Abstract: A method for controlling torque of an air conditioner compressor is disclosed. In one example, the air conditioner compressor is a variable displacement compressor. The method may provide may improve vehicle acceleration response while at the same time providing cooling capacity to a vehicle cabin.

Abstract: A method and system for operating vehicle accessories is described. The method and system allocate an available amount of engine torque between different accessories depending on boundary conditions and nominal vehicle operating conditions. In one example, the accessories may include an air conditioner compressor, an alternator, and various vehicle electrical loads that are in electrical communication with the alternator.

Abstract: A method and system for operating vehicle accessories is described. The method and system allocate an available amount of engine torque between different accessories depending on boundary conditions and nominal vehicle operating conditions. In one example, the accessories may include an air conditioner compressor, an alternator, and various vehicle electrical loads that are in electrical communication with the alternator.

Abstract: A method for controlling transitions between activating and deactivating a vehicle air conditioner compressor is disclosed. In one example, displacement of the air conditioner compressor is adjusted before the air conditioner is coupled to an energy conversion device. The method may provide smooth transitions between different air conditioner compressor control modes.

Abstract: A method for controlling transitions between activating and deactivating a vehicle air conditioner compressor is disclosed. In one example, displacement of the air conditioner compressor is adjusted before the air conditioner is coupled to an energy conversion device. The method may provide smooth transitions between different air conditioner compressor control modes.

Abstract: A method for controlling transitions between activating and deactivating a vehicle air conditioner compressor is disclosed. In one example, displacement of the air conditioner compressor is adjusted before the air conditioner is coupled to an energy conversion device. The method may provide smooth transitions between different air conditioner compressor control modes.

Abstract: A method for controlling torque of an air conditioner compressor is disclosed. In one example, the air conditioner compressor is a variable displacement compressor. The method may provide may improve vehicle acceleration response while at the same time providing cooling capacity to a vehicle cabin.

Abstract: A method for controlling torque of an air conditioner compressor is disclosed. In one example, the air conditioner compressor is a variable displacement compressor. The method may provide smooth transitions between different air conditioner compressor torques.

Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous coating compositions for metal substrates, where the coating provides improved corrosion resistance compared to conventional aqueous corrosion resistant coatings. The coating comprises (a) one or more functionalized acrylic polymer; (b) one or more melamine resin; (c) one or more perfluorinated polymer; and (d) one or more dispersing polymer selected from the group consisting of polyimide (P1), polyamideimide (PAI), polyether sulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and a mixture thereof. The composition is particularly useful for fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, used in marine environments.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a low charge condition in an air conditioner for a vehicle. The system first determines whether noise factors are present that would interfere with reliably measuring a pressure delta. If noise factors are not present, the system determines a pressure delta value for the compressor by comparing the high side pressure when the clutch is engaged to a high side pressure when the clutch is disengaged. If the pressure delta value is less than a threshold value, a low charge condition may be recorded. When the number of low charge conditions detected exceeds a predetermined number of events, the system may set a temperature diagnostic trouble code, disable the air conditioning system and alert the driver of a potential problem.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling engine output in a vehicle having a hydraulic power steering system. The method may include, during an idle condition where an engine speed is set to an idle speed, adjusting engine output based on a learned absolute steering wheel angle to compensate for changes in engine load caused by operation of the hydraulic power steering system. The learned absolute steering wheel angle may be based on a steering wheel angle relative to a steering wheel position at vehicle startup and operating conditions from previous vehicle operation before the vehicle startup.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling engine output in a vehicle having a hydraulic power steering system. The method may include, during an idle condition where an engine speed is set to an idle speed, adjusting engine output based on a learned absolute steering wheel angle to compensate for changes in engine load caused by operation of the hydraulic power steering system. The learned absolute steering wheel angle may be based on a steering wheel angle relative to a steering wheel position at vehicle startup and operating conditions from previous vehicle operation before the vehicle startup.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling engine output in a vehicle having a hydraulic power steering system. The method may include, during an idle condition where an engine speed is set to an idle speed, adjusting engine output based on a learned absolute steering wheel angle to compensate for changes in engine load caused by operation of the hydraulic power steering system. The learned absolute steering wheel angle may be based on a steering wheel angle relative to a steering wheel position at vehicle startup and operating conditions from previous vehicle operation before the vehicle startup.

