Abstract: A system for communicating information between a first controller and a second controller is presented. The system is designed to improve and increase the robustness data transferred between two controllers.

Abstract: A control system and control method for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having an engine, an electric motor and an electric generator with gearing for effecting split power distribution from separate power sources. Power delivery to vehicle traction wheels is coordinated to meet a driver's demand for power as much as possible without violating predefined maximum and minimum powertrain limits, including the limits of the battery subsystem.

Abstract: A method for operating and engine having a cylinder with at least an intake and exhaust valve, comprising of performing a combustion cycle in the cylinder in which exhaust valve closing occurs after intake valve opening thereby creating valve overlap, boosting intake air above exhaust pressure, where said boosted intake air is inducted into said cylinder while said intake valve is open and at least a first portion of said inducted boosted intake air flows past the exhaust valve with both said intake and exhaust valves are open during said overlap, directly injecting fuel to said cylinder that is combusted in said cylinder, where a beginning of said fuel injection occurs after said exhaust valve closing and said directly injected fuel is mixed with at least a second portion of said inducted boosted intake air, and combusting said mixture at a rich air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: An attachment mount apparatus connects a subframe component to the lower frame midrail structure for an automotive vehicle that is formed from a pair of tubular members manufactured through a hydroforming process. The two tubular members are formed with a pair of opposing semi-cylindrical depressions to receive a cylindrical mounting member internally of the frame structure. One of the semi-cylindrical depressions and the corresponding outer wall of the tubular member are pierced to receive the cylindrical mount and a mounting plate. The opposing semi-cylindrical depression serves as a stop to locate the cylindricalal mount along the centerline of the frame structure. The mounting plate spans the entire frame structure and is supported on four wall thicknesses to provide a stable mount structure for subframe components. The cylindrical mounting member is threaded to receive a fastener for the mounting of the subframe member.

Abstract: A thermal control system (11) for a light source (46) of a vision system (10) includes a heater (63) that is thermally coupled to the light source (46). A thermal sensor (60) is thermally coupled to the light source (46) and generates a temperature signal. A controller (50) is coupled to the heater (63) and to the thermal sensor (60). The controller (50) operates the heater (63) when the temperature signal is below a maximum temperature limit. The minimum temperature limit corresponds to the wavelength-temperature characteristic of the light source.

Abstract: A vehicle control configuration and method of controlling a vehicle having a hierarchical control system including an upper hierarchical level and a lower hierarchical level. The upper hierarchical level communicates to the lower hierarchical level by sending downward signals and the lower hierarchical level communicates to the upper hierarchical level by sending upward signals. The downward signals include at least one request for vehicle modification. Furthermore, the upward signals include availabilities of the lower hierarchical level independent of the request for vehicle modification.

Abstract: A transaxle for a vehicle includes a first input shaft having a first speed drive gear, a third speed drive gear, and a reverse drive gear; and a second input shaft having a second speed drive gear. An output shaft has a first speed driven gear engaged with the first speed drive gear, a second speed driven gear engaged with the second speed drive gear, a third speed driven gear engaged with the third speed drive gear, a reverse driven gear, and a pinion adapted to engage with a differential. A reverse idler shaft has an idler input gear engaged with the reverse drive gear and an idler output gear, axially spaced from and rotationally fixed to the idler input gear and engaged with the reverse driven gear. Synchronizers selectively connect the first and second input shafts to the output shaft.

Abstract: A controller and a control method is disclosed for determining a power demand for an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. In computing engine power demand, a modified motor speed is used at zero and near-zero actual motor speeds to satisfy a driver demand for vehicle traction wheel torque.

