Abstract: A method for implementing adaptive cruise control for a vehicle includes the steps of stopping the vehicle, determining whether a driver of the vehicle has taken a deliberate action to move the vehicle, and moving the vehicle, on the condition that the driver has taken the deliberation action to move the vehicle.

Abstract: An evaporative emissions system may include a first passage selectively providing fluid communication between a fuel vapor region of a vehicle fuel reservoir and an engine air intake system, a second passage in fluid communication with the fuel vapor region and ambient air, and a filter assembly. The filter assembly may be impermeable to at least one of oxygen and hydrocarbons and may be located in the second passage between the fuel vapor region and ambient air. The filter assembly may prevent the at least one of oxygen and hydrocarbons from traveling between the fuel vapor region and ambient air.

Abstract: A storage vessel, such as vessels used in storing high pressure gas is provided. The storage vessel includes a liner having a center portion and a first and second end dome. A first composite layer is disposed circumferentially about the center portion. A second composite layer is disposed about said first composite layer and the first and second end dome. In some embodiments, the second composite layer is formed from a knitted or braided sleeve that is tightened over the liner and first composite layer by pulling the sleeve.

Abstract: A rotor for an electric machine includes a plurality of magnet stacks having at least five permanent magnets formed into a skew pattern within each of the magnet stacks. The skew pattern has a skew angle and at least two skew steps, and is an angle of rotation about the axis between individual magnets adjacent to the skew steps. The skew pattern may be an axially-symmetric V-shape. The plurality of magnet stacks may have five, six, or eight permanent magnets therein. The number of skew steps may be equal to two or three. The skew angle may be calculated as 360 degrees, divided by the number of skew steps plus one, multiplied by the least common multiple of the number of rotor poles and the number of the plurality of stator slots.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing combustion within a direct-injection, internal combustion engine including a plurality of combustion chambers and operative lean of stoichiometry includes monitoring pressure readings in the plurality of combustion chambers across engine crank angles, estimating a mass fraction burn percentage for each pressure reading, determining respective crank angles corresponding to a predetermined mass burn percentage for each combustion chamber, comparing said determined crank angles for sequential ones of the plurality of combustion chambers, and indicating an abnormal combustion event if compared crank angles differ by a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle emission control method may include operating the hybrid vehicle in a first mode during which a combustion engine is off and an electric motor propels the hybrid vehicle. An electrically heated selective catalytic reduction catalyst (EHSCR) may be energized during the first mode. The vehicle may be operated in a second mode after the first mode during which the engine propels the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid powertrain is provided that permits operation in multiple fixed ratio modes appropriate for towing and other vehicle operating conditions in which relatively high output torque is required. The method includes establishing three different electrically-variable operating modes by engaging different torque-transmitting mechanisms in response to different respective vehicle operating conditions. The method further includes establishing at least two different fixed ratio modes by engaging another torque-transmitting mechanism in addition to the respective different torque-transmitting mechanisms engaged to establish the electrically-variable operating modes. A hybrid powertrain having a controller configured to control the powertrain to operate according to the method is also provided.

Abstract: A permanent magnetic machine includes a stator body having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of generally radial slots formed therein for accepting a set of windings having a first set of end-turns at the first end and a second set of end-turns at the second end. The stator body has a plurality of channels adjacent to the slots and extending from the first end of the stator body to the second end of the stator body, wherein the channels are configured to allow the flow of a cooling fluid therethrough. A plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the plurality of channels are configured to spray the cooling fluid onto the first and second set of end turns.

