Abstract: A system 10 for controlling a transfer case clutch assembly is provided and is deployed within a four-wheel drive vehicle having a front driveshaft 22, a rear driveshaft 26, and a transfer case 32 which selectively provides torque to the driveshafts 22, 26 by way of a clutch assembly 38. System 10 includes a controller 40 which is communicatively coupled to the clutch assembly 38. Controller 40 receives signals generated by sensors 44-48, utilizes the received signals to determine the onset of a slip condition, and based upon this determination, generates a command signal to selectively activate the clutch assembly 38 effective to smoothly release torque from the front driveshaft 22 and/or rear driveshaft 26.

Abstract: A pre-crash sensing system is provided for sensing an impact of a target vehicle (46) with a host vehicle (12). The target vehicle (46) has side transponders that generate side identification signals. The host vehicle (12) has a remote object sensor (20) that generates an object distance signal in response to the target vehicle. A countermeasure system (42) resides in the host vehicle (12). A controller (14) in the host vehicle is coupled to the remote object sensor (20) and the countermeasure system (42). The controller (14) activates the countermeasure in response to the object distance signal and side identification signal.

Abstract: A method for improving NOx conversion efficiency of an exhaust gas after-treatment device is presented. The efficiency is improved by first maintaining the device at an operating temperature wherein improved storage of reductant is possible, and subsequently changing the temperature of the device to that where optimum NOx conversion efficiency is achieved, thereby obtaining and utilizing the conversion benefits of stored reductant.

Abstract: A rack and pinion power steering system 10 is provided and includes a variable orifice valve 22 which controls the flow of fluid in and out of a hydraulic cylinder 20. Variable orifice valve 22 is communicatively coupled to a source of pressurized fluid 30 by use of a conduit 42 and an electronically controlled valve assembly 38. The pressurized fluid received through conduit 42 controls the operation of valve 22. Based upon the pressure of the received fluid, valve 22 selectively increases and decreases the volume of fluid flow in and out of cylinder 20, thereby causing cylinder 20 to have enhanced damping characteristics during certain vehicle operating conditions (e.g., during relatively high vehicle speed operating conditions).

Abstract: A method and system for machining a cylinder head include loading a cylinder head into a first five axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine. A first fixture of the first CNC machine is then located against a top surface of the cylinder head such that the cylinder head is in a horizontal position. The first CNC machine then machines the cylinder head in the horizontal position. A second fixture of the first CNC machine is then located against a bottom surface of the cylinder head such that the cylinder head is in a vertical position. The first CNC machine then machines the cylinder head in the vertical position. The cylinder head is then moved into a second five axis CNC machine. A fixture of the second CNC machine is then located against a bottom surface of the cylinder head. The second CNC machine then machines the cylinder head.

Abstract: The privacy data escrow system (10) includes at least one data provider (12) having a plurality of privacy data records of a plurality of persons. Each privacy data record is associated with a unique person identifier of a person, and each of the at least one data provider (12) having a unique data provider identifier associated therewith. An escrow agent (16) is in communication with the at least one data provider (12) and is operable to receive and store, from the at least one data provider (12), the plurality of person identifiers, and a plurality of unique scrambled person identifiers and data provider identifiers associated with each person identifier (14). A database (20) is in communication with the at least one data provider (12) and is operable to receive and store, from the at least one data provider (12), the plurality of privacy data records, the plurality of scrambled person identifiers associated with the privacy data records, and the data provider identifiers (13).

Abstract: An automatic transmission ratio shift control system and method for a powertrain having a throttle-controlled engine and multiple-ratio gearing, torque flow paths through the gearing being established and disestablished by pressure-operated friction elements, an electronic controller for establishing torque transitions between the friction elements as ratio changes occur in the multiple-ratio gearing, the engine throttle being controlled by an electronic throttle control that is decoupled from the driver-controlled accelerator pedal, the transmission torque output being controlled by means of a friction element capacity control strategy including a feed-forward torque term determined by changes in commanded torque, the slip duration during a ratio change being controlled by means of closed-loop engine torque control.

