Abstract: A method for controlling reductant added to an exhaust of an engine having a lean NOx catalyst and a particulate filter adjusts a reductant amount during particulate filter regeneration. The method adjusts the reductant amount to account for reducing agents released from the particulate filter that are experienced by the lean NOx catalyst. In addition, management of particulate filter regeneration is based on both an estimated amount of stored particles and conditions of the lean NOx catalyst. In this way, operation of both the particulate filter and the lean NOx catalyst can be optimized. Also, termination of particulate filter regeneration is determined based on operating conditions.

Abstract: A removable vehicular container assembly is provided that may be selectively secured upon a seat by the use of existing and standardized securing members. Container assembly may be utilized to securely maintain within the vehicle: various food and beverage containers, audio cassettes and compact discs, personal computing devices, and video gaming systems.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing fuel and reductant to a vehicle from a fuel dispensing station are disclosed which allow for providing both fluids to a vehicle equipped with a fuel and reductant tank and allows for providing only fuel to a vehicle without a reductant tank.

Abstract: A restraint system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of sensors for sensing vehicle conditions of restraint deployment thresholds. The restraint system also includes an electronic controller electrically connected to the sensors for determining whether one of the sensors experiences sufficient deceleration. The restraint system further includes at least one inflatable restraint operatively connected to the electronic controller for deployment thereby in a first stage if the deceleration warrants a first stage deployment and in a second stage if the deceleration warrants a second stage deployment when the sensors sense vehicle conditions achieving the restraint deployment thresholds to restrain an occupant in a seat of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An exhaust valve downstream of a diesel engine splits exhaust gasses between two catalysts. In one position, most of the exhaust gasses go to a first catalyst, and the remaining exhaust gasses, along with injected reductant go to a second catalyst. In a second position, most of the exhaust gasses go to the second catalyst, and the remaining exhaust gasses, along with injected reductant go to the first catalyst. In this way, a reduced cost system is achieved.

Abstract: A fuel injector system according to the present invention has a housing (52) having a valve assembly (56) disposed therein. A solenoid (54) is also disposed within the housing (52). A valve assembly (56) is disposed between an inlet port (82) and an outlet port (80). The valve assembly has a valve seat (74) having an opening (84) therein. A drive pin (108) extends at least partially through valve opening (84). A stop (78) has a spring (86) thereon. A valve element (76) is urged against the valve opening (84) by spring (86). The drive pin is at least partially coated with a lubricating coating. In the preferred embodiment at least a concave surface (144) of drive pin (108) is coated. In addition, a concave surface (140) of stop (108) is also coated. In addition, spring seat (79) may also be coated with a lubricating coating as well.

Abstract: A multi-functional radiator support assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. The multi-functional radiator support assembly includes a radiator support for operative attachment to forward end of the motor vehicle. The radiator support is made of magnesium or a magnesium alloy material.

Abstract: In an electric or hybrid electric vehicle, a voltage monitor (102) is directly coupled to a traction motor (38) and/or generator motor (30) to detect a permanent magnet induced voltage within the motor at a predetermined speed and no load condition (300). A controller (100) compares the detected permanent magnet induced voltage with an expected reference voltage that represents an expected permanent magnet induced voltage at full magnetization and the predetermined speed (302). The controller produces an indication of magnetization based on the reference voltage, the detected permanent magnet induced voltage, and the predetermined speed. If the indication of magnetism reaches a predetermined threshold, the motor is made inoperable and/or a current to the motor is limited to prevent damage to components (306, 308, 310, 312, 314). Preferably, a user of the vehicle is made aware of these actions by an audible and/or visual indicator (308, 314).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a variable compression ratio apparatus, a field-sensitive fluid coupled to the variable compression ratio apparatus, and a circuit for applying a field to the field-sensitive fluid to configure the variable compression ratio apparatus in accordance with a selected compression ratio of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly having an inner panel and an outer panel which is selectively coupled to the inner panel. The tailgate assembly further includes at least one stiffening member which is selectively and operatively contained between the panels and which increases the strength and durability of the tailgate assembly.

Abstract: An inflatable belt presenter for use with an occupant restraint belt of a motor vehicle has a stored condition wherein the presenter is deflated and allows the restraint belt to assume a stowed position, and a deployed condition wherein the presenter is inflated and urges the belt to a graspable position in which the occupant can more easily grasp the belt prior to fastening it. The presenter is inflated by a source of gas pressure carried on board the vehicle, such as a compressor, pressure vessel, or a seat-mounted bladder after an occupant has been seated in the seat and is ready to don the restraint belt. Inflation of the presenter preferably occurs upon activation by an electronic control system that receives inputs from one or more vehicle systems, such as a seat weight sensor, a door open/closed sensor, and/or an ignition switch. The inflated presenter is flexible and compliant enough that it will not cause any discomfort to the seat occupant if it should contact the occupant's body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston pump for increasing pressure for liquids, in particular for the camshaft phase adjustment of reciprocating internal combustion engines, said piston pump advantageously being integrated into the housing of the cylinder head. The piston pump for increasing pressure is defined in that it increases an existing fluid pressure to a required fluid pressure and keeps this pressure virtually constant. The piston pump for increasing pressure is advantageously pre-assembled in a sleeve.

