Abstract: A window vent system and method automatically vents air pressure from a vehicle cabin as the vehicle door is closing. A drive mechanism is mounted to a vehicle window. A sensor senses open and closed positions of the door latch. When the latch is open, a signal is sent from the sensor to a controller to open the window. When the latch is closed, a signal is sent to the controller to close the window. Software prevents closing of the window in the event of a pinch event. The software also stops the drive mechanism if there is an obstruction to opening or closing of the window. Manual override is also provided to selectively open and close the window.

Abstract: A means and method automatically vents air pressure from a vehicle cabin as the vehicle door is closing. A drive mechanism is mounted to a vehicle window. A sensor senses open and closed positions of the door latch. When the latch is open, a signal is sent from the sensor to a controller to open the window. When the latch is closed, a signal is sent to the controller to close the window. Software prevents closing of the window in the event of a pinch event. The software also stops the drive mechanism if there is an obstruction to opening or closing of the window. Manual override is also provided to selectively open and close the window.

Abstract: A controller system is provided for a motorized moveable striker assembly on a vehicle door or window. The assembly includes a striker on the door post which is moveable by an electric motor between extended and retracted positions. A latch on the door releasably engages the striker. Switches in the latch sends signals to the controller to actuate the motor. After the latch is engaged, the controller retracts the striker from the extended position to fully close the door. When the latch is disengaged from the striker, the latch switch sends a signal to controller to actuate the motor so as to extend the striker from the retracted position to the extended position as to prepare for the next door closing. Anti-pinching control and temperature compensation is also provided.

Abstract: A steering system generally includes a steering gear for controlling a steer axle of the a hybrid vehicle in response to rotation of a steering wheel. The steering system also includes a power steering pump functionally connected to an internal combustion engine for supplying pressurized fluid to the steering gear. The steering system further includes an accumulator, a power steering controller, and a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure of the accumulator. In use, the steering system continuously monitors the pressure of the accumulator via the pressure sensor. In several instances, the steering system keeps track of whether the accumulator pressure exceeds an engine shut-down prohibition level and/or an engine restart level. From these signals, the internal combustion engine can be instructed to restart from its engine-off condition and/or the internal combustion engine can be prohibited operating in its engine-on condition to transition to its engine-off condition.

Abstract: Climate control systems are provided that are suitable for providing climate control functionality to a hybrid vehicle. The system is capable of operating in dual modes, depending on the present operational state of the vehicle. For example, the dual modes may be as follows: (1) when the vehicle is currently in transit, including intermittent stops, the climate control system is capable of operating at its maximum output, as requested, for cooling the passenger compartment of the vehicle; and (2) when the vehicle is not in transit (e.g., when parked) the climate control system operates at a reduced capacity in order for the climate control system to be powered by the energy storage device for a set period of time. The climate control system may reduce the capacity based on energy reserve levels in the energy storage device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine, an electric motor, an energy storage device having a state of charge, and a throttle. The method improves fuel economy of the hybrid vehicle by determining the state of charge of the energy storage device and setting a throttle depression level for engaging the engine based on the state of charge of the energy storage device. The present disclosure further provides a hybrid vehicle having an engine, an electric motor, an energy storage device having a state of charge, and a throttle. The hybrid vehicle includes a controlling component for determining the state of charge of the energy storage device and setting a throttle depression level for engaging the engine based on the state of charge of the energy storage device.

Abstract: Information display systems present information that allows the driver to increase fuel efficiency of a vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle. In one example, the systems present information in a manner that allows the driver to maximize the time that the hybrid vehicle is able to operate in electric launch mode. One manner is employing a graphical display that generates visual indicators and easily understood graphical representations that display the actual fuel efficiency currently being achieved in comparison to the driver's application of the throttle. As a result, the driver may be able to modify driving habits in order to keep the hybrid vehicle in electric launch mode for as long as possible.

Abstract: A modular cooling system (10) for a vehicle is provided. The modular cooling system (10) includes a frame (12) adapted to be mounted to a portion of a vehicle. A heat-generating component (16) and a plurality of cooling components (18, 22, 24, 26) are received on the frame (12). At least one of the cooling components (18, 22, 24, 26) is placed into communication with the heat-generating component (16).

Abstract: An improved multilayer element for detecting glucose in samples of biological fluid which may contain with fluoride ion as a contaminant or preservative is described. The improved element comprises a buffered Trinder's reagent, which reagent comprises glucose oxidase, peroxidase, 4-aminoantipyrine and a phenolic or naphtholic coupler, which is buffered to a pH between about 4.5 and about 6.0. Such a buffering reduces any interference which may be due to fluoride ion present in the sample under analysis.

Abstract: A colorimetric assay method for the detection of bilirubin in various liquid samples, particularly biological liquids. A multi-zone analytical element based on this assay method is also disclosed. The assay method employs an interactive mordant composition for bilirubin having one or more binding sites for bilirubin, such composition comprising a hydrophobic organic matrix and at least one charge-bearing cationic group. Upon mordanting of bilirubin by the interactive mordant composition, the mordanted bilirubin exhibits an absorption peak shift of at least 10 nm. and at least a 50% increase in molar extinction coefficient.