Abstract: A method and a system are provided for purging a hydrocarbon trap coupled to an internal combustion engine. An air supply device supplies oxygen to the hydrocarbon trap to facilitate the oxidation of stored hydrocarbons. A controller causes the air supply device to provide the oxygen in pulses instead of in a constant stream. By providing the oxygen in pulses, a sufficient amount of oxygen can be supplied to effectively purge the hydrocarbon trap, while, at the same time, preventing the unheated air from the air supply device from cooling the hydrocarbon trap below its purge threshold temperature.

Abstract: An anti-intrusion beam for incorporation into a vehicle door assembly is manufactured from an outer skin formed from laminated layers of composite materials having fiber reinforcement oriented in a directional pattern in each respective layer. The anisotropic beam includes body members having an interior core formed of high density foam plastic. The transversely corrugated beam includes attachment areas that have the same corrugated configuration which are fastened to mounting lugs of an inner door panel arranged in a corresponding corrugation. Variations in the thickness and formation of the layers of the outer skin can be used to control the failure of the beam during impact to provide a progressive predicable failure pattern for the beam. A frame catcher can be inserted into the body portions of the anti-intrusion beam to permit the transfer of impact forces to the frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive door assembly (10) includes an inner door (30) having an inner panel (40). The inner panel (40) has a first seat (44) and a second seat (46) integrally formed therein. The first seat (44) has a first side member (50) fixedly attached thereto for separating an exterior of the door assembly (10) from a door cavity thereof. The first side member (50) also reinforces the automotive door assembly (10). Likewise, the second seat (46) a second side member (90) has fixedly attached thereto for separating the exterior of the door assembly (10) from the door cavity thereof. The second side member (90) also reinforces the automotive door assembly (10). The inner panel (40), the first side member (50), and the second side member (90) have an outer door (18) attached thereto for enclosing the door cavity.

Abstract: A control method adjusts fuel injection into an engine having a variable compression ratio. The method determines the cylinder air amount based on various sensors and the current compression ratio. The disclosed fuel injection method can perform both open loop and closed loop control. A method is also disclosed for putting the compression ratio to a base value during engine shutdown so that subsequent engine starts occur with a consistent compression ratio.

Abstract: A charge air conditioning system, including a charge air booster, a refrigerant-to-air intercooler which is integral with the charge air booster, and a refrigeration system for supplying refrigerant to the refrigerant-to-air intercooler.

Abstract: A cargo containment apparatus is formed from a series of individual panels linked together to permit deployment in a variety of configurations for containing cargo items within a larger cargo area of an automotive vehicle. The linked panels of the cargo containment apparatus are pivotable relative to one another to permit substantial flexibility in the apparatus to attain a shape that corresponds to the items to be transported in the cargo area. The panels are can be formed with bag hooks that can be engaged with the handles of conventional plastic grocery bags and tote bags for effectively restraining movement thereof within the automotive cargo area. Pins on the bottom surfaces of the panels engage the carpet in the automotive cargo area to restrict the movement of the cargo containment apparatus within the automotive cargo area.

Abstract: A hydrogen fueled reciprocating spark ignition engine includes a fuel system for providing gaseous hydrogen to the cylinders of the engine and a lean NOx trap coupled to the engine for treating the engine's exhaust. An EGR system provides recirculated exhaust gas to the engine, and a controller operates the fuel system and EGR system during periodic purging of the lean NOx trap such that the engine is operated fuel rich, with the mass of EGR approximating 40%-80% of the mass of air and fuel.

Abstract: A method of transitioning a motor from a torque control mode to a speed control mode includes providing the motor with a torque command to eliminate torque holes at the transition. A speed controller generates a speed error, which is used to generate two torque terms. The first torque term is proportional to the speed error, and the second torque term includes the integral of the speed error. A third torque term comprises a feedforward torque, which is added to the first two torque terms to generate the torque command.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling fuel vapor purging and adaptive learning in a lean burn engine system. Fuel vapor purging is carried out during lean operating conditions to minimize impact on vehicle emissions, while adaptive learning is carried out during near stoichiometric conditions (oscillations around stoichiometry). This allows faster fuel vapor purging and additional adaptive learning opportunity.

Abstract: A pre-crash assessment system (1) includes a host vehicle (3) in motion and a high frequency sensor (4), which detects position and relative velocity of a target object in the near zone of the host vehicle (3). A safety device actuator (5) is also coupled to the host vehicle (3). A pre-crash algorithm provides a comparison of a future position prediction of the target object relative to the host vehicle (3). A safety device controller (9) is coupled to the host vehicle (3). The controller (9) generates a threshold assessment based on the target object future relative position and relative velocity. The controller (9) also controls the safety device actuator (5) by providing an actuation signal. The controller (9) operates through logic designed to estimate whether a potential for crash between the host vehicle (3) and the target object is within the threshold for the safety device actuator (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides a multipurpose activity frame for a vehicle articulating roof rack system including a vehicle articulating roof rack system having a selectively removable portion operable between a stowed roof mounted position and a slideably and pivotally repositionable back end mounted position, a stationary top portion received by the selectively removable portion of the articulating roof rack system, and a rotatable bottom portion operable between a stowed vertical position and an open horizontal position received by the stationary top portion.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a variable displacement engine during cranking and starting period include a hybrid operating mode to allow intake/exhaust valve operation while preventing fuel delivery or spark, or both, to at least one subsequently deactivated cylinder or bank of cylinders during the cranking and starting period. The system and method provide advantages to starting the engine relative to either a variable displacement mode or a full activation mode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a permanent magnet by the steps of preparing an admixture of magnetic material and binder material, the admixture material having a particle size of less than 325 mesh. Then heating a carrier gas to a temperature substantially below the melting point of either component of the admixture. The admixture is introduced into the carrier gas and the admixture is sprayed atop a ductile carrier. The admixture adheres to the carrier and forms a solid permanent magnet. An electric field is applied to the sprayed admixture to create a permanent magnetic moment.

Abstract: A reinforced fastener assembly (18) for securing a vehicle seat (14, 16) to a vehicle sheet metal body structure (20) is provided. The reinforced fastener assembly (18) includes a mounting bracket (34) having a collar portion (36) for coupling to the vehicle sheet metal body structure (20) and distributing a load across a substantial portion of the vehicle sheet metal body structure (20). This mounting bracket (34) further includes an attachment portion (50) that has a vehicle seat fastener (52) extending therefrom. Finally, the reinforced fastener assembly (18) includes a tubular reinforcement member (78) that is coupled to and extends substantially across the collar portion (36) of the mounting bracket (34). This tubular reinforcement member (78) is intended to reinforce the collar portion (36) thereby allowing the collar portion (36) to distribute a load across a substantial portion of the vehicle sheet metal body structure (20).

Abstract: A night vision system for a vehicle includes a pulsed light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle and a secondary trigger light source operating at a predetermined pulse timing and second wavelength. A light sensor detects light at the second wavelength. The trigger light pulses are used to indicate the pulse timing of each respective vehicle's primary NIR light source. Upon detecting another vehicle's trigger light source, the controller adjusts the pulse phase of the first light source to be exactly out-of-phase with that of the oncoming vehicle since the pulsed timing of the oncoming vehicle's NIR light source is known upon detection of the opposing vehicle's trigger light source. Each vehicle can then adjust its primary light source to be out-of-phase with the other vehicle and, hence, non-interfering.