Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electrical steering gear for a motor vehicle, especially a passenger car, wherein an effective force applied to a steering linkage is detected and a tractive force applied by the electrical steering gear is preset based on the condition that a load acting on the steering linkage does not exceed a preset load limit value.

Abstract: A powertrain system including a multi-mode transmission is configured to transfer torque among an input member, torque machines and an output member. A method for controlling the multi-mode transmission includes employing a closed-loop speed control system to determine torque commands for physical torque actuators including the torque machines. The closed-loop speed control system includes employing a virtual torque actuator control scheme to generate torque commands for the physical torque actuators responsive to output commands for a plurality of virtual torque actuators.

Abstract: An air filter comprises a rigid, hollow body that may be spherical, cylindrical, rectangular or shaped to conform to available, typically underhood, space. If spherical, it may be .assembled from a first, lower hemisphere and a second, upper hemisphere which are secured together about their edges, by, for example a press or interference fit, an O-ring received within complementary, edge adjacent channels, an adhesive or autogenous bonding. Other shapes and configurations may be assembled from a body with, for example, a solid bottom and attachable lid, top or cover. The hollow body is filled with activated carbon filter media or passive fibrous filter media. The upper hemisphere, lid or cover includes an outlet and cap which reduces the possibility of ingesting water into the filter. The lower hemisphere or body includes an inlet fitting to which a hose leading to an outlet or vent in the powertrain component is attached.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a modular component, and a central operating system. The modular component is supported by the chassis. The central operating system includes a component control system, a primary master controller, and a secondary master controller. The component control system is configured for controlling the modular component. The primary and secondary master controllers are in operative communication with the component control system. The primary and secondary master controllers are configured to simultaneously transmit commands to the component control system. The component control system is configured to accept commands from the secondary master controller only when a fault occurs in the primary master controller.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is configured to operate in a homogeneous-charge compression-ignition combustion mode. A method for operating the internal combustion engine includes determining a desired effective charge dilution for a cylinder charge for a cylinder firing event. A desired air/fuel ratio, a desired intake air mass and a desired intake oxygen are determined to achieve the desired effective charge dilution for a combustion event. The desired air/fuel ratio is adjusted based upon a difference between the desired intake oxygen and the actual intake oxygen, and engine operation is controlled to achieve the adjusted desired air/fuel ratio.

Abstract: A method for managing communications from a device onboard a vehicle is provided. The method accesses a message transmitted from the device; determines whether the message is permitted; and, when the determining step determines that the message is not permitted, prevents the message from further transmission to an intended recipient device.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing control of a vehicle telematics unit using a mobile device. The method carried out by the system includes the steps of: determining a mobile device is configured to control a vehicle telematics unit; receiving at a call center a vehicle telematics unit (VTU) command from the mobile device instructing the telematics unit to provide vehicle data using short range wireless communication (SRWC); sending the VTU command from the call center to the telematics unit; and transmitting via SRWC the vehicle data.

Abstract: A method of controlling steering of a vehicle through setting wheel angles of a plurality of modular electronic corner assemblies (eModules) is provided. The method includes receiving a driving mode selected from a mode selection menu. A position of a steering input device is determined in a master controller. A velocity of the vehicle is determined, in the master controller, when the determined position of the steering input device is near center. A drive mode request corresponding to the selected driving mode to the plurality of steering controllers is transmitted to the master controller. A required steering angle of each of the plurality of eModules is determined, in the master controller, as a function of the determined position of the steering input device, the determined velocity of the vehicle, and the selected first driving mode. The eModules are set to the respective determined steering angles.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an error count module and a sensor diagnostic module. The error count module increases an error count when an actual air/fuel ratio generated by an oxygen sensor monitoring an exhaust system of an engine is different than a desired air/fuel ratio. The error count module selectively adjusts a rate at which the error count is increased based on an ambient temperature. The sensor diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the oxygen sensor when the error count is greater than a first predetermined count.

Abstract: Fit and finish methods using shape memory polymers (“SMP”) are disclosed herein. In an example of the fit and finish method, a first part and a second part are positioned adjacent to one another such that a shape memory polymer in a temporary shape is adjacent to a gap between the first part and the second part. The SMP is heated to a switching temperature of the SMP, which causes the SMP to initiate conversion to a permanent shape so that the SMP extends into the gap to close the gap between the first part and the second part.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed includes a product comprising: a fuel cell component comprising a substrate and a first coating overlying the substrate, the coating comprising a compound comprising at least one Si—O group, at least one polar group and at least one group including a saturated or unsaturated carbon chain.

