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.

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 to determine and control engine torque in an internal combustion engine. The method may significantly reduce torque strategy calculations and the calibration complexity.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a powered running board on an automotive vehicle, such as a sport utility vehicle, utilizes the memory function of the vehicle to store therein established operating positions for the running board. The user or occupant of the vehicle can manually position the powered running board to a convenient operating position within a range of available operating positions on the vehicle. By storing the selected position of the running board in the memory function of the vehicle, the control mechanism can return to that same operating height each time the occupant seeks to use the running board for entry or exit of the vehicle. The control mechanism is operable with different configurations of running boards and with different power devices for effecting the movement of the running board.

Abstract: A heater diverter valve (20) is provided in an engine cooling system having a radiator and a circulating pump, The valve has a first inlet (31) connected to a heater so that coolant flowing through the engine and then through the heater is returned to the pump return line through the valve via the first inlet and an outlet (33). A second inlet (32) is connected to engine and transmission oil coolers so that coolant which flows from the engine supply line through the coolers is returned to the pump return line via the second inlet and the outlet. The valve includes a shuttle (24) which at lower coolant temperatures closes off the second inlet (32) to prevent coolant flow. The second inlet (32) is opened at higher temperatures when a wax type thermal actuator pushes the shuttle towards the first inlet (31).

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an automotive vehicle includes determining a forward direction and reverse direction of the vehicle and applying brake-steer in a forward position as a function of a first threshold and applying brake-steer in the reverse position as a function of a second threshold different than the first threshold.

Abstract: A method for testing cameras includes positioning a camera such that an image of a target is displayed on a monitor within at least one default image parameter. The method further includes engaging a dimming condition of a light source from the camera, thereby generating a lighting condition signal. Subsequently the camera receives the lighting condition signal and displays it on the monitor. A group of observers then analyze the lighting condition signal. The method continues through engaging a second dimming condition of the light source from the first camera, thereby generating a second lighting condition signal, which is also displayed on the monitor. The group of observers then analyzes the second lighting condition signal.

Abstract: A bumper beam is formed from a tailor welded blank with thinner gage sheet metal laser welded to thicker gage sheet metal at opposing sides thereof. The tailor welded blank is then formed into a bumper beam having a uniform B-shaped cross-sectional configuration from one terminal end to the other. Each fore-and-aft extending wall of each cell of the B-shaped cross-sectional configuration is formed with first and second hinges at a bend line between substantially horizontal portions of the wall and an intermediate transitional portion such that the horizontal portions are at different vertically spaced positions. Upon receipt of an impact, the first hinges bend into the corresponding cell while the second hinges bend outwardly. The second hinges on the corresponding inner walls of the two cells contacting upon deep collapse to enhance energy absorption.

Abstract: A web-based document approval system that enables users to create, review and approve documents and to communicate these documents to other parties. The system includes an approval function where the document being approved is stored to a central storage area. The central storage area cannot be modified or deleted by the users. Users are invited to review and approve the document and are provided a convenient hyperlink to the specific document. The system records the date and time that each user approved the document. A central storage area interfaces with a database. The database retrieves approver and approval information and prepares an approval log. The approval log may be in the form of an XML document that easily updates other database systems.

Abstract: An airbag (10) is provided that can be sequentially deployed for minimizing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant (12). This airbag (10) is an inflatable bag having a primary chamber (34) and a secondary chamber (36) that is adjacent to the primary chamber (34). The primary chamber (34) is configured for inflating before the secondary chamber (36). In addition, this primary chamber (34) is utilized for applying a generally downward force the vehicle occupant's lap (14) and abdomen (16). In this way, a substantial portion of the initial deployment force of the airbag (10) is allocated to the occupant's more durable lower body. Also, the primary chamber (34) can be utilized for positioning the occupant's body (12) in a manner best suited for impacting the airbag (10). This airbag (10) is then sequentially deployed in a generally linear direction upward from the primary chamber (34) to the secondary chamber (36).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a pre-crash sensing system (12) (“PCS system”) for a vehicle (18) for processing images within a substantially quick time. This system (12) includes one or more sensors (14) for detecting one or more objects (16) that are located external to the vehicle (18). These sensors (14) are coupled to a controller (22) for transmitting data associated with a detected object (16) to the controller (22). The controller (22) utilizes an algorithm to store this data and the object's identity. Also, the controller (22) utilizes the algorithm to classify the object into a predetermined category when the controller (22) determines that the object (16) requires classification.

Abstract: A front end assembly for a vehicle includes a U-shaped tubular structure, a body portion having a pair of laterally-spaced, longitudinally extending cowl sides, and, a pair of laterally-spaced A-pillar structures. The U-shaped tubular structure is secured to each A-pillar and each cowl side at longitudinally-spaced apart locations. The laterally-spaced connection points provide improved rigidity and reduce distortion.

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 system and method for virtual interactive design and evaluation and manipulation of a vehicle mechanism using a haptic-user interface is provided. The system includes a computer system and a haptic interface operatively in communication with the computer system, whereby the haptic interface includes a haptic end effector device for transmitting information between a user and a digital model as the user interactively creates, modifies, and evaluates kinematic and dynamic properties of the vehicle mechanism using the haptic end effector device.

Abstract: A tool for assessing the position of an indicator mark disposed on a seat of a vehicle. The tool includes an arm adapted to contact an anchorage and a plurality of lasers adapted to project a set of beams toward the seat. The set of beams define an area indicative of a desired location of the indicator mark.

Abstract: A method to control valve patterns in a cylinder operating in a multi-stroke cylinder mode. Valves are controlled to improve drivability and emissions.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle body includes a floor structure, a roof structure and a door opening panel welded to the floor and roof structure. The door opening panel is formed from a tailor welded metal blank furnishing a first thickness of metal for a lower portion of the door opening panel and a second thickness of material for an upper portion of the door opening panel. The lower and upper portions of the door opening panel are joined at an approximately horizontal weld line which is concealed by a passenger door, and in one embodiment, a pickup box.