Abstract: A door handle assembly for use with a vehicle door comprising a door paddle including an actuation arm, supported to pivot about a first axis such that lateral acceleration of the paddle and actuation arm relative to the door produces a first moment about the first axis, and masses engaged with the actuation arm and supported to pivot about a second axis, the masses being arranged such that lateral acceleration of the masses relative to the door produces a second moment about the first axis that is substantially equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the first moment.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment includes a damped product. The damped product is composed of a sintered powder metallurgy material and has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a density that is greater in value that a density of the second portion. The different densities damp vibrations in the product when the product is vibrated.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include a crankcase ventilation assembly having a fuel separator assembly. The fuel separator assembly may include a condensing unit and a vaporizing unit. The condensing unit may include a gas region and a liquid retaining region. A gas inlet may be in fluid communication with the gas region and a gas flow from the engine block including fuel vapor. The condensing unit may convert the fuel vapor to liquid fuel. The first gas outlet may be in fluid communication with an engine air inlet and provide a remainder of the gas flow thereto. The fluid region may store and provide the liquid fuel to the vaporizing unit through a liquid inlet. The vaporizing unit may convert the liquid fuel to fuel vapor and a second gas outlet may provide the fuel vapor to the air inlet.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material includes a multiple transition metal-doped type I clathrate crystal structure having the formula A8TMy11TMy22 . . . TMynnMzX46-y1-y2- . . . -yn-z. In the formula, A is selected from the group consisting of barium, strontium, and europium; X is selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium, and tin; M is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gallium, and indium; TM1, TM2, and TMn are independently selected from the group consisting of 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metals; and y1, y2, yn and Z are actual compositions of TM1, TM2, TMn, and M, respectively. The actual compositions are based upon nominal compositions derived from the following equation: z=8·qA?|?q1|y1?|?q2|y2? . . . ?|?qn|yn, wherein qA is a charge state of A, and wherein ?q1, ?q2, ?qn are, respectively, the nominal charge state of the first, second, and n-th TM.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a method or apparatus for improving the electrolysis efficiency of high-pressure electrolysis cells by decreasing the current density at the anode and reducing an overvoltage at the anode while decreasing the amount of hydrogen permeation through the cell membrane from the cathode chamber to the anode chamber as the high-pressure electrolysis cell is operated.

Abstract: A method for managing electrical charging of an electrical energy storage device for a subject vehicle using electric power originating from a stationary source of electrical power includes providing a database including respective geographic locations of a plurality of electric power distribution subsystems, receiving a request from the subject vehicle for electric charging power, resolving a geographic location of the subject vehicle to a subset of the plurality of electric power distribution subsystems, determining an electric power reserve capacity for each electric power distribution subsystem in the subset of the plurality of electric power distribution subsystems, and allocating a magnitude of electric power for charging the subject vehicle based upon the electric power reserve capacity for each electric power distribution subsystem in the subset of the plurality of electric power distribution subsystems.

Abstract: Systems and Methods are provided for determining a position of an addendum mesh node disposed between a part mesh boundary and a binder mesh boundary with respect to a first plane. The method includes selecting a first point on the part mesh boundary and a second point on the binder mesh boundary having positions with respect to the first plane that are disposed on a control line which also intersects the position of the addendum mesh node with respect to the first plane, identifying a plurality of control points having positions with respect to the first plane that are disposed on the control line, and generating an interpolated curve that intersects the first point, the second point, and the plurality of control points.

Abstract: An engine control system comprises a model pressure determination module and a sensor diagnostic module. The model pressure determination module determines a modeled fuel rail pressure based on an injection duration of a fuel injector and a desired fuel mass injected by the fuel injector. The sensor diagnostic module generates a status of a fuel rail pressure sensor based on a comparison of the modeled fuel rail pressure and a sensed fuel rail pressure.

Abstract: A method and control module for operating an engine that includes a pressure range determination module that determines a pressure value for a pressure sensor in a fuel rail is out of range. A fuel rail pressure estimate module that determines a predicted pressure value. An engine control module that operates the engine using the predicted pressure value.

Abstract: An engine control system comprises a model pressure determination module and a sensor diagnostic module. The model pressure determination module determines a modeled fuel rail pressure based on a fuel pump flow rate and an engine fuel flow rate. The sensor diagnostic module generates a status of a fuel rail pressure sensor based on a comparison of the modeled fuel rail pressure and a sensed fuel rail pressure sensed by the fuel rail pressure sensor.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.

Abstract: A simulation tool includes a printed circuit board assembly or PCBA having a built-in USB communication port and a microcontroller. A host computer transmits user-selected configuration data to the microcontroller, which transforms the data into solid-state signals. These are provided to a power master module in an electrical bench or a test vehicle. A method of simulating a low-current ignition switch that is usable with the PMM includes transmitting user-selectable configuration data from a host computer to a PCBA having a microcontroller, transforming the configuration data into a set of solid-state signals simulating a desired set of power mode parameters, and transmitting the solid-state signals to the PMM to thereby simulate an operation of the low-current ignition switch.

