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 transfigurable bed liner assembly mountable on a vehicle including a bed. The assembly may include a channel mountable to each side wall of the vehicle, and a transfigurable bed liner including a plurality of rollers disposable in the channels for permitting sliding of the transfigurable bed liner. The transfigurable bed liner may include a leg generally adjacent a first end thereof for supporting the transfigurable bed liner in an extended position, for use of the bed liner, for example, as a workbench and for permitting loading of heavy objects.

Abstract: At least three alternative stiff current supply power converter topologies provide fixed current to a respective electric load such as a motor, or a non-inductive electric load using either a current source or a pseudo current source. The stiff current power converter topologies reduce the size of passive components within each of the topologies, thus reducing the overall packaging of each of the components and subsystems formed by each of the components. Each of the topologies have a stiff current source, a driver having power electronics formed therein to drive the associated electric load, wherein the stiff current source and the driver operate to deliver a stiff but controllable current to the electric load.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an internal combustion engine, a fuel tank, a fuel separator disposed fluidically between the fuel tank and the engine, wherein the fuel separator comprises first and second passageways separated at least partially by a selective barrier that selectively transports a first fuel in a fuel mixture at a higher rate than a second fuel in the fuel mixture, and wherein the first passageway is configured to receive an input of fuel from the fuel tank, and an extraction fluid source in fluid communication with the second passageway of the fuel separator.

Abstract: A connector bracket for facilitating assembly of an electrical component to an automobile. The connector bracket may include a proximal support configured to attach to an attachment structure of an automobile, and a distal support including a flange for retaining an electrical connector in a storage position. The proximal and/or distal supports may include one or more hooks for retaining wiring extending from the electrical connector. Further, the distal support may be positioned relative to the proximal support such that when the proximal support is attached to the attachment structure and when the electrical connector is retained by the distal support, the electrical connector is accessible and removable from its storage positions on the distal support, through an opening in which the electrical component is to be installed, to enable attachment of the electrical component to the electrical connector.

Abstract: An air bag for a motor vehicle. The air bag includes a rear chamber, a front chamber disposed adjacent to and having a lower pressure than the rear chamber, and a separator disposed between the front and rear chambers that is adapted to communicate an inflation gas from the rear chamber to the front chamber. A seat occupant contacts the rear chamber before contacting the front chamber when a vehicle seat is displaced by a vehicle impact event.

Abstract: The disclosed hybrid electric vehicle powertrain includes an internal combustion engine and two electric machines, one electric machine being connected directly to an engine power output shaft and to a multiple-ratio transmission power input shaft. A second electric machine powers front vehicle traction wheels as the engine powers rear traction wheels during a transmission shift interval.

Abstract: A method to control valves during multi-stroke cylinder operation. Valves are controlled to improve emissions and engine torque resolution.

Abstract: A method is shown for operating an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber with a piston, the internal combustion engine capable of injecting fuel into the combustion chamber multiple times during a cycle, the method comprising: performing a first fuel injection after approximately ?25 crank angle degrees after top dead center and before approximately 15 crank angle degrees after top dead center; and performing a second fuel injection at least 5 degrees after the start of the first fuel injection and less than approximately 25 crank angle degrees after the start of the first fuel injection.

Abstract: A motor vehicle (11) has a side door (14) having a side panel assembly (15) fitted with a pusher block arrangement (25) comprising an outer block (26) and an inner block (27). A pelvic airbag (35) is positioned between the side door (14) and the occupant (31) of a seat (16). In the event of an impact of sufficient severity, the pusher block arrangement pushes a trim panel (22) towards the seat while the pelvic airbag (35) is inflated between the trim panel and the pelvic region of the occupant to react the inertia loads on the occupant caused by the impact. A thorax airbag (41) is also inflated at the same time as the pelvic airbag (35) to support the thorax region of the occupant.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine in a vehicle including a transmission is provided. The method utilizes feedforward control by determining when a neutral transmission gear is selected, and adjusting an engine parameter to control the engine operation based on at least one predetermined condition when it is determined that the neutral transmission gear has been selected. The at least one predetermined condition includes having a value of a vehicle parameter, such as a battery state of charge, being outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a fuel injector in an internal combustion engine include a clamp for securing adjacent injectors to a cylinder head. The clamp includes a central portion with a hole for receiving a fastener to secure the clamp to the cylinder head, and a pair of symmetrical crescent-shaped clamping forks forming a U-shaped opening to facilitate lateral sliding engagement with diametrically opposed flatted portions of corresponding fuel injectors. Each arm includes an arcuate pad that engages a corresponding shoulder of the fuel injector to provide an axial clamping force to the fuel injector. The distance between the distal ends of one fork and the semicircular portion of the opposite fork is selected to allow lateral sliding disengagement of the clamp from one of the adjacent injectors without rotation or removal of the other injector to facilitate servicing of individual injectors.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine of a vehicle traveling on the road, the method comprising of damping engine vibration with a damper coupled to the engine, and when said damping is reduced, preventing engine speed from falling below a threshold value, at least under selected operating conditions, to reduce degradation of the engine that would otherwise occur.

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid-electric vehicle having a controller, the engine having a plurality of cylinders, each with at least an intake and exhaust valve, each of which may be held in a position for a cycle of a cylinder, the method comprising of deactivating a plurality of cylinders in said engine in response to a signal from the controller of the hybrid-electric vehicle by mechanically deactivating valves in each cylinder of the engine, the deactivation in response to a request from the controller of the hybrid-electric vehicle and to reduce a number of operating valves in each cylinder of the engine.