Abstract: A system for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine is presented. The system operates a first portion of cylinders in a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode and a second portion of cylinders in a non-HCCI mode, and uses an engine controller that is coupled to the first and second portions of cylinders to electronically actuate valves to hold a combusted air and fuel charge in the second portion of cylinders, and exhaust the combusted air and fuel charge to adjust the residual air-to-fuel ratio of the engine.

Abstract: A multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having a valvetrain with a camshaft disposed within an engine block and at least two valves operated by a common camshaft lobe includes a stationary shaft disposed generally parallel to the camshaft and a cam follower having a first end with an opening pivotally mounted on the stationary shaft, a second end adapted for coupling to at least two pushrods each associated with one of the at least two valves, and a roller mounted on a roller axle disposed generally between the first and second ends, the roller contacting the common camshaft lobe. The cam follower may include independently operable lash adjusters for pushrods driven by a common camshaft lobe.

Abstract: A method for controlling a variable event valvetrain during engine stop conditions is described. According to the method engine valves may be controlled to so that subsequent engine starting may be facilitated and so that energy consumption may be reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, valve timing can be adjusted in a number of ways. The method can also compensate for changes in the natural response of the valve apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle seat arrangement includes a child seat which is mounted in a rearward facing configuration to a backrest of an adult seat such that the backrest of another adult seat at least partially supports the backrest of the child seat.

Abstract: A restraint system for use in a passenger seating area of a motor vehicle includes a seat belt assembly having a webbing extending between a lower anchor and a belt retractor positionable across the body of an occupant. A sensor is coupled with the belt retractor to sense a change in the condition of the seat belt assembly. An inboard anchor disposed opposite the seat belt assembly includes a buckle element adapted to engage and secure a latch element on the webbing. An adjustment mechanism connected to the inboard anchor is configured to move the inboard anchor between a stowed position and at least one deployed position. A controller monitors the sensor to detect change in the condition of the seat belt assembly and instructs the adjustment mechanism to position the inboard anchor between the stowed and at least one deployed positions.

Abstract: A system for validating velocities of components in a vehicle uses sensor measurements and mathematical relationships between the vehicle components to validate the velocities. A controller or controllers receive speed or velocity inputs and mathematically combine the velocities of more than one of the vehicle components. The velocities of at least one of the vehicle components is validated when the mathematical combination meets at least one predetermined criterion. The validated velocity or velocities are then communicated to at least one of the vehicle components.

Abstract: A fugitive hydrocarbon treatment module and system for controlling the emission of hydrocarbons from the air intake system of an engine includes a zeolite adsorber unit positioned in the air intake system such that all gases flowing to and from the engine through the air intake system pass through the adsorber, so as to allow hydrocarbons borne by the gases to be adsorbed upon the substrate of the adsorber unit when the engine is shut down and desorbed from the adsorber unit when the engine is in operation.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent. A distribution system receives the fire suppression agent from the reservoir and conducts the agent to at least one location about the vehicle's body in response to the determination by a sensor system and controller that the vehicle has been subjected to a significant impact. The distribution system includes a composite reservoir containing pressure-configurable orifices.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first race having mutually spaced pockets formed with an opening at a periphery of the first race, each pocket being at least partially bounded by a wall that extends along at least a portion of a margin of the pocket and contains a drive surface. A second race includes a series of alternating notches and cam surfaces formed on a periphery of the second race facing the openings. A plurality of rockers is located in the pockets. Each rocker includes an engagement surface for driveably engaging and disengaging a notch, a reaction surface for contacting the drive surface when the engagement surface driveably engages a notch, and guide surfaces for contacting the pocket wall to guide movement of the rocker from a disengaged position toward an engaged position. Springs, located on the first race, urge the rockers toward engagement with the cam surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting an occupant in a vehicle seat, through the use of an occupant protection system is disclosed, wherein the vehicle seat includes a backrest section and a seat section. The occupant protection system includes a first airbag assembly having a first inflatable airbag, wherein the first airbag assembly is containable within an airbag recess located within a vehicle roof portion. A second airbag assembly is included having a second inflatable airbag and a deployment location. The second airbag assembly is mounted to a frame that is integrated with the seat while being external to a seat cushion. The first inflatable airbag is configured to extend downward from the roof portion to below a passenger shoulder-thorax protection region while in an inflated state. The second inflatable airbag is configured to extend upward from the deployment location through a passenger pelvic-thorax protection region while in an inflated state.

