Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline operating modes may be manually selected to improve hybrid driveline operation during off road conditions. The approaches may improve vehicle drivability and reduce driveline degradation.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling backlash in a vehicle powertrain includes the step of controlling a torque request of the powertrain with a first control strategy after an occurrence of a backlash predictor and prior to an occurrence of backlash. The first control strategy is modified when backlash occurs during the first control strategy. The torque request is controlled with the modified first control strategy after another occurrence of a backlash predictor and before another occurrence of backlash.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical fiber connector comprises preloading an adhesive plug into a ferrule bore of a ferrule. The ferrule bore extends between a first face and a second face of the ferrule and includes a large diameter bore section extending inwardly from the first face, a micro-hole section extending inwardly from the second face, and a transition section located between the large diameter bore section and the micro-hole section. The adhesive plug: a) is coupled to at least the transition section during the preloading, b) comprises an adhesive composition in a stable form, and c) blocks an entrance into the micro-hole section from the transition section. The method also comprises storing the adhesive plug in the ferrule bore for at least one day without coupling the optical connector to an optical fiber.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling backlash in a vehicle powertrain includes the step of controlling a torque request of the powertrain with a first control strategy after an occurrence of a backlash predictor and before an occurrence of a backlash. Another step may be employed whereby the torque request is controlled with a second control strategy after the first control strategy and before the occurrence of the backlash such that a torque request level is below a highest torque request level obtained during the first control-strategy.

Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque converter impeller torque from beginning to end of transmission shifting is adjusted in response to variable driveline inertia. The approach may improve transmission shifting and reduce driveline torque disturbances.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector sub-assembly includes a ferrule having a front end, a rear end, and a ferrule bore extending between the front and rear ends along a longitudinal axis. The ferrule bore has a first section extending inwardly from the rear end of the ferrule, a second section extending inwardly from the front end of the ferrule and having a width that is less than the first section, and a transition section located between the first and second sections. The fiber optic connector sub-assembly also includes a bonding agent disposed in at least a portion of both the transition section and the second section of the ferrule bore. At least some of the bonding agent in the second section of the ferrule bore has been melted and solidified.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber optic connector sub-assembly involves: initially disposing a bonding agent in a ferrule bore of a ferrule; heating at least a portion of the ferrule above a melting temperature of the bonding agent so that some of the bonding agent melts; and solidifying the bonding agent that has melted to form the fiber optic connector sub-assembly, all without an optical fiber being disposed within the ferrule bore.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber optic connector sub-assembly involves: initially disposing a bonding agent in a ferrule bore of a ferrule; heating at least a portion of the ferrule above a melting temperature of the bonding agent so that some of the bonding agent melts; and solidifying the bonding agent that has melted to form the fiber optic connector sub-assembly, all without an optical fiber being disposed within the ferrule bore.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is couple to a transmission in response to a transmission upshift to reduce transmission output shaft torque disturbances.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector sub-assembly includes a ferrule having a front end, a rear end, and a ferrule bore extending between the front and rear ends along a longitudinal axis. The fiber optic connector sub-assembly also includes a bonding agent disposed in the ferrule bore and having first and second ends along the longitudinal axis. The bonding agent has been melted and solidified at the first and second ends.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical fiber connector comprises preloading an adhesive plug into a ferrule bore of a ferrule. The ferrule bore extends between a first face and a second face of the ferrule and includes a large diameter bore section extending inwardly from the first face, a micro-hole section extending inwardly from the second face, and a transition section located between the large diameter bore section and the micro-hole section. The adhesive plug: a) is coupled to at least the transition section during the preloading, b) comprises an adhesive composition in a stable form, and c) blocks an entrance into the micro-hole section from the transition section. The method also comprises storing the adhesive plug in the ferrule bore for at least one day without coupling the optical connector to an optical fiber.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling backlash in a vehicle powertrain includes the step of controlling a torque request of the powertrain with a first control strategy after an occurrence of a backlash predictor and prior to an occurrence of backlash. The first control strategy is modified when backlash occurs during the first control strategy. The torque request is controlled with the modified first control strategy after another occurrence of a backlash predictor and before another occurrence of backlash.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling backlash in a vehicle powertrain includes the step of controlling a torque request of the powertrain with a first control strategy after an occurrence of a backlash predictor and before an occurrence of a backlash. Another step may be employed whereby the torque request is controlled with a second control strategy after the first control strategy and before the occurrence of the backlash such that a torque request level is below a highest torque request level obtained during the first control-strategy.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical fiber connector is provided. The optical connector includes a body having a passage with a first section extending inwardly from a first face of the body, a second section extending inwardly from a second face from the body, and a transition section located between the first and second sections. The first section of the passage has a first width and the second section of the passage has a second width that is less than the first width. The method comprises loading an adhesive composition into the passage and storing the adhesive composition for at least one day without coupling the optical connector to an optical fiber. The adhesive composition is a meltable, substantially solid material maintained the first passage section, transition section, or both the second passage section and transition section.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is couple to a transmission in response to a transmission upshift to reduce transmission output shaft torque disturbances.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline oscillations are reduced during engine air-fuel ratio modulation. The driveline oscillations may be reduced via adjusting torque of a motor.

Abstract: A method of terminating an optical fiber involves providing a ferrule having a front end, a rear end, a ferrule bore extending between the front and rear ends, and a bonding agent disposed in at least a portion of the ferrule bore. The method also involves applying energy to heat the bonding agent. An end section of an optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule bore and through the bonding agent when the bonding agent is heated. The end section of the optical fiber includes a primary coating prior to insertion into the ferrule bore. During insertion of the end section of the optical fiber through the bonding agent, the heated bonding agent thermally removes at least a portion of the primary coating during so that the optical fiber can be secured in the ferrule bore with the bonding agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is stopped to a desired position via slipping a driveline disconnect clutch so that engine starting may be improved.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a shell having a cavity configured to receive a complementary connector. The shell has a front end and a rear end and a circumferential channel in the cavity. The channel has an undercut defined by a seal retention flange extending circumferentially around the channel. A seal retainer is received in the cavity at the front end. The seal retainer has a front edge and a rear edge received in the channel. The rear edge of the seal retainer has an undercut defined by a seal retention flange. The seal retention flange of the seal retainer faces the seal retention flange of the shell across the channel to define a seal pocket. An O-ring seal is received in the seal pocket and is held in the seal pocket by the seal retention flanges.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline operating modes may be manually selected to improve hybrid driveline operation during off road conditions. The approaches may improve vehicle drivability and reduce driveline degradation.