Abstract: A transmission includes two blocking valves that control fluid pressure to a plurality of clutches. The blocking valves are characterized by a plurality of states that result in at least three transmission operating conditions. Each of the three operating conditions is characterized by fluid pressure being unavailable to a respective one of the plurality of clutches.

Abstract: A process for simulating and assembling flexible parts includes creating an ideal path between first and second planes and placing a virtual rigid envelope around the ideal path, and possibly tubular extensions beyond the path. A virtual flexible part is marked with reference features and pulled through the virtual rigid envelope, such that the path of the virtual flexible part is constrained but may rotate. Removing the virtual rigid envelope allows the virtual flexible part to relax, causing it to move to its lowest energy state. Zero-twist end conditions on the virtual flexible part are marked, corresponding to the intersection of the reference features with the planes. Identification marks are placed on a real flexible part, corresponding to the reference strips on the virtual flexible part. The real flexible part may then be assembled by aligning zero-twist marks on mating features to the identification marks on the real flexible part.

Abstract: An apparatus for hemming multiple panels includes an anvil having a first panel and a second panel supported thereon. A roller mechanism and a curing mechanism are mounted to the hemming apparatus. The roller mechanism is adapted to move relative to the panels to fold a flanged portion of the first panel onto an edge portion of the second panel to form a joint. The curing mechanism is adapted to move relative to the panels to cure an adhesive located within the joint formed between the first panel and the second panel. The curing mechanism is located proximate to the roller mechanism, such that the first panel and the second panel may be supported by the anvil while the curing mechanism at least partially cures the adhesive.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating projected vehicle energy consumption information for a second vehicle using statistical information describing a driving history of a driver of a first vehicle. Statistical information is determined from collected vehicle performance values while the driver operates the first vehicle, and is archived in at least one memory location. The archived statistical information is correlated with a vehicle specification describing a performance capability of the second vehicle. A message is processed that includes the projected vehicle energy consumption information for the second vehicle. A vehicle is provided for generating the projected vehicle energy consumption information, and includes at least one memory location, sensors for measuring vehicle performance values of the vehicle describing a driver history of the first vehicle, and a controller adapted for automatically determining the statistical information. A controller is also provided adapted for executing the method.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a vehicle with an engine that includes an exhaust system through which exhaust gas is discharged from the engine. A heat exchanger is positioned at least partially within the exhaust system. Coolant flow passages are provided in thermal communication with the engine and with the heat exchanger. A bypass valve is operable in a first mode to direct the exhaust gas across the heat exchanger along a first flow path to transfer exhaust heat to the coolant flow passages, and is further operable in a second mode to direct at least a portion of the exhaust gas across the heat exchanger along a second flow path to transfer exhaust heat to the coolant flow passages in a second coolant heating mode. The second flow path is restricted relative to the first flow path. A method of managing exhaust heat recovery is also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of electrically-variable transmissions are provided that have two motor-generators, two planetary gear sets, and two torque-transmitting mechanisms, including a rotating-type clutch and a stationary-type clutch. An input member is connected for common rotation with a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. Carriers of both of the planetary gear sets are connected for common rotation with one another, and with an output member. The first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the second planetary gear set. A drive transfer assembly transfers torque from components establishing the first axis of rotation through components establishing one or two additional axes of rotation to a differential establishing yet another axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an onboard diagnostic system for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle includes incrementing the denominator of an N/D ratio for the onboard diagnostic system only when a total time criteria, a vehicle speed criteria and an idle criteria are satisfied after an internal combustion engine of the vehicle has been fueled. The diagnostic system performance is summarized into a single N/D ratio. When an underperforming ratio is identified, the system controls the engine to provide more engine operation and subsequent diagnostic observability. The denominator of the N/D ratio is compared to a verification denominator to identify vehicles that are typically operated in a manner such that an engine-on cycle does not begin, or is not identified, until very near the end of the drive cycle, thereby preventing the denominator and a numerator of the N/D ratio from incrementing, and thereby providing a false passing performance ratio.

Abstract: A t-joint assembly includes a gasket having first and second ends, and a substantially elongated body having a profile. The first end includes an enlarged tapered section having a distal tip and a force-transfer surface disposed substantially perpendicular to the body. The assembly also includes a first component having a channel with a profile and a reaction surface configured to respectively complement the profile and accept the force-transfer surface of the gasket. The first component also has a first sealing surface arranged substantially parallel to the reaction surface, and a second sealing surface arranged substantially perpendicular to the reaction surface. The t-joint assembly additionally includes second and third components, each having a sealing surface. Inserting the gasket into the channel and assembling the three components compresses the gasket against the channel, and the tip of the gasket against the reaction surface, to thereby seal the t-joint.

Abstract: A method of detecting an induced muscle response includes monitoring a mechanical parameter of a muscle; computing an amount of muscle jerk from the monitored parameter; comparing the computed muscle jerk to a jerk threshold; and identifying the occurrence of an induced muscle response if the computed muscle jerk exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A method of output torque smoothing for a hybrid powertrain having an electric machine and a spark ignition engine with a first cylinder and a second cylinder includes commanding a fuel-cut transition, including consecutively initiating and completing deactivation of the first cylinder and initiating and completing deactivation of the second cylinder. The fuel-cut transition is characterized by an absence of retarding spark to the first cylinder and second cylinder. Fuel is supplied to the first cylinder until the first cylinder completes deactivation and to the second cylinder until the second cylinder completes deactivation. The electric machine captures a first torque from the first cylinder by generating electricity until the first cylinder completes deactivation and captures a second torque from the second cylinder by generating electricity until the second cylinder completes deactivation.

