Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes dual throttles are disclosed. In one example, positions of the dual throttles may be adjusted to limit flow of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon trap during cold engine starting so that an amount of hydrocarbons that reach atmosphere may be reduced. Each of the dual throttles may be positioned in a separate engine air intake passage.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies for additive manufacturing portions of components with enhanced strength are provided. The assemblies comprise a first deposition head and an apparatus for causing one or more reinforcement fibers to extend more than two layers within previously-deposited layers of build material. The first deposition head is configured to deposit a plurality of layers of a filament comprising a reinforcement fiber and thermoplastic material. The apparatus may comprise a needle point configured to be inserted into the plurality of layers to displace the reinforcement fiber so that it extends two or more of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers, and a memory stack structure vertically extending through the alternating stack. The memory stack structure includes a vertical semiconductor channel and a memory film. The vertical semiconductor channel can include a III-V compound semiconductor channel material. A III-V compound substrate semiconductor layer or a III-V compound semiconductor source region can be used to provide low-resistance electrical connection to a bottom end of the vertical semiconductor channel, and a drain region including a graded III-V compound semiconductor material can be used to provide low-resistance electrical connection to a top end of the vertical semiconductor channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide for assigning classifications to signals and corresponding messages for prioritization and transmission across a vehicle CAN bus. The assigned classifications are used to select authentication keys specific to each classification of message. Nodes of the CAN bus can include different sets of keys based on the classifications of messages handled at the nodes. Keys are distributed and localized to reduce any potential impact on critical functions of the vehicle system that may result from compromise of an authentication key.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a bulkhead. The vehicle includes an airbag supported by the bulkhead and inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag in the inflated position includes a main chamber and a pair of side chambers that extend transversely from the main chamber. The vehicle includes a seat having a seatback and a seat bottom that extends from the seatback in a direction away from the bulkhead. The seatback is between the side chambers in the inflated position.

Abstract: Coordinated control systems and methods of controlling an actual process are provided. The coordinated control systems and methods of controlling an actual process utilize a nonlinear dynamic model, where measured disturbing variables are incorporated into the nonlinear dynamic model, and predictive controller calculations.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to methods and systems for a cause-based eco-system that includes a platform supporting cryptocurrency transactions between users and organizations, the embedding of ethical constraints in the cryptocurrency as part of the transactions, and a marketplace to facilitate and manage the transactions. The eco-system also includes a lending and investment marketplace platform that allows users to invest in ethically or socially conscious organizations, and to borrow/lend against those investments.

Abstract: A system comprising a computer including instructions to collect object data about each of a plurality of objects within a zone from sensors on a roadside infrastructure unit. The zone includes a road intersection. The object data includes an object type, an object location, an object speed and an object direction of travel for each object. The computer further includes instructions to determine, based on the object data, an availability level for execution of one or more paths through the road intersection by a vehicle wherein the availability level for each of the one or more paths is based on a likelihood of interference between any of the objects and the vehicle as the vehicle traverses the respective path. The computer further includes instructions to transmit an availability message to the vehicle including the availability level for each of the one or more paths.

Abstract: A fuel tank isolation valve (FTIV) and methods of operation are provided. The FTIV includes first and second solenoid valves with the movable valve member of one of the solenoid valves seating against a movable valve member of the other one of the solenoid valves. One of the solenoid valves may be refueling valve allowing for evacuation of fuel vapor during refueling operations as well as to allow for purging high vapor pressure within the fuel tank. One of the solenoid valves may be a proportional valve used to control the flow of fuel vapor to an intake manifold of an operating internal combustion engine as well as to reduce a vacuum generated within the fuel tank.

Abstract: A restraint system includes a seat defining a lateral axis and an airbag housing supported by the seat. The airbag housing includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm is fixed relative to the seat, and the second arm is rotatable relative to the seat about a rotational axis generally parallel to the lateral axis. An airbag extends from the first arm to the second arm. The airbag is fixed to the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A system for creating a plasma field Faraday cage around a structure, the system comprising a plurality of lasers spaced apart from each other, each laser being configured to transmit an electromagnetic energy beam to a focal point of an atmosphere region, each electromagnetic energy beam having an amount of energy less than an amount of energy required to ionize air, the electromagnetic energy beams intersecting at the focal point such that the electromagnetic energy beams cooperatively ionize the air at the focal point to block electromagnetic radiation from passing through the focal point.

