Abstract: A torque converter assembly is provided, which includes an impeller, a turbine, and a stator. The impeller and the turbine each have a plurality of passages for directing fluid. The inlet and outlet of each passage are larger in cross-sectional area than the middle portion of the passage, located between the inlet and outlet. This structure reduces energy losses, which typically occur near the midpoint of the passage due to flow separation. Additionally, reducing the flow area of the torus of the impeller and turbine permits an overall thinner torque converter, which is preferred for engine packaging purposes. The stator includes a core, a shell, and a plurality of stator blades. One end of each stator blade is fixed to the core, while the opposite end is fixed to the shell. Each stator blade has a mean camber line and an associated mean camber line length. The maximum thickness of each stator blade is approximately 20% of the mean camber line length.

Abstract: A method of providing a unified power control of a motor including providing a first inverter system, a second inverter system, and a motor coupled therebetween; coupling the first inverter system coupled to a first energy source; coupling the second inverter system coupled to a secondary energy source; generating a first pulse width modulated signal; and generating a second pulse width modulated signal. The first inverter system and the second inverter system are driven with the first pulse width modulated signal and the second pulse width modulated signal respectively in order to control a fundamental component of an output voltage of the first inverter system and the second inverter system to control the motor.

Abstract: A detachable device for covering an end of an electrical connector, comprising a non-conductive cover, sealingly attachable, and completely covering the mating end of the connector. An external end of the cover is generally planar with electrically conductive pads corresponding to the conductive terminals of the connector, and electrically connecting the pads to the terminals. The electrically conductive pads are arranged in a pattern, oriented to provide a single line-of-sight for machine recognition.

Abstract: An engine system according to the present invention includes an engine and a fuel system that delivers a liquid fuel and a vapor fuel to the engine. A control module communicates with the fuel system and modulates the vapor fuel delivered to said engine based on a determination of a desired vapor fuel rate and a maximum available vapor fuel rate of the fuel system. The control module determines the desired vapor rate based on a mass rate of liquid fuel being delivered to the engine and a coolant temperature of the engine. The control module determines a vapor density by estimating the vapor density based on a temperature of an intake manifold or alternatively receives a signal from a sensor.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for use in establishing electrical communication between a control module and a motor/generator in a hybrid electro-mechanical transmission includes an insulating wire isolator and nuts nonrotatably preassembled thereto. The electrical connector reduces the quantity of loose parts during transmission assembly. The nuts, being nonrotatably connected to the isolator, which in turn is affixed with respect to a motor housing, are able to accept torque from bolts without assisted retention.

Abstract: A powertrain control selects engine operating points in accordance with power loss minimization controls. Power loss contributions come from a variety of sources including engine power losses. Engine power losses are determined in accordance with engine operating metrics such as power production per unit fuel consumption and power production per unit emission production. Engine power losses are combined in accordance with assigned weighting into a single engine power loss term for use in the power loss minimization control and operating point selection.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are described for placing a controlled device into a desired operating state in response to the position of a multi-position actuator. Two or more switch contacts provide input signals representative of the position of the actuator. Control logic then determines the desired state for the controlled device based upon the input signals received. The desired operating state is determined from any number of operating states defined by the input values. In various embodiments, ternary switching may be used in combination with binary switching to efficiently implement multi-state rotary or linear switches capable of identifying six, twelve, eighteen or any other number of switchable states.

Abstract: A leak detection system for a vehicle fuel tank includes a sensor that is responsive to a pressure within the fuel tank and that generates a pressure signal based thereon. A control module initiates an engine-off natural vacuum (EONV) test and determines a pressure change based on the pressure signal. The control module pauses the EONV test when the pressure change exceeds a pressure change threshold.

Abstract: A multi-speed, dual clutch transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and first and second countershafts. The first and second countershafts are axially displaced from the input shaft, the output shaft and from one another. Four intermeshing gear pairs, an interconnecting gear set having first, second and third members, a first single gear and an idler gear, some of which are engageable with at least some of the shafts via a first clutch, a second clutch, and six torque-transmitting mechanisms, establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. Furthermore, shifting between the forward speed ratios is dynamic.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control mechanism for use with a multi-speed transmission includes a pair of logic valves, which are manipulated during the ratio interchanges and the ratio establishment by aiding in the distribution of fluid pressure from a plurality of trim valves. The logic valves are retained in specific drive ranges in the event of electrical discontinuance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for ensuring the integrity of a software variable stored in memory. The method comprises the steps of verifying the integrity of the specific hardware to be used in calculating and storing software variables, calculating a software variable and a dual store software variable using the verified hardware, storing both software variables in verified memory, and comparing the two stored software variables to verify the integrity of the software used for calculating and storing the two software variables.

