Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, extruded blends of aliphatic polycarbonates and polyolefins. In one aspect, provided blends comprise aliphatic polycarbonates such as poly(propylene carbonate) and a lesser amount of a crystalline or semicrystalline polymer. In certain embodiments, provided blends are characterized in that they exhibit unexpected improvements in their elongation properties. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of making such materials and applications of the materials in applications such as the manufacture of consumer packaging materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, extruded blends of aliphatic polycarbonates and polyolefins. In one aspect, provided blends comprise aliphatic polycarbonates such as poly(propylene carbonate) and a lesser amount of a crystalline or semicrystalline polymer. In certain embodiments, provided blends are characterized in that they exhibit unexpected improvements in their elongation properties. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of making such materials and applications of the materials in applications such as the manufacture of consumer packaging materials.

Abstract: A rough road detection system for an engine having a crankshaft includes a control module and a comparison module. The control module receives a crankshaft speed signal and determines a crankshaft rotation time and a crankshaft acceleration and jerk. The crankshaft rotation time is based on said crankshaft speed signal. The crankshaft acceleration and jerk are based on said crankshaft rotation time. The control module detects a crankshaft disturbance based on said crankshaft acceleration and jerk and counts a number of crankshaft disturbances. The comparison module determines a dispersion value and asymmetry value based on the crankshaft disturbances and determined whether rough road conditions exist based on first and second comparisons. The first comparison is between the dispersion value and a first predetermined threshold. The second comparison is between the asymmetry value and a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making solution masterbatches containing a diene elastomer in an organic solvent and a silica filler, having a first average particle size, that is ground in an organic solvent to form a silica having a reduced second average particle size. Grinding of the silica in the organic solvent, with or without other ingredients including the elastomer, produces a solution masterbatch in which the silica is mixed with and well dispersed in the elastomer. The use of such desolventized solution masterbatches in vulcanizable rubber compounds results in excellent processing characteristics allowing for the reduced use of processing aids such as oil. The compound also demonstrates improved properties, including reduced hysteresis.

Abstract: There is provided a method and executable code for controlling operation of a vehicle. The vehicle control occurs during ongoing operation subsequent to deactivating an internal combustion engine which is effective to generate vehicle tractive torque. The method comprises: monitoring conditions external to the vehicle, and, restarting the internal combustion engine when the monitored external conditions indicate an imminent opportunity to move the vehicle in a forward direction.

Abstract: A rough road detection system includes a collection module, a statistical module, and a comparison module. The collection module collects samples from a vibration sensitive signal. The statistical module removes a periodic anomaly from the samples and removes a random anomaly from the samples with a filter having a filter coefficient based on an engine speed signal. In addition, the statistical module calculates a statistical signal based on the samples. The rough road detection system also includes a derivative module that calculates a first and second derivative based on a rate or time. The derivative module removes negative derivatives when the derivatives are calculated with respect to the rate and positive derivatives when the derivatives are calculated with respect to time. The comparison module determines whether a rough road condition exists based on the statistical signal or the first and second derivatives.

Abstract: A method and system providing coordinated torque control and speed control of a vehicle equipped with individual wheel motors, a steering system, and yaw-rate detection to achieve a desired yaw moment for the vehicle, based upon operator input and vehicle operation, is described. This includes determining a commanded steering angle, and a yaw-rate error, based upon the commanded steering angle and detected yaw-rate. A desired wheel motor yaw torque moment is calculated. First and second torque moments are calculated for inner and outer motored wheels, based upon the desired wheel motor yaw torque moment. First and second ideal wheel speeds are calculated for the inner and outer motored wheels, based upon the commanded steering angle. Torque and speed at each inner motored wheel and each outer motored wheel are calculated, based upon the yaw-rate error, the first and second torque moments, and the first and second ideal wheel speeds.

Abstract: A method and system for detection of continuous single cylinder misfire, by more completely analyzing an estimated periodic sequence of reference period signals, and comparing the periodic sequence with a sample corresponding to an immediately prior revolution, is offered. Data occurring periodically, with a period of one revolution, are eliminated, whereas signals associated with a period of one engine cycle are enhanced. This comprises measuring a sequence of engine reference periods corresponding to a single engine revolution. Transient noise is removed. A first difference is calculated, and a disturbance sequence is estimated, correlatable to a single engine cycle. A difference is calculated and compared to a threshold. The threshold comprises an array of calibrated values, determined based upon engine operating speed and engine load.

