Abstract: A method for testing a vehicle system that is installed in each vehicle of a fleet of vehicles, the method may include executing, for each vehicle of the fleet of vehicles, the steps of: sensing one or more sensed vehicle system parameters of the vehicle system; calculating, by a vehicle monitor of the vehicle, one or more performance parameters of the vehicle system, wherein the calculating is based on the one or more sensed vehicle system parameters of the vehicle system; and transmitting information about the one or more sensed vehicle system parameters.

Abstract: A distributed system for monitoring and control of a vehicle having a plurality of physical systems, and a plurality of subsystems includes a supervisory controller with a first computer readable storage media for monitoring and storing a plurality of operational parameters. The supervisory controller communicates with a server a communications networks. A first method includes storing historical data in a database; simulating the physical system within the vehicle using a functional model; and continuously improving the model. Specific implementations of the first method include the physical system being a hydraulic system, an internal combustion engine, and a battery module. A second method includes storing historical data in a database; estimating a transfer function characterizing the behavior of a physical system; and diagnosing a subsystem as having a failure or a degradation. A third method includes monitoring operation actions related to safety, productivity, and efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for cell balancing within a battery module includes local sensing and switching at each of the battery cells. A switching circuit is associated with each one of the battery cells to connect or functionally disconnected the battery cell from the battery module. A module controller generates one or more parameter threshold values as maximum operating values for each of the battery cells. Each cell has a cell controller associated therewith to monitor one or more cell parameters, which are communicated to a summing module via a shared monitoring line, averaged, and communicated to the module controller. The cell controllers each receive a parameter threshold value via a shared control line and command the associated switching circuit to functionally disconnect and to bypass the battery cell if the cell parameter exceeds the corresponding parameter threshold value. Methods of checking the battery module are also provided.

Abstract: A control system for a driveline of a vehicle and method of operating the control system are provided. The system includes a base torque calculation module in communication with a plurality of vehicle controllers. The base torque calculation module determines and outputs a wheel torque command signal. A torque modulation module generates a periodic torque modulation signal based on the wheel torque command signal and a plurality of tire parameters. An adder module adds the periodic torque modulation signal to the wheel torque command signal and outputs a modulated wheel torque command signal to a wheel torque generator to linearize a tire characteristic of the plurality of tires of the vehicle. A slip and force determining module determines and outputs a plurality of slip estimates and estimated forces and a plurality of tire parameters to the torque modulation module, the plurality of vehicle controllers, and base torque calculation module.

Abstract: A driveline assembly for a vehicle including at least one primary shaft rotatable about an axis. At least one reducer assembly is coupled with the at least one primary shaft. The reducer assembly includes a sun gear rotatable with the primary shaft. A plurality of planet gears are rotatable about the sun gear. A ring is positioned about the planet gears. A planet carrier is rotatably connected to a center of each of the planet gears. An output shaft is fixed to the planet carrier. A sliding clutch fixes the ring to a ground in a high torque position to provide a gear reduction, and fixes the ring to the planet carrier in a low torque position to provide a 1:1 gear ratio. A method for operating such a driveline assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A driveline assembly including a pair of reducers each having a sun gear fixed about a primary shaft. A plurality of planet gears are meshed with and rotatable about the sun gear. A ring is positioned about and meshed with the planet gears. A planet carrier is connected to a center of each of the planet gears and fixed to a wheel output. A low gear clutch is moveable between an engaged position fixing the ring to a ground in the engaged position, and a disengaged position disconnecting the ring from the ground. An upshift clutch is moveable between a contact position fixing the primary axle to the wheel output, and a released position disconnecting the primary axle from direct connection with the wheel output. A controller selectively shifts the center clutch, the low gear clutch and the upshift clutch. Methods of using the driveline assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A battery cell monitoring system and method of operating the battery cell monitoring system are provided. The system includes a sense line. A plurality of cell sense units each include a tank circuit having a center frequency and are electrically connected to the sense line. A cell sense reader unit electrically couples to the sense line and includes a variable frequency radio frequency generator for outputting a radio frequency signal having a signal frequency that is variable to the plurality of cell sense units. The cell sense reader unit measures an impedance of the sense line as the signal frequency varies and determines the center frequency of each of the cell sense units. The cell sense reader unit is also configured to determine a cell voltage of each battery cell electrically connected to one of the plurality of cell sense units based on the center frequency determined.

