Abstract: Systems and control methods can provide for determining a TrnAin torque request from desired vehicle acceleration in a vehicle that utilizes a WTC architecture to allow for smooth transition between different transmission states, such as torque converter bypass clutch states and shifts between transmission gear ratios. The methods provide consistent and smooth vehicle acceleration profile during transmission state transitions. The methods also provide the ability to track the desired vehicle acceleration consistently from virtual driver demand sources, such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous vehicle, or remote parking, without allocating any additional resource to account for transmission state transitions. The proposed methods are applicable to any TC-based automatic transmission drivetrain, such as conventional powertrain, MHT, P4 HEV, or even BEV powertrains where the motor is located on the impeller side of a torque converter.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system configured to generate wheel torque includes an engine arranged to output a first propulsion torque to a transmission and an electric motor arranged to output a second propulsion torque downstream of the transmission. The vehicle propulsion system also includes a controller programmed to, in response to detecting a lash crossing associated with one of the electric motor and the transmission, set a torque slew rate of the other one of the electric motor and transmission such that each of the electric motor and transmission undergoes lash crossings at different points in time.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for coordinating engine and motor torque in a hybrid vehicle system. The systems and methods use an engine torque command to obtain a motor torque command, and adjust the engine torque command based on an estimate of a time delay between commanded and actual motor torque prior to the engine command being sent to an engine controller. In this way, crankshaft torque accuracy may be improved.

Abstract: Pesticidal proteins exhibiting toxic activity against Lepidopteran pest species are disclosed, and include, but are not limited to, TIC4029, TIC4029_1, and TIC4029_8. DNA constructs are provided which contain a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding one or more of the disclosed pesticidal proteins. Transgenic plants, plant cells, seed, and plant parts resistant to Lepidopteran infestation are provided which contain recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding pesticidal proteins of the TIC4029 class. Methods for detecting the presence of the recombinant nucleic acid sequences or the proteins of the TIC4029 class in a biological sample, and methods of controlling Lepidopteran species pests using any of the TIC4029, TIC4029_1, and TIC4029_8 pesticidal proteins are also provided.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include systems, vehicles, and methods for providing decision support to a person planning to make a trip in a vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, a computing device has computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions configured to cause the computing device to identify a current travel capability for the vehicle based on available energy aboard the vehicle. A selection of travel information is presented to a user of the computing device. The travel information may include information including a duration of charging required to provide sufficient additional energy to perform a first trip, at least one range of additional travel possible without additional charging after performing the first trip, and at least one potential intermediate destination reachable while performing the first trip without undertaking additional charging.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a distribution between engine and motor torques for a hybrid electric vehicle operating in a creep mode of operation in response to an engine start request. In one example, responsive to a request to start an engine while a vehicle is being propelled at a predetermined wheel creep torque via an electric motor positioned downstream of a transmission and a torque converter, coordinating an electric motor torque and an engine torque in one of a first mode, second mode, or a third mode depending on whether the electric motor can continue to provide the predetermined wheel creep torque. In this way, engine idle speed may be minimized depending on vehicle operating conditions, which may improve fuel economy.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a hybrid vehicle during launch conditions from rest. In one example, a driver demand torque is held constant until a threshold vehicle speed is reached when a constant accelerator pedal position is present so that closing of a transmission input clutch may result in reduced driveline torque disturbances while a desired driver demand torque is delivered.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine that may be automatically stopped and started is described. In one example, selection of an engine starting device is based on a value of an engine starting torque reserve. The engine starting torque reserve may be dynamically adjusted so that life spans of engine starting devices may meet expectations.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that may be automatically stopped and started is described. In one example, the method includes starting an engine via expansion stroke combustion in response to a request to urgently start the engine. In addition, the method includes adjusting a position of a compression relief valve in response to a predicted urgency of an engine start.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a hybrid vehicle during launch conditions from rest. In one example, a threshold speed below which a clutch is closed during a vehicle launch is adjusted so that driver demand wheel torque is held constant for a constant accelerator pedal position until the clutch is closed.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes a plurality of engine starting devices and an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the method determines whether or not to inhibit automatic engine stopping so that a lifespan of an engine starting device may be extended. In one example, the inhibiting is based on a ratio of an actual total number of engine starts generated via the engine starting device to an actual total distance traveled by the vehicle since the engine starting device was installed.

