Abstract: Embodiments for generating vacuum at a throttle are presented. In one example, a system comprises a throttle positioned in an intake of an engine, and a peripheral venturi proximate the throttle, the venturi having an inlet positioned to interface with an edge of the throttle when the throttle is in a partially open position. In this way, vacuum may be generated by flow air through the venturi.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a motor-vehicle air cleaner may include a main filter, an auxiliary filter set apart from the main filter, and a filter mount fixed to and supporting the main filter and the auxiliary filter. In an example embodiment, the filter mount is fittable in and removable from a housing of the air cleaner, and includes a sealing element passing between the main filter and the auxiliary filter.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes determining whether a time of day corresponds to a charging window, responsive to a determination that a vehicle is in a non-charging state. The method also includes retrieving a start time and charge requirement for an upcoming journey. The method further includes determining if sufficient time remains to charge a vehicle to the charge requirement, responsive to a determination that the time of day corresponds to the charging window. Also, the method includes alerting a user to the non-charging state, responsive to a determination that insufficient time remains to charge the vehicle to the charge requirement.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymerization process comprising polymerizing a reaction mixture comprising one or more monomer types, at least one catalyst, and at least one solvent, to form a polymer dispersion, and wherein the at least one catalyst is soluble in the at least one solvent, and wherein the polymer forms a dispersed phase in the solvent, and wherein the at least one solvent is a hydrocarbon. The invention provides a composition comprising an ethylene-based polymer comprising at least the following properties: a) a weight average molecular weight (Mw(abs)) greater than, or equal to, 60,000 g/mole; and b) a molecular weight distribution (Mw(abs)/Mn(abs)) greater than, or equal to, 2.3.

Abstract: A rivet-nut for a vehicle component includes a tubular barrel and a head attached to the barrel. The barrel includes a sidewall having a threaded section with the first wall thickness and a crush section with the second wall thickness that is less than the first sidewall thickness. The head is attached to one end of the crush section and includes a channel recessed into a part engaging surface of the head around a perimeter of the barrel. The rivet-nut may be installed onto a part. When installed the rivet-nut includes a compressed annular locking ring that engages the part opposite the head to clinch the rivet-nut to the part.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon trap assembly for use in an intake system of a motor vehicle engine includes a first duct having an interior recess adjacent an end thereof, the recess having a blind end; a second duct overlapping the first duct's end and closing off a second end of the recess; and a thermoformed hydrocarbon-adsorbing sleeve inside the recess and having a first edge adjacent the blind end and a second edge adjacent the second end of the recess. One or both ends of the sleeve may engage a hook formed on the respective first and/or second ducts. The second end of the sleeve may have a flange that fits into a gap between the ducts.

Abstract: A method of forming a hemming tool includes providing a computer generated model of a panel including a flange in an unhemmed position and of a hemming tool including a hemming surface. Hemming the flange with the hemming tool is virtually simulated in the computer generated model. At least one non-conformity is identified along the flange in the computer generated model after virtually simulating hemming. The computer generated model is then modified to a modified computer generated model by adjusting the flange to change the at least one defect. Hemming the flange in the unhemmed position with the hemming tool is then virtually simulated in the modified computer generated model in the modified computer generated model.

Abstract: A compound having formula (Ph3C)mAr(R1)j(OR2)n, wherein Ph represents a phenyl group, Ar is an aromatic ring system having from six to twenty carbon atoms, R1 and R2 independently are C1-C18 alkyl or C4-C18 heteroalkyl, m is one or two, j is an integer from one to four and n is an integer from one to three.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle having one or more electrical systems/devices, wherein the systems/devices are operable in at least two different modes. In a normal mode, a vehicle key is required for activation of at least one of the electrical devices. After enabling of a presentation mode, activation of the at least one device is possible without use of the vehicle key. The presentation mode is optimized for use in a dealership, where certain electrical/electronic functions of the vehicle should be available for use by a potential buyer without the requirements of a dealership employee being present with the vehicle key.

