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.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to remote operator assistance for one or more user commands at a vehicle. The operator assistance may occur via a vehicle computing system. One or more instances of an unsuccessful attempt to perform a user command may be received by the vehicle computing system. After detection of a predetermined number of instances, a connection may be established, via the vehicle computing system, with a remotely located system. The remotely-located system may be operated by a human operator in order to assist with performance of the user command. An information exchange may be facilitated between the vehicle and the remotely located system operated by the human operator. The information exchange may relate to the user command. The user command may be performed in the vehicle based on information obtained from the remotely-located system.

Abstract: A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, driver physiological condition, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload.

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 disclosure relates to a fluid measuring system for use in a vehicle engine. The engine includes a fluid return channel through which a tube is inserted. The fluid measuring system also includes a dipstick that can be inserted in the tube. One end of the dipstick is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir and is configured to indicate the fluid level of the engine. The tube can be composed of an elastic material.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed to restrain movement of engine components in the event of a collision. A system may comprise an upper intake manifold; a cam cover; a shear catch located between the upper intake manifold and the cam cover; an upper component of the shear catch is arranged on the upper intake manifold; a lower component of the shear catch is arranged on the cam cover; and the upper component and the lower component are arranged opposite each other such that they engage when the upper intake manifold is subjected to shear forces. Variations to the size, arrangement, and shape of a shear catch are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A transmission gearing arrangement produces nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of three shift elements in various combinations. Some embodiment includes four simple planetary gear sets and six shift elements of which one is a brake. Another embodiment includes two axis transfer gear pairs in place of one of the planetary gear sets.

Abstract: An improved vision-based system generates object detection corresponding to different viewing areas based on vehicle speed. At lower vehicle speeds the system covers a wider field of view and a near zone while at higher vehicle speeds the system covers a normal or narrower field of view and a far zone. The system includes a lens package having a movable lens, an image sensor and image transformer. The movable lens is movable between a first position representing a wide angle view and a second position representing a normal angle view. Each of these views generates an image such that a wide angle view generates a wide angle image and a normal angle view generates a normal angle image. The wide angle view is associated with the vehicle's passive safety systems while the normal angle view is associated with the vehicle's active safety systems.

Abstract: A climate control system having a coolant subsystem, a heat pump subsystem, and an intermediate heat exchanger. The intermediate heat exchanger may transfer thermal energy from the heat pump subsystem to the coolant to increase the temperature of the coolant when the climate control system is in a heating mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock tolerance, in particular when rapidly ramping in LP-EGR from low levels of EGR. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection to compensate for the transport delay in EGR filling the intake system. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to adhesive remover compositions and methods of their use. The adhesive remover compositions generally comprise a glycol ether solvent system comprising an aliphatic glycol ether, an aromatic glycol ether, a hydrophobic glycol ether, and a hydrophilic glycol ether, and a surfactant system. In further embodiment of the invention, the surfactant system may comprise three surfactants. In another aspect of the invention, the composition effectively removes medical adhesives from healthcare textiles.

Abstract: An engine system, comprising an externally filled fuel tank with an external fill port; a separator for separation of fuel based on octane level, the separator having a high octane outlet and a low octane outlet; a secondary fuel tank with an amount of fuel located therein and a return line, the secondary fuel tank fluidically coupled to the low octane outlet of the separator and the return line fluidically coupling the externally filled fuel tank to the high octane outlet of the separator or the secondary fuel tank fluidically coupled to the high octane outlet of the separator and the return line fluidically coupling the externally filled fuel tank to the low octane outlet of the separator.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for injecting liquid and gaseous fuel, such as propane, to an engine. In one example, under a first condition, liquid fuel from a bottom of a fuel tank is injected; under a second condition, liquid fuel from a the bottom of the fuel tank is vaporized and injected to the engine as vaporized liquid fuel; and under a third condition, gaseous fuel from a top of the fuel tank is injected to the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle side air curtain has an inflator, a main inflatable chamber, and an integral separate, self-contained controlled pressure chamber in limited fluid communication with the main inflatable chamber of the side air curtain and disposed for impact by the head and upper thoracic region of a vehicle occupant. The main inflatable chamber is inflated to an initial pressure within an initial impact time period immediately following actuation of the inflator and a second lower stabilized pressure thereafter to extend the duration of the pressurization of the main inflatable chamber of the side air curtain beyond the initial impact time period. The controlled pressure chamber of the side air curtain is inflated to an initial pressure substantially lower than the first pressure of the main inflatable chamber and favorable to side impact occupant protection immediately following actuation of the inflator pressure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving combustion stability, in particular during transient operations such as tip-out to lower load conditions, when EGR is being purged. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.

Abstract: A storage compartment in a vehicle is covered by closing a vehicle door over the storage compartment. The storage compartment may be disposed in an end cap, the door, or part of the door frame. An electronic locking system with mechanical latches, a cinching door system, or an electronic latching system with fully electronic latches may be adapted to include a lock override control. The lock override control may be actuated by a graphic view interface, a portable radio frequency switch, or a telematics controller.

Abstract: An engine method, comprising delivering fuel with an octane level above a threshold to a first fuel tank and delivering fuel with an octane level below a threshold to a second fuel tank; monitoring a staleness of fuel within first fuel tank and the second fuel tank; delivering fuel with an octane level above the threshold to an engine in response to the staleness of fuel of the first fuel tank; and delivering fuel with an octane level below the threshold to the engine in response the staleness of fuel of the second fuel tank.

Abstract: A beverage container holder having a receptacle, gripping members, and a membrane is disclosed. The membrane is disposed in openings located between a sidewall of the receptacle and the gripping members. Living hinges are integrated into the gripping members, which allow the gripping members to flex and provide a gripping force on a beverage container that has been placed into the beverage container holder in order to provide a more stable and secure placement of the container. The receptacle and gripping members are manufactured in one step process, preferably an injection molding process, and are composed of a material having a low coefficient of friction, preferably a hard plastic, which allows for the easy placement or retrieval of a beverage container. The membrane is overmolded onto the receptacle and gripping members and is preferably composed of a flexible material such as a soft plastic or rubber.

Abstract: A system includes a camera module disposed on a vehicle. The camera module records an image and generates an image signal representing the image. The system further includes a processing device that receives the image signal generated by the camera module and determines whether a vehicle tailgate is open based on the image. A method includes receiving an image signal representing an image captured from a vehicle, processing the image signal, and determining whether a vehicle tailgate is open based on the image.