Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110237831 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING MONOAMMONIUM SUCCINATE FROM FERMENTATION BROTHS CONTAINING DIAMMONIUM SUCCINATE, MONOAMMONIUM SUCCINATE AND/OR SUCCINIC ACID, AND CONVERSION OF MONOAMMONIUM SUCCINATE TO SUCCINIC ACID - Processes for making monoammonium succinate (MAS) and/or succinic acid (SA) from either a clarified diammonium succinate (DAS)-containing fermentation broth or a clarified MAS-containing fermentation broth include (a) distilling the broth to form an overhead that includes water and optionally ammonia and a liquid bottoms that includes MAS or SA; (b) cooling and/or evaporating the bottoms and optionally adding an antisolvent to the bottoms to attain a temperature and composition sufficient to cause the bottoms to produce a solid portion that contains MAS or SA in contact with a liquid portion; (c) separating the solid portion from the liquid portion; and (d) recovering the solid portion. | 09-29-2011 |
20110266133 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING MONOAMMONIUM ADIPATE FROM FERMENTATION BROTHS CONTAINING DIAMMONIUM ADIPATE, MONOAMMONIUM ADIPATE AND/OR ADIPIC ACID, AND CONVERSION OF MONOAMMONIUM ADIPATE TO ADIPIC ACID - A process for making MAA from a clarified DAA-containing fermentation broth includes (a) distilling the broth to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes MAA, at least some DAA, and at least about 20 wt % water; (b) cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a DAA-containing liquid portion in contact with a MAA-containing solid portion that is substantially free of DAA; (c) separating the solid portion from the liquid portion; and (d) recovering the solid portion. | 11-03-2011 |
20110269993 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING ADIPIC ACID FROM FERMENTATION BROTHS CONTAINING DIAMMONIUM ADIPATE - Processes for making AA from either a clarified DAA-containing fermentation broth or a clarified MAA-containing fermentation broth that include distilling the broth under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of >100° C. to about 300° C. to form an overhead that comprises water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes AA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion and a solid portion that is substantially pure AA; and separating the solid portion from the liquid portion. A method also reduces the broth distillation temperature and pressure by adding an ammonia separating and/or water azeotroping solvent to the broth. | 11-03-2011 |
20110272269 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING SUCCINIC ACID FROM FERMENTATION BROTHS CONTAINING DIAMMONIUM SUCCINATE - Processes for making SA from either a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth or a clarified MAS-containing fermentation broth that include distilling the broth under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of >100° C. to about 300° C. to form an overhead that comprises water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes SA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion and a solid portion that is substantially pure SA; and separating the solid portion from the liquid portion. A method also reduces the broth distillation temperature and pressure by adding an ammonia separating and/or water azeotroping solvent to the broth. | 11-10-2011 |
20110297527 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING SUCCINIC ACID FROM FERMENTATION BROTHS CONTAINING DIAMMONIUM SUCCINATE - Processes for making SA from either a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth or a clarified MAS-containing fermentation broth that include distilling the broth under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of >100° C. to about 300° C. to form an overhead that comprises water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes SA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion and a solid portion that is substantially pure SA; and separating the solid portion from the liquid portion. A method also reduces the broth distillation temperature and pressure by adding an ammonia separating and/or water azeotroping solvent to the broth. | 12-08-2011 |
20110297529 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING MONOAMMONIUM SUCCINATE FROM FERMENTATION BROTHS CONTAINING DIAMMONIUM SUCCINATE, MONOAMMONIUM SUCCINATE AND/OR SUCCINIC ACID, AND CONVERSION OF MONOAMMONIUM SUCCINATE TO SUCCINIC ACID - Processes for making monoammonium succinate (MAS) and/or succinic acid (SA) from either a clarified diammonium succinate (DAS)-containing fermentation broth or a clarified MAS-containing fermentation broth include (a) distilling the broth to form an overhead that includes water and optionally ammonia and a liquid bottoms that includes MAS or SA; (b) cooling and/or evaporating the bottoms and optionally adding an antisolvent to the bottoms to attain a temperature and composition sufficient to cause the bottoms to produce a solid portion that contains MAS or SA in contact with a liquid portion; (c) separating the solid portion from the liquid portion; and (d) recovering the solid portion. | 12-08-2011 |
20120021473 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING CARBOXYLIC ACIDS FROM FERMENTATION BROTHS CONTAINING THEIR AMMONIUM SALTS - Processes for making SA from either a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth or a clarified MAS-containing fermentation broth that include distilling the broth under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of >100° C. to about 300° C. to form an overhead that comprises water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes SA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion and a solid portion that is substantially pure SA; and separating the solid portion from the liquid portion. A method also reduces the broth distillation temperature and pressure by adding an ammonia separating and/or water azeotroping solvent to the broth. | 01-26-2012 |
