Abstract: A method for estimating operating parameters of an internal combustion engine uses data stored as a function of intake and exhaust valve timing. In particular, the parameters are stored at a default operating point, several stability limited points, a high performance point, and an intermediate point. An inverse distance interpolation algorithm is used to calculated current slope and offset values at the current operating conditions. From these calculated slope and offset values, engine operating parameters, such as manifold pressure and cylinder air amount, are estimated.

Abstract: A night vision system for a vehicle includes a pulsed light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle, the light source operating at a predetermined pulse timing. A light sensor generates a light intensity signal in response to detecting light at approximately the same wavelength as light from the light source. A controller receives first and second light intensity signals from the light sensor corresponding to first and second time periods between pulses of the light source, compares the first and second light intensity signals, and modifies the light source pulse timing as a function of a ratio or difference between the first and second light intensity signals, to avoid blinding of the vehicle's night vision system by similarly-equipped vehicle's traveling in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A lighting system for night vision applications including a near infrared light source, a visible light source, a beamsplitter and an optical element. The beamsplitter is arranged to reflect light emitting from either the near infrared light source or the visible light source and transmit light emitting from the other of the near infrared light source or visible light source so as to produce a color-corrected light source. The optical element is disposed a predetermined distance from the color-corrected light source. The optical element includes an input surface for receiving light from the color-corrected light source and an output surface for emitting the received light in a desired emission pattern. In one embodiment, each of the near infrared light source and visible light source is associated with respective first and second optical elements.

Abstract: A method and system for determining weather strip fit for the closure panels of a vehicle includes a flexible carrier with a transferable disclosing agent disposed on the flexible carrier. The flexible carriers may be applied to a closure panel of vehicle when the panel is in an open position, with the panel then being closed so as to allow the disclosing agent to either be transferred to the fixed side of the opening, or to be merely dislodged from the flexible carrier. In either case, the pattern of interference fit between the weather strip and the closure panel is then disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle reciprocating piston, variable displacement internal combustion engine arrangement 7 is provided. The arrangement 7 includes a first cylinder group 12. A second selectively deactivatable cylinder group 14 is also provided. A manifold 18 is provided which is exposed to at least one of the cylinder groups. A vacuum system 24 is powered by manifold 18. An engine controller 16 is cognizant of a vacuum level of the vacuum system 24.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an automotive frame assembly (10) includes an inner rail (12) having an exterior side (26) and an interior side (30). First, the exterior side (26) of the inner rail (12) has fixedly attached thereto at least one flange (24) extending from a cross member (20). At least one two-sided fastener (28) is operatively applied to the exterior side (26) and the interior side (30) of the inner rail (12) so as to fixedly attach the flange (24) to the inner rail (12). Thereafter, the interior side (30) of the inner rail (12) has fixedly attached thereto at least one lip (32) extending from an outer rail (12″). Likewise, at least one two-sided fastener (28) is operatively applied to the exterior side (26) and the interior side (30) of the inner rail so as to fixedly attach the lip (32) to the inner rail (12).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of a engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air-fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e. without fuel injection.) In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: auto speed control, sensor diagnostics, air-fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, and default operation. In addition, the engine control method also disables the split air/lean operating mode under preselected operating conditions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A vehicle control system (10) including a vehicle motion control subsystem (12) that has an input receiving an intended driving demand (14) and a plurality of coordinator subsystems (16) for coordinating actuators of the vehicle. The vehicle motion control subsystem (12) communicates with the coordinator subsystems (16) to determine whether a single coordinator subsystem (16) can carry out the intended driving demand (14). The vehicle motion control subsystem (12) will distribute demand signals among one or more of the coordinator subsystems (16) to allow the vehicle to implement the intended driving demand (14).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a motor vehicle comprises a component installed within motor vehicle. The system further includes an identifier device mechanically coupled to the component. The identifier device comprises an identifying portion which identifies the component, and the identifier device also comprises a sensor which senses the physical environment in which the identifier device is located. A diagnostic method for a motor vehicle comprises mounting a component within the motor vehicle. The method further includes mechanically coupling an identifier device to the component, the identifier device comprising an identifying portion which identifies the component and the identifier device also including a sensor. The method also comprises confirming, with data provided by the identifying portion, that the identifying portion correctly corresponds to the component. Further, the method includes confirming, with data provided by the sensor, that the identifier device is properly coupled to the component.

Abstract: A crankshaft assembly (18) for a VDIC engine (16) of an automotive vehicle (14) includes a crankshaft (44) integrated within an internal combustion engine (16). The crankshaft (44) has at least two pendulum vibration absorber assemblies (58) integrated therein. Each pendulum vibration absorber assembly (58) includes a counterweight member (60) integrally formed within the crankshaft (44). The counterweight member (60) has a desired counterweight mass for providing, in conjunction with the mass of the assembly (58), first order engine balance. The counterweight member (60) has a pendulum (64) pivotally coupled thereto. The pendulum (64) has a desired mass and geometry for attenuating torsional fluctuation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing a condition of an EGR valve used in an engine system. The EGR valve controls the portion exhaust gases produced by such engine system and fed back to an intake of such engine system. The engine system includes a NOx sensor for measuring NOx in such exhaust. The method includes: determining a time rate of change in NOx measured by the NOx sensor; comparing the determined time rate of change in the measured NOx with a predetermined expected time rate of change in measured NOx; and determining the condition of the EGR valve as a function of such comparison. The method also includes: determining from NOx measured by the NOx sensor and engine operating conditions indications of instances when samples of such measured NOx are greater than an expected maximum NOx level for such engine condition and less than an expected minimum NOx level for such engine condition; and determining the condition of the EGR valve as a function of a statistical analysis of such indications.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.