Abstract: A method for controlling engine output of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle having a hydraulic power steering system. The method may includes, during an idle condition where an engine speed is set to an idle speed, adjusting engine output based on a learned absolute steering wheel angle to vary the engine speed from the idle speed to compensate for changes in engine load caused by operation of the hydraulic power steering system. The learned absolute steering wheel angle may be based on a steering wheel angle relative to a steering wheel position at vehicle startup and operating conditions from previous vehicle operation before the vehicle startup.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a low charge condition in an air conditioner for a vehicle. The system first determines whether noise factors are present that would interfere with reliably measuring a pressure delta. If noise factors are not present, the system determines a pressure delta value for the compressor by comparing the high side pressure when the clutch is engaged to a high side pressure when the clutch is disengaged. If the pressure delta value is less than a threshold value, a low charge condition may be recorded. When the number of low charge conditions detected exceeds a predetermined number of events, the system may set a temperature diagnostic trouble code, disable the air conditioning system and alert the driver of a potential problem.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing an automobile engine idle speed based on actual air conditioner usage. The automobile engine may supply power to the air conditioner upon engagement of an air conditioner clutch with the automobile engine. The system may include at least one sensor for transmitting electrical signals representative of air conditioner activities, and a control system for receiving the electrical signals and controlling engagement of the air conditioner clutch with the automobile engine. The control system may determine an air conditioning cycling percentage based on an amount of time the air conditioner clutch is engaged with the automobile engine over an amount of time air conditioning is requested by a user. The control system may adjust an idle engine speed based on the air conditioning cycling percentage to optimize operation of the air conditioner.

Abstract: A tool for use with a guitar for establishing a proper degree of pre-tightening slack in each of a plurality of guitar strings attached to respective head and rear locations of the guitar and prior to final tightening and wrapping of the strings. A substantially planar and elongate extending body includes a lower end having first and second locating feet extending from the body for locating the tool in substantially upwardly extending fashion relative to a selected one of the frets of the guitar neck. The tool also includes an upper end having a plurality of individually stepped shoulders corresponding to each of the plurality of guitar strings to be installed. A removal portion is integrally defined in the body and is adapted to remove pegs installed at the rear location of the guitar. Tuning spindles are located on a head of the guitar and each further includes a locking nut portion rotatably associated with an upwardly extending pintle.

Abstract: A tool for use with a guitar for establishing a proper degree of pre-tightening slack in each of a plurality of guitar strings attached to respective head and rear locations of the guitar and prior to final tightening and wrapping of the strings. A substantially planar and elongate extending body includes a lower end having first and second locating feet extending from the body for locating the tool in substantially upwardly extending fashion relative to a selected one of the frets of the guitar neck. The tool also includes an upper end having a plurality of individually stepped shoulders corresponding to each of the plurality of guitar strings to be installed. A removal portion is integrally defined in the body and is adapted to remove pegs installed at the rear location of the guitar. Tuning spindles are located on a head of the guitar and each further includes a locking nut portion rotatably associated with an upwardly extending pintle.

Abstract: Smooth, patterned substrates useful in producing decorative cookware are formed by coating a base with a mixture of fluoropolymer and magnetic flakes and magnetically inducing an image in the polymer coating composition. The baked fluoropolymer release coating contains magnetizable flakes, a portion of the flakes being oriented in the plane of the substrate and a portion of said flakes being magnetically reoriented to form a pattern in the coating which is observed in reflected light, the flakes having a longest dimension which is greater than the thickness of said coating. The patterned substrate is formed by applying magnetic force through the edges of a magnetizable die positioned under a coated base to induce an imaging effect or pattern. The coating composition is then cured resulting in a smooth surface, patterned nonstick finish on the substrate.