Abstract: An engine intake manifold is provided. The engine intake manifold includes a manifold chamber configured to receive positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) gas from a PCV conduit outlet, the manifold chamber including a condensate-containment tray with a plurality of baffles to form a plurality of separate cavities below the PCV conduit outlet.

Abstract: A method of operating a gas sensor is disclosed, wherein the sensor includes a pumping electrode configuration and a measuring electrode configuration, and wherein the method includes operating the sensor in a first mode in which a first, lower pumping potential sufficient to electrochemically remove an interfering compound from the sensor without electrochemically removing the analyte from the sensor is applied across the pumping electrode configuration and a measuring potential sufficient to electrochemically remove the analyte from the sensor is applied across the measuring electrode configuration; and operating the sensor in a second mode in which a second, higher pumping potential sufficient to electrochemically remove the analyte from the sensor is applied to the pumping electrode configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a computer in a vehicle, and the computer includes a processor and a memory. The computer is configured to determine that a user is located within an operating region for an access component of the vehicle, collect image data of an object in a gesture path for the access component, compare the object image data to activating gesture parameters, and operate the access component when the comparison identifies an activating gesture.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a hub and a collar. The hub extends longitudinally inward from a wheel. The collar is disposed over the hub and is mounted for translation relative to the hub. The vehicle also includes a panel assembly having a support and first and second panels. The support extends radially outward from the collar, and the first and second panels are each pivotally connected to opposing lateral edges of the support. The panels pivot between an expanded position and a collapsed position and translate radially for selectively closing a wheel opening.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for modeling an oil dilution qualitative indicator based on an integrated difference between a commanded air-to-fuel ratio and an engine air-to-fuel ratio as determined via an oxygen sensor, cumulative cold engine temperature operating duration, and fuel injection characteristics (timing, duration, number of injections) allowing fuel injection timing modifications that minimize oil dilution when the oil dilution qualitative indicator is greater than a threshold level.

Abstract: A vehicle traction battery cell retainer includes a sidewall defining a plurality of windows each surrounded by a window flange extending therefrom, a top channel extending from the sidewall and terminating in a top flange, and a bottom channel extending from the retainer sidewall, defining a plurality of air bypass windows, and terminating in a bottom flange, the top and bottom flanges arranged for interlocking with an adjacent retainer of the traction battery. A vehicle traction battery assembly includes first and second adjacent battery cell arrays each having associated first and second retainers having a sidewall defining air flow windows and integrated top and bottom channels formed of unitary construction with interlocking flanges to couple the first and second arrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous alkanolamine solution for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from gaseous mixtures. The aqueous alkanolamine solution comprises (i) an amino compound with the formula: R1R2NCH2CH(OH)CH2OH wherein R1 and R2 independently represent lower alkyl groups of 1 to 3 carbon atoms and (ii) an acid or acid-forming material having a pKa equal to or less than 8, optionally (iii) another amino compound, and optionally (iv) a physical solvent. Further, the present invention relates to a process for removing acid gases from a gaseous mixture, preferably hydrogen sulfide, comprising the step of contacting the gaseous mixture with the aqueous alkanolamine solution, preferably wherein the temperature of the aqueous alkanolamine solution is equal to or greater than 140° F. Examples of the gaseous mixtures include natural gas, synthesis gas, tail gas, and refinery gas.

Abstract: A sensor for contactless electrocardiographic measurement of a person has at least one electrically conductive, planar electrode having a measurement surface facing the person and a connection surface facing away from the person. An electrical terminal for connection with a measurement apparatus is spaced from the connection surface such that the connection surface is only placed in electrical connection with the terminal when pressure of a required magnitude is applied to the measurement. The electrical connection may be achieved by a switching contact disposed between the electrode and the terminal which is brought into contact with both the electrode and the terminal when the electrode is deflected toward the terminal by the pressure. A compressible material is disposed between the electrode and the terminal to allow tuning of the pressure required to achieve electrical contact.

Abstract: Olefins may be produced by the non-reductive dehydroxylation of vicinal polyols and/or their respective esters, in a liquid reaction medium, under a substantially non-reductive atmosphere, in the presence of a halogen-based, preferably iodine-based, catalyst. The reaction medium may be aqueous, non-aqueous, or a combination thereof, and may in some embodiments include a solubility enhancing agent.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an oxygen reduction reaction catalyst (ORR) and a method for making the catalyst are provided. The method may include depositing a metal oxide on a graphitized carbon or graphene substrate. A platinum catalyst may then be deposited over the metal oxide to provide an ORR catalyst for use in, for example, a PEMFC. The metal oxide may be niobium oxide and may have an amorphous structure. The platinum catalyst may form a thin, electrically interconnected network structure overlaying the metal oxide. The ORR catalyst may be prepared by alternating the deposition of the metal oxide and the platinum catalyst, for example, using physical vapor deposition. The ORR catalyst may have a specific activity of at least 1,000 ?A/cm2 Pt and may approach or achieve bulk Pt activity.

