Abstract: A powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine rotatably coupled to a non-combustion torque machine and a torque converter which is rotatably coupled to an input member of a transmission. A method for operating the powertrain system includes operating the torque converter in a controlled slip operating state and controlling a torque converter clutch capacity in response to a driver requested braking torque. Target torque outputs from the engine and from the torque machine are determined in response to the driver requested braking torque subjected to a time delay. A torque modifier for the torque machine is determined in response to a torque converter clutch slip error. Torque output from the engine is controlled in response to the target torque output from the engine, and torque output from the torque machine is controlled in response to the target torque output and the torque modifier from the torque machine.

Abstract: A powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine rotatably coupled to a non-combustion torque machine and a torque converter which is rotatably coupled to an input member of a transmission. A method for operating the powertrain system includes operating the torque converter in a controlled slip operating state and controlling a torque converter clutch capacity in response to a driver requested braking torque. Target torque outputs from the engine and from the torque machine are determined in response to the driver requested braking torque subjected to a time delay. A torque modifier for the torque machine is determined in response to a torque converter clutch slip error. Torque output from the engine is controlled in response to the target torque output from the engine, and torque output from the torque machine is controlled in response to the target torque output and the torque modifier from the torque machine.

Abstract: A method and associated computer-executable code for controlling an automotive powertrain featuring a manual transmission determines a current transmission output speed based at least in part on the vehicle speed achieved in response to a torque request signal; determines an effective transmission gear ratio based on the engine speed and the transmission output speed; and compares the effective transmission gear ratio to each of the predetermined transmission gear ratios. A transmission shift is deemed to be in progress when the effective transmission gear ratio is not within a predetermined tolerance of any of the predetermined transmission gear ratios. Relatively-aggressive smoothing of the torque request signal upon pedal tip-out is advantageously canceled when a shift is deemed to be in progress, thereby reducing the likelihood of unintended engine speed and/or transient flares when a declutching event follows shortly after the pedal tip-out.

Abstract: A method and associated computer-executable code for controlling an automotive powertrain featuring a manual transmission determines a current transmission output speed based at least in part on the vehicle speed achieved in response to a torque request signal; determines an effective transmission gear ratio based on the engine speed and the transmission output speed; and compares the effective transmission gear ratio to each of the predetermined transmission gear ratios. A transmission shift is deemed to be in progress when the effective transmission gear ratio is not within a predetermined tolerance of any of the predetermined transmission gear ratios. Relatively-aggressive smoothing of the torque request signal upon pedal tip-out is advantageously canceled when a shift is deemed to be in progress, thereby reducing the likelihood of unintended engine speed and/or transient flares when a declutching event follows shortly after the pedal tip-out.

Abstract: Prior to transitioning a multiple-displacement engine from a full-displacement engine operating mode to a partial-displacement engine operating mode, a base slip rate of a torque converter coupled to the engine engine is increased by a predetermined slip rate offset. The engine is then transitioned to partial-displacement mode upon the earlier of either achieving the desired offset slip rate, or once a maximum time delay has occurred since the slip rate offset was enabled. An offset slip rate is maintained throughout partial-displacement engine operation, and through a transition back to a full-displacement mode. The slip rate offset is removed or disenabled once the engine is again operating in the full-displacement mode. The slip rate offset is either a calibratable constant or is determined as a function of one or more suitable engine or vehicle operating parameters affecting vehicle NVH levels, such as engine speed and vehicle speed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for forming spring wire into coils. A take-up block with a peripheral surface receives convolutions of wire as it is rotated. At least one pinch roll confines convolutions of the spring wire to the peripheral surface. The shape of the peripheral surface of the block and the circumferential surface of the pinch roll combine to define a gap for urging the convolutions of spring wire to migrate upward. At least one rotatable wire receiving basket is mounted adjacent the take-up block, and further drive means are provided for rotating the at least one wire receiving basket. In a preferred form, stationary guide loops are utilized to keep the spring wire moving in a predetermined trajectory from the take-up block to the rotating wire receiving basket.

Abstract: An improvement to continuous annealing furnaces allows three stacks of coils to be loaded on two trays, with one of the stacks straddling the trays. The modifications include an upender device adapted to place the stacks of coils appropriately on two side-by-side trays, a tray pusher device which ensures that the trays will remain in side-by-side alignment throughout their traverse of the furnace, and a downender device adapted to receive the three stacks of coils from the furnace after annealing, and rotate them to an axis-horizontal position from which they can be removed by a boom truck.