Abstract: A key fob actuator housing and associated system is disclosed for controlling a vehicle key fob via a mobile device. The key fob actuator housing has a set of actuators configured to selectively actuate one or more first buttons of a first key fob and one or more second buttons of a second buttons of a second key fob different than the first key fob buttons. The set of actuators can have a first subset of actuators configured to selectively actuate the one or more first buttons of the first key fob, and a second subset of actuators configured to selectively actuate the one or more second buttons of the second key fob. The subsets can be programmed via a mobile device, and the housing can have a receiver and controller for communicating with the mobile device and activating corresponding actuators to press the corresponding buttons on the key fob.

Abstract: A sensor probe having a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element generates current changes in response to changes in a relative amount of a target element present in reference air versus a first exhaust gas chamber of the sensor probe. A second sensing element generates current changes in response to changes in a relative amount of the target element present in the first exhaust gas chamber and either a second exhaust gas chamber of the sensor probe or reference air.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for communicating data and transmitting information between roadside infrastructure units regarding vehicle data, in some embodiments, the roadside infrastructure units have one or more communication nodes equipped with a wireless transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly with a vehicle such as a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) or cellular system. Each communication node can also wirelessly communicate with one or more of the other remaining communication nodes in, for example, a mesh network. One of the communication nodes can establish a connection with the vehicle via DSRC, obtain vehicle-specific data, and transmit at least a portion of this vehicle-specific data to one or more other communication nodes in other roadside infrastructure units. The roadside units can change operation state (e.g.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for communicating data and transmitting information between roadside infrastructure units regarding vehicle data. In some embodiments, the roadside infrastructure units have one or more communication nodes equipped with a wireless transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly with a vehicle such as a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) or cellular system. Each communication node can also wirelessly communicate with one or more of the other remaining communication nodes in, for example, a mesh network. One of the communication nodes can establish a connection with the vehicle via DSRC, obtain vehicle-specific data, and transmit at least a portion of this vehicle-specific data to one or more other communication nodes in other roadside infrastructure units. The roadside units can change operation state (e.g., illuminate) in response to receive the vehicle-specific data indicating the vehicle approaching that roadside unit.

Abstract: A sensor probe having a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element generates current changes in response to changes in a relative amount of a target element present in reference air versus a first exhaust gas chamber of the sensor probe. A second sensing element generates current changes in response to changes in a relative amount of the target element present in the first exhaust gas chamber and either a second exhaust gas chamber of the sensor probe or reference air.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle interface device includes a wireless transceiver configured with a radiation pattern that covers a particular spatial region, and a controller coupled to the wireless transceiver. The controller is programmed to detect an unmanned vehicle within the particular spatial region using the wireless transceiver, upon detecting the unmanned vehicle, communicate with the unmanned vehicle using the wireless transceiver to override existing controls of the unmanned vehicle, and after overriding the existing controls, forcibly control the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: A spark plug includes a housing, a center electrode disposed within the housing, and a ground electrode cooperating with the center electrode to generate a spark. The ground electrode further includes an arm having a main body and a base, a pad fixed to the base, and a covering affixed to at least one of the main body and the base. The main body is fixed to the housing. The covering alters a dielectric constant of the main body or a dielectric constant of the base to create a difference in the dielectric constant of the main body and the dielectric constant of the base and focus the spark on the pad.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle interface device includes a wireless transceiver configured with a radiation pattern that covers a particular spatial region, and a controller coupled to the wireless transceiver. The controller is programmed to detect an unmanned vehicle within the particular spatial region using the wireless transceiver, upon detecting the unmanned vehicle, communicate with the unmanned vehicle using the wireless transceiver to override existing controls of the unmanned vehicle, and after overriding the existing controls, forcibly control the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: A seat system including a plurality of pressure sensors at a base portion and a backrest of a seat to sense pressure applied to the base portion and the backrest by an occupant. A plurality of actuators are at the base portion and the backrest of the seat. Each one of the plurality of actuators is configured to move an area of the seat to shape the seat to conform to an occupant thereof. A control module is configured to identify areas of high relative pressure applied to at least one of the base portion and the backrest by the occupant based on inputs from the plurality of sensors, and actuate one or more of the plurality of actuators at one or more of the areas of high relative pressure to provide pressure relief to the occupant.

Abstract: A center electrode is electrically coupled with a main terminal. A ground electrode is opposed to the center electrode to form a gap therebetween. A piezo actuator changes in length on application of a voltage. The piezo actuator actuates one of the center electrode and the ground electrode to manipulate the gap.

Abstract: A center electrode is electrically coupled with a main terminal. A ground electrode is opposed to the center electrode to form a gap therebetween. A piezo actuator changes in length on application of a voltage. The piezo actuator actuates one of the center electrode and the ground electrode to manipulate the gap.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing regenerative energy available during deceleration by reducing engine pumping losses. The method includes a controller that reduces fuel delivery to the engine and closes an engine throttle during deceleration. The controller identifies the maximum kinetic energy available during deceleration and opens an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and engine throttle as necessary to reduce a vacuum in an engine intake manifold, thus minimizing engine pumping losses and increasing regenerative energy available during deceleration while ensuring that a catalyst temperature is above a catalyst temperature threshold.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing regenerative energy available during deceleration by reducing engine pumping losses. The method includes a controller that reduces fuel delivery to the engine and closes an engine throttle during deceleration. The controller identifies the maximum kinetic energy available during deceleration and opens an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and engine throttle as necessary to reduce a vacuum in an engine intake manifold, thus minimizing engine pumping losses and increasing regenerative energy available during deceleration while ensuring that a catalyst temperature is above a catalyst temperature threshold.