Abstract: A ventilation system (11) is provided to prevent the buildup of gaseous fuel within the vehicle upon degradation of the performance of the various parts within the fuel distribution system. The vehicle (10) has a combustible gas fuel source within the vehicle. The ventilation system includes a fuel line (28) coupling the engine (18) and the gas source. A vent line (30) is coupled to a vent. A pressure regulator (56) and pressure relief valve (60) are coupled between fuel line (28) and vent line. When either or both the pressure regulator (56) or relief valve (60) become inoperable, gaseous fuel is coupled to the vent line.

Abstract: An energy control strategy (10) for a hybrid electric vehicle that controls an electric motor during bleed and charge modes of operation. The control strategy (10) establishes (12) a value of the power level at which the battery is to be charged. The power level is used to calculate (14) the torque to be commanded to the electric motor. The strategy (10) of the present invention identifies a transition region (22) for the electric motor's operation that is bounded by upper and lower speed limits. According to the present invention, the desired torque is calculated by applying equations to the regions before, during and after the transition region (22), the equations being a function of the power level and the predetermined limits and boundaries.

Abstract: Method of rapidly making casting, comprising: designing a computer graphic model of the casting; sectioning the graphic model into graphic members which are at least one of blocks and slabs; carving a solid member for each of the graphic members, the solid members being (i) constituted of a meltable or evaporative solid material (i.e. wax or polystyrene), (ii) proportional to and enveloping its corresponding graphic member, and the carving being carried out by accessing two or more sides of each solid member to at least essentially duplicate the corresponding graphic member; forming a mold around the pattern, and casting metal within the mold while removing the pattern from such mold either by evaporation during pouring of the molten metal thereinto or by melting prior thereto.

Abstract: A system and a method for operating an internal combustion engine at a six-stroke, eight-stroke, or greater number of strokes cycle is disclosed. The combustion of the fuel and air is accomplished in two combustion steps with at least one expansion and compression process in between the two combustions, with the second combustion occurring at a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. The first combustion at lean air-fuel ratio provides high efficiency. The products of the first combustion are subjected to a second combustion event at stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. Consequently, high conversion efficiency of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust aftertreatment device, available at stoichiometric conditions, can be achieved.

Abstract: An electrical machine (10) suitable for use as a starter/alternator for an automotive vehicle, has an inverter circuit (12), a rectifier circuit (14), and a stator circuit (16) that couples the inverter circuit (12) to the rectifier circuit (14). In addition, a switch circuit (18) having a first switch, switch A, and a second switch, switch B, is used to couple inverter circuit (12) to rectifier circuit (14). By controlling the operation of switch circuit (18) so that in a start up mode the switches are closed and in a generating mode the switches are open, a high output torque may be obtained from the electrical machine while a wide operating speed range may be also achieved.

Abstract: An electric machine in accordance with the invention includes a stator core having first and second ends and having windings therein with end turns of the windings protruding from the first and second ends of the stator core. A rotor is rotatably positioned within the stator core. First and second laminated aluminum ring assemblies are positioned against the first and second ends, respectively, of the stator core in contact with the housing. Thermally conductive potting material is positioned between the end turns and the respective first and second ring assembly at the first and second ends of the stator core, thereby creating heat dissipation paths from the end turns, through the potting material and the ring assemblies to the housing.

Abstract: A system or method for compensating for low vacuum levels in a brake-by-wire system includes continually monitoring the level of vacuum in a vacuum booster. The state or condition of the vacuum source is also monitored to determine whether it is on or off. When the vacuum source is off, the level of vacuum is measured to determine whether it is at or below a critical level. If the level of vacuum is critically low, the vacuum source is turned on. If the vacuum level is not critically low, the hydraulic boost gain is modified in order to provide more braking pressure in response to brake force exerted at the brake pedal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling temperature of an exhaust gas oxygen sensor in a system having a variable displacement engine include monitoring temperature of the sensor, comparing the sensor temperature to a corresponding desired temperature, and controlling the system to maintain the sensor temperature at or above the desired operating temperature. In one embodiment, the sensor is a heated exhaust gas oxygen (HEGO) sensor and the method includes controlling an integrated sensor heater to maintain the sensor temperature above the desired operating temperature. Depending upon the particular application, the system may also be controlled by controlling the engine to reactivate at least one deactivated cylinder to increase the temperature of the sensor alone or in combination with controlling an integrated or auxiliary sensor heater for systems using HEGO sensor(s).