Abstract: A driveline assembly for an electric vehicle for driving a pair of wheels. The driveline assembly includes an electric motor having an output shaft. A differential is coupled with the output shaft and is configured to receive torque from the output shaft. A pair of primary shafts are each coupled with the differential and configured to receive torque from the differential. A pair of end reducers are each configured to receive torque from one of the primary shafts and provide a gear reduction and torque multiplying effect at a wheel output. A controller is connected to the electric motor and is configured to superimpose a torque fluctuation at the output shaft to counteract vibrations in the driveline assembly.

Abstract: A battery cell monitoring system and method of operating the system are provided. The system includes a plurality sense lines and a plurality of cell sense units that each include an active semiconductor device are electrically coupled to the sense lines for transferring a device current characteristic of a bias voltage based on an input device voltage applied thereto. A cell sense reader unit includes a voltage generator for outputting the input voltage to the cell sense units in an alternating fashion across each of the sense lines. The cell sense reader unit includes a current measuring device for sampling the device current output from the active semiconductor device as the input device voltage is alternated. The cell sense reader unit calculates the bias voltage and determines a cell voltage of each of a plurality of battery cells each connected to one of the cell sense units.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling a multi-cell battery including a plurality of battery cells uses a battery controller having a processor and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. A monitoring circuit including current, voltage, and temperature sensors measures a plurality of cell parameters for each of the battery cells, which are communicated to the battery controller. The battery controller performs a parameterization of the cell parameters and past values of the cell parameters to generate a calibrated cell model for each of the battery cells. An optimal usage profile is determined for each of the battery cells as an optimized compromise of cell operating limits between different battery cells within the multi-cell battery, and then causes each of the battery cells to be operated according to the corresponding optimal usage profile. Calculating and reporting of the remaining useful life of the battery is also provided.

Abstract: A lubricant supported electric motor includes a static member and a movable member movably disposed within the static member to define a gap therebetween. The static member may be configured as a stator and the movable member may be configured as a rotor. The movable member may also be configured to move relative to the static member. The static member and movable member are configured to exert an electromagnetic force therebetween and convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and move the movable member. A lubricant is disposed in the gap between the static member and the movable member to support the movable member relative to the static member.

Abstract: A filter system for filtering a working fluid including a disposable filter having an inlet to be disposed in fluid communication with a working fluid and an outlet to be disposed in fluid communication with a machine. The disposable filter includes a sensor assembly or accessory for monitoring a characteristic of the working fluid passing through the disposable filter and/or an operational condition of the disposable filter. The disposable filter includes a communication module for communicating the monitored characteristic or operational condition to a controller. The controller is configured to analyze the received information and generate an optimal maintenance schedule and predicted remaining useful life of the machine, disposable filter, or working fluid. A method of operating the filter system is also provided.

Abstract: A disposable filter including an integrated sensor is provided for filtering a working fluid and monitoring the working fluid and/or the performance of the filter. The filter includes a housing with an inlet and an outlet with filter media disposed within the housing in a flow path defined between the inlet and the outlet. The integrated sensor is disposed within the housing, where the integrated sensor monitors a characteristic of the working fluid or other performance characteristic of the filter. The sensor assembly may include a communication module. The sensor assembly may include a RF tank circuit with a capacitor plate, which may be disposed adjacent a bypass structure that is disposed adjacent the outlet. Movement of a moveable part of the bypass structure in response to a pressure buildup will cause a shift in a resonant frequency of the tank circuit.