20120095241 | PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HYDROGENATED PRODUCTS - A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth, distilling the broth to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes MAS, at least some DAS, and at least about 20 wt % water, cooling and/or evaporating the bottoms, and optionally adding an antisolvent to the bottoms, to attain a temperature and composition sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a DAS-containing liquid portion and a MAS-containing solid portion that is substantially free of DAS, separating the solid portion from the liquid portion, recovering the solid portion, hydrogenating the second solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product comprising at least one of THF, GBL or BDO, and recovering the hydrogenated product. | 04-19-2012 |
20130116398 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING CAPROLACTAM AND DERIVATIVES THEREOF FROM FERMENTATION BROTHS CONTAINING DIAMMONIUM ADIPATE, MONOAMMONIUM ADIPATE AND/OR ADIPIC ACID - Processes for making caprolactam (CL) from monoammonium adipate (MAA) and/or adipic aicd (AA) obtained from a clarified diammonium adipate-containing (DAA-containing) fermentation broth or MAA-containing fermentation broth and converting the MAA or AA to the CL with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst at selected temperatures and pressures. | 05-09-2013 |
20130131306 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING CAPROLACTAM AND DERIVATIVES THEREOF FROM FERMENTATION BROTHS CONTAINING DIAMMONIUM ADIPATE OR MONOAMMONIUM ADIPATE - Processes for producing caprolactam (CL) and derivatives thereof from adipic acid (AA) obtained from fermentation broths containing diammonium adipate (DAA) or monoammonium adipate (MAA). | 05-23-2013 |
20130140169 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING NH4+ -OOC-R-COOH COMPOUNDS FROM FERMENTATION BROTHS CONTAINING NH4+ -OOC-R-COO- NH4+ COMPOUNDS AND/OR HOOC-R-COOH COMPOUND ACIDS, AND CONVERSION OF NH4+ -OOC -R-COOH COMPOUNDS TO HOOC-R-COOH COMPOUND ACIDS - A process for making a NH | 06-06-2013 |
20130144028 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING DIAMINOBUTANE (DAB), SUCCINIC DINITRILE (SDN) AND SUCCINAMIDE (DAM) - Processes include providing a clarified diammonium succinate (DAS)- or monoammonium succinate (MAS)- containing fermentation broth; distilling the broth of an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes SA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion in contact with a solid portion that is substantially pure SA; separating the solid portion from the liquid portion; and converting the solid portion to produce nitrogen containing compounds such as diamino butane (DAB), succinic dinitrile (SDN), succinic amino nitrile (SAN) or succinamide (DAM) and downstream products. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144070 | PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PYRROLIDONES - Processes for making pyrrolidones include making MAS and/or SA from a clarified DAS- and/or MAS-containing fermentation broth and converting the MAS or SA to the pyrrolidones, typically with catalysts at selected temperatures and pressures. | 06-06-2013 |
20130150551 | PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HYDROGENATED PRODUCTS AND DERIVATIVES THEREOF - Processes for making hydrogenated products including caprolactame (CL) caprolactone (CLO) or 1,6-hexanediol (HDO) and derivative thereof from monoammonium adipate (MAA) and/or adipic acid (AA) obtained from a clarified diammonium adipate-containing (DAA-containing) fermentation broth or monoammonium adipate-containing (MAA-containing) fermentation broth. | 06-13-2013 |
20130150621 | PROCESSES FOR PURIFICATION OF SUCCINIC ACID VIA DISTILLATION - Processes for removing color bodies from crude succinic acid comprising distillation of crude succinic acid and collecting the distillate in a water-containing receiver. The color bodies substantially remain in the distillation bottoms and the purified succinic acid in the water-containing receiver is substantially free of color bodies. | 06-13-2013 |
20130158229 | PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HYDROGENATED PRODUCTS AND DERIVATIVES THEREOF - A process for making a hydrogenated product comprising caprolactone (CLO) and 1,6-hexanediol (HDO) and derivatives thereof from adipic acid (AA) obtained from fermentation broths containing diammonium adipate (DAA) or monoammonium adipate (MAA). | 06-20-2013 |
20130172519 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING DIAMINOBUTANE (DAB), SUCCINIC DINITRILE (SDN) AND SUCCINAMIDE (DAM) - Processes that make nitrogen-containing compounds include converting succinic acid (SA) or monoammonium succinate (MAS) derived from a diammonium succinate (DAS)- or MAS-containing fermentation broth to produce such compounds including diaminobutane (DAB), succinic dinitrile (SDN), succinic amino nitrile (SAN), succinamide (DAM), and related polymers. | 07-04-2013 |
20130178637 | PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PYRROLIDONES - Processes for making pyrrolidones include providing a clarified diammonium succinate (DAS)-containing and/or monoammonium succinate (MAS)-containing fermentation broth; distilling the broth under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of greater than 100° C. to about 300° C. to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes SA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling and/or evaporating the bottoms to attain a temperature and composition sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion and a solid portion that is substantially pure SA; separating the solid portion from the liquid portion; and converting the solid SA portion to pyrrolidones. | 07-11-2013 |
20130184492 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING HOOC-R-COOH COMPOUND ACIDS FROM FERMENTATION BROTHS CONTAINING NH4+ -OOC-R-COO-NH4+ COMPOUNDS - A process for making HOOC—R—COOH compound acid from a clarified NH | 07-18-2013 |
