Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric machine includes the following steps: (a) sending data indicative of a current location of the hybrid vehicle to a command center after the hybrid vehicle experiences the loss of propulsion; (b) sending data indicative of a desired destination to the command center; (c) receiving a remedial action command from the command center, wherein the remedial action command is based, at least in part, on vehicle operating parameters, the current location of the hybrid vehicle, and the desired destination; and (d) commanding the hybrid vehicle to perform a remedial action corresponding to the remedial action command, wherein the remedial action allows the hybrid vehicle to travel from the current location to a predetermined location after the hybrid vehicle has experienced the loss of propulsion.

Abstract: A method of creating a shadow-reduced image from a captured image. An image of a scene exterior of a vehicle is captured by a vehicle-based image capture device. A first object profile of an object in the captured image is identified by a processor. A second object profile of the object is detected using a non-vision object detection device. Shadows in the captured image are removed by the processor as a function of the first object profile and the second object profile. A shadow reduced image is utilized in a vehicle-based application.

Abstract: A cooling system for a battery cell includes a cooling plate and a heat sink. The heat sink has a pair of modules. An end of the cooling plate is constricted between the modules. The modules are placed under a compressive load to secure the cooling plate to the heat sink.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a hub portion supporting a plurality of controllable variable length radially-oriented spoke elements supporting a conformable rim assembly supporting a tire element. The hub portion is concentric to an axis of rotation and includes a support structure. The controllable variable length radially-oriented spoke elements are perpendicular to the axis of rotation and each includes a first end mechanically coupled to the support structure of the hub portion, a length-varying actuator individually controllable to a selected length and a second end coupled to an inner periphery of the conformable rim assembly. The conformable rim assembly includes a plurality of segmented sections.

Abstract: A cylinder head gasket including a stack of layers that includes a first functional layer having an embossed first sealing full bead and a first stopper, a second functional layer having an embossed second sealing full bead, and a carrier layer having an embossed carrier layer full bead. The first sealing full bead and the second sealing full bead are mutually superimposed. The carrier layer full bead and the first stopper are mutually superimposed. The carrier layer full bead when it is fully compressed has a maximum line load range included between 75 and 125 N/mm and assumes a flat configuration.

Abstract: A storage compartment for a vehicle includes a housing structure and a cover pivotably coupled on the housing structure. The cover is pivotably positionable from a first position completely closing a compartment of the housing structure into a second position partially revealing the compartment and into a third position completely revealing the compartment. The storage compartment further includes at least one structure-side magnet and at least one cover-side damping magnet arranged in a mutually repelling manner in the first and second position of the cover.

Abstract: A silencer for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle having a turbocharger and a charge air cooler is provided. The silencer includes a turbocharger module with a passage duct. An inlet interface is fastened to an outlet connector of the turbocharger of the internal combustion engine. An outlet interface of the turbocharger module is fastened one or more modules configured as a resonator module and/or a charge air cooler module. An outlet interface of the module most remote from the outlet connector of the turbocharger is fastened to an inlet interface of a feed line for the charge air cooler of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A powertrain system in a hybrid vehicle includes a hydraulic device, a pilot valve, and a regulator valve. The pilot valve is operably connected to the hydraulic device and configured to actuate. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The regulator valve is operably connected to the pilot valve and the hydraulic device. The regulator valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulic device based on the actuation of the pilot valve.

Abstract: A method for notifying, indicating or otherwise alerting a driver when it may be desirable to switch to a different transfer case mode. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method uses one or more environmental and/or vehicle conditions to evaluate a current transfer case mode and to determine if it is the most preferable or optimal mode. If the current transfer case mode is not optimal, then the method may recommend that the driver manually switch transfer case modes by notifying or alerting them through a visual and/or audio message. In one example, the method recommends a transition from a four-wheel mode to a two-wheel mode, or vice-versa, with a visual message on an instrument panel gauge.

Abstract: A method of controlling movement of an actuator fork and attached synchronizer sleeve of a transmission through a pre-synchronization phase of a synchronization event at a pre-synchronization fork velocity below a breakaway velocity such that a strut is retained to the sleeve by a ball plunger for the duration of the pre-synchronization phase. A method of adjusting one of a pressure signal and a flow signal to an actuator piston to control movement of the actuator fork includes moving the fork from an initial disengaged position through a pre-synchronization phase of a synchronization event by controlling one of a pre-synchronization fluid pressure value and flow value, where the controlled pre-synchronization fluid value is less than a threshold value corresponding to a breakaway force of a ball plunger configured to selectively retain a strut assembly to a synchronizer sleeve operatively attached to the actuator fork.

