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: In an example of a method for making a silicon-based active electrode material, a silicon active material precursor is introduced into a carrier gas. Another active material precursor is introduced into the carrier gas prior to, simultaneously with or subsequent to the silicon active material precursor. The other active material precursor is selected from a tin active material precursor, an aluminum active material precursor, a graphene active material precursor, and combinations thereof. The carrier gas containing the precursors is exposed to plasma vaporization, and a material is formed. The material includes i) an alloy of phase separated silicon and tin and/or aluminum, or ii) a graphene layer having silicon nanoparticles and tin nanoparticles, aluminum nanoparticles, or combinations of tin and aluminum nanoparticles deposited on a surface thereof, or iii) a graphene layer having an alloy of phase separated silicon and tin, aluminum, or tin and aluminum deposited on a surface thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of generating an interior surface of a vehicle compartment. A selection from the user is received for one of a plurality of identifiers of the general template and a selection from the user is received for a desired location of an exterior surface of a specific vehicle to associate general criteria for the selected one of the identifiers with exterior surface data of the selected desired location. Interior surface data of the selected desired location is determined as a function of the general criteria of the selected one of the identifiers and the exterior surface data of the selected desired location. The interior surface representing the interior surface data of the configuration of the specific vehicle corresponding to the general criteria of the selected one of the identifiers and the exterior surface data of the selected desired location is displayed on the display device.

Abstract: An engine control system includes an injection determination module, a correction factor determination module, and a regeneration control module. The injection determination module determines a desired amount of hydrocarbons (HC) to inject into exhaust gas produced by an engine based a flow rate of the exhaust gas. The correction factor determination module determines a correction factor for the desired amount of HC based on engine speed and engine load. The regeneration control module controls injection of an adjusted amount of HC into the exhaust gas during regeneration of a particulate matter filter, wherein the adjusted amount of HC is based on the desired amount of HC and the correction factor.

Abstract: A method, for repairing a discrepant weld in a workpiece arrangement including at least two workpieces, comprising positioning a mechanical intermediary adjacent the discrepant weld and inserting the intermediary through the discrepant weld and into at least a distal workpiece of the two workpieces, wherein upon insertion, a proximate surface of the intermediary is exposed at a proximate side of the workpiece arrangement. The method further includes delivering weld energy to the intermediary. The intermediary is configured, and the weld energy provided, so that energy passes through the intermediary in a pre-determined manner. Energy passing through the intermediary in the pre-determined manner generates heat in material of the workpieces causing the material to melt at an arrangement interface. The method further comprises allowing or causing the material melted to cool, wherein the melted material, when cooled, forms and/or strengthens a robust joint connecting the workpieces.

Abstract: A method for automatic activation of a vehicle turn indicator is disclosed. The method may include determining whether a lane change maneuver is impending in a specified direction. The method may also include determining whether the vehicle turn indicator has been activated through a driver interface. The vehicle turn indicator may be engaged when not activated through the driver interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a state of a battery system based on information related to a measured pressure within the battery system are presented. In certain embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods may utilize a pressure-sensitive smart foam material in connection with measuring a pressure within the battery system. Based on the measured pressure information, a variety of information relating to the battery system may be determined. For example, information relating to a state of a battery system, certain events occurring within the battery system, and/or battery lifecycle information may be determined based on the measured pressure information.

Abstract: A system and method of selectively carrying out a vehicle passive door lock function. The method carried out by the system includes: (a) detecting a vehicle operator's exit from a vehicle having at least one lockable door for passenger entry and exit, wherein the vehicle is configured to automatically carry out a passive operator departure process following the operator's exit, (b) determining whether the vehicle is at a lock function exempt location; (c) automatically carrying out the passive operator departure process in a first mode when it is determined that the vehicle is not at the exempt location; and (d) automatically carrying out the passive operator departure process in a second mode when it is determined that the vehicle is at the exempt location, wherein the second mode comprises at least one less door lock function than is carried out in the first mode.

Abstract: A single-shaft dual expansion internal combustion engine includes first and second power cylinders and an expander cylinder. The cylinder head fluidly couples the first and second power cylinders and the expander cylinder. First and second power pistons reciprocate in the first and second power cylinders and connect to a first crankpin of the crankshaft. A multi-link connecting rod assembly includes a rigid main arm supporting a first pivot pin, a second pivot pin and a third pivot pin. The first pivot pin connects to an expander piston reciprocating in the third cylinder. The third pivot pin couples to a first end of a swing arm, and a second end of the swing arm rotatably couples to a fourth pivot pin that couples to a distal end of a rotating arm that attaches to a rotating shaft coupled to rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A fuel cell device including a fuel cell stack with a flexible enclosure.

