Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes and internal combustion engine, an energy storage device, an electro-mechanical transmission having at least one electric machine rotatably coupled to the engine. The electro-mechanical transmission is selectively controllably operative to transmit torque among the engine and the at least one electric machine. A method to start operation of the internal combustion engine includes initiating rotation of a crankshaft of the engine with the at least one electric machine until a first predetermined crankshaft speed is achieved, firing the engine while controlling engine speed with the at least one electric machine until a flare threshold occurs, controlling the engine speed without any interaction from the at least one electric machine based on controlling combustion parameters of the engine, and when a predetermined condition occurs, controlling the engine speed with the at least one electric machine while the engine is still firing.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a first electric motor, a second electric motor and a transmission. The first electric motor includes an interchangeable winding set to provide the required power for the specific propulsion configuration utilized to propel the vehicle, i.e., a hybrid propulsion configuration or a full electric propulsion configuration. The transmission is operable in different powerflows to support operation of the powertrain in either of the hybrid propulsion configuration or the full electric propulsion configuration. The same powertrain may be used for either the hybrid propulsion configuration or the full electric propulsion configuration by switching the specific winding set installed into the first electric motor.

Abstract: Three methods of fabricating an intermediate, center or combination gear for a stacked planetary gear assembly are presented. A first method comprehends forming male splines on the outer surface of the inner (ring) gear and female splines on the inner surface of the outer (sun) gear. The gears are then heat treated and assembled. A second method comprehends broaching internal splines in the outer (sun) gear as well as end milling, broaching or polygon turning face splines on one end of the outer gear and an opposing, adjacent end of the inner (ring) gear. A third method includes fabricating and heat treating the inner and outer gears. A small area of the hardened case is then removed by, for example, machining. The gears are mated, heated rapidly by a pulse of electric current and upset in the heated region.

Abstract: An energy absorber for an automotive bumper assembly having an impact beam includes a first component positioned adjacent the impact beam. The energy absorber also includes a second component positioned such that the first component is disposed substantially between the second component and the impact beam. The energy absorber additionally includes a locking feature configured to join the first component and the second component. A vehicle having a bumper assembly with such an energy absorber is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary belt drive tensioner including a damping mechanism decoupled from the torque output and pulley alignment of the tensioner such that the damping force and the torque output may be independently variable. The damping mechanism includes a shoe plate and at least one shoe set includes a damping shoe and a shoe spring. The shoe plate is operatively attached to one of the arm and the base, and the shoe spring exerts a radial load on the damping shoe in sliding engagement with the other of the arm and the base to generate a flexible damping force. In one embodiment, the rotary belt drive tensioner includes a damping mechanism containing three damping shoe sets positioned generally equidistant from each other on the shoe plate.

Abstract: A shutter system for controlling a flow of fluid through an entryway includes a plurality of louvers, wherein each louver includes a pivot axis and an actuating portion. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the system between and inclusive of fully opened and fully closed by rotating each of the plurality of louvers about the respective pivot axis. The mechanism is configured to engage each actuating portion and rotate each louver at a variable rate. A vehicle employing the shutter system is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft, a drive mechanism coupled to the crankshaft and an oil pump actuated by the drive mechanism. The engine also includes a vacuum pump actuated by the drive mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism, oil pump and vacuum pump are disposed in an oil pan and a housing disposed between the oil pump and vacuum pump configured to enclose at least a portion the drive mechanism and restrict a flow of oil from the oil pan into the housing to reduce aeration of the oil during operation of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An assembly for mixing liquid within a gas flow includes a hollow conduit that is configured for containing a flow of gas and liquid droplets. The assembly also includes multiple spaced blades and an impingement element. Each of the blades is operatively connected to and extends from the impingement element and is connected to an inner wall of the conduit. The impingement element is upstream of the blades in the flow of gas. The impingement element and the blades are configured to create a preferred distribution of the liquid droplets within the gas flow downstream of the blades within the conduit.

Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A subject matter of the application relates to a method for determining a speed of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the method includes ascertaining a first value of a distance traveled by the vehicle within a time interval on the basis of data ascertained by at least one first revolution sensor of a first tire of the vehicle and a second revolution sensor of a second tire of the vehicle; ascertaining a second value of a distance traveled by the vehicle within a time interval on the basis of data ascertained by a position-determining device; and comparing the ascertained first value and the ascertained second value. If a deviation between the ascertained first value and the ascertained second value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the method includes classifying a speed determined on the basis of the ascertained second value.

