Abstract: The present invention provides a device for dynamically counteracting torque steer which includes a processor adapted to calculate a correction factor from a calculated axle torque on front wheel drive half shafts of the vehicle. A power circuit is provided responsive to the calculated correction factor to provide an offset current through the power steering unit or the braking system of the vehicle to counteract the torque steer.

Abstract: A dual voltage tandem engine start system provides a method for high rotational speed, low emissions, heat-engine start-ups in a hybrid electric vehicle. The system also provides a reliable backup system that can be jumpstarted in an emergency should part of the vehicle's electrical system fail. At start-up, a conventional low voltage starter motor (typically 12-volt) begins turning the heat engine up to a predetermined initial engine RPM. When this RPM is reached, a higher voltage motor/generator, in tandem with the low voltage starter motor, also begins turning the heat engine. Once a second, predetermined heat engine RPM is reached, the low voltage starter motor stops turning the engine, leaving the motor/generator to turn the heat engine to a final engine RPM where it begins fueling and combustion starts. This final engine RPM is sufficiently high to allow a low engine emission start once fueling begins.

Abstract: A dual voltage tandem engine start system provides a method for high rotational speed, low emissions, heat-engine start-ups in a hybrid electric vehicle. The system also provides a reliable backup system that can be jumpstarted in an emergency should part of the vehicle's electrical system fail. At start-up, a conventional low voltage starter motor (typically 12-volt) begins turning the heat engine up to a predetermined initial engine RPM. When this RPM is reached, a higher voltage motor/generator, in tandem with the low voltage starter motor, also begins turning the heat engine. Once a second, predetermined heat engine RPM is reached, the low voltage starter motor stops turning the engine, leaving the motor/generator to turn the heat engine to a final engine RPM where it begins fueling and combustion starts. This final engine RPM is sufficiently high to allow a low engine emission start once fueling begins.

Abstract: Crank drive belt systems feature a triple pulley tensioner which may be applied in various ways to provide proper tensioning on belt spans adjacent a motor generator for both starting and generating functions of the system. The tensioner provides adequate belt wrap and damping functions for the systems. In a simplified embodiment, the belt system connects a crankshaft or crank pulley with a motor generator pulley and at least one accessory drive pulley, such as an air conditioner compressor. The triple pulley tensioner includes a fixed tensioner housing mounting a fixed rotatable pulley and two tensioner arms carrying pulleys for tensioning the belt spans on either side of the motor generator. The fixed pulley is positioned on a third belt span between the accessory and the crank and combines with the tensioner pulleys to maximize belt wrap around the MG pulley, the crank pulley, and the accessory pulley, if needed. Numerous alternative arrangements may be provided.

Abstract: A method of controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle, the method including providing an internal combustion engine, providing a motor generator operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine, providing an automatic transmission operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine, and actuating the motor generator to a certain speed to restart the vehicle.

Abstract: A propulsion system for use in a hybrid vehicle, the propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor/generator operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine, an electric storage medium, and a propulsion system controller for actuating the propulsion system. The propulsion system controller varies the operating conditions of the electric motor/generator system in response to operating conditions of the vehicle. The propulsion system controller further varies the operating conditions of the electric motor/generator during an engine cranking sequence.

Abstract: A spark plug for igniting an air/fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes a spark gap having a variable distance defined between a central electrode and a ground electrode portion of a ground terminal. The ground terminal is formed using either a bimetallic layer arrangement wherein one of the metallic materials has a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the other metallic material, or is formed using a strut or by thickening the metal where the ground terminal is connected to a metal housing of the spark plug. The ground terminal deflects away from the central electrode when subjected to an increased temperature, such as may occur when the engine warms up during operation.

Abstract: A propulsion system for use in a hybrid vehicle, the propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor/generator operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine and an electric storage medium, and a propulsion system controller for actuating the propulsion system. The propulsion system controller varies the operating conditions of the electric motor/generator system in response to operating conditions of the vehicle. The propulsion system controller varies the operating conditions of the electric motor/generator during and engine cranking sequence.

Abstract: A method of controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle, the method including providing an internal combustion engine, providing a motor generator operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine, providing an automatic transmission operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine, and actuating the motor generator to a certain speed to restart the vehicle.

Abstract: A propulsion system for use in a hybrid vehicle, the propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor/generator operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine and an electric storage medium and a propulsion system controller for actuating the propulsion system. The propulsion system controller varies the operating conditions of the electric motor/generator system in response to operating conditions of the vehicle. The propulsion system controller varies the operating conditions of the electric motor/generator during and engine cranking sequence.

Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft motion in a hybrid electric drive system having an internal combustion engine and a motor-generator operatively connected to a crankshaft of the engine is disclosed. The steps include monitoring the crankshaft position, forecasting a crankshaft stall position; comparing the forecast stall position with a target range; and if the forecast crankshaft stall position is outside the target range, operating the motor-generator to modify the forecast stall position to be within the target range. These steps properly position the crankshaft for re-initiating engine start-up. The method further includes the steps of calculating an effective lube interval time once the crankshaft speed is zero; comparing the effective lube interval time to a critical time; and if the effective lube interval time is greater than the critical time, pulsing the motor-generator to rock the crankshaft for a pulse time to redistribute a lubricant film.

Abstract: A first clutch circuit for an automatic transmission in a hybrid drive vehicle comprises an apply line extending from a manual valve to a clutch, with a check ball disposed in the apply line operable to move out of the apply line upon upstream fluid pressure, and an exhaust line extending from the apply line, downstream of the check ball, to an exhaust valve. A driver-triggered valve actuating means operates to close the exhaust valve when the driver selects drive with a driver shift lever and to open the exhaust valve when the driver shifts out of drive thereby releasing the clutch.

Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft motion in a hybrid electric drive system having an internal combustion engine and a motor-generator operatively connected to a crankshaft of the engine is disclosed. The steps include monitoring the crankshaft position, forecasting a crankshaft stall position; comparing the forecast stall position with a target range; and if the forecast crankshaft stall position is outside the target range, operating the motor-generator to modify the forecast stall position to be within the target range. These steps properly position the crankshaft for re-initiating engine start-up. The method further includes the steps of calculating an effective lube interval time once the crankshaft speed is zero; comparing the effective lube interval time to a critical time; and if the effective lube interval time is greater than the critical time, pulsing the motor-generator to rock the crankshaft for a pulse time to redistribute a lubricant film.

Abstract: A fuel management control method for a hybrid electric vehicle drive having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor arranged in parallel such that both can propel the vehicle; the system including an electric motor driven fuel pump and a programmable microprocessor; and wherein the method further includes monitoring vehicle speed and sensing braking pressure and directing signals of both vehicle speed and braking to the microprocessor and processing such inputs in accordance with an aggressive fuel management program including shut-off of fuel flow to the gas engine in response to vehicle braking at vehicle speeds above a predetermined maximum hysteresis speed and maintaining the fuel shut off during vehicle coasting above a predetermined speed while controlling the electric motor to provide regenerative braking or vehicle start during such fuel shut off modes of operation.

Abstract: A fuel management control method for a hybrid electric vehicle drive having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor arranged in parallel such that both can propel the vehicle; the system including an electric motor driven fuel pump and a programmable microprocessor; and wherein the method further includes monitoring vehicle speed and sensing braking pressure and directing signals of both vehicle speed and braking to the microprocessor and processing such inputs in accordance with an aggressive fuel management program including shut-off of fuel flow to the gas engine in response to vehicle braking at vehicle speeds above a predetermined maximum hysteresis speed and maintaining the fuel shut off during vehicle coasting above a predetermined speed while controlling the electric motor to provide regenerative braking or vehicle start during such fuel shut off modes of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for balancing a battery module in a vehicle including a plurality of batteries in the battery module, the plurality of batteries connected in series, the plurality of batteries each having a battery voltage, and at least one battery providing power to an electrical system of the vehicle, an electric generator producing a generator voltage to charge the plurality of batteries, and a DC—DC converter coupled to the electrical generator and receiving power from the electrical generator, the DC—DC converter monitoring at least one of the battery voltages of at least one of the plurality of batteries and controlling the battery voltage of the battery providing power to the electrical system of the vehicle with reference to the monitored battery voltage.

Abstract: A cylinder head for a four-valve per cylinder internal combustion engine comprises a bowl-shaped combustion chamber recess on a lower surface which cooperates with a piston in a cylinder to form a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber recess has first and second exhaust openings, and first and second intake openings. First and second exhaust ports extend from the first and second exhaust openings to an exhaust outlet through an exhaust side wall of the cylinder head. First and second intake ports, divided by a septum, extend from the first and second intake openings, along a curved flow path, to an intake passage. The intake passage delivers intake charge from an intake inlet in an intake side wall of the cylinder head to the first and second intake ports. The first and second intake ports have first and second intake valves to regulate flow of intake charge through the intake valve openings.