposefully injected into the exhaust system to verify operation of the particulate matter sensor. Reliability of particulate matter diagnostics may be improved by way of the approach, at least during some conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a permanently magnetized valve mechanism and/or valve mechanism seat for a fuel injector are disclosed. In one example approach, a fuel injector comprises a valve mechanism and a valve mechanism seat, wherein at least one of the valve mechanism and the valve mechanism seat is permanently magnetized; an injector driver circuit for actuating the valve mechanism; and a spring biasing the valve mechanism in a closed position against the valve mechanism seat. For example, a first amount of current may be supplied in a first direction to the injector driver to lift a permanently magnetized injector valve mechanism from the injector valve mechanism seat, and a second amount of current may be supplied in a second direction to the injector driver to close the permanently magnetized injector valve mechanism onto the injector valve mechanism seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extrudable hydraulic or non-hydraulic binding composition with improved properties with respect to crack formation and a method of making such a composition. The invention further relates to a method of decreasing or avoiding the formation of cracks of an extruded hydraulic or non-hydraulic binding composition and to a method of making an extruded article having less or no cracks. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a cellulose ether providing an extrudable hydraulic or non-hydraulic binding composition with improved properties with respect to crack formation.

Abstract: A vehicle front end structure includes a hinge pillar having laterally spaced first and second vertical mounting surfaces that extend in a longitudinal direction. The vehicle also includes a tubular support member having a first wall secured to the first vertical mounting surface and a second wall secured to the second vertical mounting surface. The second wall extends rearward of the first wall and is secured to the hinge pillar laterally outboard of the first wall. A notched portion through at least one horizontal wall interconnecting the first and second walls of the tubular support may operate as a buckling location of the tubular support.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting operation of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle responsive to a seasonal grade of the fuel available in the vehicle's fuel tank. If the seasonal grade of fuel in the fuel tank does not correspond to the seasonal grade of fuel mandated during the time of engine operation, a fuel injection amount is adjusted to compensate for differences between seasonal grades of a fuel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, application of a driveline disconnect clutch to start an engine is described. The approach applies the driveline disconnect clutch to rotate an engine and at least partially disengages the driveline disconnect clutch to reduce the possibility of a reduction in torque applied to vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A system for method for emptying a gas storage tank of a vehicle is presented. In one example, engine valve timing is adjusted to facilitate reducing pressure within the gas storage tank. The system and method may extend the use of the gas stored in the gas storage tank.

Abstract: A portable charging device can provide controllable fast DC charging of an electric vehicle (EV) high voltage battery by a separate EV high voltage battery. The charging device can be configured to comply with universal standards for EV charging so as to be compatible with various automobile models of various manufacturers. The device can be configured to establish a communication link with a donor and recipient vehicle and conduct a voltage matching process between the batteries of the two vehicles prior to transferring power to the recipient vehicle battery. To prevent energy theft, control of a charging process can be shared among the charging device and the donor and receiver vehicles. A charger device can be configured to enable a charging process only when no faults are detected. A charger device can allow a motorist to quickly recharge a depleted high voltage battery at a convenient time and location.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a crosslinkable aqueous composition, method of producing the same, crosslinked compositions, and method of producing the same. The crosslinkable composition comprising: an aqueous dispersion comprising; (a) water; (b) a polycarbamate comprising at least an average of 2.0 carbamate functional groups; (c) a polyaldehyde comprising at least two aldehyde groups; (d) an acid catalyst; and (e) optionally one or more surfactants; wherein said aqueous dispersion has a pH in the range of less than 7; and wherein said composition is capable of being crosslinked at a temperature in range of less than 80° C. upon substantial removal of water.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a polyolefin composition suitable for packaging applications, films, multilayer structures and packaging devices made therefrom. The polyolefin composition according to the present invention comprises: an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer composition comprising (a) from 50 to 75 percent by weight of a first ethylene/?-olefin copolymer fraction having a density in the range of 0.894 to 0.908 g/cm3, a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.2 to 1 g/10 minutes, and (b) from 25 to 50 percent by weight of a second ethylene/?-olefin copolymer fraction, and wherein said ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer composition has a density in the range of 0.910 to 0.924 g/cm3, a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.5 to 2 g/10 minutes, a zero shear viscosity ratio (ZSVR) in the range of from 1.15 to 2.5, a molecular weight distribution, expressed as the ratio of the weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight (Mw/Mn) in the range of from 2.0 to 4.0, and tan delta at 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible polyolefin composition, a sheet made therefrom, and a formed textured skin for applications such as interior furnishings of an automobile and a process to make such composition, sheet, and textured skin. Specifically said composition comprises an extrudable cross-linkable polyolefin composition comprising: (i) from 60 to 75 weight percent of one or more one silane cross-linkable polyolefin polymer; (ii) a moisture-cure condensation catalyst; and (iii) from 25 to 40 weight percent of one or more polyolefin polymer elastomer. Preferably an extruded sheet of said composition is formed into a textured skin, preferably by positive vacuum forming.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an intake air temperature sensor in a hybrid electric vehicle. An engine temperature is compared to each of an intake air temperature sensed before an engine start but after sufficient engine soak, as well as an intake air temperature sensed after selected vehicle operating conditions have elapsed since the engine start. Based on discrepancies between the air temperature and the engine temperature, degradation of the sensor is determined.

Abstract: A method for reducing the particle emissions of a spark-ignition, direct-injection internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises operating at least one cylinder superstoichiometrically, responsive to an injector coking level and sufficiently high cylinder temperature, for a duration to increase oxidation of coking residues.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive instructions from a vehicle computing system (VCS) to being reporting a mobile device location. The processor is also configured to access a list of emergency contacts. Further, the processor is configured to determine that a mobile device has left a predetermined perimeter around a last known vehicle location. The processor is additionally configured to periodically report mobile device GPS coordinates to members of the emergency contacts list, until the mobile device reaches a destination.

Abstract: A pawl actuation device includes a movable input member that shifts from a first position to an actuated position. The pawl actuation device also includes linkage that selectively interconnects the movable input member and the pawl such that movement of the movable input member at a first velocity causes the pawl to shift to an unlatched position, and movement of the movable input member at a second velocity that is substantially greater than the first velocity does not cause the pawl to shift to its unlatched position, such that pawl remains in its latched position.

Abstract: A vehicle trim assembly is provided having a beverage retainer formed in a storage compartment on the door of an automotive vehicle. The trim assembly includes a storage receptacle and a trim component such as a trim panel arranged to define at least a portion of the storage receptacle. The trim panel includes a base portion connected to a beverage retainer portion via a living hinge. The beverage retainer portion is pivoted about the living hinge into position within the storage receptacle. The trim assembly may include a trim component assembled onto a pillar and pivoted about the living hinge between a use position and a stored position.

Abstract: An electric vehicle has a thermal circuit connected to a traction battery and a cabin climate system, a user interface, and a controller. The controller is configured to charge the traction battery to a target state of charge, condition the traction battery to a target battery temperature, and condition a vehicle cabin to a target cabin temperature based on a charging profile based on the user input in response to receiving a user input requesting vehicle conditioning from the user interface and the traction battery being connected to an external power source. A method for controlling an electric vehicle while connected to an external power source includes charging a traction battery to a target state of charge and conditioning the battery to a target temperature according to a charging profile based on a user initiated request for vehicle conditioning.