Abstract: Systems and methods for improving engine torque response are presented. In one example, engine idle speed is increased to shorten engine torque response based on engine operating conditions. The methods and systems may be useful for operating an engine that is supplied a gaseous fuel.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of propelling the vehicle. The electric machine provides creep torque to propel the vehicle at a slow speed or hold the vehicle when on an incline. At least one controller is programmed to cancel or otherwise inhibit the electric machine from generating the creep torque in response to a brake torque or brake torque request exceeding a calibratible threshold. The calibratible threshold varies based upon vehicle incline, vehicle mass, and/or vehicle speed.

Abstract: The invention provides a process to form an ethylene-based polymer, said process comprising polymerizing ethylene in presence of at least the following: A) a free-radical agent; B) an alkylated phenol selected from Formula (I), wherein R1, R2,R3, R4 and R5 are each, independently, hydrogen or an alkyl; and C) a “metal alkyl-containing compound” selected from the group consisting of the following: i) at least one “Group II metal alkyl-containing compound,” ii) at least one “Group III metal alkyl-containing compound,” and iii) a combination of i) and ii).

Abstract: The hydration of clays and shale in drilling operations may be inhibited by employing an aqueous based drilling fluid comprising a shale hydration inhibition agent having the formula wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbons, R1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbons, and X is an anion. The shale hydration inhibition agent should be present in the aqueous based drilling fluid in sufficient concentration to reduce the reactivity, such as swelling, of clays and shale when exposed to water-based drilling fluids.

Abstract: A vehicle method for barometric pressure identification, including adjusting engine operation responsive to barometric pressure, the barometric pressure based on a pressure change at a sector of the fuel system when the sector is sealed with the vehicle travelling. The method may utilize a pressure change at the sealed sector of the fuel system, such as a sealed fuel tank, to identify barometric pressure, even with the engine off for extended durations of vehicle travel. As such, in a hybrid-vehicle application, including during hill descents in which the engine is maintained off, barometric pressure can still be updated.

Abstract: A voting strategy is used to determine the mode state of a transmission when a vehicle is restarted. The transmission includes a return to park feature and a controller including at least three memories. The controller is configured to write a remembered mode state into each memory. The remembered mode state is one of a Normal mode state that allows the transmission to automatically shift to Park, a hold mode state that causes the transmission to remain in Neutral and not automatically shift to Park upon detecting a triggering event or other mode states. The controller reads each memory and, when at least two of the remembered mode states are the same mode state, causes the transmission to enter a mode state corresponding to the same mode state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a regioregular polyalkylthiophene and/or a regioregular poly[2,5-bis(3-alkylthiophen-2-yl)thieno(3,2-b)thiophene]; and a metallocene; where the metallocene is present in an amount of greater than 75 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition; where the charge mobility is increased by a factor of 3 or more over compositions having 50 wt % of ferrocene or less with the remainder being a regioregular polyalkylthiophene and/or a regioregular poly[2,5-bis(3-alkylthiophen-2-yl)thieno(3,2-b)thiophene].

Abstract: A synergistic antimicrobial composition containing flurochloridone and zinc pyrithione is provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting the growth of or controlling the growth of microorganisms in a building material by adding such a synergistic antimicrobial composition. Also provided is a coating composition containing such a synergistic antimicrobial composition, and a dry film made from such a coating composition.

Abstract: A tool and method of hemming a panel wherein the tool engages a flange to apply a compressive force with a stop initially preventing a distal end of the flange from moving inwardly. The hemming tool bends the intermediate portion of the flange between the flange bend and the distal end toward the panel. The stop is withdrawn to allow the flange to be progressively formed toward the panel until the distal end is aligned with the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a floor structure and one or more tubular rocker structures. Each rocker structure includes an outer cladding and/or an inner structure extending across an interior space of the rocker structure. At least one acceleration sensor is connected to a central portion of the floor structure to detect acceleration resulting from a crash event. The vehicle may also include pressure sensors that detect changes in pressure in the door cavities that result from side impacts. The cladding and/or inner structure of the rockers reduce the time required to detect acceleration due to a side impact on the rocker structures.

