Abstract: This invention is a method for determining the quality of lubrication oil added to a quantity of used oil in an operating engine or mechanism such as occurs during an oil change or when additional oil is added to maintain the vehicle manufacturer's specified total volume of oil. The method is based on identifying the electrical resistivity characteristics of the oil addition, representative of both the base oil formulation and its additive package, and, through comparison with previously-generated resistivity data on multiple oils identifying the oil addition. The added oil may then be compared with manufacturer specifications for the specific application to determine whether it meets recommended manufacturer requirements.

Abstract: Methods for operating a control system of a vehicle and vehicle systems are provided. A method includes receiving a first output signal from a longitudinal accelerometer during a first travel condition of the vehicle including a first vehicle speed of the vehicle and a first road grade substantially equal to zero, wherein the first vehicle speed is a constant speed and the first output signal represents a first measurement including a first vehicle acceleration component and a bias offset component, receiving a second output signal during a second travel condition of the vehicle including a second vehicle speed of the vehicle and a second road grade, wherein the second output signal represents a second measurement including a second vehicle acceleration component and the bias offset component, and determining the bias offset component and gravity component to obtain an estimated road grade factor.

Abstract: A method for identifying the location, orientation and shape of an object that a robot hand touches that includes using a particle filter. The method includes defining an appropriate motion model and a measurement model. The motion model characterizes the motion of the robot hand as it moves relative to the object. The measurement model estimates the likelihood of an observation of contact position, velocity and tactile sensor information given hand-object states. The measurement model is approximated analytically based on a geometric model or based on a corpus of training data. In either case, the measurement model distribution is encoded as a Gaussian or using radial basis functions.

Abstract: A method of starting a hybrid electric vehicle when a low voltage battery used for starting the vehicle has a depleted charge and a high voltage battery used for propelling the vehicle has ample charge to share. Assuming that other factors are satisfied, the system and method described herein may enable the high voltage battery to provide the low voltage battery with enough charge so that it is able to start an internal combustion engine but not so much charge that it undesirably drains the high voltage battery to a point where it cannot be replenished.

Abstract: A method for controlling operating mode of a vehicle having the electrically variable transmission includes requesting a shift in the operating mode of the transmission and determining if the shift in operating mode is desirable given vehicle conditions. If a shift is desirable then the system compares a timer value with a predetermined time value. The system instructs a shift in the operating mode of the transmission when the timer value is greater than or equal to the predetermined time value and instructs no shift in operating mode of the transmission when the timer value is less than the predetermined time value.

Abstract: A clamp is configured for compressing a section of a battery module. The clamp includes a body, an arm, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is operatively connected to the body. The arm is operatively connected to the body. The second jaw is operatively connected to the arm. Each jaw is configured to engage opposing ends of the battery module. The arm is slidably attached to the body to allow linear movement of the arm relative to the body along an axis. The second jaw moves with the arm a clamping distance between an extended position, for releasing the section of the battery module, and a compressed position, for holding the section of the battery module in compression between the jaws.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat of a vehicle, a safety belt, and a guide assembly. The seat includes a seat back and an attachment feature that is operatively connected to the seat back. The safety belt includes webbing that is configured to extend in a generally diagonal direction across the seat back. The guide assembly includes a clip, a cord, an attachment mechanism, and a breakaway mechanism. The clip is configured for operative attachment to the webbing of the safety belt. The cord operatively extends from the clip. The attachment mechanism is operatively connected to the cord. The attachment mechanism is configured for selective attachment to the attachment feature of the seat back. The breakaway mechanism operatively interconnects the cord and the clip and is configured to separate such that the cord pulls free from the clip upon the application of a force to the clip or the cord.

Abstract: A planetary carrier assembly for a transmission includes a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion. The first carrier portion includes a spider flange portion and at least one first carrier arm half extending along the longitudinal axis. The second carrier portion includes a park gear flange and at least one second carrier arm half extending along the longitudinal axis into abutting engagement with the at least one first carrier arm half. The first carrier arm halves and the second carrier arm halves are welded together at an approximate midsection along the longitudinal axis between the spider flange portion and the park gear flange portion to minimize internal stresses within the output shaft assembly.

