Abstract: Systems and methods for carrying a bladed tool affixed to a person employ a sheath member, a concealment member, and a carrying member that are reversibly coupled together. Such systems and methods allow a person to customize the manner in which the bladed tool is carried. Law enforcement officers, emergency response personnel, soldiers, and others can employ those systems and methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cranking an engine of a hybrid vehicle that includes an electric machine to crank the engine and propel the vehicle are disclosed. In one example, engine cranking speed and engine cranking source are selected in response to vehicle operating conditions that may affect whether or not an electrical power source has sufficient energy to crank the engine.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine configured to automatically stop in response to an engine stop request and automatically start in response to an engine start request include selectively inhibiting an engine stop request based on an anticipated duration of an expected decreased driver power command state to reduce occurrence of successive automatic stops and automatic starts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline oscillations are reduced during engine air-fuel ratio modulation. The driveline oscillations may be reduced via adjusting torque of a motor.

Abstract: A method of starting a vehicle may include, in response to an expected driver entry, stroking a clutch configured to couple an engine to an electric machine for a predetermined time period. The method may further include, in response to an engine start request received during the predetermined time period, providing power to the electric machine to spin the electric machine at a speed at least equal to a target engine cranking speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline oscillations are reduced during engine air-fuel ratio modulation. The driveline oscillations may be reduced via adjusting torque of a motor.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a bioreactor system for the bioconversion of biomass into products and renewable energy, and a method for the same.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cranking an engine of a hybrid vehicle that includes an electric machine to crank the engine and propel the vehicle are disclosed. In one example, engine cranking speed and engine cranking source are selected in response to vehicle operating conditions that may affect whether or not an electrical power source has sufficient energy to crank the engine.

Abstract: A parking lock mechanism having a motor, an actuation shaft, an engagement cam, a release cam, a cam biasing member, a pawl member and a lock gear. The engagement cam has a first side, a second side and a perforation there through. An outer edge of the engagement cam has a contact portion and an engagement portion. The release cam has a first side, a second side and a perforation there through. An outer edge of the release cam has a release member and an engagement portion. The cam biasing member has a first end, a coil portion and a second end. The pawl member has a pivot perforation, an engagement end, a locking protuberance and a sensor protuberance. The pawl member is disposed adjacent the engagement cam and the release cam. The lock gear has a plurality of inner splines and outer teeth.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine includes automatically stopping the engine in response to vehicle power demand dropping below currently available electrical power, and automatically starting the engine when vehicle power demand is at a first offset below currently available electrical power to reduce a time delay for starting the engine and increase a currently available vehicle power to move the vehicle up a grade in response to receiving a signal indicating a positive grade. A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, and a controller. The controller is configured to control starting/stopping of the engine in response to a first driver demand when receiving a signal indicative of a road grade angle exceeding a corresponding threshold and in response to a second driver demand otherwise.

Abstract: A vehicle power generation mode control method includes initiating a vehicle power generation mode request; determining whether at least one of the following conditions exists: high engine revolutions per minute is allowed; high voltage or amperage draw is allowed; current fuel level supports power generation mode; and carbon monoxide readings are within acceptable limits; denying requests for engagement of a vehicle transmission if at least one of the conditions exists; and allowing or commanding the vehicle power generation mode.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle may include an engine and at least one controller. The controller may be programmed to, while the engine is off and during a generally constant accelerator pedal input, start the engine in response to an increase in relative acceleration of an object in front of the vehicle greater than a threshold.

Abstract: An example method includes initiating an alert in response to a starter activating for a number of cycles. An example device includes a counter that counts cycles of a starter. The starter is configured to activate multiple times during a single drive cycle to start an internal combustion engine. A controller initiates an alert in response to one or more of the cycles. A display is included to display the alert.

Abstract: A vehicle power generation mode control method includes initiating a vehicle power generation mode request; determining whether at least one of the following conditions exists: high engine revolutions per minute is allowed; high voltage or amperage draw is allowed; current fuel level supports power generation mode; and carbon monoxide readings are within acceptable limits; denying requests for engagement of a vehicle transmission if at least one of the conditions exists; and allowing or commanding the vehicle power generation mode.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a trailer hitch includes detecting the trailer hitch being in use, commanding an engine to stop, and commanding the engine to start in response to a torque to accelerate being within a predetermined offset below an unladen vehicle torque pull up schedule.

Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, communicating an alert to a location remote from a vehicle in response to disabling a Power Generation mode of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes controlling a vehicle in a Power Generation mode to supply power to equipment separate from the vehicle. The controlling step includes estimating a cost of operating the vehicle in the Power Generation mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline oscillations are reduced during engine air-fuel ratio modulation. The driveline oscillations may be reduced via adjusting torque of a motor.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine configured to automatically stop in response to an engine stop request and automatically start in response to an engine start request include selectively inhibiting an engine stop request based on an anticipated duration of an expected decreased driver power command state to reduce occurrence of successive automatic stops and automatic starts.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine includes automatically stopping the engine in response to vehicle power demand dropping below currently available electrical power while trailering, and automatically starting the engine when vehicle power demand is at a first offset below currently available electrical power. A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, a trailer hitch, and a controller configured to, in response to the vehicle trailering, command the engine to start at a torque offset below an unladen vehicle engine torque pull up schedule, where the torque offset is based on vehicle loading. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a trailer hitch includes detecting the trailer hitch being in use, commanding an engine to stop, and commanding the engine to start in response to a torque to accelerate being within a predetermined offset below an unladen vehicle torque pull up schedule.