Abstract: A belt drive system for rotatably coupling an internal combustion engine to an electric machine is described. The belt drive system includes a serpentine belt and a hydraulic strut tensioner, wherein the hydraulic strut tensioner is disposed to exert a tension force on the serpentine belt. A controller is operatively connected to the electric machine and includes an instruction set that is executable to periodically induce a reduction in torque output of the electric machine.

Abstract: A belt drive system for rotatably coupling an internal combustion engine to an electric machine is described. The belt drive system includes a serpentine belt and a hydraulic strut tensioner, wherein the hydraulic strut tensioner is disposed to exert a tension force on the serpentine belt. A controller is operatively connected to the electric machine and includes an instruction set that is executable to periodically induce a reduction in torque output of the electric machine.

Abstract: An accessory drive tensioner system may include a bracket, a coupling mechanism, and a biasing member. The bracket may have an aperture therethrough and a tensioner hub coupled thereto. The coupling mechanism may extend through the aperture to rotatably couple the bracket to a mounting member that is fixed relative to an engine. The biasing member may be engaged with the coupling mechanism and the bracket to bias the bracket axially along the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A method for controlling hydraulic braking and regenerative braking in a hybrid brake system is provided, and includes allowing depression of a brake actuator in response to a braking request. Depression of the brake actuator creates pressure in a master cylinder circuit, and the method commands regenerative braking upon depression of the brake actuator until the regenerative braking reaches a threshold level. Transfer of fluid pressure from the master cylinder circuit through a control valve to a wheel circuit is prevented between a first pressure and a second pressure of the master cylinder. Transfer of fluid pressure from the master cylinder circuit to the wheel circuit is partially limited between the second pressure and a third pressure. Full transfer of fluid pressure from the master cylinder circuit through the control valve to the wheel circuit is allowed when the fluid pressure is above the third pressure.

Abstract: A method for controlling hydraulic and regenerative braking includes commanding variable regenerative braking upon depression of a brake actuator until the regenerative braking reaches a threshold level, and commanding variable hydraulic braking in a wheel circuit. Commanding variable hydraulic braking includes: preventing transfer of fluid pressure from a master cylinder circuit through the ABS valve to the wheel circuit when the fluid in the master cylinder circuit is between a first pressure and a second pressure; partially limiting transfer of fluid pressure from the master cylinder circuit through the ABS valve to the wheel circuit when the fluid in the master cylinder circuit is between the second pressure and a third pressure; and allowing full transfer of fluid pressure from the master cylinder circuit through the ABS valve to the wheel circuit when the fluid in the master cylinder circuit is greater than the third pressure.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system and a method of controlling same are provided. The hybrid propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine having a fluid lubrication and control system. The hybrid propulsion system also includes an engine oil pump arranged externally with respect to the engine and configured to maintain fluid pressure to the lubrication and control system when the internal combustion engine is shut off. Additionally, the hybrid propulsion system includes a motor/generator and a transmission in operable communication with the internal combustion engine. The transmission includes a transmission oil pump arranged externally with respect to the transmission and configured to maintain fluid pressure to the transmission when the engine is shut off. Furthermore, the hybrid propulsion system includes an auxiliary motor driving the externally arranged engine oil pump and the externally arranged transmission oil pump.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a vehicle having an electric power producing device and a power-plant operable to propel the vehicle. The cooling system includes a primary heat exchanger arranged relative to the power-plant. The primary heat exchanger is operable to receive coolant from the power-plant, reduce temperature of said coolant, and return the reduced temperature coolant to the power-plant. The cooling system additionally includes an auxiliary heat exchanger arranged relative to the primary heat exchanger, and operable to receive the reduced temperature coolant from the primary heat exchanger. The auxiliary pump further reduces the temperature of said coolant, and provides the further reduced temperature coolant to the electric power producing device. The electric power producing device may be employed in a hybrid vehicle, where the electric power producing device is a motor-generator operable to propel the vehicle.