Abstract: A cooling system for an electrically variable transmission includes an electric motor having a plurality of connectors. The plurality of connectors are each assembled within a plurality of connector openings in a terminal block. Fluid from within a passageway is supplied by a pressurized fluid source, and an orifice for the passageway is located adjacent to one of the plurality of connector opening. The fluid flowing from the passageway is directed onto one of the plurality of connectors.

Abstract: Engines and processes for their operation include a compressor cylinder, at least one power cylinder, and an expander cylinder. The outlet of the compressor cylinder is fed to the inlet of a power cylinder, and the outlet of the power cylinder is fed to the expander cylinder. The compressor cylinder and the expander cylinder are operated in two-stroke fashion, and the power cylinder is operated in four-stroke fashion, all of which cylinders share a common crankshaft. Heat may be recuperated from the exhaust gas and directed to the inlet gas of the power cylinder, increasing overall efficiency.

Abstract: A method of performing shifts includes determining whether a multiple-shift maneuver is needed, whether a single-staged input profile is needed, and creating the single-staged input speed profile. The profile is matched to first or second multiple-shift patterns, neither of which utilizes fixed-gear propulsion. The patterns utilize a quasi-asynchronous transitional shift event and an electric torque converter transitional shift event. The quasi-asynchronous event induces controlled slip to an offgoing clutch while providing reaction torque from the electric machines, and offloads torque from the offgoing clutch proportionally to reaction torque. The oncoming clutch begins slipping-engagement prior to completing offloading of the offgoing clutch. At least one of the offgoing and oncoming clutches has non-zero slip speed throughout the quasi-asynchronous event.

Abstract: An engine control system comprises an actuator control module and a tertiary injection module. The actuator control module provides secondary air to an exhaust system when a catalyst light-off mode is enabled and provides first and second injections of fuel to a cylinder during each engine cycle while the catalyst light-off mode is enabled. The tertiary injection module selectively provides a third injection of fuel to the cylinder during an exhaust phase of each engine cycle while the catalyst light-off mode is enabled. The first, second, and third injections are each separated by a period of time.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a fuel stabilizer system is provided. The fuel stabilizer system includes a fuel additive storage unit that stores fuel stability fluid. A fuel stability fluid supply system supplies fuel stability fluid from the fuel additive storage unit to a fuel storage unit. A control module estimates an age of fuel in the fuel storage unit and selectively controls the fuel stability fluid supply system to supply fuel stability fluid to the fuel storage unit based on the age of the fuel.

Abstract: An electromagnetic braking system and method is provided for selectively braking a motor using an electromagnetic brake having an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, a rotor assembly, and a brake pad. The brake assembly applies when the electromagnet is de-energized and releases when the electromagnet is energized. When applied the permanent magnet moves the brake pad into frictional engagement with a housing, and when released the electromagnet cancels the flux of the permanent magnet to allow a leaf spring to move the brake pad away from the housing. A controller has a DC/DC converter for converting a main bus voltage to a lower braking voltage based on certain parameters. The converter utilizes pulse-width modulation (PWM) to regulate the braking voltage. A calibrated gap is defined between the brake pad and permanent magnet when the brake assembly is released, and may be dynamically modified via the controller.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that provides engine starting from an electric-only mode with a reduced torque load on the motor/generator. The powertrain includes an engine and a motor/generator, which may be a single motor/generator in a strong or full hybrid, but is not limited to such. The motor provides propulsion torque in an electric-only operating mode, and is configured to apply torque to a transmission input member. A first clutch is selectively engagable to connect the engine output member for common rotation with the transmission input member. An engine starting mechanism is provided that multiplies motor torque used to start the engine so that less is diverted from propelling the vehicle, enabling a smaller motor/generator to be used. A method of controlling such a powertrain is also provided.