Abstract: A method of controlling engine torque in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and multi-ratio transmission when launched from a neutral idle rest condition. At neutral idle, the transmission is controlled such that the input and output members are decoupled. During vehicle launch, two different strategies may be employed to control engine torque. One preferred method is to determine an engine brake torque limit as a function of time. Another preferred method to determine the engine brake torque limit is to estimate the torque capacity of the forward clutch at any given time using a mathematical model and a calibrated offset of turbine torque. Irrespective of the particular method used, the determined engine brake torque limit is compared to the corresponding engine torque amount that is requested by the vehicle operator.

Abstract: Methods of utilizing engine 15 crankshaft acceleration 17 to monitor cold start spark retard are presented. A first method utilizes a variance in a crankshaft acceleration based deviation signal 21 and looks for changes in the variance to confirm if cold spark retard has occurred by the ignition system. In a second method, a threshold level of a group of cylinder crankshaft acceleration deviation signals &Dgr;, can be detected and compared to a level of crankshaft deviant acceleration when normal spark is commanded to determine if commanded spark retard has been realized.

Abstract: A door checking and stopping apparatus for an automotive cargo door comprises a housing containing an energy storage device and guidance arrangement adapted to be rigidly mounted to a vehicular door, an arm containing a cam profile with detent positions, permanently pivotally connection to the body structure of the vehicle and configured to interface with the guidance arrangement in the housing, a striker device adapted to be rigidly mounted to a resilient member that is configured to constrain the striker from translational motion parallel to the arm centreline but to facilitate translational motion perpendicular to the arm centreline, a hook feature incorporated into the free end of the arm that is adapted to interlock with the striker, such that the resilient member biases the striker into engagement with the hook feature when the door reaches its predetermined intermediate stop position, providing adequate motion resistance until it is disengaged by simply forcing the resilient member so that the striker

Abstract: A method for operating a pre-crash sensing system for a vehicle having an object detecting system and an associated data storage. The method includes partitioning the vehicle operating environment into a plurality of zones wherein each zone represents a different area surrounding the vehicle. In response to detecting an object within any one of the zones, the method activates the zone, and modifies an state of the object detection system and the contents of,the data storage as a function. the active zone. In one embodiment, three zones are disclosed wherein each zone represents a spheroidal area surrounding the vehicle. When the furthest zone is active, all data within the data storage is given approximately equal processing priority. When the middle zone is active, the content of the data storage is modified to prioritize data regarding the detected object for processing.

Abstract: An energy control strategy (10) for a hybrid electric vehicle that controls an electric motor during bleed and charge modes of operation. The control strategy (10) establishes (12) a value of the power level at which the battery is to be charged. The power level is used to calculate (14) the torque to be commanded to the electric motor. The strategy (10) of the present invention identifies a transition region (22) for the electric motor's operation that is bounded by upper and lower speed limits. According to the present invention, the desired torque is calculated by applying equations to the regions before, during and after the transition region (22), the equations being a function of the power level and the predetermined limits and boundaries.

Abstract: A device for deploying the hood of an automotive vehicle upwardly in the event of impact with a pedestrian includes a hinge assembly secured to the vehicle structure below the trailing edge of the hood and a guide track extending forwardly. A hinge arm has a pivot end rotatably connected to the hood adjacent the trailing edge and a slide end engaging the track for movement therealong. A pyrotechnically powered actuator is mounted on the body structure in front of the hinge assembly and engages the hinge arm, the actuator having a retracted condition wherein the hinge arm is in the normal operating position and movable to an extended condition to urge the hinge arm to the raised position, the actuator acting along a line of action generally parallel with the track. During normal vehicle operations, the piston is retracted, the hinge arm slide end is adjacent the forward end of the track, and the pivot end is engaged with the retaining member permitting normal opening and closing of the hood.

