Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a spark ignition engine that includes a particulate filter in the engine's exhaust system are described. In one example, a threshold temperature at which the spark ignition engine may be automatically stopped is adjusted according to an amount of soot that is stored in the particulate filter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enhancing reverse driving torque in a powersplit hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. In one example, a method may include accelerating an engine via a generator functioning as a motor, any number of times, to provide an engine braking torque that may increase a reverse driving torque to enable the vehicle to be propelled in reverse at a vehicle speed above a threshold vehicle speed. In this way, reverse gradability may be improved and customer satisfaction increased.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wearable medical device system includes a processor configured to determine whether a patient requires electrical therapy to be provided via a plurality of therapy electrodes, the electrical therapy comprising discharging at least a portion of a stored electrical charge from an energy storage module, and if so, cause a fluid deploying mechanism to deploy a portion of the stored fluid to an interface between at least two therapy electrodes and the patient's skin prior to providing the electrical therapy, the deployed portion of fluid adapted to decrease the impedance measured by an impedance measurement circuit, and cause the fluid deploying mechanism to deploy an additional portion of fluid in response to the impedance measured by the impedance measurement circuit increasing above a threshold during the electrical therapy.

Abstract: A hybrid electric power-split vehicle, equipped with a continuously variable transmission coupling an electric motor/generator (EM) with a combustion engine (CE), includes systems and methods that reduce possible resonant noise and vibration during CE startup, by improved EM control, to generate compensating EM torque to counter act such possible resonant noise and vibration. The systems and methods include predetermined baseline CE operating condition (OC) cranking torque profiles stored as OC grids (SOCGs). A start profile is generated from selected cranking torque SOCGs, and also from selected historical start OCGs (HOCGs) of prior engine and/or CE starts, which include prior start noise and vibration metrics along with prior start OCs and related parameters. The start profile is calibrated using a blend factor that is generated from comparisons of SOCGs, and utilized to generate a feed-forward torque signal that adjusts EM torque to reduce the startup noise and vibration resonances.

Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) systems that include patient parameter electrodes, such as ECG electrodes, that are at least substantially electrically isolated from other circuits of the WCD system. In embodiments, the WCD system includes a power source, an energy storage module, and a processor each connected to a first circuit ground. A patient parameter sense port, such as an ECG port, is coupled to the patient. A measurement circuit may render a physiological input from the sensed patient parameter received at the patient parameter sense port, and the measurement circuit includes an isolating circuit that electrically isolates the patient parameter sense port from the first circuit ground. The sensing of physiological inputs of the patient can be improved, resulting in fewer erroneous readings and false alarms.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, and a controller. The engine and the electric machine are each configured to generate power. The controller is programmed to, responsive to a power demand exceeding a first threshold while the electric machine is generating power alone, start the engine. The controller is further programmed to, responsive to the power demand exceeding the first threshold and an operator input to suppress an engine startup, override starting the engine for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) systems that include patient parameter electrodes, such as ECG electrodes, that are at least substantially electrically isolated from other circuits of the WCD system. In embodiments, the WCD system includes a power source, an energy storage module, and a processor each connected to a first circuit ground. A patient parameter sense port, such as an ECG port, is coupled to the patient. A measurement circuit may render a physiological input from the sensed patient parameter received at the patient parameter sense port, and the measurement circuit includes an isolating circuit that electrically isolates the patient parameter sense port from the first circuit ground. The sensing of physiological inputs of the patient can be improved, resulting in fewer erroneous readings and false alarms.

Abstract: A hybrid electric power-split vehicle, equipped with a continuously variable transmission coupling an electric motor/generator (EM) with a combustion engine (CE), includes systems and methods that reduce possible resonant noise and vibration during CE startup, by improved EM control, to generate compensating EM torque to counter act such possible resonant noise and vibration. The systems and methods include predetermined baseline CE operating condition (OC) cranking torque profiles stored as OC grids (SOCGs). A start profile is generated from selected cranking torque SOCGs, and also from selected historical start OCGs (HOCGs) of prior engine and/or CE starts, which include prior start noise and vibration metrics along with prior start OCs and related parameters. The start profile is calibrated using a blend factor that is generated from comparisons of SOCGs, and utilized to generate a feed-forward torque signal that adjusts EM torque to reduce the startup noise and vibration resonances.