Abstract: Herbicidal microcapsules containing a combination of herbicides are described. In particular, the herbicidal microcapsules include a core material comprising an acetamide herbicide and a second herbicide and a shell wall encapsulating the core material. Also described are processes for preparing the microcapsules, various herbicidal compositions containing the microcapsules, and methods of preparing and using the herbicidal compositions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to haze-free polyurethane formulations, more particularly, to haze-free polyurethane formulations including tripropylene glycol (TPG) initiator polyol formed in the presence of a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst via a continuous process that can be utilized to form haze-free polyurethanes. As an example, a haze-free polyurethane formulation can include a TPG initiator polyol formed in the presence of a DMC catalyst via a continuous process, where the TPG pre-polymer is 30 to 45 percent by weight of the haze-free polyurethane formulation, an organic solvent present from 30 to 60 percent by weight of the haze-free polyurethane formulation, and a polyisocyanate, where the polyurethane formulation has an isocyanate index in a range from 70 to 500.

Abstract: A first fuel consumption value is determined for operating a host vehicle in a first lane on a road surface. A second fuel consumption value is predicted for operating the host vehicle in a second lane on the road surface based on acceleration data for a target vehicle operating in the second lane. A request to move the host vehicle from the first lane to the second lane is transmitted to the target vehicle based on the predicted second fuel consumption value being greater than the first fuel consumption value. After receiving an acknowledgement from the target vehicle, the host vehicle is operated from the first lane to the second lane.

Abstract: A system for managing energy of a building includes a controller in communication with a charger and configured to responsive to predicting (i) a coming power outage of an expected duration and (ii) a total energy reserve of a battery of a vehicle and an electric energy storage being less than an anticipated amount of energy to be used by the building during the expected duration, instruct the vehicle to recharge the battery at a target charge station and return before stored energy of the energy storage falls below a predefined value, and responsive to encountering the power outage, command the charger to supply electric energy to the building from the battery and electric energy storage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a ferrule-less multi-fiber connector having features adapted to compensate or adjust for angular misalignment that may occur when the multi-fiber connector is optically connected with a corresponding ferrule-less multi-fiber connector. In one example, the features for adjusting for angular misalignment are integrated in a multi-fiber holder that mounts within a connector body of the fiber optic connector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of controlling insect pests which infest crop plants, in particular Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm), Lygus hesperus (western tarnished plant bug), Euschistus heros (neotropical brown stink bug), and Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth), and methods of providing plants resistant to such pests. Also disclosed are polynucleotides and recombinant DNA molecules and constructs useful in such methods, insecticidal compositions such as topical sprays containing insecticidal double-stranded RNAs, and plants with improved resistance to infestation by these insects. Further disclosed are methods of selecting target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing and control of these insect pests.

Abstract: A method for autonomously navigating a subject vehicle from among a plurality of vehicles in an environment includes determining whether the subject vehicle is to be moved from a first post-production location to a second post-production location within the environment based on transportation scheduling data associated with the subject vehicle. The method includes executing a navigation routine in response to the transportation scheduling data indicating the subject vehicle is to be moved. The navigation routine includes obtaining location data associated with the plurality of vehicles, identifying a vehicle path for the subject vehicle based on the location data of the plurality of vehicles, the first post-production location, the second post-production location, or a combination thereof, and instructing the subject vehicle to autonomously travel along the vehicle path to the second post-production location.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for vehicle distributed computing for on-demand computational capacity. Systems and techniques described herein enable distribution of discrete computational work requests to other vehicle systems through generation and awarding of smart contracts to locally positioned other vehicle systems bidding for the smart contracts. Data for processing the requests is encrypted and send to the vehicle winning the smart contract, which processes the request and returns the completed work product. Completion of the smart contract initiates transfer of value to the processing vehicle as incentive for processing the work load.