Abstract: A method of reducing entrained aluminum oxides in aluminum castings. The method comprises preheating a furnace charge to remove moisture and contaminants. The furnace charge is then coated on all free surfaces with a layer of flux. Subsequently the furnace charge is melted in a furnace to form a melt bath of liquid aluminum suitable for casting. The flux layer removes the naturally occurring oxide film from the furnace charge surface as well as provides a cover flux to protect the melt bath from oxidation.

Abstract: An assembly includes a cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold that has four exhaust flow passages directing cylinder exhaust from inlets arranged to correspond with exhaust from the four cylinders, respectively, and has only three outlets. The assembly includes a twin scroll turbocharger having a housing with a first scroll passage, a second scroll passage, and only three inlets. Two of the exhaust flow passages join in the cylinder head to direct exhaust flow into only one of the inlets of the housing and through the first scroll passage. Exhaust flow through the other two of the exhaust flow passages flows separately into the other two inlets in the housing and joins in the housing to flow through the second scroll passage.

Abstract: A pawl grounding clutch with synchronizer assembly attached to a planetary gear set of a drive unit. A cylindrical hub is engaged to the ring gear and the hub co-rotates with the ring gear. A gear is fixed to the hub. A pawl having a pawl tooth rotates between a first position with the pawl tooth spaced away from the gear and a second position having the pawl tooth engaged between successive gear teeth. A synchronizer rotates during pawl rotation and includes a friction surface directly contacting the hub before the pawl tooth engages the gear. A shift member displaces the pawl between the first and second positions. The pawl in the second position engages the ring gear with a case defining a clutch closed position. The pawl in the first position disengages ring gear from the case, defining a clutch open position.

Abstract: A navigation system for a transportation device, such as a vehicle, includes a controller and is at least partially operated by a driver. An off-board control module is operatively connected to a remote server and configured to communicate with the controller. The off-board control module is not physically connected to the controller. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method of determining a personalized route for travelling from a start location to an end location. The controller is programmed to divide each of the plurality of routes into a respective plurality of nodes, such that adjacent ones of the plurality of nodes define a respective path (i). The personalized route is selected based at least partially on a weighted consumption score reflecting various preferences of the driver, such as fuel consumption, speed, distance travelled and other preferences.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a front structure of a vehicle body having a wheel installation strut and a side member which flanks an interior defined by the front car. The side member has a convex surface, by means of which it is fastened to an end of the wheel installation strut in multiple points. At least one point is offset relative to the other points towards the interior. As a result, a front structure with good stiffness for improved occupant protection can be provided, which can also be assembled in a simple manner.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods for fabricating semiconductor devices are provided. In one example, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor structure. An electrically semi-insulating passivation layer overlies the semiconductor structure. An electrically substantially fully insulating passivation layer overlies the electrically semi-insulating passivation layer.

Abstract: A method for assessing a cold start emission reduction (CSER) strategy applied to an engine system is provided. The method determines a first accumulation value based on an estimated output signal that would result from applying a first control command to the engine system. The method determines a second accumulation value based on a measured output signal resulting from applying a second control command that implements the CSER strategy to the engine system. The method compares the first accumulation value and the second accumulation value. The method determines whether the applying the second command to the engine system achieved a performance threshold of the CSER strategy based on the comparing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a steering wheel, in the spoke of which an operating device, in particular a modular multi-function operation device, for arrangement in a spoke of a motor vehicle steering wheel, that includes, but is not limited to an operating element that is rotatable about an axis of rotation, in particular a turn-push operating element for operation with turning and/or pushing, which is coupled to at least one sensor for generating a control signal. The axis of rotation is obliquely mounted with an angular contact bearing, so that the operating device is oriented projecting in radial direction and in axial direction and the axis of rotation is variable with respect to the inclined mounting with the angular contact bearing, so that a rocking function is realized. In addition, a method is provided for operating instruments of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Spherical particles of one or more elemental metals and elemental carbon are prepared from a precursor in the form of a metal oleate. The metal oleate precursor is dispersed in a liquid vehicle and aerosol droplets of the dispersed precursor are formed in a stream of an inert gas. The aerosol droplets are heated in the stream to decompose the oleate ligand portion of the precursor and form spherical particles that have a mesoporous nanocrystalline structure. The open mesopores of the spherical particles provide a high surface area for contact with fluids in many applications. For example, the mesopores can be infiltrated with a hydrogen absorbing material, such as magnesium hydride, in order to increase the hydrogen storage capacity of the particles.

Abstract: A method of providing automatic collision avoidance in a vehicle with a front wheel electric power steering (EPS) system and rear wheel active rear steering (ARS) system and an automatic collision avoidance system are described. The method includes generating a vehicle math model including the control variables, designing a steering control goal as a criterion to determine the control variables, and implementing a model predictive control to solve the steering control goal and determine the control variables. The method also includes providing the control variables to the EPS system and the ARS system to respectively control a front actuator associated with front wheels and a rear actuator associated with rear wheels.