Abstract: A method for controlling starting of an internal combustion engine in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having multiple power flow paths to vehicle traction wheels from the engine and from an electric motor. A smoothness factor is calculated to determine how smooth an engine start should be. Engine operating variables regulate engine smoothness during engine start events as determined by the calculated smoothness factor appropriate for selected vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A free piston engine has a pair of opposed cylinders on opposite sides of a fluid pumping assembly. An inner piston assembly includes a pair of inner pistons, one each in a respective one of the cylinders, with a push rod connected therebetween. The push rod forms a fluid plunger. An outer piston assembly includes a pair of outer pistons, one each in a respective one of the cylinders, with a pull rod connected therebetween. The pull rod forms a fluid plunger. The movement of the inner and outer piston assemblies during engine operation will cause the fluid plungers to pump fluid from a low pressure container into a high pressure chamber as a means of storing the energy output. A hydraulic coupler synchronizes the inner and outer piston assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter by adjusting the engine air/fuel ratio based on estimates of the actual amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst. An available oxidant storage capacity of the catalyst is determined by establishing an oxidant set point location, i.e., a location in the catalyst about which the system controls the oxidant storage. The oxidant set point is established based on the temperatures of the different potential set point locations and the levels of deterioration of the different potential set point locations, as well as the oxidant storage capacity of the emission control device system.

Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are controlled to improve engine fuel economy. Further, the method can adjust valve operation to provide air-fuel charge motion and increase combustion stability.

Abstract: A heat exchanger integrated into the transmission oil pan transfers heat from post-catalyst exhaust gases to the transmission oil. Inlet and outlet ducts route exhaust gas between the heat exchanger and an exhaust pipe located downstream of the catalyst. The exhaust pipe accommodates a control valve that diverts exhaust gas flow to the heat exchanger during the warm-up phase, or to the tailpipe during steady state operation. A control function is provided to monitor transmission oil temperature and engine operating conditions and to control actuation of the valve. The main input parameter to the control function is the transmission oil temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for design of experiments (DOE) using direct surface manipulation of a mesh model. The method includes the steps of selecting a geometric model in a computer-aided design (CAD) format, converting the geometric model into a mesh model and evaluating the mesh model using a computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis. The method also includes the steps of determining whether to continue generating the design of experiments response, and modifying a surface of the mesh model by varying a predetermined parameter, wherein the surface is modified using direct surface manipulation (DSM), the mesh model is updated and the updated mesh model is used in continuing generating the design of experiments response, if determined to continue the design of experiments. The method further includes the steps of using the results of the CAE analysis for the design of experiments.

Abstract: A multiple speed transaxle includes first and second input shafts, first and second output shafts, a layshaft, an idler shaft, a first set of selectable torque paths between the first input shaft and first output shaft, a second set of selectable torque paths between the second input shaft and the second output shaft, the second set including the layshaft and idler shaft, and a selectable torque path between the first input shaft and second output shaft including the layshaft and idler shaft.

Abstract: An attachment structure for attaching a seat assembly to a vehicle underbody includes a first cross member that extends between a pair of side rails. The first cross member includes first and second transversely extending portions that each support a striker. A second cross member also extends between the pair of side rails. First and second longitudinal members extend between the first and second cross members. The first longitudinal member is attached to the first cross member at the first transversely extending portion and the second longitudinal member is attached to the second cross member at the second transversely extending portion. Straps are mounted to each of the first and second transversely extending portions, with one strap extending underneath each of the first or second longitudinal members. The first and second transversely extending portions each include a horseshoe shaped opening over which the respective striker extends.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and chemistries for cleaning various components of semiconductor process equipment. A method in accordance with one embodiment cleans articles with differently contaminated interior and exterior surfaces by using those articles to separate a cleaning vessel into separate chambers, one chamber for the interior surface and one for the exterior surface. Different chemistries are then applied to the differently contaminated surfaces. This embodiment reduces the required volume of etchant, and consequently saves the cost, treatment, and disposal of toxic chemicals. One embodiment further reduces the requisite etchant volume using one or more volume-displacement elements that displace some of the etchant volume.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed for carrying out combustion in a fuel-cut operation in some or all of the engine cylinders of a vehicle. Further, various subsystems are considered, such as fuel vapor purging, air-fuel ratio control, engine torque control, catalyst design, and exhaust system design.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed for carrying out combustion in a fuel-cut operation in some or all of the engine cylinders of a vehicle. Further, various subsystems are considered, such as fuel vapor purging, air-fuel ratio control, engine torque control, catalyst design, and exhaust system design.

Abstract: A method and system for limiting motor performance in a hybrid electric vehicle system. During a condition in a primary drivetrain, the method limits performance of an electric motor used in an auxiliary drivetrain to control energy consumed from a battery in the auxiliary drivetrain. A calculation or measurement is made to determine available battery energy remaining in the battery after the condition. The performance of the electric motor is then limited based on the available battery energy.

Abstract: A steering system (10) for a motor vehicle comprising a steerable wheel (12) defining a steering angle (20), a powered actuator (14) controlling the steering angle (20) and a steering wheel (16) providing a driver input control angle. The ratio of the driver input control angle to the steering angle (20) defines a steering ratio. The steering system (10) also includes a controller (18) selectively varying the steering ratio based, at least in part, upon road conditions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of a 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: auto speed control, sensor diagnostics, air-fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, and default operation. In addition, the engine control method also disables the split air/lean operating mode under preselected operating conditions.

Abstract: A system and method to control an engine wherein at least intake valve timing is retarded relative to a crankshaft position depending on engine operating conditions. According to the method, at least a portion of the fuel is injected during the intake valve open period with retarded valve timing. The method can reduce fuel consumption, reduce transient fuel requirements, improve engine performance, and reduce CO emissions, at least under some conditions.

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: An automotive vehicle has a battery mounting system including battery tray fastened to a floor within a compartment of the vehicle, and a motion convertor for repositioning battery tray as a result of a collision impact upon the compartment by causing the battery tray to rotate from a first position in which the battery tray is generally parallel to the floor to which it is mounted, to a second position which the battery tray is not parallel to the plane of the floor.

Abstract: A catalyst system for use with an internal combustion engine to provide emissions reductions under lean and stoichiometric operating conditions. The catalyst system comprises a first catalyst comprised of a newly developed Perovskite-based formulation having an ABO3 crystal structure designed to bring the precious metal and NOx trapping elements close together. The first catalyst acts primarily to maximize the reduction of emissions under lean operating conditions. The catalyst system also comprises a second catalyst comprised of precious metals which acts primarily to maximize the reduction of emissions under stoichiometric conditions.