Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for processing an optical fiber includes: drawing an optical fiber through a draw furnace, conveying the optical fiber through a flame reheating device downstream from the draw furnace, wherein the flame reheating device comprises one or more burners each comprising: a body having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface, an opening within the body extending from the top surface through the body to the bottom surface, wherein the optical fiber passes through the opening, and one or more gas outlets within the body; and igniting a flammable gas provided by the one or more gas outlets to form a flame encircling the optical fiber passing through the opening, wherein the flame heats the optical fiber by at least 100 degrees Celsius at a heating rate exceeding 10,000 degrees Celsius/second.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine configured to power driven wheels, an accelerator pedal, and friction brakes. A vehicle controller is programmed to, with the vehicle being in a one-pedal driving mode: in response to a braking torque capacity of the powertrain exceeding a target braking torque that is based on a position of the accelerator pedal, command a torque, that is equal to the target braking torque, from the powertrain such that the vehicle is slowed using the powertrain without application of the friction brakes, and, in response to the braking torque capacity of the powertrain being less than the target braking torque, command torques from the powertrain and the friction brakes such that the target braking torque is satisfied and the vehicle is slowed using the powertrain and the friction brakes.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to reduce end of stop jerk are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a user interface, a brake system, and a controller to execute instructions to detect a command to engage the brake system at a command brake pressure, estimate a time until the vehicle comes to a stop, and in response to determining that the time satisfies a time threshold, engage the brake system at a delivered brake pressure less than the command brake pressure.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having one or more controllers, at least two independently driven electric machines (EMs) that are each coupled to separate drive wheels, and controllers configured to generate a torque split ratio responsive to lateral acceleration and/or unequal friction coefficients detected during braking, and to generate electric power with the motors by regeneratively braking each wheel with unequal torques adjusted by the ratio, such that combined wheel braking torques do not exceed a total braking torque limit for the vehicle. In some configurations, the controller(s) generate the torque split ratio by a predetermined lookup table that maps a plurality of torque split ratios to lateral accelerations, the coefficients, and other parameters. Further arrangements include the controller(s) coupled with sensors that detect wheel slip and yaw rate, and responsive to a braking signal, the controller(s) disengage regenerative braking when the wheel slip and/or vehicle yaw are detected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wave energy converter that uses a flexible and inflatable chamber to absorb wave energy and convert it to electrical energy through the varying hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure at or below the water surface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for performing a bifurcated confirmation process via a resetting webpage form defending against Man-In-The-Middle attacks. An exemplary use case is that of municipal bond closing which is typically performed via large email lists and is subject to Man-In-The-Middle hijacking attacks. The process typically involves a large number of advisors and reviewing entities, any of one of which could become compromised and lead to substantial theft. A disclosed resetting webpage form flips the arrangement such that all of the computers would need to be compromised in order for the attack to be successful. The webpage form further includes verification of data where the multiple parties independently log onto the online platform and indicate validation of the data wherein any change in the data causes all validation indications to become reset, restarting the process.

Abstract: An RFID transponder including a Bluetooth compatible transceiver is described as a (BLEET). The Bluetooth® compatible transceiver may be configured to set data that is transmitted via one or more RFID transceivers in the transponder and to return data received by the RFID transceiver(s) to a client application running, for example, on a user's smart phone. The BLEET may be used for electronic vehicle tracking or tolling. Vehicle occupancy data may be set by the user with the client application via a Bluetooth® connection in connection with high occupancy vehicle tolling and express lane incentive programs.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine configured to power driven wheels, an accelerator pedal, and friction brakes. A vehicle controller is programmed to, with the vehicle being in a one-pedal driving mode: in response to a braking torque capacity of the powertrain exceeding a target braking torque that is based on a position of the accelerator pedal, command a torque, that is equal to the target braking torque, from the powertrain such that the vehicle is slowed using the powertrain without application of the friction brakes, and, in response to the braking torque capacity of the powertrain being less than the target braking torque, command torques from the powertrain and the friction brakes such that the target braking torque is satisfied and the vehicle is slowed using the powertrain and the friction brakes.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine configured to power driven wheels, an accelerator pedal, and friction brakes. A vehicle controller is programmed to, with the vehicle being in a one-pedal driving mode: in response to a braking torque capacity of the powertrain exceeding a target braking torque that is based on a position of the accelerator pedal, command a torque, that is equal to the target braking torque, from the powertrain such that the vehicle is slowed using the powertrain without application of the friction brakes, and, in response to the braking torque capacity of the powertrain being less than the target braking torque, command torques from the powertrain and the friction brakes such that the target braking torque is satisfied and the vehicle is slowed using the powertrain and the friction brakes.

