Abstract: A method for controlling a series hybrid powertrain for an electric vehicle. The hybrid vehicle includes a primary power source and an electric energy stored system. The method provides total system efficiency with a load-following control strategy.

Abstract: A transmission fluid sump for an automotive transmission comprising a reservoir portion, a threaded extension on the reservoir portion and a fill pipe threadably connected to the extension. A closure member seals a central opening in the extension independently of the fill pipe, thereby avoiding overlapping torque windows for the fill pipe and the closure member while providing a single leak flow path for the transmission fluid.

Abstract: A torsionally tuned damper assembly for a geared power transmission is disclosed. The damper assembly, at a power output end of a transmission power output shaft, has an inertia ring with a calibrated natural torsional frequency that reduces the resonance energy developed by gear rattle forces at a transmission gear mesh.

Abstract: A method is provided which uses, or which calculates, a temperature gradient of a portion of a vehicle to determine a value equal to, or representative of, a time before a maximum allowable operating temperature is reached by the portion. If the value is less than a certain threshold, the apparatus reduces the operating speed of the portion and, in one embodiment, provides a warning signal to an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A powertrain for transmitting power to the drive wheels of a vehicle includes a transaxle case containing a transaxle drive mechanism for producing variable ratios of a speed of its output and a speed of its input, a differential mechanism for transmitting power between the output and the wheels of a first set of drive wheel, a transfer clutch secured to the output for transmitting power between the output and the wheels of a second set of drive wheels, and a control system for hydraulically actuating the transfer clutch.

Abstract: A hinge assembly 15 for a vehicle tailgate 14 comprises a first hinge member 21 fastened to the tailgate 14 and a second hinge member 22 fastened to a hollow flange 23 of a vehicle roof 13 by means of adjustment device 24 comprising an adjustment nut 25 and a locking screw 26. The second hinge member 22 has a hollow cylindrical shank portion 35 with a left-hand external screw thread 36 and a right-hand internal thread 38. Further, the adjustment nut 25 having a screw thread 39 engaged with the external thread 36 of the hollow shank portion 35 and the locking screw 26 having a screw thread 41 engaged with the internal thread 38 of the hollow shank portion 35.

Abstract: A control system for an automotive vehicle (10) and method for operating the same includes a controller (26) that is used to control the brake system in response to an adaptive brake gain coefficient. The adaptive brake gain coefficient may be used by a safety system so that a desired brake torque is applied to the wheel.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is disclosed in which some cylinders are adapted to run in homogeneous-charge compression-ignition (HCCI) combustion mode and at other cylinders are adapted to run in spark-ignition (SI) combustion mode. HCCI cylinders are at least 2 compression ratios higher than SI cylinders. A method for starting such engine is provided in which combustion is initiated in the SI cylinders and no fuel is supplied to HCCI cylinders. In one embodiment, preheating of HCCI cylinders is provided by a heat exchanger disposed in the exhaust of SI cylinders through which intake air to HCCI cylinders passes. Alternatively, preheating of HCCI cylinders is provided by opening an exhaust gas recirculation valve which is disposed in an exhaust gas recirculation duct between an exhaust of the SI cylinders and an intake of HCCI cylinders. When temperature in HCCI cylinders reaches a threshold, combustion in HCCI cylinders is initiated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to increasing the endurance of a tire by providing an oxidation shield strip located in the vicinity of a critical area of the tire. The oxidation shield strip acts as a local oxygen diffusion barrier.

Abstract: A method for controlling engine operation of an engine having a cylinder receiving fuel from a first and a second fuel injector, the first injector having a first relationship between a first input signal and a first amount of injected fuel, and the second injector having a second relationship between a second input signal and a second amount of injected fuel; the method comprising of varying injection from the first injector into the cylinder, varying injection from the second injector into the cylinder, purging fuel vapors from a fuel system into the cylinder, and adaptively learning said first and second relationships based on sensed operating conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine in a vehicle include controlling the engine to achieve a desired vehicle speed/deceleration when the accelerator pedal is released. A desired vehicle deceleration may be determined based on current transmission gear, vehicle speed, and road grade. Vehicle speed/deceleration is measured using a vehicle speed sensor and/or wheel speed sensor(s) and the engine is controlled to reduce the error between the desired and measured decelerations. Electronically actuated intake and/or exhaust valves, and/or an electronically controlled throttle may be used to achieve a desired vehicle deceleration profile. A selector switch or similar device may be used by the driver to select a desired deceleration profile from two or more available profiles and/or a desired deceleration profile may be automatically selected based on current ambient and/or vehicle/engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A multiple speed transmission having an input and output includes a first and second planetary gearsets, each gearset including a sun gear, a ring gear surrounding the sun gear, a set of planet pinions meshing with the sun gear and the ring gear, and a carrier on which the planet pinions are rotatably supported, the carrier of the first gearset being driveably connected to the ring gear of the second gearset. A third gearset, driveably connected to the carrier of the second gearset and the ring gear of the first gearset, alternately drives the output at a predetermined lower speed relative to a speed of the carrier of the second gearset, and driving the output at substantially the speed of the ring gear of the first gearset. A first clutch connects and disconnects the input and the sun gear of the first gearset. A second clutch connects and disconnects the input and the sun gear of the second gearset. A third clutch alternately connects and disconnects the input and the carrier of the first gearset.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and mitigating preignition for a multi-cylinder engine is provided. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided including identifying a preignition event at an affected cylinder; deactivating the affected cylinder during a deactivation period; initiating an accommodation system for one or more unaffected cylinders; and activating an indicator system.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling output torque of an internal combustion engine during a gearshift in an automatic shift manual transmission coupled to the engine is disclosed. The transmission includes a multiplicity of gears and a clutch actuated by a transmission control unit (TCU), which controls clutch disengagement, gear change, and clutch re-engagement. The engine includes an engine control unit in communication with the TCU. The method includes determining engine operator demanded engine torque; sending a signal to the engine control unit in response to actuation of the clutch; and, computing in the engine control unit in response to the sent clutch actuation signal and the determined engine operator demanded engine torque, a control signal for the engine, such engine, in response to such control signal changing engine torque during the gear change to substantially match demanded engine torque when the clutch is re-engaged.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine having an intake manifold and an outlet control device coupled to the manifold for controlling flow exiting the manifold and entering at least one cylinder of the engine. The engine further includes an inlet control device for controlling flow entering the manifold. The method includes providing an engine command; calculating a desired cylinder charge based on said command; and adjusting the outlet control device to provide said desired cylinder charge. The engine command may be, for example, a driver command, such as a driver torque command. Further, the outlet control device may be implemented in with a variety of mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment the outlet control device is a valve of the engine having a variable lift. In one embodiment the outlet device is a valve having variable timing. Likewise, the inlet device may be adjusted in response to a variety of parameters.