20130324694 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING HEXAMETHYLENEDIAMINE (HMD), ADIPONITRILE (ADN), ADIPAMIDE (ADM) AND DERIVATIVES THEREOF - Processes for producing nitrogen containing compounds include producing hexamethylenediamine (HMD), adiponitrile (ADN), adipamide (ADM) and derivatives thereof from adipic acid (AA) obtained from fermentation broths containing diammonium adipate (DAA) or monoammonium adipate (MAA). | 12-05-2013 |
20140135471 | PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING BUTANEDIOL (BDO), DIAMINOBUTANE (DAB), SUCCINIC DINITRILE (SDN) AND SUCCINAMIDE (DAM) - Processes that, make nitrogen-containing compounds include converting succinic acid (SA) or monoammonium succinate (MAS) derived from a diammoniurn succinate (DAS)- or MAS-containing fermentation broth to produce such compounds Including diammobmane (DAB), succinic dinitrile (SDN), succinic amino nitrile (SAN), succinamide (DAM), and related polymers. | 05-15-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110165829 | AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING CLIMATE SYSTEM OF SAME - An automotive vehicle may include a container, a battery disposed within the container and configured to provide motive power for the vehicle, and a battery climate system configured to move air from the cabin to the container. The vehicle may also include at least one controller configured to, while the vehicle is in a non-propulsion mode, receive a request to activate the battery climate system and, in response to the request, activate the battery climate system. | 07-07-2011 |
20110202223 | VEHICLE BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE HOLD FUNCTION AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT - A method and a system for controlling a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has first and second propulsion devices. The vehicle determines a calculated decline in state of charge (SOC) for a charge depleting mode for a battery coupled to the first propulsion device. The vehicle is operated to achieve the calculated decline in SOC. The vehicle operates the second propulsion device for at least a predetermined time after the second propulsion device is turned on during the charge depleting mode. | 08-18-2011 |
20110276205 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRIC MACHINE AND/OR ENGINE THEREIN - A total power demand including a wheel power demand may be observed. The wheel power demand may be modified to determine a modified total power demand including a modified wheel power demand if the total power demand falls within a target range of power values defined by upper and lower threshold power values such that the modified total power demand is generally equal to the lower threshold power value. | 11-10-2011 |
20130153354 | PRESSURE CONTROLLED DRIVELINE MECHANICAL COUPLING - A vehicle includes a motive power source, a transmission, and a clutch system. The vehicle further includes a controller that causes the clutch system to generate a generally constant clutch pressure to mechanically couple the motive power source and transmission as a line pressure associated with the transmission varies. | 06-20-2013 |
20130178330 | HYBRID VEHICLE AND CONTROL FOR A CLUTCH ENGAGING EVENT - A method for controlling a downstream clutch in a vehicle during an upstream torque disturbance includes slipping a downstream clutch by reducing the downstream clutch pressure, varying the downstream clutch pressure to a target threshold to control the slip of the downstream clutch, increasing the downstream clutch pressure to engage the downstream clutch. A vehicle includes a first prime mover, a second prime mover connected to the first prime mover using an upstream clutch, a transmission connected to the second prime mover using a downstream clutch, and a controller connected to the first and second prime movers and the upstream and downstream clutches. The controller is configured to (i) slip the downstream clutch by reducing the pressure, (ii) vary the downstream clutch pressure to a target threshold to control the slip, and (iii) increase the downstream clutch pressure to engage the clutch. | 07-11-2013 |
20130244829 | Transmission Control During Regenerative Braking - A system and method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle during regenerative braking is provided. The system and method include a brake controller adapted to cause, for a selected transmission gear, a first torque ratio to be applied to a regenerative brake system during regenerative braking and a second torque ratio, different from the first torque ratio, to be applied when the vehicle is not regenerative braking. The first torque ratio results in an increased braking torque generated by the regenerative brake system compared with application of the second torque ratio. | 09-19-2013 |
20130296100 | Controlled Regenerative Braking Torque Incrementing in Hybrid Vehicle Downshift - A controller and control strategies minimize shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift during regenerative braking by maintaining the transmission input speed substantially linear when the transmission input speed is slowing. The controller and the control strategies control the regenerative braking torque during a downshift occurring during regenerative braking in such a way that the transmission input speed is maintained substantially linear when the transmission input speed is slowing during a torque phase of the downshift. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296104 | BIASED SPEED CONTROL FOR AN ELECTRIC MACHINE IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A vehicle is provided with an engine, an electric machine connected to the engine by an upstream clutch, a transmission gearbox connected to the electric machine by a downstream clutch, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) slip a downstream clutch, (ii) limit a torque output of an electric machine to a threshold value, (iii) engage an upstream clutch while the downstream clutch is slipping, and (iii) engage the downstream clutch. A method for controlling an electric machine in a vehicle during an upstream torque disturbance is provided. The downstream clutch is slipped and the torque output of an electric machine is limited to a threshold value. The upstream clutch is engaged while the downstream clutch is slipping. The downstream clutch is engaged. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296108 | Modular Hybrid Transmission with a One Way Clutch - A vehicle transmission system having a combustion engine, an electric motor and a transmission includes a first clutch operatively connected between the engine and the motor and a one way clutch. The one way clutch is connected in parallel with the first clutch that permits the engine to increase speed with the clutch disengaged until the engine speed matches the motor speed. The engine provides positive torque through the one way clutch to the motor and transmission upon matching the motor speed. The first clutch and the one way clutch may be a hybrid rocker one way clutch. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296109 | Method and Apparatus for Starting an Engine of a Modular Hybrid Transmission Based Upon Demanded Torque - A control system including a method and apparatus for operating a hybrid vehicle. A disconnect clutch selectively separates an electric machine from a combustion engine. If a wide open throttle or high torque command is requested and the combustion engine is shut down, a 12 volt starter may be used to start the combustion engine while disconnected from the electric machine and all of the electric machine torque available may be used for traction. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296113 | CONTROLLING A TRACTION MOTOR DURING ENGINE PULL-UP IN A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes an engine and a fraction motor. A clutch is configured to selectively mechanically couple the engine to the traction motor. A controller or controllers are provided that are configured to command a change in magnitude of an electric current supplied to the electric machine. The command is made in response to initiation of the clutch engaging the traction motor to the engine. The change in magnitude of the electric current ensures the speed of the traction motor remains generally constant during clutch engagement while a speed of the engine is less than that of the traction motor. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296114 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWERTRAIN COMPONENTS OF A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes an engine, a traction motor, and a torque converter that is driven by the traction motor. A clutch arrangement mechanically couples an output of the torque converter to transmission gearing. A controller is provided in the vehicle that is configured to command an increase in slip, or decrease in clutch pressure, in the clutch arrangement in response to an increase in speed of the traction motor. The commanding of an increase in slip enables a product of the torque ratio of the torque converter and an input torque to the torque converter to remain generally constant during the increase in speed of the traction motor. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296128 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO MANAGE DRIVELINE OSCILLATIONS WITH CLUTCH PRESSURE CONTROL - A system and method for controlling a vehicle having an electric traction motor coupled to a transmission by a clutch include modifying torque transmitted to the driveline by modifying the clutch apply pressure in response to a difference between rotational speed of a driveline component and a filtered rotational speed of the driveline component to reduce driveline oscillation when the clutch is unlocked. The clutch pressure may be modified in response to a vehicle event that may otherwise induce driveline oscillations, such as a transmission ratio change or regenerative braking, for example. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297105 | ENGINE START FOR A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric machine connected to the engine by an upstream clutch, a transmission gearbox connected to the electric machine by a downstream clutch, and a controller. The controller is configured to start the engine using one of a plurality of start sequences that control the electric machine, the upstream and downstream clutches. The engine start sequence is selected based on transmission gearbox input speed and a driver demand input. A method of controlling a hybrid vehicle is provided. An engine is selectively coupled to an electric machine by an upstream clutch with the electric machine selectively coupled to a transmission gearbox by a downstream clutch. The engine is started using a control sequence to control the electric machine, upstream clutch, and downstream clutch. The control sequence is determined by a vehicle state based on transmission gearbox input speed and a driver demand input. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297108 | CONTROLLING A POWERTRAIN AND A CLUTCH OF A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes an engine and is at least partially propelled by a fraction battery and a traction motor. A clutch is configured to be coupled to the traction motor. An electrical and/or mechanical pump provides pressure to control the clutch. At least one controller determines if the clutch is slipping. In response to the clutch slipping, the at least one controller commands an increase in speed of an input of the clutch such that the available line pressure to control the slipping of the clutch is increased. The line pressure is then applied to the clutch in order to control the slipping of the clutch. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297109 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO MANAGE DRIVELINE OSCILLATIONS WITH MOTOR TORQUE ADJUSTMENT - A system and method for controlling a vehicle having an electric traction motor coupled to a transmission by a clutch include modifying traction motor torque in response to the difference between rotational speed of a driveline component and the filtered rotational speed of the driveline component to reduce driveline oscillation when the clutch is locked. The traction motor torque may be modified in response to a vehicle event that may otherwise induce driveline oscillations, such as a transmission ratio change or regenerative braking, for example. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297110 | LASH ZONE DETECTION IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for controlling an electric vehicle having a traction motor connected to a driveline includes controlling traction motor output torque through a region surrounding the vehicle wheel torque reversal to mitigate torque disturbances in a driveline, wherein the region is determined using a relationship between driveline input torque and driveline output torque and is bounded by a zero input torque and a zero output torque. A hybrid electric vehicle has a traction motor, a driveline connected to a vehicle wheel, and a controller configured to control traction motor output torque through a region surrounding a vehicle wheel torque reversal to mitigate torque disturbances in the driveline. A control system for a hybrid vehicle includes a traction motor and a controller. The controller is configured to control traction motor output torque through a region surrounding a vehicle wheel torque reversal to mitigate torque disturbances in the driveline. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297111 | DRIVELINE LASH CONTROL METHOD DURING DRIVER TIP-IN/OUT - A hybrid electric vehicle has a traction motor, a driveline connected to a vehicle wheel, and a controller. The controller is configured to control motor torque through a region surrounding vehicle wheel torque reversal, control driveline input torque during torque reversal of driveline output torque to limit rate of change of driveline output torque, and control motor torque during a torque reversal of at least one driveline component to limit rate of change of the torque applied to the driveline component. A method for controlling a vehicle having a traction motor includes controlling the traction motor torque through a region surrounding a vehicle wheel torque reversal, controlling driveline input torque during torque reversal of driveline output torque to limit rate of change of output torque, and controlling traction motor torque during a torque reversal of a powertrain component to limit rate of change of the torque applied to the component. | 11-07-2013 |
20130331230 | TRANSMISSION CONTROL DURING REGENERATIVE BRAKING - A system and method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle during regenerative braking is provided. The system and method include a brake controller adapted to cause, for a selected transmission gear, a first torque ratio to be applied to a regenerative brake system during regenerative braking and a second torque ratio, different from the first torque ratio, to be applied when the vehicle is not regenerative braking. The first torque ratio results in an increased braking torque generated by the regenerative brake system compared with application of the second torque ratio. | 12-12-2013 |
20140148305 | Method and Apparatus for Limiting Engine Torque to Protect Disconnect Clutch in a Hybrid Vehicle - A powertrain comprising an engine, a motor, a disconnect clutch connected between the engine and the motor, and a transmission. The transmission is connected to the motor by a launch clutch and selectively and indirectly connected to the engine by the disconnect clutch. A controller receives an engine torque output signal and reduces the torque output of the engine to the clutch capacity limit value. A system and a method are also provided for controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle. | 05-29-2014 |
20140277873 | CONTROL STRATEGY TO ALTER AVAILABLE WHEEL POWER IN A VEHICLE - A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine for providing propulsion forces to wheels of the vehicle. In an electric-only propulsion mode, the engine is disabled and the electric machine acts as the power source for the wheels. In a hybrid propulsion mode, the engine is activated to act as an additional power source for the wheels. At least one controller along with a plurality of sensors and positional information devices activate an active safety control signal in response to objects surrounding the vehicle that pose a threat to a potential collision event. In response to the active safety control signal, the engine can be either automatically started or stopped to provide additional available power or a reduced available power, respectively. | 09-18-2014 |
20140343756 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRIVELINE SOFTENING UTILIZING A VEHICLE TO CLOUD TO VEHICLE SYSTEM - A vehicle includes a power source, such as an engine, an electric machine, or combination thereof. A torque converter is selectively coupled to the power source such that torque is altered before being distributed into a transmission of the vehicle. A torque converter bypass clutch enables torque from the power source to selectively transmit torque directly to the transmission with little or no torque altering provided by the torque converter. At least one controller in the vehicle is in communication with a remote facility in a vehicle-to-cloud (V2C) system. The controller sends road condition data to the remote facility regarding a road segment. During a subsequent drive to or over the road segment, the controller receives the road condition data and enables the torque converter bypass clutch to slip to dampen driveline disturbances when the vehicle passes over the road segment. | 11-20-2014 |
20140352492 | Hybrid Electric Vehicle Engine Starting with a Preloaded Damper Spring - A method for starting an engine includes preloading a spring of a torsion damper by transmitting torque having a magnitude less than engine cranking torque from an electric motor through a clutch to the spring, before cranking the engine, increasing a torque capacity of the clutch, and using the electric motor to crank the engine in response to a command to start the engine. | 12-04-2014 |