Abstract: A method for detecting conflicts between aircraft flying in controlled airspace. The method determines whether pairs of aircraft flight routes violate a predetermined proximity test. The separation of pairs of aircraft whose flight routes do not violate the proximity test is assured. For pairs of aircraft whose flight routes violate the proximity test, the method calculates the parts of their flight routes that breach the separation threshold, the conflict paths (406, 408). The conflict paths are stored. The method determines the portions of aircraft trajectories corresponding to the conflict paths. The separation of aircraft that have flown past their conflict paths is assured. The separation time and separation altitude of pairs of aircraft that have not flown past their conflict paths are calculated. The separation time and separation altitude are used to determine future circumstances whereby the pairs of aircraft may lose separation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enhancing reverse driving torque in a powersplit hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. In one example, a method may include accelerating an engine via a generator functioning as a motor, any number of times, to provide an engine braking torque that may increase a reverse driving torque to enable the vehicle to be propelled in reverse at a vehicle speed above a threshold vehicle speed. In this way, reverse gradability may be improved and customer satisfaction increased.

Abstract: Patient electrodes, patient monitors, defibrillators, wearable defibrillators, software and methods may warn when an electrode stops being fully attached to the patient's skin. A patient electrode includes a pad for attaching to the skin of a patient, a lead coupled to the pad, and a contact detector that can change state, when the pad does not contact fully the skin of the patient. When the detector changes state, an output device may emit an alert, for notifying a rescuer or even the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle includes controlling a vehicle according to a first mode in response to a calculated likelihood exceeding a threshold likelihood, and controlling the vehicle according to a second mode otherwise. The calculated likelihood corresponds to the likelihood that the vehicle is within a threshold distance of a current drive cycle final destination. The calculated likelihood is derived from geolocation data collected from geolocation systems in at least one vehicle across a plurality of vehicle drive cycles.

Abstract: Patient electrodes, patient monitors, defibrillators, wearable defibrillators, software and methods may warn when an electrode stops being fully attached to the patient's skin. A patient electrode includes a pad for attaching to the skin of a patient, a lead coupled to the pad, and a contact detector that can change state, when the pad does not contact fully the skin of the patient. When the detector changes state, an output device may emit an alert, for notifying a rescuer or even the patient.

Abstract: A wearable medical device includes a garment and a medical device. The medical device has a functionality that can transition between an operative state and an inoperative state. When the functionality is in the inoperative state, a protrusion extends so as to poke the patient, as an indication that steps need to be taken to make the device ready for use.

Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.

Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include an impedance detector configured to render an impedance signal of the patient. The WCD system may determine, from the impedance signal, a characteristic of breathing by the patient that can be used as a vital sign. The WCD system may determine, from at least the breathing characteristic, whether or not a shock criterion is met. If the shock criterion is met, the WCD system may control a discharge circuit to discharge a stored electrical charge through the patient. An advantage can be that the breathing characteristic may be used to determine whether or not a patient is experiencing a condition that requires defibrillation therapy, such as sudden cardiac arrest. Even more advantages can be had in discerning the state of the patient when the breathing characteristic is combined with other data, such as from a motion detector.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine configured to provide power to traction wheels, and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to the engine being off and a power request exceeding an engine-start threshold, delay an engine start when vehicle speed is below a predetermined value. Delaying an engine start may include providing an engine-start-threshold offset. The offset decreases as vehicle speed increases. The engine is started when the power request exceeds a sum of the engine-start threshold and the engine-start-threshold offset.

Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a quick start packaging mural are provided. In certain embodiments, a package includes at least one electronic component; a container enclosing the at least one electronic component, wherein the container protects the at least one electronic component when transported to a user; and a packaging mural within the container, the packaging mural having information about the at least one electronic component, wherein the information and the at least one electronic components are simultaneously viewable when the at least one electronic component is accessible within the container.