Abstract: A system (10) for controlling the torque of an induction motor (12) utilizes a flux observer (14). The flux observer (14) receives stator current inputs (16, 18) and a rotor speed estimate (80) and then outputs a rotor flux estimate (20) that provides increased motor control stability at all speeds.

Abstract: An electrical termination arrangement 70 including a multiple lead conductive flexible tape 14 has first and second ends, the first end being operatively associated with a first member. A stamped terminal has pins 73 corresponding to multiple leads 17 of the tape 14. The pins have first ends 80 for connection with a second member non-positionally affixed with respect to the first member. The pins 73 are parallel spaced from one another and are serially increasing in length. The pins 73 have contact areas 97 with the conductive flexible tape leads 17 in a serially laterally increasing manner.

Abstract: An optical element, a lighting system utilizing the optical element and a method of manipulating light from a source to provide an illumination pattern suitable for use in a night vision system and exterior lighting applications is disclosed. The optical element has an input surface and an output surface disposed at approximately perpendicular to the input surface. A stepped surface angles between the input surface and the output surface intersecting the light inside the optical element. Multiple facets are formed in the stepped surface to reflect the light towards the output surface. The input, stepped and output surfaces are arranged such that the light reflects only from the stepped surface. The optical element has a rectangular shape in one embodiment and a wedge shape in a second embodiment.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation circuit (10) for a motor controller is operated by generating an offset voltage and adding the offset voltage to a carrier timing signal to form an offset carrier timing signal. The operation of each of the phases of the motor is controlled as a function of the offset carrier signal.

Abstract: A substrate covered with an insulating layer and a catalytic gate electrode 26 disposed on the insulating layer. The catalytic gate electrode 26 has a first end having a first contact pad 30 and a second end having a second contact pad 32. A meander 28 is placed between the first contact and the second contact. A third contact pad 24 is coupled to the underside of the substrate 22. The temperature is measured between the first contact pad 30 and second contact pad 32 while sensor's response to gas concentration is sensed between the gate electrode 26 and the third contact 24.

Abstract: A stator for an induction machine comprises a cylindrical core that has a plurality of inner and outer slots and a plurality of toroidal coils wound about the core and laid in the inner and outer slots. Each toroidal coil occupies a single inner slot and is laid in the adjacent associated outer slot to minimize the distance the coils extend from the end faces of the core thereby minimizing the length of the induction machine. The coils are encapsulated in a material that fills any voids to provide a thermal path for uniform heat dissipation. In operation, a controller is coupled to three current sensors and detects the current of only three phases. These phases are then used to calculate the current of the adjacent six phases, thereby, allowing for better control of the electric machine.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation circuit (10) has a first set of windings with a first inverter circuit coupled thereto and a second set of windings having a second inverter circuit coupled thereto. A pulse width modulation controller pulse width modulates the first inverter circuit and the second inverter circuit so that the first inverter circuit has a predetermined phase shift therebetween to reduce input ripple.

Abstract: A lighting system for illuminating the exterior of an automotive vehicle has a remotely controlled lamp or set of lamps mounted to the underside of the vehicle for providing illumination both below the vehicle and under the vehicle when the vehicle is stationary the lamps illuminate upon receipt of a predetermined signal from a transmitter. The lamps may also illuminate upon opening a vehicle door to illuminate the path of an exiting passenger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling universal exhaust gas oxygen (UEGO) sensors comprises an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that includes a sensor control utilizing proportional-integral-derivative control loop, sensor drivers for generating pumping currents that reflect the changes of voltages representative of oxygen levels in the reference and test chambers of the UEGO sensor, a communication circuit for communicating with an engine control module, and output buffers for conditioning replications of the pumping current for delivery to an output circuit. In addition to the ASIC, a sensor interface conditions the sensor signals and an output circuit transforms the pumping circuit replications to compatible inputs for the engine control module. Preferably, all of the circuits are formed on a portion of a circuit board in the engine control module. A trim compensation circuit compensates for sensor deviation from an ideal performance standard.

Abstract: A crash control system for vehicles employs pre-crash surrogate signals to predict a potential crash. The predictive signals may be generated by activation of the vehicle's anti-lock brakes, or by a sensor that detects rate of brake pedal travel indicating panic braking or by advanced radar systems. The pre-crash signals may be used to ready various safety systems on the vehicle, such as chassis and suspension systems, dynamic body systems, interior occupant protection systems and other systems that function to improve vehicle's crash worthiness or assist in improving vehicle stability or control. The pre-crash signals may also be used to modify the normal trigger points of safety systems to improve the timing of their response.

