Abstract: Generating powertrain torque versus throttle angle position data is done in order to, in effect, linearize the relationship between the two. The results improve pressure control through a reduction in slip during a dry road to ice transition, and other maneuvers where large surface friction coefficent changes are common and may be encountered.

Abstract: This invention includes the method of calibrating an inductance position encoder for a variable reluctance motor including the steps of selectively positioning the motor to predetermined positions, detecting the readings from position encoder and averaging the readings to define encoder position and to produce a calibration for the motor.

Abstract: An electronic circuit having control data registers (24-28) for receiving the output of a digital counter (20) that records clock pulses within a measured time that is determined by a rotary speed sensor (14) which produces a square wave pulse train signal and separate registers (30,32) for recording the time of each signal developed by the speed sensor and the time to produce a pulse train signal of predetermined length whereby the data in the data registers may be used to determine velocity and derivatives of that velocity for use in solving dynamic equations stored in memory thus effecting control system output functions.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for distinguishing a cylinder identification (CID) signal pulse from camshaft timing signal pulses in a variable cam timing (VCT) engine having multiple engine combustion events. The method includes generating multiple signal pulses including a signal pulse which identifies an engine cylinder and a signal pulse for each one of the multiple engine combustion events. The method also includes measuring a first time period between a first signal pulse and a second signal pulse, measuring a second time period between the second signal pulse and a third signal pulse, and determining that the third signal pulse is the cylinder identification signal pulse if a product of the second time period and a scaling factor fails to exceed the first time period. A specially designed VCT/CID signal generator, and an appropriately programmed microprocessor are provided for performing the method.

Abstract: A method of controlling the driving wheels of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine wherein it is determined if a vehicle stuck or not and then, if stuck, the maximum permissible amount of wheel slip is increased with the intent of removing loose material, such as snow, underneath the tires. If the vehicle remains stuck and wheel slip continues, the amount of driving power and torque to the wheels is then reduced. Conversely, if the spin is not present at the subsequent gas pedal application (tip-in), and the vehicle is still stuck, the wheel torque limit is increased.

Abstract: A micro-machined accelerometer includes a moveable metal plate, mounted upon a semiconductor substrate. The moveable metal plate includes an aperture which contains a pedestal and at least one torsion bar for connecting the pedestal to the moveable metal plate. Measurement electrodes formed on the semiconductor substrate combine with the metal plate to form measurement capacitors A combined self-test/common electrode provides a dual function of a common electrode during operation of the accelerometer and a testing electrode during a self-test procedure.

Abstract: Traction control for an internal combustion engine uses the gas pedal position, steering wheel position and velocity to set a wheel slip target during traction control operation.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a fuel pulse output signal to control fuel delivery from a fuel injector to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. A plurality of holding registers asynchronously receive a plurality of fuel pulse data from a processor. The plurality of holding registers are memory-mapped and store the plurality of fuel pulse data until subsequent fuel pulse data is received from the processor. A plurality of match registers are coupled to the plurality of holding registers for comparing the fuel pulse data with a reference signal and generating a fuel pulse output signal based on the comparison between the fuel pulse data and the reference signal.

Abstract: A spring clip assembly having integral backbone with a plurality of the spring clip members extending from the backbone, each spring clip member having a tapered loop. The loop tapers to an inwardly facing end. If desired, a special insertion tool can be used to provide for a zero insertion force assembly.

Abstract: An electrospray adapted fuel injection valve includes an anode and cathode to inject monopolar electric charge into electrically insulating fuel. On exiting the injector, the charge containing fuel atomizes and disperses to reduce electrostatic energy. Additional electrodes with an appropriate method of biasing extend the range of applicability of the process by adjusting space charge distribution within the injector to compensate for variability in component manufacture and variability in the electrical conductivity of the fuel.

Abstract: Vehicles normally equipped with safety airbags in the steering wheel and dashboard can be modified by deleting the airbags. A method for ensuring that the modifications are properly made, involves the use of an indicator light on the vehicle instrument panel and an electrical circuit that turns the indicator light off when the airbag deletion hardware is properly installed. The electric circuit includes light energizer circuits in the steering wheel and dashboard, and a shorting bar in each energizer circuit.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for positioning a gasoline engine throttle in response to an angular position input command signal. A multi-phase variable reluctance motor positions the throttle in response to motor current commands from a micro-controller. The micro-controller receives and processes the position input command and throttle position feedback signals from a multi-phase variable inductance position encoder rotatably coupled with the motor shaft. The motor current command are obtained from look-up tables that are derived from empirical data of the motor. The motor current command tables are a mapping from motor rotor position and desired motor torque to desired motor currents in the appropriate phases of the motor to hold the load.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging a vehicle sensor and integrated circuit chip includes a ceramic substrate having an opening formed therein. A sensor is secured within the opening. An integrated circuit chip is secured within the opening in electrical communication with the sensor. A pair of electrical connectors are secured on the ceramic substrate in electrical communication with the integrated circuit chip. A metal lid is secured over the opening on the ceramic housing to enclose the integrated circuit chip and sensor. A molded plastic coating encloses the ceramic housing and metal lid, and the electrical connectors extend from the plastic coating. The sensor may be a pressure sensor or acceleration sensor.

Abstract: A method for identifying each of a plurality of parameter identifiers in a motor vehicle having a diagnostic test port using a diagnostic test tool is disclosed wherein the method includes the steps of plugging the diagnostic test tool into the diagnostic test port of the motor vehicle, receiving identification information from one of the plurality of parameter identifiers, determining whether the identification information from the one of the plurality of parameter identifiers is valid, and storing the identification information in a tailored list to be used to address the one of the plurality of parameter identifiers to retrieve data collected thereby.

Abstract: This invention uses cross-axis oscillation control of braking for traction control systems. Changing the amount of braking on each side of the vehicle reduces total wheel slip in a well-controlled, smooth and highly effective manner.

Abstract: A camshaft revolution sensing assembly for identifying a revolution of a camshaft, having a plurality of teeth, of an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle includes a camshaft sensor for sensing revolutions of a camshaft by sensing each of the teeth as they rotate therepast and producing a camshaft sensor output, a subtracting device operatively connected to the camshaft sensor, the subtracting device subtracting each time the camshaft sensor senses one of the teeth rotating therepast, and a signal generator operatively connected to the subtracting device wherein the signal generator generates a signal indicating the subtracting device has subtracted to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A filtering device for filtering noise from an electronic signal having a plurality of defined periods includes an input terminal for receiving the electronic signal, a period divider for dividing each of the definable periods into an equal number of subdivisions, a filter creating a latching signal for a predetermined portion of the number of subdivisions, and a latch for receiving the latching signal from the filter and for maintaining the electronic signal in steady state for a predetermined portion of the number of subdivisions.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for an automatic transmission includes electrical conductors which are positioned by the cooperation of integral mounting protrusions extending from an insulating frame and engaging an oil pan associated with of the transmission housing. The electrical conductors contained within the electrical connector assembly housing are electrically isolated from one another, securely positioned to prevent electrical interference with one another, and relatively easily removed facilitating replacement of components.

Abstract: This invention includes a method of controlling an internal combustion engine to control power output during a throttle positioning error. The method includes comparing an inferred load at standard temperature and pressure from actual throttle position to a desired load at standard temperature and pressure from a desired throttle position. This comparison determines how many injectors to shut off in order to reduce engine output power when the throttle is open further than desired.

Abstract: A signal indicating closed throttle position is corrected, through increases and decreases, as a function of an engine's volumetric efficiency, engine speed, application of a vehicle's brake, and the selection of a transmission gear.