Abstract: Cloud point monitoring systems for determining a cloud point temperature value for diesel fuel are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a cloud point monitoring system receives diesel fuel in the tubular conduit and propagates a sound wave through the diesel fuel. The cloud point monitoring system further determines a cloud point temperature value indicative of a cloud point of the diesel fuel based on a phase shift of the sound wave propagating through the diesel fuel.

Abstract: An engine idling control system includes a receiver module and a timing module. The receiver module receives a signal indicative of a traffic light status. The timing module communicates with an engine and the receiver module and selectively starts and stops the engine based on the signal.

Abstract: A fuel contaminant sensor is provided. The fuel containment sensor includes a fluid reservoir having an inlet and an outlet. A light source for projecting a light beam through the fluid reservoir is disposed on the fluid reservoir. A light beam detector for receiving the light beam projected through the fluid reservoir is disposed opposite the light source. A controller is provided for activating the light source and for receiving an output of the light beam detector. An interruption of the light beam inhibits the light beam detector from receiving the light beam.

Abstract: A system comprises a slip module and a gas temperature module. The slip module adjusts slipping of a clutch of a torque converter based on a first slip value before a cylinder of an engine is deactivated. The gas temperature module determines a temperature of a gas within the cylinder after the cylinder is deactivated. The slip module determines a second slip value based on the temperature of the gas and adjusts the slipping of the clutch based on the second slip value, wherein the second slip value is less than the first slip value.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine stop/start system includes connecting an armature of a starter motor to the engine through an overrunning clutch when the engine changes a rotational direction.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a crankshaft, a camshaft, a balance shaft, and first and second gears. The crankshaft, camshaft, and balance shaft may each be rotatably supported by the engine structure. The camshaft may be rotationally driven by the crankshaft and the first gear may be coupled to the camshaft. The second gear may be fixed for rotation with the balance shaft and meshingly engaged with and driven by the first gear.

Abstract: An engine oil system comprises an oil condition sensing device and a control module. The oil condition sensing device includes an electrically actuated member and is in fluid communication with an engine oil reservoir. The control module selectively causes current to be supplied to the oil condition sensing device to actuate the member, measures the current, determines a parameter of the current, and selectively identifies at least two of an oil level, an oil change event, and an oil viscosity level based on the parameter.

Abstract: An engine control system comprises a driver input module, a cylinder actuation module, and an active fuel management (AFM) module. The driver input module generates a fuel saver mode (FSM) signal having a first state based upon a driver input. The cylinder actuation module selectively disables at least one of a plurality of cylinders of an engine based upon a deactivation signal having a first state. The AFM module generates the deactivation signal based on at least one engine parameter and at least one threshold. The at least one threshold is modified when the FSM signal has the first state.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle including an engine with cylinder deactivation comprises an engine time off module that determines an engine time off value. A re-purge determining module estimates a re-purge time required to purge a hydraulic control system of the engine of air before initiating cylinder deactivation. The re-purge time is estimated based on the engine time off value and an engine temperature.

Abstract: A system to reduce rotational speed variations of a crankshaft includes a controller, a braking device, and a control module. The controller deactivates at least one cylinder in an internal combustion engine. The braking device applies a braking torque to the crankshaft when at least one cylinder is deactivated. The control module determines whether the controller has deactivated at least one cylinder and selectively synchronizes the braking torque with a crankshaft rotational speed.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension wear prediction and indication method includes processing data inputs from a suspension system and converting the data inputs into a cumulative wear estimate. The data inputs are selected to model a magnitude factor and a duration factor related to the operation of the suspension system.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a cylinder block defining a plurality of cylinders at least half of which are selectively deactivatable by a plurality of switching hydraulic lifters. A source of pressurized oil is provided. Additionally, at least one solenoid-actuated hydraulic control valve operates to selectively communicate pressurized oil from the source of pressurized oil to actuate the plurality of switching hydraulic lifters thereby deactivating the selectively deactivatable cylinders. The number of the solenoid-actuated hydraulic control valves is fewer than the number of selectively deactivatable cylinders.

Abstract: A switchable valvetrain system is provided having a control unit and a pressure regulator valve responsive to control signals from the control unit. A pressurized fluid source is provided in communication with the pressure regulator valve. A switchable valvetrain component having a latching mechanism and lubrication circuit in selective communication with the pressurized fluid source through the pressure regulator valve is also provided. The pressure regulator valve is operable to selectively and variably communicate fluid pressure from the pressurized fluid source to the latching mechanism and the lubrication circuit in response to control signals from the control unit. A method of operating the switchable valvetrain system is also provided.

Abstract: A variable displacement internal combustion engine having a cylinder block and a cylinder head attached thereto. The variable displacement internal combustion engine includes at least one switching hydraulic lash adjuster. A lash adjuster oil feed passage is at least partially defined by one of the cylinder block and the cylinder head. The lash adjuster oil feed passage is operable to communicate pressurized oil to the at least one switching hydraulic lash adjuster. A distributed accumulator is disposed within the lash adjuster oil feed passage and operates to attenuate oil pressure spikes within the lash adjuster oil feed passage.

Abstract: A valve train for use in an engine is provided. The valve train includes a rocker arm assembly having a valve side arm and a cam side arm. A valve is coupled to the engine and is in contact with the valve side arm. A pushrod is reciprocatable by a camshaft and is in contact with the cam side arm. An overload feature is located on at least one of the rocker arm assembly or the pushrod. The overload feature has a reduced cross-sectional area calibrated to activate at a predefined load.

Abstract: An engine control module includes a valve control module that disables intake and exhaust valves corresponding to a cylinder that includes a mass of intake air. An engine cycle module determines a number of engine cycles that occurred while the cylinder is disabled. An air estimation module determines a remaining mass of air in the cylinder based on the number of engine cycles.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster includes a cylindrical body having a central cylindrical bore. A hollow plunger is reciprocable in the bore and includes a reservoir chamber therein. The plunger has a close clearance with the bore. A high pressure chamber is defined by the plunger and a closed end of the bore. An orificed wall of the plunger separates the reservoir chamber from the high pressure chamber. A check valve is disposed in the orifice for allowing one-way flow of oil from the reservoir chamber to the high pressure chamber. A plunger spring disposed in the high pressure chamber urges the plunger away from the closed end of the bore. A seat is disposed at an end of the plunger distal from the high pressure chamber. The plunger includes a circumferential groove proximate the seat for holding oil to maintain an oil seal in the clearance to limit leakage of air through the clearance.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing pressurized fuel for an engine includes an engine starting apparatus including an electric motor operative to crank the engine and a fuel pump operatively coupled to the electric motor.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for an active fuel management (AFM) solenoid of an internal combustion engine is provided. The system includes: a command module that selectively commands a solenoid signal to energize and de-energize the AFM solenoid, a timer module that activates a timer based on a status of the solenoid signal, and a fault module that selectively diagnoses a fault of the AFM solenoid based on the timer and a knock sensor signal.

Abstract: A fuel contaminant sensor is provided. The fuel containment sensor includes a fluid reservoir having an inlet and an outlet. A light source for projecting a light beam through the fluid reservoir is disposed on the fluid reservoir. A light beam detector for receiving the light beam projected through the fluid reservoir is disposed opposite the light source. A controller is provided for activating the light source and for receiving an output of the light beam detector. An interruption of the light beam inhibits the light beam detector from receiving the light beam.