Abstract: A vehicle function switch and a controller electrically are connected together. The controller has a passive mode of operation in which the controller is not responsive to activation of the vehicle function switch to transmit a vehicle function signal. The controller also has an active mode of operation in which the controller is responsive to activation of the vehicle function switch to transmit a vehicle function signal. A mode switch is associated with the controller and adapted to cause the controller to change from the passive mode of operation to the active mode of operation.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter/motor/generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter/motor/generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.

Abstract: An arrangement for starting an engine includes a torque coupler provided between a starter motor and the engine crankshaft. The torque coupler includes a gear mechanism arranged to allow a starter motor to rotate for a period of time prior to transferring rotational torque to the crankshaft to turn the engine over.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter/motor/generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter/motor/generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle. The system has a fob with a microphone for receiving audible commands and a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting the commands at a radio frequency via a fob antenna. A receiver for positioning in the vehicle has an antenna for receiving the commands at the radio frequency, a demodulator for recovering the commands, a processor for decoding the recovered commands according to vehicle configuration information, and a network interface for controlling a vehicle system in accordance with the recovered commands and the vehicle configuration information.

Abstract: An optical sensor for detecting a level of a liquid in a reservoir, the optical sensor including: a display; a light pipe optically connected to the display and extending to a level of interest in the reservoir, where the light pipe is formed from a material having a refractive index higher than air's refractive index and less than or equal to the liquid's refractive index; and a light optically connected to the light pipe. The term “light pipe” as used herein is intended to refer to a glass rod, a plastic rod, or an optical fiber, a bundle of optical fibers, or the like.

Abstract: An arrangement for starting an engine includes a torque coupler provided between a starter motor and the engine crankshaft. The torque coupler includes a gear mechanism arranged to allow a starter motor to rotate for a period of time prior to transferring rotational torque to the crankshaft to turn the engine over.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter/motor/generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter/motor/generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.

Abstract: A method for accelerating a motor vehicle having multiple torque sources including a first torque source and a second torque source that each provide a torque output in order to simulate a single torque source engine. The method includes determining an acceleration request. The acceleration request is compared to a data store of target torque outputs associated with torque output from the single torque source engine. A target torque output based on the acceleration request is selected. The torque output from the first torque source is increased to the target torque output if the first torque source can meet the target torque output. The combined torque output from the first and second torque sources is increased to the target torque output if the first torque source cannot meet the target torque output.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain in a motor vehicle having a first torque source and a second torque source each providing a torque output to a transmission includes determining a vehicle speed and a current gear selection of the motor vehicle. A threshold value is calculated from the vehicle speed and the current gear selection. An accelerator position of the motor vehicle is then determined. An accelerator position rate of change is calculated from the accelerator position. The accelerator position rate of change is compared to the threshold value. The torque output from the first torque source is increased if the accelerator position rate of change is less than the threshold value. However, the transmission is downshifted if the accelerator position rate of change is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A belt driven starter motor system used to start an internal combustion engine. The system comprises a starter motor having a rotor and a pulley, a crankshaft pulley, and a belt tensioner, which are connected by a belt. The belt tensioner has a pulley that is movable between a first position and a second position. The tensioner pulley in the first position applies tension to the belt and the pulley in the second position corresponds to a condition wherein there is generally no tension on the belt. The starter motor begins rotation prior to the initial rotation of the crankshaft pulley, whereby the starter motor partially uses rotational energy to rotate the crankshaft pulley, which results in starting the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle. The system has a fob with a microphone for receiving audible commands and a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting the commands at a radio frequency via a fob antenna. A receiver for positioning in the vehicle has an antenna for receiving the commands at the radio frequency, a demodulator for recovering the commands, a processor for decoding the recovered commands according to vehicle configuration information, and a network interface for controlling a vehicle system in accordance with the recovered commands and the vehicle configuration information.

Abstract: A seal within the filler neck of a fluid reservoir is configured to provide fluid channels into the reservior while in the at-rest position, but seals the filler neck when deformed by an externally directed insert in the filler neck. The seal is a hollow bulb with a frusto-conical surface spaced from a parallel frusto-conical surface of the filler neck by a plurality of ribs therebetween. The gap between the ribs, and between the surfaces of the seal and the filler neck, from fluid channels for replenishing the reservoir. A plunger inserted into the filler neck deflects the seal outwardly into contact with the filler neck, closing the fluid channels and preventing matter from entering the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A vehicle function switch and a controller electrically are connected together. The controller has a passive mode of operation in which the controller is not responsive to activation of the vehicle function switch to transmit a vehicle function signal. The controller also has an active mode of operation in which the controller is responsive to activation of the vehicle function switch to transmit a vehicle function signal. A mode switch is associated with the controller and adapted to cause the controller to change from the passive mode of operation to the active mode of operation.

Abstract: A belt driven starter motor system used to start an internal combustion engine. The system comprises a starter motor having a rotor and a pulley, a crankshaft pulley, and a belt tensioner, which are connected by a belt. The belt tensioner has a pulley that is movable between a first position and a second position. The tensioner pulley in the first position applies tension to the belt and the pulley in the second position corresponds to a condition wherein there is generally no tension on the belt. The starter motor begins rotation prior to the initial rotation of the crankshaft pulley, whereby the starter motor partially uses rotational energy to rotate the crankshaft pulley, which results in starting the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A variable length shaft is provided including a housing defining an internal space. A shaft is connected to a plunger device disposed in said internal space. The internal space is filled with magneto-rheological fluid which is selectively provided with a magnetic field for solidifying the fluid to prevent movement of the plunger within the internal space. When the magnetic field is removed, the plunger device moves freely for allowing variation in the length of the variable length shaft system.

Abstract: A checkstrap assembly is provided for a door of a vehicle. The checkstrap assembly includes an arm passing inside a channel. The arm has a first end rotatably mounted to the vehicle frame such that the door may be selectively moved relative to the arm. A roller is rotatably mounted on a second end of the arm and is received in the channel. A wedging device is disposed in the channel in association with the roller. The wedging device and roller engage one another under low boards to provide a locked condition at an infinite number of positions within the channel, and which can be overcome by application of a larger load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling the rotational output member of a first power source to the rotational output member of a second power source. The method controls the acceleration of the output member of the first power source until its rotational speed is equal to the rotational speed of the output member of the second power source. Thereafter, the output members are coupled and the first and second power sources are controlled such that their torque contributions are maintained at a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: A vehicle door check assembly is provided including a roller in rolling engagement with an arm. The roller cooperatively engages the arm such that an elastically deformable material is encountered at the roller arm interface providing the vehicle door with an infinite number of secure resting positions between fully closed and fully open conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle door checkstrap assembly is provided including an arm having the first end engaged to the frame and a second end interconnected to a brake member within the vehicle door. The brake member cooperates with a carriage assembly which slidably engages a guide track incorporated in the vehicle door. A load is exerted from the brake member toward a support face within the door which creates a braking force when the door is in a static state. When the door is moved, the opening force is capable of overcoming the friction between the brake member roller and the supporting face allowing free motion of the door along the guide path. The roller carriage assembly operates such that the door can be located securely in an infinite number of positions between fully open and closed.