Abstract: A battery module assembly and method of assembling a battery. The battery module assembly includes a plurality of modules in which a plurality of battery cells are preassembled. The modules are compressed by end plates that are held together under compression by a plurality of linking members. The end plates may include a protrusion that applies pressure to the central portion of the battery cells within the modules. The central portion of the end plates may be partially spherical, partially cylindrical or a flat surface.

Abstract: Certain polyalkylene glycols, useful as lubricant additives, are soluble with all four types of hydrocarbon base oils (Groups I-IV) at a wide variety of ratios of oil to polyalkylene glycol and under a variety of conditions. These polyalkylene glycols are prepared by reacting a C8-C20 alcohol and a mixed butylene oxide/propylene oxide feed, wherein the ratio of butylene oxide to propylene oxide ranges from 3:1 to 1:1. The invention provides a means of providing desirable lubricant compositions which may pose fewer environmental problems.

Abstract: An air induction system for an engine includes an air filter box configured to receive an air filter that separates the air filter box into an atmosphere side and a filtered air side, a clean-air duct coupled downstream from the air filter box and upstream of the engine relative to a direction of air flow during engine operation, a flow-through hydrocarbon trap positioned within the clean-air duct, and a bypass hydrocarbon trap secured within the air filter box on the filtered air side, the hydrocarbon trap having a plurality of generally flat or coiled layers of hydrocarbon adsorbing material sandwiched together and secured one to another. Mechanical fasteners such as grommets may extend through the plurality of layers to secure the layers together. The fasteners may be secured to ribs extending along an upper surface of the air filter box or an interior surface of the clean-air duct.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for an engine system which includes a throttle turbine generator having a turbine which drives an auxiliary generator and disposed in a throttle bypass are described. In some examples, a throttle bypass valve is controlled to adjust airflow through the throttle bypass responsive to airflow to cylinders of the engine. In other examples, an operating parameter such as throttle position is controlled based on transient operating conditions of the engine. In still other examples, charging of a battery is coordinated between the auxiliary generator and a primary generator.

Abstract: The present invention is a flame-retardant polyurethane composition comprising (a) a thermoplastic polyurethane-based resin component, (b) a phosphorus flame retardant particulate filler, and (c) a low melting temperature phosphorus flame retardant agent.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method of inhibiting polymerization of vinyl aryl monomers, a process for increasing number average molecular weight of a polystyrene, and to an inhibitor composition useful therein.

Abstract: A method of continuously manufacturing an organometallic compound is provided where two or more reactants are conveyed to a contacting zone of a reactor in a manner so as to maintain a laminar flow of the reactants; and causing the reactants to form the organometallic compound.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling the automatic shutdown of an idling vehicle engine. When the vehicle is parked in an enclosed space, the idling engine may be automatically shutdown, while when the vehicle is parked in an open space, the automatic shutdown may be delayed based on an ambient temperature. In this way, the vehicle cabin may be maintained at a temperature that provides enhanced driver comfort while allowing wasteful engine idling to be reduced.

Abstract: A method for making a composite polyamide membrane comprising the steps of applying a polyfunctional amine monomer and polyfunctional acyl halide monomer to a surface of the porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer, wherein the method is includes at least one of the following steps: i) conducting the interfacial polymerization in the presence of a C2-C20 aliphatic monomer comprising at least one carboxylic acid functional group or salt thereof, and a single amine-reactive functional group; and ii) applying a C2-C20 aliphatic monomer comprising at least one carboxylic acid functional group or salt thereof, and a single amine-reactive functional group to the thin film polyamide layer. Many additional embodiments are described including applications for such membranes.

Abstract: A roof rail assembly for a vehicle that includes a body side outer and an interior trim piece connected to the body side outer. The body side outer and the interior trim piece define a cavity. A roof rail is positioned within the cavity, and a side curtain air bag is positioned below the roof rail. The interior trim piece is assembled about a lower surface of the roof rail in a spaced relationship relative to the curtain air bag to increase visibility around the roof rail assembly.

Abstract: A transmission gearing arrangement includes four simple planetary gear sets arranged in two planes to reduce axial length. Six shift elements, including two input clutches, two output clutches, and two brakes, are engaged in combinations of three to establish nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The two output clutches may be assembled into a module suitable for testing before installation.