Abstract: A seal for a vehicle having a transmission output shaft and a transmission output shaft housing is provided. The seal comprises a contact member at least partially surrounding and contacting the transmission output shaft, a support member coupled to the contact member, the support member at least partially surrounding the transmission output shaft and extending along the transmission output shaft, the support member coupled to the transmission output shaft housing, and an electrically-conductive surface overlying at least a portion of the contact member and at least a portion of the support member, the electrically-conductive surface contacting the transmission output shaft and the transmission output shaft housing.

Abstract: A method for controlling braking in a vehicle having a brake pedal includes the steps of obtaining a first measure of braking intent based on movement of the brake pedal, obtaining a second measure of braking intent based on a force applied to the brake pedal, controlling the braking based on the first measure provided that a transition parameter is less than a first predetermined value, controlling the braking based on the second measure provided that the transition parameter is greater than a second predetermined value, and controlling the braking based on the first measure and the second measure provided that the transition parameter is greater than the first predetermined value and less than the second predetermined value.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of a wheel rim comprises magnesium. The wheel rim has one or more flange(s) that are constructed and arranged to seat a bead portion of a tire. One exemplary embodiment of a wear resistant coating is located over the flange on at least a part of a section of the flange(s) that opposes the bead portion of the tire.

Abstract: A method for operating a charging stall having a known geographic location configured to electrically charge an electrically-powered vehicle includes communicating a first message to a remote access server from a subject vehicle, the first message including geographic location information corresponding to the subject vehicle, detecting a presence of a parked vehicle at the charging stall with a monitoring system signally connected to a monitoring controller, communicating a second message to the remote access server from the monitoring controller, the second message comprising the detected presence of the parked vehicle at the charging stall, resolving that the parked vehicle at the charging stall comprises the subject vehicle based upon the first and second messages, and activating a power access control device at the charging stall to permit electric power flow through a corresponding electric power outlet.

Abstract: A method and control module for controlling an engine includes a requested torque module that generates a requested torque and a maximum toque capacity module that determines a maximum torque capacity corresponding to a maximum torque capacity of the engine. A launch trim torque threshold determination module determines a launch trim torque threshold. A comparison module that compares the requested torque and the launch trim torque threshold. An output module that applies a fast rate limit to the requested torque up to the launch trim threshold when the requested torque is less than the launch trim torque threshold and a shower rate limited torque request when the requested torque is greater than the launch trim torque threshold.

Abstract: A trim panel for a vehicle interior provides a distinctive ambient lighting effect. The trim panel has an opening therein and an illuminated insert panel is mounted on the trim panel within the opening. The insert panel is molded of a clear plastic material and has a front face located in the opening and a painted or other rear reflective surface. The insert panel has a clear plastic edge wall located beyond the opening of the trim panel. A light pipe extends alongside the clear plastic edge wall and directs light into the clear plastic edge wall so that the light reflects within the clear plastic material and onto the rear reflective surface of the insert panel to illuminate the insert panel over its entire surface area facing through the opening of the interior trim panel.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a vehicle driver using a portable electronic device that the driver may be carrying that transmits a unique identification signal, and then using the identification of the driver to automatically put vehicle devices and systems in a desirable pre-set location for that driver. In one embodiment, the portable device is a wireless device employing Bluetooth communications protocol that wirelessly transmits an identification signal received by the vehicle to identify the driver. In another embodiment, the device is a USB device that is plugged into an appropriate USB port in the vehicle that allows the vehicle to identify the driver by the identified signal from the portable device.

Abstract: A method is provided for distributing tension among tendons of a tendon-driven finger in a robotic system, wherein the finger characterized by n degrees of freedom and n+1 tendons. The method includes determining a maximum functional tension and a minimum functional tension of each tendon of the finger, and then using a controller to distribute tension among the tendons, such that each tendon is assigned a tension value less than the maximum functional tension and greater than or equal to the minimum functional tension. The method satisfies the minimum functional tension while minimizing the internal tension in the robotic system, and satisfies the maximum functional tension without introducing a coupled disturbance to the joint torques. A robotic system includes a robot having at least one tendon-driven finger characterized by n degrees of freedom and n+1 tendons, and a controller having an algorithm for controlling the tendons as set forth above.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has four planetary gear sets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms packaged in at least one of six possible zones within the transmission casing.

