Abstract: A method and system for improving starting of an engine is presented. In one example, the method selects a first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop the cylinder's position relative to the cylinder's top-dead-center compression stroke. The method also describes adjusting a number of fuel injections for a first combustion event since engine stop.

Abstract: A method or system that receives a product definition that includes a feature family having data defining one or more product features. The product definition including one or more corresponding rules defining one or more relationships between one or more product features. The method or system receiving input selecting one or more feature families of interest. The method or system identifying the one or more rules that provide a relationship connecting the one or more feature families to the selected feature families of interest. The method or system converting the identified rules to one or more positive logic rule groups. The method or system generating one or more global representations of the product definition by interacting the one or more positive logic rule groups to produce a result that defines the relationship between the interacted positive logic rule groups and storing the results that are determined as being valid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for paper mill equipment that can better withstand the conditions of a paper mill. Embodiments encompass paper mill equipment that incorporate a polyurethane layer having a hysteresis value of less than 70% and a permanent set of less than 30%. The polyurethane layer includes a polyurethane produced by curing a mixed composition. The mixed composition includes at least a urethane prepolymer (A) and at least a curing agent (B) having an active hydrogen group (H). The urethane prepolymer (A) has at least one terminal isocyanate group and is obtained by reacting at least a polyisocyanate compound (a) with at least a polycarbonate diol compound (b) having a number average molecular weight of at least 1500 g/mol. The curing agent (B) includes at least an amine compound. The elastomer compositions are also useful to coat the acid pickling roller in the steel industry.

Abstract: In a method for detecting contact between a driver's hands and the steering wheel (12) of a vehicle, an actuator (14) for selectively applying a steering force and sensors (22) for measuring the instantaneous steering force and/or the steering angle being associated with the steering wheel (12), the actuator (14) impresses (32) a test force pulse pattern on the steering wheel (12). The steering force sensor and/or the steering angle sensor (22) measure(s) the reaction of the steering wheel movement to the test pulse pattern, and the reaction of the steering wheel movement is used to decide whether or not at least one of the driver's hands is in contact with the steering wheel (12).

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle downshifts a transmission in response to a driver tapping a brake pedal. A brake pedal tap is distinguished from brake pedal movement associated with normal braking by the peak pedal travel and the duration. Multiple step downshifts are triggered in response to closely spaced pedal taps or slightly longer pedal taps. A user interface allows the driver to adjust various parameters, such as upper and lower peak pedal travel and duration limits. Some parameters may be determined by sampling a series of driver brake taps.

Abstract: An electric vehicle (HEV/BEV/EV) includes a dynamic traction control (DTC) system configured to perform a DTC process and an electric motor enhanced dynamic wheel torque control by brake (eDWT-B) system configured to perform an eDWT-B process. A controller selects according to a vehicle criterion a combination of the DTC and eDWT-B processes to control a vehicle operation.

Abstract: A door handle for the inside of a motor vehicle door includes a mounting region and a gripping region. The handle is formed as a basic body which is substantially U-shaped with two leg portions connected by a base member. The gripping region is formed on a first leg portion and the mounting region is formed on the second leg portion of the basic body. The first and second leg portions point in substantially the same direction so that door opening and closing forces applied to the gripping region substantially avoid creating torque at the mounting region.

Abstract: A plurality of steering wheel sections can be joined to form a steering wheel. A member is partially disposed within a first steering wheel section cavity and partially disposed within a second steering wheel section cavity. A plurality of support arms each have disposed therein a support arm extension. At least one separation mechanism is configured to break a joint between first and second steering wheel sections.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a navigation system and a processing device. The navigation system determines a route from a current location to a selected destination. The processing device applies a template to the route. The template represents driving trends associated with a geographic region. The processing device adjusts the route based on the template prior to the vehicle embarking on the route.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and a traction motor. A clutch is configured to selectively mechanically couple the engine to the traction motor. A controller or controllers are provided that are configured to command a change in magnitude of an electric current supplied to the electric machine. The command is made in response to initiation of the clutch engaging the traction motor to the engine. The change in magnitude of the electric current ensures the speed of the traction motor remains generally constant during clutch engagement while a speed of the engine is less than that of the traction motor.

