Abstract: A driver prompting braking system includes a detection device adapted to sense at least one object in front of the vehicle; a detection system interfacing with the detection device, the detection system adapted to detect the at least one object; and a brake coaching system interfacing with the detection system, the brake coaching system adapted to determine a brake application timing for an operator of the vehicle to avoid the object and optimize fuel economy of the vehicle. A driver prompting braking method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating for drive influences of a drive train of a vehicle, where the vehicle has a traction motor and a power steering system including a servomotor configured to provide torque to a vehicle steering rack, include commanding the servomotor to apply a compensation torque to the vehicle steering rack. The compensation torque is applied in response to a predicted drive influence caused by a regenerative braking torque.

Abstract: A driver prompting braking system includes a detection device adapted to sense at least one object in front of the vehicle; a detection system interfacing with the detection device, the detection system adapted to detect the at least one object; and a brake coaching system interfacing with the detection system, the brake coaching system adapted to determine a brake application timing for an operator of the vehicle to avoid the object and optimize fuel economy of the vehicle. A driver prompting braking method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control system for a transmission includes a memory module, a position module, an error module, an integral module, and an adjustment module. The memory stores a control value as a function of clutch torque. The position module controls a position of a clutch based on the control value. The error module periodically determines a slip speed error based on a difference between a target slip speed and an estimated slip speed of the clutch. The integral module periodically determines an integral of the slip speed error. The adjustment module adjusts the control value based on the integral. A method for controlling a transmission is also provided.

Abstract: A debris sensor for a motor vehicle transmission includes a permanent magnet disposed on the inside bottom of the transmission pan to attract and retain magnetically attracted debris such as filings and particulates and a magnetic sensor such as a Hall effect sensor adjacent the permanent magnet. The magnetic sensor monitors, over time, the magnetic field of the debris collecting magnet. The output of the magnetic sensor is provided to a transmission control module (TCM) or similar electronic control or monitoring device. The output of the sensor is monitored and when the output changes sufficiently, relative to experimental or empirical data, a signal or alarm code is generated or stored relating to the possible need for transmission service.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling an electric vehicle. The method includes determining that the vehicle is stopped on a slope in an unparked mode without an accelerator or brake request. A holding force may be applied to hold the vehicle in the stopped position on the slope. After the vehicle has been stopped on the slope in the unparked mode without an accelerator or brake request for a predetermined amount of time, the holding force may be reduced to remind a driver that the vehicle is in the unparked mode.

Abstract: A method and system for braking a vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle has at least one of an electronic stability control system and an antilock brake system. The vehicle may also include a regenerative brake adapted to apply a regenerative braking torque to slow the vehicle. The vehicle may further include a pressure sensor adapted to sense pressure in a hydraulic brake line. The pressure sensor may be a component of the at least one of the electronic stability control system and the antilock brake system. The vehicle may also include a controller adapted to control the regenerative braking torque of the regenerative brake based on at least the sensed pressure.

Abstract: A control system for a transmission includes a memory module, a position module, an error module, an integral module, and an adjustment module. The memory stores a control value as a function of clutch torque. The position module controls a position of a clutch based on the control value. The error module periodically determines a slip speed error based on a difference between a target slip speed and an estimated slip speed of the clutch. The integral module periodically determines an integral of the slip speed error. The adjustment module adjusts the control value based on the integral. A method for controlling a transmission is also provided.

Abstract: A debris sensor for a motor vehicle transmission includes a permanent magnet disposed on the inside bottom of the transmission pan to attract and retain magnetically attracted debris such as filings and particulates and a magnetic sensor such as a Hall effect sensor adjacent the permanent magnet. The magnetic sensor monitors, over time, the magnetic field of the debris collecting magnet. The output of the magnetic sensor is provided to a transmission control module (TCM) or similar electronic control or monitoring device. The output of the sensor is monitored and when the output changes sufficiently, relative to experimental or empirical data, a signal or alarm code is generated or stored relating to the possible need for transmission service.

Abstract: A method is provided for changing a gear ratio in a transmission of a motor vehicle. Engagement of a first gear-train component with a second gear-train component is initiated at a predetermined rate. Rotational speeds of the first and the second gear-train components, and whether the rotational speed of the first gear-train component and the rotational speed of the second gear-train component have substantially synchronized is determined. A rate of engagement of the two gear-train components is reduced, if the rotational speed of the first gear-train component has not substantially synchronized with rotational speed of the second gear-train component. The rate of engagement of the two gear-train components is increased, if the rotational speed of the first gear-train component has substantially synchronized with rotational speed of the second gear-train component. Following the conclusion of engagement between the two gear-train components, the gear ratio change is completed.

Abstract: A method is provided for changing a gear ratio in a transmission of a motor vehicle. Engagement of a first gear-train component with a second gear-train component is initiated at a predetermined rate. Rotational speeds of the first and the second gear-train components, and whether the rotational speed of the first gear-train component and the rotational speed of the second gear-train component have substantially synchronized is determined. A rate of engagement of the two gear-train components is reduced, if the rotational speed of the first gear-train component has not substantially synchronized with rotational speed of the second gear-train component. The rate of engagement of the two gear-train components is increased, if the rotational speed of the first gear-train component has substantially synchronized with rotational speed of the second gear-train component. Following the conclusion of engagement between the two gear-train components, the gear ratio change is completed.

Abstract: A method for spinning clothes in an automatic washing machine comprises determining the size of the fabric load in the washing machine and determining a plaster speed based on the size of the fabric load. A motor gradually increases the rotational speed of the drum to the plaster speed while a balance condition monitor monitors the balanced condition of the fabric load. When the rotational speed of the drum reaches the plaster speed and the load is balanced, the motor rapidly increases the rotational speed of the drum from the plaster speed to an extraction speed. If the load becomes imbalanced at the extraction speed, the rotational speed of the drum is rapidly decreased to a redistribution speed less than the plaster speed to redistribute the load.