Abstract: A lithium-ion conducting, solid electrolyte is deposited on a thin, flexible, porous alumina membrane which is placed between co-extensive facing side surfaces of a porous, lithium-accepting, negative electrode and a positive electrode formed of a porous layer of particles of a compound of lithium, a transition metal element, and optionally, another metal element. A liquid electrolyte formed, for example, of LiPF6 dissolved in an organic solvent, infiltrates the electrode materials of the two porous electrodes for transport of lithium ions during cell operation. But the solid electrolyte permits the passage of only lithium ions, and the negative electrode is protected from damage by transition metal ions or other chemical species produced in the positive electrode of the lithium-ion cell.

Abstract: A method for position correction of a machine relative to a work piece. The machine may be provided with an end effector. The work piece may be engaged with the end effector. A force or a moment resulting from engaging the work piece with the end effector may be measured. A pose error may be determined from the force and/or the moment, wherein the pose error may define a misalignment of the end effector. The end effector may be repositioned an amount equal to the pose error to correct the misalignment. One application may involve torqueing nuts with a nut runner, which may be accomplished through the use of an automated machine such as a robot.

Abstract: A vision system is configured to dynamically inspect an object in a field of view. This includes capturing, using a camera, three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data of the field of view and transforming each of the points of the 3D point cloud data into a plurality of tangential surface vectors. Surface normal vectors are determined for each of the points of the 3D point cloud data based upon the plurality of tangential surface vectors. Distribution peaks in the surface normal vectors are detected employing a unit sphere mesh. Parallel planes are separated using the distance distribution peaks. A radially bounded nearest neighbor strategy combined with a process of nearest neighbor searching based upon cell division is executed to segment a planar patch. A planar surface is identified based upon the segmented planar patch.

Abstract: A tell-tale indicator for aiding an operator in locating and operating a secondary hood latch release in a gap between a vehicle body and an openable hood includes an indicator configured to locate the secondary hood latch release such that the secondary hood latch release is readily locatable and operable to open the hood. The indicator may be further configured to display an operating direction of the secondary hood latch release.

Abstract: A synchronous reluctance electric machine is described, and includes a stator including a plurality of electrical windings and a rotor disposed in a cylindrically-shaped void formed within the stator. The rotor includes a plurality of steel laminations assembled onto a shaft, wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis. Each of the steel laminations includes a plurality of poles and each of the poles includes a plurality of slots disposed near an outer periphery. The slots of the steel laminations are longitudinally aligned. A plurality of packets assembled from anisotropic material are disposed in the slots.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing an even distribution of waste heat in a vehicular battery pack, including a battery pack, a cold plate, a coolant reservoir, a support structure between the battery pack and the coolant reservoir, and a conformable thermal interface material for filling the space between cells of the battery pack and the coolant reservoir so as to provide thermal contact between the cells and the coolant reservoir for distributing the waste heat. In addition, methods and devices for providing an even distribution of waste heat and structural support in any heat source to heat sink for applications such as small devices such as computer motors.

Abstract: A part holding assembly, an assembly system and a method of positioning a first part are disclosed. The part holding assembly is coupleable to a support structure. The part holding assembly includes a base adapted to be coupled to the support structure. The part holding assembly also includes a first pin extending outwardly away from the base to a distal end that is spaced from the base. The base is movable to position the first pin relative to a first part and to insert the distal end of the first pin through a first hole of the first part to locate the first part. The part holding assembly further includes a first magnet adjacent to the first pin. The first magnet is selectively magnetized to selectively secure the position of the first part relative to the base.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system includes first and second selective catalytic reduction devices (SCRs) and a single reductant injection system. A total ammonia storage capacity and an ammonia storage level are determined for the first and second SCRs, and determine a total SCR ammonia storage level for the first and second SCRs based upon the ammonia storage level on the first and second SCRs. A first storage error is determined, and a second storage error is determined based upon an ammonia storage level and an ammonia storage capacity for the second SCR. A second reductant dosing rate is determined based upon the second storage error. The reductant injection system injects reductant into the exhaust gas feedstream based upon the second reductant dosing rate when the second storage error indicates an imbalance between the ammonia storage on the first SCR and the ammonia storage on the second SCR.

Abstract: A product may include a steering tube that may have a first component, and a second component. A hinge may be connected to enable the first and second components to fold relative to one another so that the steering tube is foldable. A latch may secure the first and second components in an unfolded position. The first and second components may be locked in a folded position. The latch may include a lever that has a latch hook. The first and second components may be secured through engagement of the latch hook with a striker.

Abstract: A method and a test fixture for evaluating a junction between an electrical lead trace and a busbar are described, and include an electric power supply disposed to supply electric power to the electrical lead trace and an electric monitoring device disposed to monitor electrical potential across the junction. A mechanical stress-inducing device is disposed to apply mechanical stress proximal to the junction. The electric monitoring device monitors the electrical potential across the junction of the electrical lead trace coincident with the mechanical stress-inducing device applying mechanical stress proximal to the junction when the electric power supply is supplying electric power to the electrical lead trace. Electrical integrity of the junction is evaluated based upon the monitored electrical potential across the junction.

