Abstract: A method for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having a cylinder with at least a first and second valve, the method comprising during a first mode, operating with the first valve active and the second valve deactivated during a cycle of the cylinder, where during said first mode, the cylinder operates to allow at least air to enter the cylinder during an intake stroke, where the air is mixed with fuel and compressed to attain auto-ignition; and during a second mode, operating with the first and second valves active during a cycle of the cylinder, where during said second mode, cylinder operates to allow at least air to enter the cylinder, where the air is mixed with fuel and ignited via a spark from an ignition plug.

Abstract: An apparatus in a mechanical returnless fuel system is provided that includes a fuel pump motor for providing fuel to a powertrain system. A powertrain control module provides an activation signal for activating the fuel pump motor. A restraint control system includes a restraint control module for providing a disabling signal for disabling the fuel pump motor in response to a vehicle impact. An electronic relay switch is adapted for coupling to the fuel pump motor to selectably energize the fuel pump motor according to a conductive state and a non-conductive state of the electronic relay switch. A relay controller packaged with the electronic relay switch is responsive to the activation signal and the disabling signal for selecting the conductive state according to the activation signal when the disabling signal is not present and selecting the nonconductive state when the disabling signal is present.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a supplemental tailgate assembly, which includes a tailgate extender that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom and right and left hand gate assemblies. The supplemental tailgate assembly is able to provide bed extender, box extender, step assist, roof rack, cargo storage area, and box divider functions. The supplemental tailgate assembly is stowable to minimize interference in cargo space when not in use.

Abstract: An extendible rail and bumper apparatus is mountable within the base frame lower rails of an automotive frame to provide an improved crash force absorbing bumper apparatus for deployment on either the front or rear bumpers of an automobile. The extendible rail member is mounted for telescopic movement through slidable guide members. A front plate is formed with wedge members positioned next to the extendible rail member. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor that rotates a threaded rod having a conical member mounted thereon for translational movement thereon. The conical member engages a pair of outwardly projectable tabs that are driven outwardly into engagement with the wedge members when the extendible rail is fully extended. If required to absorb impact energy, the outwardly projected tabs push the wedge members into engagement with the front plate to transfer the energy into the base frame rail apparatus of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a motor vehicle including an engine and automatic transmission includes generating first data containing information representing a performance characteristic of a solenoid and a serialized solenoid number, affixing to the solenoid a first barcode matrix containing the first data, installing the solenoid and clutch in the transmission generating second data containing information representing a performance characteristic of clutch, using information from the first and second data to produce third data that includes a serialized transmission number and information from the first data and the second data, affixing to the transmission a third barcode matrix containing the third data, using information from the third barcode matrix to produce fourth data that is tied to a vehicle identification number and information from the first data, the second data and the third data, reading information from the fourth data into an electronic memory of a powertrain control module (PCM), and installi

Abstract: A vehicle control system has a plurality of subsystem controllers including an engine management system 28, a transmission controller 30, a steering controller 48, a brakes controller 62 and a suspension controller 82. These subsystem controllers are each operable in a plurality of subsystem modes, and are all connected to a vehicle mode controller 98 which controls the modes of operation of each of the subsystem controllers so as to provide a number of driving modes for the vehicle. Each of the modes corresponds to a particular driving condition or set of driving conditions, and in each mode each of the functions is set to the function in mode most appropriate to those conditions.

Abstract: A shock mount and jounce bumper assembly is assembled to a shock absorber of a vehicle. The shock mount and jounce bumper assembly includes an integrated isolator/jounce bumper that has an internal washer that is insert molded in place in the integrated isolator/jounce bumper. An upper isolator is assembled with bottom and top washers on the opposite side of a sheet metal support from the integrated isolator/jounce bumper.

Abstract: A storage console for an automotive vehicle includes a manually moveable closure panel suspended upon the console's side walls at an installed location extending rearwardly from the front part of the console, so as to allow access to otherwise unusable space at the front of the console. A number of manually movable, interchangeable closure panels may be configured alternatively on opposite sides, so as allow a motorist to select from utilities such as cup holders, coin holders, powerpoints, and other utilities which are available in closure panel working surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing a position of an anchorage of a child restraint anchorage system. The apparatus includes a base, a first slide assembly, and a second slide assembly. The first slide assembly is movably disposed on the base for engaging a seat back. The second slide assembly is movably disposed on the base and includes a measurement tool for measuring the position of an anchorage.