Abstract: A vehicle having an item detection system is provided having at least one indicator for selectively emitting an alarm when activated, a vehicle alarm control module, at least one radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag, and a radio frequency (“RF”) interrogator. The vehicle alarm control module is in communication with the at least one indicator and includes control logic for sending an activation data signal to the at least one indicator to selectively activate the at least one indicator. The RFID tag is configured for receiving a query RF signal and transmitting a reply RF signal upon receipt of the query RF signal. The RF interrogator is in communication with the vehicle alarm and is located within a specified distance of the RFID tag. The RF interrogator has a processor, and includes control logic for transmitting the query RF signal to the RFID tag.

Abstract: A light-weight, sound-damped, composite brake rotor for a vehicle braking system includes a rotor hat and an annular rotor cheek supported by, and cast around, the rotor hat. The rotor hat includes an axially-protruding central hub and an integral flange that extends radially from and circumferentially around the central hub. The rotor cheek includes a top ledge and a bottom ledge that overly a top annular surface and a bottom annular surface, respectively, of the integral flange. An annular interfacial boundary present between an underside of the top and/or bottom ledges and their respective adjacent annular surfaces of the integral flange includes a vibration damping interface. The brake rotor derives its vibration-deadening and sound-damping effects from the vibration damping interface through the occurrence of relative frictional contacting movement.

Abstract: A composite separator and a method of making a composite separator are disclosed. The composite separator includes one or more electrospun polymer fibers and ceramic particles. And the method of making a composite separator includes electrospinning a first non-woven polymer fiber mat, applying ceramic particles over the first non-woven polymer fiber mat, and then electrospinning a second non-woven polymer fiber mat over the first non-woven polymer fiber mat and the ceramic particles. Once formed, the composite separator may be incorporated into an electrochemical battery cell of a lithium ion battery.

Abstract: Systems and methods to control compressor recirculation of a reactant in a fuel cell system. A recirculation valve flow setpoint value for a gas flow to the recirculation valve is calculated based on a received cathode flow setpoint. A value corresponding to a predicted recirculation valve position is generated, and can be used as a control command for changing the position of the recirculation valve to reduce the valve response time during operational transients of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for protecting private data on a vehicle. The method comprises receiving a first signal generated by a user of the vehicle and, in response to the first signal, deleting predetermined data stored on the vehicle to prevent the private data from being accessed.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes one or more locking mechanisms that engage one or more of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms during a start/stop event.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a water vapor transfer unit and a fluid flow distribution feature, the water vapor transfer unit including a first plate having a plurality of first flow channels for receiving a flow of a first fluid therein, and a second plate having a plurality of second flow channels for receiving a flow of a second fluid therein. The fluid flow distribution feature is configured to control at least one of a volume of flow of the first fluid through the first flow channels and a volume of flow of the second fluid through the second flow channels, wherein at least one of a flow distribution of the first fluid across the first plate and a flow distribution of the second fluid across the second plate is varied.

Abstract: An off axis hydraulic pump for an automatic motor vehicle transmission includes an integrated chain and sprocket assembly. A first, chain drive sprocket is mounted on a shaft driven by an input to a torque converter and a second, driven chain sprocket is attached to a stub shaft which drives the pump. A multi-link chain encircles the sprockets and transfers drive torque from the torque converter input to the stub shaft. The first, chain drive sprocket is retained on the input shaft by a retainer cap which includes seals between both the shaft and a torque converter housing. The second, driven chain sprocket is retained on the stub shaft by a snap ring or similar component.

Abstract: Steering wheels, steering wheel and steering column assemblies, and methods for assembling steering wheels and steering columns for motor vehicles are provided herein. In one example, a steering wheel comprises a hub that is disposed in a central section of the steering wheel. The hub comprises a tubular stem portion that has a channel and that comprises a wall disposed around the channel. The tubular stem portion is configured to operably couple to a steering shaft. A catch and a biasing feature are disposed along the wall and are cooperatively configured such that the biasing feature acts on the catch to allow the catch to move relative to the wall during assembly of the steering wheel to the steering shaft and urges the catch into an engaged position with the steering shaft when the steering shaft is proximate a seated position in the tubular stem portion.

