Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly that includes a housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a monitoring system that includes an image capturing module, an illumination source connected to the PCB, and an optical element aligned with the illumination source. The optical element is configured to redirect an illumination from the illumination source toward an occupant position in an automobile.

Abstract: A motor vehicle and construction method for a motor vehicle, such as a bus, wherein fabricated subassemblies or modules are joined using mechanical fasteners to form an integrated, load carrying structure. The fabricated subassemblies are configured to allow substitution of subassemblies with alternative configurations in order to produce a number of unique vehicle configurations each sharing a common architecture. Modular construction techniques allow for simplification of construction processes, reduction of welding processes, and the application of physically smaller subassemblies. Interchange and substitution of subassemblies with shared attributes may also facilitate production of vehicles having different characteristics.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a motor vehicle, such as a bus, using a rear driven axle and having a propulsion unit positioned so that it is not aligned with the direction of travel of the vehicle. The propulsion unit is oriented at an acute angle to the base reference axis of the vehicle. The axle is provided with a driven input shaft that is oriented at an angle not parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The propulsion unit comprises a motor, a transmission, and a bevel gear box coupled to the transmission, with an output shaft that is oriented at an angle not parallel to the axis of the propulsion system. The propulsion unit output shaft and the driven axle input shaft are not aligned coaxially, and are connected via a propeller shaft, wherein the ends of the propeller shaft use constant velocity joints to accomplish a change in the angle of the transmitted power and torque.

Abstract: A motor vehicle and construction method for a motor vehicle, such as a bus, wherein fabricated subassemblies or modules are joined using mechanical fasteners to form an integrated, load carrying structure. The fabricated subassemblies are configured to allow substitution of subassemblies with alternative configurations in order to produce a number of unique vehicle configurations each sharing a common architecture. Modular construction techniques allow for simplification of construction processes, reduction of welding processes, and the application of physically smaller subassemblies. Interchange and substitution of subassemblies with shared attributes may also facilitate production of vehicles having different characteristics.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a motor vehicle, such as a bus, using a rear driven axle and having a propulsion unit positioned so that it is not aligned with the direction of travel of the vehicle. The propulsion unit is oriented at an acute angle to the base reference axis of the vehicle. The axle is provided with a driven input shaft that is oriented at an angle not parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The propulsion unit comprises a motor, a transmission, and a bevel gear box coupled to the transmission, with an output shaft that is oriented at an angle not parallel to the axis of the propulsion system. The propulsion unit output shaft and the driven axle input shaft are not aligned coaxially, and are connected via a propeller shaft, wherein the ends of the propeller shaft use constant velocity joints to accomplish a change in the angle of the transmitted power and torque.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle and method that stores an upper energy storage limit and a lower energy storage limit for an energy storage system for each of a plurality of predetermined driving modes, determines a currently selected driving mode from the plurality of predetermined driving modes, sets the upper energy storage limit and the lower energy storage limit for the energy storage system based on the currently selected driving mode, determines parameters for operation of vehicle components within the currently selected driving mode and generates command signals to the vehicle components for operation within determined parameters.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one, and preferable two or more, traction drive units includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller may adaptively control traction by one or more traction drive units to better propel the vehicle. The controller may, for example, prevent unnecessary wheel slip, allow a traction profile to match a desired profile, and may be used to assist in turning of the vehicle. A method of adaptive control is also provided.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller monitors the status of vehicle systems and system parameters and determines if all systems are operating within predetermined safe operating ranges. The controller generates commands based upon these determinations to disconnect and isolate systems that exceed safe operating ranges, and to modify or change operating commands sent to other systems to compensate for the isolated system or systems. The controller also generates commands to place system components into a safe configuration or state in shutdown or failure events so as to protect the vehicle and maintenance personnel from potential damage or injury. A method of adaptively controlling a hybrid electric vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller monitors the status of vehicle systems and system parameters and determines if all systems are operating within predetermined safe operating ranges. The controller generates commands based upon these determinations to disconnect and isolate systems that exceed safe operating ranges, and to modify or change operating commands sent to other systems to compensate for the isolated system or systems. The controller also generates commands to place system components into a safe configuration or state in shutdown or failure events so as to protect the vehicle and maintenance personnel from potential damage or injury. A method of adaptively controlling a hybrid electric vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle and method that stores an upper energy storage limit and a lower energy storage limit for an energy storage system for each of a plurality of predetermined driving modes, determines a currently selected driving mode from the plurality of predetermined driving modes, sets the upper energy storage limit and the lower energy storage limit for the energy storage system based on the currently selected driving mode, determines parameters for operation of vehicle components within the currently selected driving mode and generates command signals to the vehicle components for operation within determined parameters.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one, and preferable two or more, traction drive units includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller may adaptively control traction by one or more traction drive units to better propel the vehicle. The controller may, for example, prevent unnecessary wheel slip, allow a traction profile to match a desired profile, and may be used to assist in turning of the vehicle. A method of adaptive control is also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller monitors the status of vehicle systems and system parameters and determines the regenerative braking mode of the vehicle and the appropriate level of regenerative braking for proper vehicle operation. The controller generates commands based upon these determinations to produce regenerative braking, monitors the status to determine the effects of the regenerative braking command generated, and adaptively changes the regenerative braking command generated in response to the measured effects. A method for adaptively controlling a hybrid electric vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller determines which of a plurality of component configurations is selected. Based upon this determination, the controller establishes the vehicle components in the selected configuration and connected in the selected component architecture. The controller also generates commands based upon this determination to operate the vehicle in a control method corresponding to the determined component configuration. A method for implementing various component configurations is also disclosed.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.