Abstract: A vehicle includes a power inverter module (PIM), a motor/generator unit (MGU), vehicle components, temperature sensors, and a controller. The sensors measure temperatures of a motor winding of the MGU, and temperatures of the multiple phase outputs of the PIM. The second plurality of temperature sensors measures temperatures of the vehicle components. The controller calculates an average temperature of the components, and individually diagnoses each temperature sensor using the average temperature. A control circuit for the vehicle includes the first and second plurality of sensors and the controller. A temperature performance diagnostic method includes using the first plurality to measure a temperature of the motor winding and the phase outputs of the PIM, using the second plurality to measure a temperature of the components, calculating an average temperature of the components, and individually diagnosing the performance of each of the first plurality of sensors using the average temperature.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a humanoid robot with robotic joints each moveable using an actuator(s), and a distributed controller for controlling the movement of each of the robotic joints. The controller includes a visual perception module (VPM) for visually identifying and tracking an object in the field of view of the robot under threshold lighting conditions. The VPM includes optical devices for collecting an image of the object, a positional extraction device, and a host machine having an algorithm for processing the image and positional information. The algorithm visually identifies and tracks the object, and automatically adapts an exposure time of the optical devices to prevent feature data loss of the image under the threshold lighting conditions. A method of identifying and tracking the object includes collecting the image, extracting positional information of the object, and automatically adapting the exposure time to thereby prevent feature data loss of the image.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission that is operatively connected with an engine includes an input member operatively connected with the engine, at least one intermediate member, and an output member. A plurality of selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms enable the input member to be selectively operatively connected to the at least one intermediate member through the first gearing arrangement by engagement of different ones of a first set of the torque-transmitting mechanisms. A single motor/generator is operatively connectable to the at least one intermediate member and is selectively operatively connected to the output member in two alternative ways through the second gearing arrangement by selective engagement of two respective ones of a second set of the torque-transmitting mechanisms to establish two different torque ratios between the at least one intermediate member and the output member.

Abstract: A housing assembly for mounting to a wall of a building is disclosed. The housing assembly includes a front plate attached to a back plate. The back plate defines an axis and has a flange extending radially away from the axis for coupling to the wall. An insert is disposed between the front plate and the back plate. The insert includes a central body having a fluid diverter extending outwardly from the central body for guiding a fluid away from the wall. The housing assembly further includes a locking device for selectively coupling and uncoupling the insert from one of the front plate and the back plate.

Abstract: A hybrid module is configured to interconnect an engine and a transmission. The hybrid module includes an electric motor and a first and second carrier. The first carrier is operatively connected to the transmission and is rotatable about the central axis at a first rotational velocity with the electric motor. The first carrier transfers the first rotational velocity to the transmission. The second carrier is operatively connected to the engine and is rotatable about the central axis at a second rotational velocity. A first sun gear rotatably surrounds the central axis and is connected to the second carrier. A first pinion gear is rotatably supported by the first carrier and is in meshing engagement with the first sun gear such that the first pinion gear rotates about the first pinion axis as the first pinion gear and the first carrier rotate in unison about the central axis.

Abstract: A powertrain is provided that has an engine and a torque converter. The engine is configured to provide oil to the torque converter for operation of the torque converter. The engine oil may provide both the fluid coupling and torque converter clutch apply and release functions.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of facilely releasing a BSE software module adapted for execution by an electronic control unit having an update model of the BSE software and a controller having an embedded desktop model of the BSE software, includes a plurality of autonomously performed steps resulting in the compiling of a plurality of c-files into a library file. A single keyword activated preferred embodiment is disclosed in a MatLab®/Simulink®/Real-Time Workshop® environment.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining remaining oil life prior to an oil change in an internal combustion engine that has a sump and uses a body of oil. The method includes transferring the body of oil to the engine and determining a volume of the transferred body of oil. The method also includes determining degradation of the determined volume of oil in response to oxidation and/or decomposition. The method additionally includes determining the remaining oil life based on the determined volume and degradation of the transferred body of oil. Furthermore, the method includes activating an oil change indicator when the remaining oil life reaches a predetermined level. A system for determining a number of engine revolutions permitted on a volume of oil is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with on-demand seating to allow maximum cargo space in the passenger compartment when the seats are not needed. The seating is lightweight and compact, maximizing available cargo space and minimizing mass and fuel economy impact. The flexible seat may be stowed within body structure defining the passenger compartment, such as side trim panels or a vehicle floor. The body structure supports the flexible seat in a deployed position in which the flexible seat extends from the body structure into the passenger compartment. Roller mechanisms mounted within the body structure allow the seat to extend and retract from the passenger compartment. The seats may be inflatable, and may include pneumatic foam.

Abstract: A transmission has a motor assembly with a stationary portion surrounding a rotor. The transmission also includes a clutch housing. A transmission casing surrounds the motor and the clutch housing. The stationary portion is rigidly connected to and supported by the clutch housing. Thus, a separate housing for the motor/generator is avoided. The housing may also support one or more motor bearings, seals, clutch pistons, or clutch plates.