20140373676 | ENGINE CRANKING TORQUE REFERENCED TO AN ENGINE STOP POSITION - A method for restarting a vehicle engine that is stopped at a known crank angle includes actuating a clutch located in a torque path between a starting motor and the engine with desired pressure related to the known crank angle during the restart, and using the starting motor to drive the engine during the restart. | 12-25-2014 |
20150099607 | Method and Apparatus for Limiting Engine Torque to Protect Disconnect Clutch in a Hybrid Vehicle - A powertrain comprising an engine, a motor, a disconnect clutch connected between the engine and the motor, and a transmission. The transmission is connected to the motor by a torque converter and lock-up clutch and selectively and indirectly connected to the engine by the disconnect clutch. A controller receives an engine torque output signal and reduces the torque output of the engine to the clutch capacity limit value. A system and a method are also provided for controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle. | 04-09-2015 |
20150105213 | HYBRID VEHICLE CONTROL WHEN TOWING - A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine includes automatically stopping the engine in response to vehicle power demand dropping below currently available electrical power while trailering, and automatically starting the engine when vehicle power demand is at a first offset below currently available electrical power. A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, a trailer hitch, and a controller configured to, in response to the vehicle trailering, command the engine to start at a torque offset below an unladen vehicle engine torque pull up schedule, where the torque offset is based on vehicle loading. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a trailer hitch includes detecting the trailer hitch being in use, commanding an engine to stop, and commanding the engine to start in response to a torque to accelerate being within a predetermined offset below an unladen vehicle torque pull up schedule. | 04-16-2015 |
20150197242 | HYBRID VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SHIFT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle is provided with a powertrain including a battery-powered electric motor, an internal combustion engine, a transmission, and a powertrain controller. The controller is programmed to permit an upshift of a transmission gear ratio while a powertrain torque demand is less than a forecasted available powertrain torque sustainable over a predetermined upcoming duration of time. The controller is also programmed to inhibit an upshift while the torque demand exceeds the forecasted available powertrain torque to reduce successive gear shifts. The controller may be further programmed to, in response to battery a state of charge being less than a threshold, reduce the forecasted available powertrain torque by an amount sufficient to provide a recharge to a battery. The controller may be further still programmed to reduce the forecasted available powertrain torque by an amount sufficient to restart the engine while the powertrain is operating in an engine-off traction mode. | 07-16-2015 |
20150197243 | PREDICTIVE ENGINE PULL UP AND PULL DOWN IN HYBRID VEHICLE - A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine configured to automatically stop in response to an engine stop request and automatically start in response to an engine start request include selectively inhibiting an engine stop request based on an anticipated duration of an expected decreased driver power command state to reduce occurrence of successive automatic stops and automatic starts. | 07-16-2015 |
20150202964 | HYBRID VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine, and friction brakes configured to resist rotation of a vehicle wheel. The further includes at least one controller programmed to (i) issue a command for the electric machine to apply a regenerative torque to decelerate the vehicle in response to driver braking demand, and (ii) cause both a decay in the regenerative torque and a countervailing increase in the resistance of the friction brakes when vehicle speed is reduced to less than a first threshold such that braking demand is substantially satisfied by only the friction brakes when the vehicle speed is less than a second threshold. | 07-23-2015 |
20150203106 | HYBRID VEHICLE BRAKING LIMIT DETERMINATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine configured to selectively apply regenerative torque to cause deceleration in response to braking demand; the powertrain further including a torque converter configured to decouple the electric machine from wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle is also provided with a controller programmed to, during a regenerative braking event, receive a signal defining a regenerative torque limit, and in response to a fault condition associated with the regenerative torque limit, generate a replacement regenerative torque limit based upon a torque converter open speed to decrease roughness during transitions into and out of regenerative braking. | 07-23-2015 |
20150251654 | HYBRID VEHICLE CONTROL WHEN TOWING - A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a trailer hitch includes detecting the trailer hitch being in use, commanding an engine to stop, and commanding the engine to start in response to a torque to accelerate being within a predetermined offset below an unladen vehicle torque pull up schedule. | 09-10-2015 |
20150266464 | SLOW TORQUE MODULATION PERFORMED BY FAST ACTUATOR - A method for controlling torque modification during a gearshift includes modifying transmission input torque during the gearshift using an actuator having slower and faster responses to a request for slow input torque modification, fulfilling the request using the slower response provided the faster response is unable to fulfill the request, and fulfilling the request using the faster response, provided the faster response can provide the requested torque modification. | 09-24-2015 |
