Abstract: A process for the dehydrogenation of a paraffinic hydrocarbon compound, such as an alkane or alkylaromatic hydrocarbon compound to produce an unsaturated hydrocarbon compound, such as an olefin or vinyl aromatic compound or mixture thereof, in which a dehydrogenation catalyst contacts gaseous reactant hydrocarbons in a reactor at dehydrogenation conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a vehicle are presented. In one example, vehicle brakes are held to reduce the possibility of vehicle motion and stopping of engine rotation is prevented until confirmation of vehicle hold is present. The approach may allow an engine to remain in an off state for a longer period of time while reducing the possibility of vehicle motion.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system is provided to reduce the pressure pulsations and noise vibration and harshness of direct injection systems. The fuel delivery system includes an elastic fuel line positioned between a first fuel pump and a second fuel pump and a check valve positioned in the elastic fuel line near the inlet of the high pressure pump, the check valve including an external housing having a peripheral surface with a greater diameter than an unstretched inner diameter of the elastic fuel line.

Abstract: The present invention is a multilayered composite comprising porous metal oxide particles that are covalently bonded by way of inorganic ether groups to one or more sites of a first polyhydroxyl-functionalized polymer. This first polymer is in turn covalently bonded by way of inorganic ether groups to one or more sites of a second polyhydroxyl-functionalized polymer. The multilayered composites can be prepared by contacting porous inorganic-oxide particles with a sufficient amount of OH-reactive crosslinking agent to form metal oxide particles imbibed with the crosslinking agent, and then contacting the inorganic-oxide particles with a solution of polyhydroxyl-functionalized polymer under reactive conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat back and a seat base. A shell is disposed in the seat base and includes a left leg support and a right leg support. A membrane is disposed over the shell and includes a plurality of perforations. The membrane and the shell define a cavity. An air channel is defined in a bottom wall of the shell. The air channel extends at least partially into the left leg support and the right leg support. A spacer material is disposed in the cavity. A fan is in communication with the air channel and is configured to move air through the channel, the spacer material, and the plurality of perforations.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring a fuel vapor recovery system including a fuel tank isolation valve coupled between a fuel tank and a canister. During selected conditions, the valve is modulated and pressure pulsations in the fuel vapor recovery system are monitored. Valve degradation is identified based on correlations between the valve modulation and the resultant pressure pulsations.

Abstract: A vehicle proximity switch and method are provided having learned sensitivity control. The switch includes a proximity sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, installed in a vehicle and providing a sense activation field. Also included is sense control circuitry processing the activation field to sense user activation of the switch by comparing the activation field to a threshold. The switch further includes sensitivity control circuitry learning a user sensitivity based on user activation of a sensor and controlling the sensitivity of one or more proximity switches.

Abstract: A bull ring for a vehicle comprises a top plate coupled to a rotating plate having a tie-down. Two opposing rail flanges extend from the rotating plate and a fastener selectively couples the rotating plate in a securing position relative to the top plate. The rail flanges extend beyond an outer edge of the top plate to define a clamping region with the top plate.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods related to controlling oil injection for piston cooling in an engine are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes during an engine cold start event, enabling oil injection onto a piston of an engine, disabling oil injection after the engine cold start event, and re-enabling oil injection after the engine cold start event based on a first operating parameter.

Abstract: A seating assembly for a vehicle includes a stepped floor that has an upper portion and a lower portion. A front seat is disposed on the lower portion. A rear seat is arranged in a staggered relationship behind the front seat. The front seat is mounted high and has an upright backrest and the rear seat has a backrest that is more reclined than the backrest of the front seat.

