Abstract: A mobile voice platform for providing a user speech interface to computer-based services includes a mobile device having a processor, communication circuitry that provides access to the computer-based services, an operating system, and one or more applications that are run using the operating system and that utilize one or more of the computer-based services via the communication circuitry.

Abstract: A foldable frame for a battery cell assembly includes a one-piece main body. The main body has a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section is coupled to each of a second section and a third section with living hinges. The first section is configured to receive a first battery cell. The second section is configured to receive an expansion unit and a second battery cell. The second section folds over the first battery cell. The third section is configured to fold over the second battery cell, thereby securing each of the first battery cell, the expansion unit, and the second battery cell within the foldable frame.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for an electronic module includes a plug element having a body including at least one terminal receiving section. The at least one terminal receiving section includes at least one locking tab element. At least one rigid bus bar terminal is mounted in the at least one terminal receiving section. The at least one bus bar terminal extends from a first end to a second end through a substantially rigid intermediate portion. The first end includes a locking tab member inter-engaging with the locking tab element and the second end includes a module connector member.

Abstract: A linear position sensor assembly having a magnetic shield minimizes interference (noise) from adjacent electrical and electromagnetic devices, particularly solenoids. The sensor assembly includes a permanent magnet linear contactless displacement (PLCD) sensor comprising a pair of magnetic field sensors which are spaced apart by a member of high magnetic permeability such as a metal bar. The sensors and metal bar are enclosed, i.e., surrounded on three sides, by a cover or shield of high magnetic permeability material such as steel or mu metal, for example. A permanent magnet is disposed in sensed proximity to the sensors and translates with a clutch actuator component. When the clutch actuator component translates axially, the two field sensors provide a signal to associated electronics having high linearity, low noise and no deadband.

Abstract: A power steering waste heat recovery system for a vehicle and method of operating is disclosed. The system may include a power steering system and a waste heat absorption system. The power steering system may include a power steering pump, a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger located downstream of the power steering pump and configured to allow power steering fluid flow therethrough, and a steering rack operatively engaging the heat exchanger to receive the power steering fluid therefrom. The waste heat absorption system may include an auxiliary heater loop configured to direct a liquid through the heat exchanger; and an automatically controllable heat control valve having an inlet, a first outlet for directing the liquid to bypass the auxiliary heater loop, and a second outlet for directing the liquid through the heat exchanger in the auxiliary heater loop.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electrical actuator for a wastegate valve arrangement of an exhaust gas turbocharger in an internal combustion engine is provided. A wastegate is situated in a bypass channel of the exhaust gas turbocharger. The method includes closing or opening the wastegate by the actuator for adjusting the exhaust gas flow routed past the exhaust gas turbocharger via the bypass channel. The wastegate is exposed to a predetermined closing force while it is in a closed state so as to regulate the closing force to a desired value for the closing force as a function of an actual value for the closing force. Computer-readable mediums embodying a computer program product having a program to perform the method are also provided.

Abstract: A remote start vehicle system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a remote start requester configured to request that the engine be started. The remote start requester is operable to request that the engine be started when the remote start requester is located outside of the vehicle. A control module is configured to cause the engine to be started upon request from the remote start requester. A sensor assembly is configured to sense a neutral gear state of the transmission, where the neutral gear state indicates whether the transmission is in neutral. The sensor assembly is configured to communicate the neutral gear state to the control module. The control module is configured to prevent the engine from being started if the neutral gear state indicates that the transmission is not in neutral. A method of remotely starting an engine is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle system is provided that includes a sound augmentation system with a sound augmentation generator that produces an augmented audio output to drive at least one audio output based on a transfer function and a plurality of audio tuning parameters. The vehicle system also includes a sound augmentation system health monitor that compares a feedback of the augmented audio output to a level of at least one input relative to at least one environmental condition to determine a current performance level of the sound augmentation system. The sound augmentation system health monitor also determines a difference between the current performance level of the sound augmentation system and at least one performance threshold level, and initiates an alert upon determining that the difference is at a predetermined level.

Abstract: An intake manifold having an EGR-air flow distributor for distributing the desired air flow and EGR-air mixture through the intake manifold to each cylinder is disclosed. The EGR-air flow distributor includes a set of guide vanes defining plural flow channels in a plenum region of the inlet manifold. The EGR-air flow distributor also includes an EGR tube partially extending into the inlet manifold and having a slot formed therein for introducing EGR into the plenum region at a single location between the engine throttle and the guide vanes.

