Abstract: A method for a vehicle, comprising: depressurizing a fuel tank while restricting access to a fuel fill line responsive to receiving a refueling request from a refueling request module located external to a vehicle cabin; and allowing access to the fuel fill line responsive to the fuel tank pressure decreasing below a threshold. In this way, all of the steps of a refueling procedure can be carried out entirely outside of a vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, compensation for a driveline disconnect clutch is provided. The approaches may reduce driveline torque disturbances.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a vehicle may include a wheel carrier and a torsionally stiff transverse control arm. The control arm may include a first front joint element and a first rear joint element pivotably mounted to the wheel carrier. The first front joint element may include a moveable bearing configured to transmit forces only in a direction that is parallel to a vertical axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of using a nonionic surfactant for enhanced oil recovery, where the nonionic surfactant is prepared with a double metal cyanide catalyst. The present disclosure also provides for an emulsion that includes carbon dioxide, a diluent and the nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: A vehicle airbag comprises a primary chamber and a secondary chamber affixed to the primary chamber by a seam. A passage is defined between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber. The seam defines a closed shape, and an inner side of the seam is located between sides of the primary chamber, and is between sides of the secondary chamber.

Abstract: An automobile armrest is described. The armrest allows lateral movement in an outboard direction while resisting inboard movement. The armrest facilitates occupant egress and mitigates injury in a collision. Lateral outboard movement of the armrest is non-destructive and the armrest returns to a standard position upon removal of the outboard force.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power source, such as an engine, an electric machine, or combination thereof. A torque converter is selectively coupled to the power source such that drive torque can be altered before being distributed into a transmission of the vehicle. A torque converter bypass clutch enables torque from the power source to selectively transmit directly to the transmission with little or no torque altering provided by the torque converter. At least one controller in the vehicle is in communication with a storage device. The controller sends road condition data to the storage device regarding a road segment. During a subsequent drive to or over the road segment, the controller receives the road condition data and enables the torque converter bypass clutch to slip to dampen driveline disturbances when the vehicle passes over the road segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition and a method for disinfection involving the antimicrobial composition. It particularly relates to an antimicrobial composition for personal cleaning, oral care or hard surface cleaning applications. It was found that compositions comprising thymol, selected propen-2-yl-methyl-cyclohexanols, and a carrier provide synergistic antimicrobial action. In a preferred aspect the composition also comprises 1 to 80%-wt of one or more surfactants.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment and at least one seat located in the passenger compartment. The seat can be moved from a front-facing position to a rear-facing position for when the vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode. The vehicle may further include autonomous driving sensors and an autonomous controller that receives signals generated by the autonomous driving sensors and controls at least one vehicle subsystems according to the signals received.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid electric vehicle coordinates operation of an internal combustion engine, a motor, and friction brakes to mitigate a driveline lash crossing without delaying generation of negative torque. In response to a request to transition from positive torque to negative torque, the engine and motor are controlled to rapidly reduce powertrain torque to a small positive value, slowly reduce powertrain torque through the driveline lash zone, and then rapidly reduce powertrain torque to the target. To avoid delay, the friction brakes are applied in a coordinated manner to supply the negative torque during the transition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of a binder and from 0.01 to 2 weight percent, based on the weight of the binder, of a defoamer characterized by the following structure: wherein R1, R2, x, y, m, and n are defined herein. The composition of the present invention is especially useful in reducing foam formation in a low VOC paint formulation.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling operation of a motor vehicle based on a sensor. One example method comprises receiving sensed parameter data from the sensor, receiving calibration data from the sensor, and adjusting a vehicle operating parameter in response to the sensed parameter data and the calibration data.

Abstract: External data from a second computer external to a vehicle is received in an in-vehicle computer comprising a processor and a memory. At least one derived datum is generated from at least some of the external data. The at least one derived datum is used to make an adjustment to engine performance.

Abstract: An electric or hybrid electric vehicle includes a battery coupled to a traction motor and a DC-DC power converter for managing transient current demands of vehicle accessories such as an electrical power assisted steering (EPAS) motor or antilock braking system (ABS) with a controller coupled to the power converter that generates a first duty cycle signal to supply current at a first level for a first time period to accommodate transient current for an EPAS, ABS, or other short duration event, and a second duty cycle signal that limits the current to a second level lower than the first level for a second time period upon expiry of the first time period to manage temperature of the converter. The controller may also generate a duty cycle signal based on measured or estimated transistor temperature of the DC-DC converter to lower the current limit when transistor temperature exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A system for generating power for an electric sub-assembly of a motor vehicle may include at least one reverse electrowetting energy harvesting element coupled to a tire of the motor vehicle. The system may further include at least one controller configured to accumulate electric energy generated by the at least one reverse electrowetting energy harvesting element and supply the accumulated electric energy to at least one sub-assembly mounted on the tire.

Abstract: A tool for removing a first shaft from a second shaft, in which the first and the second shafts are coupled by fasteners. The tool generally includes the flanged connection and a driving rod. One or more apertures extend completely through a first portion extend into the second flange portion a distance less than the thickness of the second flange portion. The driving rod has first and second ends, with a removable cap adapted to engage the second end to provide a striking surface. At least one removable driver tip is also provided, having a connecting end adapted to engage the first end, and a driver tip, sized to fit into the aperture and extending outward from the connecting end. The driver tip is angled such that the second end of the driving rod is accessible when the driver tip is inserted into the aperture.

Abstract: A cargo retention apparatus for a vehicle includes a vehicle panel defining an interior, an exterior, and an elongate slot open between the interior and exterior that extends in a first direction therealong. A track member is disposed on the interior of the panel and is aligned with the slot in the first direction. The apparatus further includes a hook having a base received through the slot and slidably coupled with the track member.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a pump and a headrest. The headrest has a support base, a flexible foam layer coupled with the support base, a flexible substrate overlying the foam layer and defining an outer surface, and an inflatable bladder assembly positioned between the base and the foam layer. The bladder assembly has a plurality of cells corresponding to respective regions of the outer surface that are independently operable between inflated and deflated conditions by the pump. The seating assembly further includes a control operably coupled to the pump.

Abstract: An engine is provided. The engine includes a thermal set composite cylinder block including a front engine cover attachment interface and a transmission attachment interface and a cylinder liner integrally molded with the composite cylinder block, the cylinder liner defining a portion of a boundary of a cylinder. The engine further includes a bulkhead insert extending through the thermal set composite cylinder block and is directly coupled to a cylinder head.

Abstract: A bend stiffener comprises a (i) a flexible polymeric sleeve having an axial bore for receiving an elongated flexible member and (ii) attachment means for attaching the sleeve to a support. At least a portion of the flexible polymeric sleeve is a polyurethane elastomer produced in a reaction of an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer and a curing agent at an isocyanate index of 90 to 120. The isocyanate-terminated prepolymer has an isocyanate content of 7 to 15% by weight and is a reaction product of at least one aromatic polyisocyanate and at least one polyether polyol having a hydroxyl equivalent weight of 350 to 2000 and a nominal functionality of 2 to 2.3. The curing agent is one or more chain extenders having an equivalent weight per isocyanate-reactive group of up to 125 or a mixture of one or more such chain extenders and one or more polyether polyols having a hydroxyl equivalent weight of 350 to 2000 and a nominal functionality of 2 to 2.3.