Abstract: A system and method for determining functionality of a single signal wire actuator of a vehicle monitor the signal wire for a heartbeat signal after commanding the actuator and waiting for a self-diagnostic period. In one embodiment, a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric heater, a heater core and a valve positioned to route coolant through an engine and/or an electric heater. An actuator positioned to circulate coolant through the electric heater and the heater core is configured to transmit a heartbeat signal while connected to a power source and a ground terminal. A vehicle controller may be configured to store a diagnostic code, start the engine and/or control the valve to selectively route coolant through the engine and the heater core in response to a heat request and the heartbeat signal not being received from the actuator within a predetermined interval of time.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension wheel strut, includes a first bushing; a wheel carrier journaled onto the first bushing; a first bracket at a first end of the first bushing; a second bracket at a second end of the first bushing; and identical damping elements positioned between the first bracket and wheel carrier at the first end of the first bushing and the second bracket and the wheel carrier at the second end of the first bushing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include compositions for use in enhanced oil recovery, and methods of using the compositions for recovering oil. Compositions of the present disclosure include a nonionic, non-emulsifying surfactant having a CO2-philicity in a range of about 1.5 to about 5.0, carbon dioxide in a liquid phase or supercritical phase, and water, where the nonionic, non-emulsifying surfactant promotes a formation of a stable foam formed of carbon dioxide and water.

Abstract: A hydroxyl-functional polyester resin composition including the reaction product of (a) a divinylarene dioxide, and (b) at least one dicarboxylic acid; a process for making the hydroxyl-functional polyester resin composition; and a curable hydroxyl-functional polyester resin composition made therefrom. The cured product made from the above curable hydroxyl-functional polyester resin composition is thermally stable and offers improved properties such as a lower viscosity and a high heat resistance compared to known cured products prepared from known epoxy resins.

Abstract: A system includes a vehicle processor configured to detect one or more brake presses. The processor is also configured to detect one or more accelerator presses. Further, the processor is configured to add values related to the brake presses and accelerator presses to aggregate an index value based on detected brake and acceleration presses. The processor is additionally configured to enact a safety and convenience related measure based on the index value passing at least a first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A reclining seat for a vehicle includes a seat and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat. The reclining seat also includes an actuator for adjusting the inclination of the seat back relative to the seat. The actuator includes a lockable reclining mechanism, a motor for selectively unlocking the reclining mechanism and permitting manual adjustment of the inclination of the seat back, and an actuator switch electrically coupled to the motor for selectively energizing the motor.

Abstract: Methods of treating of stannous oxide particles having at least a partial surface crust of stannic oxide by contacting the particles with a reducing agent for a period of time sufficient to produce stannous oxide are provided. The stannous oxide particles produced are readily soluble in organic sulfonic acids.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing a multiple gear downshift of a transmission gear by transiently operating in an intermediate gear. In response to ambient humidity and a condensate level in a charge air cooler, the transmission gear may be downshifted from a higher gear to an intermediate gear, and then to a requested lower gear. Downshifting through an intermediate gear may also be controlled based on the gear shift request.

Abstract: A process of contacting an alkylene oxide with 2-methoxy-1-propanol (PM1) in the presence of an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex catalyst is disclosed. Further, a process involving contacting an alkylene oxide with an alkyl alcohol using an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex as a catalyst is also disclosed. Additionally, novel compositions which can be used as catalysts in processes involving the contacting of an alkyl alcohol with an alkylene oxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: Modifying agents, e.g., a poly(sulfonyl) azide, are attached to a substrate surface, e.g., the surface of a polyolefin particle, by a process comprising the steps of: A. Contacting in an open contact zone and under a flow of inert gas a substrate with a modifying agent, binding agent, e.g., a phenolic-based antioxidant, and a liquid mixing agent, e.g., methylene chloride, to form a substrate mixture; B. Closing the contact zone and stopping the flow of inert gas to the contact zone; C. Agitating the substrate mixture under the inert gas in the closed contact zone to commence evaporation of the liquid mixing agent; D. Reducing the temperature and pressure of the closed contact zone while continuing to agitate the substrate mixture; and E. Completing the substantial evaporation of the mixing agent from the substrate mixture by opening the contact zone and initiating an inert gas flow while continuing agitation of the substrate mixture and maintaining a reduced pressure.