Abstract: Methods and systems are described for heating a powertrain prior to an engine start. One method includes heating a coolant by circulating the coolant through a radiator and operating an electric radiator fan, and flowing the coolant across the powertrain. The coolant is heated and circulated across the powertrain when a temperature of the powertrain is lower than ambient temperature.

Abstract: A center high mounted stop light assembly for use in a vehicle includes a stop light housing movable in a passage located center high on a rear end of the vehicle between a first closed position and a second extended position in which utility lights coupled to the stop light housing are deployable and operable to illuminate an area near the rear end of the vehicle. A position sensor detects and signals the position of the stop light housing within the passage. The stop light housing may be manually operated between the open and closed position or may use an automated device for push button operation including of the utility lights.

Abstract: A vehicle glass run system includes an inner panel that is coupled to a ring frame. The inner panel, as coupled to the ring frame, defines an assembly. The inner panel exhibits a first tolerance, wherein the assembly of the inner panel and ring frame exhibits a second tolerance. The second tolerance is greater than the first tolerance. Both the inner panel and ring frame include flange portions which are coupled together, and both include a distal end. The distal end of the inner panel is disposed outboard of the distal end of the ring frame. A glass run reinforcement member is located to the distal end of the inner panel in assembly, such that the glass run reinforcement member is subject only to the first tolerance of the inner panel.

Abstract: A synergistic antimicrobial composition having two components. The first component is a hydroxymethyl-substituted phosphorus compound. The second component is one of the following biocides: hexahydro-1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine, 2,6-dimethyl-1,3-dioxan-4-yl acetate or ortho-phenylphenol or its alkali metal or ammonium salts.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system is provided herein. The lighting system includes a roof rack including at least one side rail having a photoluminescent portion configured to illuminate in at least one distinct color due to being excited by at least one wavelength of light. A light source is configured to emit the at least one wavelength of light directed toward the photoluminescent portion. A controller is configured to control a light output of the light source.

Abstract: One of a condition affecting a vehicle and a planned action of the vehicle are identified. An instruction is provided to actuate movement of a steering wheel in the vehicle, wherein the movement is determined according to the one of the condition and the planned action.

Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a head tube rotatably supporting first and second handlebars, and the handlebars each selectively pivot to a tow position extending away from the head tube. The bicycle frame includes first and second primary wheel mounts receiving first and second wheels, respectively, in a riding configuration of the bicycle frame, and one of the primary wheel mounts includes a first drive system coupling operably engaging one of the wheels with a bicycle control and power system. The bicycle frame further includes first and second secondary wheel mounts receiving the first and second wheels, respectively, in a towing configuration of the bicycle frame, and one of the secondary wheel mounts includes a second drive system coupling operably engaging one of the wheels with the bicycle control and power system.

Abstract: A hitch angle monitoring system and method are provided. A display shows an imaged scene of a hitch connection between a tow vehicle and a trailer. A processor is configured to superimpose an overlay on the imaged scene, wherein the overlay indicates a hitch angle position limit. A hitch angle position indicator is shown on the display and visually relates a current hitch angle position to the hitch angle position limit.

Abstract: A user interface for a vehicle may include an information display configured to display an efficiency gauge having an efficiency indicator. The position of the efficiency indicator may correspond to a range per full charge value. The range per full charge value may be calculated based on an amount of usable energy per full charge for an energy storage device and a distance-based energy consumption rate. An instantaneous energy consumption rate may be used to calculate an instantaneous range per full charge value. Similarly, an average energy consumption rate may be used to calculate an average range per full charge value. The efficiency gauge may include an instantaneous efficiency indicator corresponding to an instantaneous range per full charge value, an average efficiency indicator corresponding to an average range per full charge value, or both.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for calibrating a backup assist system for a trailer attached to a vehicle. The method includes driving the vehicle forward substantially straight above a threshold speed, sensing a yaw rate of the vehicle, and sensing a measured hitch angle of the trailer. A yaw sensor continuously senses the yaw rate of the vehicle and a hitch sensor continuously measures the hitch angle for determining an angle rate based on the measured hitch angle. Further, a controller determines an offset between the measured hitch angle and an actual hitch angle when the yaw rate and angle rate are substantially zero or otherwise the same.