Abstract: Active material based fasteners that are reversible are provided. These fasteners can be in the form of, for example, cable ties and twist ties. In an embodiment, a fastener for securing an object comprises: a flexible elongated member capable of at least partially surrounding the object; and an adjustment mechanism in operable communication with the flexible elongated member, the adjustment mechanism comprising an active material capable of undergoing a change in a property upon exposure to an activation source, wherein the elongated member is configured to engage or release the object in response to the change in the property.

Abstract: A method to detect and rank appearance distortions includes creating virtual models of a reference panel and a processed panel, including a first reference patch and the processed panel, respectively. Projecting a first simulated light pattern on the reference panel and the processed panel, and viewing the first reference patch and the first processed patch from a first viewpoint with respect to the first simulated light pattern. The method compares a first reference reflection at the first reference patch with a first processed reflection at the first processed patch, and creates a first index value from optical variations between the appearance of the reference and processed reflections. The first index value is output in a computer readable format. The method may compare the first index value to a predetermined index value and determine whether the processed panel is within an acceptable appearance quality threshold.

Abstract: A fluid condition and level sensor is provided that includes a solenoid body, a coil, and an armature surrounded by the coil. The solenoid body defines an armature chamber in which the armature is movable in response to energizing of the coil. The sensor is mounted to a reservoir such that a first portion of the solenoid body extends into a cavity defined by the reservoir, and so that movement of the armature is substantially transverse to a direction of fluid level change in the reservoir. The first portion of the solenoid body defines an opening permitting fluid communication between the cavity and the armature chamber, such that fluid enters and is displaced from the armature chamber through the opening as the armature moves, movement of the armature within the armature chamber thereby being affected by fluid level in the reservoir.

Abstract: A powertrain is provided that includes an engine as well as a transmission having an input member and an output member. The powertrain also includes a motor/generator that has an energizable stator, a first rotor and a second rotor (i.e., a dual rotor motor). Both of the rotors are rotatable via energization of the stator. A first torque-transmitting mechanism, referred to as the engine clutch, is selectively engagable to connect the engine for common rotation with one of the first and the second rotors. A second torque-transmitting mechanism, referred to as the motor clutch, is selectively engagable to connect the first rotor for common rotation with the second rotor. The transmission input member is continuously connected for common rotation with the other of the first and second rotors.

Abstract: A resolver is configured to determine the rotational position of a first member that is selectively rotatable about an axis with respect to a second member. The resolver includes a stator core, a plurality of wire windings operatively connected to the stator core, a winding support between the windings and the stator core, and a cover at least partially enclosing the windings. One of the cover and the winding support defines a pin that is fittable inside a hole in the second member. The pin functions as a locating feature, which ensures that the stator is accurately mounted to the second member. Because the pin is part of the winding support or the cover, the locating feature does not entail the use of an extra part, thereby simplifying assembly of the stator.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device includes a plurality of clutch plates, a ramp member that is selectively rotatable about an axis and that defines a ramp surface, a worm gear that is operatively connected to the ramp member for rotation therewith about the axis, and a roller element contacting the ramp surface. The ramp surface is configured such that, when the ramp member is rotated about the axis, the roller element exerts a reaction force on the ramp surface that urges the ramp member to move in a first axial direction and thereby transmit the reaction force to the clutch plates.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided that permits adjustable vent flow from the fuel tank vapor space through a bypass vent opening based on a condition in the vapor space after nozzle shutoff. The valve assembly including a first valve, also referred to as a main float, that provides rollover protection and controls venting of the vapor space prior to nozzle shutoff. A secondary closure device, also referred to as a second valve, moves independently of the first valve to control venting of the vapor space after nozzle shutoff through a bypass vent opening formed in the valve housing in response to at least one operating condition in the fuel tank outside of a chamber defined by the valve housing in which a main float moves.

Abstract: A method for controlling a limited by-wire active front steering system includes measuring an input steering angle, determining a tire saturation limit, and comparing the saturation limit to the input angle. A target actuator angle from a steering actuator is limited when the input angle is greater than the saturation limit. A constant value provides a fixed steering gear ratio when the input angle is less than the saturation limit. A limited by-wire steering system for a vehicle includes a steering device, a sensor for measuring an input steering angle, a controller for calculating a first target actuator angle when the input angle is less than a threshold, and a second target actuator angle when the input angle is greater than the threshold. The threshold is a calibrated saturation limit of a road wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for controlling regeneration of a battery includes determining a scaled value for a state of charge of the battery, a scaled value for a battery temperature and a scaled value for a maximum charging power of the battery. An actual battery temperature is then compared with a predetermined operating temperature. When the actual battery temperature is less than the predetermined operating temperature, an actual regeneration amount is calculated based upon the scaled value for the state of charge of the battery and the scaled value for the battery temperature. When the actual battery temperature is greater than the predetermined operating temperature, the actual regeneration amount is based upon the scaled value for the state of charge of the battery, the scaled value for the battery temperature, and the scaled value for the maximum charging power of the battery.

Abstract: A hybrid electromechanical transmission connectable with multiple power sources for launching and propelling a vehicle includes an output member and a stationary member. The transmission also includes a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set. The power sources include an engine, a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator. The engine, the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator are each operatively connected with the first planetary gear set, and the output member and the second motor/generator are each operatively connected with the second planetary gear set. Thus configured, the transmission provides both a forward under-drive gear for launching the vehicle and a forward direct drive gear for propelling the vehicle at higher speeds.