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 method for obtaining an accurate cylinder air-charge estimate is presented. First, a sensor-based powertrain torque estimate is obtained. Next, a torque converter-based powertrain torque estimate is obtained when the torque converter clutch is unlocked. The two estimates are compared, and if they differ by more than a predetermined amount, sensor drift is diagnosed, and corrected.

Abstract: A method and system 10 for controlling a transfer case 32 of a four-wheel drive vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 includes a front driveshaft 22 and a rear driveshaft 26. Transfer case control system 10 includes a conventional microcontroller or controller 40 having a memory unit 42 and operating under stored program control. Controller 40 is communicatively coupled to sensors 44, 46, 47, to a driver-operated control 48, and to a transfer case clutch 38. Controller 40 operates transfer case 32 in several modes including an automatic four-wheel drive mode and a “locked” four-wheel drive high mode. Controller 40 estimates the amount of heat generated by clutch 38 by monitoring the difference in the speed between driveshafts 22 and 26 and by monitoring the position of the vehicle's throttle. Controller 40 automatically shifts from the automatic four-wheel drive mode to the locked four-wheel drive high mode when the estimated amount of heat exceeds a certain threshold level.

Abstract: A method for controlling air-fuel ratio of an engine coupled to an emission control device uses an upstream linear exhaust gas sensor and a switching downstream exhaust gas sensor. During stoichiometric operation, both sensors are used for feedback control. During operation away from stoichiometry, the downstream sensor feedback is disabled.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a conditioning catalyst positioned upstream of an oxygen sensor used for feedback control of an internal combustion engine include comparing shapes of an upstream oxygen sensor signal and of the signal from the oxygen sensor used for feedback control of the engine while ignoring the signal amplitudes and mean values. Operational efficiency of the conditioning catalyst is determined based on a measure of the relative similarity or difference between the two signals.

Abstract: A method of operating a variable compression, direct injection spark ignited internal combustion engine includes the steps of determining a demanded torque output of the engine, determining a current combustion mode and a current compression ratio mode of the engine; transitioning operation of the engine from the current combustion mode to a new combustion mode to produce the demanded torque output, and transitioning operation of the engine from the current compression ratio mode to a new compression ratio mode so as to minimize torque disturbances during the transitioning of engine operation from the current combustion mode to the new combustion mode.

Abstract: A system and a method to control torque during a mode transition in an internal combustion engine with a fully variable intake valve is disclosed. The mode transition may be a change in the number of active cylinders in a variable displacement engine, a change in compression ratio in a variable compression ratio engine, a gear change in a transmission coupled to the engine, a traction control event, and a rapid change in driver demand.

Abstract: A method of adjusting air bag deployment in a vehicle having a seat adjustable along a seat track and an adjustable pedal includes sensing the adjusted position of the seat along the seat track and sensing the adjusted position of the adjustable pedal. Air bag deployment is then adjusted based upon the sensed positions of the seat and pedal. Preferably, the air bag is deployable at low output and high output, and the adjusting step includes sending a signal operative to enable or disable the high output of air bag deployment.

Abstract: A coupling assembly 10 which selectively causes a primary mass or flywheel 20 be engaged or be coupled to a crankshaft 18 as a transmission gear assembly 23 moves from a first gear position to a second gear position and which further selectively causes the primary mass or flywheel 20 to be disengaged or disconnected from the crankshaft 18 as the vehicle is accelerated from an idle state, effective to decrease or substantially eliminate acceleration lag.

Abstract: The invention provides a strategy to stop a parallel HEV powertrain engine while maintaining smooth vehicle response to driver demand using the motor while simultaneously opening an engine disconnect clutch. In the preferred embodiment, the strategy stops an engine (based on, for example, driver demand), disconnects the disconnect clutch to the powertrain, halts fuel to the engine, and predicts a desired motor/generator speed. The prediction of desired motor/generator speed can be: a trajectory comparison based on present and past vehicle velocity and deceleration or on a vehicle accelerator position, or a determination of whether the vehicle is in speed following control mode. The system can also add additional strategies such as accelerate the strategy if a vehicle brake is applied. The gradual takeover by the motor occurs by proportionally decreasing actual engine torque until engine torque is zero while maintaining vehicle velocity using for example a proportional plus integral controller.

Abstract: A multiple channel braking notification system includes an accelerator pedal and an accelerator pedal actuator for applying a variable force to the accelerator pedal. A forward detection apparatus is used to detect the relative distance and speed to a target vehicle. A controller monitors the relative distance and speed to notify the driver to slow down. Driver notification is accomplished by applying a predetermined amount of variable force to the accelerator pedal. The amount of force applied is proportional to the level of braking required.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system includes a forward-looking sensor generating a range signal corresponding to a distance between the host vehicle and a target vehicle. The forward-looking sensor also generates a range rate signal corresponding to a rate that the distance between the host vehicle and the target vehicle is changing. A controller is electrically coupled to the forward-looking sensor. The controller maintains a preset headway distance between the host vehicle and the target vehicle by adjusting the host vehicle velocity in response to the range signal and the range rate signal. The host vehicle may come to a full stop when the target vehicle is acquired below a predetermined velocity. If the target vehicle is acquired above the predetermined velocity, then a warning is given when braking is required.

