Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling air charge motion in the cylinder of a direct injection spark ignition engine during transitions between different combustion modes is provided. The system includes a cam profile switching device that controls the position of an intake valve for the cylinder. The system further includes an electronic control unit configured to control the cam profile switching device to position the intake valve in a first position in advance of the transition and to move the intake valve to a second position when a predetermined condition for transitioning between the two combustion modes is met.

Abstract: A system is described for minimizing engine torque disturbances that would otherwise cause degraded drive feel by a vehicle driver. The system utilizes multiple torque transmission paths of a transaxle unit mounted to the engine. The system manipulates the torque transmitted by adjusting the clutches of multiple torque transmission paths so that the torque disturbance in the engine results in relatively constant vehicle drive torque. In particular, during particulate filter regeneration, a potential torque increase is transmitted through multiple torque paths of the transmission to maintain output torque relatively constant.

Abstract: A system (12) and method for determining the charged air mass in a cylinder (14) of an internal combustion engine (10) are provided. The system (12) includes an electronic control unit (ECU) (58) configured to determine a temperature of the combination of charged air and recirculated exhaust gas inducted into the cylinder (14). The ECU (58) is further configured to determine a total mass flow rate of the combination of inducted air and recirculated exhaust gas based on a pressure in an intake manifold (22) of the engine (10) and the previously determined temperature. Finally, the ECU (58) is configured to determine the mass of charged air in the cylinder (14) from the total mass flow rate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A blind spot monitoring system for a vehicle includes two pairs of stereo cameras, two displays and a controller. The stereo cameras monitor vehicle blind spots and generate a corresponding pair of digital signals. The display shows a rearward vehicle view and may replace, or work in tandem with, a side view mirror. The controller is located in the vehicle and receives two pairs of digital signals. The controller includes control logic operative to analyze a stereopsis effect between each pair of stereo cameras and the optical flow over time to control the displays. The displays will show an expanded rearward view when a hazard is detected in the vehicle blind spot and show a normal rearward view when no hazard is detected in the vehicle blind spot.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a post-catalyst exhaust gas sensor in an engine is provided. The engine includes a cylinder bank coupled to a catalyst and an exhaust gas sensor disposed downstream of the catalyst generating a first signal. The method includes supplying a rich air-fuel mixture to the cylinder bank. The method further includes supplying a lean air-fuel mixture to the cylinder bank to supply oxygen to the catalyst. Finally, the method includes indicating the exhaust gas sensor is degraded when the first signal does not indicate a lean air-fuel ratio after supplying the lean air-fuel mixture for a first predetermined time period.

Abstract: A system for venting an air bag module having an air bag cushion retainer ring, an air bag cushion, an inflator, at least one spring positioned and compressed between the inflator and the air bag cushion retainer ring, a pyrotechnic rivet, sensors, and a restraint control module. If variable venting is required, the restraint control module signals the pyrotechnic rivet to release and the spring to urge one of the inflator or air bag cushion retainer ring away from the other of the inflator or air bag cushion retainer ring to create an opening between the retainer ring and the inflator to allow venting of the gas from inside the air bag cushion.

Abstract: An electrical system (12) is provided for an automotive vehicle (10) having a first power source (14) with a first positive terminal (16) and first negative terminal (18). A second power source (20) having a second positive terminal (22) and a second negative terminal (24) is also provided. A common electrical node N2 is coupled to the first negative terminal and the second positive terminal. A first load (26) is coupled between the first positive terminal and the second node N2. A second load (28) is coupled between the common node N2 and the second negative terminal (24). A DC-to-DC converter (80) is coupled to the first power source, the second power source and the common node.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, such as after an engine cold start, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders having a first ignition timing, and a second group of cylinders having a second ignition timing more retarded than the first group. In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also can change to combusting all cylinders at substantially the same ignition timing under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio control system for an internal combustion engine includes a lubrication system for selectively providing lubricating oil to connecting rods within the engine at either a lubrication pressure or at a control pressure. The oil is provided to compression ratio adjusters so as to cause the adjusters to move from one compression ratio to another, to achieve a desired change in compression ratio. A lubricating pump provides lubricating oil to the connecting rods through the lubrication system. The lubricating pump is selectively operable at one of a lubricating pressure and a control pressure by means of a control valve which is integral with the lubricating pump.

Abstract: A method for estimating operating parameters of an internal combustion engine uses data stored as a function of intake and exhaust valve timing. In particular, the parameters are stored at a default operating point, several stability limited points, a high performance point, and an intermediate point. An inverse distance interpolation algorithm is used to calculated current slope and offset values at the current operating conditions. From these calculated slope and offset values, engine operating parameters, such as manifold pressure and cylinder air amount, are estimated.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for determining the position of a shift rail 12 which is employed within a vehicle having a transmission 14. Apparatus 10 includes an offset lever or member 18, and a pair of proximity sensors 30, 32 which detect the distance between the sensors 30, 32 and the respective surfaces 21, 23 of member 18, and which selectively generate signals corresponding to the measured distances. A controller 38 receives the generated signals and utilizes the signals to determine the linear and angular position of shift rail 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure regulating valve comprising a valve body having one or more inlet openings and one or more outlet openings for a pressurized medium, an internal cavity connecting said inlet and outlet openings and a piston which is in contact with a valve seat between inlet and outlet and is axially slidable in the cavity in the valve body against a spring, which biases the piston to a closed position, whereby the valve opens when a predetermined pressure acts on the piston. The valve body is provided with an opening at its outlet side, where the cross-section of the opening is smaller that the cross-section of the cavity and which opening is in connection with a volume limited by the piston and the lower section of the internal cavity, whereby the pressure drop across the valve dampens variations in the volume.

Abstract: A control method for an internal combustion engine has multiple cylinder groups with at least one control device positioned between an intake manifold and a cylinder group. The engine operates the cylinder groups at different air/fuel ratio and uses the control device to balance torque produced by the different cylinder groups. In one aspect of the invention, one cylinder group is operated rich and another cylinder group is operated lean thereby providing heat to an exhaust system located downstream of the engine.

Abstract: A method of forming deep holes and a gundrill therefore is disclosed. The gundrill has an elongate tubular shank and a cutting tip, each provided with a tubular central region supplying pressurized drilling fluid and a non-circular fluid cross-section defining a drilling fluid return path in conjunction with the hole being formed. The cutting tip flute defines a primary rake surface terminating in an offset point, and a secondary flank surface for forming an outlet with the hole being drilled, sized to maintain fluid pressure in the bottom end space to cool the cutting surfaces and to effectively remove chips as they are formed. A localized relief passage, sized relative to the outlet passage to cause a significant amount of drilling fluid to flow therethrough, is formed behind a peripheral rake edge of the primary rake surface for drilling fluid to exit the end space and cool the tip.

Abstract: A windshield washer system for an automotive vehicle includes a washer fluid reservoir having washer fluid therein and a separator for receiving washer fluid from the reservoir and for adjusting the concentration of hydrocarbon additive within the fluid contained within the reservoir as a function of referenced temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle system controller for a vehicle having an engine, a motor/generator, and subsystem controllers is provided. The vehicle system controller includes a state machine having a number of predefined states which represent vehicle operating modes. The predefined states include a motor drive state, which represents a vehicle operating mode wherein the motor/generator provides all driveline torques. The vehicle system controller further includes a set of rules which define logical relationships between each of the predefined states. A set of commands, unique to each state, are supplied to the subsystem controllers. The commands are provided to the subsystem controllers to achieve desired vehicle functionality within the states, and to transition between different states.