Abstract: A method for desorbing fuel vapors from a canister of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a fuel tank includes detecting the temperature within the interior of the fuel tank using a temperature sensor positioned within the fuel tank. The canister is in fluid communication with the fuel tank and an intake manifold of the engine of the vehicle. A vapor bypass valve is positioned along a flow line between the fuel tank and the canister. The vapor bypass valve is opened if the temperature inside the fuel tank falls below a pre-determined value. The low pressure region created within the fuel tank due to fall in temperature is utilized to route ambient air along with the fuel-vapors contained within the canister, towards the fuel tank, through the opened vapor bypass valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting ignition timing to one or more cylinders of a variable displacement engine responsive to a knock indication are described herein. In one particular example, during a partial cylinder mode, ignition timing to one or more cylinders may be adjusted responsive to a knock indication based on the number of cylinders deactivated; whereas during the full cylinder mode, ignition timing for all cylinders are adjusted responsive to a knock indication. Thereby, the systems and methods described allow a larger partial cylinder operating window that has a benefit of enhancing a vehicle's fuel economy.

Abstract: A dielectric fluid composition for electrical apparatus comprises a functionalized 12-hydroxy stearic acid having desirable properties including a pour point less than ?30° C. and a fire point greater than 250° C. It may be prepared by a process wherein 12-hydroxy methyl stearate is transesterified by reaction with a C3-C20 alcohol to form an alkyl-12-hydroxy stearate, followed by esterification thereof with a linear or branched C4-C20 carboxylic acid. This acid may be a free acid chloride, a fatty acid, a carboxylic acid anhydride, or combination thereof. The resulting functionalized 12-hydroxy stearic acid exhibits improved thermoxidative capability, low temperature flowability, and increased fire point.

Abstract: A method for transporting a vehicle having a wheel and a flexible underbody component, such as an air dam or skirt, adjacent the wheel. A chock including at least one wheel positioning bump is placed on a deck of the transporter vehicle (railway car, road vehicle, ship, aircraft, etc.) with the bump projecting upwardly from the deck to contact the wheel when the vehicle is in a pre-tie-down position. The chock further includes a sloped portion extending from positioning bump(s) to be located between the flexible underbody component and the deck. As the vehicle is urged downwardly to a tied-down position, the flexible underbody component contacts the sloped portion and is deflected either away from or toward the wheel to protect it from damaging contact with the deck.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline operating modes may be adjusted in response to driving surface conditions. The approaches may improve vehicle drivability and reduce driveline degradation.

Abstract: An engine system for determining an alcohol concentration in fuel is disclosed. In one example, engine throttle position, fuel pulse width, and air-fuel ratio form a basis for determining alcohol concentration of a fuel combusted in an engine. The system and its related method may improve engine operation in conjunction with detecting an alcohol concentration of a fuel.

Abstract: The method forms a layered-open-network polishing pad useful for polishing at least one of magnetic, semiconductor and optical substrates. Exposing a first and second polymer sheet or film of a curable polymer to an energy source creates an exposure pattern in the first and second polymer sheet, the exposure pattern having elongated sections exposed to the energy source. Then removing polymer from the exposed first and second polymer sheets to forms elongated channels through the first and second polymer sheets in a channel pattern that corresponds to the exposure pattern. Attaching the first and second polymer sheets forms a polishing pad, the patterns of the first and second polymer sheets cross wherein the first polymer sheet supports the second polymer sheet and the elongated channels from the first and second polymer sheets connect and to form the layered-open-network polishing pad.

Abstract: A method and system provides a Neutral Hold mode in a vehicle having a shift-by-wire transmission with a return to park feature. The Neutral Hold mode is entered upon detecting when the transmission control mechanism has been used a first time to select Neutral when a driver's door is open or has been used a second time to select Neutral. When in Neutral Hold mode, the transmission will stay in Neutral and not shift to Park upon detecting that a driver has exited the vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided that includes a control system that controls the time required for engine shut down. An electric machine or integrated starter-generator may be used to apply a load to the combustion engine after an engine shut down signal is received. By reducing the time required to shut down the engine in a controlled manner, the catalytic converter can be conditioned by providing a desired volume of air and fuel to the catalyst to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy. If an indication is received that it is no longer desirable to shut down the engine, the engine may be restarted conventionally or started in a quick start mode by refueling the engine is the engine operating at a sufficient speed for a quick restart.