20150267808 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRIVELINE SOFTENING IN A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes a power source, such as an engine, an electric machine, or combination thereof. A torque converter is selectively coupled to the power source such that drive torque can be altered before being distributed into a transmission of the vehicle. A torque converter bypass clutch enables torque from the power source to selectively transmit directly to the transmission with little or no torque altering provided by the torque converter. At least one controller in the vehicle is in communication with a storage device. The controller sends road condition data to the storage device regarding a road segment. During a subsequent drive to or over the road segment, the controller receives the road condition data and enables the torque converter bypass clutch to slip to dampen driveline disturbances when the vehicle passes over the road segment. | 09-24-2015 |
20150274147 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING A TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH - Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle driveline are presented. In one example, a margin torque for closing a torque converter clutch is adjusted responsive to a state of engine operation. | 10-01-2015 |
20150274155 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING VEHICLE DRIVELINE OPERATION - Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle driveline are presented. In one example, pressures applied to two different clutches are coordinated such that a pressure boost phase of a driveline disconnect clutch does not occur at a same time as a pressure boost phase of a transmission shifting clutch. | 10-01-2015 |
20150283988 | LIMITING REGENERATIVE TORQUE FOR A HYBRID ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN - Regenerative torque is limited for a hybrid electric powertrain of a vehicle. A transmission controller determined torque limit is validated by a vehicle controller. The vehicle controller validates the torque limit using, individually or in combination, an actual status of a torque converter clutch, a detected status of the torque converter clutch, or a speed of the vehicle. | 10-08-2015 |
20150283989 | CLUTCH CALIBRATION FOR A HYBRID ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN - Calibration of an engine disconnect clutch for a hybrid electric powertrain. The clutch is prestroked while an engine and machine are stopped. A machine torque is increased until the machine starts rotating. A pressure of the clutch is adjusted as a function of a torque produced by the machine when the machine started rotating. | 10-08-2015 |
20150336564 | CLUTCH CONTROL TO ENTER POWERSPLIT HYBRID POWERTRAIN PARALLEL MODE - A selectively actuatable one-way clutch is controlled to brake or release a generator such that a powersplit hybrid powertrain enters or exits a parallel mode of operation. To brake the generator and enter the parallel mode, the clutch is activated while overrunning the generator before the generator is slowed to engage the clutch. To release the generator and exit the parallel mode, the generator is controlled to overrun the clutch before deactivating the clutch and returning the generator to a base speed control. | 11-26-2015 |
20150343890 | Modular Hybrid Transmission with a One Way Clutch - A vehicle transmission system having a combustion engine, an electric motor and a transmission includes a first clutch operatively connected between the engine and the motor and a one way clutch. The one way clutch is connected in parallel with the first clutch that permits the engine to increase speed with the clutch disengaged until the engine speed matches the motor speed. The engine provides positive torque through the one way clutch to the motor and transmission upon matching the motor speed. The first clutch and the one way clutch may be a hybrid rocker one way clutch. | 12-03-2015 |
20150353068 | TIMING TRANSMISSION GEARING SHIFTS FOR A HYBRID ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN - A transmission shift is timed for a hybrid electric powertrain as a function of a torque capacity of an electric machine relative to a shifting torque required to change gearings of a transmission. A vehicle is being propelled by the machine, with an engine stopped, when the shift is requested. If the machine has insufficient torque capacity to change transmission gearings, then the shift request is delayed until the engine has started. | 12-10-2015 |
20150360674 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING HYBRID VEHICLE GEAR SHIFTING - Systems and methods for improving transmission shifting of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, output torque of an electric machine is adjusted in response to a downshift of a fixed step ratio transmission during regenerative braking. The output torque of the electric machine may be adjusted in response to a phase of the transmission shift. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360675 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING HYBRID VEHICLE COOLING - Systems and methods for improving hybrid vehicle cooling are presented. In one example, an electric pump may supply transmission fluid to a transmission and a driveline integrated starter/generator to cool, operate, and lubricate driveline components. The electric pump may be selectively operated to conserve energy and to supply driveline cooling when driveline cooling may be desirable. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360690 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING VEHICLE TORQUE - In response to a transmission upshift command and a transmission element speed being greater than a threshold, a controller may reduce a rate of engine air intake prior to initial engagement of an oncoming shift element, at least until a target speed ratio is achieved. This reduction may reduce a transmission input torque such that upshift driveline disturbances are reduced. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360691 | REGENERATIVE-BRAKING TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT TORQUE LIMITING - A hybrid vehicle powertrain is configured to provide a regenerative-braking torque limit on a transmission during a regenerative-braking downshift. The regenerative-braking downshift event has sequential boost, start, torque, inertia, and end phases. The transmission may be operated in absence of a regenerative-braking torque limit during the boost and start phases to recapture more energy. The transmission may be operated with a regenerative-braking torque limit during the torque and inertia phases to protect for an input shaft speed dip that may occur without the limit. The limit may be removed once the regenerative-braking downshift event is completed. | 12-17-2015 |