Abstract: An attachment system for mounting a trim component to a vehicle body panel having an aperture includes a self-locating fastener affixed to the trim component. The fastener has a domed head that terminates at a shoulder and includes a plurality of legs separated by a gap and configured to resiliently deflect inward. The domed head is configured to provide for location of the trim component relative to the body panel during installation, and the shoulder is configured to engage the aperture upon installation.

Abstract: A bicycle chain stay coupling apparatus includes a first bracket component coupled to a seat tube of a bicycle frame, a connecting component of a chain stay of the bicycle frame, and a coupling component encasing the connecting component and coupled to the first bracket component. The coupling component is relatively more elastic than the first bracket component and the connecting component, and the coupling component is positioned in series between the first bracket component and the connecting component with respect to a common axle of the first bracket component, the connecting component, and the coupling component.

Abstract: A hidden camera system for a vehicle includes a cover, a camera, a drive motor and a linkage connecting the drive motor to the cover and the camera. A first stop establishes a repeatable and fully deployed position for the camera. An abutment engages that stop when the camera is fully deployed. A biasing element biases the camera into the fully deployed position to ensure that the camera is always fully deployed into the same position.

Abstract: A pedestrian protection apparatus for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a catcher beam and a catcher beam support assembly including a catcher beam support to which the beam is attached. The support is movable between stowed and deployed positions. The apparatus includes a bumper energy absorber and a bumper beam. The assembly is positioned adjacent the absorber and is either substantially within or adjacent to the bumper beam. The apparatus includes a mechanical, electromechanical or pneumatic actuator to allow the support to move to its deployed position. A pedestrian impact sensor sends a signal to a control unit in the event of an imminent pedestrian impact. The control unit then signals the assembly to allow the catcher beam to move to its deployed position using the actuator. In the event of a false positive deployment, the actuator retracts the catcher beam to its stowed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and process for olefin polymerization. The inventive system and process for olefin polymerization facilitate lower operating vacuum pressures in the polymer recovery system by requiring at least two sequential condensing units, wherein at least one of the condensing units operates at significantly lower temperature ranges than the temperature ranges at which the current systems operate.

Abstract: An article, for use in coupling a first member including a first material to a second member including a second material different than the first material, includes a clip having a first leg, a second leg, and a middle portion located between the first and second legs. The clip has an inner side including the first material and an outer side including the second material. The clip is aligned on one of the first and second members so the inner side of the clip contacts one of the first and second members and the outer side of the clip contacts the other of the first and second members.

Abstract: Transmissions with at least four gearing-arrangements and six clutches that produce nine forward speeds and one reverse. The gearing-arrangements may be simple planetary gearsets. The six clutches may include one to three brakes, and at least one clutch is an input clutch and one an output clutch. The input-shaft of each transmission may be associated with a carrier of one of the simple planetary gearsets. The input-shaft may be associated with carrier-1. The output-shaft of some transmissions may be associated with a carrier of another of the simple planetary gearsets. The output-shaft may be associated with carrier-4. Sun and ring gears in gearing-arrangements may be connected to a transmission housing. Sun-3 and ring-4 may be grounds.

Abstract: A beam sub-assembly for a vehicle includes a beam member and at least one carbon-fiber prepreg bonded to a first portion of an exterior surface of the beam member so as to cover an entire length of the beam member along the first portion.

Abstract: A drive unit for a vehicle includes a drive unit spindle. The drive unit spindle extends along an axis for connecting the drive unit to the vehicle. The drive unit further includes one or more wheel assemblies. Each of the wheel assemblies has a hub that is removably supported by the spindle along the axis. At least one of the wheel assemblies includes a wheel which rotates about the hub and a motor connected to the wheel to rotate the wheel about the hub.

Abstract: A gas chromatographic method for detecting a marker compound in a fuel by (a) introducing a sample of fuel into a first capillary column coated with a stationary phase based on polydimethylsiloxane and allowing the sample to flow through the first column to produce a first effluent; (b) allowing the first effluent to pass through a detector and identifying a retention time range in it which includes a retention time of the marker compound; (c) introducing only a portion of the first effluent stream which is within the retention time range into a second capillary column coated with either (i) an ionic sorbent or (ii) a polyethylene glycol, and allowing said portion to flow through the second capillary column to produce a second effluent stream; and (d) allowing the second effluent to pass through a detector; wherein the marker compound has formula Ar(R2)m(OR1)n and is present in the fuel at a level from 0.01 ppm to 100 ppm.