Abstract: An antenna system connectable to a vehicle includes a primary antenna, a primary data transmission line, a secondary antenna, a secondary data transmission line, and an RF device. The primary antenna is connected to the vehicle and is located in an exterior environment. The secondary antenna is connected to the vehicle and is located in one of the exterior environment and an interior cabin of the vehicle. The primary data transmission line transmits a first RF signal and is in communication with the primary antenna. The secondary data transmission line transmits a secondary RF signal and is in communication with the secondary antenna. The fixed RF device is connected to the vehicle and is in communication with the primary data transmission line and the secondary data transmission line to provide an output RF signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to thermoplastic polymer articles, and methods of making and/or selectively controlling surface properties of the same. The article includes a bulk thermoplastic polymer, and a cap layer formed in-situ thereon. A resin formulation used to form the articles includes the bulk polymer in an amount ranging from about 80 wt. % to about 99.5 wt. %, and a polymer additive (which forms the cap layer) in an amount ranging from about 0.5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %. The bulk polymer viscosity ranges from about 5 to about 1000 times higher than the polymer additive viscosity, and the polymer additive is immiscible in the bulk polymer. A predetermined surface property of the polymer additive, which is not inherent in the bulk polymer, is imparted to the cap layer, and thus to the article.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes monitoring a transmission output speed, monitoring an engine output speed, and monitoring an engine braking request. When the engine braking request is present, a target engine output speed is determined based upon the transmission output speed. Speed of the engine is commanded to the target engine output speed. When the engine braking request is present, a selectable one-way clutch slip speed is determined based upon the transmission output speed and the engine output speed. The selectable one-way clutch slip speed is utilized to further command the speed of the engine to create a zero selectable one-way clutch slip speed. And when the selectable one-way clutch slip speed equals zero, the selectable one-way clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission is operative to transfer power between an input member and a torque machine and an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system during a braking event includes evaluating candidate input torques. An output torque reactable through the transmission to the driveline and limited within the range of permissible output torques is determined for the candidate engine input torque. A preferred input torque is determined.

Abstract: A method to control a powertrain including a transmission, an engine, and an electric machine includes monitoring a desired transmission shift including an oncoming clutch, monitoring operational parameters of the powertrain, monitoring a maximum electric machine torque capacity, determining a desired output torque profile through the desired transmission shift, determining a maximum electric machine torque capability profile through the desired transmission shift based upon the maximum electric machine torque capacity and the operational parameters, comparing the desired output torque profile to the maximum electric machine torque capability profile, determining a preferred oncoming clutch torque profile through the desired transmission shift based upon the comparing, and executing a clutch assisted shift based upon the preferred oncoming clutch torque profile.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a product comprising: a solid polyelectrolyte membrane having a first face and an opposite second face; a first catalyst layer overlying the first face of the membrane; a first microporous layer overlying the first catalyst layer, and wherein the first microporous layer includes a plurality of microchannels formed therein open toward the first catalyst layer; and wherein each of the microchannels of the first microporous layer are defined by a surface that is free of cracks.