Abstract: A first Bluetooth-enabled device includes an interface controller that determines proximity between a first Bluetooth module and a second Bluetooth module of a second Bluetooth-enabled device, and controls transitions, based on the proximity between the first Bluetooth module and the second Bluetooth module, between a first set of operating states of a classical Bluetooth interface of the first Bluetooth module that include an enabled state and a disabled state.

Abstract: A system includes a diagnostic module that selectively performs a purge valve leak diagnostic to diagnose a leak in a purge valve in a fuel system of a vehicle. Performing the purge valve leak diagnostic includes determining a level of vacuum in a fuel tank. A control module determines at least one operating condition associated with the vehicle. The at least one operating condition corresponds to an operating condition that affects the level of vacuum in the fuel tank. The control module, based on the at least one operating condition, selectively modifies the purge valve leak diagnostic. Selectively modifying the purge valve leak diagnostic includes at least one of preventing the diagnostic module from performing the purge valve leak diagnostic, preventing the diagnostic module from completing the purge valve leak diagnostic, and causing the diagnostic module to indicate that a result of the purge valve leak diagnostic was indeterminate.

Abstract: Provided herein are anti-rattle devices and turbocharger wastegate assemblies including the same. The device can include a body having a first end and a second end, a bend, wherein the bend and the first end define a first section of the body, and the bend and the second end define a second section of the body, a cavity defined by the first section, the bend, and the second section, and an aperture extending between the first section and the second section. The device can include a U-shaped base defining an aperture and an open end, and at least one spring arm attached proximate the open end of the base bend and extending away from the open at least partially overlapping the base and defining a gap therebetween. The anti-rattle devices can be spring-loaded and can mate with a turbocharger wastegate assembly in one or more positions and provide anti-rattling benefits.

Abstract: Disclosed are fuel cell stack break-in procedures, conditioning systems for performing break-in procedures, and motor vehicles with a fuel cell stack conditioned in accordance with disclosed break-in procedures. A break-in method is disclosed for conditioning a membrane assembly of a fuel cell stack. The method includes transmitting humidified hydrogen to the anode of the membrane assembly, and transmitting deionized water to the cathode of the membrane assembly. An electric current and voltage cycle are applied across the fuel cell stack while the fuel cell stack is operated in a hydrogen pumping mode until the fuel cell stack is determined to operate at a predetermined threshold for a fuel cell stack voltage output capability. During hydrogen pumping, the membrane assembly oxidizes the humidified hydrogen, transports protons from the anode to the cathode across the proton conducting membrane, and regenerates the protons in the cathode through a hydrogen evolution reaction.

Abstract: A device for venting a hose is disclosed. In some embodiments, the device includes a housing having a cylindrical sidewall and an endwall, the sidewall defining an inner housing surface and an outer housing surface, an opening extending through the sidewall, and a hose retention system extending from the inner housing surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are body panel strakes for improved vehicle aerodynamics, methods for making and methods for using such aerodynamic strakes, and motor vehicles employing aerodynamic strakes for reducing turbulent flow and developing higher static pressure at the rear of the vehicle. An underbody panel for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The motor vehicle includes a vehicle body with an undercarriage spanning between front and rear vehicle ends. The underbody panel includes a panel body that attaches to the vehicle body and covers a portion of the undercarriage. One or more elongated air strakes are attached to and project from the panel body. Each air strake includes an elongated body that extends longitudinally with respect to the vehicle and has an inboard-facing curvature. The air strake guides airflow traveling fore-to-aft along the undercarriage in an inboard direction to thereby increase static pressure on the rear end of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a pressure relief valve for a fluid pump has a valve head that has a recessed outlet-side surface that confronts a support end of a spring such that the valve head extends past the support end of the spring toward a pump outlet. The spring is biased to urge the valve head against a valve seat to a seated position. The spring is also configured to be compressed when fluid pressure at an inlet to the relief valve exceeds fluid pressure at the outlet by at least a predetermined amount such that the valve head is pushed away from the valve seat to an unseated position. A pressure relief valve may have multiple outlets at least some of which have unequal flow areas such that fluid pressure distribution across the flow area of the pressure relief valve cavity is nonsymmetrical.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for heat management using vascular channels. Vascular channels are incorporated in a network within a component. The component is a part of a manufactured product and defines an exterior panel. A fluid circuit is connected with the vascular channels and circulates a fluid through the component to collect heat from the product and to dissipate heat through the exterior panel.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product that may comprise a gear set, and first, second and third mechanical mechanisms. Each mechanical mechanism may alternatively be open or closed and each may be connected to the gear set. The mechanical mechanisms may be variously open or closed providing a number of gear ratios through the gear set. A fourth mechanical mechanism or a fixed connection may be included. A mode of operation may be provided where the first, second and third mechanical mechanisms are open, and the fourth mechanical mechanism may be closed or the fixed connection may be provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating an internal combustion engine equipped with an aftertreatment device. The internal combustion engine is equipped with a cylinder having an exhaust gas port intercepted by an exhaust valve, the exhaust valve being actuated by means of a Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system, An aftertreatment device regeneration is detected, and the exhaust valve closure is anticipated using the Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system during the aftertreatment device regeneration to provide an exhaust valve actuation profile having an anticipated exhaust valve closure with respect to a baseline exhaust valve actuation profile.

