| FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120035835 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRE-IGNITION CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for mitigating engine pre-ignition based on a feed-forward likelihood of pre-ignition and feedback from a pre-ignition event. In response to an indication of pre-ignition, a cylinder may be enriched while an engine load is limited. The enrichment may be followed by an enleanment to restore exhaust catalyst feed-gas oxygen levels. The mitigating steps may be adjusted based on engine operating conditions, a pre-ignition count, as well as the nature of the pre-ignition. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035795 | DISTANCE ORIENTED ENERGY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A vehicle and a method to control a vehicle includes selecting a trip route for the vehicle using a user interface, generating a charge reference profile of a battery coupled to an electric motor based on the trip, and commanding propulsion devices in the vehicle based on a location of the vehicle with respect to the trip route such that a state of charge (SOC) of the battery tracks the reference profile. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120032549 | Permanent Magnet Machine - A permanent magnet electric machine with optimum motoring efficiency is disclosed. It is adapted for use in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. An asymmetric magnetic flux distribution pattern in the rotor of the machine is established by asymmetrically positioning rotor openings relative to rotor magnets to improve operating efficiency of the machine when it is in a motoring mode. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120032480 | REACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT HAVING ATTACHMENT POINTS FORWARD OF SEAT BACK FRAME - A reactive head restraint system for an occupant of an automotive vehicle seat includes a seat back frame and a reactive head restraint mechanism attached to the seat back frame. A head restraint is attached to the reactive head restraint mechanism. The seat back frame includes a left side member, a right side member, and an upper cross member. The cross member connects the left and right side members of the frame. The reactive head restraint mechanism includes a hinge for attachment to the upper cross member, a pair of spaced apart steel tubes attached to the front leaf of a hinge, a pair of plastic guide sleeves, and a push plate. The guide sleeves are inserted into the upper ends of the steel tubes. The posts of the head restraint are inserted into the guide sleeves. The rear leaf of the hinge is attached to either the underside of the cross member or is attached to the front of the cross member. The push plate is attached to the lower ends of the spaced apart steel tubes. Because of the hinged attachment of the steel tubes to the cross member, the push plate moves toward the rear of the vehicle and the head restraint simultaneously moves toward a front of the vehicle in response to occupant movement toward the rear of the seat back during vehicle impact. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120031381 | Coordination of HP and LP EGR - A method for charging an intake manifold of an engine comprises adjusting an LP EGR flow rate and an uncooled HP EGR flow rate within first limits to maintain a target dilution level in the intake manifold at steady-state. The method further comprises adjusting the LP EGR and uncooled HP EGR rates within second limits, different from the first, to maintain the target dilution level in the intake manifold during transient conditions. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120031357 | Feed Forward Control for Electric Variable Valve Operation - Periodic torque disturbances that affect cylinder valve operation are anticipated, and an appropriate reaction torque is provided by an electric motor to counteract the periodic torque disturbances to position a cylinder valve at a desired position. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120031354 | FUEL INJECTOR COOLING - Systems and methods for cooling a fuel injector of a direct injection engine are disclosed. In order to route coolant directly beneath a fuel injector adjacent to a combustion chamber in a direct injection engine, a recess is cast beneath the injector and a slotted gasket is provided to route coolant from core prints of the exiting water jacket into the recess beneath the injector. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120031353 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE - A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120029807 | Vehicle Navigation Method and System - A vehicle based computing system processor is operable to receive the coordinates from a GPS and transmit the coordinates to a remote network. The processor is operable to receive map data pertaining to a route to be traveled by the vehicle, including a recommended starting road. The processor is able to audibly announce the recommended starting road name on which the vehicle is not presently traveling and to determine if the vehicle has reached that road. The processor is operable to output at least initial instructions for the route to be traveled. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029806 | Efficient Navigation Data Downloading - A packetization method includes preparing data comprising driving instructions for delivery to a vehicle. The illustrative method also includes determining a portion of the data to deliver in a first packet to a vehicle computing system in communication with a server executing the method, based at least in part on when the first packet, containing at least a first driver action instruction, is needed in the vehicle. The method further includes adding the determined portion of data to the packet and delivering the first packet of data to a vehicle computing system in communication with the server. Finally, the method includes repeating the steps of determining, adding and delivering, until no data remains for delivery, such that packets arrive at a vehicle and are processed for output prior to a first driver action instruction of each packet being needed in the vehicle, the repetition contingent on data remaining for delivery. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029805 | Vehicle Navigation System and Method - An efficient route-defining method includes determining a route to a destination. The exemplary method also includes determining a wireless device to server connection type and assigning a tolerance in accordance with a connection type. The tolerance is usable to determine if a vehicle is off-route, and the tolerance is increased or decreased inversely corresponding to the speed of the connection type. According to the illustrative method, the assigned tolerance is used to determine points defining the route, such that the roads comprising the route are within a bounded area. The bounded area may be defined by the tolerance in conjunction with a plurality of lines connecting successive points along the route. Finally, the method includes delivering the determined points to a vehicle computing system in communication with the server. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029795 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029794 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN ENGINE VIA COMPRESSOR SPEED - An engine air estimation method is described. In one example, an amount of air entering an engine is determined in response to a speed of a compressor. The method may be especially useful for increasing engine reliability. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029793 | CALIBRATION SCHEME FOR AN EXHAUST GAS SENSOR - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle in response to an equilibrium value of an exhaust gas constituent generated from an exhaust gas sensor. One example method comprises during engine fueling below a threshold amount where at least one intake valve and one exhaust valve of the engine are operating: generating an equilibrium value of an exhaust gas constituent reading of the exhaust gas sensor, the equilibrium value based on a trajectory of the exhaust gas constituent reading, and under selected engine combusting conditions, adjusting the sensor signal based on the equilibrium value. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029791 | PRE-DELIVERY STRATEGY FOR DIESEL- ENGINE VEHICLES - A method to supply fuel to an engine of a vehicle is provided. The method includes adjusting a direct injection of fuel into a cylinder of the engine based on whether the vehicle is in a pre-delivery state. In one example, the method includes reducing an amount of fuel in a post injection to reduce cylinder bore wetting effects and lubricant dilution during the engine cold start. After pre-delivery, a normal post injection schedule may be used to reduce emissions. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029762 | APPARATUS, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR TESTING CONNECTED SERVICES IN A VEHICLE - Various embodiments include tools and methods for diagnosing connected services in a vehicle. Communication with a vehicle computing system in a vehicle may be established. A diagnostic connection to a diagnostics server may also be established. Vehicle information and diagnostic data from one or more connected services may be received from the vehicle computing system and transmitted via a diagnostic connection to the diagnostics server. A connected services diagnostic status for the vehicle may be determined based on the vehicle information and the diagnostic data. The connected services diagnostic status may be received from the server and output to a user. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029751 | PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A method of operating a hybrid vehicle propulsion system includes selectively operating the engine to consume fuel stored on-board the vehicle based on a residence time of the fuel stored on-board the vehicle and further based on a profile of ambient conditions over the residence time. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029750 | AUTO-SEEK ELECTRICAL CONNECTION FOR A PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE - An auto-seek operating mode for an electric vehicle adjusts the vehicle in a direction transverse to a vehicle central axis using a vehicle power steering system and using a motor and a battery to advance the vehicle toward a target connector for a utility power grid for charging the battery. If needed, vertical vehicle position adjustments are made using a controllable vehicle suspension system. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029749 | TURBOCHARGER LAUNCH CONTROL - A method for launching a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises increasing alternator and boost pressure while maintaining idle speed at idle before pedal tip-in, and decreasing alternator load responsive to pedal tip-in. In this way, increased turbocharger output may be used to quickly accelerate the vehicle. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029748 | Hybrid Electrical Vehicle Powertrain with an Enhanced All-Electric Drive Mode System and Method of Control - A system and method of controlling a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is provided. The hybrid-electric powertrain includes an engine, a battery, an electric motor, an electric generator and a transmission with a planetary gear unit. The planetary gear unit mechanically couples the engine, the electric motor and the electric generator to effect power delivery to vehicle traction wheels. Stored electrical power is delivering to the electric motor to drive the traction wheels in an electric-only operation mode. A first amount of torque is applied to the planetary gear unit with the electric generator in order to reduce the amount of wear to the planetary gear unit in the electric-only operation mode. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028758 | DIRECT INJECTION ALCOHOL ENGINE WITH BOOST AND SPARK CONTROL - Boosted engine operation and spark timing of an engine may be adjusted with alcohol content of the fuel in a direct injection engine. Further, various adjustments may be performed in numerous related systems to account for increased maximum engine torque, such as traction control, transmission shifting, etc. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028599 | EMERGENCY ALERT NOTIFICATION AND RESPONSE - Various embodiments include communicating emergency information to a vehicle. A computer may receive one or more emergency notifications issued by a government agency. Additionally, a geographic location of a vehicle may be determined based on GPS data. At least one emergency notification may be selected based on the geographic location of the vehicle and a geographic attribute of the emergency notifications. The selected emergency notifications may be output so that the notification may be presented to a vehicle occupant. In some embodiments, the notification may be output depending on the direction that the vehicle is travelling. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120025601 | Low Voltage Bus Stability - Systems and methods provide voltage stability for a low voltage bus coupling a DC/DC converter with a low voltage load comprising one or more vehicle accessories. The DC/DC converter can be coupled to a high voltage battery, the low voltage load, and a starter circuit configured for starting an engine. Prior to engaging a starter motor to start the engine, the DC/DC converter can be isolated from the starter circuit so as to be shielded from any large current demand during an engine start event. While starting the engine, the starter motor can draw current from a secondary battery, while the DC/DC converter provides a sufficient and stable voltage to the vehicle low voltage accessories. After completion of the engine start event, the DC/DC converter can be recoupled to the starter circuit, allowing the high voltage battery to charge the secondary battery. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120025501 | CURTAIN AIRBAG FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - An inflatable curtain airbag is secured along an upper edge to a body structure of the motor vehicle and deploys downwardly when inflated. Prior to deployment, the lower edge of the curtain is not tethered to the vehicle body. When nearly or fully deployed, the lower edge of the curtain engages an adjacent part of the motor vehicle so as to form a virtual tether therebetween resisting relative movement between the curtain and the adjacent part. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024269 | FUEL BASED ENGINE OPERATION CONTROL - Methods are provided for operating an engine with a variable fuel blend in a cylinder, where the variable fuel blend varies a peak achievable engine torque for a given operating condition. One example method comprises selectively operating an engine actuator that affects engine torque and engine fuel economy at the given operating condition, and extending operation of the actuator to higher engine torques as a peak engine torque for the given operating condition increases. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024267 | Stored Compressed Air Management for Improved Engine Performance - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method includes varying a relative amount of engine exhaust in air pressurized in the boost tank based on engine operating conditions, and discharging the air pressurized in the boost tank to the intake manifold. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024262 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a knock control fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, and CMCV, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024261 | VACUUM SYSTEM FOR AN ENGINE - Systems and methods for generating a vacuum in an engine are provided. The system includes a first throttle upstream from a plurality of cylinders and a second throttle upstream from one of the cylinders. The system further includes a vacuum reservoir in fluidic communication with an intake runner downstream from the second throttle; a vacuum consumer in fluidic communication with the vacuum reservoir, the vacuum consumer controlled by an actuator; and a pneumatic actuator driven by a pressure state of the vacuum reservoir to adjust the second throttle. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024259 | DIRECT-START ENGINE OPERATION UTILIZING MULTI-STRIKE IGNITION - A method for engine starting is provided. The method may include performing idle-stop operation, and during a subsequent re-start, applying multi-strike ignition operation for a first combustion cycle. In this way, improved engine starting may be achieved with reduced emissions. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024256 | ENGINE COVER HAVING A RETAINER TO SECURE AN ENGINE ACCESSORY - A cam cover for a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine has an aperture in the cam cover adapted to permit spark plug installation into the cylinder head and two tabs protruding vertically from the cam cover adapted to retain a boss extending from an ignition coil. The ignition coil has a portion adapted to fit over the spark plug and an orifice through the boss. The cam cover also has a recess between the tabs with the recess extending into the cam cover which is adapted to accept a self-tapping screw in the event of a tab failure. The tabs have a varying cross-section along their length such that they allow the orifice to slide over the tabs squeezing the tabs together and then snapping into place when the orifice clears the ramps on the side of the tabs. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024035 | METHOD OF INCREMENTALLY FORMING A WORKPIECE - A method of incrementally forming a workpiece. The method includes determining a desired workpiece geometry, generating a tool path in which a feature is formed outwardly from a point that is disposed a maximum distance from a reference position, and incrementally forming the workpiece. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024034 | Method to Improve Geometrical Accuracy of an Incrementally Formed Workpiece - A method of incrementally forming a workpiece. The method may include incrementally forming a stiffening feature on the workpiece and incrementally forming a part on the workpiece. A gap between forming tools may be decreased to reform the part. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023937 | FIXED RATE EGR SYSTEM - A method is provided for controlling EGR flow in turbocharged engine. The method comprises operating a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (LP-EGR) system at a fixed EGR percentage rate of fresh airflow from mid-load down to a minimum engine load, even as load changes. In this way, errors in the delivered LP-EGR rate during transient conditions may be alleviated by providing a fixed EGR percentage of fresh airflow at all engine loads within a fixed mode range. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023935 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A TURBOCHARGED ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for a boosted engine having a split intake system coupled to a split exhaust system. Aircharges of differing composition, pressure, and temperature may be delivered to the engine through the split intake system at different points of an engine cycle. In this way, boost and EGR benefits may be extended. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023934 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A TURBOCHARGED ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for a boosted engine having a split intake system coupled to a split exhaust system. Aircharges of differing composition, pressure, and temperature may be delivered to the engine through the split intake system at different points of an engine cycle. In this way, boost and EGR benefits may be extended. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023933 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A TURBOCHARGED ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for a boosted engine having a split intake system coupled to a split exhaust system. Aircharges of differing composition, pressure, and temperature may be delivered to the engine through the split intake system at different points of an engine cycle. In this way, boost and EGR benefits may be extended. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023912 | CONTAMINATION DETECTION IN FUEL SYSTEM - A system comprises a fuel system for delivering fuel to an engine for combustion and a reductant storage system for delivering reductant to the exhaust stream for an SCR catalyst for NOx reduction. The fuel system further comprises a water separator for separating water-based fluid from fuel in the fuel tank, and a separation reservoir to collect the separated water-based fluid. Based on readings of a water-in-fuel sensor positioned within the reservoir, a type of degradation (e.g., water build-up, high-water-content fuel, mis-filling of the reductant, etc.) may be determined and indicated. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023910 | Particulate Filter Regeneration Control System and Method - Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a diesel particulate filter in a vehicle engine exhaust include detecting a distance of an object from the exhaust and controlling a regeneration event if the distance is less than a threshold value. The system and method may include a particulate filter disposed in the exhaust of the vehicle and a proximity sensor disposed adjacent an exhaust opening and positioned to detect presence of an object near the opening. A controller in communication with the proximity sensor is adapted for controlling regeneration of the particulate filter in response to the proximity sensor detecting the object near the opening. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023909 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AN ENGINE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM - Systems and methods are provided for a layered emission control device coupled to an exhaust manifold. Various formulations may be incorporated in a plurality of layers of the device to enable various emission control functions to be grouped within spatial constraints. The layers may be organized to reduce functional interference and improve functional synergy between the various emission control functions. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023907 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING NH3 SLIPPAGE OF A SELECTIVE CATALYST REDUCTION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for storing NH | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120022801 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTINGUISHING POSITIONS OF TIRES IN A DUAL REAR TIRE VEHICLE - A method for identifying tire positions of a dual rear tire vehicle having front tires and a pair of dual rear tires. The dual rear tires include an inner rear tire and an outer rear tire. The method includes providing a set of tire monitoring modules attached to each of the tires, and a processing module operatively attached to the tire monitoring modules. Further, the method includes receiving tire information, including tire pressure signals and rotational direction, from the set of monitoring modules of each of the tires. The method then involves identifying the dual rear tires and the front tires, and the dual rear tires located on right side and left side of the vehicle based on the received tire information. The inner rear tire and the outer rear tire of each of the dual rear tires are also identified based on the received tire information. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120022731 | Series-Drive Operation During Launch and Creep of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle - A method for launching a vehicle includes determining that vehicle speed is less than a reference, demanded wheel power is less than a reference wheel power, and demanded engine power is less than a reference engine power; charging a battery using a generator driven by an engine; using an electric machine powered by the battery to drive vehicle wheels; and opening a clutch located in a drive path between a transmission and the generator. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120021862 | Electronic Locking Differential - A differential mechanism includes a case, a gear rotatable about an axis, a lock ring held against rotation relative to the case, a lever contacting the lock ring, and an electromagnetic coil that is displaced axially when energized, pivoting the lever, engaging the lock ring with the side gear, and preventing the gear from rotating relative to the case. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120021322 | FUEL CELL STACK FLOW DIVERSION - A fuel cell system has a compressor delivering compressed gas to a fuel cell stack and a control valve affecting the flow of compressed gas. A load dump condition is determined for the fuel cell stack. The flow through the compressor is increased and the additional flow diverted away from the fuel cell stack by the control valve to provide additional load for the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack may then be operated at a higher output power for the purpose of generating more waste heat to more rapidly warm itself. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120021182 | IN-MOLD DECORATIVE APPLIQUE OVER TEXTURED SURFACE - A plastic-molded automotive interior trim component has a curvilinear finished surface with a relatively flat portion and a relatively curved portion. A decorative film subcomponent has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein at least the outer surface is pigmented with a desired color of the finished surface. Prior to incorporation into the plastic molded component, the decorative film subcomponent has a shape generally conforming to the curvilinear finished surface and is substantially smooth. A structural backing member is in-mold laminated with the decorative film subcomponent, wherein the structural backing member is formed by injection molding a backing material against the inner surface of the decorative film subcomponent in a mold having a film-receiving surface with a three-dimensional texture that receives the decorative film subcomponent. The texture shapes the decorative film subcomponent with an embossed pattern having a substantially uniform, undistorted appearance on at least part of the relatively flat portion and at least part of the relatively curved portion. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120020807 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NOISE CONTROL IN HYDRAULIC PUMPS - A method for attenuating hydraulic pump flow pulses is described. The method includes pumping a fluid at a first hydraulic flow rate to an operating device via the pump, the flow being in the form of discrete fluid pulses. Further, the method includes obtaining values of plurality of parameters related to the pulses produced by the pump and attenuating the pulses by modifying the first hydraulic flow rate to a second hydraulic flow rate based on the obtained values. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120019231 | Variable Voltage Converter with Direct Output Voltage Clamping - A power conversion circuit includes a variable voltage converter (VVC) with a stabilizing means for stabilizing its output voltage. The stabilizing means can be in the form of a diode that clamps the VVC output voltage to the VVC input voltage so that the output voltage does not drop below the input voltage when a load imposes a sudden power demand. The stabilizing means also enables a bypass mode in which transient power can be provided from a power source to an inverter without current flow through the VVC inductor or switches. When embodied as a diode, the stabilizing means can increase the maximum power that can be transferred by the power conversion circuit, improve the power response of the circuit, minimize control instability, and reduce power losses. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120018972 | DEVICE FOR REDUCING ROLL MOTION IN MOTOR VEHICLES - A device for reducing roll in motor vehicles. The device includes a first and second traction mechanism and at least a first and second deflecting and rebounding suspension part connected to different vehicle sides of a vehicle body, the first and second traction mechanisms connected at one end to the first suspension part at a first connecting point and at the other end to the second suspension part at a second connecting point. Furthermore, the first traction mechanism is guided deflectably between the first and second connecting points by a first guide means mounted on the vehicle body above the first connecting point and below the second connecting point, and the second traction mechanism is guided deflectably between the first and second connecting points by a second guide means mounted on the vehicle body below the first connecting point and above the second connecting point. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120018407 | PLASMA TRANSFER WIRE ARC THERMAL SPRAY SYSTEM - In one or more embodiments, the invention relates to a plasma transfer wire arc thermal spray system, comprising a section for feeding a wire acting as a first electrode, a source of plasma gas providing plasma gas, a nozzle directing the plasma gas stream from the source of plasma gas to a free end of the wire, and a second electrode located in the plasma gas stream towards the nozzle. In certain instances, the nozzle is made at least partially of electrically insulating material. The thermal spray apparatus with the inventive spray gun may have a simplified and faster starting procedure and the spray nozzle can be more durable. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120017870 | METHOD FOR DETECTION OF EMISSIONS LEVELS DURING EXTENDED ENGINE SPEED CONTROLLED OPERATION - A method for detection of emissions levels during extended engine speed controlled operation is provided. The method includes monitoring mass airflow passing through the engine while operating the engine. The method further includes adjusting mass airflow responsive to engine speed to maintain a desired engine speed. The method further includes shutting down the engine when engine mass airflow becomes higher than a predetermined mass airflow threshold. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120016566 | Method for Purging Fuel Vapors - A method for improving purging of fuel vapors from a boosted engine is presented. In one embodiment, the method increases the efficiency of a venturi that supplies vacuum to purge fuel vapors from a vapor storage canister. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120015770 | Power Transfer Unit Drive Disconnect System - A drive system includes a rotating power source, a planetary differential including a ring gear engaged with the power source, a sun gear secured to a first shaft and a carrier secured to a second shaft, a member secured to an output shaft, and a coupler alternately connecting and disconnecting the member and the ring gear. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120015749 | Lubricant Circuit Including a Cap Plug - A circuit for carrying hydraulic lubricant in a transmission includes a shaft including a duct, a second shaft separated by a space from the shaft, and including a second duct, and a cup plug including a leg that extends across the space, the leg and the second shaft forming a passage directed between an end of the leg and the space, and a cap having an orifice connecting the ducts. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120015209 | Wheels Having Oxide Coating And Method of Making The Same - In one embodiment, an article includes a surface; a metallic layer including a first metal and contacting the surface; and an oxide layer including an oxide of a second metal different from the first metal and contacting the metallic layer. The article may further include a polymer layer contacting the surface of the oxide layer directed away from the article surface. In certain instances, the article is a vehicle wheel. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120014763 | PROTECTIVE WHEEL CHOCK FOR TRANSPORTING MOTOR VEHICLE - A protective chock for use when transporting a vehicle having a wheel and a flexible underbody component, such as an air dam or skirt, adjacent the wheel. The chock includes at least one wheel positioning bump for placement on a deck of the transporter vehicle (railway car, road vehicle, ship, aircraft, etc.) with the bump projecting upwardly from the deck to contact the wheel when the vehicle is in a pre-tie-down position. The chock further includes a sloped portion extending from positioning bump(s) and the wheel to be located between the flexible underbody component and the deck. As the vehicle is urged downwardly to a tied-down position, the flexible underbody component contacts the sloped portion and is deflected either away from or toward the wheel to protect it from damaging contact with the deck. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120013424 | Vehicle Power System And Electrical Contactor For Use With Same - A vehicle power system includes an electrical power source, an electrical bus, and a contactor electrically connected with the electrical power source and electrical bus. The contactor includes first and second poles, dual plungers each operatively associated with one of the first and second poles, and an electromagnetic coil configured to cause at least one of the dual plungers to move if the coil is energized. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120012537 | Fluid Reconditioning System and Method of Using the Same - In one embodiment, a fluid recondition system includes a container for storing a fluid; a fluid reconditioning module including a microbe-reducing device; and a first and second conduits transporting fluid between the container and the fluid reconditioning module. In another embodiment, the fluid reconditioning module includes an electromagnetic energy emitting device such as a number of ultraviolet lamps. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120012073 | ENGINE WITH CYLINDER HEAD COOLING - A cylinder head for an engine is provided. The cylinder head may include an upper cooling jacket including at least a first inlet and a first outlet and a lower cooling jacket including at least a second inlet and a second outlet. The cylinder head may further include a first set of crossover coolant passages including one or more crossover coolant passages fluidly coupled to the upper cooling jacket and the lower cooling jacket and adjacent to one or more combustion chambers. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120011961 | Auxiliary Oil Pump Integrated with a Vehicle Transmission - An assembly for an automotive vehicle transmission includes a case containing a fluid sump and valve body, a pump supported on the case, a passage formed in the case for carrying fluid from the pump to a transmission control element, and a second passage formed in the case for carrying fluid from the oil sump to the pump. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120011915 | METHOD OF INCREMENTAL FORMING WITH SUCCESSIVE WRAP SURFACES - A method of incrementally forming a workpiece. The method includes incrementally forming a first monotonic wrap surface in a first direction and incrementally forming a second wrap surface in a second direction disposed opposite the first direction. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120011837 | EXHAUST PASSAGE - An exhaust system comprises a conical shell having an indentation helically traversing the exhaust passage so as to impart mixing on an engine exhaust gas flowing through an inner passage defined by the conical shell. The indentation may be formed into the conical shell via a stamping process. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120010805 | VEHICLE-BASED METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING PERSONAL INFORMATION AND EVENTS - Various embodiments may include a vehicle-based system and method for managing a user's personal information and events. A user's personal communications (such as verbal and non-verbal communications) may be monitored to identify one or more unscheduled personal events. A determination may be made whether the unscheduled personal events conflict with one or more previously scheduled personal events or personal events pending for scheduling. The scheduled personal events or pending personal events may be obtained from recorded conversations, emails, text messages, social networking messages, and the like. Based on the determination, one or more actions may be taken on the unscheduled personal events. A determination may also be made whether to add the contact with whom the user is having a personal communication to the user's address book based on whether a personal relationship exists with the contact. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010792 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Systems and methods are provided for restarting an engine that can be selectively deactivated during idle-stop conditions. In one embodiment, the engine is restarted with torque reduction over an interval of the restart, for example, by upshifting the transmission. In response to a vehicle launch request, the torque reduction is decreased, for example, by downshifting the transmission, to expedite return of driveline torque. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010768 | HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND METHOD OF PATH DEPENDENT RECEDING HORIZON CONTROL - A path-dependent control of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes segmenting an original route into segments. A virtual route based on the remaining portion of the original route is generated once the HEV reaches a current segment of the original route. The virtual route includes a first segment corresponding to the current segment of the original route and a last segment representing at least two other segments of the remaining portion of the original route. Battery SoC set-points for the segments of the virtual route are generated. The vehicle is controlled according to the battery SoC set-point for the first segment of the virtual route as the vehicle travels along the current segment of the original route. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010767 | HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND METHOD OF CONTROL USING PATH FORECASTING - A path-dependent control of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes segmenting a route into segments, generating a sequence of battery state-of-charge (SoC) set-points for the segments, and controlling the vehicle in accordance with the battery SoC set-points as the vehicle travels along the route. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010045 | METHOD FOR STARTING AN ENGINE - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a transmission actuator in response to engine combustion during an engine start. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010044 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENGINE THAT MAY BE AUTOMATICALLY STOPPED - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a transmission tie-up force in response to engine starting. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010041 | Transitioning Between Electric-Drive and Parallel-Drive in a Hybrid-Electric Vehicle Powertrain - A method for operating a vehicle powertrain includes driving first wheels using an electric machine, starting an engine, using a second electric machine driven by the engine to produce synchronous speed at a input of a transmission having a desired gear engaged, engaging a clutch that connects said input and the engine, and using the engine and the transmission to drive second wheels. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120009859 | PARTIAL AIR INLET CONTROL STRATEGY FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - A system and method of selecting air intake between 100% fresh air mode and 100% recirculated air mode for optimum heating/cooling performance, fuel economy and/or high voltage (HV) battery power consumption is disclosed. The system and method includes a partial recirculation control strategy in which the air inlet door is moved progressively to any position by taking into account cooling/heating loads and cabin fogging probability. As cooling/heating loads increase the air inlet door moves toward 100% recirculation mode. As fogging probability increases the air inlet door moves toward 100% fresh air mode. By selectively choosing a position between 100% recirculation and 100% fresh air, fuel economy and/or HV battery power consumption is optimized without compromising passenger comfort or causing fogging on interior glass surfaces. In cooling applications the compressor load is minimized and air conditioning performance is improved due to the reduced evaporator cooling load. The direct result of this improvement is increased fuel economy in the case of the internal combustion vehicle, reduced engine on time in the case of the hybrid electric vehicle (due to reduced HV battery power consumption), and reduced HV battery power consumption in the case of the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and the electric vehicle (EV). In heating applications, as the heating load is reduced the fuel economy of the internal combustion (IC) engine will be improved, the engine on time is reduced in the case of the HEV, and HV battery power consumption is reduced in the case of the EV. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120007328 | REAR WHEEL SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES - The invention relates to a rear wheel suspension system for motor vehicles having a composite link axle that has two wheel-carrying longitudinal links that are each articulated pivotably on a vehicle body by one body-side pivoting bearing and a flexurally rigid, torsionally soft transverse strut that connects the longitudinal links to one another. The pivoting bearings are set at a predefined yaw angle in relation to an initial position with the pivoting bearing axes aligned with a connecting line between the centers of the pivoting bearings. The pivoting bearings are also set at a predefined roll angle relative to a horizontal plane. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120007326 | STEERING RACK HOUSING COMPRISING CROSS-SECTIONAL CONTRACTIONS - A steering rack housing ( | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006288 | Cylinder Charge Temperature Control for an Internal Combustion Engine - A method is disclosed for operating an engine with a first cylinder providing a net flow of gases from the intake to the exhaust while combusting; and a second cylinder providing a net flow of gases from the exhaust to the intake. Both the first and second cylinders may carry out combustion during such operation. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006286 | COOLING ARRANGEMENT FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES - A cooling arrangement for an internal combustion engine is described, with a coolant balancing tank which is capable of being filled with coolant and the inlet side of which is connected via a first venting line to an internal combustion engine and/or via a second venting line to a cooler for cooling the coolant, and the outlet side of which is connected via a coolant return line to the inlet side of a pumping device for pumping the coolant through the internal combustion engine. The cooling arrangement has, furthermore, a flow control unit for variably limiting the coolant volume flow in the venting line. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120004841 | MULTI-MODAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - One or more embodiments may include a multi-modal navigation system and method. Route information may be received for generating a navigation route which may comprise multiple modes of transportation to a destination. GPS data may also be received. The navigation route to the destination across the multiple modes of transportation may be determined. The route may be updated as the route is traversed. The navigation route across the multiple modes of transportation may be output based on the GPS data. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004829 | Fuel Injection Control During Start-Up - A method of operation of an internal combustion engine including an intake valve coupled to a combustion chamber, and a port fuel injector positioned upstream of the intake valve in an intake manifold including a throttle, the port fuel injector fluidly coupled to a fuel rail included in a fuel delivery system housing a fuel at least partially composed of alcohol. The method including, during a start-up operation when the temperature of the engine is below a threshold value and fuel is actively being injected into the intake manifold, adjusting a cone angle of a fuel spray from the port fuel injector, via adjustment of the throttle and/or fuel delivery system, based on the position of the intake valve. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120003038 | Method for Reinforcing a Tubular Beam with a Sleeve - A method of reinforcing a hollow beam by inserting a sleeve that is held in place by a tang that is placed on a supporting portion of a first or second opening formed in the beam. A fastener is inserted inside the sleeve. A component is attached to the beam by inserting a fastener through the sleeve. An insertion tool may be used to insert the sleeve into the beam. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120002432 | LIGHTING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES AND A METHOD FOR PRODUCING IT - The invention relates to a lighting device for vehicles, having a housing, a translucent diffusing screen covering a light exit opening of the housing, and a reflector. The translucent diffusing screen and the reflector may be fastened to the housing. A rapidly curing connection means may be applied to at least one interface between the housing and the diffusing screen to facilitate positioning. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001466 | SEAT BELT ARRANGEMENT FOR A SEAT OF A VEHICLE - A seatbelt guide is attached to a seat of a motor vehicle in the shoulder area of the seat to guide a shoulder belt. The guide includes an inner element fixed relative to the seat, and an outer element spaced from the inner element by a distance to receive and guide the seatbelt. The outer element is movable relative to the inner element in a longitudinal direction to allow the seatbelt to be removed from the guide. This may be desirable if, for example, the seat has a fold-down back rest. The outer element pivots about a pivot axis extending approximately in a transverse direction of the vehicle. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001447 | Integrated Inertial Lock and Latch for Console Lid - A vehicular console storage system has a pivotable lid and a striker movable with the lid. A pawl is mounted in a fixed location for selectably receiving the striker, wherein the pawl is movable between a latching position and a release position. The pawl holds the striker so that the lid is held closed when in the latching position, and the pawl has a cam surface. A spring-loaded cam follower is at least in partial contact with the cam surface and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position to provide a first resistance to motion of the pawl from the latching position to the release position. The first resistance is easily overcome by manual manipulation by a user. A movable lever has an activated position and a deactivated position, wherein the activated position interferes with movement of the pawl from the latching position to the release position. An inertial sensor is provided for moving the movable lever to the activated position in response to a predetermined acceleration. Thus, an integrated mechanism provides both hard locking during a crash event and soft latching for easy user access without requiring a manually operated button or latch. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110320091 | VEHICLE ROLLOVER DETECTION - A system and method for detecting a rollover of a vehicle that includes at least one wheel reaction force sensing device for transmitting wheel reaction force signal indicative of an amount of force exerted on at least one wheel of the vehicle is provided. The system includes a controller operably coupled to the at least one wheel reaction force sensing device and including at least one accelerometer sensor for transmitting the acceleration signal. The controller is configured to determine a first force index in response to the wheel reaction force signal, determine a first lateral acceleration of the vehicle in response to the acceleration signal, compare the first force index to a threshold force index and the first lateral acceleration to a threshold lateral acceleration, and deploy a restraint system based on the comparison. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319226 | Variable Gain of a Transmission Control Element - A multiple gain producing device includes a control element having variable torque capacity, a source of control pressure, and a spring applying to the control element a first force due to said pressure and a variable second force opposing the control pressure, producing a first gain when control pressure is relatively low, and a second gain greater than the first gain when control pressure is relatively high. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110316262 | Air Bag Deployment Door with Force Transmitting Hinge - An air bag deployment apparatus is provided for use in an air bag deployment system of an automotive vehicle. The apparatus has a support base for attachment to a rear surface of an occupant facing substrate. A door support panel has upper and lower surfaces and four side edges for attachment to the rear surface of the substrate within the area of an air bag deployment door. An air bag chute extends downward from the support base and contains a plurality of skirt walls for defining a path for deployment of an air bag from beneath the substrate. A hinge element extends from one of the skirt walls to one edge of the door support panel wherein the hinge element has upper and lower surfaces joined by a left side surface and a right side surface. At least one of the side surfaces protruding from the skirt wall includes an undercut so that a lower corner of the hinge element forms an obtuse angle, resulting in better transfer of deployment forces through the hinge element. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315726 | ROOF RACK FOR A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a roof rack ( | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315131 | Vacuum Port Having a Flow Disruptor - An intake system of an engine is provided. The intake system including an intake manifold, a vacuum port located in said intake manifold and in an air-flow path downstream of a throttle body and upstream of a plurality of intake runners, the vacuum port including a molded flow disruptor including a cross-beam traversing an outlet of the vacuum port, the cross-beam oriented at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to an axis of a throat in the intake manifold, and a vacuum passage coupling the vacuum port to a vehicle subsystem. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315125 | VACUUM PORT HAVING A FLOW DISRUPTOR - An intake system is provided. The intake system including an intake manifold coupled to an engine and a vacuum port located in said intake manifold and in an air flow path downstream of a throttle body and upstream of said plurality of intake runners, the vacuum port including a molded flow disruptor including a cross-beam traversing an outlet of the vacuum port. The intake system may further include a vacuum passage coupling the vacuum port to a vehicle subsystem. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110314962 | Transmission Having a Low Launch Gear - Gearing for a vehicle transmission includes meshing forward gears and an idler, a reverse gear engaging the idler, a low gear engaging the reverse gear, a final drive, and a low gear drive path including the idler, the forward, reverse and low gears and the final drive. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110314939 | TRANSMISSION HAVING A LOW LAUNCH GEAR - A vehicle transmission includes a pinion secured to an input shaft, a gear meshing with the pinion, an idler secured to the gear, a reverse gear meshing with the idler and secured to a second idler, a low gear supported on a layshaft and meshing with the second idler, and a coupler connecting the low gear to the layshaft. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110314807 | TURBOCHARGER CONTROL - Various systems and methods for controlling a turbocharger of an engine via a wastegate are described. In one example, actuation of the wastegate is limited when outside a range, the limits of the range varying with boost pressure, turbine inlet pressure, turbine outlet pressure, and atmospheric pressure. In this manner, a tracking error may be reduced when controlling the boost pressure and using the boost pressure to actuate the wastegate in a boost-based wastegate configuration. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110314633 | Grommet - A grommet is disclosed which couples with a component under a hood of an automobile. The grommet has an insertion end with four wipers, a body, and a retaining loop opposite the insertion end. The wipers are generally triangular in cross-section with a distal tip of the triangle sweeping toward the body so that when the grommet couples with an orifice in the component by pressing the insertion end into the orifice, the wipers deform, but resist insertion. Due to the angle of the wipers, the wipers resist decoupling of the grommet from the component. The retaining loop defines an opening through which a tube, pipe, and/or wires are placed and secured with a bolt that engages threads of a bolt hole in the body. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110313641 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRE-IGNITION CONTROL - Methods are provided for controlling an engine in response to a pre-ignition event. A pre-ignition threshold and a pre-ignition mitigating action are adjusted based on a rate of change of cylinder aircharge. As a result, pre-ignition events occurring during transient engine operating conditions are detected and addressed different from pre-ignition events occurring during steady-state engine operating conditions. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110310610 | Headlamp with Backlit Side Bezel Signature Image - A lighting system for a vehicle comprises a headlamp light source. A trim piece is mounted adjacent the light source having an inner surface illuminated by light from the light source and an outer surface visible from outside the vehicle. The trim piece comprises a light transmitting plastic body, wherein a signature image is formed on the body having a foreground region and a background region. The foreground region has a corresponding surface characteristic on the inner and outer surfaces within the foreground region different from a corresponding surface characteristic on the inner and outer surfaces within the background region so that more light from the light source is transmitted through the foreground region than through the background region. The outer surface may be fully metalized to provide a pleasing appearance under ambient light conditions. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110309926 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A ROUTE FOR EFFICIENT ENERGY CONSUMPTION - Various embodiments relate to determining a route for efficient energy consumption. Data defining one or more routes and one or more consumption influencing parameters which influence a consumption of an energy source of the vehicle along the one or more routes may be received at a vehicle computer. Based on the route data and the consumption influencing parameters, at least one route which minimizes the consumption of the energy source for the vehicle may be determined. For the at least one route, one or more braking strategies may be determined for implementation by a vehicle operator in the vehicle in accordance with reducing the consumption of the vehicle energy source. The one or more braking strategies may be output in the vehicle. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110307157 | AIRFLOW GENERATING DEVICE FOR ALTERNATOR COOLING AND VAPOR CANISTER PURGING - Various systems and methods for an engine in a vehicle which includes an airflow generating device coupled between an alternator and a fuel vapor canister are described. In one example, airflow from the airflow generating device is directed to cool the alternator during a first mode such as when the alternator temperature is greater than a threshold temperature. During a second mode when the alternator temperature is less than the threshold temperature and the engine is boosted, for example, the airflow from the airflow generating device is directed to assist purging of fuel vapors from the fuel vapor canister. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110307150 | Damping Oscillations During a Gear Ratio Change of a Dual Clutch Powershift Transmission - A method for controlling an upshift in a vehicle transmission includes transferring engine torque from an offgoing clutch to an oncoming clutch, using a torque capacity of the offgoing clutch to dampen oscillations when a difference between a speed of a transmission offgoing input and a calculated expected speed of said input is greater than a reference speed difference, and modulating engine torque during a ratio change phase of the shift. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110307137 | GENERATOR POWER-BASED COLD START STRATEGY - A system and method for controlling engine starting in a hybrid electric vehicle that includes a battery, an engine and a generator acting as a motor control generator power during engine starting so that generator torque complements or assists the engine to develop a stable running speed throughout an engine start event, particularly a cold engine start event, without violating battery power limits. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110307129 | VEHICLE STEERABILITY AND STABILITY CONTROL VIA INDEPENDENT WHEEL TORQUE CONTROL - An independent wheel torque control algorithm is disclosed for controlling motor torques applied to individual electric motors coupled to vehicle wheels in an electric vehicle. In a first range of vehicle states, vehicle steerability is favored so that the operator of the vehicle suffers little or no longitudinal propulsion loss while steering is enhanced. In a second range of vehicle states, vehicle stability is favored. According to embodiments of the disclosure, a desired yaw moment is computed and then may be reduced in magnitude due to system limitations, electrical or friction limits, which prevents the desired yaw moment from being fully realized. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110306464 | Power-Off Downshift Engagement Dampening - A method for controlling a power-off downshift in a powershift transmission includes disengaging the current gear, synchronizing engine speed and a speed of the target gear layshaft by increasing a torque capacity of the target gear clutch, disengaging the clutch, engaging the target gear, and reengaging the clutch. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110303684 | LATTICE STRUCTURE FOR A DISTENSIBLE FUEL TANK - A distensible fuel tank included in a vehicle is provided. The fuel tank may include a housing enclosing a lattice structure including at least two intersecting wall members, each wall member including a plurality of panels arranged in a repeating pattern, the plurality of panels having planar sides including a compliance panel having a first and second section configured to fold about a crease line. In this way, multi-directional compliance of the fuel tank can be achieved, while increasing structural integrity. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110303498 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING REGENERATIVE BRAKING - A vehicle and a method for controlling regenerative braking may utilize the maximum available regenerative braking torque for some time during a braking event. As the vehicle speed and/or powertrain torque decreases, the regenerative braking torque is controlled to deviate from the maximum. The point at which the regenerative braking torque deviates from the maximum is chosen based on the level of vehicle deceleration. The regenerative braking torque is then smoothly blended out until it reaches zero. The regenerative braking torque is brought to zero when the vehicle speed is very low, thereby eliminating the inefficiencies associated with operating a motor at a very low speed. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110303295 | Thermostat with Blocking Device - The disclosure relates to a control valve for a medium circuit of an internal combustion engine, in particular to a thermostat of a coolant circuit of the internal combustion engine. The control valve includes a valve housing, an expansible material element arranged in a valve body, an energy accumulator having an abutment element, a valve seat, and at least one locking element arranged on the abutment element, each locking element having a counter-latching face. The control valve has a first position wherein the counter-latching face of each locking element is in a non-positive connection with a corresponding latching face of the valve housing in order to force the control valve into a mechanically blocked, forced-open position, the latching face being formed by means of an opening edge in the valve housing. This position may enable a quick and reliable initial filling or refilling of the coolant circuit. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110303180 | Elemental Carbon Lubricant Additive to Suppress Cavitation - A method for quieting noise and vibration from a crankcase of an engine comprises dispersing a first amount of elemental carbon in a second amount of lubricant oil to yield a concentrated elemental-carbon suspension. The method further comprises adding the concentrated elemental-carbon suspension in an amount effective to quiet the noise and vibration to a third amount of lubricant oil in the crankcase. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110302917 | TWIN SCROLL TURBOCHARGER WITH EGR TAKEOFFS - Systems and methods for operating a twin scroll turbocharged engine with a junction configured to selectively control exhaust gas delivery to an exhaust gas recirculation system and a twin scroll turbine are provided. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110301802 | System and Method for Vehicle Speed Monitoring Using Historical Speed Data - A target (not-to-exceed) speed for a vehicle over a road segment ahead of the vehicle is established based on a desired relationship with a speed profile of the segment. The speed profile is generated by analyzing a statistical distribution of historical speed data over the segment collected by probe vehicles. A driver alert is activated if the vehicle is likely to exceed the target speed based on at least one measured vehicle dynamic property. The target speed may be established by identifying a baseline road segment over which the vehicle has previously traveled and which is similar to the approaching road segment, comparing a past speed of the vehicle over the baseline segment with a speed profile of the baseline segment to determine a speed differential, and applying the speed differential to the speed profile of the approaching segment. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110301792 | Transitioning Between Series-Drive and Parallel-Drive in a Hybrid-Electric Vehicle Powertrain - A method for operating a powertrain includes determining maximum and minimum series-drive power limits of powertrain electric components; operating in parallel-drive if vehicle speed exceeds a reference, demanded wheel power is between said limits, or demanded engine power exceeds a reference demanded engine power; and operating in series-drive if vehicle speed is less than a reference, demanded wheel power is between said limits, and demanded engine power is less than a reference engine power. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110301780 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING THE LOCATION OF A COMMUNICATION DEVICE IN A VEHICLE - In at least one embodiment, a system for locating a personal communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. The system includes a controller that is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a location of at least one PCD in a vehicle and to determine whether the at least one PCD is located within one of a driver zone and a passenger zone. The driver zone corresponds to a location in the vehicle generally occupied by a driver and the passenger zone corresponds to a location in the vehicle generally occupied by at least one passenger. The controller is further configured to receive a second signal indicative of at least one occupant being positioned in at least one of the driver zone and the passenger zone and to store data corresponding to a modified driver zone that includes the driver zone and at least a portion of the passenger zone in response to determining that the at least one PCD is located in the driver zone and the second signal indicating that a first occupant is in the driver zone and a second occupant is not detected within the passenger zone. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110300991 | Control of Torque Direction Transition in a Powershift Transmission - A method for controlling a torque direction transition in a dual clutch transmission includes decreasing a torque capacity of a transmission input clutch when clutch slip reaches a target slip during a power-off condition, producing a subsequent power-on condition, and increasing torque capacity of said clutch when clutch slip reaches a second target slip. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110300843 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING THE LOCATION OF A COMMUNICATION DEVICE IN A VEHICLE BASED ON SIGNAL STRENGTH - A system for locating a personal communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. A controller is configured to receive a first signal from the PCD at a first antenna in a driver zone and to generate a first signal strength value for the first signal. The controller is configured to receive the first signal from the PCD at the second antenna and to generate a second signal strength value for the first signal. The controller is configured to determine whether the first signal at the first antenna and the second signal at the second antenna are received within a predetermined amount of time of one another and to compare the first signal strength value to the second signal strength value if the first signal at the first antenna and the second signal at the second antenna are received within the predetermined amount of time. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110300733 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING DISENGAGEMENT BETWEEN AN ELECTRICAL PLUG AND A CHARGE PORT ON AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A system and method is provided for preventing disengagement between an electrical plug and a charge port on an electric vehicle. One or more projections are disposed on the electric vehicle. The projection has an extended locked position and a retracted unlocked position. An actuator selectively extends and retracts the projection between the locked and unlocked positions. When the projection is in the locked position, the projection engages the plug and prevents disengagement of the plug and the port. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110298924 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING THE LOCATION OF A COMMUNICATION DEVICE IN A VEHICLE BASED ON CAMERA DETECTION - A system for detecting a personal communication device (PCD) in a vehicle having driver and passenger zones is provided. The system includes a camera and a controller. The camera is configured to transmit a first signal indicative of a captured image of an object in the driver zone. The controller is configured to receive the first signal and to receive a status signal indicative of the PCD being in a sleep mode or an active mode. The controller is further configured to receive a motion signal indicative of the PCD being in a stationary mode or a motion mode and to detect that the PCD is in the driver zone if the captured image of the object corresponds to the PCD and if the status signal indicates that the PCD is in the wake up mode or the motion signal indicates that the PCD is in the motion mode. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110298245 | REDUCED HEIGHT PICKUP TRUCK BED SUPPORT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING - A pickup bed support structure that includes longitudinally extending frame rails to which transversely extending beams used to support the truck bed box are assembled. The beams are received below a top surface of the frame rails by forming notches or holes in the frame rails into which the beams are inserted. Alternatively, notches or holes may be provided in the transversely extending beams that receive the longitudinal extending frame rails. One method of manufacturing a pickup truck bed support structure is disclosed in which holes are provided in the longitudinally extending frame rail that receive the transversely extending beam that support the pickup truck bed. An alternative method is also disclosed in which notches are formed in the frame rails that receive the beams that are welded to the frame rails prior to assembling the pickup truck bed to the beams. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110298241 | APPARATUS FOR HEATING A VEHICLE CABIN - A vehicle includes a cabin, a high voltage traction battery, an electric motor powered by the traction battery, and a charger connected to the traction battery. The charger converts alternating current (AC) to high voltage direct current (DC) to charge the traction battery when the charger is plugged into an alternating current (AC) power supply. A forced air system includes an air inlet duct, a first air outlet duct directing exhaust air to the outside of the cabin, a second air outlet duct directing exhaust air to the inside of the cabin, a fan, and a valve for controlling air flow through the first and second air outlet ducts. The forced air system is arranged such that forced air flows through the air inlet duct, removes heat from the charger, and flows through at least one of the first and second air outlet ducts to assist with vehicle preconditioning. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297505 | Transmission Control During Park Range Disengagement - A method for controlling a vehicle transmission during a park release event includes engaging a park brake to hold vehicle wheels against rotation, holding against rotation a first component and a second component of an epicyclic gear unit connected to the wheels, releasing the park brake, selecting a transmission drive range, releasing said first component, and operating the transmission in the selected drive range. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297295 | Carbon Canister - A method of manufacturing and assembling a carbon canister for a fuel vapor management system of a vehicle includes injection molding a housing partially defining a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, and a baffle. The housing includes a first wall defining an interface between the first and second chambers and a second wall with a portion of the second wall defining an interface between the second chamber and the baffle with apertures proximate a first side of the housing. The method may include injection molding first and second retention plates, filling first, second, and third chambers with carbon pellets, installing the first retention plate into the second side of the housing proximate the first and second chambers to enclose the carbon pellets, and installing the second retention plate into the second side proximate the third chamber to enclose the carbon pellets in the third chamber. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110296834 | SEPARATELY COOLED TURBOCHARGER FOR MAINTAINING A NO-FLOW STRATEGY OF AN ENGINE BLOCK COOLANT JACKET - An internal combustion engine is provided herein. The internal combustion engine may include a turbocharger including a turbine positioned in an exhaust passage, the turbine having a turbine housing. The internal combustion engine may further include a cooling system having an engine block coolant jacket fluidly coupled to a pump, a cylinder head coolant jacket fluidly coupled to the pump, and a turbine coolant passage traversing the turbine housing and fluidly coupled to the pump and bypassing the engine block coolant jacket. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110296832 | AVOIDANCE OF COOLANT OVERHEATING IN EXHAUST-TO-COOLANT HEAT EXCHANGERS - A method for operating an engine system comprises charging a cylinder of the engine system with exhaust from upstream of an exhaust turbine at a first rate. The method further comprises charging the cylinder with exhaust from downstream of the turbine at a second rate. The exhaust from downstream of the turbine is routed to the cylinder via a low-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation path. The method further comprises increasing the second rate relative to the first rate in response to a coolant-overheating condition. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110296831 | Approach for Identifying and Responding to an Unresponsive Wastegate in a Twin Turbocharged Engine - An engine system for a vehicle is provided, comprising an internal combustion engine including an exhaust system; a first turbine including a first wastegate and arranged along a first branch of the exhaust system, a second turbine including a second wastegate and arranged along a second branch of the exhaust system a first exhaust gas sensor arranged along the first branch of the exhaust system downstream of the first turbine and first wastegate; a second exhaust gas sensor arranged along the second branch of the exhaust system downstream of the second turbine and the second wastegate; and a control system configured to command the first and second wastegates to a closed or open position and to indicate one of said wastegates as unresponsive to said command in response to a temperature difference between the first and second branches indicated by the first and second exhaust gas sensors. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110296815 | INTAKE AIR HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Intake air heating and exhaust cooling is provided by a double wall exhaust system serving as an exhaust-to-air heat exchanger, sourcing hot air to the intake manifold for intake stroke pumping benefit and cooling the exhaust system during high load operation by routing excess boost air through an interstitial space of the double wall. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110296037 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTERFACING WITH A VEHICLE COMPUTING SYSTEM OVER MULTIPLE DATA TRANSPORT CHANNELS - In one or more embodiments, two or more devices may interface with a computing system over multiple communication channels. A connection may be established between a computing system and two or more devices communicating data using different communication protocols. The communication protocol of the two or more devices may be determined and a general transport protocol for communicating data with the two or more devices based on the respective communication protocols may be imposed on the communication protocol of the two or more devices. Data may be communicated with the two or more devices based on the general transport protocol. An event may be performed at the vehicle computing system or the two or more devices based on the data. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110295482 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FUEL VAPOR CONTROL - A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110295468 | Control Of A Vehicle Powertrain In Response To Brake Pedal Input - In the event that the brake pedal and accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously, powertrain output is decreased monotonically with brake pedal input. In a lower range of brake pedal input, the brakes are prevented from actuating or are allowed to actuate minimally. In a higher range of pedal input, the powertrain output continues to be decreased and the brakes are allowed to actuate. In yet another higher range of pedal input, the powertrain output is substantially decreased such that a minimal powertrain output is achieved. The powertrain may include an internal combustion engine and/or an electric motor. The brake pedal input is determined based on a sensor associated with the brake pedal, the brake booster, or the master cylinder. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110295444 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPLEMENTING AND ENFORCING SECURITY AND RESOURCE POLICIES FOR A VEHICLE - In one or more embodiments, a vehicle resource usage control system includes a vehicle computer having security policies that define usage rules for one or more vehicle resources. One or more devices communicating with the vehicle computer may have installed in memory software applications that use one or more vehicle resources for operation. Programmed instructions may be received that define which of the one or more vehicle resources the software applications use for operation. These programmed instructions may be associated with the one or more security policies. The security policy associated with the software applications may be determined based on the programmed instructions. Operation of the software applications may be permitted according to the security policy. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110290223 | COOLED EGR SYSTEM FOR COOLANT HEATING DURING COLD ENGINE START - Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle during a cold start are described. In one example, thermal efficiency of the engine is improved by heating engine coolant via a high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (HP-EGR) system. For example, after light-off of an exhaust catalyst, exhaust gas is routed through the HP-EGR system which includes a HP-EGR cooler. Heat from the exhaust gas is then used to warm the engine coolant via the HP-EGR cooler. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110290203 | APPROACH FOR CONTROLLING FUEL FLOW WITH ALTERNATIVE FUELS - A fuel pump temperature is regulated by selectively directing liquid fuel to an expansion section to evaporate the liquid fuel and create a drop in temperature to thermally cool the fuel pump. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110290000 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FUEL VAPOR CONTROL - A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110288751 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FUEL INJECTION FOR A DUAL FUEL ENGINE - A fuel injection system including injectors for two different fuels is disclosed. In one example, fuel injection is adjusted to compensate for changes in engine intake air amount. Combustion stability during transient conditions may be improved. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288735 | Producing Vehicle Creep Through a Transmission Without a Torque Converter - A method for controlling creep in a vehicle having no transmission torque converter, includes operating an input clutch of the transmission at a desired clutch torque capacity, using a feed-forward engine torque to minimize the impact on the engine speed when additional load on the engine occurs from increasing the clutch torque capacity, producing a desired clutch slip by controlling engine idle speed, and achieving a desired vehicle speed by controlling the input clutch torque capacity. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288713 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders and an electric motor configured to rotate the engine is provided. The method includes, during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to substantially before a peak torque timing. The method further includes adjusting motor torque output of the electric motor to maintain engine idle speed. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288712 | METHOD TO PRIORITIZE ELECTRIC-ONLY VEHICLE (EV) MODE FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicle and method for controlling the vehicle includes identifying an EV-priority zone for the vehicle along a trip path, determining the position of the vehicle with respect to the expected upcoming EV-priority zone; implementing an electric-only mode of operation of the vehicle based on the position of the vehicle and a current operating mode of the vehicle; and implementing a charging mode of operation of the vehicle based on the position of the vehicle and a current operating mode of the vehicle. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288697 | Electric Motor Enhanced Driveability In Vehicle Handling And Stability Control Events - A system and method are disclosed for controlling a vehicle during a turn in which a braking torque is applied to an inside wheel of the vehicle when understeer is detected and to an outside wheel when oversteer is detected. Electrical energy commanded to an electric motor coupled to a first axle of the vehicle is increased in response to application of the braking torque to compensate for the applied braking torque. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287894 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO REDUCE STALL DURING DECELERATION FUEL SHUT OFF - A method of controlling fuel injection in an engine of a vehicle comprising of deactivating a fuel injector of the engine during a deceleration condition of the vehicle; and reactivating the fuel injector when a rate of change of a powertrain shaft deceleration is greater than a threshold. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287892 | VEHICLE TRAJECTORY CONTROL SYSTEM - Systems and methods for controlling a throttle plate to adjust airflow to the engine are provided. A transmission having an input speed and an output speed and including a clutch and a driver-selectable transmission lever is controlled to adjust engine speed to a synchronous speed in a future gear ratio in response to driver foot pedal positions and driver-selectable transmission lever positions. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110285239 | Permanent Magnet Machine with Offset Pole Spacing - An internal permanent magnet machine has multiple rotor sections, each section having multiple rotor laminations. Permanent magnets are placed asymmetrically in lamination openings to attenuate oscillations in torque caused by harmonic components of magnetic flux. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110285176 | SUB-FRAME FOR MANAGING CRASH ENERGY - A vehicle sub-frame structure including a forward zone, extending substantially in the transverse direction towards the front of the vehicle. The forward zone has a first set of hinges and supports a radiator. A middle zone, including a pair of left and right members, extends substantially longitudinally and carries a second set of hinges. A rear zone includes a beam and is disposed substantially in the transverse direction. Both ends of the beam are attached to the sub-frame structure. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110284309 | Transmission Fluid Warming and Cooling System - A system for heating and cooling the transmission fluid including a heat exchanger adapted to transfer heat between an engine coolant and a transmission fluid and a controller for controlling a valve to place the system into a select one of three modes including a heater core priority mode wherein no engine coolant flows to the heat exchanger, a heating mode wherein hot engine coolant flows directly to the heat exchanger from the engine and a cooling mode wherein cool engine coolant flows directly to the heat exchanger from the radiator, whereby the transmission fluid is heated in an efficient manner with minimal impact on passenger compartment heating. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110284200 | Transmission Fluid Warming and Cooling Method - A method for controlling the temperature of transmission fluid in a motor vehicle includes operating in an automatic transmission fluid cooling mode, a heater priority mode entered by disabling automatic transmission fluid heating, and an automatic transmission fluid heating mode which includes sending hot engine coolant to a heat exchanger for heating the automatic transmission fluid by transferring heat from the hot engine coolant to the automatic transmission fluid. The method switches to from a heater priority mode to a transmission heating mode base on a number of sensed conditions including sensed automatic fluid transmission temperature. The method also includes an automatic transmission fluid temperature regulating mode including measuring an automatic transmission fluid temperature and switching between the cooling mode and the heating mode based measured temperature. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110284128 | ONE-WAY VALVE FOR A FUEL-TANK FILLING CONDUIT - A one-way valve for a fuel-tank filling conduit deters siphoning and prevents back flow of fuel. The one-way valve comprises a blocking element arranged in the conduit and pivotable between a flow-blocking, object-insertion blocking first position and a flow-admitting, object-insertion blocking second position. In the second position the blocking element divides the conduit into flow areas of comparable width. The one-way valve further comprises a bias element that biases the blocking element to the first position. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110283979 | System and Method for Returning Oil Separated from Engine Crankcase Gases - A system for processing PCV gases is disclosed. In one example, the system includes an oil passage solely linking an oil separator to an engine crankcase. The system can provide an oil column that provides for continuous oil return from the oil separator to the engine crankcase even during conditions of higher levels of engine vacuum. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110283968 | OIL SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR AN ENGINE - An oil supply system for a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine is disclosed in which the supply of oil to piston cooling jets is controlled by pressure operated valves designed to open at a pre-defined valve opening pressure. The pressure of oil supplied by a pump is controlled to be below this pre-defined valve opening pressure during operation of the engine in which piston cooling is not required, and the pressure of oil is controlled to above the pre-defined valve opening pressure when piston cooling is required. The control of the pump is by an electronic control unit based upon a combination of engine speed and engine load. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110283699 | EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM - Various systems and methods are described for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system coupled to an engine in a vehicle. One example method comprises, calculating an EGR mass flow from a difference between measurements of clean air mass flow and total mass flow, and correcting for a transient mass flow error. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110283683 | Composition and Method for Controlling Excessive Exhaust Gas Temperatures - A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a reductant delivery and storage system in an emission control system is disclosed. The method includes an approach for reducing thermal damage to aftertreatment devices in an exhaust system by reducing excessive exhaust gas temperatures created during particulate filter regeneration. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110278874 | COLLAPSIBLE UNDER-SEAT EXHAUST DUCT FOR BATTERY COMPARTMENT - A collapsible exhaust air duct for an automotive vehicle having a reconfigurable seat and an electric compartment rearward of the seat that contains heat-producing electric components. The collapsible exhaust duct is in fluid communication with the electric compartment to carry exhaust air therefrom. The duct extends forwardly beneath the seat, maintains an expanded condition when the seat is in a seating position, and is converted to a collapsed condition by movement of the seat to a stowed position. The disclosed apparatus provides a duct that maximizes usable space and flexibility in a vehicle having reconfigurable seating. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110277709 | SUPERCHARGED ENGINE SYSTEM - A system for supplying compressed air to an engine is presented. In one embodiment, the system includes a cylinder block that forms at least part of an air compressor housing. The system may improve engine balance and reduce engine assembly cost. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110276225 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC WHEEL POSITIONING - A system and method for automatically angularly positioning wheels of an automotive vehicle after parking. The system disclosed here includes a power-assisted steering system coupled to the wheels. Further, the system includes a controller, coupled to the steering system, which is configured to automatically position the wheels in a desired direction, based on a determination that the vehicle is parked. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276219 | EMBEDDED VEHICLE DATA RECORDING TOOLS FOR VEHICLE SERVICING - Various embodiments include tools for vehicle data recording for vehicle servicing. A methods, a computer for installation in a vehicle, and a computer program product may be provided for recording diagnostic vehicle data. An input may be received from memory including a plurality of vehicle data recording parameters which comprise a vehicle data recording configuration. A data recording trigger signal may also be received. Upon receipt of the trigger signal, diagnostic data may be received from one or more vehicle modules over a vehicle network communicating with the computer. The diagnostic data may be based on the vehicle data recording configuration. The diagnostic data may be stored in memory for diagnosing one or more vehicle concerns. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276218 | WIRELESS VEHICLE SERVICING - Various embodiments include methods, systems, and computer-program products for wireless vehicle servicing. Instructions for performing a vehicle servicing operation may be received at a servicing terminal. Further, vehicle servicing operation data based on the instructions and data communication rules for communicating data to a vehicle computing system may be received. Servicing request data stored in computer-readable media may be generated and may include the vehicle servicing operation data and the one or more data communication rules. The servicing request data may be transmitted to the vehicle computing system and servicing return data may be received. Servicing status information may be presented on the servicing terminal based on the servicing return data. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276205 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRIC MACHINE AND/OR ENGINE THEREIN - A total power demand including a wheel power demand may be observed. The wheel power demand may be modified to determine a modified total power demand including a modified wheel power demand if the total power demand falls within a target range of power values defined by upper and lower threshold power values such that the modified total power demand is generally equal to the lower threshold power value. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110274921 | TRIM COMPONENT AND METHOD OF EDGE FOLDING - A trim component and method of manufacture. The trim component has thermoplastic adhesive disposed proximate an edge portion of the trim component. The adhesive melts at a higher temperature than a curing temperature of a thermoset material of the trim component. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110274483 | BOLTED JOINT ASSEMBLY - A bolted joint assembly is described. The joint assembly includes a tubular reinforcement member for adding strength to the anchor assembly. The member having an aperture punched through-and-through the member substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the member. The anchor assembly further includes a hollow spacer tube extending through the aperture, the spacer diameter being substantially equal to the aperture diameter. Moreover, the assembly includes a bolt with a bolt head extended through the spacer. The bolt diameter is substantially equal to the spacer diameter. A nut threadably receives the anchor bolt. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110273279 | VEHICLE SYSTEM INTERACTION USING REMOTE DEVICE - A method for querying a vehicle system from a remote wireless device includes receiving an inquiry at a cellular transceiver included in a vehicle. The inquiry is sent from a remote server in communication with the remote wireless device and initiated by the remote wireless device. The method includes accessing one or more vehicle systems in accordance with the inquiry and querying the accessed one or more systems in accordance with the inquiry. The method also includes receiving information in accordance with the query from the one or more systems that were queried and transmitting the received information to the remote server through the cellular transceiver, for further transmission to the remote wireless device. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110271916 | Internal Combustion Engine with Liquid Cooling - A system for providing cooling to at least one cylinder of an engine is disclosed. The system comprises at least one coolant jacket in a cylinder head arranged on an inlet side of a cylinder and at least one coolant jacket in the cylinder head arranged on an outlet side of the cylinder. The outlet-side coolant jacket may be part of a water cooling circuit, while the inlet-side coolant jacket may be part of oil circuit. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110270511 | METHOD ENGINE STARTING - An engine starting method is disclosed. In one example, engine operation is adjusted to reduce catalyst light off time. Exhaust temperatures may be increased until a threshold engine temperature is reached. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270510 | CONTROLLING CYLINDER MIXTURE AND TURBOCHARGER OPERATION - A method for controlling differences in exhaust gas residual amount for a two cylinder bank engine having at least one turbocharger is presented. In one example, the description includes a method for adjusting valve timing to reduce cylinder exhaust gas residual variation. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270468 | Methods and Apparatus for Dynamic Powertrain Management - A computer-implemented method includes determining that a vehicle powertrain feature is engaged. The method further includes relaying, to a remote computing source, a request for a computation to be performed relating to the engaged powertrain feature. The method additionally includes receiving a result of the computation at a vehicle computing system and transferring the result of the computation to a powertrain for use in controlling the powertrain feature. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110267186 | Occupant Detection - A system and method are disclosed for detecting an occupant in a vehicle. Successive images from an infrared camera are analyzed to detect thermal characteristics of an occupant as well as movement. If an operator of the vehicle has exited the vehicle, the vehicle is deactivated, an occupant is detected, and a temperature in the cabin of the vehicle is higher or lower than desired, a report is made to the operator via a mobile phone or key fob. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110266824 | STOWABLE CHILD SEAT FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES - A child seat mount assembly, a seat for mounting a child seat, and a passenger vehicle having a stowable child seat are provided. A seat back is connected to the body for closing an access opening to a storage compartment and seating an occupant in an upright position, and for opening the access opening in a collapsed position. A child seat mounting plate is connected to the seat back such that the mounting plate and child seat extend into the storage compartment in the upright position of the seat back, and such that the child seat is in a seating position in the collapsed position of the seat back. A method is provided for converting a vehicle seat for receiving and storing a child seat in the storage compartment, and for deploying a child seat in the collapsed position of the seat back. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265771 | Methods and Systems for Variable Displacement Engine Control - Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265768 | Method and System for Fuel Vapor Control - Methods and systems are provided for operating a fuel vapor recovery system having a fuel tank isolation valve coupled between a fuel tank and a canister. Fuel vapors are purged from the fuel tank to a canister buffer over a plurality of purge pulses. The pulses are adjusted based on the buffer capacity, a purge flow rate, and a fuel tank pressure to improve control of canister loading and reduce air-to-fuel ratio disturbances. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265764 | METHOD FOR STARTING A MIXED FUEL ENGINE - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be operated with fuels having varying alcohol concentrations is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a compression ratio of an engine in response to a number of combustion events after an engine stop and a concentration of alcohol in a fuel supplied to the engine. The method may make engine starting more repeatable at lower engine temperatures. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265762 | Method and System for Pre-Ignition Control - Methods and systems are provided to address engine pre-ignition. One or more cylinders are alternately rich and lean operated for a duration to reduce engine thermal loading while maintaining an exhaust air-to-fuel ratio around stoichiometry. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265758 | Method and System for Pre-Ignition Control - Methods and systems are provided for addressing cylinder pre-ignition by adjusting a spray angle of fuel injected into a cylinder responsive to an indication of pre-ignition. A spray pattern of fuel injected in the cylinder is varied based on a cylinder pre-ignition count to reduce cylinder wall impingement of injected fuel while improving air-fuel mixing in the cylinder. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265746 | Valve System - A valve system for providing closing force to one or more valves of an engine is provided. In one example, the system comprises a first tappet bore in fluid communication with a second tappet bore via a bidirectional oil passage. The system may provide valve closing forces to assist in the closing of valves coupled to the tappet bores, lowering required valve spring forces. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265551 | Emission Control with a Particulate Matter Sensor - A method for controlling a particulate matter sensor heater is provided. The method includes operating the heater to burn-off soot accumulated on the sensor; and adjusting the heater level based on sensor output generated during the heater operation. In this say, improved heater control can be achieved using the sensor output already available. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265473 | EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION SYSTEM - An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for a vehicle is provided. The EGR system includes a turbine fluidly coupled downstream of an exhaust manifold and an EGR conduit including a first port coupled to an exhaust passage directly downstream of the turbine, an axis of the first port arrange at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the rotation axis of the turbine and a second port coupled to an intake system. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265472 | Nested Valve and Method of Control - A valve in an engine exhaust system is disclosed. The valve can improve engine operation and reduce engine component degradation during cold engine starting. The valve may also be configured to provide different levels of restriction to exhaust gases flowing to a turbocharger turbine. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265454 | Methods and Systems for Variable Displacement Engine Control - Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265453 | Methods and Systems for Variable Displacement Engine Control - Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110264319 | Plug-In Vehicle - A plug-in vehicle includes a vehicle body having an outer panel, a propulsion unit such as an electric motor, a rechargeable battery, a recharging port supported on the outer panel to receive power from an external electric power source, and a display subassembly connected to the battery. The display subassembly has a plurality of lights positioned around the recharging port to illuminate the recharging port and to illuminate in a manner corresponding to a condition of the battery. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263379 | Multiple-Mode Power Split Hybrid Powertrain - A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having a mechanical power source and an electro-mechanical power source, including a generator, a motor and a battery. Driving torque developed by the mechanical power source is delivered through one clutch of a geared transmission to a power output shaft. The electric motor of the electro-mechanical power source delivers driving torque through a second clutch of the geared transmission. A mechanical reverse drive torque is used to improve reverse drive performance. A reduction in duration of operation in a negative power split during a driving event is achieved to improve vehicle powertrain efficiency. A series drive is available as the mechanical power source drives the generator to charge the battery, which drives the motor. The generator may act as an engine starter motor. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263293 | MOBILE DEVICE INTERFACE FOR USE IN A VEHICLE - A vehicle system is provided with a docking station for receiving a personal device, a controller in communication with the docking station, and a display interface for a vehicle in communication with the controller. The display interface is configured to present at least one menu option from the personal device for occupant selection to control the operation of the personal device to perform the operation in response to the occupant selecting the at least one menu option. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110262842 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING AND DISCHARGING HEAT IN A VEHICLE - In at least one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a hydrogen storage system and a heat storage system is provided. The hydrogen storage system is configured to store hydrogen and to deliver a first heated fluid stream to an electrical generation system that generates a second heated fluid stream and electrical energy in response to the first heated fluid stream. The heat storage system includes a phase change material. The heat storage system is in fluid communication with the electrical generation system to deliver heat from the second heated fluid stream to a fuel cell stack. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110260887 | VEHICLE PARK ASSIST WITH STEERING CENTERING - A park assist system for parking a vehicle in a parking space makes steering control inputs and prompts the vehicle driver to make necessary brake and/or gear shift actions to execute a desired steering trajectory. After the vehicle is properly parked, the park assist system actuates the steering system to place it in a centered condition. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110260618 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING A LIGHTING DEVICE OF A VEHICLE - A method of operating an automotive vehicle headlight system switchable between a high-beam state and a low-beam state. The system operates in an automatic mode in which switching between the states is directed based upon signals from a sensor for detecting traffic conditions. The sensor may be a light sensor for detecting the headlights of oncoming vehicles. The vehicle driver may switch the system away from the automatically-determined state to an operator-selected state, and when this occurs the system operates in a manual mode in which switching is not based upon the sensor signals. The system returns to the automatic mode when the automatically-determined state matches the manually-selected state. The system may also return to the automatic mode if there are no further manual actuations by the driver during a selected time interval. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110260616 | VEHICLE EXTERIOR LAMP - A vehicle exterior lamp includes an optical structure defining a plurality of geometric indicia, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for emitting light. Light emitted by the LEDs is directed towards the optical structure, to interact with the optical structure, and exit the exterior lamp. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110260489 | COLLAPSIBLE SEAT CONSTRUCTION FOR A VEHICLE - A stowable seat | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110260437 | OCCUPANT PROTECTION AIRBAG FOR A VEHICLE - An occupant protection airbag device for a vehicle includes a housing having an opening and a closed end, a strut secured to the housing adjacent the closed end and extending from the closed end toward the opening, and an inflator supported by the strut adjacent the opening and spaced from the closed end to form a storage chamber between the inflator and the closed end of the housing. The inflator is spaced from an inner wall of the housing to form a gap therebetween. An airbag is stored in a deflated condition between the inflator and the closed end of the housing, and a forward-most layer of the airbag passes through the gap and around a surface of the inflator immediately adjacent the opening. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110260011 | AUTOMOTIVE LINE BUNDLING SYSTEM - A system of alternate hose line bundling allows for exclusion of a higher pressure hose line from fasteners directly attached to a vehicle body. Alternatively to mounting to the vehicle body, the higher pressure hose line is coupled to a lower pressure hose line via fasteners which lack mounting features. Eliminating attachment of higher pressure hose lines to the vehicle body reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) experienced by passengers in the vehicle. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259305 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXHAUST GAS MIXING - A method of operating an engine system is described in which a back-pressure valve of a low pressure EGR system can be modulated at a lower frequency during an EGR operation, and at a higher frequency when additional exhaust gas sensing is requested. Back-pressure valve modulation can therefore be used to promote exhaust gas mixing while providing EGR. Exhaust gas constituents in the mixed exhaust gas can then be sensed with higher accuracy by downstream exhaust gas sensors. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259293 | Intake Manifold - An intake manifold assembly has one or more shells coupled together and coupled to a cover. When the manifold cover, or other exterior surface, is rounded, the manifold does not sit stably on a flat surface when the rounded is placed onto the flat surface. The manifold may roll off a table and be damaged. To mitigate such situation, the rounded surface is provided with at least two standoffs extending outwardly from a surface of the cover with distal ends of the standoffs substantially lying in a common plane. The standoffs have a central axis and the standoffs extend outwardly from the surface along the central axis at least as far as any other feature of the intake manifold assembly. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110257866 | METHOD FOR IDLE SPEED CONTROL - A method is disclosed for controlling engine output in a vehicle having a hydraulic power steering system. The method may include, during an idle condition where an engine speed is set to an idle speed, adjusting engine output based on a learned absolute steering wheel angle to compensate for changes in engine load caused by operation of the hydraulic power steering system. The learned absolute steering wheel angle may be based on a steering wheel angle relative to a steering wheel position at vehicle startup and operating conditions from previous vehicle operation before the vehicle startup. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110257826 | Vehicle Stability And Steerability Control Via Electronic Torque Distribution - A system for distributing propulsion to front and rear axles of a vehicle includes: a front axle motor coupled to the front axle and a rear axle motor coupled to the rear axle. An electronic control unit (ECU) electronically coupled to the motors commands the rear axle motor to increase torque supplied to the rear axle during understeer and commands the front axle motor to increase torque supplied to the front axle during oversteer. A method to distribute propulsion to front and rear axles of a vehicle includes estimating actual yaw rate, estimating desired yaw rate, providing electrical energy to the front axle motor during oversteer, and providing electrical energy to the rear axle motor during understeer. Additionally, electrical energy may be extracted from the rear axle motor during oversteer and electrical energy may be extracted from the front axle motor during understeer. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110254318 | VEHICLE PILLAR STRUCTURE - A vehicle pillar structure is provided with a pair of front pillars for extending upward and rearward from a vehicle body. A pair of rails extend rearward from the pair of front pillars. A pair of rear pillars extend downward and rearward from the pair of rails to the vehicle body. The pair of rear pillars each have a clearance aperture formed therethrough. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253117 | Multi-Component Transient Fuel Compensation - A method adjusts fuel injection to account for fuel puddling in the engine intake. The fuel is adjusted based on the ethanol content of the fuel in the puddle, and the make-up of the various fuel components in the puddle. In this way, it is possible to better account for the effects of these parameters on puddle evaporation. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253111 | Condensate Management for Motor-Vehicle Compressed Air Storage Systems - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including an intake manifold selectably coupled to a boost tank. The method comprises pressurizing and storing air in the boost tank, discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold, and releasing condensate from the boost tank. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253106 | FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM - The present application relates to a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine having an automatic stop-start system, the fuel injection system comprising a high pressure fuel pump, which via a fuel pump line delivers fuel towards a common fuel rail, to which a fuel return line is connected. It is proposed that the fuel return line comprise a control element system, which firstly discharges a fuel pressure to a fuel tank, when a first predefined pressure limit is reached in the fuel return line, and which secondly prevents a further flow of fuel from the return line into the fuel tank, but allows a flow of fuel from the fuel tank into the fuel return line, so that the return line is designed as a fuel pressure accumulator. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253098 | Stored Compressed Air Management and Flow Control for Improved Engine Performance - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method comprises admitting air from the compressor to the intake manifold via a main throttle valve, storing some air from the compressor in a boost tank, and discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold via an auxiliary throttle valve distinct from the main throttle valve. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253097 | Approach for Improved Fuel Vaporization in a Directly Injected Internal Combustion Engine - A system and a method of facilitating fuel vaporization in a directly injected internal combustion engine are provided. As one example, the method comprises: closing an exhaust valve of the cylinder; opening an intake valve after the exhaust valve has closed; moving a piston of the cylinder away from top dead center between the closing of the exhaust valve and the opening of the intake valve to expand the cylinder volume and reduce a pressure within the cylinder to below a pressure of an air intake manifold of the cylinder; and initiating an injection of fuel directly into the cylinder via an in-cylinder injector after the exhaust valve has closed. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253092 | OIL DRAIN SYSTEM BYPASS - A system and method are provided for increasing heating of engine oil during a cold start. In one example, engine oil is returned directly to the oil pump inlet, thus bypassing the sump. In this way, a smaller volume of oil receives more heat and is used for lubricating engine components during a cold start, thus providing reduced friction earlier than otherwise possible. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253080 | Intake Manifold with Overmolded Structural Enhancement - A composite intake manifold coupled to a V-engine is provided. The composite intake manifold includes a supporting member overmolded in an unsupported region of the composite intake manifold. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253073 | Multi-Stroke Internal Combustion Engine - An internal combustion engine system and method of its operation are described. As one example, the method includes: repeatedly opening a first intake valve of a combustion chamber of the engine once every four piston strokes; transitioning operation of the combustion chamber from a four stroke cycle to a two stroke cycle by activating a second intake valve of the combustion chamber to repeatedly open once every four piston strokes during a different intake stroke than the first intake valve; and transitioning operation of the combustion chamber from the two stroke cycle to the four stroke cycle by deactivating the second intake valve in a closed position. In this way, the engine may be selectively operated in a two stroke cycle or a four stroke cycle by activating or deactivating or activating one of the intake valves while another of the intake valves continues to operate. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253072 | Pump Control for Reformate Fuel Storage Tank - Various systems and methods are described for a controlling a flow of reformate fuel in a fuel system which includes a reformer and a storage tank coupled to an engine in a vehicle. The system includes a pump located between the reformer and the storage tank that is selectively operated in order to reduce parasitic losses on the system. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110252961 | Particulate Filter Regeneration - In one example, a method of operating an engine having a diesel particulate filter in a vehicle, the particulate filter having a length and depth, includes performing particulate filter regeneration in response to temperature variation across the length and/or depth of the particulate filter. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110252794 | EXHAUST TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - Systems and methods are provided for operating an engine exhaust system. In one example, a system comprises a first valve, and a second valve coupled to the first valve via a shaft. A first position of the shaft situates the first valve closed and the second valve open, a second position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a first amount, and a third position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a second, larger amount. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110252785 | Stored Compressed Air Management for Improved Engine Performance - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method includes varying a relative amount of engine exhaust in air pressurized in the boost tank based on engine operating conditions, and discharging the air pressurized in the boost tank to the intake manifold. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110252769 | DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER OVERSTRESS MITIGATION - Methods and systems for reducing overstress of a DPF are provided herein. One example of such a method is based on a radial temperature gradient near the exit face of the diesel particulate filter. In this way, it becomes possible to more closely correlate radial stresses to actual risk of DPF fracture. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110252675 | ACTIVE LICENSE PLATE - A license plate display system for a vehicle includes a license plate with a series of indicia on a base. One of the indicia and the base are one of translucent and transparent, and the other of the base and the indicia being opaque. The license plate display system also includes an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), with the array containing at least one LED of a first color and at least one LED of a second color. The array transmits light to the license plate. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110252333 | Method And System For Role-Based Access Control To A Collaborative Online Legal Workflow Tool - A computer system and method for distributed legal workflow security provides role-based access control to a collaborative online workflow tool. The system includes a computer network having one or more computers operably programmed and configured to receive input defining computer system access privileges for a plurality of distributed legal workflow participants. The system receives input associating one or more legal workflow role types defined by users with one or more of the distributed legal workflow participants to define the role-based access. Permission privileges are input and associated with a plurality of legal workflow graphical interface functions based on the one or more legal workflow role types. Based on the permission privileges associated with the role type of the participant, the system provides legal workflow graphical interface functionality to the one or more distributed legal workflow participants. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110251782 | Method for Forecasting Vehicle Fuel Economy - A method for determining and comparing vehicle fuel economy for several different preselected vehicles. The method includes selecting a plurality of vehicles to compare. The user inputs a driving route and a driving style through a user interface into the system. The system utilizes predetermined vehicle fuel economy information along with the driving route and driving style to calculate fuel economy values for each of the selected vehicle models. The system then displays the fuel economy values for each of the selected vehicles to provide a comparison between the selected vehicles over the predetermined driving route using the selected driving style. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110251019 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CABIN HEATING - Methods and systems are provided for selectively increasing an amount of waste heat generated by an idling engine. An engine output is increased while a transmission output is locked to generate waste heat that may be used to heat the cabin of a stopped vehicle. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110250547 | BURNER SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF CONTROL - A burner system and a method of control. The system includes a supply unit that provides a gas/air mixture to a burner assembly. The burner assembly includes a distribution outlet having a plurality of openings and an electrode. The electrode provides an electrical arc to ignite the gas/air mixture for a predetermined period of time. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110248484 | SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG INSTALLATION SYSTEM - Installation system for fastening a side curtain airbag to a motor vehicle comprising an airbag with a hollow filling portion which may be inflated by a gas generator and a fastening edge. The installation system has a laterally open fastening profile with a continuous groove which may correspond to the length of the airbag. The fastening profile is arranged on the vehicle and defines a slit-like opening. A thickened guide extends along the fastening edge and is configured to be inserted into the fastening profile. The thickened guide is received in the groove and has a cross section that is at least partially larger than the slit-like opening of the fastening profile. | 10-13-2011 |
