Abstract: This invention relates to the modification of polyolefin structures, parts or components, used in assemblies to enhance the bonding of polar adhesives to surface of the polyolefin structures. Disclosed herein are novel articles comprising polyolefin structures having one or more surfaces modified according to the invention. The polyolefin structures have one or more surfaces with an epoxy resin layer disposed directly on the surface and then disposed on the epoxy resin layer is a layer of one or more compounds, oligomers or prepolymers having reactive isocyanate groups. The invention is also a method for modifying one or more surfaces of a polyolefin structure by successively depositing on the surfaces an epoxy resin layer disposed and a layer of one or more compounds, oligomers or prepolymers having reactive isocyanate groups. Also disclosed are kits of the modified polyolefin structures and one or more of adhesives or coatings having polar reactive groups.

Abstract: Porous composites of mullite and cordierite are formed by firing an acicular mullite body in the presence of a magnesium source and a silicon source. In some variations of the process, the magnesium and silicon sources are present when the acicular mullite body is formed. In other variations, the magnesium source and the silicon source are applied to a previously-formed acicular mullite body. Surprisingly, the composites have coefficients of linear thermal expansion that are intermediate to those of mullite and cordierite alone, and have higher fracture strengths than cordierite at a similar porosity. Some of the cordierite forms at grain boundaries and/or points of intersection between mullite needles, rather than merely coating the needles. The presence of magnesium and silicon sources during acicular mullite formation does not significantly affect the ability to produce a highly porous network of mullite needles.

Abstract: In a first illustrative embodiment, a computer implemented method includes detecting a plurality of context providing devices accessible to a vehicle computing system. The illustrative method further includes evaluating context relevant information from each of the detected devices to compile a display. The illustrative method also includes outputting a compiled display to a vehicle display, including at least one portion of the display initially dedicated to vehicle-based service content and at least one portion of the display dedicated to content from a context providing device.

Abstract: Ethylene-based interpolymers, e.g., ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, are made by a process comprising the steps of: A. Injecting a first feed comprising a chain transfer agent system (CTA system) and ethylene into a first autoclave reactor zone to produce a first zone reaction product, the CTA system of the first reactor zone having a transfer activity Z1; and B. (1) Transferring at least part of the first zone reaction product to a second reactor zone selected from a second autoclave reactor zone or a tubular reactor zone, and (2) at least one of transferring or freshly injecting a feed comprising a CTA system into the second reactor zone to produce a second zone reaction product, the CTA system of the second reactor zone having a transfer activity of Z2; and with the proviso that the ratio of Z1:Z2 is greater than 1. The comonomer comprises at least one carboxylic acid group or an anhydride group.

Abstract: A method of controlling an evaporative emissions system of a vehicle includes determining that a refueling event has been requested by a vehicle occupant, detecting a pressure inside a fuel tank, and impeding opening of a fuel tank inlet if the pressure is above a limit value. After the refueling event, an open/closed status of a fuel inlet access door is monitored, a fuel level inside a fuel tank is monitored, and a vehicle engine an operating condition is monitored. Pressure buildup within the fuel tank is disabled if a) the open/closed status has not changed from closed to open, and b) the fuel level has increased, and c) the vehicle engine is operating. An operator alert may be generated, and/or a fault code may be set in a vehicle diagnostic system.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon -m improved photovoltaic building sheathing member (“PV device”), more particularly to a flexible low modulus photovoltaic building sheathing member, the member comprising: a flexible photovoltaic cell assembly, a body portion comprised of a body material and connected to a; peripheral edge segment of the photovoltaic cell assembly, wherein the body portion has a cross-sectional area of at least 35 mm2 within 1 cm on at least 95 percent of points along the peripheral edge segment: wherein the body material comprises a composition having a modulus of 5 to 200 MPa between a temperature of ?40 to 85° C., with a coefficient of thermal expansion (GTE) below 100×10?6/° C., and the body portion exhibiting a warpage value of less than 15 mm.

Abstract: A method of optimizing usage of post-injection strategy for improved cabin comfort in a vehicle includes detecting a set of conditions corresponding to parameters pertaining to the vehicle's hardware components, driving components and operating conditions. If one or more of the set of conditions are satisfied, the method implements the post-injection strategy for the vehicle, for a pre-determined time, if the fuel-oil ratio for the engine of the vehicle is lower than a pre-determined value.