Abstract: A force-feedback assembly includes a first shaft with a shaft end. The first shaft is movable between a shaft first position and a shaft second position. The force-feedback assembly also includes a compliant element arranged to exert a return force on the first shaft and bias the first shaft toward the shaft first position. The force-feedback assembly additionally includes a ramp in sliding engagement with the shaft end. The force-feedback assembly further includes an operator input device operatively coupled to the ramp. The operator input device has a device first position and a device second position. Moving the operator input device from the device first position to the device second position slides the ramp relative to the shaft end and moves the first shaft from the shaft first position to the shaft second position.

Abstract: A manifold assembly includes a clevis-style mounting structure, a first manifold section, a second manifold section, an accessory disposed between the first and second manifold sections, and a plurality of threaded clevis fasteners. The clevis-style mounting structure includes an upper clevis structure and a lower threaded clevis structure. The clevis-style mounting structure may be operatively configured to be mounted on a cylinder head. The first manifold section has distal and proximal ends. The first manifold section is integral to the clevis style mounting structure. The plurality of threaded clevis fasteners operatively configured to mount the clevis-style mounting structure to a cylinder head via a plurality of corresponding passageways defined in the cylinder head.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine having a crankshaft. The engine is operable to rotate the crankshaft about a central axis. A torque converter includes a housing that is rotatable about the central axis. A selectable one way clutch system interconnects the housing of the torque converter and the crankshaft. The selectable one way clutch system includes a notch plate and a pocket plate. One of the notch plate and the pocket plate is defined by the housing of the torque converter, and the other of the notch plate and the pocket plate is connected to the crankshaft for continuous rotation with the crankshaft.

Abstract: A cover covering an object includes an inner surface of the cover facing the object and spaced from the object, and an outer surface of the cover opposite the inner surface. A local energy absorber is operatively attached to the inner surface of the cover. The local energy absorber includes an energy absorbing core layer operatively attached to the inner surface of the cover and a frangible face sheet layer attached to the energy absorbing core layer facing the object. The frangible face sheet layer is to initiate fracture of the frangible face sheet layer during an impact applied to the outer surface defining an impact event having a duration of less than 20 milliseconds.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine having a crankshaft, and a transmission having an input. A vibration absorption assembly includes a mechanical connection system providing a first connection node, a second connection node, and a third connection node. The crankshaft is connected to a first one of the connection nodes. The input of the transmission is connected to a second one of the connection nodes. A centrifugal pendulum absorber is connected to a third one of the connection nodes. One of the connection nodes is a mechanically advantaged node. The centrifugal pendulum absorber is connected to the mechanically advantaged node.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte includes a solvent, a lithium salt, and an additive selected from: formulas, and combinations thereof. R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from: a linear or branched alkyl having a formula CnH2n+1 (n ranges from 1 to 20); a linear or branched alkoxyl having a formula C2H2n+1O (n ranges from 1 to 20); a linear or branched either having a formula CnH2n+1OCmH2m (n and m each range from 1 to 10); phenyl; a mono-substituted phenyl with one linear or branched alkyl having a formula CnH2n+1 (n ranges from 1 to 20); a di-substituted phenyl with two linear or branched alkyls, each alkyl having a formula CnH2n+1 (n ranges from 1 to 20); a tri-substituted phenyl with three linear or branched alkyls, each alkyl having a formula CnH2n+1 (n ranges from 1 to 20); and combinations thereof. X, Y, and Z are halides.

Abstract: A powertrain system includes a torque generating device to transfer torque to a driveline via a CVT, wherein the CVT includes a first pulley coupled to a second pulley via a flexible continuous device to transfer torque therebetween. A controller including a processor and memory is operatively connected to the CVT. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to dynamically monitor operating parameters associated with an input force and an output force of the CVT and determine an amplitude variation of one of the operating parameters. The controller is disposed to detect an impending slip event based upon the amplitude variation, wherein the impending slip event is associated with a macro-slip condition on the flexible continuous device. Operation of the CVT is controlled to preclude the impending slip event.