Abstract: Embodiments of communication systems are disclosed for protecting communication between an implanted device ID and an external device ED. Optionally, the ID communicates over the TET channel by modulating a load on the channel. While the ID is communicating the ED optionally adds noise to the TET channel, inhibiting malicious interception of the communication. Using knowledge of the noise signal, the ED cleans the noise from the TET signal to recover the communication from the ID. In some embodiments, the TET link is used to pass an encryption key and/or to verify communications over a radio channel. The TET channel may be authenticated. For example, authentication may include a minimum energy and/or power transfer.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes a plurality of engine starting devices and an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the method selects one of a plurality of engine starting devices to start an engine based on durability metrics of each of the plurality of engine starting devices. In addition, engine starting device selection may be based on calibration parameters that are generated via a server that is external to the vehicle.

Abstract: A casing rotation system permits rotation of a casing string through a telescoping ring that selectively engages a casing hanger. When the telescoping ring is in a first axial position, it engages the casing hanger such that rotational force is transmitted from a running tool to the casing string. When the telescoping ring moves to a second axial position, it disengages the casing hanger such that rotational force is no longer transmitted to the casing string. The casing rotation system may include an inward-biased locking ring disposed about the casing hanger and optionally a bearing surface that reduces friction on the hangar.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes a plurality of engine starting devices and an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the method determines whether or not to inhibit automatic engine stopping so that a lifespan of an engine starting device may be extended. In one example, the inhibiting is based on a ratio of an actual total number of engine starts generated via the engine starting device to an actual total distance traveled by the vehicle since the engine starting device was installed.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine that may be automatically stopped and started is described. In one example, selection of an engine starting device is based on a value of an engine starting torque reserve. The engine starting torque reserve may be dynamically adjusted so that life spans of engine starting devices may meet expectations.

Abstract: A gaming device that initiates a series of game instances, and controls a display to display a multiplier meter that a) has a plurality of multiplier levels corresponding to respective ones of a sequence of multipliers applying to outcomes of the game instances and b) when a multiplier applies, indicates a current multiplier level. A processor initializes a designated symbol counter, the processor selects symbols for display for a game instance, evaluates the symbols displayed to identify any winning combinations of symbols, and for each winning combination determines an award amount, adds any awards to the win meter, increments the designated symbol counter by a number of designated symbols, changes the current multiplier level upon the designated symbol counter exceeding a defined threshold applying to a respective multiplier level, and updates the multiplier meter to indicate the current multiplier level.

Abstract: During a cardiac arrhythmia, defibrillation shocks from an implanted cardiac defibrillator are suppressed based on the sensing of electrical wavefront arrival times which indicate a supraventricular origin to the cardiac arrhythmia. In some embodiments, times of electrical wavefront arrival in at least two ventricular locations of the heart are sensed; one location being relatively superior, and one relatively inferior (e.g., relatively superior and inferior locations of a ventricular septum). In some embodiments, if the arrival time at the more inferior position is within a predetermined interval after arrival at the more superior position, delivery of defibrillation shocks are suppressed. In some embodiments, additional sensing of electrical wavefront arrival at one or more non-septal ventricular locations is performed, and defibrillation shock suppression is optionally itself suppressed if the additional sensing indicates that the wavefront initiated in a ventricular location.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to multi-layer film structures and methods of manufacturing the same. The films can be oriented and heat shrinkable. The films can include an ethylene vinyl alcohol layer. In certain instances, the films do not include an individual polyamide layer.