Abstract: An intrusion detector having a transmitter, receiver, detector, signal processor, and control unit is disclosed. The transmitter is able to transmit waves into a defined space and has a variable output power. The receiver is able to receive those waves after reflection. The detector is connected to the receiver and able to detect a signal based on a change in the waves after reflection, where the detected signal is representative of any motion in the defined space. The signal processor is able to process the detected signal in order to determine if an intrusion has occurred. The control unit is able to determine any change in the detected signal, and to increase the output power of the transmitter in response to such change. A method for performing such intrusion detection is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid driveline for an automotive vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and a power transmission mechanism for transferring torque to the traction wheels of the vehicle. An electric starter motor/alternator unit is situated between the torque input element of the automatic transmission and the crankshaft of the engine. A wet clutch disc assembly receives torque from the engine through a damper assembly. The torque output side of the clutch is connected to the rotor of the motor/alternator unit, which in turn is connected driveably to the torque input shaft of the transmission. The damper attenuates peak torque fluctuations of the internal combustion engine, thereby reducing the maximum torque transmitting requirements of the clutch. The damper and the clutch are arranged in a compact assembly within the stator and rotor of the motor/alternator unit.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus particularly suitable for nuclear magnetic imaging has a transmitter coil generating a plurality a first rf pulse and a second rf pulse having a repetition time therebetween. A first gradient coil is used to generate a first gradient waveform substantially centered within the repetition time. A second gradient is used to generate a second gradient waveform substantially centered within the repetition time. A receiver coil receives a resonance signal substantially centered within the repetition time. A controller is coupled to the receiver coil and forms an image in response to said resonance signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a strategy to start a parallel HEV powertrain engine while maintaining a smooth vehicle response to driver demand using the motor while simultaneously closing an engine disconnect clutch. In the preferred embodiment, the strategy starts an engine (based on, for example, driver demand), closes the disconnect clutch, commands a desired motor/generator speed, fuels the engine, calculates a desired engine torque and gradually reduces actual motor/generator torque while proportionally increasing actual engine torque until motor/generator torque is zero while maintaining vehicle velocity using, for example, a proportional plus integral controller. The prediction of a desired motor/generator speed can be: a trajectory comparison based on present and past vehicle velocity and acceleration or on vehicle accelerator position, or a determination of whether the vehicle is in speed control mode.

Abstract: An occupant sensor system 12 is coupled to an airbag deployment system 14. Occupant sensor system 12 has an occupant sensor 24 that comprises a seat belt and a plurality of wires extending a predetermined length within seat belt 26. Wires 28 are coupled to a controller 22 that is used to sense a changing electrical characteristic of wires 28 such as capacitance or inductance to determine the presence of an occupant. Controller 22 in response to the signal from occupant sensor 24 may then adjust the deployment of an airbag 18.

Abstract: This invention provides a new method and system to control strategies of a combined fuel cell and battery pack power system to produce an efficient and cost-effective powertrain with acceptable drivability and low emissions. The method and system provide strategies for vehicle start-up, power load changes, and steady state driving conditions. The strategies reduce vehicle maintenance cost by increasing the battery service life and fuel efficiency. Further, the strategies reduce vehicle cost by reducing fuel cell engine size required by a hybrid electric vehicle while responding rapidly to load changes. The strategies also provide increased fuel efficiency by recovery, storage, and re-use of the vehicle kinetic energy normally dissipated as heat during braking.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for evaluating the chemical deterioration of automotive engine oil over time. A change in oil quantity is detected and measured by an oil quantity sensor. Based on the change in quantity of oil, the level of chemical deterioration of the oil is inferred.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injection arrangement for the cylinder of an internal combustion engine, containing a fuel injector mounted on the cylinder head of the cylinder. A damping material in the form of a shim is arranged between the contact faces, extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the fuel injector, of the fuel injector, on the one hand, and of the cylinder head, on the other hand, in order to suppress the transmission of vibrations and sound.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus 10 for determining or identifying the torsional modes of a portion of a vehicle 12, such as a drivetrain assembly including a crankshaft 14, a driveshaft 16, a transmission assembly 18, and axles 24, 26. The torsional modes are discerned by use of the torque generator 14 such as an internal combustion engine, which is normally and operatively disposed within the vehicle 12, thereby obviating the need to replace the internal combustion engine 14 with a dynamometer and/or other type of signal generator assembly.

Abstract: A modular electronic control system for a geared multiple-ratio transmission wherein pressure profiles for each ratio shift actuator are used to provide seamless transitions during both positive and negative engine torque conditions to improve shift feel and responsiveness to ratio change commands. The system provides shift staging for sequenced shifts between ratios as well as for so-called “change-of-mind” shifts in which a sequence shift is interrupted as a new destination gear is introduced. A constant ratio change occurs during sequenced shifts. A change-of-mind shift can be performed directly where the new destination gear is commanded immediately. Independent pressure profiles for each clutch involved in a commanded shift are used to accommodate various types of shifts.

