Abstract: This invention relates to a fiber reinforced plastic material with improved flexibility and high tensile strength for use in optic cables. The strength member composition comprises a polypropylene based thermoplastic resin, a continuous fiber having a modulus greater than 80 PGa, and talc.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a central portion connected to the steering column for rotation about an axis, and a rim extending around the central portion. A steering wheel includes a passageway extending through portions of the steering wheel. A plurality of spaced apart rings are disposed on the rim, and a plurality of N-type and P-type thermoelectric (“TE”) elements are disposed on the rings. The thermoelectric elements may comprise Peltier devices in the form of relatively thin plate-like units having generally planar opposite surfaces, and rectangular perimeters. An electrical conductor interconnects the P-type and N-type elements in series. The steering wheel includes first and second thermal conductors thermally connected to inner and outer surfaces of the thermoelectric elements. An air circulation device moves air through the passageway to cool the rim of the steering wheel.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods, systems, and computer-program products for wireless vehicle servicing. Instructions for performing a vehicle servicing operation may be received at a servicing terminal. Further, vehicle servicing operation data based on the instructions and data communication rules for communicating data to a vehicle computing system may be received. Servicing request data stored in computer-readable media may be generated and may include the vehicle servicing operation data and the one or more data communication rules. The servicing request data may be transmitted to the vehicle computing system and servicing return data may be received. Servicing status information may be presented on the servicing terminal based on the servicing return data.

Abstract: A method and system for testing an evaporative emission control system for leaks. The method begins by setting a variable reference orifice to a preselected diameter. Then, a vacuum pump evacuates a reference volume in the vicinity of the variable reference orifice. The reference volume is defined by the vacuum pump, and the reference orifice. Then, after a specified evacuation time, the method determines a pressure in the reference volume. That pressure is stored as the threshold test value. The method continues by evacuating the entire EVAP system for a predetermined time. A leak can then be identified if after the evacuation, the system pressure falls at least to the threshold test value. Switching the vacuum pump between the first and second positions is accomplished with a changeover valve having parallel airways configured for evacuating a small volume to the reference orifice and also evacuating the entire EVAP system.

Abstract: Cross-flow filtration systems and corresponding methods for separation particulate matter from liquids. A representative system includes a cross-flow filtration zone (24) in fluid communication with a particulate settling zone (30) and further includes a fluid inlet (14) in fluid communication with one of the zones and a process fluid outlet (20) and in fluid communication with the other zone. A fluid treatment pathway (28) extends from the fluid inlet (14), through the cross-flow filtration and particulate settling zones (24, 30) to the process fluid outlet (20). A filter assembly (26) is located within the cross-flow filtration zone (24) and comprises a membrane surface (44) that isolates a filtrate chamber (46) from the fluid treatment pathway (28), and the filtrate chamber (46) is in fluid communication with a filtered fluid outlet (16). A recirculation pump (Z) in fluid communication with the process fluid outlet (20) and fluid inlet (14).

Abstract: An integrated contactor/service disconnect assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a stationary contact, a movable contact selectively movable relative to the stationary contact and a service disconnect unit configured to block the movable contact from contacting the stationary contact.

Abstract: A curable composition including (a) at least one divinylarene dioxide; (b) at least one phenol, wherein the phenol is unsubstituted at a 2-, 4-, or 6-phenolic ring position; and (c) at least one acid compound-related cure catalyst; and a cured product made from the above curable composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing spark to an engine are described. In one example, engine knock limited spark timing is expressed as a straight line that is determined in response to engine knock, spark timing, and engine load. The method and system described herein may be performed without extensive engine calibration and mapping.

Abstract: An underseat storage assembly for a vehicle seat includes a recess disposed on a floor below the vehicle seat. A front panel has an edge pivotally coupled with the floor and first and second side panels are pivotally coupled with opposing ends of the front panel. The front panel is movable between a stored position within the recess and a deployed position and has the first and second side panels vertically arranged and orthogonal to the front panel.