Abstract: A method for hemming an inner panel and an outer sheet metal panel together. The inner panel has an outwardly extending perimeter flange comprising an end surface, an inboard surface, and a beveled surface located between the end surface and the inboard surface. The outer sheet metal panel has a peripheral edge comprising a bend portion, an intermediate portion, and an end portion. The method provides a reduced radius hem by providing the beveled surface, assembling the inner and outer panels together, prehemming the peripheral edge to a spaced relationship relative to the beveled surface, and hemming the peripheral edge of the outer panel into engagement with the perimeter flange of the inner panel.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling the inertia of a vehicle's powertrain during sudden braking events. Torque generated by rapid deceleration of the vehicle's drive wheels during braking is prevented from being transmitted through the vehicle's driveline by a clutch which disengages the drive wheels from high effective inertia components in the driveline. The clutch is actuated by a signal produced by any of several sensors on the vehicle which sense a sudden braking event. Driveline speed is adjusted to match drive wheel speed before the clutch is deactivated to reengage driveline with the drive wheels.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling temperature of an energy storage device of a vehicle via a movable device. The method includes determining a set of inputs, the set of inputs including a representative temperature of the energy storage device and a cabin temperature corresponding to an operator cabin. The method further includes generating a control signal based at least in part on the set of inputs, outputting the control signal to the movable device, and modifying a variable rate of movement of the movable device in response to the control signal such that a corresponding variable amount of operator cabin air is moved past the energy storage device.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor system and a method of controlling the seat belt retractor system. The seat belt is retracted at a faster rate when a threat is detected using a high-voltage generated by a local power source.

Abstract: A system and method to provide a desired torque increase from an engine in which some cylinder operate in spark ignition (SI) combustion mode only and some cylinders operate in homogeneous-charge, compression-ignition (HCCI) combustion mode only are disclosed. Such method includes: operating a first portion of engine cylinders in homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion mode while a second portion of engine cylinders are deactivated. The second portion of engine cylinders in spark ignition combustion mode is activated when a torque demand is greater than the first portion of engine cylinders is capable of supplying. Also, the second portion of engine cylinders is activated when a rate of torque demand is greater than the first portion of engine cylinders is capable of supplying.

Abstract: An A-pillar structure on an automotive vehicle is manufactured from a formed tubular member that replaces the conventional inner and inner reinforcement members. The door opening panel is formed with conventional flanges that are welded or adhered to the tubular member to provide a conventional uniform surface against which the windshield and front door seals can be supported. The door opening panel flanges can be welded by one-sided welding techniques, such as laser stitch welding, to the tubular member. As an option, the movement of the front door seal from the ab flange to the front door can provide an opportunity to form the tubular member with a still larger cross-section for enhanced strength. The distance dimension spanning the opposing flanges to define the standard arc for maintaining binocular vision is retained while increasing the strength of the A-pillar due to the enlarged cross-sectional configuration provided by the tubular member.

Abstract: A device for measuring the coefficient of friction between a test surface and a test material, comprising a frame, a skid pad comprising the test material and attached to an underside of the frame to contact the test surface, a longitudinal force measuring device attached to the frame and having an axis, and a longitudinal pulling assembly exerting a longitudinal pulling force on the drag sled and the longitudinal force measuring device. The longitudinal force measuring device is capable of outputting data indicative of the longitudinal force applied to the device. The longitudinal pulling force is vertically aligned with the axis of the longitudinal force measuring device.

Abstract: An LED unit for a vehicle lamp assembly. The LED unit is comprised of a housing, one or more LEDs, a light pipe, and an optic structure. The housing contains the LEDs and has the light pipe extending therefrom. The light pipe is sized sufficiently narrow for extending through a hole formed in a base portion of the vehicle lamp assembly. The light pipe is attached to an optic structure. The vehicle lamp assembly transmits light in a unilateral direction distal to the housing through the light pipe and the optic structure. The optic structure scatters light in a series of directions distal to the housing.

Abstract: A structural joint is formed between the upper frame rail, which bends downwardly to define a generally vertically extending portion, and a generally fore-and-aft extending lower frame rail that can increase bending resistance without sacrificing crash energy management of the horn section of the lower frame rail. The structural joint is reinforced with a crushable tubular reinforcement member formed in a clamshell configuration that includes a forwardly extending support arm positioned beneath the horn section to lower the center of gravity of a downwardly angled horn section to prevent premature bending thereof when encountering crash energy from a frontal impact. The horn section is formed in a pre-folded configuration to enhance the crash energy management of the horn section. The tubular reinforcement provides a double cell structural configuration adjacent the structural joint to provide a crushable structural joint that enables an effective management of crash energy.

Abstract: A control strategy for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to meet driver expectation for hill holding or creep capability found in conventional automobiles with an automatic transmission. The strategy is activated when the PRNDL is in drive or low-drive position and no accelerator applied. Alternatively, the strategy can also require no brake being applied as well. The strategy can use the traction motor, generator motor or engine to achieve creep or hill holding. The engine is used when the traction motor temperature exceeds a predefined value or the engine is already running. If the engine is not running, the strategy can determine when to start it and regulate the amount of engine torque needed to hold the vehicle on the hill using the generator motor. The strategy maintains efficient engine usage and minimizes battery usage and loss.