Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving vehicle torque control accuracy. Data points of an engine torque data set are adjusted en masse by an on-board vehicle controller while also being adjusted individually by an off-board controller. By adjusting engine operation based on a torque data set that is updated by each of the on-board and off-board controllers, engine torque errors can be reliably determined and compensated for.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to durability enhancement techniques for a dry-clutch vehicle transmission. A cooling system that provides a direct convective cooling path to friction surfaces is disclosed. Also disclosed is a continuously variable clutch wear compensation assembly configured to adjust the position of clutch assembly components on-demand or as needed.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method for programming keys to a vehicle to establish primary keys and secondary keys to control vehicle functionality is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a key identification signal from a first key. The method further comprises generating a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a primary key and a secondary key in response to the key identification signal. The method further comprises transmitting the key status signal to a vehicle interface display. The method further comprises allowing a user to change a status of at least one of the first key and an additional key with the vehicle interface display in response to determining that the key status signal corresponds to the primary key.

Abstract: A deployable step and handle system for a tailgate. The handle is used to secure the deployable step in the stowed position that eliminates the need for a separate release system. The handle is placed adjacent a top edge of the tailgate to prevent debris from being trapped under the handle when the handle is closed. The ladder has a step surface disposed opposite and at an angle relative to a top surface of a spoiler that provides a step surface. The ladder rails are guided by rail guides as the ladder is moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. A unitary support bracket is used to connect both the handle and a ladder rail to the tailgate.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for balancing a storage battery for an automotive vehicle. The battery is of the type including a plurality of storage cells. The system includes a thermoelectric device and a controller. The thermoelectric device receives thermal energy and converts the thermal energy into electric energy. The controller determines a subset of the storage cells in the battery to be charged based on an amount of electric charge in each of the storage cells. Furthermore, the controller causes the electric energy to be distributed to each storage cell in the subset in an effort to balance the battery in the vehicle.

Abstract: A cylinder block including a cylinder and two crankshaft supports at a bottom of the cylinder block is described. The cylinder block may be coupled to a structural frame such that the cylinder block is lubricated through the structural frame. The cylinder block may reduce vehicle weight and cost.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly includes a first proximity sensor on a first side of a door handle and a second proximity sensor on a second side of the door handle. The assembly also includes a latch operative to latch the door closed and to unlatch the door to allow the door to open. The assembly further includes control circuitry for activating the latch to unlatch the door based on an object such as an operator's hand sensed with both the first and second proximity sensors.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising a first composition comprising the following: A) a first ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer that has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) greater than 90,000 g/mole and a MWD less than, or equal to 3, each as determined by conventional GPC; B) a second ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer; and wherein the first composition has a number average molecular weight (Mn) less than 10,000 g/mole, as determined by conventional GPC; and wherein the ?-olefin of first interpolymer is the same as the ?-olefin of the second interpolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a first composition comprising a first block copolymer upon a substrate; where the first block copolymer comprises a first segment and a second segment that are covalently bonded to each other and that are chemically different from each other; where the first segment has a first surface free energy and where the second segment has a second surface free energy; and disposing a second composition comprising an second copolymer upon a free surface of the first block copolymer; where the second copolymer comprises a surface free energy reducing moiety; where the surface free energy reducing moiety has a lower surface free energy than the first surface free energy and the second surface free energy; the second copolymer further comprising one or more moieties having an affinity to the first block copolymer; where the surface free energy reducing moiety is chemically different from the first segment and from the second segment.

Abstract: An independent wheel suspension for the driven wheels of a vehicle is disclosed. The suspension includes a wheel carrier for rotatably supporting a wheel of the vehicle. The wheel carrier is connected to a torsion-resistant transverse link. The torsion-resistant transverse link is connected to the vehicle structure via two structure-side link bearings and to the wheel carrier via two wheel-carrier-side link bearings. The wheel carrier also is connected to two additional transverse links, each of the additional transverse links being connected to the vehicle structure and to the wheel carrier. The suspension also includes a carrier spring supported on the vehicle structure and on the wheel carrier, wherein the carrier spring is arranged in front of a wheel center axis and the at least two additional transverse links are arranged behind the wheel axis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polycyanates of the formula: where R, m, Q, p and Z are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of curing said polycyanates and methods of using said polycyanates to provide high Tg thermoset products.

