Abstract: A system and method for communicating vehicle diagnostic data via an inactive telematics unit. A serious diagnostic condition detected in the vehicle is used to trigger a call from the telematics unit to a call center using a cleared number. During the call, diagnostic data can be transmitted to the call center and a temporary number can be provided by the call center to the telematics unit to permit temporary communication. Additional diagnostics can be run and reported using this temporary number.

Abstract: A method of operating a speech recognition system on a vehicle having a visual display and manually-operated input device that includes initiating a speech recognition system, controlling menu selections on a visual display using a manually-operated input device, receiving a notification from the manually-operated input device indicating that the user is manipulating the device in conjunction with the menu selections on the visual display, and adjusting operation of the speech recognition system based on input received by the manually-operated input device.

Abstract: A method for managing user nametags for a vehicle communications system, the method including receiving a nametag transfer request at a call center from a source, determining a target vehicle associated with the source based on the request and modifying a source nametag data file based on an acoustic profile of the target vehicle, wherein the source nametag data file is one of an audio file and a text file.

Abstract: A method for forming a fuel cell assembly including the pre-final-assembly step of forming a plurality of fuel cell sub-assembly modules, each module including a predetermined number of individual fuel cell repeating units, for example, ten. Each module may be leak and performance tested and certified prior to inclusion in the final fuel cell stack, thus limiting potential rework to only an individual module and only before assembly of the final stack. Preferably, each module is assembled on an assembly fixture having alignment rods, using a combination of resilient gasketing and RTV to seal between the elements. The assembled module is then placed under compression while the silicone is cured.

Abstract: A method of controlling a remote monitoring device from a vehicle includes sending a command signal from a telematics unit via a wi-fi connection to the remote monitoring device and receiving data from the remote monitoring device via a wi-fi connection at the telematics unit. The data is sent to a destination via a wireless network.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are provided so that the machines and machining stations and the distribution of product along a production line may be managed in a variety of manners while data is taken and analyzed in accordance with this invention to provide optimization conditions for improved throughput. A historical analysis of zone performance provides the preferred range for the number of upstream and downstream products for each particular segment, machine, or station. An end of shift staging analysis provides the optimized number of upstream and downstream products for each particular segment, machine, or station at the start of the next shift.

Abstract: A particulate material is ground more efficiently using a mixture of at least two different sizes of yttrium-stabilized zirconia balls. The method facilitates preparation of photocatalysts with high activity.

Abstract: Examples of the invention are used to provide a system and method for provisioning a telematics unit number based on a phone number already used by a customer. In examples, the telematics unit is provisioned with a number that aligns with a rate center plan, which is likely to result in a number that is local to a number the customer uses for dialing the unit and/or matches the area code of a number on the customer's account. In example a wireless telephone number is assigned to a vehicle telematics unit from an inventory of available wireless telephone numbers by querying the inventory to identify the wireless telephone number that matches one or more of the customer's home rate center, customer's NPA, customer's NXX, and customer's overlay NPA information based on a plurality of predetermined conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling the charging of onboard energy storage systems of a plurality of plug-in vehicles using a remote command center. A system for directing the charging of a plurality of remotely located plug-in vehicles is provided. The system includes a communication system configured to transmit charging authorizations to charge each of the plurality of plug-in vehicles and to receive data related to power consumption from each of the plurality of plug-in vehicles. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the communication system and configured to receive the data related to power consumption and to direct the charge authorizations based thereon. A database is also included in the system and is communicatively coupled to the controller, with the database configured to store the data related to power consumption.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a split dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a split dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.

Abstract: A side rearview mirror control system for a vehicle that automatically changes a rear viewing angle of a side rearview mirror. The control system receives various vehicle inputs to determine if and when a vehicle operator will turn the vehicle, make a lane change, merge into a lane of traffic, etc. The system pivots the mirror to eliminate a potential blind spot during these conditions. In one embodiment, the rear view mirror control system receives input signals from a vehicle hand-wheel angle sensor, a vehicle yaw rate sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a turn signal indicator, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and map information to determine whether the vehicle is turning or will be turning.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining an authorization status of a satellite broadcast service for a mobile vehicle. A call center receives a request for the authorization status of the satellite broadcast service for the mobile vehicle. The call center sends a request signal to the mobile vehicle. The call center then receives an authorization status signal from the mobile vehicle. The call center then sends the authorization status to the satellite broadcast service.

Abstract: A method for enhancing telematics services is disclosed. The method includes capturing a voice print of a user and receiving a verbal request for a telematics service. A voice associated with the verbal request is compared with the captured voice print, and if the voice associated with the verbal request matches the captured voice print, a telematics unit associated with the user is instructed to activate a service that fulfills the verbal request.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle's lighting functionality is disclosed herein. The method may include realizing a preferred vehicle lighting configuration and transmitting a signal to the vehicle via a radio frequency communication system. In response to the signal, the vehicle lighting system may alter a current vehicle lighting configuration to correspond with the preferred vehicle lighting configuration.

Abstract: A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered hydrogen generation cheaper and more practical for use as an environmentally clean alternative fuel.

Abstract: A method for providing entertainment in a vehicle, including monitoring entertainment selections at a telematics unit, determining at least one user entertainment selection profile based on the monitoring and activating entertainment units based on the profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing vehicle maintenance client notification within a telematics equipped mobile vehicle that includes monitoring the mobile vehicle for vehicle system maintenance information, determining an oil-life value based on the vehicle system maintenance information, determining when the oil-life value exceeds at least one oil-life threshold level, sending the vehicle system maintenance information to a call center responsive to the oil-life threshold level determination, and generating a service reminder, at the call center, based on the received vehicle system maintenance information. The step of determining when the oil-life value exceeds the oil-life threshold level may include comparing the determined oil-life value with the at least one oil-life threshold level, determining at least one oil-life threshold level that is exceeded by the oil-life value, and initiating a vehicle data upload based on the at least one exceeded oil-life threshold level.

Abstract: A method and system that enables users to remotely control or manage certain vehicle features, such as emergency flashers or a remote engine start, through the use of a trigger device other than a conventional vehicle key fob. For example, a trigger device like a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a computer can be used to remotely control or activate select vehicle features. In one embodiment, short message service (SMS) messages are used to send feature commands either directly from the trigger device to the vehicle or via a call center or other message processing entity.