Abstract: The present invention is a dual-stage fuel injection strategy for compression ignition engines in which 15-40% of the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber no later than about ?20 to ?30 CA ATDC and as early as IVC. The rest of the fuel is then injected in one or more fuel pulses, none of which start before about ?20 to ?30 CA ATDC. The fuel injected early in the compression stroke forms a lean mixture that burns with low soot and low NOx emissions. The combustion of that fuel serves to increase in-cylinder temperature such that the ignition delay of subsequent fuel injection pulses is short. This mode is utilized when it is predicted that a NOx spike is imminent. Various other alternative methods for reducing NOx spikes are also disclosed such as specialized EGR systems that can provide EGR with low manifold vacuum.

Abstract: A backup aid system (14) for detecting the presence of a trailer (12) includes a trailer connector (52a) and a backup aid controller (50) that has an input (66) electrically coupled to the connector (52a). The backup aid controller (50) monitors a voltage level at input (66). When the voltage level is above a first predetermined voltage, the controller (50) generates a backup warning signal. When the voltage is below a second predetermined voltage, the controller (50) disables the backup warning signal. Also, the system may monitor the voltage in between the first predetermined voltage and the second predetermined voltage to determine the presence of a lamp fault such as outage or corroded contacts.

Abstract: Torque demand is coordinated in a vehicle. Information defining at least one torque production limitation for a first torque producing device is received. A request for torque is compared with the first torque producing device torque production limitation. If the comparison does not result in the request for torque exceeding a limitation, a first coordinated torque request is determined as the request for torque and a null torque is determined as a second coordinated torque request. Otherwise, a first excess requested torque is determined as the difference between the request for torque and the exceeded limitation, the first coordinated torque request is determined as the exceeded limitation, and the second coordinated torque request is determined as the first excess requested torque.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electric motor using real time predictions of motor capability based on thermal modeling and measurements is provided. The invention includes controllers for receiving and processing system input signals, strategies for: determining a maximum energy amount that can be put into the motor before the motor reaches a maximum allowable temperature; determining a motor power assist value that the motor can provide in a predetermined period of time before the motor reaches the maximum allowable temperature; determining a battery power assist value; determining a maximum power assist value that is the minimum of the motor power assist value and the battery power assist value; and comparing the maximum power assist value to a driver demand signal. Strategy outputs can be sent to a vehicle system controller and/or a power assist gauge.

Abstract: A method and system for determining weather strip fit for the closure panels of a vehicle includes a flexible carrier with a transferable disclosing agent disposed on the flexible carrier. The flexible carriers may be applied to a closure panel of vehicle when the panel is in an open position, with the panel then being closed so as to allow the disclosing agent to either be transferred to the fixed side of the opening, or to be merely dislodged from the flexible carrier. In either case, the pattern of interference fit between the weather strip and the closure panel is then disclosed.

Abstract: An engine diagnostic system for use with an internal combustion engine coupled to a lean NOx trap with a NOx sensor coupled downstream of the trap is disclosed. Degradation of the NOx sensor is determined by estimating NOx exiting the trap based on engine out NOx and various other operating conditions. When the difference between the measured NOx and estimated NOx is greater than a predetermined value for a predetermined duration, degradation is indicated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a remote communication system for use with a vehicle, comprising a first communication unit (1), located within a vehicle (2), said first communication unit comprising a first transceiver (3), connectable with a long-distance wireless communication network (16), such as a cellular network; and a portable second communication unit (7), comprising a second transceiver (9), connectable with a unit for long-distance wireless communication (14), such as a cellular terminal. The first and second communication units (1,7) are connectable with each other using said long-distance wireless communication network 16, thereby establishing a remote two-way communication link between said communication units. This invention further relates to a fob unit, for use in a remote communication system.

Abstract: A sensor system for generating information useful for determining the environment surrounding a vehicle includes multiple sensing zones, with each zone using sensors operating in different electromagnetic bands. The outputs of the sensors are fused to provide more useful information than that obtainable from either sensor, taken alone.