Abstract: A barrier layer for a fuel cell assembly is disclosed, the barrier layer having a thermally insulating layer having a first surface and a second surface, and an electrically conducting layer formed on the first surface of the thermally insulating layer. The thermally insulating layer may include a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, and the electrically conducting layer may be formed on a second surface of the thermally insulating layer and on the walls of the thermally insulating layer forming the apertures.

Abstract: A particulate filter is monitored for a particulate matter load when fluidly coupled to an internal combustion engine. Monitoring of the particulate filter is achieved by determining a rate of production of particulate matter from the internal combustion engine, a rate of capture of the particulate matter within the particulate filter, a regeneration rate for the particulate filter, and an amount of particulate matter collected in the particulate filter.

Abstract: A method of controlling the ventilation system for an energy source in a fuel cell vehicle is disclosed, which includes an HVAC system, a fluid reserve, and a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), capable of controlling a temperature of the RESS to militate against damage to or a shortened life of the battery, while maximizing vehicle durability, efficiency, performance, and passenger comfort.

Abstract: A method to control a non-linear system includes operating a learning cycle to approximate characteristics of the system and, once the learning cycle is complete, operating the system based upon the characteristics. The learning cycle includes monitoring operation of the system, approximating the characteristics of the system with a recursive least squares approximation based upon the monitored operation, comparing variance of the operation to a threshold variance, and completing the learning cycle based upon the variance exceeding the threshold variance.

Abstract: A piston ring has a body member for sitting in a ring groove of a piston. The body member has an inner periphery, upper wall, lower wall and an outer periphery. The outer periphery has a concavity therein for storing lubricant therein. The upper wall has an outer section proximate to the outer periphery is constructed to be resiliently flexible between a flexed and unflexed position such during a portion of a power stroke, the volume of the concavity to store the lubricant is decreased by the flexing of the upper wall to the flexed position for expelling lubricant therefrom to a wall of the cylinder. The wall resiliently returns to the unflexed position during other times to allow excess lubricant from the wall of the cylinder to pass into the concavity.

Abstract: An integral air vent and lamp assembly for a vehicle passenger cabin includes a rotary vent housing and a hub defining an opening centered on a center axis of the vent housing having vent doors which open and close to admit or block airflow into the cabin. A lamp subassembly is disposed within the opening. The lamp subassembly may include a push-button micro-switch and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A light diffusing lens and LED board may be positioned within a recess of an elongated T-shaped housing, which may include an axial member received by and rotating in conjunction with a gear element. The diffusing lens and LED board may be circumscribed by a bezel. A vehicle includes a power source, a body defining a passenger cabin, an air circulation device configured to move air to the passenger cabin, and the integral air vent and lamp assembly positioned in the passenger cabin.

Abstract: A pushbutton latch mechanism includes a module housing having first, second and third housing walls defining respective housing openings. The mechanism may be employed in a glove box assembly in a vehicle. An actuator is positioned at least partially within the module housing and defines an actuator slot. The actuator includes an actuator arm configured to be slidable relative to the second housing opening. A pushbutton is operatively connected to the module housing and includes a button arm configured to be insertable into the actuator slot and the first housing opening. Depression of the pushbutton in a first direction causes a first angled surface of the button arm to engage with a second angled surface of the actuator arm, thereby translating the actuator arm and a latch arm in a second direction in order to move the latch mechanism to an unlatched position.

Abstract: A method of increasing a current sensing range for a vehicle or other polyphase motor system includes measuring phase currents delivered to a motor of the system. A controller calculates an absolute value of each phase current, compares each calculated absolute value to a saturation limit to determine whether only one sensor is saturated, and extrapolates a phase current value of the saturated sensor. The calculated temporary phase current is used as the extrapolated phase current value for the saturated sensor, and a control action is executed using the extrapolated phase current value only when the calculated temporary phase current value exceeds the measured value for the saturated sensor and a sign of the calculated temporary phase current value matches that of the measured value for the saturated sensor. A system includes the motor, a power inverter module, phase current sensors, and a controller which executes the method.

Abstract: Vehicles, vehicle doors, and door handle systems are provided. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a vehicle door, a fixed door handle, and at least one pressure switch. The vehicle door has an outer door panel with an outer side facing an outside of the vehicle door and an interior side facing an interior of the vehicle door. The fixed door handle is at least partially disposed to the outside of the vehicle door. The at least one pressure switch is disposed in the interior of the vehicle door and is coupled with the fixed door handle such that an actuation force on the fixed door handle is at least partially transmitted to an actuation pressure on the at least one pressure switch. The at least one pressure switch indicates the actuation pressure for generating a vehicle command.