Abstract: A bimodal toughening agent comprising a) a first preformed coreshell toughening agent and b) a second preformed coreshell toughening agent wherein the second preformed coreshell toughening agent has a particle size of at least two times larger than that of the first preformed coreshell toughening agent, and the use of the bimodal toughening agent in a thermosettable epoxy resin composition, is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling engine diagnostics, including visual inspections of an engine cylinder, using existing hardware from a laser ignition system. Light pulses from a laser ignition device are received at a photodetector during non-combusting conditions and used to generate images of an inside of the cylinder that can be assessed by a service technician. An electric motor of the vehicle system can be used during a service mode of the vehicle to rotate the engine to, and hold the engine at, specified engine positions that enable the technician to perform selected diagnostic tests.

Abstract: A method of parking a vehicle includes calibrating a wheel speed count of the vehicle based on a measured length that is external to the vehicle, and parking the vehicle based on the calibrated wheel speed count.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a dielectric fluid comprising a farnesene-based oligomer and an antioxidant and devices containing the dielectric fluid.

Abstract: A transmission includes a first drive secured to an input, producing a fixed drive ratio; a second drive secured to an input, producing a variable drive ratio; a planetary gearset including a member connected to the second drive, and a second member; a brake releasably holding the second member rotatably fixed; a first clutch releasably connecting the first member and an output; and a second clutch releasably connecting the second member and the first drive.

Abstract: A steering system clatter mitigation apparatus and method. The clatter mitigation apparatus excites the steering system at a frequency within a range of an existing engine noise. The excitation of the steering system at a different frequency than the clatter sound greatly reduces the clatter sound. The sound produced by the excitation of the steering system is masked by the existing sound of the engine.

Abstract: An exhaust assembly is provided that includes an exhaust pipe extending rearward from a vehicle into an exhaust passage, and a fascia coupled to the vehicle defining the exhaust passage. The exhaust assembly further includes a bezel defining an exhaust opening substantially aligned with the pipe, and a sleeve configured within the exhaust opening. The sleeve extends rearward to at least the rearmost portion of the exhaust opening and substantially parallel to an exit portion of the pipe. The exhaust opening may further define an exhaust plane tangent to rearmost portion of the bezel, and the sleeve may extend at least to this plane. An upper sleeve may also be configured to extend at least to a line tangent to the rearmost surfaces of an upper bezel and perpendicular to the upper sleeve.

Abstract: A method of designing an exhaust assembly that includes the steps: developing an initial exhaust assembly design; evaluating the initial design based on a design guide; developing an interim exhaust assembly design, or a plurality of interim exhaust assembly designs, based on the initial design and a parametric model; evaluating the interim design or designs using a computational fluid dynamics model; and developing a final exhaust assembly design based on the parametric and the fluid dynamics models.

Abstract: A salt composition consisting of an alkali metal chloride, a carboxymethyl cellulose and 0 to 90% of other ingredients, wherein the carboxymethyl cellulose, has a viscosity of from 200 to 15,000 mPa-s, measured as a 2 weight percent aqueous solution at 20° C. using a Haake RS 1 viscometer with a cylinder system Z34 DIN at 10.0 s?1. The carboxymethyl cellulose can be used for increasing the perceived saltiness provided by an alkali metal chloride, such as sodium chloride, or for reducing the amount of an alkali metal chloride, such as sodium chloride in a fluid or solid food composition.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging a driver of a vehicle is provided. The system includes an imager mounted to a steering wheel hub that images a scene containing a bodily feature of the driver and generates image data therefrom. An image processor receives and analyzes the image data and generates biometric information related to the driver. The biometric information is useable as input for a variety of vehicle operations.

Abstract: A fuel pump to fuel tank attachment assembly for a vehicle includes a retainer ring firmly attached to a portion of the fuel tank. The retainer ring is formed of the same material as the material of the fuel tank. A lock ring is positioned over, and secured to the retainer ring. A flange of the fuel pump is positioned and clamped between the retainer ring and the lock ring. The retainer ring and the lock ring circumferentially engage the flange of the fuel pump, in the mounted position of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns an internal combustion engine and a method of its production having at least one cylinder and with a crank drive comprising a crankshaft, in which the crankshaft mounted in the crankcase has an associated crankshaft throw, the crankshaft throws being arranged spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft, and at least one compensation weight serving as imbalance is arranged on the crankshaft on the side opposite at least one crankshaft throw The compensation weight has an arcuate form on the outward-facing side, the outside of which running in the peripheral direction has a constant distance S from a reference axis which runs parallel to and spaced by a distance ? from the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft, wherein the reference axis is arranged on the side facing away from the compensation weight, starting from the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A method of determining an object distance from a vehicle includes sending a first transmission signal during a first burst period from a first transmitter, listening for a first reflection signal during a first listen period in a receiver, and sending a second transmission signal during a second burst period from a second transmitter. The second transmission signal is sent based on a time when the first transmission signal is sent.