Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle braking system includes commanding vehicle brakes to provide braking torque based on a driver braking request in response to a detected collision and an anticipated application of a driver-actuated brake pedal after the collision. The method additionally includes activating the vehicle brakes in the absence of application of the brake pedal in response to a subsequent application and release of the brake pedal while a motion sensor reading exceeds a predefined threshold.

Abstract: Interpolymer resins having ethylene monomer residues and residues of a non-conjugated diene comonomer. The non-conjugated diene comonomer can be a dialkenyl phthalate. Incorporation of non-conjugated diene comonomers into interpolymers can provide additional labile unsaturation sites for cross-linking. The interpolymers and cross-linked variations thereof can be employed in a variety of articles of manufacture, such as, for example, as insulation material for power cables.

Abstract: Provided are gap-fill methods. The methods comprise: (a) providing a semiconductor substrate having a relief image on a surface of the substrate, the relief image comprising a plurality of gaps to be filled; (b) applying a gap-fill composition over the relief image, wherein the gap-fill composition comprises a self-crosslinkable polymer and a solvent, wherein the self-crosslinkable polymer comprises a first unit comprising a polymerized backbone and a crosslinkable group pendant to the backbone; and (c) heating the gap-fill composition at a temperature to cause the polymer to self-crosslink. The methods find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices for the filling of high aspect ratio gaps.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assembling a high voltage battery without exposing an operator to contacts having a voltage greater than a predetermined maximum are presented. A bus bar module has standard compartments equipped with integrated bus bars separated by break compartments without bus bars. The bus bar module can be coupled to a plurality of electrochemical cells to connect the cells in groups having a voltage less than a predetermined maximum Vmax. Compartment lids can be closed to prevent contact with connected posts. A separate non-integrated bus bar can be provided to a break compartment to connect a first group of cells with a second group of cells to form a series of connected cells that can provide a voltage greater than Vmax, to achieve a desired battery voltage. The bus bar module and methods of the invention can protect an operator during battery assembly or service.

Abstract: A battery charger may be capable of receiving power from a power distribution circuit including a fuse and may be configured to reduce reactive power through the fuse caused by at least one load, other than the charger, electrically connected with the power distribution circuit.

Abstract: A cross-car structure integrates an HVAC duct with a structural beam. An upper steel beam has opposing ends attached to opposite body sides. A pair of center brackets extend downward from the upper steel beam. An HVAC unit secured to a center bracket has an outlet for an air flow for ventilating a floor region. A plastic cross member has a center plate secured to the center brackets, a first hollow beam extending from the center plate to one steel beam end, and a second hollow beam extending from the center plate to the other steel beam end. Each hollow beam has an in-board opening fluidically coupled to the HVAC outlet and at least one floor outlet directed toward the floor region thereby providing a respective HVAC duct between the outlet of the HVAC unit and each of the floor outlets.

Abstract: In one aspect, a hydrogen storage system includes a sealed container including an inner temperature of 77 degrees Kelvin or greater, a sorbent material enclosed within the sealed container and including a sorbent substrate and a hydrogen splitting catalyst connected to the sorbent substrate via a chemical bond, and one or more hydrogen atoms enclosed within the sealed container. In certain instances, the one or more hydrogen atoms are connected to the sorbent material via interactions greater than Van der Waals interactions. In another aspect, a method of storing hydrogen includes: inputting molecular hydrogen to a sorbent material to form a charged sorbent material, the sorbent material including a sorbent substrate and a hydrogen splitting catalyst connected to the sorbent substrate via a chemical bond; and storing the charged sorbent material at a temperature of greater than 77 degrees Kelvin.

Abstract: An assembly for an automotive vehicle transmission includes a case containing a fluid sump and valve body, a pump supported on the case, a passage formed in the case for carrying fluid from the pump to a transmission control element, and a second passage formed in the case for carrying fluid from the oil sump to the pump.

Abstract: A reinforced liftgate is provided for a vehicle. That reinforced liftgate includes an inner panel having a first aperture and a first reinforcing plate having a second aperture. The first reinforcing plate engages the inner panel so that the first and second apertures are aligned. A first ball stud is mounted to the inner panel in the first and second apertures. In one embodiment the liftgate also includes a hinge reinforcement.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods and systems for determining a tire pressure status. The system may include at least one computer. An input defining an inflation status of one or more vehicle tires, as well as tire inflation data of the one or more tires, may be received. A specific value associated with an inflation event of the one or more vehicle tires may be calculated based on the inflation data. Further, one or more messages for outputting the specific value from one or more vehicle components may be generated and transmitted to the one or more vehicle components. The specific value may be output as one or more messages from the vehicle.

