Abstract: A method and system for simultaneously regenerating a particulate filter coupled to an internal combustion engine and for desulfating a lean NOx trap disposed downstream of the particulate filter. The method includes adjusting at least one engine operating parameter to maintain a desired air fuel ratio for gases exiting the particulate filter in accordance with a difference between a reference set point air fuel ratio level and the air fuel ratio of gases exiting the particulate filter and wherein the reference set point level is changed between a rich air fuel ratio and a lean air fuel ratio as a function of the air fuel ratio of the gases exiting the lean NOx trap.

Abstract: A gearset assembly includes a pinion carrier containing long pinions mutually spaced angularly about an axis and supported for rotation on the carrier, and short pinions, each short pinion supported for rotation on the carrier and meshing with a long pinion. A ring gear meshes with the long pinions. A first sun gear meshes with the short pinions, and a second sun gear meshes with the long pinions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric heating system for a motor vehicle in which a PTC heating element (4) is controlled by a regulator (1) by means of an infinitely variable electronic power system (2). The regulator (1) receives a status signal (u) that indicates the power available from the dynamo (6). The control signal (x) for the electronic power system (2) is preferably calculated from the latter by means of a PI algorithm in such a way that the dynamo/altenator (6) is utilized to a maximum degree without putting at risk a sufficient supply to other electrical loads (5). The regulator (1) can also be connected to a user interface (3) for displaying and/or inputting information.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine and a belt-driven integrated starter (B-ISG) connected to the engine. The method includes determining engine running indicators and engine stopped indicators. Based on the indicators, the method controls the engine and the B-ISG for coordinating engine stops and starts with a capability of the B-ISG to start the engine.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle 10 having a propulsion system 12 which integrates a motor-generator 14 and a variable displacement internal combustion engine 16. Motor-generator 14 and engine 16 are each operatively coupled to drive train 17 of vehicle 10, and cooperatively power vehicle 10.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide multiple assist functions. The supplemental tailgate includes a generally fixed guide portion and a movable frame assembly. The movable frame assembly includes a pivotable molding, which mounts on a cross member, and a latching assembly that mounts generally within telescoping supports, which selectively slide within the guide portion. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the movable portion of the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. When the supplemental tailgate is in its stowed position, the pivotable molding is aligned with the top surface of the tailgate in order to provide an esthetically pleasing appearance and provide paint scratch resistance.

Abstract: A method for starting a free piston, internal combustion engine includes supplying an air charge to a space in a combustion cylinder, and reciprocating the piston in the cylinder so that the maximum pressure of the air charge in the space cyclically increases. Air and fuel are cyclically admitting to the cylinder to produce an air-fuel mixture, and spark ignition is used to produce cyclic combustion of the air-fuel mixture. The air-fuel ratio of the mixture is increasing when a maximum pressure in the cylinder occurs within a predetermined period following a TDC position of the piston. Spark ignition is discontinued, and cyclic compression ignition (HCCI) of the air-fuel mixture occurs.

Abstract: A hemming tool providing a plurality of rollers for forming a hem flange. The rollers are disposed on an end effector that includes a pair of links that connect a tool support to a stationary bracket. The tool support and stationary bracket are shiftably mounted relative to each other in the manner of a four-bar link and shift relative to each other against the force of a force transducer or spring that moderates the force applied by the hemming tool to a workpiece by the selected roller.

Abstract: A method for accurately diagnosing deterioration in an emission control system for a lean burn internal combustion engine is presented. The emission control system includes an Active Lean NOx (ALNC) Catalyst and a system for injecting a hydrocarbon-based reductant into the ALNC thereby improving its NOx conversion efficiency. The method teaches calculating a rate of change of exotherm across the ALNC and differentiating between deterioration of the ALNC and deterioration of the reductant injection system based on the magnitude and the sign of the rate of change of the exotherm. Once the diagnosis of deterioration is made, and the deteriorated component is identified, appropriate corrective measures, such as adjusting or discontinuing the reductant injection amount, and setting diagnostic codes, are taken.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (12) for a vehicle (10) has a plurality of tires (14a, b, c and d) in respective rolling locations and a spare tire (14e) generating a spare tire identification. A controller (22) starts the timer (44) and sets a tire status to a rolling status, a pending rolling status, a spare status or a pending spare status in response to the timer and the vehicle speed. The controller (22) stores the status and the spare tire identification in the memory.

Abstract: A strategy to control and diagnose the operation of an electric motor using a sensorless control system augmented by feedback from a position and speed sensor is disclosed. The strategy can improve the robustness of operation and diagnose potential faults in electric motors. The present invention includes a method for diagnosing operation of an electric motor and a method and system for controlling an electric motor. In the diagnostic method, a sensorless system and a sensor based system are checked against each other to determine if either of the systems is faulted. In the control method, the sensor based control system is used when the motor speed is below a predetermined threshold and the sensorless system is used when the motor speed is above the predetermined threshold. The position sensor can be a low resolution position sensor, an engine crankshaft sensor, an engine camshaft sensor, or a transmission sensor.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring system (12) for a tire (14a) of an automotive vehicle includes a first pressure sensor (94) coupled to the wheel, a pressure transmitter (90) coupled to the pressure sensor (94) whereby the transmitter generates a pressure signal. A controller (22) is coupled to the pressure transmitter. The controller (22) receives the pressure signal and in a first stage, compares the pressure signal to a pressure threshold to obtain a sensor status. In a second stage, the controller (22) qualifies the sensor status signal by generating a warning status in response to the sensor status.

Abstract: A method is presented for estimating an amount of ammonia stored in a urea-based SCR catalyst based on a dynamic model of the catalyst. The model takes into account chemical and physical properties of the catalyst, such as catalyst volume, the number of available ammonia storage cites, adsorption and desorption dynamics, as well as poisoning, thermal aging, and different catalyst operating temperatures, and generates the estimate based on a measured or estimated amount of NOx in an exhaust gas mixture upstream of the catalyst, an amount of reductant injected into the catalyst to facilitate NOx reduction, and on a measured value of NOx in an exhaust gas mixture downstream of the catalyst. The estimated ammonia storage amount is then used to control the amount of reductant injected into the catalyst to maintain desired ammonia storage amount such that maximum NOx conversion efficiency coupled with minimum ammonia slip are achieved.

Abstract: A system for electronically actuating valves in an engine. The system includes first and second voltage sources, and a plurality of valve actuator subsystems coupled therebetween. Each valve actuator subsystem has a valve actuator and a switch configured to selectively control application of voltage to the valve actuator to thereby selectively control energization of the valve actuator. The system also includes a dissipation switch operatively coupled with the valve actuator subsystems, the dissipation switch being selectively operable to control dissipation of energy from any of the valve actuators.

Abstract: A hybrid electric powertrain and control method for an automotive vehicle having mechanical and electro-mechanical power flow paths from an engine to a power output member. A mechanical power flow path is maintained when the electro-mechanical power flow path is disabled.

Abstract: A method to deliver spark during a start for an internal combustion engine is described. The method provides individual cylinder spark angle control based on the number of fueled cylinder events. The method offers improved engine emissions while maintaining engine speed run-up performance.

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.