Abstract: A torque control system for a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, an electronic throttle coupled to the internal combustion engine, a powertrain controller controlling the electronic throttle, a first control loop operating in the powertrain controller including a feed forward function to control engine torque, a second control loop operating in the powertrain controller including a proportional function acting upon the torque variance in the internal combustion engine, a third control loop operating in the powertrain controller including an integral function acting upon the rpm variance in the internal combustion engine, and where the outputs of the first, second and third control loop are used to factor a desired mass airflow for the engine and the desired mass air flow is used to generate a position command for the electronic throttle.

Abstract: A method is directed to controlling idle speed for an internal combustion engine. The method provides for monitoring a plurality of vehicle system signal inputs, determining a baseline load control signal based on the vehicle system signal inputs, determining a maximum load control signal based on the vehicle system signal inputs, determining an anticipated load control signal based on the vehicle system signal inputs, determining an idle speed control signal based on the baseline control signal and the anticipated control signal, modifying the idle speed control signal based on vehicle system signal inputs, and controlling the idle speed based on the modified idle speed control signal.

Abstract: False spark knock detection is minimized for a displacement on demand engine having activated and deactivated modes. The engine is operated in the activated mode. Knock detection is performed on all cylinders of the engine during the activated mode. The engine is operated in the deactivated mode. Knock detection is performed on activated cylinders during the deactivated mode. Knock detection is disabled for deactivated cylinders during the deactivated mode.

Abstract: A method of reducing loss in an interior permanent magnet drive system is provided. A current input DC link power value is calculated. The current input DC link power value is then compared with a previous input DC link power value. A change in input DC link power value is determined from this comparison. A flux decrement value is calculated. The flux decrement value is based on the change in input DC link power value. A stator current value is generated. The stator current value is based on the flux decrement value. Finally, the stator flux current is reduced, based on the stator current value.

Abstract: A control method and system according to the present invention for a displacement on demand engine estimates cylinder air charge and/or predicts cylinder air charge for future cylinder interrupts. A model is provided that estimates cylinder air charge and/or predicts cylinder air charge for future cylinder interrupts. The model includes a history vector of inputs and states. The history vector of inputs and states are updated when a cylinder firing interrupt occurs. An operating mode of the engine is determined. Based on the operating mode, model parameters and model inputs are selected. The cylinder air charge is estimated and predicted for future cylinder interrupts.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve coil temperature is estimated non-intrusively using only existing sensors. In one embodiment an EGR valve coil temperature estimator running on a powertrain control module estimates the EGR valve coil temperature as a linear function of estimated charge temperature, inlet air temperature, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed. Coefficients of the mathematical function, which describe the degree of association between the inputs and EGR valve coil temperature, are calculated by measuring the actual EGR valve coil temperature over wide operating conditions. The powertrain control module uses the EGR valve temperature estimated in this manner to vary the drive signal to the EGR valve coil to open the EGR valve a desired amount.

Abstract: A draining device including a threaded portion, the threaded portion depending outwardly from an annular portion and having an inner opening in fluid communication with a pair of openings in the annular portion, where said pair of openings provides a pathway for draining.

Abstract: An engine control system in a vehicle including a variable displacement internal combustion engine configured as an overhead valve engine including telescoping lifters hydraulically actuated by solenoid valves, via hydraulic lines, to activate and deactivate valves and cylinders in the variable displacement internal combustion engine, a controller for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement internal combustion engine, and where the controller determines the delay time between a displacement command and the actual change in the position of the telescoping lifters.

Abstract: A target wheel for providing timing information for a crankshaft in an internal combustion engine, the target wheel comprising a substantially circular member having a plurality of teeth, the teeth having variable widths, and the teeth having rising edges distributed in a non-uniform fashion and falling edges distributed in a uniform fashion, where the target wheel provides speed and timing information for multiple internal combustion engine configurations.

