Abstract: A system for controlling the combustion behavior of an engine is provided. The engine is equipped with a plurality of control subsystems that influence combustion in the engine. The system includes a controller configured to receive a plurality of inputs, to determine a desired subsystem states to operate the engine, and to determine a target value for each of a plurality of control parameters, wherein the target values for one or more control parameters depends on the values of the plurality of inputs. The controller is further configured to communicate the target values of control parameters to the control subsystems.

Abstract: A GDCI engine control system determines if in-cylinder conditions are sufficient to achieve combustion in a given cylinder or if a misfire is likely. Fuel is delivered to that cylinder if combustion is probable, but fuel is disabled to that cylinder if a misfire is probable.

Abstract: A GDCI engine control system determines if in-cylinder conditions are sufficient to achieve combustion in a given cylinder or if a misfire is likely. Fuel is delivered to that cylinder if combustion is probable, but fuel is disabled to that cylinder if a misfire is probable.

Abstract: A method for controlling the combustion behavior of an engine is provided. The engine is equipped with a plurality of actuators that influence combustion in the engine. The method includes receiving a target value for each of a plurality of charge air properties. The method further includes communicating signals operative to control the plurality of actuators so as to urge the actual values of the charge air properties to their target values.

Abstract: A system for controlling the combustion behavior of an engine is provided. The engine is equipped with a plurality of control subsystems that influence combustion in the engine. The system includes a controller configured to receive a plurality of inputs, to determine a desired subsystem states to operate the engine, and to determine a target value for each of a plurality of control parameters, wherein the target values for one or more control parameters depends on the values of the plurality of inputs. The controller is further configured to communicate the target values of control parameters to the control subsystems.

Abstract: An engine control system, controller, and method for estimating a bounce back angle of an internal combustion engine. Typical crank sensors do not indicate crank direction, a feature that would be useful to determine if an engine reversal occurs leading to the engine accumulating a bounce back angle. A crank sensor signal is analyzed as the engine coasts to a stop so an engine reversal can be detected. After an engine reversal is detected, the crank sensor signal is analyzed to determine the bounce back angle. Engine reversal is detected by determining that the crank shaft has decelerated by more than a threshold value, or that the crank shaft has decelerated and then subsequently accelerated.

Abstract: An engine control system, controller, and method for estimating a bounce back angle of an internal combustion engine. Typical crank sensors do not indicate crank direction, a feature that would be useful to determine if an engine reversal occurs leading to the engine accumulating a bounce back angle. A crank sensor signal is analyzed as the engine coasts to a stop so an engine reversal can be detected. After an engine reversal is detected, the crank sensor signal is analyzed to determine the bounce back angle. Engine reversal is detected by determining that the crank shaft has decelerated by more than a threshold value, or that the crank shaft has decelerated and then subsequently accelerated.

Abstract: An ammonia producing device for an exhaust system of an engine is provided. It includes a pressure vessel having a cavity for storage of pressurized gases. The pressure vessel includes insulation located at least partially about the cavity for limiting heat transfer from within the cavity. A flash heater is disposed within the cavity and adjacent a solid ammonia gas producing material. An outlet port extends from the pressure vessel and has a valve located therein for providing egress of pressurized gases from within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A first vehicle autonomous brake-apply system includes a vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a vacuum booster assembly operatively connected to the vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a solenoid valve operatively connected to the vacuum booster assembly, and an automatic controller including an output signal operatively connected to the solenoid valve. A second system uses a lateral-acceleration-sensor assembly in place of the automatic controller. A third system includes a braking controller, an electrical braking device, and at least one distance sensor. A method for assisting driving of a vehicle includes applying a braking force to stop the vehicle before the vehicle strikes an obstacle whose distance to the vehicle is measured using at least one distance sensor.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards improved systems and methods for the delivery of a urea solution to an exhaust gas treatment system. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a urea tank assembly is provided. The urea tank assembly includes a reservoir defining a fluid inlet opening for receiving urea solution and a fluid outlet opening for discharge of the urea solution. The urea tank further includes a vented hollow member located within the reservoir. The vented hollow member defines an internal hollow portion and a plurality of openings for providing fluid flow between the reservoir and the internal hollow portion. The urea tank further includes a heater located along the vented hollow member to cause heating of urea solution within the internal hollow portion and the reservoir. The urea tank further includes a fluid pump located within the reservoir.

Abstract: A hydraulic system incorporated into a vehicle is provided. The system includes a plurality of actuators for providing a desired configuration of a vehicle. A valve system is operatively coupled to the plurality of actuators for controlling a flow of pressurized fluid to the plurality of actuators to energize the actuators to produce, responsive to the desired configuration of the vehicle, a first configuration of a plurality of first configurations of the vehicle corresponding to the desired configuration of the vehicle, or a second configuration of a plurality of second configurations of the vehicle corresponding to the desired configuration of the vehicle.