Abstract: An RF transmission circuit, complex digital synthesizer and MRI apparatus are intended to enhance the stability of signal quantity and reduce the cost, wherein a complex digital synthesizer generates reference carrier frequency signal data directly in the digital domain, RF envelope mixers combine the resulting data and RF envelope signal data in the digital domain, and a digital frequency up-converter up-converts the resulting signal data in the digital domain and converts into an analog RF pulse signal.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an operating mode of an engine or engine component modulate a first engine parameter and analyze a change in a second engine parameter in response to modulating the first engine parameter to detect a current operating mode based on changes in at least one of the first and second engine parameters. In a variable compression ratio (VCR) engine embodiment, the system and method modify ignition timing of at least one cylinder until engine knock is detected and determine whether the cylinder is operating in the lower compression ratio mode or the higher compression ratio mode by comparing the ignition timing change required to cause engine knock to a corresponding threshold.

Abstract: For the purpose of determining an offset of the position of an X-ray tube from a prespecified position, and correcting axially projected data D1 and pixel projection data D2 based on the determined offset, proper axially projected data D1 can be obtained by an X-ray focal spot 2102 and a detector 2103 by determining axially projected data D1 at a point 2104 using projection data D0 obtained by a channel that detects an X-ray emitted from the X-ray focal spot 2102 and passing through the point 2104, and shifting the determined axially projected data D1 by a distance DIS1 in the (+)-direction of the x-axis.

Abstract: A warning system (12) for a source vehicle (10) is illustrated. A camera (20) generates a plurality of images. A controller (30) is coupled to an indicator (36). The controller (30) generates a size signal and position signal for a rear-approaching vehicle. The controller (30) activates an indicator when a rear-approaching vehicle enters a blind spot (14) in response to the size signal and position signal.

Abstract: A control system (10) for an automotive vehicle (50) coupled to a countermeasure system having a countermeasure includes an object sensor system (18) generating an object signal, an object distance signal, an object azimuth position signal, and object relative velocity signal. The control system (10) further includes an object classifier coupled to the object sensor system (18) generating an object classification signal in response to the object signal and a controller coupled to the object sensor object classifier for activating the countermeasure (42) in response to the object distance, object azimuth position, relative velocity and the object classification signal.

Abstract: A sensing system for an internal combustion engine having variable compression ratio connecting rods includes a connecting rod sensor which outputs digital signals having characteristic values corresponding to the compression ratio state of the connecting rods.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for optimizing heat treatment of precipitation-hardened alloys having at least one precipitate phase by decreasing aging time and/or aging temperature using thermal growth predictions based on a quantitative model. The method includes predicting three values: a volume change in the precipitation-hardened alloy due to transformations in at least one precipitation phase, an equilibrium phase fraction of at least one precipitation phase, and a kinetic growth coefficient of at least one precipitation phase. Based on these three values and a thermal growth model, the method predicts thermal growth in a precipitation-hardened alloy. The thermal growth model is particularly suitable for Al—Si—Cu alloys used in aluminum alloy components. The present invention also discloses a method to predict heat treatment aging time and temperature necessary for dimensional stability without the need for inexact and costly trial and error measurements.

Abstract: The tire deflation device (30) includes a rail member (34) having a support portion (38) and a piercing portion (44). The piercing portion (44) of the rail member (34) extends toward a tire (20) and is located between the tire (20) and a protected portion (44) of the automotive vehicle (10). The piercing portion (44) is intended to puncture and deflate the tire (20) when a crush zone (18) is deformed inwardly so as to force the tire (20) into the piercing portion (44) of the rail member (34). The support portion (38) has at least one anchor member (32) fixedly attached thereto for securely mounting the rail member (34) to a side mount (12) of the automotive vehicle (10) within a middle rigid zone (14) thereof.

Abstract: A rollover detection system (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) includes a controller (14) that is hooked to various types of sensors. The sensors may include a lateral acceleration sensor and another sensor or combination of sensors that gives an indication to another lateral condition of the vehicle. The controller determines a roll condition in response to comparing the lateral acceleration and the lateral condition other than lateral acceleration to a threshold. When the conditions are above the threshold then a roll condition is indicated. When a roll condition is indicated a safety device (40) may be controlled to prevent rollover and/or deploy a safety device.