Abstract: An occupant communication system (OCS) and control method giving rear row occupant experience and full control to allow unimpeded access to a vehicle's features typically provided to the front row occupants. The OCS having a rear zone master controller controlling a plurality of selected vehicle subsystems within the occupant communication system and a front zone controller in electrical communication with the rear zone master controller that is controlled by the rear zone master controller. A communications module communicates with the rear zone master controller and the front zone controller wherein the rear zone master controller, the front zone controller, and the communications module are in operative communication with one another and with a vehicle communications network via the communications module to control the plurality of selected vehicle subsystems such that the rear zone master controller enables, disables, or limits control of the front zone controller via the communications module.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and their use as dispersant and/or detergent additives for lubricants. The compositions comprise an amine alkoxylate of the formula I: (I) wherein R1-R7, R1?-R7; x, x?, A, A? and A? are as defined herein.

Abstract: A discontinuous pulse width modulation technique is used in a controller to control an inverter that converts DC battery power to AC power to operate an electric motor, e.g., in a hybrid electric vehicle. The discontinuous pulse width modulation technique uses only one of the two zero state voltage vectors in its calculations whereas traditional pulse width modulation uses both zero state voltage vectors. The use of a single zero state voltage vector can result in one of a group of switches in the inverter remaining in a constant state during a complete duty cycle while still providing the commanded voltage vector to the electrical motor. As a result losses due to switching can be reduced.

Abstract: A system for diffusing a fuel flow for a vehicle. The system includes a fuel tank, containing fuel in both liquid and vapor form. A fuel filler spud extends from a fuel inlet on the exterior of the vehicle into the fuel tank and defines a fuel outlet there. A diffuser is mounted on the fuel filler spud for diffusing fuel flowing into the tank. The diffuser can take the form of a tongue-like protrusion, which can have flow channels or grooves, as well as flow diverters, which can be arranged in a matrix in the fuel outlet.

Abstract: A method for vaporizing fuel is provided. The method comprises heating the fuel in a cylinder of an engine via radiation to vaporize the fuel without ignition. In this way, the fuel may be heated to increase vaporization efficiency prior to ignition.

Abstract: Route planning for road vehicles is performed taking into account a ride quality that results from the roadway conditions along road segments on a route. A plurality of vehicles equipped with controlled suspensions calculate ride quality indices as the vehicles move over a plurality of road segments. The plurality of vehicles transmit the ride quality indices tagged with respective geographic coordinates to an aggregating server. The aggregating server determines a composite ride quality index for each road segment. A subscriber generates a route planning request identifying an origin and a destination. At least one potential route is identified between the origin and the destination comprised of selected road segments. A route ride quality index is determined in response to the selected road segments, and the potential route and the route ride quality index are presented to the subscriber for selection.

Abstract: A family of transmission gearing arrangements provides a plurality of forward speed ratios and one or more reverse speed ratios by selective engagement of shift elements in various combinations. Three simple planetary gear sets are located on the input axis. One of the simple planetary gear sets may have either a split-ring arrangement in which two ring gears are provided with one carrier and one sun gear, or a split-sun arrangement in which two sun gears are provided with one carrier and one ring gear.

Abstract: Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and a traction motor coupled to the engine by a coupling device or a clutch for providing torque to wheels of the vehicle. An inverter is electrically connected to the traction motor. A second coupling device or at least one clutch at least indirectly selectively couples the motor to the drive wheels. A controller controls the second coupling device based upon a temperature of at least one of the fraction motor and the inverter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating a PCV flow to an engine based on the output of an exhaust gas oxygen sensor. During DFSO conditions, a reference voltage of the sensor is modulated initially with an intake throttle open and then with the intake throttle closed. PCV flow leaking past the piston valves in an aging engine, as well as an ambient humidity estimate, are inferred based on the outputs of the sensor during the modulating with the intake throttle open and closed.

Abstract: An engine is provided herein. The engine includes a crankshaft, an engine casing, an oil pump, and an accessory drive, the oil pump having an input member which is driven from the crankshaft at a location on the opposite side of the accessory drive to the engine casing.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a planetary gearset including an input connected to a shaft driveably connected to an engine, a second input driveably connected to an electric machine, and an output driveably connected to a countershaft, a clutch for releaseably connecting the countershaft and the input shaft through a first pair of meshing gears, and a brake for releaseably holding the input shaft and the input against rotation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various vehicle frame assemblies and methods of manufacturing the same. The vehicle frame assemblies have rails composed of dissimilar materials.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving the vacuum generation efficiency of an ejector coupled to in an engine system. Vacuum is generated at the ejector at a faster rate but to a lower level by opening a throttle upstream of the ejector. Vacuum is then raised to a higher level but at a slower rate by closing the throttle upstream of the ejector.

Abstract: A vehicle light assembly includes an array of light sources mounted in a generally planar base. An optical element includes a first surface having a first optical design and a second surface having second optical design. The second optical design includes a wedge having a first wedge wall and a second wedge wall that converges with the first wedge wall. The second wedge wall extends at an angle to the first wedge wall. A bezel surrounds the base and the optical element, and an outer lens is positioned adjacent the outside surface of the optical element. The optical element is between the base and the outer lens, and the outer lens has an inner surface including an optical design.

Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one example, the method adjusts application of vehicle brakes to reduce the possibility of impact between gear teeth after engine starting.

Abstract: A method for controlling an exhaust gas recovery system for an engine includes generating a signal to control exhaust gas flow through an exhaust gas heat exchanger, and generating a diagnostic code based on a difference between coolant temperature downstream of the exhaust gas heat exchanger and coolant temperature downstream of the engine. A vehicle has an engine, and an exhaust heat recovery system with an exhaust gas heat exchanger, a first temperature sensor downstream of the engine, and a second temperature sensor downstream of the exhaust gas heat exchanger. A controller for the vehicle is configured to: (i) generate a signal to control exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas heat exchanger, and (ii) generate a diagnostic code based on a difference between coolant temperature measured by the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an air-cooled electromechanical system having a rotor, a driver element, and a fan impeller, the rotor comprising a rotor shaft and field winding. Said disclosure proposes that the fan impeller is rotatably mounted on the rotor shaft and can be connected to and/or disconnected from the rotor and/or the rotor shaft by an automatic clutch.

Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension assembly includes a rear support for engagement with a torsion tube of a vehicle seat. First and second spring members have end portions engaged with the rear support. Intermediate cushion pan connectors are disposed on each of the first and second spring members. A cross support is coupled with the first and second spring members and includes power and data wiring apertures.

Abstract: The invention is a method of forming a layered-open-network polishing pad useful for polishing at least one of magnetic, semiconductor and optical substrates. Exposing a first and second polymer sheet or film of a photocurable polymer creates an exposure pattern in the first and second polymer sheet. The exposure pattern has elongated sections exposed to the energy source. The light exposure is of an exposure time sufficient to cure the photocurable polymer, but insufficient to cure adjacent elongated sections together. Attaching the first and second polymer sheets forms a polishing pad with the patterns of the first and second polymer sheets crossing. Curing the layered-open-network polishing pad to secure the layered-open-network polishing pad with the first and second sheets having sufficient stiffness to reduce sagging and maintain an orthogonal relationship between the elongated channels and the parallel planes of the polymer sheets.