Abstract: An apparatus for detecting unwanted noise includes a reference sensor that generates a reference signal in response to stimulation by a source. A combined noise detector picks up a combined noise signal, which includes both background noise and the unwanted noise generated by the source. A noise separation synthesis device filters both signals to generate a coherent unwanted noise signal from the combined noise signal as a function of the reference signal generated by the reference sensor. A comparator determines the presence of unwanted noise by calculating the Kurtosis value of the coherent unwanted noise signal.

Abstract: A vehicle exhaust treatment system includes an emission control device featuring at least one upstream NOx-storing “brick,” and a downstream NOx-storing “brick” that is substantially smaller in nominal capacity than the upstream brick. An oxygen sensor positioned between the upstream and downstream bricks generates an output signal representing the concentration of oxygen in the device. A controller selects a rich operating condition to purge the device of stored NOx, and deselects the rich, NOx-purging engine operating condition in response to the sensor output signal, preferably after an additional time delay calculated to provide sufficient excess hydrocarbons to release substantially all stored NOx from the downstream brick.

Abstract: A strategy and control system for a variable displacement engine in which cylinder deactivation is obtained by intake cam phasing and exhaust valve deactivation. Fuel control for the engine and spark deactivation are sequenced with valve deactivation to avoid transferring engine exhaust gases to the intake manifold of the engine during a transition between full cylinder operation and partial cylinder operation. Excess air flow through the exhaust system for the engine is avoided during a transition from partial cylinder operation to full cylinder operation. These features achieve stable engine performance during the transition.

Abstract: A connecting rod assembly is provided for varying a compression ratio of an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft and a piston. The connecting rod assembly includes a first portion adapted to be connected to the crankshaft, and a second portion adapted to be connected to the piston and movable with respect to the first portion. The connecting rod assembly further includes a locking mechanism disposed between the first and second portions. The locking mechanism includes a rotatable locking element that is configured to lock the second portion at a first position relative to the first portion. Furthermore, the first position corresponds to a first compression ratio of the engine.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an engine (10) of an automotive vehicle has an air charge sensor (47) generating a first signal indicative of an air charge, a purge flow valve (74) generating a second signal indicative of purge flow. A controller (42) is coupled to the air charge sensor and the purge flow valve. The controller (42) is configured to determine a first amount of fuel to deliver to the cylinder based on the first signal and a desired air-fuel ratio. The controller is configured to calculate a first air-fuel ratio change value based on the first signal and is configured to calculate a second air-fuel ratio change value based on the second signal. The controller is configured to deliver a second amount of fuel to the cylinder based on the first amount of fuel and the first and second air-fuel ratio change values.

Abstract: A decklid and luggage compartment system for an automotive vehicle includes a luggage compartment located at one end of a vehicle and a decklid for closing the luggage compartment. A linked hinge moves the decklid translationally from a closed position to a raised position and axially displaced open position. The decklid maintains a common attitude in both the closed and opened positions. A combination load floor and bumper assembly having a load floor for the luggage compartment is mounted upon a sliding carrier for movement between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling first and second phase shiftable camshafts in a variable cam timing engine is provided. The method includes determining when the first camshaft is moving toward a first scheduled phase angle with respect to the crankshaft at a faster rate than the second camshaft is moving toward the first scheduled phase angle. Finally, the method includes slowing down the first camshaft so that the rate of movement of the first camshaft approaches a rate or movement of the second camshaft toward the first scheduled phase angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regenerating a particulate filter in the exhaust system of a diesel engine, an increase in the temperature of the exhaust gases being brought about by post-injection of fuel. The intake pressure (MAP) and/or the air mass flow rate (MAF) are reduced as a function of the ambient temperature of the engine and preferably also when the engine load is low by throttling the engine. In this way, the proportions of burned or unburned post-injected fuel can be stabilized.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating slip gain for use in the control of torque in a multi-phase induction machine. The slip gain estimate is based on a transient response of the induction machine to torque command changes. The invention is independent of machine parameters other than the slip gain. The method uses a slip gain estimation algorithm that is suited for use either as a self-calibration procedure or a background procedure that continually updates the slip gain during normal operation of the induction machine. The estimation method of the invention is suited for automotive driveline applications, which typically have limited sensor capability and which may present tuning problems associated with high volume production and with slip gain estimates when temperature changes during normal operation.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling fuel mass during transient engine conditions is based on an open loop transient fuel compensation algorithm so as to provide transient fuel compensations that address drivability requirements associated with the acceleration mode and deceleration mode of engine operation as well as the ease of the calibration during engine cranking mode.

