Abstract: A rear-view mirror assembly 10 is provided, including a housing 12 and a reflective surface 14. At least one microphone 18 is positioned behind the reflective surface 14 within the housing 12. At least one audio port 20 allows sound to pass through the reflective surface 14 to reach the at least one microphone 18.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weight monitoring system for a motor vehicle (1) which can, if appropriate, be connected to a trailer (2). The system uses weight sensors to determine the weights (F1, F2) acting on the axles of the motor vehicle, in order to calculate from them the overall weight of the vehicle, and the axle loads. In addition, a tractive force sensor may be provided in the trailer hitch so that the mass of the trailer (2) can be determined by means of the tractive force (F3) and the acceleration of the vehicle. The weight monitoring system calculates various weight variables from the measured values and monitors to determine whether they remain within defined limits. In this context, it is possible, in particular, to take into account a planned route in such a way that the limiting values of the charge are adapted with respect to the maximum altitude (Hmax) above sea level and/or the maximum gradient (smax) of the route.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve device for controlling the valve tappet of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. In this case, the movement of the valve tappet is generated by contraction/expansion or flexion or stretching of at least one artificial muscle. Furthermore, the artificial muscle can form a gas pressure chamber, by the action of pressure upon which a counterforce can be exerted on the valve tappet. Alternative embodiments of the invention relate particularly to the movement of valve flaps by artificial muscles and to the closing of a valve orifice by an artificial muscle of variable form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine, in which a normal state (A) is exited by switching off the engine (state B) if a standstill of the vehicle is detected (STOP_COND), and in which the engine is restarted when specific conditions (START_COND) apply. When a stop-and-go situation (SS_DISABLE) applies (state A′), this stop/start function is suppressed. Here, for example, repeated activation of the brakes, the engagement of specific gears and/or the spatial location of the motor vehicle may indicate that the vehicle is in a stop-and-go situation in which only brief, uneconomic switching off of the engine is probable.

Abstract: The invention relates to the starting of an internal combustion engine. The engine is coupled to an exhaust aftertreatment device that has a minimal threshold temperature for proper operation. Within a certain period of time after engine start, the load on an electrical generator driven by the engine is increased. Also, the air intake is throttled to reduce the intake manifold pressure to a target pressure. Both measures provide faster engine and catalyst warm-up and, thus, reduced emissions, particularly for a diesel engine in connection with an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rear impact absorption system for a motor vehicle. The rear impact absorption system includes a rear body assembly including longitudinally extending rear rails including first and second portions having first and second respective heights relative to a generally horizontal plane, the first height being greater than the second height. The invention further provides a neutralizing member connectable to bridge the first and second heights of each rear rail so as to minimize the effect of a moment arm created by the first and second heights during a rear impact.

Abstract: A rear collision warning system (10) for a target vehicle (17) and an approaching vehicle (18) is provided. The rear collision warning system (10) includes a first transmitter (54) located on the approaching vehicle (18) and directed at the target vehicle (17). The first transmitter (54) generates a vehicle information signal. A first indicator (16) located on the target vehicle (17). A first receiver (50) electrically coupled to the first indicator (16) receives the vehicle information signal and transmits a warning signal to the approaching vehicle (18) when the vehicle information signal is above a predetermined magnitude. A method of performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A more accurate method for determining a NOx storage efficiency of an exhaust gas aftertreatment device is presented. The method teaches determining NOx storage efficiency as a function of available LNT NOx storage capacity, which is calculated based on a ratio of an instantaneous value of an amount of NOx stored in the device and total device storage capacity at present operating conditions. Using this method prevents overfilling of the device and inefficient purging, thus improving emission control and fuel economy.

Abstract: A night vision system for a vehicle includes a pulsed light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle, the light source operating at a predetermined pulse timing. A light sensor generates a light intensity signal in response to detecting light at approximately the same wavelength as light from the light source. A controller receives first and second light intensity signals from the light sensor corresponding to first and second time periods between pulses of the light source, compares the first and second light intensity signals, and modifies the light source pulse timing as a function of a ratio or difference between the first and second light intensity signals, to avoid blinding of the vehicle's night vision system by similarly-equipped vehicle's traveling in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An impact sensor is provided including a counter electrically coupled to the sensor and storing an impact sensor collision number. The impact collision number represents whether the impact sensor has been on a vehicle that has been involved in a collision. A method for indicating that the impact sensor has been on a vehicle that has been involved in a collision is also provided. The method includes sensing a collision and generating a collision signal in response to the collision. An impact sensor collision number is incremented and indicated in response to the collision signal.