Abstract: A method of creating adherent, fracture-toughened polycrystalline diamond coatings on carbide cutting tools or other workpiece substrates through the development of composite coatings comprising polycrystalline diamond and carbon nanotubes is described. The coating is deposited through a chemical vapor deposition process using a pre-determined hydrocarbon-hydrogen gas mixture suitable for nucleating diamond on the carbide particles and carbon nanotubes on the metallic binder. The deposited coating, which may be up to 30 micrometers in thickness, is typically characterized by a diamond or diamond-like carbon matrix in which carbon nanotubes are distributed as fiber-like filler materials.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling two alternating current (AC) machines via a five-phase PWM inverter module. The system comprises a first control loop, a second control loop, and a current command adjustment module. The current command adjustment module operates in conjunction with the first control loop and the second control loop to continuously adjust current command signals that control the first AC machine and the second AC machine such that they share the input voltage available to them without compromising the target mechanical output power of either machine. This way, even when the phase voltage available to either one of the machines decreases, that machine outputs its target mechanical output power.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling two AC machines. The system comprises a DC input voltage source that provides a DC input voltage, a voltage boost command control module (VBCCM), a five-phase PWM inverter module coupled to the two AC machines, and a boost converter coupled to the inverter module and the DC input voltage source. The boost converter is designed to supply a new DC input voltage to the inverter module having a value that is greater than or equal to a value of the DC input voltage. The VBCCM generates a boost command signal (BCS) based on modulation indexes from the two AC machines. The BCS controls the boost converter such that the boost converter generates the new DC input voltage in response to the BCS.

Abstract: A system comprises a regeneration module and a diagnostic module. The regeneration module controls an electric heater to heat exhaust gas produced by an engine. The regeneration module determines when a regeneration cycle of a particulate matter (PM) filter begins by comparing a temperature of the exhaust gas input to the PM filter and a first temperature threshold. The diagnostic module determines a regeneration status by comparing a temperature of the exhaust gas output by the PM filter and a second temperature threshold during a predetermined period after the regeneration cycle begins.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an AC motor via an inverter. The method includes determining a delay-compensated offset based on a synchronous frame current, producing a current error based on a synchronous frame current and a commanded current, producing a voltage error based on an anti-windup offset and the current error, producing a commanded voltage based on the delay-compensated offset and the voltage error, and providing the inverter with the commanded voltage.

Abstract: An internal permanent magnet machine (“IPM machine”) of the type used, for example, with traction motors and hybrid electric vehicles, includes a rotor having a plurality of ferrite magnets arranged in one or more layers, wherein at least one of the layers includes rare earth magnets (e.g., NdFeB magnets) adjacent to the ferrite magnets to prevent or reduce demagnetization.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for communicating between a telematics call center and a telematics unit. A service communication is initiated from a telematics unit to a telematics call center responsive to user input. A text-based acknowledgment is received at the telematics unit from the call center in response to the initiation. A communication mode is established based on communication preference data in response to the acknowledgement. The method and system further comprises providing the communication preference data to the call center. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for communicating between a telematics call center and a telematics unit.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system is responsive to vehicle conditions to alter the response of the braking system for a given driver input. In one mode, the vehicle conditions are conditions that are indicated by sensor in real time. In another mode, the vehicle conditions are historical conditions, such as trends, patterns, etc. The braking system provides braking responses that are appropriate for vehicle conditions and enables personalization of the braking system to accommodate individual driver characteristics.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling a fuel cell stack. The cooling system uses vaporization cooling of the fuel stack and supersonic vapor compression of the vaporized coolant to significantly increase the temperature and pressure of the liquid coolant flowing through a heat exchanger. By increasing the heat rejection temperature of the coolant delivered to the heat exchanger, the heat transfer area of the heat exchanger can be reduced and the mass flow rate of coolant can also be reduced. The increased fluid pressure is used to circulate the coolant through the cooling system, thereby eliminating the circulation pump associated with conventional systems.

Abstract: A powershift gearbox includes a first and a second gearbox block in which respectively one gear from a first or second set of gears associated with each gearbox block can be passed between an input shaft and an output shaft of the gearbox block. The inventive gearbox comprises a slip-free clutch arrangement between each gearbox block and a common drive shaft of the powershift gearbox, that enables the input shaft of the gearbox block to be coupled to the drive shaft either directly or by means of a common slippable clutch.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas feedstream flowing past a gas sensing device disposed therein. The gas sensor includes an integrated electrical heating element which provides a resistance indicative of its temperature. An unknown input observer is used to determine the exhaust gas feedstream temperature based on the heating element temperature.

