Abstract: A battery control system for controlling a state of charge of a hybrid vehicle battery includes a detecting arrangement for determining a vehicle operating state or an intended vehicle operating state and a controller for setting a target state of charge level of the battery based on the vehicle operating state or the intended vehicle operating state. The controller is operable to set a target state of charge level at a first level during a mobile vehicle operating state and at a second level during a stationary vehicle operating state or in anticipation of the vehicle operating in the stationary vehicle operating state. The invention further includes a method for controlling a state of charge of a hybrid vehicle battery.

Abstract: A powertrain system is provided that includes a first prime mover, a second prime mover and a transformer module. In an embodiment, the transformer module includes a planetary gearset having a first rotary element connected to the first prime mover, a second rotary element connected to the second prime mover, and a third rotary element comprising an output member of the transformer module. The powertrain system also includes a power shunt between the first prime mover and the second prime mover.

Abstract: A powertrain system is provided that includes a prime mover and a change-gear transmission having an input, at least two gear ratios, and an output. The powertrain system also includes a power shunt configured to route power applied to the transmission by one of the input and the output to the other one of the input and the output. A transmission system and a method for facilitating shifting of a transmission system are also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle powertrain system includes a first prime mover, a first prime mover driven power transmission mechanism having a power take-off adapted to drive a vehicle accessory, and a second prime mover. The second prime mover is operable to drive the power transmission mechanism alone or in combination with the first prime mover to provide power to the power take-off through the power transmission mechanism. The invention further includes methods for operating a hybrid vehicle powertrain system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for controlling up-shifting of multiple speed change gear transmission used with a turbocharged internal combustion engine. One or more engine operating parameters are selected for control by the control unit. The control unit establishes that an up-shift is about to occur. The engine is placed in a transient operating mode. The transient operating mode includes the steps of reducing a magnitude of at least one of the engine speed and the engine torque to enable shifting from a first gear, and modulating the selected engine operating parameter to maintain the boost pressure by one of increasing the exhaust energy and maintaining the rotational speed of the turbocharger while the magnitude of the at least one of the engine speed and the engine torque is reduced. The control unit establishes that the shift from the first gear has been completed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for controlling up-shifting of multiple speed change gear transmission used with a turbocharged internal combustion engine. One or more engine operating parameters are selected for control by the control unit. The control unit establishes that an up-shift is about to occur. The engine is placed in a transient operating mode. The transient operating mode includes the steps of reducing a magnitude of at least one of the engine speed and the engine torque to enable shifting from a first gear, and modulating the selected engine operating parameter to maintain the boost pressure by one of increasing the exhaust energy and maintaining the rotational speed of the turbocharger while the magnitude of the at least one of the engine speed and the engine torque is reduced. The control unit establishes that the shift from the first gear has been completed.

Abstract: A method of operating a two-cycle internal combustion engine under low load conditions. A throttle is placed at the intake air system to reduce air intake into the engine cylinders. A pump is placed in the exhaust system, such that it creates reduced pressure downstream of the exhaust valves. In this manner, when the air intake ports close, the exhaust is evacuated and the air trapped in the cylinder is reduced. This permits fuel to be reduced so that the engine may operate in a low load state without losing combustion.

Abstract: Purely mechanical fuel injector for internal combustion engines utilizes a single plunger piston within a plunger barrel for fuel pumping, fuel/air mixing, and fuel injection functions. The plunger piston is reciprocated by a cam follower engaging a cam rotated by the engine. The fuel injector utilizes a fuel bypass valve to meter fuel to the fuel injector and/or bypass fuel to the fuel tank in response to the position of the air throttle valve on the engine air intake. Air is entrained into the fuel supply through an air fed mixing venturi.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing oil consumption and oil deterioration in a reciprocating engine. The engine is provided with ceramic rings and ceramic cylinder linings. Minimal oil lubricant is adsorbed on the surface layer of the rings and liners to form a lubricating boundary-film on the rings and linings. Excess oil lubricant is restricted from entering the piston ring/cylinder lining region to preclude the formation of a hydrodynamic, full film lubricant layer between the rings and linings. Several engine designs are disclosed.