Abstract: A mounting structure 10 having improved stiffness characteristics. The mounting structure 10 includes a pillar 14 which forms a portion of a vehicle body 12 and which operatively supports a vehicle door which is selectively attached to the pillar 14 by hinges 16. The structure 10 includes a pair of “closed-loop” beads which are formed around hinges 16, and which increase the stiffness characteristics of the pillar 14 and of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel is disclosed that is made up of a plurality of extrusions. A rim may be provided in either a cylindrical form or in the form of a series of arcuate segments. Rim attachment brackets are provided to secure spokes to the rim. Spokes are provided between the rim and a hub that defines an axle aperture. The rim is roll formed to form tire retention beads and the outer surface of the rim that's in the abstract.

Abstract: This invention is a method and system for a hybrid electric vehicle adaptive fuel strategy to quickly mature an adaptive fuel table. The strategy adaptively alters the amount of fuel delivered to an internal combustion engine to optimize engine efficiency and emissions using engine sensors. Before the adaptive fuel strategy is permitted, an engine “on” idle arbitration logic requires the HEV to be in idle conditions, with normal battery state of charge, normal vacuum in the climate control and brake system reservoir; and, the vapor canister not needing purging. The strategy orders the engine throttle to sweep different airflow regions of the engine to adapt cells within the adaptive fuel table. In the preferred configuration, a generator attached to the vehicle drive train, adds and subtracts torque to maintain constant engine speed during the throttle sweeps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a “lean-burn” internal combustion engine in cooperation with an exhaust gas purification system having an emissions control device capable of alternatively storing and releasing NOx when exposed to exhaust gases that are lean and rich of stoichiometry, respectively, determines a performance impact, such as a fuel-economy benefit, of operating the engine at a selected lean or rich operating condition. The method and apparatus then enable the selected operating condition as long as such enabled operation provides further performance benefits.

Abstract: A method of automatically generating and verifying programmable logic controller (PLC) code. The method includes the steps of constructing a neutral control model file, determining whether the neutral control model file is correct, generating PLC code if the neutral control model file is correct, verifying whether the PLC code is correct, and using the PLC code to build a tool.

Abstract: A method and tool are provided for manufacturing an outer race for constant velocity joints by plastic deformation of a preform having a cavity open on one side to produce axial ball tracks and cage guide surfaces. the preform is inserted within an outer tool. An inner tool is inserted within the preform. The preform is wobble pressed with the inner tool.

Abstract: An integrated battery tray and reservoir assembly 10 is provided which is adapted to be operatively installed within the engine compartment of a conventional vehicle. Assembly 10 includes a battery tray portion 12 having a back wall 14 which includes a generally rectangular cavity 16; a vacuum reservoir plate 18 which is sealingly attached to back wall 14 and which cooperates with back wall 14 and cavity 16 to form a sealed vacuum reservoir 20; a valve housing portion 22 which fluidly communicates with reservoir 20; a solenoid valve assembly 24; and a check valve assembly 26. A vacuum hub locks pulse supply line 30 is coupled to valve 24 and selectively receives vacuum pulses from valve 24. Assembly 10 further includes an engine vacuum line 32 and an HVAC vacuum line 28 which are fluidly coupled to vacuum reservoir 20 and which respectively provide and receive vacuum pressure to/from reservoir 20.

Abstract: A method and system for machining a cylinder head include loading a cylinder head into a first five axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine. A first fixture of the first CNC machine is then located against a top surface of the cylinder head such that the cylinder head is in a horizontal position. The first CNC machine then machines the cylinder head in the horizontal position. A second fixture of the first CNC machine is then located against a bottom surface of the cylinder head such that the cylinder head is in a vertical position. The first CNC machine then machines the cylinder head in the vertical position. The cylinder head is then moved into a second five axis CNC machine. A fixture of the second CNC machine is then located against a bottom surface of the cylinder head. The second CNC machine then machines the cylinder head.