Abstract: An assembly system and a part holding assembly are configured to locate and secure a part defining holes. The part holding assembly further includes a first clamping device movable along a first track for positioning the first clamping device relative to the part. The first clamping device is configured to engage the part to secure the part to the first clamping device. The part holding assembly also includes a first pin device movable along a second track for positioning the first pin device relative to the location of one of the holes of the part. The first pin is configured to be disposed through the one of the holes of the part when in a closed position for locating the part. The first pin is configured to expand in the one of the holes when in an open position for securing the part to the first pin device.

Abstract: A transmission includes a stationary member, an input member, and gear sets each having a plurality of nodes. The transmission includes a first clutch that connects a node of one gear set to the stationary member to establish an L1 mode, and a second clutch that connects a node of another gear set to the stationary member to establish a 2L mode. A SOWC is connected between nodes of two gear sets, and a controller, in response to a requested shift L1-L2 shift while engine braking, executes a method to release the first clutch and thereby enters a neutral mode. The SOWC is released when slip across the first clutch exceeds a first threshold, then the first clutch reapplied when a SOWC slip level exceeds another threshold to thereby enter a 1st gear freewheeling mode. The second clutch is reapplied to enter the L2 mode and resume engine braking.

Abstract: A method for determining a state of charge (SOC) of a rechargeable battery cell includes determining a rate-invariant charge/discharge relationship between an open-circuit voltage (OCV) and a state of charge (SOC). This includes a first finite-rate voltage scan following a reduction branch of a relationship between OCV and the SOC, and executing a second finite-rate voltage scan following an oxidation branch of a relationship between OCV and the SOC. A rate-dependent charge/discharge relationship between the OCV and the SOC is determined during scanned voltage transitions between the reduction and oxidation branches. A present SOC state is determined based upon an electrical potential, the rate-invariant charge/discharge relationship between the OCV and the SOC, and the rate-dependent charge/discharge relationship between the OCV and the SOC during a voltage-scan reversal that occurs when the scanned voltage transitions between the reduction and oxidation branches.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells that cycle lithium ions are provided. The electrochemical cells have an electrode that includes a silicon-containing electroactive material that undergoes volumetric expansion and contraction during the cycling of the electrochemical cell; and an electrolyte system that promotes passive formation of a flexible protective layer comprising a lithium fluoride-polymer composite on one or more exposed surface regions of the silicon-containing electroactive material. The electrolyte system includes a lithium salt, at least one cyclic carbonate, and two or more linear carbonates. At least one of the two or more linear carbonate-containing co-solvents is a fluorinated carbonate-containing co-solvent. The electrolyte system accommodates the volumetric expansion and contraction of the silicon-containing electroactive material to promote long term cycling stability.

Abstract: A powertrain system including an engine and transmission is described, and includes a temperature sensor disposed to monitor a hydraulic fluid for the transmission. A method for monitoring the temperature sensor includes monitoring engine operation including engine coolant temperature and monitoring a signal output from the temperature sensor. An indicated temperature slope is determined based upon the signal output from the temperature sensor, and a temperature region associated with the engine coolant temperature is determined. Performance of the temperature sensor is evaluated based upon the indicated temperature slope and minimum and maximum temperature slope thresholds that are associated with the temperature region.

Abstract: A method of detecting a curb. An image of a path of travel is captured by a monocular image capture device mounted to a vehicle. A feature extraction technique is applied by a processor to the captured image. A classifier is applied to the extracted features to identify a candidate region in the image. Curb edges are localized by the processor in the candidate region of the image by extracting edge points. Candidate curbs are identified as a function of the extracted edge points. A pair of parallel curves is selected representing the candidate curb. A range from image capture device to the candidate curb is determined. A height of the candidate curb is determined. A vehicle application is enabled to assist a driver in maneuvering a vehicle utilizing the determined range and depth of the candidate curb.

Abstract: A roof headliner for a vehicle includes a substrate defining a surface. The substrate is configured for attachment to an interior surface of a roof of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The roof headliner includes an energy absorption panel that is attached to the surface of the substrate. The energy absorption panel includes a silicone based material. The energy absorption panel extends an entire length along an edge of an upper roof zone of the vehicle, and is positioned to extend both inboard and outboard of the edge of the upper roof zone.

Abstract: Methods of controlling a contactor in a high voltage electrical circuit of a vehicle include delaying a contactor opening if a valid open command is not received, inhibiting closing of a contactor if a low voltage circuit voltage is not sufficient to close the contactor, and determining a fault in the opening of a contactor based on voltages sensed on the contacts of the contactor.