Abstract: Methods and systems for providing vacuum to a vehicle are described. In one example, a method adjusts an application force of a transmission clutch in response to a request for additional vacuum.

Abstract: A turbocharger system includes a flexible duct having an elongated elastomeric body extending longitudinally between first and second ends configured to attach to respective turbocharger devices. A plurality of constricting rings are spaced longitudinally between the ends. Each constricting ring applies a radial compression force around a respective circumference of the duct. Each ring is comprised of a molded thermoplastic retained in a concentric shape by a clasp. The spacing of the constricting rings has a density sufficient to limit a volume increase of the duct under turbocharger operating pressure to less than 20%.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a driver interface and at least one controller operatively arranged with the interface. The at least one controller may be configured to determine a speed and acceleration of the vehicle, to predict a time until a future speed of the vehicle exceeds a predefined speed based on the predefined speed and the speed and acceleration of the vehicle, and to issue an alert via the interface if the time is less than a predefined time.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to disinfect a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first electrode substantially coating a portion of a partially light transmissive panel. A plurality of printed light emitting diodes (LEDs) is suspended in a semiconductor ink on the first electrode and configured to emit a disinfecting emission. A second electrode is in electrical connection with the plurality of LEDs. In connection with the second electrode and/or one or more intermediate layers a light transmitting layer is disposed forming an interior surface of the glass panel. The light transmitting layer is operable to transmit at least a portion of the disinfecting emission therethrough such that the portion of the disinfecting emission impinges upon an interior surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque transferred via a driveline disconnect clutch is estimated based on characteristics of a torque converter to improve driveline operation.

Abstract: Information about a device may be emotively conveyed to a user of the device. Input indicative of an operating state of the device may be received. The input may be transformed into data representing a simulated emotional state. Data representing an avatar that expresses the simulated emotional state may be generated and displayed. A query from the user regarding the simulated emotional state expressed by the avatar may be received. The query may be responded to.

Abstract: A composition comprising in Part 1: a) one or more isocyanate functional components having aromatic isocyanate functional groups; and b) one or more isocyanate functional components having aliphatic isocyanate functional groups; and in Part 2 c) one or more compounds having more than one isocyanate reactive groups: wherein the ratio of aromatic isocyanate functional groups to isocyanate reactive groups is from 0.95 to 1.05 and the ratio of aromatic isocyanate functional groups and aliphatic isocyanate functional groups (total isocyanate groups) to isocyanate reactive groups is from 1.10 to 1.30.

Abstract: The instant invention provides reinforced microcapillary films and/or foams. The inventive reinforced film and/or foam have a first end and a second end, wherein the film and/or foam comprises: (a) a matrix comprising a first thermoplastic material, (b) at least one or more channels disposed in parallel in said matrix from the first end to the second end of the film or foam, wherein said one or more channels are at least 1 ?m apart from each other, and wherein each said one or more channels have a diameter in the range of at least 1 ?m; and (c) a second thermoplastic material disposed in said one or more channels, wherein said second thermoplastic material is different than the first thermoplastic material; wherein said film has a thickness in the range of from 2 ?m to 2000 ?m.

Abstract: A user interface for a vehicle is disclosed. The user interface comprises a vehicle panel having a proximity sensor, a first photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion. The user interface further includes a first light source configured to selectively activate the first photoluminescent portion and a second light source configured to selectively activate the second photoluminescent portion. The second photoluminescent portion is configured to reveal a symbol in a backlit configuration in response to the activation of the second light source.

Abstract: A controller and a control strategy minimizes shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift conducted while the vehicle is in a regenerative braking mode by maintaining total powertrain torque at a desired target during the downshift. The controller has three preferable modes including modulating just engine torque, modulating just electric motor torque or simultaneously modulating both motor and engine torque.

Abstract: A charging system for a vehicle. The charging system includes an on-board battery, a charger region and a wireless receiver for generating a charging signal in the charger region to charge a battery. The system also includes a plurality of sensors located to sense living beings and foreign objects in proximity to the charger region. The system further includes a controller for filtering transient conditions and terminating the charging signal when a being or a foreign object is near the charger region.

Abstract: This invention relates to coupling of polyethylene resins, more specifically coupling of polyethylene resins for use in extruded profiles, especially extruded profiles for sheet extrusion and cut sheet thermoforming applications and geomembranes. The process involves conveying a HDPE resin through an extruder, wherein the extruder comprises a feed zone, a first melt zone downstream of the feed zone, a second melt zone downstream of the first melt zone, and a third melt zone downstream of the second melt zone. The resin is melted in the first zone, contacted with oxygen in the second melt zone, and contacted antioxidant in the third melt zone.

Abstract: This invention pertains to polyethylene extrusion compositions. In particular, the invention pertains to ethylene polymer extrusion compositions having high drawdown and substantially reduced neck-in. The compositions comprise from 40 to 90% by weight of the composition of a first polyethylene composition, said first polyethylene composition comprising a linear low density polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.90 to 0.96 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) of from 5 to 15 g/10 min; and from 1 to 10% by weight of the composition of a second polyethylene composition, said second polyethylene composition comprising a high pressure low density polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.915 to 0.930 g/cm3, and a melt index of from 0.1 to 3 g/10 min; and from 10 to 50% by weight of the composition of a third polyethylene composition, said third polyethylene composition comprising a high pressure low density polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.915 to 0.

Abstract: A thermal fuse is installed in the exhaust flow path in or from a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a combustion engine. At a temperature corresponding to overheating, or imminent overheating, of the DPF, the thermal fuse is activated to generate a signal initiating steps to avoid overheating of the DPF, such as shutting down of the engine.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a trailer backup assist system includes a sensor that senses a measured hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer. The system also provides an input module that receives a desired curvature of the trailer. A controller of the system includes a curvature regulator determining a desired hitch angle based on the desired curvature and a steering angle of the vehicle. In addition, the controller of the system includes a hitch angle regulator generating a steering angle command based on the desired hitch angle and the measured hitch angle. In this embodiment, the controller is configured to operate the trailer backup assist system irrespective of the attached trailer having a conventional tongue or a gooseneck tongue.

Abstract: A chassis assembly of a vehicle includes a frame, an underbody supported by the frame, and a subframe connected to the underbody. A connection connects the subframe and the underbody. A lever extends from the subframe to the frame. During a frontal impact of the vehicle, the lever leverages against the frame to detach the connection from the underbody. This movement of the subframe relative to the frame and the detachment of the connection from the underbody absorbs energy during the frontal impact and results in a softer pulse and a reduced Vehicle Pulse Index.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body having a fastening portion and a pressure sensor coupled to the body apart from the fastening portion. The pressure sensor has a chamber therein. The body includes a first channel extending therethrough from an outside surface thereof. The first channel is in fluid communication with the chamber.