Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a refueling event for diagnostics are disclosed. In one example approach a method comprises discontinuing leak diagnostics in response to a temperature change in a fuel vapor canister coupled to a fuel tank in an emission control system while the leak diagnostics are being performed in the emission control system.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive instructions from a vehicle computing system (VCS) to being reporting a mobile device location. The processor is also configured to access a list of emergency contacts. Further, the processor is configured to determine that a mobile device has left a predetermined perimeter around a last known vehicle location. The processor is additionally configured to periodically report mobile device GPS coordinates to members of the emergency contacts list, until the mobile device reaches a destination.

Abstract: Methods are provided for improved control of valve activation/deactivation mechanisms. One example method comprises, adjusting an electromechanical actuator to actuate cylinder valve deactivation/activation mechanisms. The actuator is operated at multiple levels based on engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A method for operating a turbocharged engine is disclosed. In one example, during a first condition an engine operation is adjusted in response to a turbocharger expansion ratio exceeding a first limit and during a second condition an engine operation is adjusted in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio exceeding a second limit that differs from the first limit. Degradation of the engine may be reduced under some engine operating conditions by adjusting engine operation in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio.

Abstract: A pedestrian-friendly forward structure of a motor vehicle includes a grill opening reinforcement (GOR), a front fascia located forward of and spaced from the GOR, and a support bracket extending transversely to the vehicle forward of the GOR and rearward of the front fascia. The support bracket has a transverse cross-bar and left and right legs extending rearward from a cross-bar adjacent opposite ends thereof. The legs are attached to respective outboard positions on the GOR, and the cross-bar has an upper flange underlying an upper rear panel of the front fascia. If a pedestrian strikes the forward structure, the fascia and support bracket yield rearward in an injury-reducing manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a method for transitioning between driveline braking and wheel brakes is provided.

Abstract: A photoacid generator compound has formula (I): G+Z???(I) wherein G has formula (II): In formula (II), X is S or I, each R0 is commonly attached to X and is independently C1-30 alkyl; polycyclic or monocyclic C3-30 cycloalkyl; polycyclic or monocyclic C6-30 aryl; or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing groups. G has a molecular weight greater than 263.4 g/mol, or less than 263.4 g/mol. One or more R0 groups are further attached to an adjacent R0 group, a is 2 or 3, wherein when X is I, a is 2, or when X is S, a is 2 or 3. Z in formula (I) comprises the anion of a sulfonic acid, a sulfonimide, or a sulfonamide. A photoresist and coated film also includes the photoacid generator, and a method of forming an electronic device uses the photoresist.

Abstract: An improved method of preparing an ion exchange resin catalyst by partial neutralization of the ion exchange resin catalyst with a promoter. The promoter and a fluid are introduced into a vessel or a reactor which is partially filled with the ion exchange resin catalyst forming an ion exchange resin catalyst bed in the vessel or reactor. The fluid and the promoter are recirculated in an upflow direction at a velocity sufficient to partially fluidize the ion exchange resin catalyst bed and to achieve a rapid uniform distribution of the promoter throughout the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a vehicle system having an electric machine and a battery. The electric machine is configured to provide drive torque and the battery supplies power to the electric machine. The vehicle also includes a controller that is configured to generate output indicative of at least one of a battery power capability and a battery state of charge using a filter having a variable EKF gain factor based on battery temperature.

Abstract: A cover for an aperture in a vehicle wall for a handbrake lever includes various elements. For example, the cover might include an opening region with an opening through which the force-transmitting means can pass and a support region for supporting the cover on the wall. In addition, the opening region might slidably attach to the handbrake lever, such that the opening region slides when the handbrake lever is adjusted. A flexible wall element at least partially attaches over the opening region and the support region, and spring devices are attached to the opening region and the support region to provide tension to the flexible wall element.

Abstract: An assembly of transmission components includes a first shaft including first and second surfaces, and axial cutting-spline teeth on the second surface, a second shaft connected by a press fit to first shaft, and a clutch hub connected by a press fit to the second shaft and engaged with the cutting-spline teeth.

