Abstract: An electric-vehicle frame includes a mid-section and an end section. The mid-section has first and second frame rails spaced from each other by a first distance along a cross-vehicle axis defining a battery compartment therebetween. The end-section has first and second frame rails spaced from each other by a second distance along the cross-vehicle axis smaller than the first distance. A first connector is fixed to the first frame rail of the mid-section and to the first frame rail of the end-section. A second connector is fixed to the second frame rail of the mid-section and to the second frame rail of the end-section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting vehicle data from a vehicle includes identifying the vehicle data to be included in output from a processor that is designated for protection, selecting a digital watermark based on a manner in which the output is subject to at least one of observation or interception, applying the digital watermark to the vehicle data to obtain watermarked output for output from the processor, and communicating a watermark identifier over a communication link of the vehicle to a location external from the vehicle. Detection of the digital watermark in data outside of the vehicle based upon the watermark identifier may be used to determine misuse of the vehicle data.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive an input indicating a destination; determine a route for a vehicle from a current location of the vehicle to the destination; activate a navigation feature to output guidance instructing an operator to follow the route; and, in response to the navigation feature being active for the route, prompt the operator to activate a driver-assist feature of the vehicle.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive lidar data from a lidar device, generate a point cloud from the lidar data, identify an object in the point cloud, and, upon identifying the object, delete a portion of the lidar data that is from a region encompassing the object. The object includes personally identifiable information.

Abstract: An assembly includes a bed having a reclined position in which the bed is elongated along an axis A. The bed includes a first side and a second side with the axis A between the first side and the second side. The bed in the reclined position has a first end and a second end spaced from each other along the axis A. The bed includes an occupant support surface between the first end and second end. The assembly includes an airbag that is inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The airbag is housed in the first end in the uninflated position. The airbag in the inflated position has an arch shape between the first side of the bed and the second side of the bed. The arch is elongated along the axis A from the first end toward the second end above the occupant support surface.

Abstract: A vehicle trim assembly includes a trim panel, which defines a retaining member that includes a connector and an engagement plate. The engagement plate has a width greater than a width of the connector. The engagement plate includes a locking arm. A first attachment feature is engageable with the retaining member in a first use condition. A second attachment feature is engageable with the retaining member in a second use condition. The first and second attachment features each include a base having a proximal support and a distal support, a clip coupled to the distal support and configured to engage a vehicle body, and guide features coupled to the proximal support. The guide features are configured to receive the engagement plate of the retaining member. A protrusion is coupled to the proximal support. The locking arm is configured to engage the protrusion to lock the base on the retaining member.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive sensor data indicating an obstacle, formulate a control barrier function for a vehicle and the obstacle based on the sensor data, determine a control input based on the control barrier function and a combination function, and actuate a component of the vehicle according to the control input. The combination function is a sum of a first function weighted by a first weight and a second function weighted by a second weight, and the first weight and the second weight are based on a kinematic state of the obstacle.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to determine that a vehicle is carrying a load; in response to an activation of an adaptive cruise control while the vehicle is carrying the load, operate the adaptive cruise control according to a set of parameters, the parameters being based on the load; while the adaptive cruise control is inactive and the vehicle is carrying the load, determine an expected operation of the adaptive cruise control, the expected operation being how the adaptive cruise control would operate according to the set of the parameters if active; and adjust at least one of the parameters based on a comparison of the expected operation with an actual operation performed by an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle air monitoring system includes a housing defining an interior and an inlet. An airflow assembly is disposed within the interior and includes a pump configured to draw an air sample into an airflow passage via the inlet. A detection assembly is in fluid communication with the airflow passage of the airflow assembly. The detection assembly includes a light source configured to illuminate a biochip and a photodetector configured to detect an optical transmission of the biochip based on a photocurrent of the photodetector. A control assembly is in communication with the airflow assembly and the detection assembly. The control assembly is configured to activate the pump to draw the air sample into the airflow passage, compare the photocurrent by the photodetector with a predefined baseline photocurrent to determine a change in the optical transmission of the biochip, and communicate particle data to a remote device.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle operating on a route that will pass within a predetermined distance of a smart infrastructure node (IX Node) includes: retrieving, prior to receiving a message from the IX Node, data about the IX Node including (a) an IX Node assist zone based on an effective broadcast range of the IX Node, (b) an IX Node field of view area that is within the IX Node assist zone and that is defined by a field of view of one or more IX Node sensors, and (c) available services from the IX Node; and selecting a vehicle application for operation on the route while in the IX Node assist zone based on the IX Node field of view area, and the available services from the IX Node, and/or a type and accuracy of one or more IX Node sensors.

