Abstract: Various systems and method are described for controlling an engine having an exhaust system which includes a particulate filter. One example method comprises, after shutting down the engine and spinning down the engine to rest, operating a vacuum pump to draw fresh air through the exhaust system to an intake system, and regenerating at least a portion of the particulate filter during the engine rest.

Abstract: A novel hydroxyl-functional polyether derived from the reaction of (a) a divinylarene dioxide, particularly a divinylarene dioxide derived from divinylbenzene such as divinylbenzene dioxide (DVBDO); and (b) a diphenol; wherein the reaction product is thermally stable and exhibits an absence of self-polymerization (crosslinking or gelling) upon heating at elevated temperatures. The novel hydroxyl-functional polyether offers improved properties compared to known hydroxyl-functional polyethers such as solid epoxy resins, phenolic epoxy resins (hardeners), and poly(hydroxyl ethers).

Abstract: One or more embodiments may include a method for remotely obtaining information about an energy source of a vehicle. Information identifying one or more vehicles and one or more drivers of the vehicles may be received at one or more computing devices remote from a vehicle. Instructions from the one or more remote computing devices may be transmitted requesting information from the identified vehicle(s) about a status of an energy source for the identified vehicle(s). The status information may be received at the remote computing device(s). Based on the energy source status information and the driver identifying information, a vehicle energy source status with respect to one or more attributes of the vehicle drivers may be calculated. Additionally, the vehicle energy source status may be displayed at the one or more devices.

Abstract: A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to homogeneous liquid low molecular weight ethylene/alpha-olefin polymers having a number average molecular weight (Mn) as determined by gel permeation chromatography, of less than 25,000, a total crystallinity, as measured by DSC, of less than 10%, and a pour point, as measured by ASTM D97, of less than 50° C. The subject invention also pertains to homogeneous gel-like low molecular weight ethylene/alpha-olefin polymers having a number average molecular weight (Mn) as determined by gel permeation chromatography, of less than 25,000, a total crystallinity, as measured by DSC, of less than 50%, and a pour point, as measured by ASTM D97, of less than 90° C.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining that an infotainment system has been activated. The method further includes accessing a vehicle network containing at least a unique vehicle identifier. The method additionally includes comparing the unique vehicle identifier to a stored vehicle identifier. The method further includes permitting access to the infotainment system only if the unique vehicle identifier matches the stored vehicle identifier.

Abstract: A diesel engine exhaust treatment system and method is provided which utilizes a diesel particulate filter positioned in the exhaust gas stream of a vehicle which includes an SCR catalyst, an ammonia oxidation catalyst, and/or a diesel oxidation catalyst. The system is capable of performing multiple functions including converting NOx to N2, converting HC and CO to H2O and CO2, trapping particulates, and minimizing ammonia emissions. The system is more compact and efficient than prior systems utilizing separate catalyst units, and minimizes backpressure while maximizing catalyst performance.

Abstract: A method of operating a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, comprising during a first engine-running condition, where a vehicle window or vent is in a more closed position, operating a climate control system to provide a user requested level of thermal comfort, and during a second engine-running condition, wherein the vehicle window or vent is in a less closed position, limiting the performance of the climate control system and biasing shared vehicle resources to provide additional fuel economy. In this manner, thermal comfort of the vehicle passengers can be maintained while providing additional fuel economy.

Abstract: A self-bypassing filter system for a fluid reservoir. The system includes a filter disposed within the reservoir, positioned to intercept the fluid flow proceeding out of the reservoir. A bypass fluid flow path extending from upstream to downstream of the filter, without passing through the filter. In addition, the system includes a membrane, positioned to completely block the bypass fluid flow path upstream of the filter, the membrane being formed of a material dissolvable in the fluid.

Abstract: A method for detecting leakage within an Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) of a vehicle continuously obtains the weather information and the weather forecast for the geographical location that the vehicle is currently in. Based on the weather information, an average time required for the fuel within the fuel-tank of the vehicle to cool off to a pre-determined temperature is calculated. The powertrain control module of the vehicle is activated at a specific instant, based on the average time, to perform the leakage detection within the EVAP system.