Abstract: A vehicle computing system having a computer processor in communication with a wireless transceiver, such that the wireless transceiver is capable of communication with a wireless communication device located remotely from the processor. The computer processor may be configured to receive input identifying at least one checksum value from one or more modules in the vehicle. The computer processor may transmit the at least one checksum value to a remote server through the wireless communication device. The remote server may compare the at least one checksum value to a predetermined value. Based on the compared results, the processor may receive one or more messages from the remote server to indicate whether the at least one checksum is equal to the predetermined value. The processor may generate one or more remedial actions if the at least one checksum is not equal to the predetermined value.

Abstract: Polymer blends of polypropylene homopolymer and propylene-?-olefin interpolymer. Processes for producing polymeric compositions comprising control-cooling heated blends of polypropylene and propylene-?-olefin interpolymer. Such polymeric compositions can be employed in forming coated wires and cables.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly comprises a base having an upper rim and a receptacle below the rim, a seatback having upper and lower sections operable at an intermediate hinge between opened and closed positions and frame members operably coupling the base with the seatback, and operable between a use position, wherein the seatback is above the base, and a stowed position, wherein the seatback is in front of and below the rim.

Abstract: A set of files is in a first format resulting from running a computer simulation. A sequence of the files is created based on an order in which the files relate to the simulation. The files are converted from the first format to a second format, the second format being usable for rendering the files by a virtual reality tool. A virtual simulation is run in a virtual reality environment using the converted files.

Abstract: Data is obtained concerning at least one attribute of a vehicle operator. The attribute is used to determine an instruction for positioning a vehicle component during autonomous operation of the vehicle. Autonomous operation of the vehicle, including positioning the vehicle component according to the instruction, is performed.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a traction battery and an electrical impedance connected by a contactor. A pre-charge circuit is disclosed that controls current flow from the traction battery through the pre-charge circuit to the electrical impedance to increase voltage at the electrical impedance such that as the voltage approaches a voltage of the traction battery, a duty cycle of the pre-charge circuit approaches a maximum value and a current through the pre-charge circuit approaches a minimum value. In response to current falling below a predetermined value, the contactor is closed. A current sensor is disclosed that is located in the pre-charge circuit. A method of operating the pre-charge circuit is disclosed.

Abstract: Instructions are provided to at least one vehicle control for autonomous operation of a vehicle. A change in position is detected of at the least one vehicle control. A determination is made whether to modify operation of the vehicle at least in part according to the change in position of the at least one vehicle control. The autonomous operation of the vehicle is modified according to the change in position.

Abstract: An electronic connector system includes one or more electronic components electronically coupled to one another by an elastomeric connector. The elastomeric connector is disposed in a compressed condition against the one or more electronic components to form a sound electrical connection therebetween. A casing is provided about the elastomeric connector to retain the elastomeric connector in the compressed condition as coupled to the one or more electronic components. The casing may be an overmolded polymer that is injection molded about the electrical connection between the elastomeric connector and the one or more electronic components.

Abstract: At least one datum is received relating to a condition of a window in the vehicle. A determination is made to change a parameter based on the at least one datum, the parameter governing clearing the window. An instruction is provided to initiate or change operation of a vehicle component based on the change of the parameter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for identifying leaks on each of a fuel tank and a canister side of a fuel system using a single leak check module. A position of a switching valve coupled in the vapor line of the fuel system is adjusted to selectively couple the leak check module to either the fuel tank or the canister. Leak is detected based on a change in pressure at a reference orifice of the leak check module following applying of vacuum from a vacuum pump.

Abstract: Systems and methods for starting an engine are described. In one example, engine cranking speed for an engine of a hybrid vehicle is adjusted in response to operating conditions. The engine cranking speed may be reduced when capability of a battery that supplies power to rotate the engine is less than an amount of power to rotate the engine at a higher speed.