Abstract: An inertial lock assembly for a vehicle armrest includes a stopping member disposed on an armrest attachment bracket and a catch pin for engaging the stopping member. The catch pin is disposed on an armrest link journaled at one end to the attachment bracket and at an opposed end to an armrest frame. The stopping member pivots to engage the catch pin. A guide pin disposed on the armrest attachment bracket is configured to slide within an arcuate guide slot in the stopping member, to restrict a range of pivoting movement of the stopping member. A stop disposed on the armrest link is configured to bias an end of the arcuate guide slot against the guide pin when the armrest attachment bracket and armrest link are in a stowed configuration or in a fully deployed configuration. Armrest and seat assemblies including the inertial lock assembly are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a stable aqueous dispersion of large acrylic based polymer particles and small acrylic based polymer particles wherein the large polymer particles comprise structural units of a phosphorus acid monomer or a salt thereof; and wherein the small polymer particles comprise a substantial absence of structural units of any phosphorus acid monomer and salts thereof. The bimodal dispersion of the present invention provides a way of making a high solids adsorbing latex with high hiding efficiency.

Abstract: A method for improving operation of a turbocharged engine is presented. In one embodiment, the method may reduce engine emissions and improve engine efficiency during an engine start.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling and coordinating secondary air injection and blow-through to reduce turbo lag. By utilizing secondary air injection prior to providing blow-through, and deactivating the secondary air pump when a desired boost pressure for blow-through is achieved, turbine spin-up to a desired speed may be expedited and initial torque output may be increased.

Abstract: Polyurethane cushions are formed on the surface of a textile such as carpet. The polyurethane is made in the reaction of a polyurethane forming composition that is frothed, and contains water as a blowing agent. The polyurethane forming composition is cured between the substrate and a containment layer, both of which prevent the blowing gasses from escaping during the curing process. The process allows low density attached cushions to be formed controllably.

Abstract: A pendulum absorber fixed to the crankshaft of an engine comprises a pendulum and a pendulum carrier attached to the pendulum carrier attachment boss of the crankshaft. Each pendulum carrier has a pair of parallel ears extending therefrom. The carrier is tightly attached to the attachment boss such that the attachment boss is captured between the ears of the carrier. Attachment of the pendulum carrier to the sides of the attachment boss allows for feasibility in production, unlike known arrangements which require attachment of the pendulum carrier to the top of the crankshaft web. The fastener may be a pair of pressed-in pins, a single shrink-fit pin, shoulder bolts, Z-Form™ fastener assemblies, or rivets. Regardless of the type of fastener used, the side attachment arrangement of the disclosed inventive concept is sufficient to carry the load in sheer and prevent the pendulum assemblies from moving relative to the crankshaft.

Abstract: Battery electrolyte solutions contain certain ester solvents, a lithium salt and vinylene carbonate, vinyl ethylene carbonate or fluoroethylene carbonate. Batteries containing these solvents have excellent specific discharge capacities and reduced weight compared to batteries in which the electrolyte is based on ethylene carbonate.

Abstract: A receiver device configured to connect to a chargeable device, including an inductive region including at least one receiver coil for receiving magnetic flux from an inductive charging system. Additionally the receiver device includes a conductive region having contacts for receiving wireless electric power from a conductive charging system. In addition, the receiver device includes a connector for transferring wireless power received from the inductive or conductive charging system to the chargeable device in order to charge the chargeable device.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle may include an electric machine and a controller. The electric machine may be configured to provide and receive mechanical torque. The controller may be configured to determine forward or backward movement of the vehicle based on the provided or received mechanical torque and a mechanical power of the electric machine.

Abstract: In order to detect deterioration of a DC link capacitor between a DC source and an inverter load in an electric propulsion vehicle, capacitance of the link capacitor must be accurately measured during in-service use. A charge is established on the link capacitor. The capacitor is isolated from the source and the inverter load. A constant current circuit is activated to discharge the capacitor. A first voltage is measured across the capacitor at a first time during the discharging. A second voltage is measured across the capacitor at a second time during the discharging. A discharge current flowing from the capacitor is measured during the discharging. The capacitance is calculated in response to the discharge current multiplied by a ratio of a difference between the second and first times to a difference between the first and second voltages. The calculated capacitance is monitored for a decline indicative of a failure.