Abstract: A disposable filter for filtering a working fluid including a housing having an inlet to be disposed in fluid communication with a working fluid and an outlet to be disposed in fluid communication with a machine. A filter media is disposed within the housing for filtering the working fluid passing through the disposable filter between the inlet and outlet. At least one accessory port is positioned adjacent to and fluidly connected to at least one of the inlet and the outlet for receiving an accessory for monitoring a characteristic of the working fluid passing through the inlet or the outlet of the disposable filter and/or an operational condition of the disposable filter or associated machinery.

Abstract: A system for detecting and avoiding dangerous conditions by a mobile machine having a body, an actuated machine component, and a dangerous condition sensor including a non-contact electrical power sensor, a wind speed or direction sensor, a tilt sensor, or a terrain type sensor is provided. The system includes a supervisory controller located in the mobile machine and in communication with a server for communicating data objects storing information related to hazardous conditions, and for receiving information regarding hazardous conditions manually designated or detected by a remote source. An interlock limits operation of the mobile machine to prevent operation in an unsafe condition. Hazardous conditions are categorized as a danger condition, a limited-operation condition, and/or a warning condition. A user signaling device including audio and visual signaling devices alert an operator of a hazard. A method of detecting and avoiding dangerous conditions by the mobile machine is also provided.

Abstract: An omni-directional anemometer may include a housing, a cavity, and a plurality of ports in fluid communication with the atmosphere. The ports may include at least one sensor configured to measure air pressure. The robust housing may be formed by additive manufacturing, casting, machining, or molding. The anemometer may include a controller configured to determine wind speed and direction using the air pressure measurement signals from the at least one sensor. The anemometer may include a communication module configured to send and/or receive signals from the at least one sensor and the controller using wired and/or wireless communication. The communication module may send or receive signals to or from a network, a server, a vehicle, a structure, and/or a user interface. The anemometer may include a power supply connected to the at least one sensor, controller and/or communication module.

Abstract: A distributed system for monitoring and control of a vehicle having a plurality of physical systems, and a plurality of subsystems includes a supervisory controller with a first computer readable storage media for monitoring and storing a plurality of operational parameters. The supervisory controller communicates with a server a communications networks. A first method includes storing historical data in a database; simulating the physical system within the vehicle using a functional model; and continuously improving the model. Specific implementations of the first method include the physical system being a hydraulic system, an internal combustion engine, and a battery module. A second method includes storing historical data in a database; estimating a transfer function characterizing the behavior of a physical system; and diagnosing a subsystem as having a failure or a degradation. A third method includes monitoring operation actions related to safety, productivity, and efficiency.

Abstract: A distributed system for monitoring and control of a vehicle includes a supervisory controller with a first computer readable storage media for monitoring and storing a plurality of operational parameters regarding a physical system of the vehicle. The supervisory controller communicates with a server via two different communications networks. Method steps are provided for characterizing and predicting functional details of a system state of the physical system using the model parameters and at least one operational parameter of the physical system, and for using values obtained by the server regarding a plurality of different vehicles in order to improve the monitoring and control of the vehicle. A method is also provided to determine and report any operational parameters miss a corresponding performance target. A method is also provided for changing the storage or transmission of operational parameters based on their relative importance.

Abstract: A wheel hub transmission for a vehicle driveline is provided. The wheel hub transmission includes an input shaft, a planetary gear arrangement, a casing member, and a clutching device. The input shaft is drivingly engaged with a power source and the planetary gear arrangement. The planetary gear arrangement is drivingly engaged with the input shaft and is in one of driving engagement and selective driving engagement with the casing member. The clutching device may be selectively drivingly engaged with a portion of the planetary gear arrangement, wherein upon engagement of the clutching device the planetary gear arrangement is fixed. The wheel hub transmission facilitates a torque multiplication at the wheel hub transmission, which reduces an amount of torque applied to a portion of the vehicle driveline.