Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing an emotional human-machine interface (HMI). A vehicle may comprise a display for presenting an emotional HMI. The emotional HMI may be determined by determining a first occupant of the vehicle, collecting first biometric data for the first occupant using at least the one or more sensors, determining, using an emotion engine of the vehicle, a first emotional state of the first occupant, determining a second occupant of the vehicle, determining, using the emotion engine of the vehicle, a second emotional state of the second occupant, and determining a graphical interface comprising at least a first color scheme based at least in part on the first emotional state and a second color scheme based at least in part on the second emotional state.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using audio output devices to output audio content are provided. The audio output devices are provided in autonomously controllable vehicles. The vehicles are instructed to move to respective locations based on an audio output mode. For example, the vehicles may be arranged in a first configuration for a stereo sound mode and instructed to play left-channel or right channel audio data according to their location. The vehicles may be autonomously controlled to move into a different configuration for outputting audio content in another audio mode, for example, a surround sound mode. Where the audio output device is provided in a vehicle interior, such as internal speakers in a car, the vehicle may be instructed to, while playing the audio content, open the door and/or window.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing an emotional human-machine interface (HMI). A vehicle may comprise a display for presenting an emotional HMI. The emotional HMI may be determined by determining a first occupant of the vehicle, collecting first biometric data for the first occupant using at least the one or more sensors, determining, using an emotion engine of the vehicle, a first emotional state of the first occupant, determining a second occupant of the vehicle, determining, using the emotion engine of the vehicle, a second emotional state of the second occupant, and determining a graphical interface comprising at least a first color scheme based at least in part on the first emotional state and a second color scheme based at least in part on the second emotional state.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using audio output devices to output audio content are provided. The audio output devices are provided in autonomously controllable vehicles. The vehicles are instructed to move to respective locations based on an audio output mode. For example, the vehicles may be arranged in a first configuration for a stereo sound mode and instructed to play left-channel or right channel audio data according to their location. The vehicles may be autonomously controlled to move into a different configuration for outputting audio content in another audio mode, for example, a surround sound mode. Where the audio output device is provided in a vehicle interior, such as internal speakers in a car, the vehicle may be instructed to, while playing the audio content, open the door and/or window.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a cooling system valve comprising a fusible insert and a heating element coupled to the insert. In one example, in response to an increase in coolant temperature to above a first threshold temperature, a movable element of the cooling system valve may be actuated to a fully open position and in response to an increase in coolant temperature to above a second threshold temperature with the movable element in a fully open position, electric current may be routed through the heating element to heat and melt the fusible insert. By melting the fusible portion, coolant may flow through an opening created in the movable element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing inertial forces of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine are described. The systems and methods may provide for counterweights in a form of pistons in cylinders that are moved via electromagnets. The counterweights may be moved at a frequency that corresponds to engine speed via an alternating current.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is disclosed having a safety system that includes an electronic controller controlling an electronically controlled mechanism in response to inputs from a number of rear parking sensors to prevent movement of a rear closure of the motor vehicle in a closing direction when more than one object is sensed to be within a rear protection zone and the rear closure member is in a fully open position.

Abstract: A headrest assembly is provided herein. A headrest is coupled to a seatback. The seatback includes a housing. The headrest is movable between a first position wherein the headrest is exposed above the seatback, and a second position wherein the headrest is concealed within the housing. A top of the headrest is flush with a top of the seatback while in the second position.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a cooling system valve comprising a fusible insert and a heating element coupled to the insert. In one example, in response to an increase in coolant temperature to above a first threshold temperature, a movable element of the cooling system valve may be actuated to a fully open position and in response to an increase in coolant temperature to above a second threshold temperature with the movable element in a fully open position, electric current may be routed through the heating element to heat and melt the fusible insert. By melting the fusible portion, coolant may flow through an opening created in the movable element.

Abstract: A headrest assembly is provided herein. A headrest is coupled to a seatback. The seatback includes a housing. The headrest is movable between a first position wherein the headrest is exposed above the seatback, and a second position wherein the headrest is concealed within the housing. A top of the headrest is flush with a top of the seatback while in the second position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is disclosed having a safety system that includes an electronic controller controlling an electronically controlled mechanism in response to inputs from a number of rear parking sensors to prevent movement of a rear closure of the motor vehicle in a closing direction when more than one object is sensed to be within a rear protection zone and the rear closure member is in a fully open position.

