Abstract: An improved hybrid transmission including two electric motor/generator modules and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motor/generators and to an engine is provided. Novel structural and packaging schemes enhance the function and efficiency of the transmission. More precisely, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for retaining a clutch hub and providing hydraulic fluid to actuate a clutch.

Abstract: An improved hybrid transmission including two electric motor/generator modules and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motor/generators and to an engine is provided. Novel structural and packaging schemes enhance the function and efficiency of the transmission. More precisely, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for applying an adjustable load to internal rotating components of the hybrid transmission to maximize efficiency thereof.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly and method of operating the same. The assembly includes a door portion movable between a closed position and an open position. An extendable spoiler is operably attached to the door portion. An extendable floorbed is operably attached to the door portion. The floorbed may be extended when the door portion is in the open position and the spoiler is extended. The method includes moving a door portion between a closed position and an open position. A spoiler operably attached to the door portion is extended. A floorbed operably attached to the door portion is extended when the door portion is in the open position and the spoiler is extended.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission including two electric motors and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motors and to an engine is provided. Novel motor features are provided including structure adapted to improve reliability and to facilitate assembly. More precisely, a method is provided for locating and installing the components of a motor, including a rotor and a stator, within a covered housing to form a motor module. A plurality of rotor bearings and a position/speed sensor are also preferably added to the motor module. After the motor module is assembled, the motor may be tested and thereafter the motor module can be installed into a hybrid transmission as a single component utilizing conventional transmission assembly methods.

Abstract: A support structure for a rotor within a transmission system is provided. The cantilevered support structure is umbrella-shaped to create an area of space between the rotor and the main shaft where other vehicle components, such as a gear set or system of clutches, may be packaged. The cantilevered support structure may be a true cantilever or a steady-rested cantilever. The support structure maintains the rotor at a distance from the transmission main shaft to maintain torque within the system while compacting packaging requirements. A second cantilevered support structure is wineglass-shaped to create a second area of packaging space between the rotor and the main shaft. The support structures may be telescoped to further compact the transmission.

Abstract: A method for controlling the cranking of an engine of a vehicle powertrain system having a rechargeable energy storage system that is adapted to provide electric power to an electric machine, wherein the system is adapted to exit from the engine crank state as a function of an output voltage of the energy storage system to the electric machine during the crank state, if the output voltage is less than a crank undervoltage threshold for a predetermined crank time. According to the method, the crank undervoltage threshold is a function of the number of failed start attempts, generally decreasing as a function of the number of failed start attempts. The predetermined crank time is a function of a magnitude of a difference between the output voltage and the crank undervoltage threshold.

Abstract: A motor resolver assembly includes a resolver stator and a resolver rotor positioned radially inward of and rotatable with respect to the resolver stator. First and second relatively rotatable shield components generally surround the resolver stator and rotor to shield them from electromagnetic energy from a radially outward motor rotor and motor stator. A method of measuring speed and position of the motor rotor relative to the motor stator is also employed.

Abstract: A plate pin assembly for use with a fixture that holds multiple plate pin assemblies for use in chassis-body marriage during the manufacturing of automobiles. The plate pin assembly has a lower end that fits into a bushing hole on the fixture to attach the plate pin assembly to the fixture, an upper end that supports or otherwise interacts with the vehicle chassis or body, and a quick-disconnect mechanism to enable fast changeover of the plate pin assemblies on the fixture when switching from one vehicle application to another.

Abstract: A method is provided of transferring satellite digital audio channel information to a radio display module. The method includes: broadcasting radio display type information on a in-vehicle communication network; storing a value in the radio display module to indicate a current version of at least one channel information table in the radio display module; sending a value to the radio display module to indicate the current version of the channel information table stored in a satellite receiver module; requesting the satellite receiver module to send the current channel information table; transforming the channel information table into a message protocol structure within a data stream whereby the data stream is transmitted to the radio display module; and storing the data stream into an address in the radio display module.