Abstract: The present invention provides nonionic surfactants, compositions incorporating these surfactants, and related methods of making and using such surfactants and compositions. The nonionic surfactants demonstrate excellent equilibrium and dynamic surface tension properties as well as excellent wetting properties. Further, representative embodiments of the surfactants have shown low foaming characteristics, indicating that the surfactants would be suitable in applications where resistance to foaming is desired. The surfactants can be used singly or in combination with other nonionic and/or ionic surfactants as desired. As an over view, the nonionic surfactants of the present invention have a structure in which the surfactant backbone includes one or more amine moieties. At least one, preferably two or more branched, cyclic, fused cyclic, and/or spyro hydrophobic moieties are pendant from at least one of the amine moieties.

Abstract: A system and methods for routing condensate collected in a heat exchanger reservoir to either a combustion chamber of an engine or a position in the engine exhaust based on the type of contaminate in the condensate and operating parameters of the engine or the catalyst are described. In one particular example, the method includes accumulating a portion of compressed air in an accumulator, and when an engine output is below a predetermined amount, coupling a part of the accumulated air with the condensate through a passage into the combustion chamber. Thereby, the methods described may be used to distribute condensate formed in the heat exchanger even at low engine loads.

Abstract: An electric vehicle battery assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a battery cell, a rail securing the cell, and a terminal holder in direct contact with the rail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of obtaining value from providing fabrication equipment comprising the following steps. Fabrication equipment is provided to an article producer, which equipment includes an on-line analyzer for detecting the presence of a tracer element. Raw material which contains the proprietary tracer element is then provided to the article producer. The article producer is then allowed to begin to convert the raw material to a finished article using the fabrication equipment. The raw material is analyzed for the presence of the tracer element while the fabrication equipment is operated. Appropriate action, such as charging a royalty or shutting down the fabrication equipment, is then taken in the event the tracer element is not detected.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for delivering gaseous fuel as multiple fuel injections split between an intake stroke, a compression stroke, and/or a power stroke to expedite exhaust catalyst heating during an engine cold-start. Fuel injected in the intake and compression stroke is ignited and combusted. The power stroke fuel injections are combusted in the exhaust port to increase exhaust temperature and pressure for faster catalyst light-off.

Abstract: An engine block has a cylinder bore wall comprising a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion axially adjacent to the first portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. A series of parallel, circumferentially-extending grooves is formed in the second portion to roughen the surface and enhance adhesion of a later-applied, sprayed-on metallic coating. A non-masking section is formed between the first and the second portions to provide for a less-abrupt corner between the larger diameter and smaller diameter portions and eliminate any spray-masking that may otherwise. The non-masking section may be a flat or a curved chamfer. The non-masking section may be a non-grooved section of constant diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging and discharging an electrical device in a vehicle is provided with a first power source for providing low voltage energy and a second power source for providing high voltage energy. A switch enables/disables the first power source. A first contactor includes a first winding connected to the first power source and a first switch connected to the second power source. The first contactor enables the second power source to provide the HV energy for charging the electrical device in response to the switch enabling the first power source. A second contactor includes a second winding connected to the first power source for receiving the LV energy and a second switch connected to the second power source for receiving the HV energy. The second contactor is in an open state in response to the switch enabling the first power source.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for an engine system with an exhaust gas recirculation system. In one example method, a correction for a gas constituent sensor is determined based on output from the gas constituent sensor and output from a pressure sensor over a range of boost pressure. The gas constituent sensor output is adjusted based on the correction, and an amount of exhaust gas recirculation is adjusted based on the adjusted gas constituent sensor output.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for engine systems including a first multiple tap aspirator with a motive inlet coupled to an intake upstream of an air induction system throttle and a mixed flow outlet coupled to an intake manifold, and a second multiple tap aspirator with a motive inlet coupled to the intake upstream of a main throttle and a mixed flow outlet coupled to the intake downstream of the air induction system throttle. During non-boost conditions, intake air may be selectably diverted around a compressor and through the first and/or second aspirator based on desired vacuum generation. During boost conditions, the first and second aspirators may function as compressor bypass valves, and intake air may be selectably directed from downstream of the compressor to upstream of the compressor via the first and/or second aspirator based on a desired compressor bypass flow.

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: A method and system for improving starting of an engine is presented. In one example, the method selects a first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop based on intake valve closing time. The method also describes selecting the first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop based on an end of fuel injection time.