Abstract: A method of selectively directing a flow of blow-by gas (F) in a vehicle having an engine (14) and a turbocharger compressor (32) includes the steps of providing fluid communication for the flow of blow-by gas from the engine to a valve (12), actuating the valve with a valve actuator (38) to at least one of a closed system position and an open system position, and selectively directing the flow of blow-by gas from the valve to at least one of the turbocharger compressor and an atmosphere (28).

Abstract: A first loop contains engine coolant passageways (28, 30) and a first radiator (34). A second loop contains a first EGR cooler (48). A third loop contains a second EGR cooler (50), a second radiator (36), a charge air cooler (26LP), a first valve (66), and a second valve (64). Valve (64) apportions coolant flow entering an inlet (64A) to parallel flow paths, one including second radiator (36) and the other being a bypass around radiator (36). The apportioned flows merge into confluent flow to both an inlet of charge air cooler (26LP) and a first inlet (66B) of valve (66). Valve (66) has an outlet (66C) communicated to an inlet of second EGR cooler (50). The first condition of valve (66) closes a second inlet (66A) to coolant flowing toward both the second inlet (66A) and inlet (64A) while opening inlet (66B) to outlet (66C).

Abstract: A motor vehicle engine (10) has glow plugs (20) for aiding combustion of fuel in combustion chambers of the engine when the engine is cold and an ignition switch (24) is operated to crank the engine. An aberration in engine speed (36) is used to indicate an under- or non-performing glow plug. Data from sources other than the engine speed source (28), such as data related to engine fueling, is also processed by a processor (30) to exclude them as the cause of the aberration.

Abstract: A compressor assembly (304) includes a compressor housing (312) having a main air inlet (324) and an annular wall (328) defining an inducer bore (325). A secondary inlet passage (322) is disposed around the inducer bore (325). The secondary inlet passage (322) has an inlet slot (320) operatively intersecting the inducer bore (325) to permit the entry of a fluid thereinto through an inlet port (327). The inlet slot (320) advantageously defines an augmented inducer diameter region (331). Preferably the secondary inlet passage (322) may be selectively partially or completely isolated from the main air inlet (324). A compressor wheel (318) is located in the compressor housing (312) and has a stepped portion (330) formed by at least one plurality of vanes (238) operatively associated with the augmented inducer diameter region (331) adjacent to the inlet slot (320) of the housing (312) to receive fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A mount (50) for mounting an exhaust gas component (30, 32, 16) in an exhaust pipe (34) or in a component housing includes a spring band (54) and a plurality of spring fingers (64). The spring band (54) is configured to contact and substantially pass around an outer surface (52) of the exhaust gas component (30, 32, 16). The plurality of spring fingers (64) extend from the spring band (54) generally axially with respect to the exhaust gas component (30, 32, 16) and generally radially from the spring band. The spring fingers (64) contact the exhaust gas component (30, 32, 16).

Abstract: A method of starting an engine is provided. A starter is initiated to impart a first engine speed to a crankshaft of the engine. Fuel injects at a first rate into at least one cylinder of the engine. Fuel in the at least one cylinder of the engine combusts to operate the engine at generally the first speed imparted to the crankshaft of the engine by the starter until a predetermined oil pressure develops within the engine.

Abstract: An exterior lighting system of a motor vehicle (10) has headlamps (12) and foglamps (14) for illuminating a field of view. The headlamps have lenses (26) through which light passes to illuminate the field of view and are constructed to alter the light that is directed within the headlamps toward upper zones (26A) of the lenses relative to light that is directed toward lower zones (26B) of the lenses when both headlamps and foglamps are shining onto the field of view so as to attenuate headlight glare that would otherwise be seen by a driver of the vehicle looking toward the field of view in the absence of the light alteration. Various embodiments of inventive headlamps are shown.

Abstract: A heating system for use on an exhaust system having an exhaust gas passageway, the engine having a cooling system to circulate a cooling fluid to and from the engine, includes a fuel-dosing member for dosing fuel to the exhaust system to trigger a regeneration event. A particulate filter is located on the exhaust gas passageway downstream of the engine, and an oxidation catalyst member is located upstream from the particulate filter. The oxidation catalyst member oxidizes the fuel dosed to increase the temperature of the exhaust gases. The increased temperature causes a regeneration event at the particulate filter, which further increases the temperature of the exhaust gases. A heat exchanger is located downstream of the particulate filter for capturing heat from the exhaust gases. The heat exchanger has an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit for circulating the cooling fluid from the heat exchanger to the engine cooling system.

Abstract: A proactive cooling system and method improve the cooling of a motor vehicle apparatus, such as an engine or transmission, in a motor vehicle. The proactive cooling system boosts the primary cooling system connected to the motor vehicle apparatus by using an electronic controller, an information collecting module for collecting information related to the operation of the motor vehicle and an auxiliary cooling system. The auxiliary cooling system uses a power supply and a secondary cooling system in fluid communication with the primary cooling system. The power supply turns on the secondary cooling system by activating an activator and a secondary pump. The activator opens a bypass circuit to divert coolant from the primary cooling system into the secondary cooling system where the diverted coolant is cooled in a secondary heat exchanger. A secondary pump circulates the coolant through the bypass circuit and back to the primary cooling system.

