Abstract: Fiber-reinforced polyurethane structures are made with a polyol composition that contains a particulate filler such as calcium carbonate, in addition to the fibers. The polyol composition and the polyisocyanate composition are selected such that the polymer formed in their reaction has a calculated molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc) of from 300 to 420. The polyisocyanate component contains a urethane-modified MDI and/or a urethane-modified polymeric MDI.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a retractable handle having a proximal end portion in connection with a tailgate. The retractable handle forms an internal passage therethrough from the proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the retractable handle. A light source is disposed proximate the proximal end portion and configured to emit a first emission through the internal passage. At least one light emitting portion is disposed along a length of the retractable handle and configured to output light derived from the first emission to an outside environment.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain comprising an engine configured to separately burn first and second types of fuels and propel the vehicle therefrom, and a computer programmed to compute a distance traveled per unit fuel burned for each fuel type, compute distance-to-empty (DTE) for each fuel type, and display DTE for each fuel type.

Abstract: Arylclobutene-containing multi-functional monomers are useful in the preparation of arylcyclobutene-based polymer coatings. Compositions comprising one or more arylclobutene-containing multi-functional monomers and one or more oligomers comprising as polymerized units one or more arylcyclobutene monomer provide arylcyclobutene-based polymer coatings having reduced stress. Such compositions are useful in the manufacture of electronic devices.

Abstract: A cover for a vehicle cargo compartment includes a shade having a first end and a second end. The shade extends from the first edge at a distance from a floor of the cargo compartment. The second end is anchored between two side panels. The cover further includes a storage pocket attached to the first edge of the shade. The storage pocket extends in the plane of the shade to a gate. The storage pocket is selectively attached to the gate. The storage pocket defines a pocket including an upper portion, a lower portion, and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism detachably connects the upper and lower portions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing compressor bypass valve degradation. In one example, a method may include indicating degradation of a compressor bypass valve coupled in a compressor bypass based on intake aircharge temperature measured upstream of a compressor inlet via an air charge temperature sensor.

Abstract: Hybrid or electric vehicles include a traction battery to store and provide motive energy. For effective operation of the traction battery, operating parameters, such as state of charge and battery power limits, may need to be known. The operating parameters can be based on a persistent excitation parameter of the traction battery and a measurement bias of the traction battery that depends on a temporal difference and a temperature difference between parameter measurements of the traction battery. A controller can execute instructions to implement a state estimator configured to output battery state based on a persistent excitation parameter of the traction battery and a measurement bias of the traction battery that depends on at least one of a temporal difference and a temperature difference between parameter measurements of the traction battery, and operate the traction battery according to output of the state estimator.

Abstract: A diesel engine exhaust treatment system is provided which includes a diesel oxidation catalyst and a diesel particulate filter, where a first SCR catalyst is positioned at the inlet of the diesel particulate filter, and a second SCR catalyst is coated on the filter. The first and second SCR catalysts each have a low loading, such that a lower backpressure is achieved over the use of a single SCR-coated diesel particulate filter at higher catalyst loadings. The exhaust treatment system also provides effective catalyst efficiency for removal of NOx and other gaseous emissions.

Abstract: A hidden camera system for a vehicle includes a cover, a camera, a pulse width drive motor, a linkage connecting the drive motor to the cover and the camera and a control system. The control system modulates output of the drive motor and electronically monitors operation of the hidden camera assembly as the camera is displaced between a hidden or home position and a fully deployed position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided. That motor vehicle has a storage area and a hybrid mechanic creeper/utility cart integrated into the storage area.

Abstract: A retractile power outlet assembly for a vehicle includes a socket body including a first electrical contact providing an electrical current from a power source and a displaceable retractile cap carrying a second electrical contact. A resilient member disposed in the socket body biases the displaceable cap away from the first electrical contact. In turn, a power plug is provided, configured for mating engagement with an interior of the socket body. The socket body further includes a holder cap against which the resilient member urges the displaceable retractile cap to sealingly occlude the socket body. The displaceable retractile cap further includes a head portion for carrying the second electrical contact, the head portion including a flange configured to receive a sealing gasket to provide that sealingly occluding fit. The head portion further includes a bore configured to receive the third electrical contact therethrough to touch the second electrical contact.