Abstract: A method for accurate estimation of a gas temperature at transient conditions includes measuring temperature sensor readings in a gas flow and estimating the gas temperature by equating the specific heat properties of the temperature sensor to the sum of conductive heat, convective heat, and radiative heat acting upon the temperature sensor and solving for the gas temperature.

Abstract: A method including providing a first portion including one of an annular portion or a hub portion; rotating a second portion including the other of the hub portion or the annular portion; and pressing the second portion against the first portion such that friction between the hub portion and the annular portion causes a weld joint to be created; and wherein the annular portion may or may not include a frictional damping means, which may include an insert.

Abstract: A driver-side supplemental inflatable restraint system is provided. The restraint system includes a steering wheel assembly configured to attach inside of a vehicle passenger compartment, proximate to the driver's seat. The steering wheel assembly includes an annular wheel rim attached to a wheel hub. The wheel rim and hub each define a cavity with an opening. A primary inflatable cushion is operable to transition through the hub opening from a non-expanded state, stowed inside the hub cavity, to an expanded state, inflated outside the hub cavity. A secondary inflatable cushion is operable to transition through the rim opening from a non-expanded state, stowed inside the rim cavity, to an expanded state, inflated outside the rim cavity. At least one inflator is in fluid communication with the primary and secondary cushions, and operable to selectively dispense inflation fluid thereto, and thereby transition the cushions from respective non-expanded states to expanded states.

Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, two fixed interconnections, three external gear sets and a final drive gear set. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with one of the external gear sets. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various planetary and external gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: An active material actuator assembly is provided having first and second active material components operatively connected to a movable member. Movement of the movable member is modulated, which may be due to activation of the first and second active material components being at least partially temporally distinct or the active material components differing in at least one characteristic affecting movement.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly having an outer jacket, an inner jacket, and a tilt housing. A longitudinal locking device moves between released and engaged positions allowing and preventing longitudinal movement of the inner jacket relative to the outer jacket. A tilt locking device moves between released and engaged positions allowing and preventing tilting movement of the tilt housing relative to the inner jacket. A control lever is coupled to both of the longitudinal locking device and the tilt locking device for simultaneously moving the devices between the released and engaged positions. The longitudinal locking device has first and second members each having interengaging chamfers. The first member has an engagement surface abutting an abutment surface of the inner jacket when in the engaged position to prevent the longitudinal movement of the inner jacket relative to the outer jacket.

Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a variety of vehicle performance characteristics depending on the mode of operation. A first routine is initiated to provide an optimal balance of powertrain responsiveness and fuel economy for any given combination of vehicle speed and deceleration rate. The first routine may, according to a preferred embodiment, include a plurality of routines that are each configured to provide an optimal balance of powertrain responsiveness and fuel economy within a predefined range of vehicle speeds and deceleration rates. A second routine is initiated if said deceleration rate is within a predefined range. The second routine includes running the electric motor/generator while the hybrid vehicle is being stopped in order to control the driveline lash and thereby minimize disturbances during a subsequent engine re-start.

Abstract: A method of reducing the amount of carbon monoxide in process fuel gas in a feed stream for a fuel cell. The method includes introducing a hydrocarbon feed stream into a primary reactor and reacting the hydrocarbon feed stream in effective contact with a reforming catalyst forming primary reactor products containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane; placing a high activity water gas shift catalyst system into a water gas shift converter, introducing the primary reactor products into the water gas shift converter in effective contact with the high activity water gas shift catalyst system, and reacting the carbon monoxide and water to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen using a water gas shift reaction forming the feed stream for the fuel cell; and introducing the feed stream into the fuel cell. The high water gas shift catalyst system includes a noble metal, a support comprising a mixed metal oxide of cerium oxide and at least one of zirconium oxide or lanthanum oxide.