Abstract: A fluidized bed processing system include a vessel having a vessel wall and a plurality of chemical feed distributors coupled to the vessel wall and extending into an internal volume of the vessel. Each of the chemical feed distributors includes a distributor body forming a chemical feed flow path and a plurality of chemical feed outlets. The fluidized bed processing system further includes at least one intermediate beam having at plurality of slots spaced apart along a beam length. That intermediate beam is coupled to the vessel wall at both ends, each chemical feed distributor passes through one slot of the intermediate beam, and the intermediate beam provides vertical support for each of the plurality of chemical feed distributors. The fluidized bed processing system can include lateral guides. The intermediate beams and lateral guides support the chemical feed distributors vertically and laterally.

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a rotation assembly. The rotation assembly includes a first portion, a second portion, and an arm portion. The first portion includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a floor extending between the inner wall and the outer wall. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion. The arm portion includes a first end, a second end, and a tab. The first end of the arm portion is rotatably coupled to a circumferential surface of the second portion. The arm portion is movable between an engaged state and a disengaged state relative to a hole defined by a leg of the first portion and an opening defined by the second portion.

Abstract: A composite material composition includes a polymer matrix and biochar fibers disposed throughout the polymer matrix. The polymer matrix of the composite material composition may be a recycled material and the biochar fibers may made from a natural material.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle bed elongated along an axis. The bed includes a first side and a second side with the axis between the first side and the second side. A first end and a second end are spaced from each other along the axis. The assembly includes a first airbag elongated along the axis on the first side of the bed and inflatable to an inflated position and a second airbag elongated along the axis on the second side of the bed and inflatable to an inflated position. An airbag extension is supported by the first airbag in the inflated position and abuts the second airbag in the inflated position. The assembly includes a tether extending from the first airbag to the second airbag. The tether abuts the airbag extension. The airbag extension is between the tether and the second end of the vehicle bed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a window; a sensor housing including an air inlet, a first air outlet, and a second air outlet; an image sensor supported by the sensor housing; and a blower positioned to draw in air through the air inlet and expel the air through the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The first air outlet is aimed at the image sensor, and the second air outlet is aimed at the window.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle roof and a panel rotatably connected to the vehicle roof. The panel is rotatable away from the vehicle roof from a stowed position to a deployed position. The assembly includes an airbag supported on the panel. The airbag is inflatable from the panel in a vehicle-forward direction when the panel is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle to mitigate vision obstructions includes collecting data on potential vision obstructions in a sightline of an operator of a vehicle, determining, based on the data, that a vision obstruction has occurred or is about to occur, and actuating a corrective measure in the vehicle. Collected data may include camera data from inside the vehicle and estimated environmental conditions, and the collected data may be used to disable the ADAS based on a detected or impending vision obstruction.

Abstract: A server including an interface configured to communicate with a blockchain network having a plurality of nodes including a vehicle, and a first entity; and a processor, programmed to receive a plurality of trigger events of a first cluster broadcasted by the vehicle to the blockchain network, receive a first request from the first entity to access the plurality of trigger events of the first cluster, send a first key to the first entity to allow the access to the plurality of trigger events of the first cluster, receive a plurality of trigger events of a second cluster broadcasted by the vehicle to the blockchain network, receive a second request from the first entity to access the plurality of trigger events of the second cluster, and decline the second request.

Abstract: A delivery system includes a processor programmed to construct a route so as to include predefined segments traveled by carriers configured to taxi the vehicle and charge a battery thereof such that a state of charge of the battery remains above a target for a duration of the route, and forward the route to the vehicle.

Abstract: Coated proppant particles are prepared by coating the particles with a coating composition that includes at least one polyisocyanate and at least one ingredient selected from i) an isocyanate trimerization catalyst, ii) a carbodiimide catalyst, iii) an alcohol, iv) a polyamine and v) an alkanolamine, and curing the coating composition. Starch is present during at least part of the curing step, such that the starch becomes embedded in at least a portion of the cured coating. The coating composition cures rapidly at moderate temperatures, and bonds to itself well under conditions of heat and pressure as are experienced by the particles in subterranean formations.