Abstract: An integrated kitchen unit for a mobile vehicle. The integrated kitchen unit intended to make preparation, eating, and cleaning easier and more intuitive than the existing solution. The integrated kitchen unit provides multiple storage areas based on the needs required for cooking, including storage for utensils, and even storage for a range of third party appliances. The microwave becomes an integrated part of the design, opening up additional space and allowing for optimized ergonomics of preparation surfaces. Extendable tables can be pulled out for additional surfaces or for other needs such as desk area. Standard 110V AC outlets included in the design allow drivers to plug in any third party appliance, possible providing inverters be installed in the berth. A disposal container is located on the side of the integrated kitchen unit, allowing for easy access while preparing at the workstation, and even while driving.

Abstract: A system and process for optimizing vehicle service intervals for a plurality of vehicle service items begins with determination of a minimum service interval. The minimum service interval is set by the need to provide critical, though routine services such as engine oil changes and chassis lubrication. Multiple potential service intervals exist for at least one component, typically engine oil changes, based on different vehicle operating variables. Depending upon the character of vehicle use, one variable will control determination of the recommended interval for engine oil, which, after conversion to distance, is compared with the chassis lubrication to find the minimum service interval. Additional components/fluids are included for service based on operational variables selected to determine service intervals for these components.

Abstract: An armor assembly for a vehicle having a body frame includes an inner ballistic panel attached to the body frame of the vehicle, and an outer ballistic panel attached to the body frame. The outer ballistic panel is pivotably disposed with respect to the inner ballistic panel and is pivotable from a first position generally adjacent and parallel to the inner ballistic panel, to a second position generally 180-degrees from the first position.

Abstract: An integrated pet environment for a mobile vehicle. The integrated pet environment will consist of two pet care units, one located behind the driver's seat and the other located behind the passenger's seat. The driver's seat unit will have storage for pet supplies, and will have a gate which the driver can easily reach with one hand while driving to close off his/her seat, preventing the dog from disturbing him/her while he/she is driving. The passenger's seat unit will have more storage plus a ramp for the dog. The passenger's seat itself will fold all the way down forward and will provide a seat for the dog, accessible from the back of the truck, which will not allow the dog to reach the driver. One of the two storage units will also have food and water dishes.

Abstract: A modular system of routing clip subcomponents having compatible interlocking features allows for as-needed assembly of multiple clips and extensions, thereby eliminating the need for specialized standoff brackets and clipping devices when routing vehicle wires, hoses, tubes, cables, harnesses, and the like. Generally molded from high-impact and decay resistant polymers, the elements of the modular system are inexpensive to manufacture and simple to assemble by hand.

Abstract: A lead acid battery model suitable for programming on a motor vehicle body computer uses environmental and target battery operating variables for maintaining synchronization of the model with the target battery under actual operating conditions. The model includes a energy flow section with at least two integrators for simulating primary and recovery reservoirs of charge in the battery. An output voltage estimation signal provides a signal for comparison with measured battery voltage for synchronization. Capacity of the reservoirs is generated from manufacturer specifications measured against battery performance.

Abstract: An exciter ring/disc brake rotor assembly allows snap in fitting of the exciter ring onto the disc brake rotor. Either of two snap fit mechanisms limits clocking of the ring in use.

Abstract: A diluent is discharged by a dispensing device into a dilution bath 11 containing a sample, and a given amount of a diluted sample 12 is sucked from the upper face by the dispensing device and discarded by discharging it into a waste fluid cup to remove many small bubbles 13 generated during the preparation of the diluted sample used for determination. The diluted sample 12 remaining in the dilution bath 11 is used for determination to improve the precision and reproducibility of determination and to prevent failure of the dispensing device due to inclusion of bubbles.

Abstract: A fluid assembly and a method are provided. In one embodiment, the fluid assembly is insertable into a container holding a first fluid to be supplied to a diagnostic instrument and comprises a first element, a second element, and a first conduit fluidly connected between the first element and the second element such that the first fluid in the container moves through the first conduit towards the diagnostic instrument. A second conduit containing a second fluid is fluidly connected between the first element and the second element. A pressure transducer is fluidly connected with the second conduit such that the second fluid is bounded within the second conduit by the first fluid and the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer monitors pressure of the second fluid to indicate a volume of the first fluid in the container.

Abstract: Methods of allocating resources in a system comprising at least two instruments are provided. In one such method, a list of tests to be performed by the system within a reaction vessel is generated. The list includes a number of reaction vessels used in performing each test to be performed by the system in a given time period. The list of tests is sorted according to the number of reaction vessels used in performing each test to be performed by the system in a given time period. A duplication percentage for the tests is determined. The duplication percentage is compared with the sorted list of tests. Resources associated with the tests are duplicated across the at least two instruments based on the comparison of the duplication percentage with the sorted list of tests such that at least one of the tests is performed by at least two of the at least two instruments.

Abstract: An actuator and a method of controlling the actuator are disclosed. In one embodiment, the actuator is a valve comprising a first port and a second port fluidly connected with the first port such that fluid communicates between the first port and the second port. A flexible member is operatively connected with the first port and the second port. The flexible member is movable between a first position permitting fluid communication between the first port and the second port and a second position reducing fluid communication between the first port and the second port. A first controller is operatively connected with the flexible member for moving the flexible member between the first position and the second position. A second controller is operatively connected with the flexible member for retaining the flexible member in the second position.