Abstract: A vehicle proximity switch and method are provided having lockout control for controlling a movable panel on a vehicle. The switch includes a proximity sensor such, as a capacitive sensor, installed in a vehicle and providing a sense activation field. The proximity switch also includes control circuitry for processing the sense activation field to sense user activation of the switch and controls functionality when one or more lockout sensors are activated.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes a battery and at least one controller. The at least one controller is configured to determine instantaneous battery power limits during operation of the system using filtered battery voltage signals and current input signals. The at least one controller is further configured to separate medium-to-high frequency dynamics of the measured battery voltage. The filtering process, in certain examples, is realized using a low pass filter or a high pass filter. The at least one controller is further configured to correlate the medium-to-high frequency loads to estimate battery parameters and determine battery dynamics using, in one example, an Extended Kalman Filter.

Abstract: Various methods for determining camshaft position based on position indicated by an electric motor controller are provided. In one example, a method comprises: during cranking of an engine, driving a camshaft of the engine by an electric motor controlled by a motor controller which indicates motor position and position of the camshaft; determining one or more engine operating parameters for controlling the engine during the cranking by an engine controller from the indicated cam position; and after the cranking, identifying the cam position from a sensor coupled to the camshaft.

Abstract: Methods and systems for de-icing an exterior heat exchanger of a vehicle's heat pump are presented. In one example, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater provides heat to refrigerant that de-ices the exterior heat exchanger. In some examples, an additional PTC heater provides heat to engine coolant to warm a vehicle's passenger cabin when the vehicle's exterior heat exchanger is being de-iced.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly includes a body having a reflector, a lens, and a bulb. The assembly further includes a bezel, at least one adjuster arm attached to the body and to the bezel, and at least one biasing arm attached to the body and to the bezel. The biasing arm is configured to aim the reflector in accordance with movement of the adjuster arm while minimizing a gap between the bezel and the lens.

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: Various systems and methods for controlling dual wastegates via a single wastegate actuator are provided. In one example, a system comprises a first wastegate comprising a first wastegate valve, a second wastegate comprising a second wastegate valve, and a wastegate actuator coupled to each of the first and second wastegate valves to vary openings of the first wastegate valve and the second wastegate valve according to desired boost.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing externally stabilized, poromeric synthetic leathers having improved peel strength, the methods comprising: preparing a prepolymer from a mixture comprising at least one polyester polyol, at least one polyether polyol, at least one isocyanate and optionally in a solvent; mixing the prepolymer, water, and a first surfactant; optionally add a second chain extender to form a PUD; preparing a mixture comprising said PUD, at least one surfactant, and at least one thickener; frothing said mixture; applying the frothed mixture to a fabric and thereby forming a coated fabric; adjusting the thickness of the frothed mixture on the coated fabric; drying the coated fabric. Methods of improving the peel strength of poromeric synthetic leathers are also disclosed. Externally stabilized synthetic leathers having improved peel strength are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one autonomous driving sensor and an autonomous mode controller configured to receive signals generated by the autonomous driving sensor. The autonomous mode controller controls at least one vehicle subsystem based at least in part on the signals received. Furthermore, the autonomous mode controller is configured to shade at least one vehicle window when the vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode.

Abstract: A battery assembly may include an array of battery cells each having upper and lower ends, a face extending therebetween and partially defining an exterior of the array, and terminals extending from the upper end. The battery assembly may also include an exo-support structure including a plurality of retainer segments configured to support the upper and lower ends and a thermal plate defining one or more channels extending along the exterior of the array. The thermal plate may be arranged to thermally communicate with the battery cells via the faces. The exo-support structure may further include another thermal plate defining one or more channels extending along another exterior of the array which are arranged to thermally communicate with the cells. The battery assembly may include at least one cell separator made of a thermally conductive material which is located between two adjacent cells.

Abstract: A method of welding a bus bar to battery cell terminals to produce a bus bar clip assembly. A bus bar is provided with spring clips. The clips fit over the battery terminals and hold the bus bar and terminals in contact for welding the components together.

Abstract: A vehicle controller estimates the turbine torque based on measured impeller and turbine speeds. Then, it estimates the tractive force based on gear ratios, tire sizes, and estimates of parasitic losses. The controller estimates the current grade based on a difference between an acceleration sensor reading and the derivative of a measured vehicle speed. Then, it estimates the current vehicle weight based on the tractive force, the acceleration rate, and the grade. The controller adjust a target following distance of a cruise control system based on the estimate of the weight and the grade. The cruise control system adjusts power to maintain a measured following distance equal to the target following distance.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a transmission having a control valve and a torque converter with a lock-up clutch. The control valve is configured to control both a mode and an apply pressure of the lock-up clutch. The control valve includes a valve body and a plunger moveable within the valve body. When the plunger is in a first position, the lock-up clutch is in a release mode and, when the plunger is in a second position, the lock-up clutch is in an apply mode and movement of the plunger relative to the second position controls the apply pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle has a restraint system with at least two restraint devices. A sensor detects a potential collision object and outputs a signal representing a relative position of the potential collision object to the vehicle. A processing device suppresses deployment of at least one of the restraint devices based at least in part on the signal output by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: An ozone generator cartridge 60 suitable for a sterilisation, decontamination and/or sanitation device. The cartridge comprises a sealable housing 60 for providing a corona discharge, the housing containing at least one power supply unit 64 and at least one inlet 65 for connection to an oxygen or air supply, the cartridge including at least part of at least one ozone conversion cell 63 attached to and extending from an external surface of a wall of the sealed housing, the conversion cell extending into a delivery conduit 52 of a decontamination device that leads to at least one discharge outlet 16.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a navigation system, a communication interface, and a processing device. The navigation system is configured to store location information. The communication interface is configured to receive a message containing a purge command from a remote server. The processing device is configured to purge the location information from the navigation system in response to receiving the purge command.

Abstract: A vehicle airbag comprises a primary chamber, a secondary chamber affixed to the primary chamber, and a passage between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber. The primary chamber is configured to contact at least two reaction surfaces, and the secondary chamber is configured to contact one and only one of the at least two reaction surfaces, when the airbag is inflated upon detection of an impact.

Abstract: A nylon chain tensioning arm and nylon chain guide having diamond-like carbon coatings are provided. The diamond-like carbon coating is formed on the substrate by methods including physical vapor deposition, for example, by sputtering or chemical vapor deposition of coating systems composed of various combinations of amorphous carbon. A preferred method for applying the diamond-like carbon coating to the nylon substrate is a hybrid process of plasma-based ion implantation and deposition. The chain tensioning arm or guide may be formed from any number of plastics appropriate to the purpose, although a synthetic polymer, such as the aliphatic polyamide nylon, is the preferred material. The substrate may be a conventional nylon or may be a composite reinforced with glass or carbon fibers. The diamond-like carbon coating may be applied to the nylon substrate by vapor deposition, either directly to the chain-contacting surface or upon a primed surface formed on the substrate prior to deposition.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a back and a cushion. A mounting assembly supports the cushion and includes a first mounting arm coupled with the back and rotatable with respect to the cushion such that the back is translatable over the cushion. The vehicle seat further includes a first restraint arm coupled with the seat back and operatively coupled with the first mounting arm such that translation of the seat back drives corresponding rotation of the first restraint arm.

Abstract: A hybrid electric automotive powertrain includes an engine start/stop system to improve fuel economy. The stop routine provides for quick restarting to avoid delay in a driver change of mind case. The stop routine may be terminated prior to full engine stop when a torque request is received during the stop routine.