Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitor (TPM) installation tool adapted for use by a operator, and for installing a push-in style TPM within a valve stem opening defined by a wheel, wherein the tool is configured to provide mechanical advantage while assembling the TPM and wheel, and includes an elongated member configured to receive an applied force from the operator, a nesting fixture configured to retain the TPM in a relatively fixed position, and a wheel engaging member for securing the tool during installation.

Abstract: A transmission assembly includes a clutch housing, a gear arrangement disposed within the clutch housing, and a fixed component. A brake having a housing and a hub is also included. The housing is coupled to the fixed component and the hub is coupled to the gear arrangement. The brake is disposed external to the clutch housing and cooperates with the gear arrangement to provide at least one forward or reverse gear ratio.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a foam cushion, a flexible cover at least partially defining the outer surface of the vehicle seat, and a spacer fabric. The spacer fabric includes a first fabric panel operatively connected to the flexible cover, a second fabric panel operatively connected to the foam cushion, and an interconnecting layer. The interconnecting layer resiliently interconnects the first and second fabric panels.

Abstract: A tilt steering column assembly having a first housing defining at least one orifice disposed along a central axis and a second housing defining at least one hole disposed along the central axis is disclosed. A pin includes a body having a first end and a second end facing the first end to define a seam. A first tab extends outwardly from a segment of the first end and a second tab extends outwardly from a segment of the second end. The first tab abuts the second tab to define a portion of the seam with a remainder of the first and second ends being spaced from each other to define a gap and a remaining portion of the seam for providing a proper fit of the pin within the orifice and the hole by compensating for varying dimensions of at least one of the orifice and the hole.

Abstract: Mechanically interlocking releasable fastener systems include a reinforced shape memory polymer for forming one of the interlocking components. The reinforced shape memory polymer includes a filler material in the form of a fiber and/or platelet. The filler can include an electrically conductive filler, a thermally conductive filler, a dielectric fillers, and mixtures thereof. Also disclosed herein are processes for using the releasable fastener systems.

Abstract: A temperature estimation controller and methods are provided for controlling a torque command to prevent overheating of one or more of a plurality of phases of a permanent magnet motor. The temperature estimation controller includes a low speed temperature estimation module, a transition module and a temperature dependent torque command derater block. The low speed temperature estimation module determines a stator temperature of each of a plurality of phases of the permanent magnet motor in response to first thermal impedances measured for each of the plurality of phases with respect to a thermal neutral. The transition module is coupled to the low speed temperature estimation module and outputs the stator temperature of each of a plurality of phases of the permanent magnet motor as determined by the low speed temperature estimation module when a detected speed of the permanent magnet motor is less than a first predetermined speed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assisting the parking of a vehicle. The method includes determining a vehicle position relative to an obstacle. When the relative position meets a first set of criteria, a first torque pulse is delivered to the steering wheel in the first direction to cue an operator of the vehicle to turn the steering wheel in the first direction. When the relative position meets a second set of criteria, a second torque pulse is delivered to the steering wheel in the second direction, opposite to the first direction to cue the operator to turn the steering wheel in the second direction. A system for assisting the parking of a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a piston and connecting rod assembly in a cylinder of an engine block includes a frame, an installation rod and a guide defining a channel complementary to the rod. The frame is disposed about an opening at the bottom of the engine block and the guide is positioned on the frame in alignment with a cylinder. The installation rod is coupled to the connecting rod and the rod and the piston and connecting rod assembly are slid into the cylinder. The installation rod is received within the guide channel and maintains the connecting rod perpendicular to the crankshaft and away from the cylinder wall. As the connecting rod moves toward the crankshaft, the guide and rod move the connecting rod into proper alignment and contact with the crankshaft.

Abstract: A method for controlling motor, the method including, receiving a motor torque command, calculating a first current associated with the motor torque command, calculating an estimated first current responsive to receiving a first regulated voltage associated with the first current and a motor speed signal, subtracting the estimated first current from the first current resulting in a first current error signal, and outputting the first regulated voltage to a voltage controller responsive to receiving the first current error signal, the estimated first current, and the motor speed signal.