Abstract: A transmission having a shaft driven by a prime mover such as an engine or motor is provided. The transmission includes a first stationary element for supporting the shaft for rotation, and a torque transmitting device connectable to the shaft and rotatable about an axis. The torque transmitting device is actuated by a hydraulic fluid. A first passage is connected to the torque transmitting device and is in communication with the hydraulic fluid. The first passage extends radially inward from the torque transmitting device. A vent passage is located within the first stationary element and is in communication with the first passage. Rotation of the torque transmitting device about the axis separates entrained air from the fluid and urges air radially inward through the first passage and into the vent passage, thereby removing air from the hydraulic fluid and circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for dynamic voltage control of electric motors. An inverter provides an output voltage to an electric motor based on a gate voltage. The method includes determining a speed of the electric motor and modifying the gate voltage based on the speed of the electric motor. The apparatus includes a gate drive circuit and a controller coupled to the gate drive circuit. The gate drive circuit provides a gate voltage to a switch network, and the switch network produces the output voltage in response to the gate voltage. The controller modifies the gate voltage based on a speed of the electric motor.

Abstract: A copper tube with copper end pieces for a water-cooled secondary winding of a welding transformer is an example of a brazed assembly having a potentially corrodible side, the water-cooled side, and a low-exposure side, the air side or dry side, of the joined pieces. By shaping contacting surfaces of the parts at the brazed joint it is useful to form a barrier, for example, between a special braze material required for the corrosive side and a conventional, easy to apply, braze material for use on the air side of the joint.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is disclosed that utilizes a porous material internally disposed in the fuel cell outlet manifolds, wherein the porous material facilitates the transport of liquid water from the plate outlets thereby minimizing the accumulation of liquid water in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A software tool for manufacturing system performance analysis includes modeling and analysis functions. A modeling isolation layer provides user access to the analysis capabilities through object-based model building and analysis invocations. Various model, performance and higher level analyses are performed through analysis modules kept separate from any end-user application programs by the modeling isolation layer.

Abstract: A reaction vessel that integrates and balances an endothermic process with at least one exothermic process of the fuel cell system. Preferably the exothermic process is conducted in stages to provide more uniform and/or controllable heat generation and exchange, and to produce a uniform and/or controllable temperature profile in the endothermic reaction process. The invention allows for the elimination of the working fluid loop of prior art systems that had unsatisfactory response times at startup, and during transient conditions, and also added to the overall mass and volume of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A method of enhancing water management capabilities of a fuel cell is disclosed. The method includes providing a fuel cell component having hydrophilic or weakly hydrophobic surfaces, increasing a hydrophobicity of at least one of said hydrophilic surfaces and assembling the fuel cell component into the fuel cell.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to estimate a temperature jump (?T) of a catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine in the event of a change in the composition of the exhaust gas. To this end, a quantity of a reactand (SI) stored in the catalytic converter is monitored (2-7), and the heating (?T) of the catalytic converter resulting from the reaction heat released during the reaction of the stored reactand is assumed (13, 14, 16, 17) as the temperature jump (?T).

Abstract: A method of controlling a pump for a hybrid transmission includes commanding a first line pressure of the transmission and deriving a first torque value—an open-loop torque value—from the first line pressure command, and commanding the pump to operate at the first torque value. The method monitors actual speed of the pump and derives a second torque value—a closed-loop torque value—therefrom. A third torque value is derived from the first and second torque values, and the pump commanded to operate at the third torque value. A first speed value may be derived from the first line pressure command, and the second torque value derived from the difference between the monitored and the first speed values. Deriving the third torque value may include a substantially-linear combination of the first and second torque values.

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 method for joining first and second parts includes applying a structural adhesive, configured to form a permanent bond when subjected to a permanent-curing process, to one of the parts. A dimension-set adhesive is applied to join the parts, and is configured to fix the dimensions of the parts. The parts are not subjected to a mechanical fastening process or a welding process, and the structural adhesive is not subjected to a partial-curing process prior to the permanent-curing process. A permanent bond is formed between the parts with the structural adhesive by subjecting the parts to the permanent-curing process. The dimension-set adhesive may be isolated from the structural adhesive, or may be surrounded by the structural adhesive. An extended tab portion may be formed on one of the parts, and the dimension-set adhesive located thereon.