Abstract: An auxiliary lean control system is provided for controlling a lean angle of at least a portion of a vehicle. The auxiliary lean control system includes an energy storage device for storing energy to actuate the lean control system, a stabilizing mechanism coupled to the energy storage device and to the at least a portion of the vehicle for applying energy received from the energy storage device to the at least a portion of the vehicle to adjust the lean angle of the at least a portion of a vehicle, and a linkage coupled to the energy storage device and to the stabilizing mechanism for transferring energy from the energy storage device to the stabilizing mechanism. The auxiliary lean control system controls the lean angle of the portion of the vehicle in an absence of control of the lean angle by a primary lean control system.

Abstract: A pressure locking master cylinder including a fluid reservoir for storing a hydraulic fluid, a housing, a piston slidably received within the housing and defining a working chamber and a blocking chamber, wherein the blocking chamber is in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a valve positioned between the blocking chamber and the reservoir, the valve being adapted to selectively trap the hydraulic fluid within the blocking chamber to lock the piston in a position with respect to the housing.

Abstract: An electronic control system 310 is provided for independent actuation of a plurality of hydraulic actuators 38, 39. The electronic control system 310 employs an electronic driver 314 connected to a first parallel circuit or first low side driver 316, and a second parallel circuit or second low side driver 330. Each parallel circuit 316, 330 contains a first and a second actuator L1, L2, respectively, connected in series to a first and a second low side MOSFET Q9 and Q10, respectively. Pulse width modulation of the electronic driver 314 in conjunction with selective actuation of either low side driver 316, 330 results in rapid response to system control algorithms whereby each actuator L1 or L2 may be de-activated in a relatively quick manner thereby improving vehicular control.

Abstract: A control system for controlling energization of a plurality of valves in a vehicle hydraulic system. The control system includes a plurality of sensors for measuring various dynamic conditions and operational aspects of the vehicle, a signal processing circuit coupled to the plurality of sensors for determining a desired energization of the plurality of valves dependent upon measurements by at least a portion of the plurality of sensors, and a driver circuit coupled to the signal processing circuit for generating, responsive to the desired energization of the plurality of valves as determined by the signal processing circuit, a control signal to energize the plurality of valves to the desired energization. The control system receives inputs from the plurality of vehicle sensors. These inputs are processed, and the processed inputs and signals derived from the inputs are forwarded to the driver circuit for use in generating a control signal for operating the vehicle valve system.

Abstract: A tilt sensor system (10) is provided comprising a housing (12), a magnetized region (13) within the housing (12), and a magnetized, articulated pendulum (14) magnetically coupled to the magnetized region (13) for suspending the pendulum (14) within the housing (12). In a particular embodiment, the tilt sensor system (10) is incorporated into a park brake system (50) including a park brake for securing a portion of a vehicle in a static condition, and a control system for actuating the park brake responsive to a tilt measurement from the tilt sensor system. In addition, the tilt sensor system (10) may be incorporated into (or functionally coupled to) other vehicle control systems adapted for receiving tilt-related information from the tilt sensor system for use in performing respective vehicle control functions.

Abstract: A vacuum booster includes a housing defining a control volume in which a movable diaphragm separates the control volume into an apply chamber and a vacuum chamber. A power piston extends through and engages the diaphragm and has an axial bore containing a valve assembly that controls a diaphragm pressure differential across the diaphragm. The power piston drives an output rod in the forward direction. The output rod has a rearward portion exposed to pressure within the vacuum chamber and a forward face exposed to atmospheric pressure. When the pressure within vacuum chamber is less than atmospheric, a piston pressure differential across the power piston provides a return force in the rearward direction to the power piston.

Abstract: In an automotive vehicle braking system, a hydraulic brake actuator includes a wedge for locking a hydraulic piston in a brake position for purposes of applying a park brake. To apply the park brake, hydraulic pressure is increased to advance the piston to urge the brake pads against the rotor. With the piston in the brake position, an electrical solenoid is energized to advance the wedge to engage the piston. The wedge includes an inclined surface that contacts an inclined surface connected to the piston or the housing, with sufficient frictional force to maintain the wedge in the advanced position without requiring hydraulic pressure or electrical power. Thus, the park brake remains applied even when the vehicle is turned off.

Abstract: A method for controlling the release of a brush motor which has applied a load includes several steps. One step includes applying a release current to the brush motor to rotate the brush motor in a direction toward releasing the applied load of the brush motor. Another step includes sensing the commutator bar ripple current of the brush motor. Another step includes determining when to remove the release current using at least the sensed commutator bar ripple current.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for providing an improved controlled airflow within a vacuum booster system. The system includes a vacuum booster assembly having a primary chamber and a secondary chamber, and an outer tube having a first end and a second end, the first end in communication with the secondary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly. The system additionally includes an airflow control assembly operably coupled to the second end of the outer tube, and an inner tube, concentric to the outer tube, having a first end and a second end, the first end operably coupled to the airflow control assembly, the second end in communication with the primary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly. In the system, air flows from the primary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly to the airflow control assembly within the inner tube and air flows from the airflow control assembly to the secondary chamber of the vacuum booster assembly within the outer tube.