Abstract: A battery system includes a metal oxygen battery. The metal oxygen battery includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode includes a metal material (M). The metal oxygen battery is in communication with an oxygen storage material. In certain instances, the oxygen storage material is contained within an oxygen containment unit. The metal oxygen battery and the oxygen containment unit may be in a closed-loop with respect to each other. The battery system further includes a conduit for providing fluid communication from one of the metal oxygen battery and the oxygen containment unit to the other of the metal oxygen battery and the oxygen containment unit.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a part formed from a sheet metal panel that has a predetermined area that requires reinforcement by forming a grid pattern of V-shaped channels in the predetermined area. The grid pattern may be formed by wire electrodes in an electro-hydraulic forming tool having a one-sided die. Alternatively, the grid pattern may be formed by a plurality of electrodes that are arranged in an array that is aligned in at least two directions on the opposite side of the part from the one-sided die.

Abstract: A composition for extrusion-molded bodies which comprises a) an inorganic material that sets as a result of baking or sintering, and b) a methylhydroxypropyl cellulose having a DS(methyl) of from 0.8 to 2.5 and an MS(hydroxypropyl) of from 0.50 to 1.20 is useful for producing extrusion-molded bodies for use as a carrier for a catalyst, a catalyst, a heat exchanger, or a filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and processes of making ethylene/?-olefins. More particularly, the invention relates to processes of producing ethylene/?-olefin compositions having a controlled molecular weight distribution. The molecular weight distribution is controlled, for example, by controlling the relative monomer concentrations during contact with a pre-catalyst and/or using a catalyst comprising a catalytic amount of a molecule having the structure: wherein M=group 2-8 metal, preferably group 4 as a neutral or charged moiety; Y=any substituent including fused rings; L=any ligating group, especially a pyridyl or pyridylamide; X=alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl, H or hydride, halide, or other anionic moiety; y=an integer from 0 to the complete valence of M; R=alkyl, aryl, haloalkyl, haloaryl, hydrogen, etc; x=1-6, especially 2; Dashed line=optional bond, especially a weak bond; and X and (CR2)x may be tethered or part of a ring.

Abstract: A vehicle having a battery pack with cells grouped into subsets and at least one controller programmed to charge and discharge the battery pack is disclosed. A control output is generated based on a pack state of charge derived from each cell's initial state of charge at vehicle activation and an electric charge accumulated or spent by less than all of the cells of each of the subsets since vehicle activation. A method of estimating battery pack state of charge is disclosed in which a pack state of charge is calculated by identifying subsets of cells having similar properties and calculating an electric charge accumulated or spent for fewer than all of the cells of each subset. A cell state of charge is calculated for all cells based on an average electric charge accumulated or spent. The pack state of charge is based on all the cell states of charge.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved chalcogen-containing, photovoltaic structures as well as related compositions, photovoltaic devices incorporating these structures, methods of making these structures and devices, and methods of using these structures and devices. According to principles of the present invention, the adhesion of PACB compositions is improved through the use of chalcogen-containing tie layers.

Abstract: A vehicle has an engine, an upstream clutch, an electric machine, a downstream clutch, a transmission gearbox, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) control engagement of the downstream clutch, (ii) monitor a vehicle torque, and (iii) control electric machine torque to a designated rate when the vehicle torque changes direction and the electric machine is operating. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle includes engaging a clutch downstream of the electric machine, monitoring a vehicle torque, and controlling electric machine torque to a designated rate when vehicle torque changes direction and the electric machine is operating. A hybrid vehicle system has an electric machine and a controller configured to (i) control electric machine torque to a designated rate within a time zone, and (ii) control at least one of the electric machine torque and an engine torque to meet driver demand outside of the zone.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, executable by a vehicle computing system (VCS), includes determining that a connection between a wireless device and a VCS has been lost. The method further includes determining if a driver is present in the vehicle, upon a lost link detection. The method additionally includes waiting until an enter-event occurs and then attempting to re-establish a connection between the wireless device and the VCS. This last step may be conditional upon a determination that a driver is not present.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle mapping system is disclosed. The mapping system includes an on-vehicle electronic storage device, a GPS receiver, and an electronic controller. The electronic controller is configured to receive GPS data from the GPS receiver indicative of a current location of the vehicle. The electronic controller is also configured to store the GPS data on the electronic storage device if the location of the vehicle is outside of a location envelope.