Abstract: A method of manufacturing a crankshaft assembly includes configuring a crankshaft with a crankpin journal having a cavity extending at least partially from a first axial side to a second axial side of the crankpin journal, and opening at at least one of the first axial side and the second axial side. The method includes disposing a core plug in the cavity. The crankshaft has a first density and the core plug may have a second density which may be less than the first density. A crankshaft assembly includes the crankshaft and the core plug.

Abstract: A grinder assembly includes a spindle selectively rotatable about a central axis. The grinder assembly also includes a grinding wheel attachable to and detachable from the spindle. The grinding wheel is rotatable about the central axis when attached to the spindle. The grinder assembly further includes an adaptor cooperating with the spindle and the grinding wheel to provide a quick attachment and detachment of the grinding wheel with the spindle. The adaptor includes a plurality of first teeth extending outwardly relative to the spindle and a plurality of second teeth extending outwardly relative to the grinding wheel. The first and second teeth cooperate with each other to selectively attach the grinding wheel to the spindle and prevent independent rotation of the grinding wheel relative to the spindle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a steering assist unit of a vehicle. The method includes receiving first accelerometer data, second accelerometer data, and third accelerometer data then comparing and calculating differences between the first accelerometer data, second accelerometer data and the third accelerometer data to determine a relative movement values for the second and third locations. The relative movement value represents the contraction or expansion of separate systems as they independently move at or near the second and third locations. The method further includes outputting a control signal to control the travel of the steering assist unit based on the relative movement values.

Abstract: A method for determining a wet surface condition of a road. An image of a road surface is captured by an image capture device of the host vehicle. The image capture device is mounted on a side of the host vehicle and captures an image in a downward direction. Identifying in the captured image, by a processor, a region of interest. The region of interest is in a region sideways to a face of the wheel. The region of interest is representative of where sideways splash as generated by the wheel occurs. A determination is made whether water is present in the region of interest. A wet road surface signal is generated in response to the identification of water in the region of interest.

Abstract: A damper assembly includes a housing. A method of forming a damper assembly includes extruding the housing formed of aluminum. The housing defines a first chamber and a first passage spaced from each other, with a first inlet fluidly connecting the first chamber and the first passage. A piston is disposed in the first chamber and is movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. A first restrictor valve is disposed in the first passage. The first restrictor valve is configured to restrict a flow of liquid into the first passage from the first chamber and the first inlet as the piston moves in one of the first and second directions which causes the liquid in the first chamber to increase a pressure applied to a first side of the piston to dampen movement of the piston.

Abstract: A rotor casting includes a lamination stack and a cast structure including proximal and distal cast end rings respectively adjacent proximal and distal end faces of the lamination stack. Cast axial ribs are distributed radially on a peripheral surface of the lamination stack and extend between the proximal and distal cast end rings. Cast feed members extend axially from the proximal cast end ring and are respectively positioned radially between an adjacent pair of axial ribs. In one example, cast bar segments integral to the proximal and distal cast end rings are formed in axial slots of the lamination stack. In one example, a bar insert in each axial slot has insert ends that extend respectively from the proximal and distal end faces of the lamination stack and are fully encapsulated respectively in the proximal and distal cast end rings. A method of forming the rotor casting is provided.

Abstract: A method for determining a wet surface condition of a road. Capturing an image of a wheel of a remote vehicle traveling in an adjacent lane by an image capture device of a host vehicle. Identifying in the captured image, by processor of a host vehicle, a region of interest relative to the wheel where the region of interest is representative of where precipitation dispersion occurs. A determination is made whether precipitation is present in the region of interest. A wet road surface signal is generated in response to the identification of precipitation in the adjacent lane.

Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle wheel is disclosed. In some embodiments, the locking device includes a plate having an outer surface and an inner surface and at least one opening extending through the plate, at least one enclosure extending from the inner surface of the plate, at least one retention tab extending from the inner surface of the plate, the retention tab having a lateral locating portion and a radial locating portion having a slot, and at least one lock cylinder extending through the at least one opening, a lock tab connected to the at least one lock cylinder and movable from an unlocked position to a locked position.

Abstract: A brake pad monitoring sensor includes an erodible, electrically non-conductive body, and an electrical circuit disposed within the body. The electrical circuit includes a first wear indicating portion. Electrical continuity of the first wear indicating portion is broken when the body erodes, in response to abrasion against a brake rotor, beyond a first depth relative to a contact surface of the body, to sense a first degree of wear. The electrical circuit includes a first thermocouple that is operable to generate a temperature dependent voltage signal for sensing a temperature of the brake pad. The brake pad monitoring sensor may be used to determine both brake pad wear, and brake pad temperature.

Abstract: A method of heating a cabin of a motor vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine operatively connected to an exhaust system having a catalyst, and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The method includes detecting a request to increase temperature inside the cabin, supplying fuel and air to the engine, and motoring the engine to pump the fuel and air into the exhaust system. The method also includes heating the catalyst to combust the fuel and air inside the catalyst such that a stream of post-combustion exhaust gas is generated. The method additionally includes channeling the generated stream of post-combustion exhaust gas to the HVAC system such that a temperature of a coolant circulated through the HVAC system is increased to heat the cabin. A system configured to perform the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for analyzing driver fitness to drive with consideration given to any of various conditions such as driver drowsiness, fatigue, and anxiety. The system includes a processing hardware unit, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage device comprising various modules to determine if the driver is impaired. The modules include an input interface module that, when executed by the processing unit, receives sensor data indicating a present driver health factor. A database module includes pre-established driver-profile data particular to a driver. And the modules include an activity module that, when executed by the processing unit, obtains the driver-profile data and the sensor data, and determines, based on the present health factor and the pre-established driver-profile data, fitness of the driver to drive. The disclosure relates in various embodiments to a computer-readable storage device, separately, and processes performed by the system and device.

Abstract: A sealing assembly includes a door and a seal. The door includes a flexible body that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The seal is movable between an engaged position in which the seal is positioned in engagement with a portion of the flexible body when the flexible body is in the closed position and a disengaged position in which the seal moves away from the portion of the flexible body as the flexible body moves from the closed position to the open position such that the flexible body is spaced from the seal to minimize frictional engagement with the seal.