Abstract: An automotive body includes inner and outer rocker panels, a floor pan joined to the inner rocker panel, and cross members extending laterally across a portion of the body. The cross members have energy-absorbing cross member extensions interposed between outboard ends of the cross members and the inner rocker panel, so as to provide a structure for absorbing impact loads imposed laterally upon the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an internal combustion engine system upon loss of a crankshaft position sensor signal produced by such system is provided. The method includes providing a control module having a central processing unit and a time processor unit associated with such central processing unit. The time processor unit has programmed into is a first code for operating the engine system in the presence of a proper crankshaft position sensor signal. The control module stores a second code for loading into the time processor unit to operate the engine system with the time processor unit upon detection of an improper crankshaft position sensor signal. Initially, the engine system is operated with the time processor unit executing the first code. The method monitors the crankshaft position signal for a fault. Upon detection of the fault, the method loads the second code into the time processor unit and operates the engine system with the time processor unit executing the second code.

Abstract: An early braking system for a vehicle having wheels comprising, a friction element, a brake pedal and a sensor. The friction element inhibits rotation of the wheels of the vehicle with the braking system having a dormant state wherein the friction element is at a first position spaced a first distance from the wheels. The brake pedal is adapted to be depressed to move the friction element into engagement with a portion of the wheels of the vehicle. The sensor senses an operational parameter of the vehicle. The friction element moves from the first position to a second position spaced a second distance from the wheels in response to a predetermined measurement of the operational parameter and before depression of the brake pedal, wherein the second position is closer to the wheels than the first position.

Abstract: A system (12) and method for determining a value for a control variable for an engine (10) are provided. The system (12) includes an electronic control unit (ECU) (62) configured to obtain a plurality of pairs of programmed timing values for the opening and closing, respectively, of an intake valve (30) and exhaust valve (32) in a cylinder (14) of the engine (10) responsive to different sets of engine operating conditions. The ECU (62) is further configured to obtain a corresponding plurality of conditional values for the control variable responsive to the speed of, and load on, the engine (10) and the plurality of pairs of programmed timing values. Finally, the ECU (62) is configured to determine through interpolation the value for the control variable responsive to the plurality of conditional values. The system and method enable accurate determination of engine control variables during transient conditions using existing engine data.

Abstract: An oil feed system for an internal combustion engine with a variable camshaft timing mechanism includes a bracket attached to the front structure of the engine at a final location which is determined in part by the interaction of the bracket and the camshaft adjuster to which it is furnishing oil. An oil feed spud which engages the adjuster will be ablated when the engine is initially operated, so as to provide a running clearance between the VCT mechanism and the oil supply spud, while the same time allowing piloting of the oil supply spud within the variable camshaft timing mechanism.

Abstract: A frame including a pair of rear frame rails having a front bracket and a rear bracket. A leaf spring is connected at a front end to each front bracket and at a rear end to each rear bracket, with the leaf spring having a longitudinal direction between the front bracket and the rear bracket. The longitudinal direction of the leaf spring is non-parallel to the rear frame rails. Each rear frame rail includes a notch extending between the outside face of the rear frame rails and the bottom face of the rear frame rails. The notch allows the leaf spring to rise to a level above the bottom face of the rear frame rails during jounce. The frame also includes an axle perpendicular to the leaf spring. A pair of shock absorbers are connected to the axle and an outside face of the rear frame rails.

Abstract: An intake/exhaust system and a method of controlling intake air temperature and pressure for a dual-mode homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine is provided. The system may include an air compressor including at least two output air flow paths, an intercooler for cooling air from one of the air flow paths, and heat exchangers for heating air from another one of the air flow paths. Control valves may be provided for controlling the mass ratio of air through the air flow paths to thereby control temperature and pressure of air supplied to the engine. The first air flow path may direct air to the engine via the intercooler and the second air flow path may direct air to the engine via the heat exchangers, whereby, air at first and second controlled temperatures and pressures may be supplied to the engine for operation in SI and HCCI modes.

Abstract: A method of operating a variable compression internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle includes the steps of determining a driveline surge based at least in part on operating parameters of the motor vehicle, determining a driveline surge tolerance based at least in part on one or more of the vehicle operating parameters, and selecting one of the compression ratio operating modes based at least in part on a comparison of the driveline surge to the driveline surge tolerance. With a variable compression engine operating in a high compression ratio mode or a low compression ratio mode, the low compression ratio mode is selected if the driveline surge exceeds the driveline surge tolerance. Otherwise, if the driveline surge is less than or equal to the driveline surge, then the high compression ratio mode is selected.