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 method for determining an operational state of a vehicle starter motor coupled to vehicle battery includes the steps of detecting a vehicle battery voltage, deriving an average vehicle battery voltage, and inferring the operational state of the starter motor based at least in part on a difference between the detected vehicle battery voltage and the average vehicle battery voltage.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the operation of “lean-burn” internal combustion engines determines a current rate of vehicle NOx emissions, and determines a threshold value for permissible vehicle NOx emissions based on at least one current value for the intake air-fuel ratio, engine speed, engine load (e.g., brake torque, manifold air pressure, or throttle position), and/or vehicle speed. A differential NOx emissions rate is calculated as the difference between the current rate and the threshold rate, and the differential rate is accumulated over time to obtain a differential measure representing the amount by which cumulative NOx emissions have fallen below permissible levels therefor. Lean engine operation is disabled when the differential NOx emissions measure exceeds a predetermined excess vehicle NOx emission value. In this manner, vehicle NOx emissions are favorably controlled even when the engine is operated “off-cycle,” i.e.

Abstract: A method for preventing reverse running of an internal combustion engine includes determining the operational state of the vehicle starter motor, determining whether a stall or imminent stall condition exists, and suspending operation of the engine based on the stall or imminent stall condition.

Abstract: A method for producing a gear assembly 108 which allows for the relatively efficient transfer of energy. Assembly 108 is created by forming a first member 10 and a second member 40, by placing pinion support members 80 within the second member 40, by placing gear assemblies or pinions 63 upon each of the pinion support members 80, and by coupling the pinion support members 80 to the first member 10, thereby forming gear assembly 108.

Abstract: A fuel weathering method for an evaporative emission system of a motor vehicle includes determining a current temperature of liquid fuel inside the evaporative emission system, determining a fuel residency time representing the amount of time the fuel has resided above the current temperature, and performing a system diagnostic test of the evaporative emission system only if the fuel residency time exceeds a minimum fuel residency time.

Abstract: A method for minimizing evaporative fuel emissions of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, the engine having a combustion chamber, a corresponding fuel injector and a throttle valve assembly in cooperation with a corresponding intake manifold, the method including the step of storing fuel vapors that emanate from the engine to prevent “upstream” migration of the fuel vapors from the engine through the throttle valve assembly. The stored fuel vapors can then be released back into the engine for combustion thereby avoiding release into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A transformer cargo cover for a vehicle having an open cargo bed area includes a first and second lower panel each having an outside surface and a first and second upper panel each carried by and overlapping a predetermined portion of the outside surface of a corresponding lower panel.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a powertrain including an automatic transmission include determining a desired wheel torque, determining engine speed, determining turbine speed, determining a selected gear and associated selected gear ratio, determining a transmission spin loss based on a first function of the turbine speed and the selected gear, determining a transmission torque proportional loss based on a second function of the turbine speed and the selected gear, determining a desired engine torque based on the transmission spin loss, the transmission torque proportional loss, and the selected gear ratio, and controlling the powertrain using the desired engine torque such that actual wheel torque approaches the desired wheel torque. A transmission pump loss may also be determined based on line pressure and engine speed.

Abstract: An engine diagnostic system includes a bit-serial based recurrent neuroprocessor for processing data from an internal combustion engine in order to diagnose misfires in real-time and reduces the number of neurons required to perform the task by time multiplexing groups of neurons from a candidate pool of neurons to achieve the successive hidden layers of the recurrent network topology.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling engine torque in an internal combustion with a randomly operable intake valve and a selectable intake valve is disclosed in which torque is controlled via a throttle valve when the randomly operable intake valve is deactivated and via intake valve closing time of the randomly operable intake valve when the selectable intake valve is deactivated.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle. In particular, the method attempts to minimize transmission gear separation, or “clunk”. Under some circumstances, it is determined whether torque converter output speed has become greater than torque converter input speed while the torque converter was unlocked. Such a situation represents a change from positive powertrain output to negative powertrain output. If such a situation has occurred, under certain circumstances, the torque converter is then locked.