Abstract: A vehicular bed assembly 12 and a method 100 for making the vehicular bed assembly 12 by a process which requires the use of a roll 103 of material 104. Particularly, material 104 from the roll 103 is continually fed through a stamping or mold assembly 110 which forms raised stiffening beads on the material 104. The material 104 is then continually fed through a cutter 118 in which the received material is 103 selectively cut, thereby forming panels or segments, such as and without limitation segment or panel 120, which are used to form the walls 14, 16, 20, 22 and which are further used to form the floor pan 18. In this manner, the methodology 100 allows for a variety of dissimilarly sized bed assemblies 12 to be easily and efficiently produced.

Abstract: An interior system for a motor vehicle comprises two front seats and a rear seat disposed rearwardly of the front seats and adjustable through a range of positions including a forwardmost and a rearwardmost position. The system also includes a first console disposed between the two front seats, the first console having a substantially flat portion located lower than the rear seat and in general lateral alignment with the rear seat, the flat portion further located proximate the rear seat when the rear seat is in its forwardmost position. The first console further comprises attachment provisions for attaching a second console to the first console at least in part upon the substantially flat portion. In another aspect, an interior system for a motor vehicle comprises two front seats, a first console disposed between the two front seats and a second console removably attached to the first console.

Abstract: A method of determining the type of fuel being burned in an engine by analyzing the signal provided by a exhaust gas oxygen sensor signal is disclosed. The determination is based on the ratio of the value of certain characteristics of the signal during the lean and rich portions of the signal.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method for controlling flow of gases through a passage between an engine crankcase and an engine intake manifold is provided. The method includes increasing a flow of gases through the passage between the crankcase and the intake manifold when a temperature of the gases is below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine to improve air/fuel ratio control using a feed-forward observer-based control strategy include estimating current and future airflow actuator positions, determining corresponding mass airflow values, and determining a future in-cylinder air charge based on a difference between the current and future mass airflow values. In one embodiment, the difference between current and future mass airflow estimates is used as a feed-forward term and combined with a sensed or measured value generated by a mass airflow sensor prior to being processed using a manifold filling model to predict the future cylinder air charge.

Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.

Abstract: A turbocharger system for a diesel engine includes an exhaust driven intake air compressor, a sensor for tracking the position of the engine's throttle and for generating a throttle position signal, and a water injection system for furnishing water to the engine's air intake. A controller receives the throttle position signal and operates the water injection system such that the rate of water injection will be increased in the event that the time rate of change of the throttle position signal indicates that the throttle pedal is being depressed at a rate exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An integrated heads-up display (HUD) and cluster projection panel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a housing and a display unit contained within the housing. The display unit has first and second pixel arrays which turn on and off for forming first and second image light beams in response to receiving light. A HUD unit is contained within the housing. The HUD unit has a first converter for transmitting light to the first pixel array of the display unit. The HUD unit further has a first projection optic for projecting the first image light beam from the first pixel array of the display unit onto a windscreen of the motor vehicle. A cluster projection panel unit is contained within the housing. The cluster projection panel has a second converter for transmitting light to the second pixel array of the display unit.

Abstract: A system and mechanism for lifting and lowering bicycles onto the roof of an automobile or other vehicle. A lift arm containing support brackets for holding the bicycle is fixedly attached to a rotatable shaft member positioned on the roof of the vehicle. The shaft member is secured to a bearing member at one end and a gear set mechanism at the opposite end. A crank arm member or motorized mechanism is utilized to operate the gear mechanism and rotate the shaft member. Rotation of the shaft member in turn rotates the lift arm member and lifts and lowers the bicycle onto and off from the roof of the vehicle. Support members for holding the handlebar and seat of the bicycle are attached to the lift arm member for securing the bicycle to it. When the bicycle is in position on the roof of the vehicle, additional bracket members secure the wheels to the vehicle.

Abstract: Described are cleaning methods and apparatus that minimize the volume of hazardous materials used and created when cleaning components, and further to minimize the possibility of cross-contamination between components from different deposition chambers. Components to be cleaned are stored within or supported by a dedicated cassette before they are placed in a receptacle of cleaning liquid. The cassette displaces a significant percentage of the receptacle's volume; consequently, only a relatively small volume of cleaning liquid is needed to fully submerge the component. In typical embodiments, the combined cassette and component displace a volume of liquid that is greater than the volume of liquid used to clean the component. One embodiment of the invention reduces the requisite volume of cleaning solution using a number of liquid-displacing elements (e.g., balls) contained within a cleaning receptacle.