Abstract: A method is disclosed for conducting a financial analysis. The method includes creating a financial analysis utility having a standardized format, and providing access through a communication network to the financial analysis utility to employees of a business enterprise. Thus, the present invention provides a single source for the financial analysis utility.

Abstract: A method of tracking machine breakdown (10) comprising, listing each breakdown relative to a first machine (20) and listing the corrective action taken on the first machine relative to each of the breakdowns (30).

Abstract: In a motor vehicle driveline including a transfer case whose output is continually connected to a first output, a clutch, operating partially engaged, responds to a control signal to change the degree of clutch engagement, whereby a second output is connected driveably to the first output. A digital computer, repetitively executing a computer readable program code algorithm for operating the clutch partially engaged, continually selects a desired magnitude of clutch engagement with reference to functions indexed by vehicle speed and either engine throttle position or engine throttle rate. The computer repetitively updates at frequent intervals the desired degree of clutch engagement, and issues a command clutch duty cycle to a solenoid-controlled valve, which signal changes the degree of clutch engagement in response to the command signal.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting a critical plane. The critical plane can then be used to leverage off of uniaxial fatigue theory to predict the fatigue life of an object experiencing multiple stress inducing events. The fatigue life is based on calculating a single critical plane that encompasses all the stress inducing events.

Abstract: A method for monitoring assembly plant production and quality, particularly relative to painting processes for vehicles. The method includes painting a plurality of vehicles, inspecting each vehicle for paint defects, and recording production quantity data and processing defect data for vehicles using a touch screen. The touch screen includes a computer-generated template of multiple views the vehicle, such that, the location of each paint defect can be recorded. The data is accessible through a network connection and is used to determine required production time and corrective actions for paint defect trends.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates, to a computer-implemented system for improving manufacturing productivity. The system is comprised of at least one computer configured to: (1) receive a plurality of productivity data elements regarding a manufacturing process, a plurality of six sigma elements, and a plurality of lean manufacturing elements, and (2) aid in determining at least one productivity improvement to the manufacturing process by utilizing the plurality of six sigma elements and the plurality of lean manufacturing elements with the plurality of productivity data elements. The at least one productivity improvement is relied upon to reduce operating costs.

Abstract: A method for analyzing vehicle information. The method utilizes a multi-dimensional relational database or a data cube and On Line Analytical Processing technology to integrate information which is acquired from various different sources and allows all of the data to be analyzed in an efficient, concise and unambiguous manner.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle where an engine is shut down during vehicle stops to improve fuel economy. The automatic transmission includes a main pump that is driven off of a transmission input shaft, and an electronically driven auxiliary pump. A shut down shuttle valve switches a hydraulic circuit connection from the main pump to the auxiliary pump for a low-reverse clutch and a forward clutch when the vehicle stops in drive or low gear. A pressure transducer, controller and steady state relay allow for closed loop feedback to control the auxiliary pump in order to assure sufficient hydraulic pressure while minimizing power consumption.

Abstract: A system and method of interactive evaluation and manipulation of a geometric model is provided. The system includes a computer system and a haptic interface operatively in communication with the computer system, whereby the haptic interface includes a haptic end effector device for transmitting information between a user and a geometric model as the user browses or edit the surface of the geometric model using the haptic end effector device.