Abstract: A transmission connectable to an input member and having an output transfer gear, first and second transmission input shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.

Abstract: An engine control system comprises a fuel composition module, a comparison module, and a memory module. The fuel composition module determines a fuel composition and an amount of undesired fuel in the fuel composition. The comparison module compares the amount of undesired fuel to a misfueling threshold. The memory module records a misfueling event based on the comparison.

Abstract: A control method for an engine of a vehicle includes generating a brake value indicative of an operating condition of a brake system of the vehicle, and selectively adjusting one of a fuel control value of the engine and a fuel adjustment diagnostic value for the engine based on the brake value. In the method, a mass of fuel delivered to the engine is based on the fuel control value, and a diagnostic result indicative of lean operation of the engine is based on the fuel adjustment diagnostic value. The brake operating condition is selected from a group including a state of operation, a pedal displacement, an actuation period, a fluid operating pressure, and a power assist pressure. The fuel control value is provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing a commanded torque in an electric motor in a vehicle. A method comprises obtaining a torque command, obtaining a speed of the electric motor, and operating the inverter based at least in part on a voltage command that corresponds to minimal current through the electric motor for producing the commanded torque at the instantaneous speed of the electric motor.

Abstract: An autoswitching brake controller is provided for a vehicle having a first brake controller system and a second brake controller system. The controller includes an autoswitch relay coupled to the first brake controller system and the second brake controller system. The autoswitch relay is configured to receive an ignition signal from the first brake controller system. When the second brake controller system is connected, and the ignition signal is received, the autoswitch relay autodetects its presence and disables the first brake controller system, at the same time enabling the second brake controller system.

Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying a fault condition in stator windings in an electric motor. A method comprises applying a first signal at a first electrical angle to the stator windings and measuring a second signal from the stator windings in response to the first signal. The method further comprises determining a measured response for the electric motor at the first electrical angle based on the second signal and obtaining a nominal response for the electric motor at the first electrical angle. A fault condition is identified when a magnitude of the difference between the measured response and the nominal response is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: A method for controlling hydrocarbon delivery to a hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction device configured to receive an exhaust gas flow from an internal combustion engine includes monitoring measurable variable terms including factors affecting a conversion efficiency in the hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction device, determining classifications of the measurable variable terms based upon measurable variable ranges, determining a desired hydrocarbon delivery value range based upon the classifications; and utilizing the desired hydrocarbon delivery value range to control the hydrocarbon delivery to the hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction device.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating an internal combustion engine arrangement and to an internal combustion engine arrangement, which includes, but is not limited to an internal combustion engine, which can be operated with gaseous fuel, a pressure reducer for reducing the gas pressure of the gaseous fuel, which is fed to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an electric motor in a vehicle. A method comprises measuring current associated with a first phase of the electric motor using a first current sensor resulting in a measured first phase current and measuring current associated with a second phase of the electric motor using a second current sensor resulting in a measured second phase current. The method further comprises determining a target value for the measured second phase current based on a value corresponding to a peak current for the first phase and identifying a current sensor error based on a difference between the measured second phase current and the target value.

Abstract: A transmission connectable to an input member and has an output member, first and second transmission input shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a reverse shaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the transmission input members and the output member.

Abstract: A cruise control system comprises a passing detection module and a speed regulator module. The passing detection module selectively detects execution of a passing maneuver based on an accelerator pedal position (APP) measured by an APP sensor and actuation of a Set/Coast input to the cruise control system when a vehicle speed is greater than a target speed. The speed regulator module regulates the vehicle speed based on the target speed and updates the target speed to the vehicle speed when the passing maneuver is detected.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder spark-ignition direct-injection internal combustion engine is re-fired subsequent to a fuel cutoff event wherein fuel to all cylinders is cutoff. Re-firing the engine includes selectively firing individual cylinders during re-firing engine cycles exclusively at a predetermined fixed fuel mass until all cylinders have been fired at least once, whereafter subsequent firing of individual cylinders is not limited to the predetermined fixed fuel mass.