Abstract: A method to select cylinder and valve operational modes in an internal combustion engine with valves that may be deactivated. A simplified method to select cylinder and valve modes is presented.

Abstract: A method and system determine when a climate control system of a hybrid vehicle can be operated without use of its A/C compressor. The compressor is turned on to function when the compressor is coupled to an engine of the vehicle and the engine is running. The relative humidity inside the vehicle cabin is compared to a threshold to determine whether the compressor is required to function. If the engine is running and if the compressor is off, the compressor is turned on if the compressor is required to function. If the engine is running, the engine is turned off such that the compressor is turned off if the compressor is not required to function and if the vehicle is at idle. If the compressor was on, the compressor is turned off without turning off the engine if the compressor is not required and if the vehicle is being driven.

Abstract: An onboard fire suppression system for an automotive vehicle includes at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent and a propellant, operatively associated with the reservoir, for expelling the fire suppressant agent from the reservoir. A distribution system for receiving fire suppressant agent expelled from said reservoir includes at least one feeder conduit which is connected with the reservoir by means of a quick connect coupler. The quick connect coupler facilitates assembly and servicing of the fire suppression system.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid powertrain for a hybrid electric vehicle with an internal combustion engine and an electric drive system including an electric motor, a battery and a generator. The control system includes a system controller that monitors actual battery power in a closed-loop fashion and detects an error between actual battery power and a request for battery power. The engine power is corrected so that the battery is used at its intended level, thereby avoiding unnecessary charging and discharging.

Abstract: A storage compartment is formed on the lateral side of a pick-up truck to have a door that will open to a generally horizontal position to permit use thereof as a step to facilitate access to the interior of the cargo bed. The storage compartment door is pivotally supported by a pivot mechanism that is supported from the underside of the pick up box to provide sufficient support thereof to withstand the weight of a person utilizing the door as a step. The door is also provided with supplemental support members interconnecting the door and the underside of the pick up box. When closed, the door conceals the pivot mechanism to provide a smooth, clean line on the exterior surface of the truck. The opened door allows access to a storage compartment that preferably extends beneath a portion of the cargo bed to allow storage of small items in a contained compartment.

Abstract: A fuel injector. The fuel injector can include a fuel channel configured to receive pressurized gaseous fuel from a fuel rail, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the fuel channel, wherein the nozzle includes tapered portions configured to be seated adjacent a cylinder head. The fuel injector can also include a pintle having an opened position and a closed position, wherein pressurized gaseous fuel is introduced from the nozzle directly into a combustion chamber when the pintle is in the opened position and wherein introduction of the pressurized gaseous fuel is substantially blocked when the pintle is in the closed position. The fuel injector can also include a pintle controller configured to selectively move the pintle between the closed position and the opened position.

Abstract: A vehicle control system (10) including a vehicle motion control subsystem (12) that has an input receiving an intended driving demand (14) and a plurality of coordinator subsystems (16) for coordinating actuators of the vehicle. The vehicle motion control subsystem (12) communicates with the coordinator subsystems (16) to determine whether a single coordinator subsystem (16) can carry out the intended driving demand (14). The vehicle motion control subsystem (12) will distribute demand signals among one or more of the coordinator subsystems (16) to allow the vehicle to implement the intended driving demand (14).

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 implement 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.

Abstract: A screen system is stowed in a compact storage position at a forward part of the rear cargo area adjacent the floor. The screen is extendable from the storage position to provide multiple uses. A vertical orientation of the screen can provide a rear seat storage pocket at a half-height position or a barrier between the passenger compartment and the rear cargo area at a full-height position. Horizontal deployment of the screen will provide a cargo restraint device or a carpet protector. The screen can be connected to the support for the spring-loaded cylinder to create a wrap storage device for cargo positioned next to the spring-loaded cylinder. The cylinder can be re-oriented to an intermediate location within the cargo area to create with a vertical extension thereof a divider for the cargo area. The screen can also be utilized as a conventional elevated security cover for the cargo area.

Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic safety system 38 includes determining a relative roll angle, determining a relative a slip angle, determining a yaw rate and determining a pressure build rate for the hydraulic safety system 38 in response to a relative roll angle, the yaw rate, slip angle, and yaw rate. The method further includes determining a precharge pressure level in response to the relative roll rate, the slip angle and the yaw rate and controlling the safety system 38 in response to the precharge pressure level.

