Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure describes methods and systems for detecting steering wheel contact by a user. A test signal may be transmitted to a power assisted steering system of a vehicle, where the test signal may apply torque to the steering wheel of the vehicle. A torque sensor may then receive measurements signals indicative of steering wheel torque. The torque indicated by the measurement signals may be compared to an expected torque. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether the user is in contact with the steering wheel.

Abstract: A thermal fuse is installed in the exhaust flow path in or from a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a combustion engine. At a temperature corresponding to overheating, or imminent overheating, of the DPF, the thermal fuse is activated to generate a signal initiating steps to avoid overheating of the DPF, such as shutting down of the engine.

Abstract: A battery pack thermistor test method includes charging a battery pack, monitoring a rise in average temperature reported by at least one thermistor on the battery pack over a predetermined time period, preparing at least one thermistor slope by calculating a least square fit of time vs. temperature for the at least one thermistor and comparing the at least one thermistor slope to process-defined thermistor slope limits.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension transverse link, including a bearing journal assembly having a pin-shaped portion and an anchor portion that attaches to a connecting point on the link. The anchor portion has an unrounded configuration.

Abstract: A phosphine ligand suitable for use in telomerizing butadiene comprises two phenyl groups and a xanthene moiety.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to compositions, apparatus, methods, and systems that may be used to produce polyols, for example, polyether polyols with a narrow range of molecular weights, with little if any unsaturated byproducts, in a sustained and/or continuous reaction, with efficient heat transfer, and/or at high production rates. For example, in some embodiments, teachings of the disclosure may be used to produce polyether polyols in a continuous loop flow process. A continuous loop flow process may be practiced such that heat is effectively transferred and/or product properties (e.g., range of molecular weights) are controllable. For example, a continuous loop flow process may use one or more continuous flow loops comprising a heat exchanger, a means to move material around each loop, inlets for catalyst, monomer, initiator or starter, and an outlet for polyol product.

Abstract: Polymer blends comprise at least one ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer and one or more oil. The oil can be an aromatic oil, napththenic oil, paraffinic oil or a combination thereof. The ethylene/?-olefin interpolymers are random block copolymers comprising at least a hard block and at least a soft block. The resulting blends can be used to make flexible molded articles.

Abstract: Embodiments include oxazolidone ring containing adducts obtainable by combining an aliphatic epoxy compound, an aromatic epoxy compound, and a diisocyanate. Embodiments further include a curable powder coating composition including a resin component and a hardener component, where the resin component includes the oxazolidone ring containing adduct.

Abstract: A powertrain comprising an engine, a motor, a disconnect clutch connected between the engine and the motor, and a transmission. The transmission is connected to the motor by a launch clutch and selectively and indirectly connected to the engine by the disconnect clutch. A controller receives an engine torque output signal and limits the torque output of the engine to the clutch capacity limit value. A system and a method are also provided for controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mount assembly configured to rotatably couple to a vehicle beam and configured to support an airbag module. The apparatus further includes a connecting mechanism configured to selectively fix the mount assembly to the beam in a first position and configured to disengage at a threshold torque. The mount assembly includes a first stop member configured to engage the beam upon rotation of the mount to a second position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process for producing low density polyethylene with a dissipation factor less than or equal to 1.48×10?4 radian at 2.47 GHz. The process includes free radical high pressure polymerization of ethylene and separation of the unreacted species from the resultant polyethylene to form a recycle stream. The process further includes purging dissipative components from the recycle stream. The purged recycle stream is then introduced into the polymerization reactor.

Abstract: A portable electronic device dock includes a storage unit and a lid, wherein the lid is adapted to clamp a portable electronic device between a portion of the lid and a portion of the storage unit to retain the portable electronic device in a user-accessible display position. The device dock includes a slide assembly adapted to bias the lid to an open position and a clutch assembly adapted to retain the lid in a clamped position on the portable electronic device. The slide assembly is coupled to an axle member, which is further coupled to support arms disposed on the lid. The slide assembly is further coupled to the clutch assembly on an opposite end such that the clutch assembly can limit movement of the slide assembly to further limit movement of the lid.

Abstract: The present invention discloses low viscosity aromatic polyester polyols suitable for blending with other polyols or other materials mutually compatible with the polyester polyols to achieve polyurethane and polyisocyanurate products. In particular the present invention discloses polyester polyols comprising the reaction of: A) an aromatic component comprising at 80 mole percent or greater of terephthalic acid; B) polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight from 150 to 1000; and C) a glycol different from the glycol of B); wherein A, B, and C are present in the reaction on a percent weight bases of 20 to 60 weight percent A); 40 to 75 weight percent of B); and 0 to 40 weight percent of C).

Abstract: The present invention relates to filled thermoplastic polyolefin compositions useful e.g., as sound-deadening sheeting for formed automotive applications comprising a propylene polymer having a density equal to or greater than 0.885 g/cm3, one or more linear ethylene polymer and/or substantially linear polymer, a plasticizer, and a filler, preferably calcium carbonate. Said composition demonstrates a good balance of heat properties and stiffness such that it is particularly suitable for sheet extrusion and thermoforming articles therefrom.

Abstract: A vehicle having and engine and traction battery and a method of operating an engine are disclosed. A controller operates the engine according to quantized engine power levels. The quantization level depends upon a total power demand. For low values of total power demand, the selected quantization level may be at least equal to the total power demand. For high values of total power demand, the selected quantization level may be less than or equal to the total power demand. In between low and high values, the selected quantization level may be the quantization level nearest the total power demand. The traction battery may receive or provide power depending on the selected quantization level.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”), more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with a multilayered photovoltaic cell assembly and a body portion joined at an interface region.

Abstract: The invention includes a spiral wound module comprising at least one membrane sheet wrapped about a permeate collection tube wherein the membrane sheet (14) comprises a plurality of capillary channels in parallel arrangement with each other and which are in fluid communication with the permeate collection tube (12). Many additional embodiments are disclosed along with methods for making and using the module and corresponding components.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method for preparing a heterogeneous, supported hydrogenation catalyst that comprises a Group VIII A metal and a catalyst support (for example, SiO2, with either a hydrophilic or a hydrophobic surface) via aqueous deposition precipitation as well as the catalyst prepared by said method.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle fascia assembly is provided. The fascia assembly includes a bumper cover and an impact sensor assembly attached to, without mechanically fastening, the bumper cover. The sensor assembly includes a housing configured to selectively rotate from a first position to a second position, a sensor disposed within the housing, and a wall preventing access to the sensor when the housing is in the first position. The sensor is accessible when the housing is in the second position.

Abstract: An exhaust system in an engine is provided. The exhaust system includes an exhaust manifold include at least one exhaust runner having an inlet and a flow rotation element including at least one vane, the flow rotation element positioned in the inlet of the exhaust runner swirling exhaust airflow entering the exhaust runner.