Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an integrated starter/generator (ISG) is operated in a speed control mode after an engine stop request. The ISG is prevented from stopping while engine rotational speed is greater than a threshold engine rotational speed so that the engine may be restarted via the ISG.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel economy by opportunistically lowering engine idle speed below a base idle speed when electrical loads are not present. A hydraulic brake pressure is increased when the idle speed is raised, in anticipation of vehicle propulsion. The brake pressure counteracts any creep torque and unintended vehicle acceleration resulting from the rising engine idle speed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel economy by opportunistically lowering engine idle speed below a base idle speed when electrical loads are not present. A hydraulic brake pressure is increased when the idle speed is raised, in anticipation of vehicle propulsion. The brake pressure counteracts any creep torque and unintended vehicle acceleration resulting from the rising engine idle speed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine cooling while reducing the overall energy consumption of the engine cooling system's components. A first circulation pump is used to pump coolant through an engine block as a function of engine output while a second radiator pump is selectively operated when a thermostat valve is open to pump coolant through a radiator and the engine block to effect the engine coolant temperature. Operation of the second pump is coordinated with the operation of a radiator cooling fan and grille shutters to improve radiator performance.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine cooling while reducing the overall energy consumption of the engine cooling system's components. A first circulation pump is used to pump coolant through an engine block as a function of engine output while a second radiator pump is selectively operated when a thermostat valve is open to pump coolant through a radiator and the engine block to effect the engine coolant temperature. Operation of the second pump is coordinated with the operation of a radiator cooling fan and grille shutters to improve radiator performance.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle, comprising of an engine, an air intake passage coupled to the engine, an exhaust passage coupled to the engine, a fuel vapor storage system fluidly coupled with the intake air passage and the exhaust passage, said fuel vapor storage system configured to store and release fuel vapors, a control system configured to during a first mode, route exhaust gas from the engine to the fuel vapor storage system via at least the exhaust passage, and during a second mode, route at least fresh air to the fuel vapor storage system to release fuel vapors from the fuel vapor storage system before being inducted into the engine via the air intake passage to be burned.

Abstract: An engine system, comprising of a combustion chamber selectively communicating with an intake manifold via at least an intake valve and an exhaust manifold via at least an exhaust valve, a turbocharger including a compressor operatively coupled to the intake manifold and a turbine operatively coupled to the exhaust manifold, wherein the turbocharger is configured to selectively boost intake manifold pressure greater than exhaust manifold pressure during at least one operating condition, a direct fuel injector configured to inject fuel directly into the combustion chamber, a spark plug configured to provide an ignition spark to the combustion chamber, a valve actuation system coupled to the intake valve and the exhaust valve configured to vary a relative timing of the intake valve and the exhaust valve and a control system communicatively coupled to the valve actuation system, the direct fuel injector, and the spark plug wherein during said at least one operating condition, the control system is configured to

Abstract: A method a operating a traction control system using a traction controller (30) for an automotive vehicle (10) is provided. A slip target is first determined. Then, an operating temperature turning characteristic or slope of the slip curve may, in combination or alone, be used to adjust the slip trigger threshold above the slip target. Traction control mode is entered when the driven wheel speed is above the slip trigger threshold.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle, comprising of an engine, and a fuel vapor storage system coupled to the engine configured to store and release fuel vapors, the system further configured to route exhaust gas from the engine to the vapor storage system and where adsorbed vapors are released into the exhaust gas before the exhaust gas is re-inducted into the engine to be burned.

Abstract: A method a operating a traction control system using a traction controller (30) for an automotive vehicle (10) is provided. A slip target is first determined. Then, an operating temperature turning characteristic or slope of the slip curve may, in combination or alone, be used to adjust the slip trigger threshold above the slip target. Traction control mode is entered when the driven wheel speed is above the slip trigger threshold.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine coupled to a transmission is described. The method is suited for a transmission having at least one gear in which an over-running clutch is present. The invention describes a method for adjusting an engine operating parameter to maintain transmission input speed at or below a synchronous transmission input speed when the transmission is in the gear with the over-running clutch. The synchronous transmission input speed is based on transmission state and transmission output speed. Alternatively, vehicle speed can be used in place of transmission output speed.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine coupled to a transmission is described. The method is especially suited for a transmission having at least one gear in which an over-running clutch is present. The invention describes a method for adjusting an engine operating parameter to maintain transmission input speed at or below a synchronous transmission input speed when the transmission is in the gear with the over-running clutch. The synchronous transmission input speed is based on transmission state and transmission output speed. Alternatively, vehicle speed can be used in place of transmission output speed.

Abstract: A door opening system for permitting ingress and egress through a door utilizing a displaceable impact loading in one motion of a user. The door opening system includes a broad surface planar member which extends in a transverse direction across the door to be opened. The planar member has a mechanism for actuating a door latch mounted to a rear surface thereof. By displacing the planar member in a unitary direction, the actuating mechanism which interfaces with a latch lever displaces the latch lever and removes the lever from a catch member. Thus, the door is unlatched and continued motion or displacement by the body of the user against the planar member causes an opening of the door.

Abstract: A shoe upper having in place of the upper leather thereof a fleeceless water vapor permeable microporous sheet of elastomeric polyurethane material having a thickness of about 0.8 - 1.8 mm. and having an extension at break of at least 200%.

Abstract: A water vapor permeable artificial leather material is disclosed which consists essentially of tough microporous elastomeric polymer material free from fibrous reinforcement having a thickness of at least 0.8 mm and a microporous appearance modifying surface layer or finish.