Abstract: An overhead-view display system for a vehicle is provided. The display system comprises a reference vehicle indicator within an overhead field of view and at least three field of view display segments. Each display segment represents a physical region adjacent the reference vehicle and includes a first indicator adapted to display the existence of another vehicle within the region and the relative distance between the reference vehicle and the other vehicle. In another embodiment, each field of view display segment includes a second indicator adapted to represent a direction of change of relative distance between the reference vehicle and the other vehicle, and possibly the vehicle types. Thus, the disclosed display system communicates information on the vehicle's operating environment to the vehicle operator quickly, completely and with minimal driver distraction.

Abstract: The present invention related generally to a method for determining spark plug malfunction and more particularly to a method for determining spark plug malfunction in an internal combustion engine in which at least two spark plugs are disposed in each cylinder. In a dual plug configuration, a spark plug malfunction is detected by disabling one of the spark plugs during a test period in a particular cylinder. A misfire provides an indication of malfunction of the other spark plug.

Abstract: Two intake valves are independently operated by electro-mechanical actuators and activated by the engine electronic controller. One tumble-type intake valve and one conventional intake valve are provided in each cylinder. The valve members are individually opened and closed to achieve a desired air flow pattern in the combustion chamber to optimize combustion which increases fuel economy and reduces undesirable emissions. The opening and closing of the valve members depends on the engine speed, engine load, and other factors.

Abstract: A pedestrian safety device for mounting to an automotive vehicle has a relatively low-resistance mechanical response when struck by an object having the approximate width of a human leg, and relatively high-resistance response when struck by an object wider than a human leg. The impact energy management device comprises a backplate attachable the vehicle and a plurality of seesaw elements attached to the backplate for pivoting movement relative to the backplate. Each element has a first and a second contact end spaced forwardly from the beam. When a narrow object like a pedestrian's leg strikes the device, only one end of each seesaw element is urged toward the backplate and the element pivots with respect to the backplate to absorb energy and offer a relatively low resistance. When a wider object strikes the device, both contact ends of a seesaw element are engaged so that the element bends toward the backplate. The strain caused by the bending offering a higher resistance to intrusion by the object.

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 proposes adjusting the purge air-fuel ratio of the device based on its temperature. According to the proposed method, a less rich air-fuel ratio is provided at lower operating temperatures to reduce hydrocarbon emissions since within this temperature range air-fuel ratio does not have a significant affect on NOx emissions. At mid-range operating temperatures, the air-fuel ratio is gradually decreased (made more rich) to reduce NOx emissions. And, finally, at high operating temperatures, HC and NOx emissions are reduced, and therefore, the purge air-fuel is kept at a constant more rich value. This method improves emission control and fuel economy during purge.

Abstract: A method 500 and an assembly 200 for determining the presence of gaps located between a first portion 240 of a partially assembled apparatus 228 and a second portion 230. The existence and size of the gap may be discerned by use of a wireless gap sensor 309 which is engaged by the portion 230 as it abuts or comes into close proximity with the portion 240. Other methods 400 and 500 may be respectively used to respectively discern the existence and the size of a gap within an assembled vehicle and to measure the deflection of a portion of an apparatus, such as a vehicle.

Abstract: An occupant restraint belt for use with a seat of a motor vehicle has an inflatable section having a deflated condition wherein the belt assumes a stowed position and an inflated condition wherein the belt assumes a deployed position in which the belt is in a position making it easy for a seat occupant to see and grasp the belt in order to fasten it. The inflatable section is formed by sewing a layer of flexible material to the webbing that constitutes the main restraint member of the belt to form at least one gas-tight inflation chamber. The belt is inflated after an occupant is seated in the seat and ready to don the restraint belt. Inflation of the inflatable section 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.

Abstract: An acoustic suppression arrangement 7 for a component undergoing induced vibration is provided. The arrangement 7 includes a component body 8 having an interior surface 9 and an exterior surface 11 having a panel portion 20. A containment plate 24 is provided having a spaced relationship from the panel portion. A first projector 25 is connected to the component body panel portion 20 and extends toward the containment plate 24. A second projector 30 is connected to the containment plate. A connector system 39, 45 is provided to connect the containment plate 24 to the component body 8 while placing the first and second projectors 25, 30 in an interference fit. Vibratory energy of the component body 8 is dissipated by frictional contact between the projectors 25, 30.