Abstract: A sensing device for detecting a muscle event includes a mechanical sensor, such as an accelerometer, that is configured to provide a signal corresponding to a mechanical movement of a muscle, a plurality of electrodes disposed on the sensing device; and a contact detection device coupled with the plurality of electrodes and configured to detect if the sensing device is in contact with a subject.

Abstract: A seal module for sealing between a first door and a second door of opposing-hinged doors is moveable between an sealing position for sealing between the first door and the second door, and a withdrawn position longitudinally spaced from one of the first door and the second door to allow for independent pivotable movement of either the first door or the second door. A linkage system including a first swing arm and a second swing arm rotatably interconnects the seal module to the second door, and moves the seal module between the sealing position and the withdrawn position along an arcuate path that is disposed along a plane substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the opposing-hinged doors.

Abstract: A method for determining output torque capabilities in a transmission having a first, second, and third node, each of which has a speed and acceleration. The method includes controlling the speed of the first node, calculating a real maximum long-term output torque capability (raw max LT) as a function of at least the acceleration and the speed of the first and second nodes, and calculating an inertialess maximum long-term output torque capability (inertialess max LT), which is identical to the raw max LT except that the inertialess max LT ignores torque capability due to acceleration of the first node. The raw max LT and the inertialess max LT are compared to determine an operating capability for the transmission. The first node may be an input node for the transmission. The method may include determining a new effective minimum long-term output torque capability (new effective min LT) by similar considerations.

Abstract: A vehicle panel control system includes a vehicle panel and a handle pivotably connected to the vehicle panel. The handle is movable about a pivot point in a first direction to unlatch or move the panel. A switch is positioned to be closed when the handle is sufficiently moved in a second direction opposite the first direction, closure of the switch is operable to unlatch or move the panel. Thus, the unlatching or movement of the panel is accomplished by either of two different motions.

Abstract: A system for assaying electronic or electrochemically active materials or devices made therefrom includes a microcontroller, a main digital-to-analog converter (DAC), current and voltage sensing modules, a reference voltage DAC, and a power switch. The reference voltage DAC applies a calibrated voltage across the materials/devices, and the switch disconnects the main DAC to generate an open-circuit voltage. The microcontroller assays the materials/devices using the measured voltage, measured current, reference voltage, and/or open-circuit voltage. The main DAC may include coarse and fine DACs.

Abstract: A transmission includes first, second, third, and fourth clutches, first and second shift valves, and first, second, third, and fourth trim valves. Each trim valve is operative to control fluid pressure to a respective one of the first, second, third, and fourth clutches. The transmission also includes a controller. The controller is electrically operatively connected to the first and second shift valves and the first, second, third, and fourth trim valves to selectively provide a first clutch configuration for operating in a first mode and a second clutch configuration for operating in a second mode. The transmission also includes a clutch control mechanization for selectively moving the clutch configuration to a default position in the event power to the transmission is lost.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system including a frame having an entrance and an exit side. The frame linearly reciprocates along a plurality of rails that extend generally in the direction between the entrance side and the exit side to travel over a stationary vehicle. The frame has a first fluid dispensing device located in the half adjacent its entrance side and a second fluid dispensing device located adjacent its exit side. The first and second fluid dispensing devices include a plurality of manifolds each of which is in communication with a supply of fluid to apply fluid to the vehicle. The vehicle washing system includes a control system that is in communication with each of the manifolds in the first and second fluid dispensing devices to selectively and independently control the type of fluid emitted from each of the manifolds and in what order during the vehicle cleaning process.

Abstract: A system for detecting and preventing galvanic corrosion of an anodic metal includes a potential detector configured to monitor an electrical potential within the electrolyte solution, a signal amplifier coupled with the potential detector, and a current delivery circuit coupled with the signal amplifier. The signal amplifier is configured to provide an output proportional to the monitored electrical potential, and the current delivery circuit is configured to provide a current to a cathodic metal that is proportional to the output of the signal amplifier.

Abstract: A system controlling an access opening in a body of a vehicle includes a door arranged to selectively open and close a first portion of the opening. A latch is mounted on the door for latching the door to the body and releasing the door to selectively open and close the first portion of the opening. A device is mounted on the door and is configured to be retracted by an actuator before the door is opened and to be protracted by the actuator when the door is closed. A detent is mounted on the device to latch the device to the door when the device is protracted and to release the device before the device is retracted. A motor is mounted on the first door and is configured to operate at least two of the latch, the detent, and the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a vehicle. The accessory drive system includes a planetary gear set having a first, second, and third planetary member. A torque transfer device operatively connects an engine with the first planetary member. A motor/generator is operatively connected to the second planetary member, and a plurality of accessories are operatively connected to the third planetary member. Engine output is transferable through the planetary gear set to drive the accessories, and the speed at which the accessories are driven is selectable by controlling the speed of the motor/generator.