Abstract: An RFID transponder including a Bluetooth® compatible transceiver is described a (BLEET). The Bluetooth® compatible transceiver may be configured to set data that is transmitted via one or more RFID transceivers in the transponder and to return data received by the RFID transceiver(s) to a client application running, for example, on a user's smart phone. The BLEET may be used for electronic vehicle tracking or tolling. Vehicle occupancy data may be set by the user with the client application via a Bluetooth® connection in connection with high occupancy vehicle tolling and express lane incentive programs.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle includes monitoring the vehicle speed for a first threshold in conjunction with a driver request for negative torque, after which the method comprises increasing a friction braking ratio. The method further comprises monitoring the speed of the vehicle for a second threshold, wherein the second threshold is lower than the first, after which the method comprises solely using the friction braking for braking holding torque.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine configured to power driven wheels, an accelerator pedal, and friction brakes. A vehicle controller is programmed to, with the vehicle being in a one-pedal driving mode: in response to a braking torque capacity of the powertrain exceeding a target braking torque that is based on a position of the accelerator pedal, command a torque, that is equal to the target braking torque, from the powertrain such that the vehicle is slowed using the powertrain without application of the friction brakes, and, in response to the braking torque capacity of the powertrain being less than the target braking torque, command torques from the powertrain and the friction brakes such that the target braking torque is satisfied and the vehicle is slowed using the powertrain and the friction brakes.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle includes monitoring the vehicle speed for a first threshold in conjunction with a driver request for negative torque, after which the method comprises increasing a friction braking ratio. The method further comprises monitoring the speed of the vehicle for a second threshold, wherein the second threshold is lower than the first, after which the method comprises solely using the friction braking for braking holding torque.

Abstract: An armored vehicle cab with enhanced blast protection accomplished with wedge to wedge interfaces between the cab doors and the cab side walls that are approximately 90 degrees out of synch with each other to provide both fore/aft and vertical buffering of blast force applied to the cab floor in order to shift energy from cab door hinges to the wedges (and the structures to which they are mounted) which are in contact with each other. These enhancements will maintain door functionality post blast event (door will open and close).

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power source configured to provide drive torque, a front axle, a rear axle, and a transfer case configured to distribute drive torque from the power source between the front axle and the rear axle. The vehicle additionally includes a clutch arranged between the front axle and the transfer case. The clutch has a disengaged state and an engaged state drivingly coupling the transfer case and the front axle. The vehicle also includes a regenerative braking system configured to, in response to a braking request, provide regenerative braking torque to the rear axle. The vehicle further includes a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a braking request and the clutch being in the disengaged state, control the clutch to shift into the engaged state to couple the regenerative braking system to the front axle and provide regenerative braking torque to the front axle.

Abstract: A regenerative braking control system includes at least one sensor adapted to sense a front tire impact event and transmit a sensor signal responsive to the front tire impact event during vehicle braking and a regenerative powertrain interfacing with the at least one sensor and adapted to reduce regenerative braking torque responsive to receiving the sensor signal from the at least one sensor. A regenerative braking control method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wave energy converter that uses a flexible and inflatable chamber to absorb wave energy and convert it to electrical energy through the varying hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure at or below the water surface.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a user-actuatable switch and a controller. When the switch is actuated, the controller is adapted to effect a regenerative braking command to actuate a regenerative brake system when a vehicle speed is above a threshold speed, and to effect a parking brake command to actuate an electric park brake when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the threshold speed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a hybrid vehicle during operating conditions where vehicle braking is requested. In one example, regenerative braking is allocated to vehicle wheels responsive to actual and estimated vehicle yaw. Additionally, friction braking torque is allocated to vehicle wheels responsive to requested braking torque and regenerative braking torques.

Abstract: An RFID transponder including a Bluetooth® compatible transceiver is described a (BLEET). The Bluetooth® compatible transceiver may be configured to set data that is transmitted via one or more RFID transceivers in the transponder and to return data received by the RFID transceiver(s) to a client application running, for example, on a user's smart phone. The BLEET may be used for electronic vehicle tracking or tolling. Vehicle occupancy data may be set by the user with the client application via a Bluetooth® connection in connection with high occupancy vehicle tolling and express lane incentive programs.