Abstract: A recessed storage well is formed in the rear load floor of an automotive vehicle to provide cargo transport capabilities for wet cargo. The recessed storage well is provided with a drain to permit the flow of liquids collected within the recessed storage well to be discharged externally of the vehicle. The recessed storage well is formed from impervious material to permit the storage of wet articles of cargo without dampening the carpet covering on the rear load floor. The drain is seated in an automotive frame component by a rubber grommet that prevents the transfer of vibrational noise to the recessed storage well. The drain enables the use of a water spray in clean-up operations by allowing the collected water to drain away from the recessed storage well.

Abstract: A trunk organizer for the trunk cavity of a police vehicle that forces the orientation of long, stiff items typically carried within the trunk cavity of police vehicles into a transversely extending orientation. The transverse orientation of these items typically found in police vehicle trunks reduces the likelihood of a high speed rear collision driving the items through the walls defining the trunk cavity, particularly the waterfall of the trunk cavity, into the fuel tank. The trunk organizer is preferably formed from high density polyethylene with a forward panel of Kevlar affixed to the front panel of the trunk organizer to provide further penetration resistance. Translucent lids provide a ready inspection of the items without requiring the opening of a compartment. The trunk organizer is sized and configured to fit snuggly within the trunk cavity of a conventional police vehicle and permits an easy removal therefrom.

Abstract: A method for an engine capable of burning gaseous fuel, the engine also including a combustion chamber, at least one intake valve, and at least one exhaust valve, an injector to directly inject pressurized gaseous fuel into the combustion chamber, and a variable valve timing system coupled to the intake valves and exhaust valves, the method comprising closing the exhaust valve before top dead center of piston position to increase combustion chamber pressure achieved at top dead center and to trap exhaust gas in the cylinder; and starting injection of a gaseous fuel directly into the combustion chamber after the exhaust valve is closed and before the intake valve is opened.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wheel drive system of a hybrid electric vehicle when starting a power source. The hybrid electric vehicle includes first and second power sources, a motor, and a power transfer unit adapted to drive a vehicle wheel. The method includes determining whether the first power source is to be started, determining whether a level of torque requested by a vehicle operator is greater than a threshold value, maintaining a current gear ratio if the threshold value is exceeded, and providing a target level of torque to the power transfer unit.

Abstract: In an exhaust aftertreatment system, which includes a nonthermal plasma discharge device followed by a NOx storage device followed by a precious metal catalyst, a method is disclosed for operating the engine at a lean air-fuel ratio when the NOx storage device is not full and for operating the engine rich when the NOx storage device is substantially full. Electrical energy supplied to the nonthermal plasma discharge device during lean operation is discontinued during rich operation of the engine.

Abstract: An open hem flange for a vehicle door includes an inner reinforcing panel and an outer panel having a first outer portion and a second inner portion folded about the inner panel at a base. The inner reinforcing panel includes dimpled sections against the second outer portion which provides a gap between the inner panel and the second inner portion of the outer. A gap also exists between the inner reinforcing panel and the outer portion of the outer panel to allow the hem flange to be properly cleaned and electrocoated.

Abstract: A method for modifying a stamping die to compensate for springback includes the steps of stamping a first part using a base, or pre-existing die set, and creating a surrogate die having the shape of the first stamped part. These steps are followed by simulated stamping of a blank with the surrogate die, where the blank is shaped according to the desired finished part. Then, the base die is modified by mapping the forming stresses, from the stamped blank, to an indicator blank, which is allowed to relax and then is employed as a template for modification of the base die. Following this, the accuracy of the newly modified base die is determined by stamping a second part in the modified base die and by comparing a number of dimensions of the second part with a number of corresponding dimensions of the desired finished part.

Abstract: An improved engine control system using a NOx sensor is disclosed. In one example, the NOx sensor structure and/or signals are modified to improve distance transmission of NOx sensor output signals so that at least some processing electronics can be relocated remote to the sensor and in an engine control unit, or other such control unit utilizing the NOx sensor signals, and controlling the NOx sensor heaters, if applicable.