Abstract: An internet based two-way data communication system for interrogating and programming the electronics of motor vehicles, with global positioning system (GPS) and real-time class 2 communication capabilities. A vehicle communications package (VCP) is located aboard each subject motor vehicle which is electronically interfaced with selected electronics of the respective motor vehicle and which provides wireless reception of GPS signals and reception and transmission of Class 2 data with respect to communication satellites, and further includes a website having a predetermined internet URL. Wireless communication between the website and the VCP is provided via a communication satellite provider having an internet interface, or a cellular telephone provider having an internet interface. The website is by a user using any computer, located anywhere and having internet access, simply by entering the website URL and the user's pre-established password/user name permissions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling movement of an automobile in a pitched position. The apparatus has an attitude sensor that is configured to determine a pitch of the automobile and a speed sensor that is configured to determine a speed of the automobile. In addition, the apparatus has a braking mechanism that is configured to inhibit movement of the automobile and a controller that is configured to control the braking mechanism. The controller is configured to receive the pitch and the speed determined by the attitude sensor and the speed sensor, respectively, and control the braking mechanism based at least in part upon an evaluation of the pitch and the speed in order to inhibit movement of the automobile in the pitched position.

Abstract: An engine control system and method monitors torque increase during cylinder deactivation for a displacement on demand engine. A timer is started at cylinder deactivation. A controller adjusts throttle position and determines whether cylinder deactivation completes within a predetermined time. The controller adjusts throttle position based on the status of an enable condition. The controller determines if engine speed and vehicle acceleration are each within a threshold. The controller operates the throttle in a preload operating mode if the enable condition is met and operates the throttle in a normal operating mode if the enable condition is not met.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the damping of load impacts in the drive train of a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine equipped with an electronic control system. It is the aim of the invention to provide load impact damping which adapts to the varying vibration behavior of the drive train during the life of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An engine control system in a vehicle including a variable displacement internal combustion engine, an intake manifold coupled to the variable displacement internal combustion engine, a controller for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement internal combustion engine, and where the controller varies the spark for a reactivating cylinder during the transition from deactivation to reactivation.

Abstract: An engine control system in a vehicle including a variable displacement internal combustion engine, a controller for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement internal combustion engine, an exhaust manifold coupled to the variable displacement internal combustion engine, a NOx trap coupled to the exhaust manifold, and where the controller varies the displacement of the variable displacement internal combustion engine to optimize the regeneration of the NOx trap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a vehicle anti-lock braking system includes a brake pedal and a brake modulator that reduces braking pressure by an initial pressure reduction after detecting insipient wheel lock. Vehicle deceleration is measured as a function of brake pedal position. A first table is updated with the vehicle deceleration and the brake pedal position. A coefficient of friction of a road surface is estimated based on the first table. A slip target for at least one wheel is estimated and is based on an estimated maximum slip of the at least one wheel before losing traction minus an estimated potential for vehicle rollover. A deceleration target for at least one wheel is estimated and is based on an estimated maximum deceleration of the at least one wheel before losing traction minus the estimated potential for vehicle rollover.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a cursor on the display of a computer comprising a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member concentrically engaging the first cylindrical member and coupled thereon for both rotational relative movement and translational relative movement. A detector is provided for sensing this relative movement and providing signals representative thereof to a computer for controlling the position of a cursor on the display. This apparatus is especially suitable for use on a vehicle carrying an onboard computer and could, for example, be mounted on the steering post of the vehicle.

Abstract: An engine control system in a vehicle including a variable displacement internal combustion engine, an intake manifold coupled to the variable displacement internal combustion engine, a first turbocharger supplying air to the intake manifold, a first waste gate regulating the boost of the turbocharger, and a controller for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating regeneration in a particulate trap including the steps of locating microwave-absorbing material in the particulate trap in areas that particulates build up, generating microwaves, absorbing microwaves with the microwave-absorbing material, and controlling the microwaves to initiate a burn-off of particulates.

Abstract: An engine toque estimator according to the invention includes a vehicle data bus that provides a plurality of engine operating inputs including at least one of engine RPM, spark and a dilution estimate. A steady state torque estimator communicates with the vehicle data bus and generates a steady state engine torque signal. A measurement model communicates with the vehicle data bus and compensates for errors associated with engine-to-engine variation. A dynamic torque estimator communicates with at least one of the vehicle data bus, the measurement model, and the steady state torque estimator and generates an actual torque signal.