Abstract: An active bolster includes a plastic trim wall that deploys toward a passenger compartment and a plastic-molded bladder member joined with the trim wall by a hot weld seam to form an inflatable bladder. The bladder member includes at least one substantially circumferential pleat for unfolding in response to an inflation gas. A reaction member is joined to a central region of the bladder member to provide a reaction surface. The pleat has a peak disposed proximate to the reaction member and an outer band between the peak and the weld seam at least a portion of which extends perpendicularly to the reaction member. A buffer zone is formed circumjacent the outer band between the trim wall and the reaction member. The pleat has a vent opening formed in the outer band providing an unobstructed path for inflation gas from the inflatable bladder to the buffer zone.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling engine operation. One method comprises, during a first variable displacement engine (VDE) mode in an engine having four cylinders, deactivating a first cylinder of the four cylinders and firing a second, third, and fourth cylinder of the four cylinders, each firing event separated by 240 degrees of crank angle (CA). The engine may be operated in a non-VDE mode by activating the first of the four cylinders and firing the first cylinder between the third and fourth cylinders.

Abstract: A method of assembling a vehicle includes providing a body panel, a roof panel, and a clip. The clip has a central portion extending from a first end to a second end. The central portion has a first surface and a second surface. The clip additionally has a roof-side flange extending from the first surface at the first end and a body-side flange extending from the second surface at the second end. The body-side flange and second surface define a first channel therebetween. The method also includes assembling the clip to the body panel by retaining a portion of the body panel in the first channel. The method additionally includes positioning a portion of the roof panel proximate the first surface. The method further includes forming the roof-side flange toward the first surface to define a second channel with the portion of the roof panel retained in the second channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.

Abstract: A retention clip for an interior vehicle component may include a base and a pair of frame members extending from the base. Each of the frame members may include a primary wing arranged with the base to secure the clip to a sheet metal portion and may have a body including a flared portion partially cutout from the body. The flared portion may define a secondary wing extending from the primary wing and may be configured to contact the metal when the primary wing is dislodged from an installed position. The secondary wings may define distal ends spaced apart from one another at a distance greater than a width of a slot defined by the sheet metal.

Abstract: A folding vehicle structure includes a frame having a plurality of members. A first member intersects a second member at a first pivot point. A third member, spaced from the first and second members, intersects a fourth member, which is also spaced from the first and second members, at a second pivot point. The frame includes a first cross-member extending between the first and second intersection points. The frame is collapsible.

Abstract: An exemplary assembly includes a blend structure moveable between a first position and a second position. The blend structure in the first position permits a first flow of air. The blend structure in the second position permits a second flow of air. The first flow includes more air that has moved through an engine compartment of an electrified vehicle than the second flow.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle, such as a bicycle, includes a stem for coupling to the bicycle. The seat includes a saddle supported by the stem and an inflatable bladder supported by the saddle. An electrically powered air compressor is supported by the stem and is in fluid communication with the bladder for inflating the bladder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for viscoelastic polyurethane foams. The foams are made from reaction system which includes (a) an isocyanate reactive component, (b) a isocyanate component, (c) one or more blowing agents, (d) a catalyst component, and (e) a silicone based surfactant. The isocyanate reactive component includes at least (i) from 25 to 80% by weight of at least one polyoxyethylene capped polyoxypropylene/polyoxyethylene polyol having a combined number average equivalent weight from 1300 to 1700, a polyoxyethylene percentage of between 75% and 95% by weight of the combined amounts of polyoxypropylene and polyoxyethylene, and a primary OH percentage of between 80 and 95% of the total number of OH groups of the polyoxyethylene capped polyoxypropylene/polyoxyethylene polyol, and (ii) from 5 to 30% by weight of the isocyanate reactive component of at least one low functionality polyol having a functionality of between 1.5 and 2.