Abstract: An acoustic attenuator 20 for an engine booster such as a turbocharger 10 for an engine 4 is disclosed in which the acoustic attenuator 20 includes an attenuator chamber 28 in which is located at least one absorption media 140. The acoustic attenuator 20 is located adjacent an inlet port of the turbocharger 10 so as to attenuate any acoustic pressure waves by dissipative reaction with the absorption media 140 before they have chance to reach other components of a low pressure supply system 50 for the engine 4.

Abstract: A method of monitoring catalyst performance may comprise applying a set of parameter readings for a given sample to a support vector machine to generate a classification output, clustering the set of parameter readings to reduce a number of support vectors, computing a total fuel mass following a deceleration fuel shut-off event and an exhaust gas oxygen sensor switch and indicating catalyst degradation based on the total fuel mass.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment and at least one seat located in the passenger compartment. The seat can be moved from a front-facing position to a rear-facing position for when the vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode. The vehicle may further include autonomous driving sensors and an autonomous controller that receives signals generated by the autonomous driving sensors and controls at least one vehicle subsystems according to the signals received.

Abstract: Periodic torque disturbances that affect cylinder valve operation are anticipated, and an appropriate reaction torque is provided by an electric motor to counteract the periodic torque disturbances to position a cylinder valve at a desired position.

Abstract: Instructions are provided to a vehicle braking mechanism for autonomous operation of the braking mechanism. At least one first parameter is retrieved for governing control of the braking mechanism. The first parameter is applied to operation of the braking mechanism. Data is collected relating to operation of the vehicle. At least one second parameter is determined for governing control of the braking mechanism.

Abstract: A system for improving PCV flow of an engine is presented. The system can reduce engine oil consumption when an engine is exposed to lateral or centripetal force. In one example, the system includes a mechanically operated valve that acts to limit PCV flow in a conduit external to an engine.

Abstract: A tailgate hinge is part of a tailgate assembly and is attached to the rear sill of a pick-up truck bed. The tailgate hinge includes a stationary hinge bracket and a pivotal hinge bracket that are connected by a hinge pin. The pivotal hinge bracket includes a detachment slot. The hinge pin has a pair of flats that permit the hinge pin to pass through the detachment slot when the tailgate is at a predetermined angular orientation.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for chromatography of a polyolefin polymer, comprising introducing a solution of the polyolefin polymer into a liquid flowing through a liquid chromatography stationary phase, the liquid chromatography stationary phase comprising graphitic carbon. The invention also provides an apparatus for polyolefin polymer chromatography, comprising a liquid chromatography stationary phase, the liquid chromatography stationary phase comprising graphitic carbon and at least one inert filler.

Abstract: A reaction system comprising an organic polyisocyanate and an isocyanate reactive component for preparation of a viscoelastic polyurethane foam is provided. The isocyanate reactive component comprises (i) from 10 to 50% by weight of one or more low equivalent weight propylene oxide rich (PO-rich) polyols having a combined number average equivalent weight from 200 to 500, (ii) from 45 to 95% by weight of one or more ethylene oxide (EO-rich) polyols having a combined number average equivalent weight from 200 to 800 and an ethylene oxide content from 40% to 65% by weight of the total mass of the EO-rich polyol and at least one of (iii) from 10 to 30% by weight of one or more high equivalent weight PO-rich polyols having a number average equivalent weight from 800 to 2,000 or (iv) from 10 to 40% by weight of one or more propylene oxide co-polymer polyols containing styrene-acrylonitrile.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly with a cooling system includes a seatback structure with a permeable passenger support which is coupled with the seatback structure. The passenger support has a back support surface and a rear surface. A concave shell has a peripheral edge which is coupled with the rear surface of the passenger support. A conduit member has an intake opening between the passenger support and the shell and an exhaust opening. An air chamber is coupled with the exhaust opening of the conduit member and has a fan on an exterior portion of the air chamber to draw air from the back support surface through the air chamber.