Abstract: The geometric stiffness of structural sheet metal panels, such as those employed in motor vehicles, may be increased, without major increase in the mass of the panel, by application of a coating of a structural polymer. However conventional means of applying such a polymer layer require multiple applications to achieve a desired thickness. By incorporating magnetic particles in a resin, and subjecting the resin to a magnetic field as it is applied, the desired thickness may be achieved in a single application. Embodiments appropriate to the application of such a resin to both magnetic and non-magnetic materials are described.

Abstract: A mechanism for installing a spring in a vehicle decklid includes a bracket supported on the decklid to rotate about an axis, including a leg extending radially from the axis, a spring secured to the bracket, a stop, and an attachment engaged with the bracket for rotating the bracket about the axis and extending the spring to an installed position where a force applied by the spring to the leg forces the bracket into contact with the stop, said contact preventing rotation of the bracket in a direction that extends the spring.

Abstract: A combined water drain and diluent gas purge valve routes fluid from the anode side of a fuel cell to the cathode inlet. When a purge of diluent gas is requested, the valve opens, draining any liquid present in the sump of a water separation device, for example. After the liquid has drained, the diluent gas is purged. An anode bleed model using fuel injector feedback can determine the amount of gas exiting the valve, and can request the valve to close once the required amount of diluent is purged. During operation, an amount of hydrogen may exit the valve. Hydrogen passing through the valve can be catalytically consumed once it reaches the cathode electrode, causing the cathode exhaust, and the fuel cell exhaust to have a reduced hydrogen content.

Abstract: A mount for a rearview mirror includes a base having a bottom surface for adhesive attachment to a windshield glass, a top surface, opposed side surfaces with dovetail walls, and end walls. A mirror mount has dovetail engaging sidewalls that slide onto the dovetail walls of the base. A locking lever is pivotally mounted on the mirror mount and has a cam surface thereon that swings into engagement with the top surface of the base to lock the mirror mount against sliding movement on the base so that the mirror mount is thereby mounted on the base. The locking lever has a handle portion that is flush with a surface of the mirror mount when the cam surface of the locking lever engages with the top surface to provide tactile and visible feedback that the mirror has been properly mounted on the base.

Abstract: A vehicle structure comprising a body including a wheel house, a fender and an energy absorption member. The fender has an exposed A-side surface and an opposed B-side surface, with the fender including a laterally inner edge extending fore-and-aft that defines a portion of a hood opening, and the B-side surface adjacent to the laterally inner edge spaced from the wheel house in a vertical direction to define a crush gap. The energy absorption member is located in the crush gap between the wheel house and the fender, with the energy absorption member having a fender attachment flange secured to the B-side surface of the fender adjacent to the laterally inner edge, a body attachment flange secured to the wheel house, and an energy absorbing portion extending between the fender attachment flange and the body attachment flange, with the energy absorbing portion being curved in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine, an exhaust system including an exhaust passageway in fluid communication with the engine, an exhaust gas heat exchanger, a transmission having a transmission cooling system, a transmission heat exchanger, a heater core, a pump, and an engine coolant circuit. The engine coolant circuit provides fluid communication between the engine, the exhaust gas heat exchanger, the transmission heat exchanger, the heater core, and the pump. The exhaust gas heat exchanger is operatively connected to the exhaust system and configured to transfer heat between the engine coolant circuit and the exhaust system. The transmission heat exchanger is operatively connected to the transmission cooling system and configured to transfer heat between the engine coolant circuit and the transmission cooling system.

Abstract: A control method for a heating device of an oxidation catalyst is provided. The control method includes: estimating an accumulation of particulate matter on the heating device; and selectively controlling a switching device in electrical communication with the heating device based on the estimated accumulation.

Abstract: A water vapor transport membrane for a membrane humidifier and a method for making the water vapor transport membrane are described.

Abstract: Data collection and analysis processes include collecting energy consumption data from an in-vehicle energy source sensor, collecting emissions data from an in-vehicle emissions sensor, the emissions data reflecting emissions produced by a vehicle, and collecting mileage data from a mileage sensor in the vehicle. The data collection and analysis processes also include processing the energy consumption data and the emissions data as a function of the mileage data, calculating an efficiency rating from the processing, and transmitting results of the processing to a data collection system.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling a vehicle door includes upper and lower striker pins secured to a door opening, an upper latch assembly pivotably connectable to the door, including inboard and outboard latches, and a slotted hole extending between the latches and into which the upper striker pin is fitted, and a lower latch assembly pivotably connectable to the door, including inboard and outboard latches, a second slotted hole extending between the latches and into which the lower striker pin is fitted, and a second hinge pin secured to the lower latch assembly.