Abstract: A starter/alternator system 40 for an automotive vehicle 10 with an internal combustion engine 12 has a crankshaft 50 coupled to pistons 16 and a flywheel 90 coupled to the crankshaft 50. The vehicle 10 also has a transmission 20 having an input shaft 22. A starter/alternator 42 has a rotor 48 and a stator 46. The rotor 42 is fixedly coupled to the input shaft 22. A clutch 52 selectively couples the input shaft 22 and the crankshaft 50. The rotor 48 has a rotor carrier 70 and a rotor coil 71. The rotor carrier 70 has a radially extending portion 72 and an annular portion 74 spaced from the input shaft 22. The annular portion 74 has an inner surface 80 and outer surface 82 wherein the rotor coil 71 is fixedly coupled to the outer surface 82.

Abstract: A torque sensor having an array of four saturable core magnetic flux detectors arranged in two pairs. Each pair of flux detectors is associated with a pair of magnetoelastic bands. A triangle signal is applied to one end of each pair of flux detectors and an offset correction voltage is applied to the opposite ends. Two amplifiers are associated with each pair of torque detectors and are responsive to the second harmonic of detected flux signals. The signal conditioning electronics provide automatic offset and drift correction.

Abstract: A speed sensorless controller for an induction motor with rotor resistance estimation, using stator currents and voltages. The rotor resistance and speed estimation are obtained as a solution of a linear algebraic system with pseudo current and voltage signals and their observable derivatives as inputs. The proposed scheme provides accurate, real-time estimation of the speed and rotor time constants in all motor operational modes. It can also be used for real-time motor tuning if a speed signal is available.

Abstract: A method of charging a primary energy storage device in a vehicle including a secondary energy storage device and an engine coupled to a combined starter/alternator. The method comprises the steps of operating the starter/alternator as a generator at approximately a peak efficiency value, and electrically connecting the starter/alternator and the secondary energy storage device for a first predetermined period of time such that the starter/alternator charges the secondary energy storage device. Once the secondary energy storage device reaches a desired charge value, the starter/alternator and the secondary energy storage device are disconnected. The method also electrically connects the primary and secondary energy storage devices such that the secondary energy storage device charges the primary energy storage device.

Abstract: A method (10, 30) for actively controlling the temperature (tmotor) of an electric machine operating under torque (T*), speed and/or position control. A controlled output (T*), i.e. torque command, voltage, current or power, is adjusted such that the temperature of the electric machine does not exceed a predetermined reference limit (tref). The method (10, 30) of the present invention performs proportional-integral control (14) to reduce the commanded output (T*) to the motor and thereby prevent the steady-state motor temperature (tmotor) from increasing beyond the predetermined limit (tref). In one embodiment of the method (10), an error term (e) is filtered through a negative pass filter (12) before being combined with an optional decay term (&egr;decay) in a proportional-integral controller (14). A positive pass filter (20) and a negative pass filter (22) provide outputs that are summed and provide an adjusted output command (Tlimited) based upon predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A circuit 10 has a high voltage battery 12 that includes a first battery portion V1, a second battery portion V2, and a third battery portion V3. Each of the three battery portions is coupled in series to form the high voltage battery 12. A controller 52 includes a pulse width modulated controller 56 and a voltage sense and comparator circuit 54. Each of the terminals of the battery portions are coupled to a respective switch. By sensing the voltages at the respective terminals, the state of charge of each of the battery portions is determined. The battery portions having the highest state of charge are used to charge the low voltage battery and/or operate the load 50. The controller controls the operation of the switches to provide connections of the battery portions V1-V3 to the load.

Abstract: An apparatus for priming a diesel fuel system includes a diesel engine having a plurality of injectors. The injectors receive a supply of diesel fuel from a fuel injection pump. A fuel feed pump supplies diesel fuel to the fuel injection pump. A controller energizes said fuel feed pump during an initial operating time period. The controller then de-energizes said fuel pump during a second operating time period to prevent heat build up, noise, and battery drain. The controller then energizes said fuel feed pump during a priming time period, allowing the diesel fuel system to be primed with diesel fuel. The controller then de-energizes said fuel pump after said priming time period to prevent heat build up, noise, and battery drain.

Abstract: A system for controlling a fuel injector in accordance with an injection control strategy for an engine includes programmable control logic to provide selectable threshold signals for comparator circuits and/or control logic configured to receive various control signals in the control circuit and determine one or more timing signals. The programmable control logic allows the drive circuit to be modified, without changing any hardware, to accommodate injectors having different characteristics and to change the pulse modulation strategy. The control logic that receives the control signals produces injection timing signals to allow enhanced monitoring and control over the fuel injection process.

Abstract: A rotor of an electric motor for a motor vehicle is aligned to an axis of rotation for a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. A locator is provided on the crankshaft, a piloting tool is located radially by the first locator to the crankshaft. A stator of the electric motor is aligned to a second locator provided on the piloting tool. The stator is secured to the engine block. The rotor is aligned to the crankshaft and secured thereto.

Abstract: An error detection method for use with a two channel increment encoder. The error detection method operates to detect errors over a wide range of rotational velocity of a rotating member. The error detection method employs the signal from one or two of the channels of the encoder and determines if pulse edges from the signals deviate from expected normal behavior. When an error is detected, actions can then be taken by the controller for the rotating member to prevent undesired results.