Abstract: Ozone and, if necessary, water is added to an exhaust gas, such as air, containing hydrogen- and carbon-containing molecules of a pollutant. The exhaust gas is then continually flowed into one or more oxidizing reaction chamber modules. In the reaction chamber(s) the ozone- and water-containing gas is subjected to intense ultraviolet radiation (wavelength of 254 nm) to promote the formation of hydroxyl radicals to oxidize the pollutant molecules to carbon dioxide and water. The continually discharged gas is analyzed for residual ozone and hydrocarbon content and the analytical data used in feedback control of ozone addition and UV radiation intensity.

Abstract: According to various exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided for mounting a rearview display and one or more electronic components in a vehicle. An example of the apparatus comprises an inside rearview assembly for mounting an electronic component near a windshield of a vehicle including a mirror and an adjustable support connected to the mirror. The rearview assembly also includes a bracket configured to mount on the windshield, including an attaching structure configured to attach the bracket to the windshield and a support frame coupled to the attaching structure. The support frame has a portion set off from the windshield to accommodate the electronic component between the windshield and the set off portion. The support frame is connected to the adjustable support.

Abstract: A method for identifying available parking spaces. The method includes receiving data about a parking space from a vehicle, the data including a geographic indicator associated with the parking space. The data is stored in a database of available parking spaces. A geographic location is received from a parking space requestor. The database is searched for an available parking space within a proximity of the geographic location. If an available parking space within a proximity of the geographic location is located in the database, a geographic indicator associated with the available parking space is transmitted to the parking space requester.

Abstract: A low inertia clutch and gear assembly for disposition on a countershaft of a dual clutch automatic transmission (DCT) includes a gear which is in constant mesh with a gear secured to the input shaft of the transmission and which is freely rotatably disposed on one of the countershafts or lay shafts. The lower inertia components of the clutch, i.e., the clutch hub and the smaller diameter friction plates are secured to the countershaft whereas the higher inertia components, i.e., the clutch housing, the larger diameter friction plates, the reaction plate, the piston and the return springs, rotate with the gear.

Abstract: A system for hydroforming a workpiece containing fluid at elevated pressure includes a die in which the workpiece is formed, a source of control pressure, a tank at low pressure, and a valve that includes a displaceable control element that alternately moves between an open state and a closed state, opening and closing, respectively, a passage that hydraulically connects the fluid in the workpiece and the tank in response to the relative magnitudes of a first force applied to the control element by the control pressure source and a second force applied to the control element by pressure of the fluid in the workpiece acting on the control element in opposition to the first force.

Abstract: An electrical charging strategy and system for a high voltage electrical energy storage system able to supply electrical energy to a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The system charges the electrical energy storage system so state-of-charge at the end of a trip is substantially unchanged. The strategy and system employs opportunity charging to achieve maximum energy efficiency of the hybrid system, thus minimizing fuel consumption and maximizing fuel economy. The charging system operation is controlled, based upon: the state-of-charge of the electrical energy storage system, and, the operating efficiency of the internal combustion engine. Battery life is likewise extended through use of this strategy.

Abstract: Transmission shift history is tracked using the current transmission state and the immediately preceding transmission state and the vehicle speed during a cycle of Neutral transmission state. Vehicular safety and convenience applications are extended to Neutral states of the transmission.

Abstract: Electrical measures of resistivity and permittivity of engine lubricating oil are gathered continuously under normal vehicle engine operating conditions and combined into a composite parameter, the aggregated electrical measure, which, is indicative of engine oil condition and when plotted over the useful life of the oil displays a first linear slope anticipatory of the end of oil life followed by a second, steeper slope indicative of the end of oil life. An algorithm, implementable in an on-vehicle computer, to reliably detect these features is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for pressurization of a fuel line of an engine. In one embodiment, a fuel charging system for an engine is provided. The fuel charging system includes a first fuel pump in fluid communication with a fuel tank to generate a first fluid pressure within a first fuel line. The fuel charging system also includes a second fluid pump having a reciprocating piston including a low pressure end and a high pressure end. The low pressure end is in fluid communication with the first fuel pump through the first fuel line and the high pressure end is in fluid communication with an engine fuel rail through a second fuel line. The reciprocating piston is driven by the first fluid pressure to generate a second fluid pressure within the second fuel line, wherein the second fluid pressure is greater than the first fluid pressure.