Abstract: A three piece fastener is provided for attaching two layers, e.g. a floor mat for a vehicle to a floor carpet which may then stabilize the mat relative to the carpeting. The three components may connect together through a combination of mechanical connections to provide a relatively simple and cost effective solution to floor mat retention.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for raising an exhaust temperature to spin a turbocharger turbine and reduce turbo-lag. Pressurized air is discharged from a boost reservoir into an intake manifold while spark retard is increased to expedite exhaust heating while also increasing a net combustion torque. By expediting turbine spin-up in response to a tip-in, turbo-lag is reduced and engine performance is improved.

Abstract: A temporary mobility kit to minimize or prevent the inadvertent outflow of tire sealant is provided. The temporary mobility kit includes a switch-inflator assembly and a removable sealant assembly. The switch-inflator assembly includes a pump motor and an electrical plug assembly having a cord portion and a plug. The plug is adapted for use in the vehicle's power unit. The housing includes a peripheral channel about which the cord portion of the electrical plug assembly is wrapped when the electrical plug assembly is not in use. A plug-receiving aperture is provided to receive and retain the plug when not in use.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly including a seat having a top surface. A seatback includes a back support surface. A tab extends forward from the seatback. A track assembly includes a rail and a slide. A bracket is coupled to the slide and includes an elongate slot disposed at a mid-portion thereof. A linkage includes a first end coupled with the seat. A second end is coupled with the tab. A protrusion is disposed at an intermediate portion of the linkage and is engaged with the elongate slot. Movement of the protrusion is relative to the elongate slot, causing translation of the seating assembly between a deployed position, in which a planar extent of the seatback extends substantially orthogonally relative to a planar extent of the seat, and a stowed position, in which the top surface of the seat and the back support surface of the seatback are in abutting contact.

Abstract: A bis(aryl)acetal has the formula wherein Y1 and Y2 are each independently chloro, bromo, iodo, mesylate, tosylate, triflate, or Bx, provided that Y1 and Y2 are not both selected from chloro, bromo, and iodo; each occurrence of Bx is independently a boron-containing functional group bonded to Ar1 or Ar2 via a boron atom; Ar1 and Ar2 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted C6-18 arylene, or unsubstituted or substituted C3-18 heteroarylene; provided that Ar1 and Ar2 are not covalently linked to each other to form a ring structure that includes —Ar1—O—C—O—Ar2—; and R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen, unsubstituted or substituted C1-18 linear or branched alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted C3-20 cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted C6-18 aryl, or unsubstituted or substituted C3-20 heteroaryl. The bis(aryl)acetal is useful as a monomer for oligoacetal and polyacetal synthesis via Suzuki polycondensation.

Abstract: Improved reaction processes comprise reacting a mixture to form a product comprising a metal alkyl, metal oxide, or mixture thereof and then passing said product to a post-reactor heat exchanger. The improvement comprises one or more of the following: (1) reacting said metal alkyl compound with an acid to produce a soluble metal ester; or (2) adding an ionic surfactant; or (3) adding a mixture comprising an antioxidant to the product under conditions sufficient to avoid formation of significant amounts of insoluble metal or metal compounds derived from said metal alkyl compound; or (4) purging said post-reactor heat exchanger with an inert gas under conditions to remove metal oxide from the post-reactor heat exchanger.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The control circuitry monitors the signal responsive to the activation field and determines a differential change in generated signal, and further generates an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a threshold. The control circuitry further distinguishes an activation from an exploration of the plurality of switches and may determine activation upon detection of a stable signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides continuous, gas phase, free radical processes for the production of chlorinated and/or fluorinated propenes or higher alkenes from the reaction of chlorinated and/or fluorinated alkanes and chlorinated and/or fluorinated alkenes, wherein wherein at least a portion of any intermediate boiler by-products generated by the process are removed from the process.

Abstract: An engine cylinder head is provided. The engine cylinder head includes a portion of a first combustion chamber, an upper coolant core and a lower coolant core directing heat from the first combustion chamber and including a first coolant passage and a second coolant passage, the first coolant passage and the second coolant passage laying along a lateral axis, at least a portion of the first coolant passage separated from the second coolant passage via first and second walls.