Abstract: User generated service rules operate upon selected vehicle operating variables, vehicle configurations and vehicle vocations to produce estimates of the service life of diverse, routine service items. Items with corresponding projected service lives are grouped for service to reduce overall service frequency.

Abstract: A system for modeling a battery installed on a motor vehicle including a crank started engine, a voltage sensor connected to provide measurements of battery voltage and a temperature sensor providing temperature measurements provides for correcting capacity of the battery starting from the battery's rated capacity. A vehicle body computer implements the model through a stored program implementing an energy flow model of the target battery and stored data relating to model parameters including battery rated capacity and cranking current required for engine start over a temperature range. The stored program being responsive upon execution by the vehicle body computer for using the battery voltage measurements and temperature measurements during engine cranking to correct battery capacity.

Abstract: A driving system of a motor vehicle for providing vehicle propulsion power and accessory power includes an engine having an accessory belt providing power to at least one accessory machine and a motor/generator operatively connected to the accessory belt for alternately driving and being driven by the accessory belt. A one-way clutch vibration damper includes an engine input member and a belt interface. The input member is concentrically disposed with respect to the belt interface and is attached to an engine crankshaft for transmitting torque in a pre-determined direction. The belt interface rotates freely when torque applied by the motor/generator through the accessory belt is greater than the torque applied by the input member. The belt interface rotates at the same rotational speed as the input member when torque transmitted through the accessory belt is less than or in the opposite direction as the rotation of the input member.

Abstract: A lead acid battery model suitable for programming on a motor vehicle body computer uses environmental and target battery operating variables for maintaining synchronization of the model with the target battery under actual operating conditions. The model includes a energy flow section with at least two integrators for simulating primary and recovery reservoirs of charge in the battery. An output voltage estimation signal provides a signal for comparison with measured battery voltage for synchronization. Capacity of the reservoirs is generated from manufacturer specifications measured against battery performance.

Abstract: User generated service rules operate upon selected vehicle operating variables, vehicle configurations and vehicle vocations to produce estimates of the service life of diverse, routine service items. Items with corresponding projected service lives are grouped for service to reduce overall service frequency.

Abstract: A system for modeling a battery installed on a motor vehicle including a crank started engine, a voltage sensor connected to provide measurements of battery voltage and a temperature sensor providing temperature measurements provides for correcting capacity of the battery starting from the battery's rated capacity. A vehicle body computer implements the model through a stored program implementing an energy flow model of the target battery and stored data relating to model parameters including battery rated capacity and cranking current required for engine start over a temperature range. The stored program being responsive upon execution by the vehicle body computer for using the battery voltage measurements and temperature measurements during engine cranking to correct battery capacity.

Abstract: A driving system of a motor vehicle for providing vehicle propulsion power and accessory power includes an engine having an accessory belt providing power to at least one accessory machine and a motor/generator operatively connected to the accessory belt for alternately driving and being driven by the accessory belt. A one-way clutch vibration damper includes an engine input member and a belt interface. The input member is concentrically disposed with respect to the belt interface and is attached to an engine crankshaft for transmitting torque in a pre-determined direction. The belt interface rotates freely when torque applied by the motor/generator through the accessory belt is greater than the torque applied by the input member. The belt interface rotates at the same rotational speed as the input member when torque transmitted through the accessory belt is less than or in the opposite direction as the rotation of the input member.

Abstract: A lead acid battery model suitable for programming on a motor vehicle body computer uses environmental and target battery operating variables for maintaining synchronization of the model with the target battery under actual operating conditions. The model includes a energy flow section with at least two integrators for simulating primary and recovery reservoirs of charge in the battery. An output voltage estimation signal provides a signal for comparison with measured battery voltage for synchronization. Capacity of the reservoirs is generated from manufacturer specifications measured against battery performance.

Abstract: A utility for enhancing the interface of a electronic circuit simulator provides for selecting signals for monitoring, selecting groups of components for variation of tolerances and inserting faults to an underlying model of the circuit.

Abstract: Each of multiple solar cell arrays has a face oriented differently relative to the direction from which solar radiation is incident on a motor vehicle and a characteristic voltage/current output correlated with the intensity of incident solar radiation for converting the incident solar radiation into electricity. A processor processes data related to the voltage/current output from each array as the array is converting solar radiation into electricity for selectively connecting the arrays in configurations correlated with the intensity of incident solar radiation. The arrays provide supplemental electricity to keep the vehicle battery charged preventing certain small loads from draining the battery while the vehicle is parked with its engine off. The arrays can be advantageously mounted in outside rearview mirror assemblies.

Abstract: A modular electrical resistance sensor is positionable in gaps between brake linings for a drum brake. The modular sensor is worn with the brake linings resulting in steadily increasing electrical resistance of the modular sensor. A measurement circuit associated with the modular sensor is programmed to equate electrical resistance to the degree of wear when the sensor has assumed a steady state temperature at or near the ambient temperature. Otherwise, particularly during periods of use of the brakes, resistance and the degree of wear last calculated become arguments into a function for determining brake lining temperature.

Abstract: A modular electrical resistance sensor is positionable in gaps between brake linings for a drum brake. The modular sensor is worn with the brake linings resulting in steadily increasing electrical resistance of the modular sensor. A measurement circuit associated with the modular sensor is programmed to equate electrical resistance to the degree of wear when the sensor has assumed a steady state temperature at or near the ambient temperature. Otherwise, particularly during periods of use of the brakes, resistance and the degree of wear last calculated become arguments into a function for determining brake lining temperature.

Abstract: A utility for enhancing the interface of a electronic circuit simulator provides for selecting signals for monitoring, selecting groups of components for variation of tolerances and inserting faults to an underlying model of the circuit.