| FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120130621 | Reformate Control via Accelerometer - Engine surge includes oscillations in engine torque resulting in bucking or jerking motion of a vehicle that may degrade driver experience. The present application relates to increasing reformate entering an example engine cylinder in response to engine surge. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130610 | Non-Synchronous Automatic Transmission Up-Shift Control Utilzing Input Torque Signal - A non-synchronous automatic transmission up-shift control utilizes input torque measurements. The input torque is measured during an up-shift having preparatory, torque, and inertia phases. Target input torque profiles for the torque and inertia phases are determined based on the input torque during the preparatory phase. During the torque phase, an engine torque is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the torque phase. During the inertia phase, the on-coming clutch is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the inertia phase. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130608 | Synchronous Automatic Transmission Up-Shift Control Utilizing Input Torque Signal - A synchronous automatic transmission up-shift control utilizes input torque measurements. The input torque is measured during an up-shift having preparatory, torque, and inertia phases. Target input torque profiles for the torque and inertia phases are determined based on the input torque during the preparatory phase. During the torque phase, an engine torque is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the torque phase. During the inertia phase, an on-coming clutch is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the inertia phase. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126964 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EARLY LOW FUEL WARNING BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - A system and method is provided for controlling the operation of notifying drivers of the fluid level. Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on the primary and secondary keys and generates driver status signals. A fluid level sensing device is operable to generate a fluid level signal indicative of the fluid level. A controller is coupled to the fluid level sensing device and the key ignition device. The controller determines whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver in response to the driver status signals. The controller notifies the primary or secondary driver of the fluid level in response to the fluid level signal. The controller selectively controls the operation of notifying the primary or the secondary driver based on whether the driver is the primary or secondary driver. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125089 | METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING FUEL INJECTORS - A fuel injector diagnostic is disclosed. In one example, the diagnostic can determine if that amount of fuel injected or the timing of start of injection is degraded. Thus, the fuel injector diagnostic method can distinguish between different types of injector degradation. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120124996 | Dual-Inlet Supercharger for EGR Flow Control - A supercharger compressor includes a plurality of rotors rotatably mounted in a housing, a first inlet for air, a second inlet for recirculated exhaust gas, and a flow separator. The flow separator is arranged interior the housing and configured to form a slideable seal with at least one rotor of the plurality of rotors, the slideable seal fluidically isolating the first inlet from the second inlet, at least in part, and retarding pressure equalization therebetween. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120124995 | EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES WITH PARTICLE FILTER - An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The system comprises an exhaust tract which is connectable to an outlet side of the internal combustion engine, at least one catalytic converter arranged in the exhaust tract downstream of the engine, a particle filter downstream of the at least one catalytic converter, and a secondary-air inlet port provided in the exhaust tract upstream of the particle filter for introducing compressed secondary air into the exhaust tract via at least one flutter valve. In this way, additional oxygen may be supplied to the particulate filter to perform filter regeneration. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120124839 | CUT SHEET STOCK MYCELIUM AND METHOD - A method of making a vehicle part, including growing a live mycelium mat from interwoven hyphae. The mycelium mat is cured to terminate mycelium growth. The mycelium is cut into a single structural component without further processing for use in a vehicle. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120123666 | METHOD FOR AVOIDING TURBOCHARGER DAMAGE - A method for operating an engine of a motor vehicle is provided. The method comprises operating at least one turbocharger, operating a start/stop automatic system which automatically switches off the internal combustion engine when a stop condition is met, and automatically starts the internal combustion engine when a starting condition is met, and when the stop condition is met, delaying the automatic switching off of the internal combustion engine by a predefinable delay time (Δt). In one example, automatic shut off of the engine may be delayed in order ensure adequate cooling of the turbocharger. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123665 | IN-VEHICLE DISPLAY FOR IMPROVING FUEL ECONOMY - A visual feedback system for a vehicle including an engine, includes an operating control for varying the engine's speed. Connected to the engine, an engine acceleration reporter reports an amount of acceleration of the engine. A creation control being linked to both the engine acceleration reporter and the operating control enables the creation of images on a visual display according to a variation in the engine speed. Accordingly, the creation control creates a pendulum image within a sector of a circle, with the pendulum image swinging in response to the amount of acceleration being reported by the engine acceleration reporter. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122525 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRIVACY MODE OPERATION IN A VEHICLE - In at least one embodiment an apparatus that includes a communication module is provided. the communication module is configured to enable a driver to control the operation of a portable occupant communication device (OCD) in a hands free mode and to transmit a first command to the portable OCD to disable the hands free mode and to activate a privacy mode for enabling the driver to control the OCD via switches positioned on the OCD. The communication module is further configured to receive a driver performance signal that is indicative of the driver's performance while the privacy mode is active and to transmit a second command to the portable OCD to deactivate the privacy mode and to reactivate the hands free mode based on the driver performance signal. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119936 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING VEHICLE INFORMATION TO AN OCCUPANT COMMUNICATION DEVICE - In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for transmitting vehicle information to an occupant communication device (OCD) is provided. The system comprises a communication module positioned within the vehicle. The communication device is configured to receive a transmission status signal indicative of a transmission mode for the vehicle. The communication device is further configured to transmit the transmission status signal over a wireless protocol to the OCD such that the OCD is disabled from being controlled by switches positioned thereon if the transmission mode enables movement of the vehicle. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119516 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LIMITING IN-RUSH CURRENT TO A STARTER MOTOR OF A VEHICLE - A system and method for limiting engine starting current of a starter motor of an engine is described. In one example, starter motor current is controlled according to vehicle speed. The method may allow vehicle system voltage to remain at a higher level during automatically initiated engine starts. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118248 | HYBRID COOLING SYSTEM OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A hybrid cooling system for an engine is provided. The system comprises a block oil cooling circuit, a head coolant cooling circuit, the head and block circuits having a common heat exchanger. The system also includes a flow device in the head cooling circuit for preventing coolant flow in the head cooling circuit at least during a first phase of a warm-up phase of the internal combustion engine, a delivery device in the block cooling circuit which delivers engine oil constantly under pressure through the block cooling circuit to bearing points in a cylinder block and to bearing points in a cylinder head, and a control element arranged in a control line to reduce the delivery capacity of the delivery device through the block cooling circuit at least during the first phase of the warm-up phase. In this way, heat transfer in the common heat exchanger may be substantially prevented. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120117963 | Methods and Systems for Emission System Control - Methods and systems are provided for operating a turbocharged engine including a particulate filter positioned upstream of a turbocharger turbine, a catalyst positioned downstream of the turbine, and an EGR passage coupled between an engine exhaust and engine intake. In one example, the method comprises, diverting exhaust gas from downstream of the filter to the engine intake via the EGR passage, and adjusting an amount of diverted exhaust gas based on filter operating conditions. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120117886 | SLIDING DOOR CHUCKING AND STRENGTHENING DEVICE - A door chucking system includes a slidable door movable within a door opening and having a distal edge, the door being operable between opened and closed positions. A vertical column is proximate the distal edge of the door when the door is in the closed position. A chucking wedge is disposed on one of the vertical column and the distal edge, the chucking wedge including a retaining slot and a retaining flange. A receiver is disposed on the other of the vertical column and the distal edge, the receiver including a rigid tab, wherein the receiver receives a portion of the chucking wedge therein when the door is in the closed position, and wherein application of a force that is at least partially transverse to the planar extent of the door causes the rigid tab and the retaining slot to engage thereby preventing the door from leaving the closed position. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120116656 | Vacuum Boost For Vehicle Braking - Power brakes are typically vacuum assisted, with the vacuum provided from the intake manifold. If the engine is commanded to operate for a long period at a condition with low intake manifold vacuum, the vacuum within the brake booster may drop to a level which is marginal or insufficient for a present or subsequent braking operation. To ensure sufficient vacuum in the intake manifold to provide to the brake booster, the engine may be commanded to operate at a condition to increase intake manifold vacuum by one of: adjusting cam timing, increasing engine speed, and increasing EGR. In the case of a stop-start vehicle, the engine speed is increased from zero to a condition that provides the desired vacuum. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116655 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling exhaust emissions by adjusting a fuel injection into an engine cylinder from a plurality of fuel injectors based on the fuel type of the injected fuel and further based on the soot load of the engine. Soot generated from direct fuel injection is reduced by decreasing an amount of direct injection into a cylinder as the engine soot load increases. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116648 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENGINE - A method for operating an engine is disclosed. In one example, the method adjusts a torque limit of the engine in response to an amount of EGR in an engine cylinder. The approach may reduce the possibility of pre-ignition for boosted engines. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116626 | Method for Increasing Fuel Economy of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles - A method for increasing fuel economy of a vehicle such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) having an engine and a battery each configured to supply power to propel the vehicle includes supplying power from the battery and operating the engine below peak efficiency to supply from the engine only the difference in power between a demanded power and the power which the battery can deliver when the demanded power exceeds the power which the battery can deliver. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116620 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle and Method of Control for Providing Distance to Empty and Equivalent Trip Fuel Economy Information - A powertrain for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) includes an engine, a fuel tank, a battery, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a distance to empty value as a sum of fuel in the fuel tank and a battery equivalent amount of fuel, the sum multiplied by an average fuel economy of the PHEV based on a driving condition of the vehicle. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115679 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A TRANSMISSION COUPLED TO AN ENGINE THAT MAY BE AUTOMATICALLY STOPPED - Methods and systems for controlling a transmission coupled to an engine during an engine start are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a transmission tie-up force in response to an indication of transmission slip. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120112915 | VEHICLE SYSTEM REACTION TO MEDICAL CONDITIONS - A computer-implemented method includes registering at least one medical condition associated with a vehicle occupant. The method also includes monitoring environmental conditions for the onset of a trigger likely to cause complications with regards to the medical condition. The method further includes warning the vehicle occupant about the onset of the trigger. The method also includes adjusting a vehicle component or system, via the VCS, in response to the onset of the trigger. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111663 | RESONATOR FOR A DUAL-FLOW EXHAUST SYSTEM - A resonator for a dual-flow exhaust system of an engine is provided. The resonator includes a housing defining an enclosure and a baffle spanning the housing and separating a first and second expansion chamber of the enclosure, the baffle including at least one opening. The resonator further includes a first and a second exhaust conduit extending through the baffle and housing, each conduit in fluidic communication with a separate cylinder bank and including a perforated portion fluidly coupled to the enclosure, each perforated portion positioned in separate expansion chambers. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111308 | Method for Fuel Vapor Canister Purging - A method of controlling fuel vapor purging in a hybrid electric vehicle capable of selectively operating an engine is disclosed. In one example, the method includes initiating purging in response to an amount of liquid fuel residing in a fuel tank of the hybrid electric vehicle and a duration since the previous fuel tank filling event. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111305 | Methods and Systems for Engine Control - Methods and systems for controlling an engine are provided. In some examples, the engine has at least a cylinder and a compression device coupled to an intake of the engine, and the method includes, during engine re-start operation of an engine idle-stop condition, commencing combustion in the cylinder from a non-combusting condition, the combustion in a two-stroke combustion cycle of the cylinder. However, in some examples, at least partially electrically powered boosting operation may also be used to extend the two-stroke operation during a start. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111304 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FUEL USAGE - Methods and systems are provided for improving fluid 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. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111289 | WATER REDUCTION MECHANISM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A system for an engine includes an engine block having a cylinder, an oil delivery system including an oil reservoir at least partially enclosing an oil emulsion and providing lubricating oil to at least one cylinder, and a controller configured to adjust the heat delivered to the engine via a heat adjustment mechanism in response to a concentration of water in the oil emulsion. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111080 | ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC FORMING PROCESS - An electrode assembly for electro-hydraulic forming tool in which the insulation sleeve is assembled over an electrode rod. The insulation sleeve has a deflection surface that is beveled or oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the electrode rod. The electrode assembly may include a replaceable conical receptacle that facilitates placement of an electrode tip an insulation sleeve tip. An electrode tip profile that is shaped to minimize erosion caused by discharge of the electro-hydraulic forming machine. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120110996 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ENGINE EXHAUST - An engine having one of a plurality of exhaust valves in each cylinder that may be deactivated is disclosed. In one example, one exhaust valve of each cylinder is deactivated in response to engine speed. The engine may have improved engine torque at low engine speeds and reduced time to torque (e.g., turbo lag). | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120110995 | EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY FOR ENGINE HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle are described. In one example, intake air flowing in a first direction may be heated via a gas-to-gas heat exchange with exhaust gases. The heated intake air may then be used in a subsequent gas-to-liquid heat exchange to heat a fluid circulating through the engine. In another example, intake air flowing in a second direction may be heated via a heat exchange with exhaust gases in order to cool an exhaust catalyst. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120110981 | Reduction of NOx Trap at Engine Shutoff - The reduction of a NOx trap upon engine shutdown is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises adjusting a timing of creating a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap based upon the determined engine stop position. The creation of a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap may help to at least partially reactivate the lean NOx trap during engine shutoff. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120109504 | System And Method For Detecting A Turning Vehicle - A sensor system for a host vehicle may detect whether another in-path vehicle is turning. The sensor system may include a transmitter, a receiver and a controller. Signals may be emitted by the transmitter over a detection area. The emitted signals may reflect off an object vehicle in the detection area and be received by the receiver. The receiver may include a number of channels, each corresponding to a different region of the detection area. The sensor system may determine whether the in-path vehicle is turning and in what direction based on the reflected signals received at each channel. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109477 | Dual Clutch Driveline Twist Control - A method for controlling a driveline having a transmission clutch includes locking the clutch before a driveline lash crossing occurs; maintaining a locked clutch during the lash crossing; after the lash crossing occurs, increasing a clutch capacity at a slower rate than a driveline twist torque rate; and after the lash crossing occurs, producing clutch slip by controlling engine torque and clutch capacity such that engine torque exceeds clutch capacity. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109469 | Method and Apparatus for Improved Climate Control Function in a Vehicle Employing Engine Stop/Start Technology - An internal combustion engine has an engine shut-down system that automatically interrupts engine operation when vehicle operation indicates that no torque is required from the engine. An air conditioner compressor operates to cool a passenger compartment of the vehicle and is actuated in a first phase time, and is not actuated in a second phase time. An override system compares the time the compressor is in the enabled first phase time to the time the compressor is in the disabled second phase time. The override system disables the engine shut-down system unless it is determined that a ratio of the disabled second phase time to the enabled first phase time has a low rate of change, that the ratio is greater than a predetermined value, and that the time the compressor is in the disabled second phase is greater than a predetermined value. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105078 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AN OPERATING CHARACTERISTIC ASSOCIATED WITH AN INDUCTOR IN A POWER CONVERTER SYSTEM - A method and system is provided for determining at least one operating characteristic associated with an inductor in a power converter system. The operating characteristic may be current through the inductor. The power converter system may be of the type used in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to convert electric power from a high-voltage traction battery to drive an electric motor and/or a generator in the HEV. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104819 | Vehicle Seat with Rotating Angle Adjustment - A vehicle seat is movable in a rocking or rotating fashion about a center-of-rotation located above a seat bottom. The seat bottom has forward and rear edges and a mounting structure for securing the seat bottom to a vehicle interior engaging the seat bottom to permit movement of the forward edge along a first arcuate path and movement of the rear edge along a second arcuate path. The two arcuate paths having a common center-of-curvature located above the seat bottom, the center-of-curvature defining the center-of-rotation of the seat. A seat back attached to the seat bottom is independently adjustable in recline angle relative to the seat bottom. The arcuate paths may be defined by forward and rear guide tracks formed in one or more seat mounting brackets. A rack-and-pinion drive mechanism is provided to allow manual or powered adjustment of the seat along the guide tracks. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104777 | Pressure-Based Crash Detection System Incorporated in Side Rail - A vehicular crash sensing system is provided wherein a bumper cap contacts a bumper. A chamber is at least partially fit into a side rail attached to the bumper, wherein the chamber is sealed by the bumper cap. The bumper cap and chamber together enclose a space containing a volume of air. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104768 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVED ENGINE SPEED CONTROL DURING ENGINE STARTING - A system for improving engine starting is disclosed. In one example, an engine starting is improved by providing a variable load to the engine during engine starting. The variable load may be provided by controlling alternator field current during the engine start. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104767 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE STARTING - A system for improving engine starting is disclosed. In one example, an engine starting is improved by providing a predictable load to the engine during engine starting. The predictable load may be provided by controlling alternator field voltage during the engine start. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103747 | Magnetically Actuated Clutch Assembly - A clutch assembly includes a first clutch including a cam plate, a pocket plate and axially pivoting struts that driveably connect the plates for rotation in a first rotary direction, and disconnect the plates when the cam plate rotates in a second direction relative to the pocket plate, and a second clutch including a first cam plate, a first pocket plate, a coil and first struts that driveably connect the first cam plate and the first pocket plate for rotation in the second direction and disconnect the first cam plate and the first pocket plate when the coil is energized and the first cam plate rotates in the first direction relative to the first pocket plate. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103746 | Magnetically Actuated Mechanical Diode - A one-way diode includes a first plate including a coil and cams distributed about an axis, a second plate axially facing the cams and including pockets and a second coil, and struts, each strut supported in one of the pockets for pivoting axially relative to the cams in response to an electromagnetic field induced by current in the coil and the second coil. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103745 | Magnetically Actuated Mechanical Diode - A one-way clutch includes a first plate including cams distributed about an axis, a second plate axially facing the cams and including pockets, a coil located in one of the plates, struts, each strut supported in one of the pockets for pivoting axially relative to the cams in response to an electromagnetic field induced by current in the coil, and springs urging the struts to pivot opposite a pivot direction caused by energizing the coil. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103684 | Short-Preventing Shield for Wire Harness Terminals - A device for preventing electrical shorting between positive and negative terminals of a wiring harness includes a clip securable to conductors of the harness, a wall extending from the clip to be positioned between first and second terminals of the conductors when the clip, and a shield attached to the clip and movable between a first position wherein it blocks contact between a tool and the first terminal while allowing contact between the tool and the second terminal, and a second position wherein it blocks contact between the tool and the second terminal while allowing contact between the tool and the first terminal. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103461 | HOSE COUPLING ELEMENT - The disclosure relates to a coupling element between a hose and a further hydraulic line which may both be, for example, part of a fuel supply system. One system to couple said elements includes a hose-like element including an electrically conductive inside, a hydraulic line element, a connecting element coupling the hose-like element to the hydraulic line element, the hose-like element including an inverted double-walled end that houses part of the connecting element, the inverted double-walled end configured such that a portion of the electrically conductive inside is on an outside thereof, and an annular fastening element in electrical contact with the outside of the inverted double-walled end of the hose-like element. In this way, electrostatic charge may be dissipated via the electrically conductive inside and fastening element. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103443 | COUPLING ELEMENT FOR HYDRAULIC LINES - A coupling system is provided. The system comprises a first hydraulic line element that is electrically conductive at least inside, a second hydraulic line element, an electrically conductive intermediate element that projects by a first end thereof at least partially into the first hydraulic line element, a releasable fastening element configured to couple the electrically conductive intermediate element to the second hydraulic line element, and a conducting device coupled to a predetermined electric potential and connected in an electrically conductive manner to the electrically conductive intermediate element. In this way, the two hydraulic lines can be coupled in a releasable manner and dissipate electric charge that may build up in, for example, a fuel system. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103309 | Integrally Molded Vapor Canister - An integrally molded carbon canister is provided. The integrally molded carbon canister includes a housing including four external side walls and an upper portion at least partially enclosing an internal cavity connected to a vapor inlet and outlet port, the upper portion including a depressed flow disruptor positioned rearward of an injection gate, and a first and second projected flow channel positioned adjacent to the injection gate and laterally spanning the housing. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103283 | COOLING SYSTEM - A cooling system for an engine is provided. In one embodiment, an internal combustion engine comprises a cabin heat exchanger circuit including a connecting line opening on an inlet side into a cylinder block coolant jacket, a main coolant pump arranged in the cabin heat exchanger circuit, an auxiliary coolant pump arranged in the connecting line, and a check valve. In this way, additional cooling and/or heating may be provided to the engine and associated components by the auxiliary coolant pump. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103045 | Electro-Hydraulic Forming Process with Electrodes that Advance within a Fluid Chamber Toward a Workpiece - A system for electro-hydraulically forming a sheet metal part in an electro-hydraulic forming (EHF) machine. The part in a first shape is placed in the EHF machine between a one-sided forming die and a chamber that is filled with a liquid. An electrode is discharged in the chamber to form the part toward the forming die. The electrode is advanced within the chamber toward the part and a subsequent discharge is provided in the chamber to form the part. A gap discharge EHF machine and a wire discharge EHF machine may be used in the system. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102944 | Method and System for Limiting Output of a Boosted Engine - A method for operating a turbocharged engine is disclosed. In one example, an engine operation is adjusted in response to a turbocharger expansion ratio. Degradation of the engine may be reduced under some engine operating conditions by adjusting engine operation in response to the turbocharger expansion ratio. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102943 | METHOD FOR MONITORING A REGULATED EMISSION CONCENTRATION IN THE EXHAUST GAS OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method for monitoring a regulated emissions concentration C, in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises directing the exhaust gas through an exhaust-gas turbocharger, directing at least a portion of the exhaust gas through an exhaust-gas recirculation system, measuring an air ratio λ | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102925 | ENGINE EXHAUST TEMPERATURE REGULATION - In one example, a method of operating an engine in a vehicle is described. The method comprises delivering a first substance to a cylinder of the engine from a first injector; delivering a second substance to the cylinder of the engine from a second injector, where the second substance has a greater heat of vaporization than the first substance; and increasing injection of the second substance responsive to an exhaust over-temperature condition. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120100960 | METHOD AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR OPENING THE DRIVETRAIN OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A system and method for selectively opening a drivetrain of a vehicle is described. In one example, an electrically operated clutch is opened during selected driving conditions to conserve kinetic energy of the vehicle. The method may reduce fuel consumption during selected conditions. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097130 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING VACUUM - An engine with a two vacuum sources is disclosed. In one example, a valve position is adjusted in when engine load is low and intake manifold pressure is low to arbitrate vacuum between the two vacuum sources. The approach may increase engine operating efficiency during at least some conditions. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096855 | SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING EGR DEGRADATION - A system for improving operation of an EGR system is presented. The system provides distinct models to estimate EGR temperature in response to a valve position. In one example, the system can judge EGR system operation when a state of a control valve is adjusted during driving conditions. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096849 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING VEHICLE BRAKING - An engine with a positive pressure assisted brake booster is disclosed. In one example, an operator applying vehicle brakes is assisted by positive pressure provided by a compressor coupled to an engine of the vehicle. Operation of the vehicle brakes may be improved especially when engine vacuum is limited. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096837 | METHOD FOR ADAPTING AN SCR CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN AN EXHAUST SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for adapting a kinetic model of a SCR is described. In one example, the kinetic model is adapted for stored ammonia, ammonia release rate, and ammonia storage capacity. The method may be useful for adjusting engine control parameters for the purpose of reducing engine emissions. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120095659 | Automatic Control of Driveline States - A method for controlling a vehicle driveline includes using current conditions to estimate wheel slip probability and vehicle dynamics handling support requirements, producing two-wheel drive operation, if said slip probability and handling support requirement is low and a condition for forced driveline connection is absent, and producing four-wheel drive operation, if said slip probability and/or handling support requirement is high and a condition for forced driveline disconnection is absent. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095617 | VEHICLE GUIDANCE SYSTEM - A vehicle guidance system is provided with a controller configured to receive input indicative of a relative position between a charging port and a charging pad, and to provide output indicative of a distance vector therebetween in response to the input. An interface communicates with the controller and is configured to display a base element representing the charging port and target element representing the charging pad positioned relative to each other according to the distance vector. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094203 | Bipolar Plates for Electrochemical Cells - In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is provided to include a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate includes a metal substrate defining at least one flow channel having a channel span of no greater than 1.0 millimeter; and the metal substrate includes a stainless steel material less precious than stainless steel SS316L. In certain instances, the channel span is of 0.7 to 0.9 millimeters. In certain other instances, the flow channel has a channel depth of 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. In yet other instances, the plate substrate includes stainless steel SS301, stainless steel SS302, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the electrochemical cell further includes a gas diffusion layer disposed next to the bipolar plate. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120091959 | VEHICLE GUIDANCE SYSTEM WITH INTERFACE - A vehicle guidance system is provided with a controller configured to receive input signals indicative of an instantaneous charging port position relative to an external charging pad and a charging status. The controller is further configured to transmit a vehicle status signal in response to the input signals. An interface communicates with the controller, and is configured to display a vehicle position indicator and a charging status message in response to the vehicle status signal. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120091792 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHARGING OR DISCHARGING AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE - An apparatus for charging and discharging an electrical device in vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a switch, first and second power sources, and first and second contactors. The first power source is configured to provide a low voltage. The switch is configured to enable/disable the first power source. The second power source is configured to provide a high voltage for charging the electrical device. The first contactor is operably coupled to the first power source and to the second power source, the first contactor being configured to enable the second power source to provide the high voltage for charging the electrical device in response to the switch enabling the first power source. The second contactor is operably coupled to the first power source and to the second power source, the second contactor being in an open state in response to the switch enabling the first power supply. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090582 | EXHAUST SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MITIGATING DEGRADATION OF COMPONENTS OF A TURBOCHARGED ENGINE WITH EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION - A system and method for controlling an engine is described. In one example, an actuator is adjusted to reduce the possibility of degradation of an engine component. The method may provide increase engine component operational life so as to improve engine emissions during the life cycle of the engine. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090574 | HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP CONTROL FOR IDLE TICK REDUCTION - A method for controlling a mechanical solenoid valve of a high-pressure fuel pump to supply fuel to an engine is provided. In one example, current supplied to the mechanical solenoid valve is adjusted according to a pressure downstream of the fuel pump. The method can reduce current used to operate the mechanical solenoid valve as well as pump noise, at least during some conditions. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090565 | CYLINDER HEAD COOLING SYSTEM - A cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold is provided, the integrated exhaust manifold including an exhaust manifold flange. In one example, the cylinder head includes a cooled flange to control exhaust system heat. The cylinder head can improve operation of an integrated cylinder head during at least some operating conditions. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090395 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMPENSATION OF ULTRASONIC SENSOR - A system and method for compensating ultrasonic sensors mounted on a vehicle for speed of sound variations. The ultrasonic sensor is operatively coupled to a power train control module having a pressure sensor that continuously monitors atmospheric pressure and a controller configured for computing a compensated speed of sound using the monitored atmospheric pressure. The ultrasonic sensor sends an ultrasonic wave and determines the time lag in receiving the reflected ultrasonic wave from an object. Subsequently, the ultrasonic sensor generates a signal corresponding to the relative distance between the vehicle and the object using the compensated speed of sound and the time lag. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090320 | Turbocharged Combustion System - An engine combustion system is disclosed which includes: a cylinder head having at least two cylinders; an exhaust duct adjoining each cylinder with the exhaust ducts of at least two cylinders converging to form an exhaust manifold within the cylinder head and two turbines arranged downstream of the exhaust manifold. In one embodiment, the two turbines are arranged in parallel with a control element disposed upstream of one of the turbines to close off flow to the one turbine. Alternatively, a first of the turbines has a first bypass duct having a first valve. Flow exiting the turbine and the bypass path converge and are provided to a second of the turbines that has a second bypass duct having a second valve. By controlling positions of each valve, flow can provided solely to the associated turbine, the associated bypass duct, or a combination. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090297 | METHOD FOR ADAPTING A LEAN NOX TRAP IN AN EXHAUST SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for adapting a lean NOx trap (LNT) in an exhaust system of a motor vehicle is provided. The method comprises if a difference between an estimated NOx concentration and a measured NOx concentration in exhaust downstream of the LNT is greater than a threshold, calculating an adaptation value, the estimated NOx concentration downstream of the LNT based on a kinetic model, and adapting the kinetic model, adjusting one or more operating parameters of the LNT, and indicating an aging state of the LNT based on the adaptation value. In this way, the model may be updated in real time to produce a robust prediction of LNT function. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090296 | METHOD FOR MEASURING THE QUALITY OF AMMONIA INJECTION FOR AN EXHAUST GAS AFTER TREATMENT SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE - A system and method for determining ammonia deposition and controlling an engine is described. In one example, an amount of ammonia deposited in an engine exhaust is determined and the deposited ammonia is purged after the amount of ammonia deposited reaches a threshold level. The method may decrease ammonia use and ammonia emissions from a vehicle. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090295 | EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The engine comprises an exhaust line, at least one exhaust gas aftertreatment device arranged in the exhaust line, and a heat source and a heat sink arranged in separate branches of the exhaust line upstream of the exhaust gas aftertreatment device, an exhaust gas flow rate through each respective separate exhaust branch controlled by at least one flow control device. In this way, the temperature of the exhaust entering the aftertreatment device may be controlled by an amount of exhaust that flows through each branch of the exhaust line. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120088617 | ENGINE DRIVE SYSTEM - A system for an engine drive that engages a single timing band with a camshaft, a crankshaft and various accessory drives in such a configuration that the camshaft is rotated in a direction opposite that of the crankshaft, while ensuring a reflex wrap angle around each drive sprocket coupled to the camshaft, crankshaft and various accessory drives. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120087715 | PRESS-FIT CONNECTION FOR A RACK HOUSING - This invention relates to an arrangement comprising a tubular housing, preferably a rack housing ( | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085508 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXTRACTING HEAT FROM METAL CASTINGS AND MOLDS - A method and system for eliminating near-surface porosity and surface tear defects in metal castings. The system includes a complex casting mold having at least one core pin or other regions susceptible to new surface porosity and surface tears. The system further includes a copper rod fused internally to the core pin to extract heat from a molten metal introduced in the mold. The copper rod extracts heat at a low thermal flux, preventing near surface porosity and surface tears. Moreover, the copper rod extracts heat from the hotter regions of the casting causing it to solidify at a rate comparable to the rate of solidification of other portions of the casting, thereby allowing uniform solidification of the casting. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085316 | DIRECT-INJECTION INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH INJECTION NOZZLE - A direct-injection internal combustion engine is provided. The engine comprises at least one cylinder in which a combustion chamber is jointly formed by a piston crown of a piston and by a cylinder head, each cylinder having an inlet opening for the supply of fresh air, and an injection nozzle which is arranged in the cylinder head on the opposite side of the piston crown, on which injection nozzle, at a free end projecting into the combustion chamber, are provided a plurality of nozzle holes for the direct injection of the fuel, the injection nozzle being arranged eccentrically, spaced apart from a longitudinal axis of the cylinder and inclined at an angle α to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, at least two of the plurality of nozzle holes including opening cross-sections of different size. In this way, an equal fuel distribution in the cylinder may be provided. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085315 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING LOW TEMPERATURE COMBUSTION - A method for adjusting fuel injection of an engine is disclosed. In one example, fuel injection timing is adjusted to account for fuels having different cetane numbers. Operation of the engine may be improved especially during conditions where combustion phase may vary. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085299 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH LIQUID COOLING - Example embodiments for reducing thermal load in one or more exhaust gas lines are provided. One embodiment includes an internal combustion engine with liquid cooling, comprising at least one exhaust gas line, at least one coolant jacket, and a common boundary wall separating the at least one exhaust gas line and the at least one coolant jacket, wherein the common boundary wall includes a surface structure provided on sides of the coolant jacket in at least one locally limited region. In this way, the surface structure on the sides of the coolant jacket may increase heat transfer to reduce thermal loading. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120081234 | Lane Departure Haptic Warning with Compensation for Road-Caused Vibration - A method of alerting the driver of a vehicle to a lane departure condition. The method includes operating a lane detection system to detect that the vehicle is experiencing a lane departure condition, operating a sensor to detect background vibration experienced by the vehicle, determining a characteristic making a haptic signal likely to be distinguishable from the background vibration, and operating a haptic signal generator in response to the lane departure condition to deliver to a driver the haptic signal having the characteristic. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120081127 | METHOD FOR EVALUATING THE ABILITY OF A BATTERY TO START - The charge state of a battery powering a starter of a motor vehicle is evaluated to determine whether the battery voltage is sufficiently high to re-start an internal combustion engine during a stop/start operating mode. The engine is operated to drive a generator so that the generator output voltage is at a level below a setpoint value for a time period. At the end of the time period, the battery voltage is measured and if it exceeds a threshold voltage the battery charge state is determined to be sufficient to re-start the engine. The threshold voltage is approximately equal to the rated battery voltage. If the measured battery voltage is below the threshold voltage value, indicating that the battery will not have sufficient charge to re-start the motor, automatic shut-off of the engine when the vehicle stops is suppressed. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120081072 | VEHICLE BATTERY CHARGER AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A battery charger electrically connected with a power distribution circuit may select a charge rate to charge a vehicle battery in response to whether a load other than the battery charger is electrically connected with the power distribution circuit, and charge the vehicle battery at the selected charge rate. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120080927 | COMPLIANT HEADREST SYSTEM - A backrest for a vehicle includes a head restraint which can be adjusted to a higher position. The head restraint includes a head part and a support, which is guided displaceably in the backrest, for the head part being transferable from a use region, which is delimited by an upper use position and a lower use position, into a lower not-in-use position in which the backrest is blocked by an interfering structure against use, wherein the support triggers the interfering structure upon transfer of the head restraint into the lower not-in-use position. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120080256 | STEERING VALVE HAVING A PLANETARY GEAR TRAIN - A power steering assembly ( | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120080173 | HEAT EXCHANGER ASSEMBLY HAVING MULTIPLE HEAT EXCHANGERS - A heat exchanger assembly having first and second heat exchangers having a tube-fin construction. The first heat exchanger is configured to cool a first fluid. The second heat exchanger has a first portion for cooling the first fluid and a second portion for cooling a second fluid. Cooling air passes through the first heat exchanger before passing through the second heat exchanger. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120079905 | Hydraulic Control for Powershift Transmission - A method for controlling a transmission includes using signals of first solenoids to control first and second clutches, servos of first gears and servos of second gears, using signals of a second solenoid to establish a flow rate to cool the clutches and to actuate the servo that is associated with a selected gear, and using signals of a third solenoid to direct the flow rate to one of the clutches and to engage the selected gear. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120079837 | Thermoelectric Comfort Control System for Motor Vehicle - A temperature control apparatus for an interior of a motor vehicle having a temperature control loop circulating a heat-exchange fluid to a drivetrain component. A thermoelectric heat-pump (Peltier device) is disposed in the vehicle to heat or cool the desired area, and a fluid comfort control loop exchanges heat with the thermoelectric heat-pump and with the drivetrain temperature control loop, increasing the net amount of heating or cooling that can be delivered to the desired location by the thermoelectric heat-pump. The comfort control loop may branch from the drivetrain loop and carry a portion of the heat-exchange fluid carried in the drivetrain loop. Alternatively, the comfort control loop may carry a second heat-exchange fluid that remains separate from the heat-exchange fluid of the drivetrain loop and exchanges heat therewith in a heat exchanger. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120079822 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN EXHAUST-GAS AFTERTREATMENT DEVICE OF A HYBRID DRIVE, AND HYBRID DRIVE - A method for controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment device of a vehicle hybrid drive is provided. The method comprises operating the hybrid drive only by a combustion engine, only by a non-combustion motor, or by both, as a function of a temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment device, and conducting exhaust gas of the hybrid drive at least partially through the exhaust aftertreatment device, the engine and motor each providing output to power the vehicle. In this way, the aftertreatment device may be operated at an optimal temperature for conversion performance. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120079002 | Method and System for Operating Mobile Applications in a Vehicle - In various embodiments, a user interacts with remotely executing mobile applications from a vehicle. The vehicle may include at least one computer that includes a human machine interface (HMI) for control by the user. The mobile applications may be executing on an application server that is remote from the vehicle and communicating with the at least one computer. Further, the mobile applications may be configured to receive inputs from and transmit outputs to the at least one computer. An HMI application executing on the at least one computer may enable the provisioning of one or more services of the HMI to the mobile applications so that inputs and/or outputs to the mobile applications may be exchanged. Vehicle-based operation of the mobile applications from the at least one computer via the HMI may thus be enabled. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078564 | SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING QUALITY OF A ROTATING POSITION SENSOR SYSTEM - A method for improving a position sensing system which measures a rotating object is presented. In one embodiment, the method outputs the position of the rotating object while the object is rotating, and the method follows an external command on the sensor output line when the object is not rotating to output information other than the position information. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078512 | ADVANCED MAP INFORMATION DELIVERY, PROCESSING AND UPDATING - The illustrative embodiments include update determination programmed logic circuitry operable to determine that a map data tile stored in a vehicle database is in need of updating. The illustrative embodiments further include update qualification programmed logic circuitry operable to qualify the permissibility of an update. Also included in the illustrative embodiments is update provision programmed logic circuitry operable to, contingent on the qualifying, provide an updated version of the map data tile. The update determination, update qualification and update provision programmed logic circuitry are operable to repeat the determining, qualifying and providing for at least all tiles included in a route within a predetermined proximity of a vehicle's current location along the route. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078493 | ADVANCED MAP INFORMATION DELIVERY, PROCESSING AND UPDATING - An illustrative method of data gathering includes determining that a vehicle traveling characteristic has changed beyond an expected parameter. The method further includes recording the GPS coordinates of the vehicle and ceasing recording the GPS coordinates of the vehicle when the vehicle traveling characteristic resumes the expected parameter. Finally, the method includes determining and storing a traffic control feature associated with at least one set of the GPS coordinates, if the recorded GPS coordinates of the vehicle correspond to previously recorded GPS coordinates. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078488 | SPARK TIMING ADJUSTMENT BASED ON VEHICLE ACCELERATION - Systems, methods and a processor are provided for adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine. The systems, methods and processor include adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine configured to power a vehicle toward peak torque timing based on an output of a longitudinal acceleration sensor configured to sense a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078478 | Control of Automatic Transmission Shift by Wire Range Selection - A method for controlling a transmission includes using actuation of a button of a shift module to produce a signal representing a desired gear, using the signal and a second signal commanding a park range to determining a priority range, using a shift mechanism to attempt engagement of the transmission in the priority range, and if the priority range is park and park is not engaged, engaging a park brake. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078455 | Vehicle Response System And Method - In a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), the available energy from a battery may be inadequate to drive a motor to generate additional torque sufficient for driveability upon a request for an increase in wheel torque. The motor may then be operated in a lossy, inefficient mode. When the motor operates in the lossy mode, engine power can be increased such that the sum of the engine power and the maximum available battery power may exceed requested wheel power. The increased engine power may be dissipated as heat in the motor until an increase in wheel torque is requested, whereby the motor may switch from the lossy mode back to a normal, efficient mode. By switching back to the normal mode, the excessive engine power that was being dissipated as heat in the motor may contribute to the output torque of the motor. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077426 | Variable HVAC Airflow Control - A method and apparatus for controlling air flow into a cabin of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a valve controlling the proportion of fresh air and recirculated air admitted to the cabin, a ventilation fan, and a control module. The control module determines that the full fresh position is selected, detects a fan voltage selected to correspond to a desired air flow rate into the cabin, determines that an expected air flow rate into the cabin at an actual vehicle speed is greater than a desired air flow rate, and causes an actual air flow rate to match the desired air flow rate. The match between desired and actual air flow rates is achieved by maintaining the selected fan voltage and moving the valve to an intermediate position between the full fresh position and the full recirc position. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073929 | All Wheel Drive Speed Synchronization and Connection - A vehicle driveline includes a power source, a transmission connected to the power source and including an output driveably connected to primary road wheels, a driveshaft, a synchronizer that opens and closes a drive connection between the output and the driveshaft, and a clutch that alternately opens and closes a drive connection between the driveshaft and secondary road wheels. A control executes synchronization and connection strategies using one of singular, overlapping and sequential activation of the driveline components that produce all-wheel-drive on-demand. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073542 | 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. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073403 | Variable Lubricant Level in a Differential Sump - A system for lubricating a differential mechanism includes a housing containing a ring gear, a pinion meshing with the ring gear, a sump containing fluid, and a reservoir that receives fluid flung from the ring gear as the ring gear rotates through the sump fluid, and an orifice restricting the flow rate of fluid from the reservoir. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073347 | System And Method For Manufacturing An F-Temper 7xxx Series Aluminum Alloy - A system and a method of processing an F-temper aluminum alloy. An F-temper aluminum alloy blank may be heated and positioned in the die set such that the blank does not touch the die set. The blank may be formed into a part and quenched when the die set is closed. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073288 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TURBOCHARGING AN ENGINE - A method for improving operation of a turbocharged engine is presented. In one embodiment, the method may reduce engine emissions and improve engine efficiency during an engine start. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120068492 | Automotive Vehicle Body Closure with Storage Compartment - A storage compartment within an automotive vehicle rear body closure, such as a hatch or trunk, is accessed through a door that serves as a license plate attachment panel. The door may be part of a tub hinged along its lower edge and that occupies the storage compartment when the door is closed. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067559 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF A VEHICLE - A system and method for environmental management of a vehicle automatically operates a vehicle climate control system to quickly and efficiently defog a vehicle windshield, while still operating at or near environmental comfort guidelines determined by a vehicle occupant. The method may be executed by an HVAC control system that is configured with a preprogrammed algorithm to operate an HVAC to achieve the desired results. A number of sensors can provide inputs to the control system, which can also receive inputs from a number of manual overrides operable by an occupant of the vehicle. The preprogrammed algorithm is configured to act on the various inputs to operate the HVAC to strike an appropriate balance between occupant comfort and windshield defogging. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067306 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH LIQUID-COOLED TURBINE - Embodiments for cooling a turbine of an engine are provided. In one example embodiment, an internal combustion engine comprises a turbocharger including a turbine having a coolant jacket integrated in a housing of the turbine, and an oil circuit coupled to the coolant jacket of the turbine. By cooling the turbine with the oil circuit, the turbine may be constructed from less-heat resistant materials. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067033 | ON-BOARD WATER ADDITION FOR FUEL SEPARATION SYSTEM - A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank, a membrane dividing the fuel tank into at least a first and second portion, the membrane preferentially diffusing a substance from a mixture, the substance having an increased knock suppression relative to the mixture, and a controller adjusting delivery of condensed water to the tank responsive to an operating condition. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120065011 | ANGLED SPOKE PULLEY DESIGN - An idler pulley is described for a front end accessory drive. The idler pulley includes plurality of angled spokes, such as angled ribs molded into the pulley to join an outer hub and an outermost belt interacting region. As the belt runs over the surface of the pulley, any defects on the belt running surface of the pulley due to shrinkage and fill are now angled, and angling of the defects reduces direct impact with the belt and therefore reduces the structureborne noise produced by operation of the belt and the pulley. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061997 | VEHICLE ROOF MODULE - A vehicle roof module includes a front extruded cross member, a first pair of nodes each received in an end region of the front cross member, a first and a second extruded side rail with each end region receiving one of the first pair of nodes, a second pair of nodes each received in another end region of the first and second rails, a rear extruded cross member with each end region receiving one of the second pair of nodes, and a panel mounted to the front cross member, rear cross member, and first and second side rail. Each end region of each side rail defines an interior hollow portion and has at least one nodule extending from the side rail into the hollow portion to maintain a bond gap between the side rail and the node received into the side rail end region for receiving adhesive. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061165 | RESERVOIR-LESS POWER STEERING SYSTEM - A reservoir-less power steering system having a hydraulic pump, a storage tube, a steering gear assembly, and a return line. The storage tube accommodates and provides hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pump. Further, the hydraulic pump increases the hydraulic fluid pressure and transfers the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the steering gear assembly. A return line is connected to the steering gear assembly and coupled to the storage tube for returning the hydraulic fluid from the steering gear assembly to the hydraulic pump. Moreover, the storage tube extends upwards from the hydraulic pump to include a hydraulic fluid level measurement assembly. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061069 | Cooling In A Liquid-To-Air Heat Exchanger - In an engine coolant circuit with a radiator and an engine, a fan and a coolant pump may be provided. The fan and pump may be electrically driven, driven by a variable speed clutch, hydraulically driven, or driven by some other actively controllable means. When an increase in heat transfer rate is indicated, the fan speed or the coolant pump speed may be increased. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the choice of increasing the fan speed or increasing the pump speed is determined so that the power consumed is minimized. The broad concept is that dQ/dP, the gradient in heat transfer rate to power, is determined for both the fan and the pump at the present operating condition. The one with the higher gradient is the one that is commanded to increase speed. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060794 | Throttle Body To Intake Manifold Mounting - At least one set of locator pins is provided on the flange of an intake manifold which couple with an orifice provided on the flange of a throttle body to align the two parts to ensure that they are properly oriented when assembled. In addition, through holes are provided on the throttle body flange and threaded inserts are provided on the flange of the intake manifold. The locator pins are coupled with the orifices prior to inserting a bolt through the through holes to engage with the threads of the threaded insert. By providing the locator pins, the two flanges are held in a desired orientation so that the ducts of the two flanges are properly aligned to substantially eliminate a step or mismatch at the interface. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060792 | BEVELED DAMPENING ELEMENT FOR A FUEL INJECTOR - A direct fuel injection cylinder for an engine of a vehicle includes a direct fuel injector disposed in an injector bore within a cylinder head. A beveled conical wave washer is disposed between a shelf in the injector bore and a shoulder of the direct fuel injector. During operation of the vehicle, the beveled conical wave washer is elastically deformed by radial displacement caused by absorption of high frequency energy from the direct fuel injector. Elastic deformation of the beveled conical wave washer may reduce noise which may be caused by impact of the direct fuel injector and the cylinder head. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060780 | STRUCTURAL OIL BAFFLE FOR ENGINE COVERS - An oil baffle, a system, and a method are disclosed for separating a gaseous component from oil in a blow-by vapor for an internal combustion engine. An example system may include a cam cover configured to be mounted on a cylinder head. The system may also include an oil baffle including a first face coupled to the cam cover and may define an oil separation chamber between the cam cover and the first face. The oil baffle may include one or more stiffening members coupled to and extending from and substantially normal to an opposite face in order to reduce noise. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060778 | CYLINDER HEAD FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A cylinder head adapted to be mounted to a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine has a cooling jacket at least partially integrated in the cylinder head. The engine has two groups of cylinders: inside cylinders and outside cylinders. Each cylinder has at least one exhaust port, each leading to an individual duct. Individual ducts of outside cylinders converge to form an outside combined duct. In a four-cylinder engine or cylinder head, individual ducts of inside cylinders converge to form an inside combined duct with the inside combined duct remaining separated from the outside combined duct by the cooling jacket. The inside combined duct is farther away from the mounting surface of the cylinder head to the cylinder block than the outside combined duct. The cooling jacket includes: upper, middle, and lower cooling jackets and connectors between the upper and lower cooling jackets. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060522 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - An air conditioning method is provided. The method comprises when a refrigerant circuit is in operation and a temperature of an evaporator of the refrigerant circuit is lower than a temperature of a heat exchanger of a heating circuit, transferring heat from the heat exchanger to air passing through the heat exchanger, and when the refrigerant circuit is not in operation and the temperature of the evaporator is higher than the temperature of the heat exchanger, transferring heat from the air passing through the heat exchanger to the heat exchanger. In this way, the heat exchanger functions to augment the cooling capabilities of the evaporator. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060498 | Warming Intake Air Using EGR Cooler in Dual-Throttle Boosted Engine System - A method for providing intake air to an engine in a vehicle comprises delivering compressed fresh air and EGR to the engine via first and second throttle valves coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. During a higher engine-load condition, an EGR exhaust flow is cooled in a heat exchanger and the cooled EGR exhaust flow is admitting to the intake manifold. During a lower engine-load condition, fresh air is warmed in the heat exchanger, and the warmed fresh air is admitted to the intake manifold. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060492 | METHOD AND SYSTEM ADJUSTING AN EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY VALVE - A method for adjusting an exhaust heat recovery valve is presented. In one embodiment, the method may control an amount of boost provided by a turbocharger to an engine. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060475 | METHOD FOR ADAPTING AN EXOTHERMIC REACTION IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for adapting a thermal model of a catalyst is provided. The method comprises adjusting an amount of exhaust gas reductant upstream of the catalyst based on a thermal model of the catalyst, the thermal model including heat input from exothermic catalyst reactions, an amount of the exothermic heat input adjusted responsive to an estimated temperature from the thermal model and a measured temperature downstream of the catalyst. In this way, a thermal model for catalyst activity and catalyst operating parameters may be adjusted to ensure optimal catalyst function. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120059565 | OPTIMAL ENGINE OPERATING POWER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE POWERTRAIN - A method for managing power in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having multiple components including at least two of a group comprising an engine, a motor, a generator and a high voltage battery includes computing power losses for the individual components. An engine operating speed and torque for a given vehicle speed and total power command is determined so that total power losses for powertrain components are minimized. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120058363 | COATED LIGHTWEIGHT METAL DISK - The invention relates to a coated lightweight metal disk, in particular a brake disk, comprising a support disk made of a thermally resistant lightweight metal alloy, and a heat-insulating friction layer formed from a metal alloy that includes nanocrystals. The friction layer can be applied directly to the support disk without adding an insulating intermediate layer. Because of the thermally insulating effect of the friction layer, only a moderate amount of heat is transferred to the support disk. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120056445 | Body Panel and Reinforcement Assembly - A body panel assembly comprising an outer panel formed to a predetermined contour and a reinforcement assembly comprising a network or plurality of links that intersect to form a plurality of nodes. The network may be formed by a plurality of strips that are joined together at the nodes. The reinforcement assembly, or reinforcement panel, is attached with one surface flush to the outer body panel. One side of the reinforcement assembly is attached to the outer panel by brazing or bonding with an adhesive. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055452 | 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. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055444 | MULTI-CYLINDER INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A MULTI-CYLINDER INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method for partial cylinder cutoff is provided. The method comprises operating a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine with applied ignition, in which an odd number n of cylinders is arranged in line, and during partial-load operation when engine load is below threshold, enabling a partial cutoff of the cylinders, the partial cutoff comprising operating each cylinder only intermittently such that each cylinder is fired and cut off in turn at an interval of (2*720° CA)/n. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055432 | EFFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT TO A LASER IGNITION SYSTEM - A method for a laser ignition system to operate in at least two modes based on a four-stroke combustion cycle, wherein laser light energy is generated to ignite an air/fuel mixture for combustion and may be additionally used for heating cylinder walls, such as during a cold start, at times other than when the laser ignites an air/fuel mixture for combustion. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055424 | CYLINDER HEAD WITH TURBINE - The disclosure relates to a cylinder head having at least one cylinder. The cylinder head comprises a radial turbine including a rotor arranged in a turbine casing and rotatably mounted on a shaft, an overall exhaust line which opens into an inlet zone of the radial turbine, said zone merging into a flow duct which carries exhaust gas, and at least one coolant duct integrated into the turbine casing to form a cooling system, the at least one coolant duct extending in a spiral around the shaft in the casing, wherein the at least one coolant duct extends circumferentially around and at a distance from the flow duct over an angle α, where α≦45°. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055423 | Engine Fuel Reformer Monitoring - Systems and methods for monitoring a fuel reformer which reforms ethanol into a reformate gas comprising H | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055152 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, AND TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM - The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a turbocharger system of an internal combustion engine. The method comprises controlling a first bypass valve of a high pressure exhaust gas turbine and a second bypass valve of a low pressure gas turbine on the basis of a turbine model, the first and second bypass valves continuously variable. In this way, turbocharger system efficiency may be maximized. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055094 | Frameless Multi-Layer Window Panel with Adhesive Bonded Edges - A multi-layer, laminated panel for a frameless window assembly has an adhesive bead extending along a frameless edge of the panel to contacting and structurally bond the two outer layers of the pane, thereby increasing the stiffness of the panel. The panel is used in a movable window assembly for an automotive vehicle in which a regulator is mounted to the vehicle adjacent a window opening, a seal is installed in the window opening, and the panel is moved by the regulator to a closed position wherein the frameless edge of the panel engages the seal. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120046855 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR RECOGNIZING ROAD SIGNS - Various embodiment include a system and a method for recognizing road signs. An image of a road sign may be captured by least one image sensor. A vehicle computer may receive the image data representing one or more road signs along a route and display one or more images of the road sign based on the image data. The display may be capable of presenting one or more status of the road sign based on one or more travel states for the vehicle. These travel states may include at least one of an amount of elapsed travel time, distance travelled, or speed. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120043797 | VEHICLE SEAT - The invention relates to a vehicle seat which may be adjusted forward and back along a seat rail arranged on both sides, and in which both the inclination of a seat surface and a back surface and a height thereof may be adjusted. Such a vehicle seat is intended to be adapted very easily and in an uncomplicated manner to the different body sizes of drivers. This is achieved in that a common adjustment mechanism is provided for all seat adjustment sequences, which coordinates the individual adjustment sequences, in that the coordination of the adjustment sequences produces seat adjustments in which the seating position of the respective driver is optimized irrespective of body size. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120043773 | IN-BUMPER STORAGE TRAY FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - For conveniently storing items aboard an automotive vehicle, a storage tray is movable between a stowed position housed within a bumper and an access position wherein it extends through an opening in a rear surface of the bumper. A door is attached to the bumper by a hinge connected to a lower edge of the door and is movable relative to the bumper between a closed position closing off the opening when the tray is in the stowed position and an open position permitting movement of the tray to the extended position. The door includes a guide feature that engages the tray when the tray is moved toward the extended position to stabilize movement of the tray. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042716 | Multi-Functional Vehicle Fuel Display - A multi-functional, composite fuel display for displaying both fuel level information and fuel economy information is provided. The fuel level is displayed using a plurality of bar segments, each corresponding to a single unit of fuel. Once a single unit of fuel is consumed, the corresponding bar segment changes size to indicate an average fuel economy for that unit of fuel. The bar segment corresponding to the current unit of fuel being consumed changes size in real time to indicate instantaneous fuel economy. An indicator is provided over the bar segments corresponding to single unit of consumed fuel to indicate average fuel economy for the current tank of fuel. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120041673 | POINT OF INTEREST SEARCH, IDENTIFICATION, AND NAVIGATION - A computer-implemented navigation method for identifying one or more points of interest (POI) in a geographic location includes calculating a navigation route and receiving a reference point input. The reference point input may be unrelated to the navigation route and usable for identifying one or more POIs. The method further includes receiving one or more search parameters for searching for one or more POIs with respect to the reference point and identifying the one or more POIs based on the search parameters and reference point. The method also includes presenting the one or more POIs on a vehicle computer display. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120041665 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH GAS AS A FUEL - A method for operating an internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises, during low and medium load conditions, introducing fuel from a fuel tank by intake pipe injection into at least one intake air line coupled to at least one cylinder, and during high load conditions, introducing the fuel from the fuel tank by direct injection into the at least one cylinder. In this way, the method of fuel delivery may be optimized based on the load conditions. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120041633 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REGULATING CONTROL OF A VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM - One or more embodiments include systems and methods for regulating control of a vehicle infotainment system. In one embodiment, a vehicle computing system includes a user interface which has one or more output components and one or more input components. Software executing in memory of the vehicle computing system may be programmed with rules to reduce driver distraction such as preventing inputs or outputs during vehicle operation. Inputs may be intercepted from the one or more input components of the user interface. Additionally or alternatively, outputs may be intercepted to the output components of the user interface. The intercepted inputs or intercepted outputs may be evaluated for one or more violations based on the rules. If the one or more violations are detected, the inputs or outputs may be prevented during vehicle operation. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120039248 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IN-VEHICLE WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY - One embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle computer system for establishing in-vehicle wireless connectivity to remote computer network, e.g., the Internet. The system may include a processor in communication with a human machine interface (HMI) for control by a user. The processor may also be in communication with one or more wireless transceivers for wireless data communication. The processor may be capable of being paired to a pneumatic commuting device (e.g., cellphone, PDA, etc.) having wireless Internet connectivity. The processor may be configured to wirelessly connect to one or more personal computing devices in the vicinity of the vehicle, and provide a wireless Internet access point to the one or more personal computing devices based on the wireless connection and the Internet connectivity. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037134 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an EGR valve and one or more intake throttles responsive to the output of an intake oxygen sensor to provide a desired amount of EGR flow while maintaining engine torque. The adjustments are coordinated to improve distributed control of the EGR valves and intake throttles, and enable EGR flow even when one actuator is limited. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037101 | INTEGRATED EXHAUST MANIFOLD - A cylinder head of an engine with an integrated exhaust manifold is provided. In one example, the inner exhaust runners and outer exhaust runners have different cross-sectional areas. This arrangement may be beneficial to maintain exhaust flow rates in the integrated exhaust manifold. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120036848 | HIGH-PRESSURE EXHAUST-GAS RECIRCULATION SYSTEM WITH HEAT RECOVERY - A method for operation of a high pressure exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) system is provided. The method includes transferring heat from an exhaust flow through an EGR cooler to an engine coolant, the EGR cooler coupled to an EGR line fluidly coupled in parallel with a turbine and directing a controlled portion of the exhaust flow from the EGR cooler to an engine intake. The method further includes directing another controlled portion of the exhaust flow from the EGR cooler to the surrounding atmosphere. | 02-16-2012 |
| 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 |
