Abstract: A brake vacuum aspirator has a generally known construction and function and includes an optimized bypass flow path including an optimized check valve making the brake vacuum aspirator capable of a performance level not previously obtainable in brake vacuum aspirators. In particular, the brake vacuum aspirator of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes an enlarged bypass flow path for providing a proximately 9.5 ft3/min of air flow at 7? of Hg so that the brake vacuum aspirator is capable of sufficient performance during alternating wide-open throttle and then full brake application testing simulating high performance driving such as those that may be experienced in vehicle pursuits (e.g., Police City Pursuit Testing) without using any added and costly additional equipment.

Abstract: A computer-program product embodied in a non-transitory computer read-able medium that is programmed for communicating accident data to a vehicle computing system (VCS) and at least one server. The computer-program product may comprise instructions for receiving a broadcast notification via short-range wireless communication from the VCS. The computer-program product may comprise further instructions for searching for a mobile application based on the broadcast notification. The computer-program product may comprise further instructions for enabling the mobile application matches with the broadcast notification. The computer-program product may comprise further instructions for transmitting a communication link to the VCS based on the broadcast notification. The computer-program product may comprise further instructions for receiving an accident notification from the VCS and communicating the accident notification to the server.

Abstract: A headlight assembly including an upper static bending light and a lower static bending light. The upper and lower static bending lights are provided on an inner wall of a headlight assembly that defines an opening. The inner wall of the assembly is inboard of the high-beam headlights. The upper and lower static bending lights are controlled by a controller that responds to inputs corresponding to the speed of the vehicle, angle of the steering wheel, and actuation of a turn signal actuator.

Abstract: A grinding aid composition for improving the efficiency of cement grinding. The grinding aid composition comprises: an alkanolamine compound that is a primary alkanolamine compound, a secondary alkanolamine compound, or a mixture thereof; and a glycol.

Abstract: A mobile device comprising at least one controller in communication with one or more transceivers. The one or more transceivers are capable of communication with a vehicle computing system (VCS) and a server. The at least one controller configured to establish a communication link with the server based on an accident notification received from the VCS. The controller further configured to receive a push notification from the server. The controller further configured to search for a mobile application based on the push notification and enable the mobile application that matches the push notification. The controller further configured to communicate a post-crash message to a predefined contact via the mobile application.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body having a fastening portion and a pressure sensor coupled to the body apart from the fastening portion. The pressure sensor has a chamber therein. The body includes a first channel extending therethrough from an outside surface thereof. The first channel is in fluid communication with the chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle traction battery cell retainer includes a sidewall defining a plurality of windows each surrounded by a window flange extending therefrom, a top channel extending from the sidewall and terminating in a top flange, and a bottom channel extending from the retainer sidewall, defining a plurality of air bypass windows, and terminating in a bottom flange, the top and bottom flanges arranged for interlocking with an adjacent retainer of the traction battery. A vehicle traction battery assembly includes first and second adjacent battery cell arrays each having associated first and second retainers having a sidewall defining air flow windows and integrated top and bottom channels formed of unitary construction with interlocking flanges to couple the first and second arrays.

Abstract: An energy storage device and electrical component are secured under an access cover by a lock. A handle has a key portion that operates the lock. Removal of the handle from an electrical disconnect isolates the component electrically from the energy storage device. The lock is located such that the handle is removed from the disconnect to operate the lock.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing operation of a catalyst are presented. In one example, threshold limits for catalyst variables are adjusted in response to attributes of a catalyst monitor sensor that may vary with sensor age. The catalyst variables may provide insight into whether or not the catalyst is degraded or operating as intended.

Abstract: An accumulator for a vehicle may include a cylinder defining a bore having an inner surface, and a piston moveable within the bore. The piston may include a seal and a guide section defined by a truncated sphere. The guide section orients the piston within the bore such that the seal maintains contact with the inner surface of the bore.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling a solenoid spill valve of a direct injection fuel pump, wherein the solenoid spill valve is energized and de-energized according to certain conditions. A control strategy is needed to operate the direct injection fuel pump when small fractional trapping volumes are commanded, wherein a small amount of fuel is compressed and sent to the direct injection fuel rail. To maintain reliable and repeatable solenoid spill valve behavior for small fractional trapping volumes, methods are proposed that involve energizing the solenoid spill valve for a minimum angular duration below a trapping volume fraction threshold.

Abstract: A selectively actuatable one-way clutch is controlled to brake or release a generator such that a powersplit hybrid powertrain enters or exits a parallel mode of operation. To brake the generator and enter the parallel mode, the clutch is activated while overrunning the generator before the generator is slowed to engage the clutch. To release the generator and exit the parallel mode, the generator is controlled to overrun the clutch before deactivating the clutch and returning the generator to a base speed control.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a navigation system, a communication interface, and a processing device. The navigation system determines a first vehicle location. The communication interface receives social network information over a communication network. The social network information includes a second vehicle location. A processing device determines the proximity of the first vehicle location to the second vehicle location and generates a message based on the proximity.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving purge air-fuel ratio control. Fuel vapors from a canister and the crankcase are selectively purged to a group of cylinders and not to remaining engine cylinders. Exhaust is recirculated from the selected group of cylinders to the engine intake wherefrom the EGR is ingested in the remaining engine cylinders and the selected group of cylinders.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving efficiency of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an electric machine provides at least a portion of a driver demand torque to propel a vehicle. Operation of the electric machine is adjusted to avoid conditions where efficiency of the electric machine is less than desired.

Abstract: A four gearing-arrangement transmission having six shift-elements cooperatively engaging in combinations of three to provide nine forward speeds and one reverse speed. The transmission having a first gearing-arrangement with an end-gear fixedly coupled to a ground. A second gearing-arrangement with one end-gear fixedly coupled to an input and the other end-gear fixedly coupled to an interior-gear of the first gearing-arrangement. A third gearing-arrangement having an interior-gear fixedly coupled to an output. A fourth gearing-arrangement having a fourth interior-gear fixedly coupled to the input.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain including an electric machine and a traction battery. The vehicle also includes at least one controller programmed to, during a transmission shift event, cause the electric machine to absorb torque. The torque absorption causes current generated by the electric machine to charge the battery according to a predetermined power transfer schedule defining a charge limit. The controller is further programmed to permit the current to exceed the charge limit for a predetermined duration of time in certain instances.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door structure and a movable door handle that is connected to a latch mechanism by a cable. A rotatably biased stop member is connected to the cable. The vehicle door further includes a housing having a channel that receives portion of the stop member. The channel includes first and second linear portions and a transverse stop portion that is engaged by the follower to prevent further lengthwise movement of the lock member and cable if a speed of the cable exceeds an allowable value.

Abstract: A method for purging a fuel vapor canister buffer, comprising: opening a fuel tank isolation valve; opening a canister purge valve; and drawing a vacuum on a fuel tank sufficient to open a capless refueling assembly vacuum relief mechanism. In this way, the fuel vapor canister buffer may still be purged to intake even under conditions where the canister vent line is blocked.

Abstract: A badge mounting system for a vehicle interior includes a badge plate and an emblem or badge comprised of raised lettering or a design that is formed integrally on the badge plate. A trim panel includes inner and outer surfaces and a badge relief section formed integrally on the trim panel. The badge relief section is defined by letter shaped apertures. The badge plate is coupled to the inner surface of the trim panel and the emblem is received in the badge relief section in assembly. The badge plate is rear loaded to the trim panel and the system may include more than one badge plate. In assembly, a portion of the badge extends outwardly from the outer surface of the trim panel through the badge relief section.