Abstract: A method of forming a casting includes providing a preform to a mold cavity. The preform is formed from one of a first metal and a second metal and defines an interface surface. A molten portion of the other of the first metal and the second metal is cast into the mold such that the molten portion proximately contacts the interface surface of the preform. An interface layer at the interface surface, a first portion defined by the mold cavity and the interface layer, and a second portion defined by the interface layer, are formed during casting. The interface layer may define a metallurgical bond between the first portion and the second portion. In the non-limiting example provided herein, the first portion is substantially comprised of aluminum and the second portion is substantially comprised of magnesium. In a non-limiting example, the casting may be configured as a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for control of a current interruption component in a battery system. Various embodiments consistent with the present disclosure may include a detection system configured to detect an event (e.g., an impact event, a resistive short, a coolant leak, etc.) and a control system configured to receive information from the detection system and to generate a control signal based upon detection of the event. The control signal may selectively actuate an electrical clearing component. A current interruption component may be configured to selectively interrupt a flow of current upon an occurrence of a condition that results from actuation of the electrical clearing component. Upon detection of the event by the detection system, the control system may generate the control signal to actuate the electrical clearing component, and the actuation of the electrical clearing component may trigger the current interruption system.

Abstract: A method for forming variable section thicknesses from a uniformly thick resinous sheet in a PEM fuel cell. A method for forming a seal in a fuel cell includes a step of providing a sheet including a layer of resinous material. A first fold is formed in the sheet. The first fold extends from a substantially planar section of the sheet having a first side section and a second side section opposing the first side section and connected by a top section. A gasket is formed by folding the first fold over towards the planar section to form a compound fold. The compound fold is placed between a first fuel cell component and a second fuel cell component to form the seal therein. A fuel cell incorporating the gasket is also provided.

Abstract: A sealing device is insertable into a port having an internal wall. The device includes a seal member and a ring member operatively connected to each other. The seal member includes an inner seal surface defining a seal opening. The ring member includes an inner ring surface defining a ring opening. The seal opening and the ring opening share a common central axis. The seal member defines a first rib extending circumferentially around the seal opening, the first rib being raised a first height relative to the inner seal surface at the seal opening. The first rib is configured to be deformable in response to a compression force from the internal wall of the port when the seal member is inserted into the port. The seal member may define a second rib axially spaced from the first rib.

Abstract: An example of a lithium ion battery electrode material includes a substrate, and a substantially graphitic carbon layer completely encapsulating the substrate. The substantially graphitic carbon layer is free of voids. Methods for making electrode materials are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Silicate cathodes for lithium ion batteries are provided along with methods of forming a silicate. Olivine structures are substituted with a lithium ion. The substituted Olivine structures are combined to form flake-like sheets having an orientation that facilitates passage of lithium ions. Related methods of forming a cathode are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cage nut (1) having a retaining device, and to a method for producing the same. The cage nut (1) comprises a nut (4) having a radially protruding rectangular flange (5) and a threaded sleeve-like seat (6) for a screw. A retaining means (7) having a through-opening (8), through which the sleeve-like screw seat (6) passes, engages in a bracket-like manner over the rectangular flange (5) of the nut. A retaining collar (9), which surrounds the sleeve-like screw seat (6) of the nut (4), is supported on the retaining means (7) in the region of the through-opening (8). The retaining collar (9) is one-piece and has first and second cover elements (10, 11) covering the through-opening (8) of the retaining means (7) on both sides. The cover elements (10, 11) are mechanically connected via a connecting bush (12) concentrically adjoining the screw seat (6). The connecting bush (12) is radially spaced from the through-opening (8).

Abstract: One example of a lithium ion battery component is a lithium ion battery separator including a planar microporous polymer membrane and a chelating agent bonded to the planar microporous polymer membrane through a linking group. The chelating agent is bonded such that the permanent dipole moment of the chelating agent is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the planar microporous polymer membrane.

Abstract: A locking arrangement for a pivotable lid of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The locking arrangement includes an axially displaceable guided bolt which releasably engages with the lid. A rotatably mounted rocker is coupled to the bolt. A slotted link guide is arranged on a circumferential side of the rocker about its axis of rotation. The slotted link guide has a channel and a sliding element which is guided therein. The channel has an engagement position and counteracts movement of the sliding element out of the engagement position against a predetermined passage direction. The locking arrangement can be alternately brought into and out of engagement with the lid through successive axial displacements in order to lock or unlock the lid.