Abstract: An infinitely variable traction drive variator comprising at least one pair of toroidal discs with torque-transmitting traction rollers situated between the discs. As one disc drives the other, the effective radius of the point of contact of the rollers on one disc is decreased and the effective radius of the point of contact of the rollers with the other disc increases. The rollers are rotatably mounted in a trunnion which is pivotally mounted on a gimbal frame, which in turn is pivotally mounted on a relatively stationary gimbal support. Provision is made for adjusting the angularity of the frame about the axis of the discs, thereby creating an angular offset for the rollers, which results in a change of the effective radius of the contact at each disc.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for measuring mass of hydrocarbons from point source contributions to overall hydrocarbon emissions from an automotive vehicle at rest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for interrupting the regeneration of a particulate filter in the exhaust gas system of a diesel engine to protect the filter against destructive overheating. In this case, an electronic control unit calculates a desired mass air mass flow rate (MAFdes) based on engine speed (n), fuel supply (Fq) to the engine, and air/fuel ratio (A/Fdes). A mass air flow rate regulator controls the position of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve as a function of the difference between the desired mass air mass flow rate (MAFdes) and the measured mass air flow rate (MAFmes). An intake manifold absolute pressure controller adjusts the position of an intake throttle valve as a function of the difference between the measured intake manifold absolute pressure (MAPmes) and the modified intake manifold absolute pressure (MAPmod). MAPmod is determined by a coordination module, based on the mass air flow rate error and other parameters.

Abstract: A method for improving a purge conversion efficiency of a Lean NOx Trap coupled downstream of a lean-burn internal combustion engine is presented. This method recognizes that during a purge of the LNT, its temperature increases due to the exothermic reactions in the LNT. Once the LNT temperature exceeds a certain threshold, further increases lead to a reduction in the NOx storage capacity, and therefore an increase in NOx emissions during the purge of the LNT. Therefore, it is proposed to cool the LNT temperature once the threshold is exceeded. This method improves emission control and fuel economy during purge.

Abstract: An injection pressure sensor (10) intended for use with a fluid source (12). The injection pressure sensor (10) has a sensor element (14) in communication with the fluid source (12) and in communication with a pressure reference source (16). The injection pressure sensor (10) also includes a sensor body (20) and a plunger element (26). If the injection pressure sensor (10) experiences high fluid pressures, the sensor element (14) can fail and fluid can escape past the sensor element (14). When the sensor element (14) fails, the plunger element (26) moves from an inactive position (28) into an active position (32). When the plunger element (26) is in the active position (32), fluid is generally prevented from escaping the sensor body (20).

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator 10 for opening and closing a cylinder valve 14. The actuator includes an opening coil 20, a closing coil 22, a magnetic armature 26 which is disposed between coils 20, 22 and which is fixedly attached to the stem or shaft portion 28 of valve 14, a pair of conventional valve springs 30, 32, and a pair of pneumatic dampers or air cushioning assemblies 34, 36. Pneumatic dampers 34, 36 are effective to selectively decelerate the moving components of the actuator as they approach their respective seats during valve opening and valve closing events, thereby substantially reducing noise and vibration harshness (“NVH”).

Abstract: An exhaust system hanger isolator supports exhaust system components on a vehicle in a manner to reduce noise and vibration. The isolator includes a bracket having first and second apertures formed therethrough at opposing ends of the bracket. First and second rubber grommets are received within the first and second apertures, respectively. The first and second rubber grommets have chamfered ends to facilitate push-in insertion into the apertures, and the first and second rubber grommets each have a central opening to receive headed attachment rods therein.

Abstract: An active, resettable head restraint system includes a collision prediction system for detecting objects approaching the vehicle from the rear, a pressure tank containing a quantity of pressurized air, a motor-driven compressor for maintaining a desired pressure in the tank, and an expandable headrest. The headrest comprises a base mounted to the seat back in conventionally known fashion, a pad connected to the base for movement between a rearward pre-deployment position and a forward deployed position, and at least one inflatable bladder located between the base and the pad. The bladder is connected with the pressure tank for inflation when activated by the collision prediction system. When in the deflated condition, the bladder is substantially contained within the base, and the headrest has a relatively narrow pre-deployment configuration.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for controlling an engine low oil pressure indicator in a hybrid electric vehicle includes a powertrain having an engine and an electric traction motor, an oil pressure sensor/sending unit mechanically connected to the engine, an engine speed sensor/sending unit mechanically connected to the engine, a controller having connections to the oil pressure sensor and engine speed sensor, a low oil pressure indicator electrically connected to the controller, a mode selector having modes for “off” and “run/start”, the controller being configured to prevent activation of the low oil pressure indicator when the mode selector is in the “run/start” mode and the engine is not running.

Abstract: The invention is a method of manufacturing a three-way catalyst and the catalyst as well as its use for treating exhaust gas generated by a gasoline internal combustion engine. The catalyst composition comprises a mixture of particles of three different materials. More specifically, it includes a mixture of calcined ceria/zirconia particles impregnated with platinum together with palladium, other calcined ceria/zirconia particles impregnated with only rhodium precious metal, and alumina particles not impregnated with precious metal.