Abstract: A headlamp assembly includes a headlamp housing, a lens affixed to the housing, thereby defining an interior space of the assembly, and a reflector defining an aperture and arranged within the interior space. The assembly also includes a retention bracket mounted to the reflector and a first seal attached to the bracket for keeping moisture from the interior space. The assembly also includes an adapter element that can be fastened or unfastened at the bracket, and a second seal arranged between the adapter and the bracket for keeping moisture from an interface between the bracket and the adapter. The assembly additionally includes a light bulb mounted to the adapter and extending through the aperture toward the lens, and a connector establishing an electrical connection with the bulb. Furthermore, the assembly includes a third seal arranged between the connector and the adapter and configured to keep moisture from the electrical connection.

Abstract: A system and method for adapting a speech recognition and generation system. The system and method include providing a speech recognition and generation engine that processes speech received from a user and providing a dictionary adaptation module that adds out of vocabulary words to a baseline dictionary of the speech recognition and generation system. Words are added by extracting words that are encountered and adding out of vocabulary words to the baseline dictionary of the speech recognition and generation system.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure contemplate utilizing the communicative connections between a telematics service provider (TSP) and a telematics unit in a vehicle to schedule a remote reflash event, issue instructions to the vehicle to prepare for the remote reflash event, and to administer the remote reflash event. A TSP may determine that the vehicle is presently running software for which an update is desirable. Thereafter, the TSP may transmit instructions to the vehicle to make preparations for the remote reflash event. In some implementations, the instructions may cause the vehicle to obtain a higher level of battery charge during its next drive cycle or charging event in anticipation of the remote reflash event.

Abstract: Diffusion media for fuel cell is made by preparing an aqueous dispersion comprising a powder resin, a binder material, and a fiber material comprising carbon fibers, of these; forming a layer of the dispersion on a support; removing water from the layer to form a fiber layer; molding the fiber layer; and carbonizing or graphitizing the molded layer.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine is located within a cylinder of the engine. The piston includes a dish-shaped depression in a surface of the piston exposed to a combustion chamber of the cylinder providing a recess from a nominal top of the piston. The depression includes a depression boundary located at the nominal top of the piston and proximate to an outer diameter of the piston, an apex, and inclined walls connecting the apex to the depression boundary.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement is disclosed herein for an electronically actuatable door latch that controls a door of a vehicle. The actuator arrangement includes, but is not limited to, an actuating member that is connected to the door and that is operatively coupled to the electronically actuatable door latch. The actuating member is configured to actuate the electronically actuatable door latch when the actuating member is pushed in an outboard direction. The actuator arrangement further includes a bracing member that is mounted to the door proximate the actuating member at a position that is inboard of the actuating member. The bracing member permits a user to brace against the bracing member when pushing the actuating member in an outboard direction.

Abstract: A method to start operation of an internal combustion engine of a hybrid powertrain includes initiating rotation of a crankshaft of the engine with at least one electric machine in accordance with a first ramping profile until a first predetermined speed is achieved in response to an engine start event during a cold start condition. Engine speed is monitored and the engine is fired while controlling the engine speed to maintain the first predetermined speed with the at least one electric machine. The first ramping profile is adjusted at a rate corresponding to an estimated rate at which the engine speed is increasing during the engine firing. When at least one predetermined combustion quality parameter is achieved, the engine speed is controlled in accordance with a second ramping profile until a second predetermined speed is achieved based on controlling combustion parameters of the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for resistance welding with a welder includes a heat pipe including a hollow tube and a weld electrode fitted around a portion of the heat pipe. The weld electrode and heat pipe are conductively coupled to conduct heat across an inner surface of the weld electrode.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle, includes a rockback detection module and a starter disabling module. The rockback detection module receives a crankshaft position signal from a bi-directional crankshaft sensor and selectively indicates that a crankshaft of an engine is rotating in a first direction based on the crankshaft position signal. The engine rotates in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction when the engine is running. The starter disabling module disables current to a starter motor when the crankshaft is rotating in the first direction.

Abstract: System and methods for discharging a battery system in a vehicle are presented. In certain embodiments, a battery system included in a vehicle may include a high voltage cell stack and at least one access point configured to selectively couple the high voltage cell stack with a discharging system connector associated with a discharging system. The at least one access point may include a receptacle configured to receive the discharging system connector and selectively couple the discharging system connector across the high voltage cell stack to allow for electrical energy to be discharged from the cell stack to an external discharging system.