Abstract: A dual path planetary transmission includes two planetary gearsets each having a sun gear member, a ring gear member, and a planet carrier assembly member. Each of the members of the planetary gearsets are selectively connectible between an input shaft, an output drive mechanism, and a stationary member. Each of the planetary gearsets is effective to provide a reverse ratio and five forward gear ratios. The output mechanism of each of the planetary gearsets includes a different gear ratio between the output mechanism and the transmission output shaft.

Abstract: A method and control system enable at least one adjustable setting of an apparatus in a vehicle to be changed in response to a selection made by a user of the vehicle either from the vehicle or from a location remote to the vehicle. The system has a user actuated input device that provides a control signal in response to a setting selection by the user. A server system stores a program for operating the method and system. A vehicle control system is provided onboard the vehicle. A communication network couples the server system to the vehicle control system so that so that the user can control the setting for the apparatus by operating the input device. The computer system records the vehicle settings in a database.

Abstract: A fuel control system for a diesel engine includes a first module that calculates a block learn multiplier (BLM) based on a feedback signal during a closed-loop fuel control period. A second module adjusts a base fueling rate of the diesel engine based on the BLM during an open-loop fuel control period.

Abstract: The fluid transfer apparatus has an outer composite body having end sealing lips that are adapted to sealingly engage the surface surrounding the spaced passages between which fluid is to be transferred. The transfer apparatus has a central member having a uniform cross section adapted to transfer fluid between these passages and also has two end members which engage within and align with the passages to permit continued fluid transfer in view of slight longitudinal misalignments of the first and second passages.

Abstract: A method of dynamically determining a mass airflow per cylinder in order to control operation of an internal combustion engine includes first initializing a mass airflow per cylinder (MAC) value. A manifold pressure (MAP) signal, a mass airflow (MAF) signal, and an induction air temperature (IAT) signal is then received. An estimated manifold pressure is calculated from the MAF, the IAT, and the initialized MAC. A filter is applied to the MAP. A manifold pressure error is determined from the estimated manifold pressure and the filtered manifold pressure. A product is computed of the manifold pressure error and the initialized MAC. The product is adapted. A mass airflow per cylinder is computed, as a second product, based on the adapted product and the initialized MAC. Engine operation is controlled based on the mass airflow per cylinder.

Abstract: A method of determining diagnostic limits for a vane position sensing system installed in a variable nozzle turbocharger (VNT). The method includes defining mechanical input probability distribution functions (PDFs) of the VNT, describing the vane position sensing system in terms of component models and defining component parameter PDFs for parameters associated with the component models. Vane position signal PDFs based are generated on the mechanical input PDFs, the component models and the component parameter PDFs, and diagnostic limits are set for the vane position sensing system based on the vane position signal PDFs.

Abstract: A microwave system having a microwave source that generates microwave signals for regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) includes a sampling device that samples a power level of reflected microwave signals from the DPF and a regulator module that communicates with the microwave source and the sampling device. The regulator module further adjusts operation of the microwave source based on the power level of the reflected microwave signals and a predetermined power threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle having an automatic transmission includes a roll-back detector that generates a roll-back signal indicating a vehicle roll-back event. A controller receives the roll-back signal and determines whether the automatic transmission is in a forward drive mode having first and second torque transfer elements engaged. The controller engages a third torque transfer element to prevent the vehicle roll-back event.

Abstract: A method for estimating an electrical measurement, such as a current or a voltage, comprises generating an analog electrical measurement signal using a sensor. An analog filter filters the analog electrical measurement signal. An A/D converter samples the analog signal and generates a digital electrical measurement signal. A matrix is formed based on the characteristics of the analog filter. An estimated actual current or voltage is calculated based on a relationship between the digital signal and the matrix.