Abstract: A portable advisory system for balancing airflows in a paint booth includes a portable airflow sensor to measure airflows in the paint booth, and a portable computer connected to the airflow sensor for collecting data from the airflow sensor and guiding an operator through a process of adjusting multiple fan speeds and duct dampers to achieve desired airflows.

Abstract: A method of distributing a torque demand in a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine 200 and an electric motor 202 is provided. In hybrid operation, the motor 202 initially starts the vehicle. When the vehicle desired power demand reaches a first vehicle operational parameter, a controller 214 switches the torque demand to the engine 200. An accelerator pedal 220 has a position sensor 222 which determines a non-fixed pedal 220 first position during transition between the motor 202 and engine 200. The accelerator pedal 220 also has a preset second position wherein a maximum of engine 200 torque is requested. The controller 214, cognizant of the accelerator pedal 220 first and second positions, linearly scales the accelerator pedal 220 to provide a uniform torque-responsive accelerator pedal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for dispersing and exfoliating fillers in a thermoplastic polymer by sonicating a mixture of the thermoplastic polymer and the filler. The method of the present invention is particularly useful in dispersing layered silicate clays in thermoplastic polymers. A reinforced composite comprising a filler dispersed in a thermoplastic polymer is also disclosed. In another variation, the method of the invention is incorporated into conventional plastic extruder and injection molding equipment.

Abstract: A polymeric binder system and method of making, and a method for extruding thin-walled articles such as thin-walled tubes is provided. The extrusion method comprises providing a polymeric binder system comprising a substantially homogeneous solution of a polymeric binder and an organic solvent, adding a ceramic or metal powder to form a mixture, and evaporating the solvent from the mixture. The remaining mixture is then extruded from a die and heated to burn-off the binder and sinter the article.

Abstract: A method for predicting oxygen capacity of an LNT during storage phase of such LNT and the amount of NOx stored in the LNT during purge phase thereof as a function of the time history of an output signal produced by an exhaust gas sensor disposed downstream of the LNT. Oxygen storage capacity of the (LNT) is estimated by integrating output signal over time to determine the amount of oxygen stored in the LNT as function of time.

Abstract: A system and a method for effective NOx and particulate matter control in a diesel or other lean burn internal combustion engine is presented. The system includes a urea-based SCR catalyst having an oxidation catalyst coupled upstream of it and a particulate filter coupled downstream of the SCR catalyst. The particulate filter regeneration method teaches controlling operating conditions to bring the particulate filter temperature in the range where exothermic reaction between hydrocarbon and oxygen occurs. Once this is accomplished, extra hydrocarbons are injected into the exhaust gas entering the particulate filter where they combust and the resulting exotherm regenerates the filter. This method achieves effective particulate matter control while eliminating the risk of thermal damage to the upstream devices and minimizing regeneration fuel economy penalty.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling lean and rich operation of an internal combustion engine coupled to a lean NOx trap. In one example, the termination of the lean air-fuel mixture is based on an oxygen storage capacity and temperature of the NOx trap. In another example, the level and duration of rich air-fuel ratio purging operation is also controlled based on the oxygen storage capacity of the NOx trap.

Abstract: A method for controlling spark timing. A plurality of tables provides borderline timing data contributors for each of a corresponding one of a plurality of different engine operating conditions. The contributors in each table are a function of engine speed and air charge. Background borderline spark timing is determined at a background computational rate from a summation of the borderline timing data in the plurality of tables data in the plurality of tables at engine speed measured at the borderline computational rate and air charge determined at the borderline computational rate. A one-dimensional table has borderline timing data contributors extracted from the provided tables. The extracted borderline timing data contributors are the engine sped measured at the borderline computational rate and the air charge determined at the borderline computational rate. From the one-dimensional table, foreground borderline spark timing is determined at a higher, foreground computational rate.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an idle control signal for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Rotational speed, n, of the engine is measured. Combustion generated torque &tgr;ind is estimated as a function of the measured engine rotational speed, n. The idle control signal for the engine is produced as a function of the difference between: (A) a time rate of change in such measured engine rotational speed, dn/dt, and; (B) the sum of the estimated combustion generated torque &tgr;ind and a function of an engine idle speed error. The idle speed error is representative of the difference between an idle speed set point and the measured rotational speed, n. Thus, idle speed control is achieved using only a feedback system which responds to measured operating conditions of the engine rather than with a combination of feedback and a feedforward model which relies on a model of each individual engine loss or load to calculate the resulting impact on the engine.

Abstract: The invention provides a tailgate lift assist system and associated methods and apparatus that provide controlled force at various points as a tailgate is pivoted between open and closed position to assist the operator in both opening and closing the tailgate. The system is suitable for commercial mass production, and is preferably suitable for customer, dealer, or OEM installation.