Abstract: An active bolster mounts at an interior trim surface of a passenger compartment. A plastic-molded front wall deploys to receive an impacting passenger in the passenger compartment. A plastic-molded back wall is joined around a substantially sealed perimeter with the front wall to form an inflatable bladder, wherein the back wall includes at least one substantially circumferential pleated baffle for unfolding during inflation of the bladder to deploy the front wall. An inflator delivers an inflation gas into the inflatable bladder in response to a crash event of the vehicle. An absorber member is disposed along the front wall in the bladder prior to inflation and is configured to deploy transversely to the front wall and into fixed abutment with the back wall upon inflation of the bladder to mechanically resist post-inflation movement of the front wall toward the back wall and to dissipate energy of the impacting passenger.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjusting an engine powertrain component responsive to ambient humidity, the ambient humidity based on vehicle position in a region, clock time ambient temperature, and historical humidity data for that region for a current time of year. This may be accomplished without relying on a costly, and often, temperamental physical humidity sensor. Training modules and cloud updates may further increase the accuracy of the virtual humidity sensor of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A system for detecting an interface between a polymer-rich phase and a solvent-rich phase comprising a liquid-liquid separator configured to receive a polymer solution as an inlet stream comprising solvent, polymer and unreacted monomer produced in a solvent-based polymerization reactor through an inlet feed, wherein a tank is configured to provide a residence time of at least 20 minutes and to permit the stream to separate into the polymer rich phase and the solvent rich phase; a first sonic transponder for sending a first sonic signal from either a top or bottom of the liquid-liquid separator and for receiving a first reflected portion of the sonic signal, the reflected portion of the sonic signal created by the passage of the sonic signal through a liquid-liquid interface between the solvent rich phase and the polymer rich phase, wherein the first sonic transponder is positioned such that it transmits the signal which travels perpendicularly to the liquid-liquid interface is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a vehicle are presented. In one example, vehicle brakes are held to reduce the possibility of vehicle motion and stopping of engine rotation is prevented until confirmation of vehicle hold is present. The approach may allow an engine to remain in an off state for a longer period of time while reducing the possibility of vehicle motion.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control system for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that indicates the level of loading of a carbon canister of the system. The system has multiple thermocouples positioned space apart from each other along a vapor flow path within the carbon canister. A controller is connected to each thermocouple, which monitors the temperature of the thermocouples. The controller indicates the level of saturation of the carbon canister based on certain pre-determined temperature criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, negative torque of an electric machine is adjusted to mimic negative torque of an engine during engine braking so that the vehicle may transition from regenerative braking to engine braking in a seamless manner.

Abstract: A fuel tank for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. In one example approach, a fuel tank for a vehicle comprises a wave catcher extending through an interior of the fuel tank and coupled to a front wall and a first side wall of the fuel tank.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination device comprises a photoluminescent portion disposed on a moveable vehicle closure. The photoluminescent portion is operable to be directed in a substantially downward direction. The device further comprises a light source disposed proximate the photoluminescent portion and configured to emit light at a first wavelength. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength to illuminate a surface beneath the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle curtain system comprises a curtain having at least a front wall and two side walls, at least one pretensioner having a corresponding pretensioner cable, and a plurality of tethers, each having a first end attached to the curtain.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for engine systems including a vacuum-powered multiple tap aspirator coupled between atmospheric, an engine crankcase, or another source and a vacuum source such as a compressor inlet or engine intake manifold. The multiple tap aspirator includes a suction tap arranged in a throat of the aspirator, a suction tap arranged in a diverging cone of the aspirator, and a suction tap arranged in a straight exit tube downstream of the diverging cone of the aspirator. The aspirator provides vacuum generation and suction flow over a range of vacuum levels at the suction taps, and suction flow only passes through a single check valve before entering the aspirator.