Abstract: A method for estimating pressure surround an engine uses a gauge pressure sensor upstream of an orifice and an absolute pressure sensor downstream of the orifice. In particular, atmospheric pressure can be determined when flow through the orifice is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A sensorless control system for an induction motor employs direct tracking of torque and flux regulation to achieve improved motor control without the need for transformation to the rotor flux related frame. A novel torqueflux dynamic model used to implement the control method employs stator voltage as an input, and achieves separation of torque and flux regulation. An alternate regulation method better suited for slow reference signals relies on a steady state solution of the dynamic model.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine in response to a transient load includes the steps of providing an air charge quantity required to produce a commanded air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber, providing a fuel quantity required to produce a commanded air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber, and displacing a quantity of the air-fuel mixture from the combustion chamber in response to the transient load. The method is especially advantageous for rapidly affecting engine response to transient loads resulting from sudden load change events, such as traction control, transmission shift and driver demand events.

Abstract: An engine control system of an internal combustion engine coupled to a NOx trap uses a integrated difference between NOx exiting the trap and NOx entering the trap to determine NOx storage capacity. NOx exiting the trap is measured by a NOx sensor downstream of the trap. NOx entering the trap is determined based on engine operating conditions. The values are integrated until the ratio of NOx exiting to NOx entering reaches a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A compression ignition internal combustion engine 7 is provided. The engine has at least one combustion chamber 10 having an air inlet 14 and an exhaust outlet 26. A dual fuel injector is provided having a mixing chamber 46 with an outlet fluidly connected with the combustion chamber 10 via a first valve 54. A liquid fuel line 64 is provided for delivering liquid fuel to the mixing chamber 46. The liquid fuel line 64 is connected to the mixing chamber 46 via a second valve 60. A combustible gas line 56 is provided for delivering compressed combustible gas to the mixing chamber 46. Upon an opening of the first valve 54, the liquid fuel is brought into the combustion chamber 10 by the compressed combustible gas.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper assembly is provided, including a tube member and a first energy absorbing element positioned within the tube member, including at least one flange portion that absorbs collision energy by deflecting vertically during collision.

Abstract: A mesh vehicle seat for a specialty vehicle is provided. The mesh vehicle seat has a base and back that are each covered by a fabric web. The base includes a seat form member and bottom plate that are secured together to retain the seat fabric web on the base. The back includes a back frame 26 to which a front and rear clamp members are secured to retain a back fabric web on the back. A concave lower back support is provided to impart a concave shape to the back of the seat in conjunction with concave lower portions of the front and rear clamps. The seat may be provided on a single pedestal base or a double pedestal base.

Abstract: In an electric or hybrid electric vehicle, a voltage monitor (102) is directly coupled to a traction motor (38) and/or generator motor (30) to detect a permanent magnet induced voltage within the motor at a predetermined speed and no load condition (300). A controller (100) compares the detected permanent magnet induced voltage with an expected reference voltage that represents an expected permanent magnet induced voltage at full magnetization and the predetermined speed (302). The controller produces an indication of magnetization based on the reference voltage, the detected permanent magnet induced voltage, and the predetermined speed. If the indication of magnetism reaches a predetermined threshold, the motor is made inoperable and/or a current to the motor is limited to prevent damage to components (306, 308, 310, 312, 314). Preferably, a user of the vehicle is made aware of these actions by an audible and/or visual indicator (308, 314).

Abstract: A catalyst assembly 16 for an exhaust gas system 14 for an automotive vehicle includes a housing 28 and a porous support structure 32 having a plurality of channels 34, 36. A plurality of catalyst pellets 50 are disposed within at least some of the channels. A retainer 54 is positioned adjacent to the support structure 32 for retaining the pellets 50 within the channels 34, 36.