Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing a potential electrical operating discrepancy in a polyphase electric motor by generating two independent torque estimates using a plurality of current sensors and, optionally, a shaft position sensor. Differences between the independent torque estimates are used to indicate potential discrepancies in electrical operating characteristics of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention can diagnose a potential discrepancy in electrical operating characteristics of a three phase electric motor by generating two independent torque estimates using a plurality of current sensors and a shaft position sensor. The invention provides a strategy to generate two independent torque estimates of a three phase electric motor comprising first and second systems to determine currents in two motor phases, first and second systems to generate a first and second estimate of motor shaft position, and first and second systems to generate first and second estimates of motor torque using the first and second systems to determine current in each motor phase and the first and second values of motor shaft position. The present invention detects also an electrical operating characteristic discrepancy in an electric motor-propelled vehicle's electrical components and subsystems, including single subsystem discrepancies between the two independent torque estimates.

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 is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A pivoting cage cargo bed extender is pivotally mounted to the D-pillars of a pick-up truck to be pivotally movable between a forward position and a rearward position. In the rearward position, the pivoting cage serves as a supplemental tailgate structure that rests on the open tailgate to extend the operative area of the cargo bed. The pivoting cage is formed of individual segments that are hinged together and separable at the center into two halves that are each collapsible into a stowed position adjacent the respective side wall of the cargo bed. The two halves of the cargo bed are connectable with a latching mechanism at the center to form a pivoting cage structure that spans transversely across the floor of the cargo bed. The latching mechanism compresses an internal O-ring to provide a tight connection between the two halves.

Abstract: A license plate bracket for an automotive vehicle includes a generally planar body having self-locking axially engageable retention structures extending from a rear side of the generally planar body. The retention structures allow the license plate bracket to be pushed into locking engagement with a front or rear module of a vehicle without the need for tools, while allowing the bracket to be removed subsequently without leaving any unsightly holes in the bodywork of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for calculating transient fuel wall wetting characteristics of an operating engine is described. The method accounts for cylinder valve deactivation of cylinders in the engine in calculating the dynamic fueling compensation. In one example, fuel vaporization effects from fuel puddles in deactivated cylinders is considered when calculating the fueling compensation for active cylinders.

Abstract: An inflatable seatbelt system (“seatbelt system”) for a vehicle. The seatbelt system includes a shoulder belt anchor, a first lap belt anchor, a second lap belt anchor, an inflatable seatbelt, an inflator device, one or more crash sensors, a lap belt buckle, and a seatbelt fastener. The inflatable seatbelt extends between the shoulder belt anchor and the first lap belt anchor with the inflator device fixedly attached to the first lap belt anchor. The inflator device is actuated by the crash sensors to inflate the inflatable airbag. Furthermore, the second lap belt anchor has the lap belt buckle extending therefrom, which is selectively fastened to the seatbelt fastener that is slidable on the inflatable seatbelt.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input, a first layshaft, a second layshaft, a first power path for transmitting power between the input and first layshaft and producing a first ratio of a speed of the first layshaft and a corresponding speed of the input, a second power path for transmitting power between the input and second layshaft and producing a second ratio of the speed of the second layshaft and corresponding speed of the input; and a clutch for releasably connecting the input and the output.

Abstract: A vehicle and method are provided that control engine start in the vehicle. The vehicle includes an electric machine operable to provide a starting torque to the engine. The vehicle also includes a battery capable of providing energy to operate the electric machine. A number of battery parameters are determined, including a discharge power limit, an output power, and an engine starting power level. The engine starting power level is related to the discharge power limit and an amount of output power for the battery necessary to operate the electric machine to provide the starting torque to the engine. When the output power of the battery is at or above the engine starting power level, the engine is automatically started.

Abstract: A system and method to control spark timing of an engine wherein the injection timing of the engine is varied relative to a crankshaft position depending on engine operating conditions. According to the method, spark timing is varied as fuel injection timing varies for at least a portion of the engine operating range. The method can reduce fuel consumption, reduce transient fuel requirements, improve engine performance, and reduce CO emissions, at least under some conditions.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for operating an internal combustion engine disposed in a hybrid vehicle, in which engine operation is selected to provide secondary vehicular functions, such as cabin heating, cabin cooling, and exhaust aftertreatment of exhaust components.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for removing stubborn contaminants, aluminum fluoride and aluminum chloride in particular, from components of semiconductor-processing equipment. One embodiment forces steam through small holes in a gas distribution plate to remove build up on the interior walls of the holes. A cleaning fixture disposed between the steam source and the gas distribution plate delivers the steam at increased pressures. The gas distribution plate can be immersed in water during cleaning to capture the exiting steam.

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

Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) has a first roll condition detector (64A), a second roll condition detector (64B), a third roll condition detector (64C), and a controller (26) that uses the roll condition generated by the roll condition detectors (64A–C) to determine a wheel lift condition. Other roll condition detectors may also be used in the wheel lift determination. The wheel lift conditions may be active or passive or both.

Abstract: A method is presented to control engine valve selection of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are selected in a manner to reduce fuel consumption and improve engine drivability.

Abstract: A control system for an automotive vehicle having a vehicle body includes a sensor cluster having a housing oriented within the vehicle body. A roll rate sensor is positioned within the housing and generates a roll rate sensor signal corresponding to a roll angular motion of the sensor housing. A controller receives the roll rate sensor signal, the controller generates a residue signal in response to a sensor error or a measurement error. The controller sets a fault condition in response to the residue signal larger than a dynamic threshold and a magnitude of the roll rate signal above a fault condition threshold. The controller sets a fault flag in response to the fault condition indicated for a predetermined time during which no double wheel lift occurs.

Abstract: A fuel system and associated method include a fuel injector and associated injector cup having an integral device that provides rotational orientation while allowing axial sliding engagement of the fuel injector relative to the cup after assembly. One embodiment includes retention tabs in the cup that engage corresponding grooves in the injector.

Abstract: A method for operating at least an intake and exhaust valve in a cylinder with a piston of an engine in a vehicle, comprising during conditions of an engine shut-down, maintaining at least one of the intake and exhaust valves in a closed position, and during conditions where said at least one valve is in said closed position operating with the other of the intake and exhaust valve open, then closing the other of the intake and exhaust valve, and then opening the other of the intake and exhaust valve to generate braking torque to slow the engine.