Abstract: The multilayer film comprises a first outer layer which is heat sealable. The first outer layer comprises from 95 to 100 percent (by weight of the first outer layer) of a first polymer, said first polymer being derived from propylene monomer and optionally one or more comonomers selected from the group consisting of ethylene and C4-C8 alpha olefins. The first polymer should have a melting point of at least 125 C. The multilayer film further comprises an inner portion adjacent to the first outer layer. The inner portion may be a single layer or may comprise several layers. At least one layer of the inner portion comprises an elastomeric propylene based polymer (“EPBP”). Further at least one layer of the inner portion comprises a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is selected from the group consisting of high pressure low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene (meth)acrylic acid copolymers and combinations thereof.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a vehicle heating system for a vehicle with an engine and a charge air cooler, the vehicle heating system including a high-temperature cooling circuit coupled to the engine, a low-temperature cooling circuit coupled to the charge air cooler and including a low temperature cooler, and a heating heat exchanger coupled to the low-temperature cooling circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a block copolymer comprising a first segment and a second segment that are covalently bonded to each other and that are chemically different from each other; where the first segment has a first surface free energy and where the second segment has a second surface free energy; and an additive copolymer; where the additive copolymer comprises a surface free energy reducing moiety where the surface free energy reducing moiety has a lower surface free energy than that of the first segment and the second segment; the additive copolymer further comprising one or more moieties having an affinity to the block copolymer; where the surface free energy reducing moiety is chemically different from the first segment and from the second segment; where the additive copolymer is not water miscible; and where the additive copolymer is not covalently bonded with the block copolymer.

Abstract: A vehicle has a trailer backup steering input apparatus, a trailer backup assist control module coupled to the a trailer backup steering input apparatus, and an electric power assist steering system coupled to the trailer backup assist control module and. The trailer backup steering input apparatus is configured for outputting a trailer path curvature signal approximating a desired curvature for a path of travel of a trailer towably coupled to the vehicle. The trailer backup assist control module is configured for determining vehicle steering information as a function of the trailer path curvature signal. The electric power assist steering system is configured for controlling steering of steered wheels of the vehicle as a function of the vehicle steering information.

Abstract: Olefins may be produced by the reductive dehydroxylation of vicinal polyols and/or their respective esters, in an aqueous reaction medium, under a hydrogen atmosphere, under suitable conditions, and in the presence of a halogen-based, preferably iodine-based, catalyst, wherein a solubility enhancing agent is employed to increase the solubility of the iodine-based catalyst in the aqueous reaction medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composition comprising: a) a polypropylene; b) a polyolefin elastomer; and c) a block composite. The polyolefin elastomer has an I10/I2 from greater than 7.5 to 15.0. The composition may optionally include a filler.

Abstract: Described is an epoxy composition containing: (a) an epoxy resin containing at least one epoxy group, (b) an anhydride hardener, (c) a hydroxyl-terminated polysiloxane, and (d) a functional silane having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of an epoxy-reactive group, an anhydride-reactive group, and an epoxy- and anhydride-reactive group. Also describing a crosslinked epoxy composition and a method for preparing thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides cross-linked polymeric films, laminates, membranes or other polymeric articles, which show rubber like heat resistance (hot set) and dimensional stability above the polymer melting point, while maintaining heat sealing properties. For example, the invention provides a film comprising at least one layer formed from a composition comprising the following components: A) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of the following: i) an ethylene-based polymer, ii) an ethylene/?-olefin/diene interpolymer, and ii) a C4-C10 olefin-based polymer; B) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a propylene/ethylene interpolymer and a propylene/&alpha,- -olefin interpolymer; and wherein the film is crosslinked using radiation and/or chemicals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composition. The polymeric composition includes: (A) a propylene/a-olefin interpolymer; (B) an ethylene-based polymer; (C) a block composite comprising: i) a propylene-based crystalline polymer; ii) an ethylene/a-olefin polymer; and iii) a block copolymer comprising a propylene-based crystalline block and an ethylene/a-olefin block. The polymeric composition provides improved heat seals when formed into film, film layer, or flexible containers such as a retort pouch.