Abstract: Automated calibration of an automatic transmission design generates upshift scheduling curves in a throttle level/transmission output speed plane based upon laboratory-generated data and user generated drivability data. Downshift scheduling curves and torque converter lock-up and unlock curves are then generated as offsets from breakpoints on corresponding upshift curves, the offsets determined principally from the drivability data.

Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank having a plurality of side walls spaced apart by a floor. A flange extends downward from one of the plurality of side walls at an angle toward the floor. A fuel pump extends from the flange; the fuel pump and flange are arranged to fixedly position at least one inlet connected to the fuel pump at or in close proximity to the floor of the fuel tank. A fuel dam extends away from the floor and has at least one passage formed therein. The fuel dam is positioned so as to create an accumulated area of the fuel tank surrounding the at least one inlet. Fuel enters the accumulated area through the at least one passage and is received by the at least one inlet.

Abstract: A closure system for a vehicle includes a closure member movable relative to the vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The closure member includes a flexible panel and a plurality of support members supporting the flexible panel. A first support member is attached to and is movable with the closure member between the open position and the closed position. The first support member includes a recess receiving the flexible panel and the plurality of support members therein when the closure member is in the open position.

Abstract: A safety system is provided for an automobile, which includes a plurality of sensors for monitoring a plurality of parameters. The safety system also includes a processor to ascertain an imminent accident. The system further includes one or more parasols that cover one or more day light openings (DLOs) of the automobile when the imminent accident is ascertained.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain having multiple prime movers including a primary prime mover coupled inline to a transmission and a secondary prime mover selectively coupled to the transmission by a substantially concentric coupling. A method of powertrain control is also disclosed, wherein powertrain torque demand and torque available from the primary prime mover and the transmission within its present gear ratio are determined and compared. Output of the primary prime mover is increased if the powertrain torque demand does not exceed the torque available. Otherwise, the transmission is downshifted to a lower gear ratio. Torque demand is compared to torque available from the primary prime mover and the transmission within its now downshifted gear ratio. Output of the primary prime mover is increased if torque demand does not exceed torque available. Otherwise the secondary prime mover is started, its output increased, and the transmission is shifted to a higher gear ratio.

Abstract: A reinforcement plate for a floor pan of a front foot well of an automotive vehicle. The reinforcement plate has impact resistant surfaces for reinforcing the floor pan against impacts in two and preferably three different directions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method to enhance HYGE impact simulator sled testing, enabling more accurate measurements of lower leg injury criteria and providing a more accurate restraint system evaluation during a HYGE impact simulator test. The system provides the generation of both rotational and translational footwell intrusion, replicating an actual barrier crash impact test. The rotational and translational footwell intrusion includes foot motion; lower leg motion, including various forces and moments; and knee motion, including interaction with the instrument panel.

Abstract: In a method for characterizing a road surface beneath a moving vehicle whose powertrain includes a torque converter coupling the engine to a driven wheel, a set of successive values for the torque converter's slip error rate is generated using filtered values for engine speed and torque converter turbine speed. The road surface characteristic is identified based on the set of slip error rate values, as through a comparison of the set with a plurality of case statements, wherein each case statement corresponds with a different road characteristic and/or general surface type. Weighted average values are calculated based on subsets of the values within the set, for use in identifying transitions from one type of surface to another, or one surface characteristic to another. Indicated slip error rates generated in response to changes in an engine torque demand request are also identified to avoid a false indication.

Abstract: A rocker shaft arrangement for a valvetrain system of an engine is provided. The rocker shaft arrangement includes a split rocker shaft having two fluidly separate internal regions. Each of the fluidly separate internal regions is arranged to selectively carry an independent supply of pressurized oil for distribution to valvetrain components. The two fluidly separate regions of the split rocker shaft are each further arranged to supply pressurized oil independent of each other to one of a high lift rocker arm and a low lift rocker arm of a rocker arm assembly for an engine valvetrain system.

Abstract: A storage console assembly for a motor vehicle having a floor comprising a bracket removably coupled to the floor, a lower rail attached to the bracket and a main body slidably engaged with the lower rail. An upper rail attached to a top portion of the main body. An upper body having a top portion and a handle is slidably engaged with the upper rail. The main body is arranged to be moved longitudinally within the vehicle with respect to the bracket, and the upper body is arranged to be moved longitudinally within the vehicle with respect to the bracket and the main body.

Abstract: A deactivation arrangement for a vehicle park assist system is provided. The deactivation arrangement includes a trailer hitch receiver affixed to the vehicle and arranged to receive a trailer hitch. A switch assembly is provided that is associated with the vehicle park assist system and includes a switch arranged to engage the trailer hitch when the trailer hitch is inserted into the trailer hitch receiver. The switch assembly is arranged to deactivate the vehicle park assist system when the trailer hitch is inserted into the trailer hitch receiver and engages the switch.

Abstract: A hub and extension arrangement for an axle supporting dual wheels includes an axle supporting an inboard wheel and an outboard wheel and a hub supported by the axle and including a first mounting portion. An extension is supported by the axle and includes a third mounting portion and an arm attached to the inboard wheel and the outboard wheel. A rotor is supported by the axle and includes a braking portion and a second mounting portion. The second mounting portion is disposed between, and attached to, the first mounting portion and the third mounting portion to allow for servicing of the rotor without removal of the axle from the hub.

Abstract: A cargo bed management system for dividing or extending a bed of a motor vehicle. The cargo bed management system includes a main panel having a length approximately equal to a width of the bed, and a pair of side panels hingedly connected to the main panel so that the side panels may rotate relative to the main panel from a stowed position where the side panels are directed toward the main panel to an extended position where the side panels extend outward from the main panel. At least one bumper is affixed to an end of each of the side panels that are hingedly connected to the main panel such that the bumper increases a length of the main panel when said the panels are in the stowed position. The bumpers compress to secure the main panel and the side panels to the bed.

Abstract: A center console has an armrest that is hinged to provide access to a storage bin, and in addition has a compartment for an electronic device such a cellular phone, MP3 player or a handheld GPS navigation unit. The compartment preferably has a pivoted cover that closes to conceal the device from sight. A cradle attached to the cover holds the device when the cover is open so that it is in a convenient position for use by a vehicle occupant. The armrest may be slid forward relative to the center console to position the device close to the radio, in the field of vision of the driver, and permitting connection of the device to the radio or to an external outlet if desired. A finger recess may be provided in the armrest to permit cables to pass from the interior of the compartment to the exterior of the compartment.