Abstract: A balance assembly for an engine is provided. The balance assembly includes a first electric motor coupled to the engine and configured to rotate a first eccentric mass relative to the engine, the first eccentric mass being coupled to a first shaft of the first electric motor, and a second electric motor coupled to the engine and configured to rotate a second eccentric mass relative to the engine, the second eccentric mass being coupled to a second shaft of the second electric motor. The first and second electric motors are configured to rotate the first and second eccentric masses in order to balance a vibration characteristic of the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing inertial forces of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine are described. The systems and methods may provide for counterweights in a form of pistons in cylinders that are moved via electromagnets. The counterweights may be moved at a frequency that corresponds to engine speed via an alternating current.

Abstract: A balance assembly for an engine is provided. The balance assembly includes a first electric motor coupled to the engine and configured to rotate a first eccentric mass relative to the engine, the first eccentric mass being coupled to a first shaft of the first electric motor, and a second electric motor coupled to the engine and configured to rotate a second eccentric mass relative to the engine, the second eccentric mass being coupled to a second shaft of the second electric motor. The first and second electric motors are configured to rotate the first and second eccentric masses in order to balance a vibration characteristic of the engine.

Abstract: A method of locating a balancer shaft bearing of an engine, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a bearing retention clip to a balancer shaft bearing cap thereby defining a balancer shaft bearing cap assembly, the bearing retention clip comprising one or more retaining elements that extend at least partially across an opening of the balancer shaft bearing cap in an installed configuration; assembling the balancer shaft bearing cap and the balancer shaft bearing such that a portion of the balancer shaft bearing is received in the opening of the balancer shaft bearing cap; and restricting the movement of the balancer shaft bearing relative to the balancer shaft bearing cap upon engagement of the balancer shaft bearing with one or more of the retaining elements of the bearing retention clip.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of controlling a motor vehicle entertainment system based upon the occupancy of the motor vehicle. The occupancy of the motor vehicle is judged based upon inputs received from a number of seat sensors. The motor vehicle entertainment system includes a number of customised playlists based upon vehicle occupant identity. The motor vehicle entertainment system automatically selects a suitable playlist from the number of customised playlists based upon inferred identities of the occupants of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the method can include receiving a first plurality of unique identifiers from a first plurality of RFID tags; associating a subset of the unique into a collection of associated identifiers, the collection having a total number of associated identifiers; receiving a second plurality of unique identifiers from a second plurality of RFID tags; determining a total number of the associated identifiers present in the second plurality of unique identifiers; determining that the total number of the associated identifiers present in the second plurality of unique identifiers is greater than or equal to a predetermined number; upon so determining, determining that the total number of the associated identifiers present in the second plurality of unique identifiers is less than or equal to a predetermined percentage of the total number of associated identifiers of the collection; and providing a notice of an error.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an oil pump mounting structure that provides accessibility and removal of the oil pump without removing a balancer shaft. While periodically servicing or replacing the oil pump may be necessary throughout the lifetime of an engine, it is desirable to allow for easy removal of the oil pump without removing and reassembling other engine components. To provide alignment and a rigid connection between the oil pump and engine frame while allowing for removal of the oil pump without removing other components, dowel bolts with unthreaded, threaded, and dowel portions are used to mount the oil pump to the engine frame.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an oil pump mounting structure that provides accessibility and removal of the oil pump without removing a balancer shaft. While periodically servicing or replacing the oil pump may be necessary throughout the lifetime of an engine, it is desirable to allow for easy removal of the oil pump without removing and reassembling other engine components. To provide alignment and a rigid connection between the oil pump and engine frame while allowing for removal of the oil pump without removing other components, dowel bolts with unthreaded, threaded, and dowel portions are used to mount the oil pump to the engine frame.

Abstract: A fire warning system, suitable for use in an aircraft engine bay or other installations involving a prime mover or a furnace or boiler for example. A plurality of optical sensors are arranged to monitor at least two zones, for example an opposite sides of the engine etc. Sensor signals from the zones are compared and in the event of a difference between signals exceeding a predetermined amount a fire warning alarm is energised.