Abstract: A dual-redundant propulsion-by-wire control architecture with robust monitoring is presented to increase system availability without compromising safety. The dual-redundant controllers are able to cross-monitor and self-monitor. Self monitoring is effected at the application level and built-in system tests are performed. The monitor functions are set as high priority tasks. The first controller controls operation of a first propulsion system, monitors operation of a second controller, and, self-monitors. The second controller controls operation of a second propulsion system, monitors operation of the first controller, and, self-monitors. Each controller is operable to identify faults occurring in the first and the second controller, and implement an alternate operating control scheme for the respective propulsion system when a fault is identified. The first controller is signally connected to the second controller by substantially redundant communications buses.

Abstract: An apparatus for the recovery of energy from regenerative braking events in a vehicle is provided. A braking system is configured to selectively transmit energy from a wheel to the compressor of a heat pump/refrigerant loop. The apparatus may store recovered energy in the heat capacity of a coolant fluid to assist powertrain heating or cooling.

Abstract: A steer by wire system for a vehicle that employs a steering torque assist to allow the vehicle operator to more easily steer the vehicle in the event of a steer by wire system fault. The steer by wire system includes a sensor that generates a signal indicative of the position of and torque applied to the steering wheel that is received by a controller. From the position signal, the controller controls the steering of the vehicle by a steering motor. A feedback motor provides counter-torque to the rotation of the steering wheel to simulate the turning of the vehicle wheels. If the steer by wire system fails, a clutch engages a mechanical linkage to allow the vehicle operator to control the vehicle steering by the steering wheel. The controller provides a motor drive signal to the feedback motor to provide the torque assist when the mechanical linkage is engaged.

Abstract: A brake control system for brake by wire applications having a dual fail-silent pair controller architecture. The system utilizes two supervisory controllers and a shared monitoring controller to achieve the dual fail-silent pair configuration. The brake control system also features a mechanism whereby the monitoring controller ensures the fail-silent operation of the brake control units in the event of certain undesired events occurring within the system by assuming control of the affected brake control units. The control system further assures that no single event, including an event related to the monitoring controller, causes loss of more than half the braking functionality. The control system also features additional redundancy with regard to the brake command signals by sharing a separate unprocessed brake command signal with each of the supervisory controllers and the monitoring controller.

Abstract: A control system and method for use in vehicles, such as automotive vehicles. The control system and method is particularly adapted for use in vehicles having by-wire control systems. The control system uses three system controllers. Each of the controllers is adapted to receive redundant control inputs from at least one input device, such as a steering actuator, an accelerator actuator and a brake actuator. Each controller is adapted to receive a different unprocessed actuator sensor signal and a processed actuator sensor signal which are associated with the input device. Each controller may also be adapted to receive a sensor status signal which is also associated with the input device. In accordance with the method of the invention, these signals may be used to determine a sensor signal which may be used as the basis for control of control systems or components in response to the input device.

Abstract: A method for controlling regeneration of a lean NOx trap includes estimating an accumulated NOx in the lean NOx trap; determining whether the estimated NOx exceeds a first threshold value or a second threshold value; estimating the temperature of the lean NOx trap; determining whether the estimated temperature exceeds a threshold temperature; determining a desired air-fuel ratio for initiating a regeneration event, the desired air-fuel ratio being determined based upon the estimated NOx and the estimated temperature of the lean NOx trap; hastening the occurrence of a regeneration event when the estimated NOx exceeds the first threshold value through active control of engine operating regimes; and initiating a regeneration event when the estimated NOx exceeds the second threshold value or when the estimated temperature exceeds the threshold temperature by forcing homogenous operation of the engine at the desired air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: A torque compensation method for controlling a direct-injection gasoline engine during regeneration of a lean NOx trap disposed in an exhaust path of the engine determines a desired torque in accordance with driver demands, cruise control settings or idle control. An estimate of torque loss attributable to stratified to homogeneous transitioning to effect the regeneration is determined and a compensating control torque to the engine is provided in an amount sufficient to compensate for the estimated decrease in engine torque to thereby maintain the desired torque level during the lean NOx trap regeneration.

Abstract: A method for controlling a direct-injection gasoline engine during regeneration of a lean NOx trap disposed in an exhaust path of the engine includes determining the current air-fuel ratio and comparing the current air-fuel ratio to a lean limit air-fuel ratio. Transitions from lean stratified engine operation to rich homogenous engine operation are delayed until the current air-fuel ratio reaches the lean limit air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: Accelerated heating of automotive exhaust system components is effected by controlling the application of supplemental electrical loads to the vehicle electrical system thereby increasing engine load and increasing exhaust heat. Alternative strategies are disclosed for implementing the invention through control of electrical and engine management system parameters.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system has two driver-operable input devices. The vehicle braking system is sufficiently configured such that one of the driver-operable input devices is effective in causing resistance to the rotation of at least one wheel only when a predetermined condition exists, and the other driver-operable input device is effective independent of the predetermined condition.