Abstract: A piston squirter system for an internal combustion engine includes an oil reservoir, a variable displacement pump, and, for each cylinder, a piston squirter that sprays oil onto a piston for cooling and lubricating. A gallery connects the variable displacement pump to the piston squirters. The variable displacement pump receives oil from the oil reservoir and distributes the oil through the gallery to the piston squirters at a flow rate according to pressure required. The gallery does not require a relief valve and the piston squirters do not require check valves.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear-wheel drive (RWD) automatic transmission having a stationary member, a two-mode selectable one-way clutch (SOWC), pressurized fluid, and a valve body assembly (VBA). The VBA has a piston, a return spring, and an actuator linkage in contact with the piston and a shift lever of the SOWC. Fluid moves the piston and linkage in one direction to lock the SOWC and enable a reverse mode having no spin losses, and the spring moves the piston and linkage in another direction to unlock the SOWC in a forward mode. A method reduces spin losses by admitting fluid into the VBA to move the piston in one direction to thereby rotate the shift lever of the SOWC to one angular position to lock a driving member of the transmission to the stationary member during reverse, engine braking first gear, and manual low speeds.

Abstract: A method for preparing a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell stack is provided. The method first includes the steps of providing a first unipolar plate having a first active area with a plurality of channels formed on a first inner surface thereof, and a second unipolar plate having a second active area with a plurality of lands formed on a second inner surface thereof. The first unipolar plate and the second unipolar plate are aligned to dispose the first active area adjacent the second active area. A first pressure is then applied to the first and second active areas to pre-nest the first active area and the second active area. The perimeters of the first and second unipolar plates are then joined. A clamping fixture and associated method for assembling the bipolar plate assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A switchable valvetrain system is provided having a control unit and a pressure regulator valve responsive to control signals from the control unit. A pressurized fluid source is provided in communication with the pressure regulator valve. A switchable valvetrain component having a latching mechanism and lubrication circuit in selective communication with the pressurized fluid source through the pressure regulator valve is also provided. The pressure regulator valve is operable to selectively and variably communicate fluid pressure from the pressurized fluid source to the latching mechanism and the lubrication circuit in response to control signals from the control unit. A method of operating the switchable valvetrain system is also provided.

Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A recliner including a power adjustment system operable at a first rate, and at least one sensor including an active material element, wherein the sensor is configured to determine an obstacle to adjustment and selectively retard the rate when the obstacle is determined.

Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, first, second and third planetary gear sets, a first interconnecting member, a second interconnecting member and six torque-transmitting mechanisms. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The planetary gear sets each have first, second and third members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first, second, and third members with another of the first, second, and third members.

Abstract: Mesoporous carbon and silica containing composites are prepared based on the co-assembly of a suitable surfactant in a liquid medium. When a low molecular weight carbonizable polymer and a silica precursor are added to the surfactant solution, a mixture of distinct phases of the materials is formed after solvent evaporation. A polymer/silica solid composite with highly organized mesopores is obtained after surfactant removal. This product has utility as a catalyst support or gas absorbent. And the polymer-silica composite can be easily converted successively to a mesoporous carbon-silica composite and to a bimodal mesoporous carbon material.

Abstract: A remotely configurable telematics unit cache provides for selective caching of data of interest to a remote caller. The configurable caching system ensures that selected data is available when the vehicle is not in operation and the telematics unit is not powered on. A remote caller can remotely configure the telematics unit cache to selectively store data of interest. Subsequently, the telematics module can accept calls from the caller and the cached information can be pulled. Thus, the configurable cache allows a remote caller to selectively and positively configure the cache to store desired data to be later uploaded without requiring a call-back from the telematics unit and without limiting the cached data to predetermined data groups.

Abstract: An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either brakes or clutches. Eight forward speeds or gear ratios and reverse are achieved by engaging various combinations of the brakes and clutches.

Abstract: A quick plastic forming (QPF) tool is provided in which a thermal gap is created that reduces or eliminates some of the conductive heat loss paths when the QPF tool is in an open position during part removal or sheet loading. By reducing conductive heat loss, a more precise temperature control for the QPF tool from manufacturing cycle to manufacturing cycle may be realized. The QPF tool may also have a thermal gap when the tool is placed in a semi-open position during idle times. The QPF tool may also include components for creating the thermal gap when the QPF tool is moved to the open position and control the lateral movement of the part forming section of the QPF tool as the part is moved between the open position and the closed position.