Abstract: Music-based electronic transmission range selection for a vehicle is provided. A first signal from a first electronic control unit (ECU) is received that is indicative of an initiation of an electronic park function. The first ECU generates a signal when an operator presses an electronic park button on an electronic shift device. A corresponding first audio function is determined from the first signal and is implemented. It is determined whether a second signal from a second ECU is received, which second signal indicates successful engagement of the park function. If it is not received, a second audio function is implemented and, if it has been received, a third audio function is implemented. The second audio function produces sound that is dissonant with respect to the sound produced by the first audio function, and the third audio function produces sound that is consonant with respect to the first audio function.

Abstract: A method of assembling a front end assembly of a vehicle is provided. The method includes integrally forming a positioning and reinforcement structure having a relatively rectilinear configuration comprising a top support member, a bottom support member, a first side member and a second side member. The method also includes detachably coupling a first wing structure to the first side member. The method further includes operably mounting a first fender assembly to a first side flange of the first wing structure. The method yet further includes operably coupling a centering bracket proximate the top support member. The method also includes locating and centering the positioning and reinforcement structure to a hood with the centering bracket. The method further includes fixedly securing the positioning and reinforcement structure to a radiator support disposed rearwardly of the positioning and reinforcement structure.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of regenerating an exhaust gas particulate filter in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes determining a soot accumulation in the particulate filter, determining a soot humidity and temperature correction factor, and adjusting, using the soot humidity and temperature correction factor, the soot accumulation to determine a corrected soot accumulation in the particulate filter. The method further includes performing a regeneration of the particulate filter when at least one of the following occurs: the corrected soot accumulation reaches a predetermined threshold, and the corrected soot accumulation indicates a contorted soot mass to flow resistance relationship.

Abstract: A method for forming integral separator-electrodes for a battery. The method comprises providing a continuous electrode sheet having an electrode active material deposited on a current collector. The method includes forming a plurality of individual electrodes from the continuous electrode sheet. Each electrode is formed having a center region and a plurality of edges. A separator coating having a substantially uniform thickness is applied to the center region and the plurality of edges of each electrode. The separator coating layer is larger in size than the electrode active material coated area.

Abstract: A clutch release mechanism for a vehicle powertrain is provided. The clutch release mechanism includes a piston operable to move in an axial direction along a central axis toward and away from a clutch assembly. An actuator bearing is disposed adjacent to the piston. The actuator bearing is configured to be pressed against the clutch assembly by the piston, and the actuator bearing is configured to rotate around the central axis. A plurality of fins is disposed around the actuator bearing and configured to rotate with the actuator bearing about the central axis.

Abstract: An ion conducting membrane for fuel cell applications includes an ion conducting polymer and a porphyrin-containing compound at least partially dispersed within the ion conducting polymer. The ion conducting membranes exhibit improved performance over membranes not incorporating such porphyrin-containing compounds.

Abstract: A system for locking a Park device in a transmission in an out-of-Park mode of operation includes a valve body that defines a bore, a solenoid connected to the valve body, a lock feature disposed in the valve body and interconnected with the solenoid, and a servo piston disposed within the bore of the valve body. The servo piston has a detent and the servo piston is interconnected to the Park device and is moveable between a first position and a second position. The detent is radially aligned with the lock feature when the servo piston is in the first position. Activation of the solenoid locks the lock feature into the detent of the servo piston to lock the Park device of the transmission in the no-Park mode.

Abstract: An understructure for a motor vehicle includes two side members and multiple cross members fastened to the side members in each case via adapters. The adapters each include two identical shells which are each connected at the face end to a cross member and side member and to one another alongside.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a stop-start module and a throttle control module. The stop-start module stops an engine when a driver depresses a brake pedal while an ignition system is on and the engine is idling. The throttle control module selectively opens a throttle valve when fuel injection in the engine is stopped while the ignition system is on based on engine speed and a manifold pressure within an intake manifold. The stop-start module starts the engine when the driver releases the brake pedal.

Abstract: A method for a dosing feeder for a viscous medium is disclosed. When the dosing feeder is operated in a system mode, the medium is supplied by means of a pump from a storage container to the dosing feeder. A controller is used to supply the medium to the dosing feeder and dispense the medium from the dosing feeder. When the dosing feeder is operated in a cartridge operating mode, the medium is supplied from the storage container to the dosing feeder separately from a cartridge to the dosing feeder. The controller is used to supply the medium to the dosing feeder and dispense the medium from the dosing feeder.