Abstract: Data is collected related to a yaw-rate of a vehicle during a period of time. Based in part on the yaw-rate data, an actual trajectory and an ideal trajectory for the vehicle in the period of time are computed. A deviation of a yaw-rate associated with the actual trajectory is determined from a yaw-rate associated with the ideal trajectory. A variance of the deviation is calculated. An indication is provided of a dangerous driving condition if the variance exceeds a predetermined variance threshold.

Abstract: A process for producing a proppant particulate substrate having a coating layer thereon including the step of blending a proppant particulate substrate with a powder coating composition at a temperature sufficient to cause the powder coating composition to coat the proppant particulate substrate with a powder coating; and a proppant particulate substrate coated by such a process.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper energy absorber system includes a foam energy absorber (EA) for transverse mounting forward of a bumper and having a plurality of cavities formed therein. Variable-stiffness elements are located within the cavities and embedded within the EA. The variable-stiffness elements are formed from open-cell foam treated with magneto-rheological fluid. Electromagnetic devices are co-located with the respective elements and are energized to create magnetic fields acting on the magneto-rheological the elements and thereby increase the stiffness of the elements. When energized, the elements increase the overall stiffness of the EA/element system. When the electromagnetic devices are not energized, the stiffness of the EA by itself is relatively low to meet pedestrian protection goals. At speeds where pedestrian protection is not required but low-speed damageability goals are important, the electromagnetic devices are energized to stiffen the EA/element system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for increasing airflow through a charge air cooler (CAC) in order to purge condensate from the CAC. In one example, a method includes increasing airflow through the CAC while maintaining torque by one or more of selectively deactivating one or more engine cylinders and increasing boost or opening a compressor bypass valve and increasing boost. The amount of compressor bypass valve opening and number of deactivated cylinders may be based on an amount of condensate within the CAC.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a lighting device disposed on the vehicle. At least one detection sensor is configured to detect a proximity of an occupant and a controller is configured to identify an approach and a departure of the occupant. The controller is configured to control the lighting device to output a first emission of light in response to the approach and a second emission in response to the departure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards coating compositions comprising from 20 to 85 percent of an aqueous dispersion based on a total weight of the coating composition, a basic water composition, and a crosslinker, wherein the aqueous dispersion comprises a melt blending product of (a) a base polymer comprising a polyolefin, (b) a polymeric performance improving agent (c) a polymeric stabilizing agent, and (d) a polymeric coupling agent.

Abstract: A body for a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, has a passenger cabin including an exterior body panel with an air extractor aperture and an interior trim panel. The trim panel is a liner mounted to the body panel thereby defining a generally-planar laterally extending chamber between them. The trim panel, which may be made of a sound absorbing material, has an air passage fluidically coupling the chamber with the passenger cabin. The air passage is laterally separated from a footprint region of the trim panel which is aligned with the air extractor aperture. The footprint region has an undulating surface facing the air extractor aperture to attenuate noise that enters the chamber through the air extractor aperture. The undulating surface may have an egg crate shape.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle includes a bumper beam and an energy absorbing member adjacent the bumper beam. An airbag module includes an inflator coupled to the bumper beam and an airbag coupled to the inflator. The airbag is disposed between the bumper beam and the energy absorbing member. The airbag is deployed during an impact between the vehicle and an object to modify the stiffness of the bumper assembly during the impact.

Abstract: A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel. The method comprises adding to a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel at least one compound having formula (I), wherein R is C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 alkenyl or C7-C12 aralkyl; wherein each compound having formula (I) is present at a level from 0.01 ppm to 50 ppm.

Abstract: Exemplary methods are disclosed, which may include providing a conductive component configured to conduct a current to at least two electrical systems or elements. Methods may further include determining one of the electrical elements as a low-priority system and a second one of the electrical elements as a high-priority system, measuring or estimating a current associated with the at least two electrical systems to establish the current exceeds a predetermined parameter, and deactivating the low-priority system in response to at least the determination of the current exceeding the predetermined parameter.