Abstract: An engine system for a vehicle, comprising at least one cylinder configured to vary operation between a spark ignition mode and a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode; a navigation system configured to receive navigation information and/or one or more human/machine interface (HMI) sensors; a control system for varying operation of the engine between the spark ignition mode and the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode responsive at least to one of the navigation information and HMI sensor information, where the information is used by the control system to affect transitions into the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode differently than transitions out of homogeneous charge compression ignition mode is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a dual-stage fuel injection strategy for compression ignition engines in which 15-40% of the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber no later than about ?20 to ?30 CA ATDC and as early as IVC. The remaining fuel is then injected in one or more fuel pulses, none of which start before about ?20 to ?30 CA ATDC. The fuel injected early in the compression stroke forms a lean mixture that burns with low soot and low NOx emissions. The combustion of that fuel serves to increase in-cylinder temperature such that the ignition delay of subsequent fuel injection pulses is short. This mode is utilized when it is predicted that a NOx spike is imminent. Various other alternative methods for reducing NOx spikes are also disclosed such as specialized EGR systems that can provide EGR with low manifold vacuum.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for spray forming an article. The method includes spraying a plurality of metal streams upon a low-heat resistant model and thereby forming a spray formed article. Each of the plurality of metal streams is composed of moltenized droplets, and as between the plurality of metal streams, each is composed of different constituent elements. In the spray form process, conditions of the metal streams are controlled, particularly around the time that the droplets land, to prevent adverse affects such as melting or burning the master model. The spray conditions are controlled in such a manner that the individual metal droplets forming the metal streams remain substantially segregate. The segregated state is maintained through out solidification so that the resulting spray formed article is composed at least partially of psuedo-alloy.

Abstract: An expandable tubular.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises an engine controller (ECU) governing fuel supply to the combustion engine by a fuelling map, which adapts the amount of fuel supplied to the engine responsive to engine speed, engine load and a volumetric efficiency of the engine. A variable intake system with at least one valve changes an effective tuning length of said variable intake system wherein degradation of said variable intake system can be diagnosed by comparing a calculated pressure variation of an inlet pressure of said variable intake system with a predetermined value for the pressure variation. The engine controller (ECU) adapts the fuelling map responsive to the diagnosis of degradation of the at least one valve of the variable intake system.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system for detachment detection of a tire pressure sensor is provided. The system includes a tire pressure sensor, a receiver and a controller. The tire pressure sensor includes a transmitter for transmitting a word having a detachment state. The receiver is for receiving the word and is coupled to the controller. The controller decodes the word and determines the detachment state of the tire pressure sensor. A robust method for the automatic detection of a detached tire pressure sensor of a tire pressure monitoring system is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle passive entry side door latch release system engageable with a release cable connected a door latch includes a moveable linkage assembly engageable with the cable, and a motor including an output shaft engaged with a tensioning gear for driving a ratcheting gearwheel rotatably affixed to a coil spring, with the gearwheel including external teeth engageable with a rack affixed to the linkage to move the cable to unlatch the door latch. A pivotable ratcheting pawl may be engageable with the gearwheel to allow or prevent rotation of the gearwheel. Operation of the motor may drive the gear to drive the gearwheel in a rotary direction to energize the spring, and disengagement of the pawl from the gearwheel may allow stored energy in the spring to drive the gearwheel in an opposite rotary direction to thereby drive the rack to move the cable to unlatch the door latch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring combustion stability of an HCCI internal combustion engine equipped with a crankshaft, an intake manifold and at least one cylinder, wherein stability is determined based on a deviation of an engine operating parameter such as, for example engine load or engine speed, from a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An engine cooling system is described that uses the same actuator to adjust both fan speed and coolant pump speed based on operating conditions of the engine and vehicle. The airflow and coolant flow are thus dependent, however, they are independent from engine speed.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having radius arms that are connected to axle brackets through vertically arranged bushings. A third link of the suspension system is a track bar that connects one end of the axle to a laterally spaced point on the frame of the vehicle. The radius arms are sheet metal fabricated members that are assembled in a clam shell arrangement.

Abstract: A fuel pressure relief system in an engine fuel system having a fuel line is shown. In one example, the system has a pressure relief valve in the fuel line; and a pressure relief assembly coupled to the relief valve, the assembly having an accumulator in communication with the engine side of the fuel line at least during engine off conditions.

Abstract: An electric drive system having a power source which provides power to an electric motor through an electric motor control. Discharging of stored capacitor energy of a capacitor coupled between the power source and the electric motor controller is provided by controlling energy transfer from the capacitor to the electric motor.