Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining when vehicle powertrain torque is being used to substantially maintain a vehicle at a substantially zero speed on a graded surface, and to shift the supplied torque from the powertrain to another vehicle system or component. A vehicle controller determines that the powertrain system is supplying a hold torque, which has a magnitude sufficient to substantially maintain the vehicle at a substantially zero speed on the graded surface. A brake torque at a magnitude at least equivalent to the hold torque is automatically applied from the vehicle brake system to thereby maintain the vehicle at the substantially zero speed. Thus, the powertrain system can remove the torque it is supplying to hold the vehicle at the substantially zero speed.

Abstract: A wheel motor traction assembly configured for use on a light duty vehicle adaptable for electric traction. The wheel motor traction assembly includes a wheel, a brake disc operatively connected to the wheel, a motor operatively connected to the wheel and a motor housing operatively connected to the motor. The motor housing has structural connectors for steering and suspension systems on a vehicle chassis and has a brake caliper operatively connected thereto. A parking brake caliper may also be connected to the motor housing for connection to a parking brake cable on the chassis. The motor housing is configured to bear vehicle chassis loads as the motor housing structurally interconnects the wheel to the chassis through the structural connectors.

Abstract: An improved control method for a dual mode compressor drive arrangement selectively operates an electric machine coupled to the compressor as a motor or a generator during operation of an engine coupled to the compressor for improved efficiency and performance. The machine is operated as a generator to increase the available power for vehicle electrical loads when compressor operation is not needed or when the engine is driving the compressor. Conversely, the machine is operated as a motor to drive the compressor under heavy engine loading or when the engine speed is outside a desired operating range defined in terms of compressor speed.

Abstract: A wheel motor traction assembly configured for use on a light duty vehicle adaptable for electric traction. The wheel motor traction assembly includes a wheel, a brake disc operatively connected to the wheel, a motor operatively connected to the wheel and a motor housing operatively connected to the motor. The motor housing has structural connectors for steering and suspension systems on a vehicle chassis and has a brake caliper operatively connected thereto. A parking brake caliper may also be connected to the motor housing for connection to a parking brake cable on the chassis. The motor housing is configured to bear vehicle chassis loads as the motor housing structurally interconnects the wheel to the chassis through the structural connectors.

Abstract: A system and method of optimizing fuel economy for an automobile is provided. Driver torque request input data is received and is accumulated over a period of time to generate accumulated torque request data. Torque data is extracted from the accumulated torque request data. The torque data is processed to generate driver habit data from the torque data. The driver habit data is stored and used to optimize fuel economy.

Abstract: An improved control method for a dual mode compressor drive arrangement selectively operates an electric machine coupled to the compressor as a motor or a generator during operation of an engine coupled to the compressor for improved efficiency and performance. The machine is operated as a generator to increase the available power for vehicle electrical loads when compressor operation is not needed or when the engine is driving the compressor. Conversely, the machine is operated as a motor to drive the compressor under heavy engine loading or when the engine speed is outside a desired operating range defined in terms of compressor speed.

Abstract: An integrated thermal and exhaust management unit for a vehicle comprises a housing defining a chamber and having an inlet through which engine exhaust gas flows. A fuel-fired heater is adjacent to the housing and is operable to heat the engine exhaust gas flowing through the chamber. A catalytic converter is adjacent to and in downstream flow communication with the chamber for catalyzing the engine exhaust gas flowing therethrough. An exhaust gas heat recovery unit is radially adjacent to and in downstream flow communication with the catalytic converter for exchanging exhaust gas heat to liquid heat for transferring to heat-requiring areas of the vehicle. A controller controls the operation of the management unit whereby the fuel-fired heater is powered if the catalyst temperature is less than a catalyst light-off temperature for efficient treatment of vehicle emissions.

Abstract: In a vehicle with a wheel housing, a tire and a wheel housing liner, a closure for the wheel housing liner comprising first and second brushes connected to the wheel housing liner, wherein the first brush is inside the wheel housing at a side away from a center of the vehicle near an outside periphery of a tire, and wherein the second brush is inside the wheel housing around a suspension opening contour, wherein the brushes reduce flow of outside air that enters the wheel housing and circulates in the housing, thereby reducing aerodynamic friction and increasing vehicle efficiency.

Abstract: A power control system for an electric motor driven cooling fan that directs air over the radiator and air conditioning condenser of a motor vehicle. The system includes a pulse width modulated voltage control device for controlling the voltage applied to the cooling fan motor from the vehicle engine driven generator. The voltage applied to the cooling fan motor can be controlled in response to engine coolant temperature, vehicle road speed, engine speed and the "on"/"off" state of the vehicle air conditioning system. A digital system that determines voltage pulse width in accordance with the above-mentioned variables is disclosed.