Abstract: A mechanical connection includes first and second components supported for rotation, the first component formed with first spline teeth, the second component formed with second spline teeth meshing with the first spline teeth, and a damper fitted in a groove formed in one of the first and second components, including an extension secured to the damper, contacting and extending between at least some of the first and second spline teeth.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain including a planetary transmission including an output, a first member connected an a first power source and a second member connected to a second power source, a brake for alternately releasing the output and holding the output against rotation, a motor including a second output driveably connected to vehicle wheels, and a clutch for opening and closing a drive connection between the output and the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A mechanical connection includes first and second components supported for rotation, the first component formed with first spline teeth, the second component formed with second spline teeth meshing with the first spline teeth, and a damper fitted in a groove formed in one of the first and second components, including an extension secured to the damper, contacting and extending between at least some of the first and second spline teeth.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain including a planetary transmission including an output, a first member connected an a first power source and a second member connected to a second power source, a brake for alternately releasing the output and holding the output against rotation, a motor including a second output driveably connected to vehicle wheels, and a clutch for opening and closing a drive connection between the output and the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A method for heating a battery in a hybrid electric vehicle. The hybrid electric vehicle has an engine, a battery, a motor generator powered by the engine or the battery, and a control module. The method includes the steps of determining a battery temperature and determining whether a tip-in event, a tip-out event, or a terminal voltage event has occurred. The polarity of the battery is reversed if the battery temperature is below a predetermined value and if a tip-in event, a tip-out event, or a terminal voltage event has occurred.

Abstract: A geared, power transmission mechanism for a hybrid electric vehicle wherein multiple power flow paths are established between an engine and vehicle traction wheels and between an electric motor and the vehicle traction wheels. A vibration damper assembly, including damper springs and motor inertia mass, is located at the torque output side of the electric motor, whereby inertia torsional vibrations are attenuated.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid powertrain for a hybrid electric vehicle with an internal combustion engine and an electric drive system including an electric motor, a battery and a generator. The control system includes a system controller that monitors actual battery power in a closed-loop fashion and detects an error between actual battery power and a request for battery power. The engine power is corrected so that the battery is used at its intended level, thereby avoiding unnecessary charging and discharging.

Abstract: A geared, power transmission mechanism for a hybrid electric vehicle wherein multiple power flow paths are established between an engine and vehicle traction wheels and between an electric motor and the vehicle traction wheels. A vibration damper assembly, including damper springs and motor inertia mass, is located at the torque output side of the electric motor, whereby inertia torsional vibrations are attenuated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus 10 for transferring torque from at least one torque generator 12, 14 to at least one wheel 20 of a hybrid vehicle. The apparatus 10 includes a operatively coupled pair of clutches 24, 26 which cooperatively provide a dynamically adjustable gear ratio, effective to allow the vehicle to be quickly and efficiently launched and efficiently operated after launch.

Abstract: A damper system for hybrid vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine and an electrical motor, and the damper system is located between the gear system and the electrical motor. The damper system connects the electrical motor to a hub ring attached to a pair of cover plates, which are separated by a plurality of spacer bolts. A flange, which is placed between the cover plates, connects to a shaft attached to the gear system via another hub ring. The flange has a plurality of windows for locating coil springs. The inertia of the electrical motor is linked to the inertia of the gear system through the coil springs.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus 10 for transferring torque from at least one torque generator 12, 14 to at least one wheel 20 of a hybrid vehicle. The apparatus 10 includes a operatively coupled pair of clutches 24, 26 which cooperatively provide a dynamically adjustable gear ratio, effective to allow the vehicle to be quickly and efficiently launched and efficiently operated after launch.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an improved strategy for actively controlling battery state of charge (SOC) as a function of the vehicle's kinetic energy. A vehicle system controller (VSC) can vary a target battery SOC as a function of vehicle speed based on either vehicle kinetic energy or the square of vehicle speed. The VSC can set a maximum battery SOC limit using vehicle velocity and actively control a rate of charging the battery and determine a target battery SOC as a balance between the charge time and the charge current. The VSC can determine a target battery SOC based on a predetermined constant and a predetermined offset value. Target battery SOC is increased as vehicle speed increases until the maximum battery SOC limit is reached.