Abstract: A vehicle having an extendable bed assembly includes a loading bed and a tailgate pivotally connected to, and positioned upright over the loading bed. A sliding member is retained within the tailgate. To extend the bed assembly, the tailgate is laid down, and the sliding member is extended out rearwards from the tailgate, by unlocking the locking mechanism. The tailgate and the sliding member append the loading bed, to form primary and secondary extensions, respectively, constituting a fully extended bed. A bed grille is slid to the rearmost portion of the extended bed, and fixedly positioned there. The bed grille includes a central member, and a left flap and a right flap pivotally connected to it. The flaps are rotated outwards, to an orientation perpendicular to the central member, forming a U-shaped structure, which acts as a support for the items loaded over the extended portion of the bed assembly.

Abstract: An alignment tool for a steering wheel, where the steering wheel is mounted on a steering column and the tool is configured to attach to the steering wheel. The tool includes a wheel orientation mechanism including a first tilt sensor, reporting a clockwise angle of the steering wheel, and a tilt monitoring mechanism that includes a second tilt sensor to report a tilt angle of the steering column.

Abstract: Low viscosity functional fluids are described which comprises methoxy polyethylene glycol. The fluids are particularly well-suited for use as DOT 4 brake fluids and provide high ERBP, WERBP, low kinematic viscosity and low SBR volume % increase.

Abstract: An illustrative method of data gathering includes determining that a vehicle traveling characteristic has changed beyond an expected parameter. The method further includes recording the GPS coordinates of the vehicle and ceasing recording the GPS coordinates of the vehicle when the vehicle traveling characteristic resumes the expected parameter. Finally, the method includes determining and storing a traffic control feature associated with at least one set of the GPS coordinates, if the recorded GPS coordinates of the vehicle correspond to previously recorded GPS coordinates.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote application. The system also includes one or more outputs, controllable by the processor. The processor is configured to receive an advertisement for playback on at least one output, determine the suitability of the received advertisement for playback, permit or deny advertisement playback based on the suitability of the advertisement, and provide access to the at least one output upon permitting advertisement playback.

Abstract: A system for electro-hydraulically forming a sheet metal part in an electro-hydraulic forming (EHF) machine. The part in a first shape is placed in the EHF machine between a one-sided forming die and a chamber that is filled with a liquid. An electrode is discharged in the chamber to form the part toward the forming die. The electrode is advanced within the chamber toward the part and a subsequent discharge is provided in the chamber to form the part. A gap discharge EHF machine and a wire discharge EHF machine may be used in the system.

Abstract: A compressor control method for prolonging operating time of a vehicle air conditioning compressor. The method includes monitoring an operating temperature of an insulated gate bipolar transistor in the compressor, comparing the operating temperature to at least one predetermined threshold temperature, and continuing operation of the compressor if the operating temperature is below the at least one predetermined threshold temperature. At least one mitigating step is implemented to prevent premature shutdown of the compressor if the operating temperature is above the at least one predetermined threshold temperature.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for recovering dichlorohydrins from a hydrochlorination reactor effluent stream comprising dichlorohydrins, one or more compounds selected from esters of dichlorohydrins, monochlorohydrins and/or esters thereof, and multihydroxylated-aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds and/or esters thereof, and optionally one or more substances comprising water, chlorinating agents, catalysts and/or esters of catalysts. The reactor effluent stream is distilled to produce a dichlorohydrin-rich vapor phase effluent stream. The dichlorohydrin-rich vapor phase effluent stream is cooled and condensed in two unit operations conducted at two different temperatures and a portion of the liquid phase effluent stream produced by the first unit operation is recycled to the distillation step for reflux. Product streams produced by the process and apparatus are suitable for further processing in a further unit operation, such as dehydrochlorination.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically angularly positioning wheels of an automotive vehicle after parking. The system disclosed here includes a power-assisted steering system coupled to the wheels. Further, the system includes a controller, coupled to the steering system, which is configured to automatically position the wheels in a desired direction, based on a determination that the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: A transmission includes sensors positioned adjacent respective pairs of magnetized bands on a shaft of the transmission for detecting magnetic flux emanating from the bands in response to torque on the shaft. The transmission further includes an electronics interface assembly configured to respectively provide drive signals to the sensors and to receive from the sensors, in response to the drive signals, output signals indicative of the torque on the shaft as detected by the sensors.