Abstract: A method of controlling a fluid pump to supply lubricating fluid to a plurality of fluid requiring components in a hybrid vehicle powertrain includes selecting a component-required flow rate for each respective component using a determined operating speed and torque for that respective component. Once the each component-required flow rate is selected, the system flow rate is set to the maximum component-required flow rate of the plurality of component-required flow rates. The fluid pump is then commanded to supply fluid to each of the plurality of fluid requiring components at the system flow rate.

Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having a planetary gear set with three input torque-transmitting mechanisms, such as friction clutches, to achieve torque flow through the planetary gear set to a countershaft gearing arrangement. The transmission includes an input member, an output member, a planetary gear set, an input clutch assembly having three input clutches and a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement is operatively connected with the planetary gear set and includes: at least three co-planar intermeshing gears, first and second countershafts, a first intermediate shaft and a second intermediate shaft concentric with the first intermediate shaft.

Abstract: An adjustment system for repeated adjustment of a vehicle seat having a seat part and a support element are provided. The adjustment system includes a seat actuation unit for adjusting a seat position of the seat part and a support actuation unit for adjusting a support position of the support element. The seat actuation unit and the support actuation unit are arranged in a common reach area and are positioned next to each other. A vehicle seat using the adjustment system, a vehicle having the vehicle seat, and a method for making multiple adjustments to a vehicle seat via the adjustment system also are provided.

Abstract: An active/passive system for managing the temperature of fluid within an automatic transmission includes two heat exchangers, an active solenoid valve and a passive wax motor valve. A first heat exchanger provides transmission fluid heating and receives a flow of engine coolant. A second heat exchanger provides transmission fluid cooling and is exposed to ambient air. The solenoid valve which is preferably driven by a signal from a transmission control module (TCM) and the wax motor valve cooperate to provide three states of operation: transmission fluid heating, that is, heat added, cooling, that is, heat removed and pass-through or bypass (without heating or cooling).

Abstract: A roof rack attachment assembly for a vehicle is provided along with a method of assembling a vehicle having a roof panel capable of receiving a roof rack attachment at a predetermined attachment point is provided. The vehicle may include a roof panel defining a plurality of elongated grooves. The assembly may include a groove applique disposed within and along the length of each of the elongated grooves. The groove applique may be secured within each of the elongated grooves with a plurality of securing components placed along the length of the elongated groove. A plurality of attachment features may be coupled to the groove applique at predetermined locations, defining a predetermined attachment point for a vehicle roof rack. The roof rack assembly allows a roof rack of any style to be added, removed, or replaced at the each of the predetermined attachment points throughout the life of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a microporous polymer separator disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and a polymer having a chelating agent tethered thereto. The polymer is incorporated into the lithium ion battery such that the chelating agent complexes with metal cations in a manner sufficient to not affect movement of lithium ions across the microporous polymer separator during operation of the lithium ion battery.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine operatively disposed therein. The engine generates exhaust gases. The vehicle further includes an alternator operatively connected to the engine. The alternator produces DC power. An ultracapacitor is operatively connected to the alternator to receive electrical energy therefrom. The vehicle still further includes an exhaust gas treatment system operatively connected to the engine to receive exhaust gases therefrom. The exhaust gas treatment system includes an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) device electrically connected to the ultracapacitor to selectively heat a catalytic exhaust system component. The ultracapacitor stores energy converted by the alternator from vehicle kinetic energy and releases the stored energy to heat the EHC.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a storage compartment includes a first component and a second component coupled to the first component. The second component is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the first component. A damper device includes a housing assembly supported by the first component and a finger attached to the second component such that the finger is movable with the second component between the first and second positions. The finger and the housing assembly are spaced from each other when the second component is in the first position, and the finger slidingly engages the housing assembly as the second component moves to the second position such that frictional engagement between the finger and the housing assembly dampens movement of the second component relative to the first component.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuating elements are commonly simpler and of lower mass than alternative actuator designs and may find particular application in the transportation industry. Such SMA-powered devices are usually reliable and long-lived but the phase transformations which occur in the SMA alloy and are responsible for its utility are not totally reversible. This irreversibility, a consequence of irrecoverable strain, may progressively degrade the long-term actuator performance as the irrecoverable strain accumulates over many operating cycles. Methods and devices for compensating for these effects and extending the useful cycle life of SMA actuators are described.