Abstract: A selectively operable vacuum source is disclosed. In one example, vacuum source supplies as much air to an engine as is drawn by the vacuum source from a vacuum reservoir. The approach may provide vacuum to a vehicle vacuum system efficiently and with less weight than other vacuum sources.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present application may provide a system and method for monitoring driver inputs and vehicle parameters, assessing a driver's acceleration behavior, and providing short-term and/or long-term feedback to the driver relating to the driver's acceleration behavior. The acceleration behavior feedback can be used to coach future driving acceleration behavior that may translate into better long-term driving habits, which in turn may lead to improvements in fuel economy or vehicle range. Moreover, the acceleration behavior feedback can be adapted to a driver based upon how responsive the driver is to the feedback.

Abstract: A tool and method of hemming a panel wherein the tool engages a flange to apply a compressive force with a stop initially preventing a distal end of the flange from moving inwardly. The hemming tool bends the intermediate portion of the flange between the flange bend and the distal end toward the panel. The stop is withdrawn to allow the flange to be progressively formed toward the panel until the distal end is aligned with the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A vehicle computing system includes a processor programmed and configured to establish communication with a wireless device brought into proximity of a vehicle. The processor may use the wireless device to receive an identifier from a vehicle rental administrative system. The identifier is configured with the processor to activate a vehicle during a prescribed rental period. The processor may receive user input to activate the vehicle for a rental period. The processor may compare the user input to the received identifier and enable a keyless drive-away of the vehicle if the user input corresponds to the identifier.

Abstract: Automotive vehicles having a manual shift transmission, with driver feedback to indicate when a shift change is recommended or to provide other event notifications.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling a turbocharged engine having an additional throttle located between an intake manifold of the engine and an outlet of a compressor. In one example approach a method comprises, during a cold start condition, diverting a portion of compressed air from downstream a compressor to a heat exchanger, and heating vehicle components with the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided and includes a plurality of light projectors located on a vehicle and configured to illuminate different lighted image patterns on a ground surface adjacent to the vehicle. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly also includes a controller for sequentially activating the plurality of light projectors to generate an animated lighted image on the ground surface.

Abstract: A rotary vane pump includes a housing that encloses an air chamber. An intake aperture extends to the air chamber. A check valve couples with the intake aperture and includes a stop having first and second sides. A helical spring engages the first side and biases the second side against a valve seat. A porous body is disposed between the helical spring and the air chamber for preventing fluid backflow.

Abstract: Methods and systems for passively purging a hydrocarbon trap in an engine intake in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to an ambient temperature decrease during an engine off condition while a fuel tank is sealed from atmosphere, delivering fuel stored in a hydrocarbon trap in an intake of the engine to a fuel vapor canister coupled to the fuel tank in an emission control system.

Abstract: A folding seat assembly includes a pair of seats each of which has a backrest and a seat cushion. A luggage compartment cover housing is attached to each backrest so as to cover substantially the entire rear face of each backrest for stowing an individual flexible luggage compartment cover for each seat. This enables each backrest to be folded into a stowed position without the need to remove the respective flexible luggage compartment cover or the respective luggage compartment cover housing and produces a substantially flat obstruction free load surface when so folded.

Abstract: Processes for the production of chlorinated alkanes are provided. The present processes comprise catalyzing the chlorination of a feedstream comprising one or more alkanes and/or alkenes with a catalyst system comprising one or more inorganic iodine salts and/or lower than conventional levels of elemental iodine and at least one Lewis acid. The processes are conducted in a nonaqueous media, and so, the one or more inorganic iodine salts are recoverable and/or reusable, in whole or in part.

Abstract: Methods and systems for purging a hydrocarbon trap in an engine intake in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises during an engine off condition, operating a pump in a purge line coupled to a fuel vapor canister in an emission control system to deliver fuel stored in a hydrocarbon trap in an intake of the engine to the fuel vapor canister.

Abstract: A handle assembly for opening and closing a vehicle door wherein the handle assembly includes: a recess in an exterior surface of the vehicle door; a cover over the recess wherein the cover is coupled to the vehicle door and is moveable between an open position and a closed position; and a handle member coupled to the cover and retained in the recess when the cover is in the closed position and released from the recess when the cover is in the open position.

Abstract: A system may include at least one antenna and a controller in communication with the antenna. The controller may be configured to establish a pattern for transmitting low frequency challenges; and instruct the first antenna to transmit the low frequency challenges based on the established pattern.

Abstract: A method for controlling cornering of a motor vehicle having a front wheel drive and an electronically controllable locking differential. A motion model of the motor vehicle is calculated on the basis of the control inputs of a vehicle driver, a lateral movement parameter of the motor vehicle is measured. Deviations of the measured lateral movement parameter to the modeled movement, and the rotational speed of a front wheel which is on the inside during cornering from such a rotational speed of a front wheel which is on the outside are determined. The deviations are reduced if the rotational speed of the front wheel which is on the inside is not lower than the rotational speed of the front wheel which is on the outside, and if the measured lateral movement parameter deviates from the modeled lateral movement parameter. Reduction of the deviation is carried out by applying a locking torque to the locking differential and by single-sided braking of at least one wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new process of preparation for PUA with superior mechanical performance, such as elongation, and tensile strength. The process is solvent free, smooth, and robust. PU prepolymer prepared according to the present invention has low viscosity, and contains no particulate DMPA.

Abstract: A safety interlock system and method is provided for a laser ignition system. The laser device can be disabled upon receiving an indication that the laser device has been removed from the cylinder. The removal can be inferred based on an estimated distance between the cylinder piston and the laser ignition device.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain control system causes friction torque to be delivered to wheels at a generally constant value for a range of increasing requested friction torque values such that commanded powertrain torque values are reduced to a generally constant floor value. The range of increasing requested torque values is less than a requested powertrain torque value under foot off accelerator pedal and vehicle stop conditions.

Abstract: A transmission clutch control method includes defining a transfer function relating clutch torque to a control signal under transmission operating conditions; determining a target clutch torque for current operating conditions; determining the target control signal from the transfer function to produce target torque at the clutch; correcting clutch torque on the basis of a difference between the target clutch torque and the actual torque at the clutch by adjusting the control signal; calculating actual clutch torque with reference to transmission input torque and transmission output torque; computing a clutch torque error as a difference between calculated clutch torque and the target clutch torque; and repetitively adjusting the transfer function on the basis of the clutch torque error.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating for, or alleviating accumulation of, coking residues on fuel injectors is disclosed. The method includes adjusting an engine operating parameter based on a shift in a fuel injector current profile during an initial current rise of injector activation.