Abstract: A vehicle air handling system includes an air conditioner having an inlet selectively opening to a source of fresh air or recirculated air from within the passenger compartment. A controller switches the source of inlet air to recirculated air under certain conditions in order to optimize system efficiency and component life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to separating one or more amine byproducts from one or more desired amines. More particularly, the invention involves forming a byproduct component with one or more amine byproducts and a first adjuvant component. The byproduct component has an enhanced separation characteristic relative to separating the amine byproducts from the desired amines in the absence of an adjuvant. Preferably, the byproduct component is separated in the presence of a second adjuvant component that preferably has a boiling point less than the boiling point of the first adjuvant component.

Abstract: A power system for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of power storage units, a multiplexer electrically connected with the power storage units, and a switching converter electrically connected with the multiplexer. The switching converter is configured to selectively act as a flyback switchmode power converter or a forward switchmode power converter.

Abstract: A fuel injection system including injectors for two different fuels is disclosed. In one example, fuel injection is adjusted to compensate for changes in engine intake air amount. Combustion stability during transient conditions may be improved.

Abstract: Prior to loading into a vehicle, a duct is attached to a battery such that the duct is moveable between a loading position and a post-loading position. Before the battery and duct are loaded into the vehicle, the duct is positioned in the loading position. After the battery and duct are loaded into the vehicle, the duct is positioned in the post-loading position and secured.

Abstract: A hybrid cooling system for an engine is provided. The system comprises a block oil cooling circuit, a head coolant cooling circuit, the head and block circuits having a common heat exchanger. The system also includes a flow device in the head cooling circuit for preventing coolant flow in the head cooling circuit at least during a first phase of a warm-up phase of the internal combustion engine, a delivery device in the block cooling circuit which delivers engine oil constantly under pressure through the block cooling circuit to bearing points in a cylinder block and to bearing points in a cylinder head, and a control element arranged in a control line to reduce the delivery capacity of the delivery device through the block cooling circuit at least during the first phase of the warm-up phase. In this way, heat transfer in the common heat exchanger may be substantially prevented.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing torque disturbances during a shift event for an automatic transmission control actual transmission input shaft torque using a transmission input shaft signal produced by an input shaft torque sensor. The torque sensor provides a signal to a controller that monitors the measured transmission input torque. The torque sensor may be implemented by a strain gauge, a piezoelectric load cell, or a magneto-elastic torque sensor. The system may include a vehicle powertrain having an engine, a transmission coupled to the engine via a torque converter, an input torque sensor coupled to the input shaft of the transmission and a controller configured to control engine torque to cause the measured transmission input shaft torque to achieve a target transmission input shaft torque during the shift event.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes a solid vehicle frame and a solid front axle including wheels movable to change the direction of the vehicle, a steering assembly including a steering wheel, a steering shaft coupled with the steering wheel, and a rotary output member having an end selectively movable in response to an input to the steering wheel, the solid front axle vehicle includes an electric power assist steering (EPAS) system for selectively steering the vehicle separately from any input to the steering wheel. The EPAS system includes a motor having a rotary output coupled to a steering gear and a steering rack having a longitudinal extent defining an axis having an end coupled a tie rod of the steering assembly. The longitudinal axis of the EPAS assembly is aligned with or transverse to the forward vehicle direction so its output is coupled to the output of the steering wheel and can be actuated independently.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a center console that extends longitudinally between two rear seats and two front seats and defines a cavity with a receptacle disposed therein. An adjustment mechanism is disposed within a rearward portion of the center console, and a panel is disposed over an intermediate portion of the center console. The panel includes a proximal end that is connected to the adjustment mechanism and a rearward end supported slidably by the center console. The panel is movable in a fore-and-aft direction between a forward position over the receptacle and a rearward position for providing access to the receptacle.

Abstract: A vehicle may include an electric machine that generates motive power for the vehicle, a plurality of cells that store energy for the electric machine, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may cause the cells to receive current for a period of time and, during the period of time, cause at least some of the cells to supply cell load current such that at the expiration of the period of time, the amount of energy stored by the cells is at least equal to a predetermined target energy level.

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 impact sensor assembly includes a housing, a sensor disposed within the housing, and a planar tab bonded to the bumper cover. The impact sensor assembly is spaced away from the bumper cover a distance no greater than a thickness of the planar tab.