Abstract: The invention is a method for diagnosing operation of a nonthermal plasma discharge device and a lean NOx trap disposed in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. The method further includes reducing power to the nonthermal plasma discharge device and determining that the nonthermal plasma discharge device is operating properly when a concentration of NOx of exhaust gases exiting the lean NOx trap increases in response to reducing power to the nonthermal plasma discharge device. Additionally, the nonthermal plasma discharge device is found not to be operating when the NOx concentration remains substantially constant in response to a decrease in power supplied to the nonthermal plasma discharge device.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an occupant classification sensor (16) includes receiving a calibration signal originating from an on-board vehicle calibration device (24). A calibration task is performed that includes the initialization of an occupant classification sensor (16). A baseline is generated for the occupant classification sensor (16) in response to the calibration signal. Performance confirmation of the calibration task is indicated.

Abstract: A torque transfer case for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. The transfer case receives torque from a power transmission mechanism and distributes driving torque to a primary traction wheel and axle assembly and to a secondary traction wheel and axle assembly wherein an electric motor power boost for each traction wheel and axle assembly is available as well as a regenerative braking power recover from either or both.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch includes a cam plate formed with cams angularly spaced about a central axis, and a rocker plate that includes pockets angularly spaced about the central axis. Each pocket includes a first concave surface having a center located within the pocket and through which a pivot axis passes. Each pocket contains a rocker that includes a first convex surface complementary to, and at least partially surrounded by the first concave surface. Springs, supported on the rocker plate, each urge a rocker to pivot about the pivot axis toward the cam plate.

Abstract: A passenger cabin for a vehicle. The passenger cabin is comprised of a floor panel, a first row seat, a second row seat, and a stowable ottoman. The first row seat and the second row seat are attached to the floor panel. The stowable ottoman is pivotally attached to the floor panel between the first row seat and the second row seat. The stowable ottoman is deployable from underneath the floor panel through an opening in the floor panel.

Abstract: A method and implementation for detecting and characterizing audible transients in noise includes placing a microphone in a desired location, producing a microphone signal wherein the microphone signal is indicative of the acoustic environment, processing the microphone signal to estimate the acoustic activity that takes place in the human auditory system in response to the acoustic environment, producing an excitation signal indicative of the estimated acoustic activity, processing the excitation signal to identify each impulsive sound frequency-dependent activity as a function of time, producing a detection signal indicative of audible impulse sounds, processing the detection signal to identify an audible impulsive sound, and characterizing each impulsive sound.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle including a power source, an accelerator pedal, a powershift transmission for producing a selected gear, first and second input shafts, a first input clutch for connecting the selected gear and the first input shaft to the power source, a second input clutch for connecting an alternate gear and the second input shaft to the power source, a method for controlling the transmission while the vehicle is coasting. Displacement of the accelerator pedal is monitored to identify a tip-out and a tip-in, and clutch slip is monitored. The first clutch is maintained in a stroked state following a tip-out and while clutch slip is less than a reference magnitude of clutch slip. When clutch slip exceeds the reference magnitude, the torque capacity of the first clutch is controlled in response to a driver demand torque. Engine torque is used to control clutch slip to the desired clutch slip and to produce a desired engine speed corresponding to the desired clutch slip.

Abstract: A system for an engine of a vehicle traveling on the road, the system comprising a cylinder of the engine; an emission control device coupled in an exhaust downstream of the cylinder; a first injector configured to directly inject into the cylinder and coupled in a cylinder of the engine; a second injector configured to inject into a port of the cylinder and coupled to a port of the cylinder; and a controller for, in response to a driver pedal tip-in condition, increasing an amount of injection from the first injector.