20150370264 | VEHICLE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ANTICIPATORY LINE PRESSURE FOR TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENTS - A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present discourse includes, among other things, controlling a vehicle by pressurizing a transmission pump in response to an anticipated shift change trigger. The anticipated shift change trigger may include touching a shift device of the vehicle, or detecting that a vehicle occupant is in proximity to the shift device of the vehicle. | 12-24-2015 |
20160003314 | PRESSURE CONTROLLED DRIVELINE MECHANICAL COUPLING - A vehicle includes a motive power source, a transmission, and a clutch system. The vehicle further includes a controller that causes the clutch system to generate a generally constant clutch pressure to mechanically couple the motive power source and transmission as a line pressure associated with the transmission varies. | 01-07-2016 |
20160023650 | SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING DOWNSHIFTS IN HYBRID-ELECTRIC VEHICLES - Systems for managing downshifts in hybrid-electric vehicles are disclosed. The systems include a multispeed transmission, an internal combustion engine selectively coupled to the multispeed transmission, an electric motor coupled to the multispeed transmission, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is programmed to evaluate a torque demand, start the internal combustion engine, and pre-stage a downshift shift sequence by partially disengaging a second shift clutch and partially engaging a first shift clutch. The electronic control unit is also programmed to interrupt the downshift shift sequence until a pre-determined torque supplemental event occurs and later complete the downshift shift sequence by modifying the hydraulic pressure through the valve body to completely disengage a second gear set from the input shaft with the second shift clutch and completely engage a first gear set and the input shaft with the first shift clutch. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023652 | TEMPORARY ENGINE START OR STOP USING PADDLE SHIFTER - A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a driver interface having a first driver-activated selector, and a controller. The controller selectively operates the engine according to a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode the engine runs continuously. In the second mode the engine is turned off in response to a first set of operating conditions and turned on in response to a second set of operating conditions. The controller further, in response to a driver activation of the first selector, controls the engine according to the first mode and, in response to an anticipated end of a first vehicle acceleration event subsequent the driver activation of the first selector, controls the engine according to the second mode. | 01-28-2016 |
20160031431 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSITIONING BETWEEN CONTROL MODES WHILE CREEPING - Systems and methods for transitioning a torque source between speed control and torque control modes during a vehicle creep mode are disclosed. In one example, torque of an electric machine is adjusted in response to a torque converter model. The torque converter model provides for a locked or unlocked torque converter clutch. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031439 | CLUTCH CONTROL TO ENTER POWERSPLIT HYBRID POWERTRAIN PARALLEL MODE - A selectively actuatable one-way clutch is controlled to brake or release a generator such that a powersplit hybrid powertrain enters or exits a parallel mode of operation. To brake the generator and enter the parallel mode, the clutch is activated while overrunning the generator before the generator is slowed to engage the clutch. To release the generator and exit the parallel mode, the generator is controlled to overrun the clutch before deactivating the clutch and returning the generator to a base speed control. | 02-04-2016 |
20160059840 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING HYBRID DRIVELINE OPERATION - Systems and methods for improving transmission gear shifting of a hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods prepare the hybrid vehicle for conditions that may occur after a requested gear shift is performed. In one example, a motor speed that would occur after a downshift, if the downshift were allowed to occur, is determined and control actions may be taken in response to the predicted motor speed. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059845 | METHOD OF TRANSITIONING AMONG SHIFT SCHEDULES - A hybrid electric vehicle having a discrete ratio transmission shifts according to distinct shift schedules in various operating modes. For example, different shift schedules may be used for operating with the engine off, operating with the engine running, and regenerative braking. When the vehicle transitions from one mode to another, the new shift schedule may schedule a shift that the driver would not expect. To avoid annoying the driver, a control strategy inhibits the shift until either the old strategy would also schedule a shift or a customer event occurs. | 03-03-2016 |
20160068153 | CLUTCH AND ELECTRIC MACHINE CONTROL FOR DRIVELINE DAMPING - A vehicle includes an engine, a traction motor, a clutch, and a controller. The clutch selectively couples the traction motor to wheels. The controller, in response to a torque output by the fraction motor achieving a torque limit while operating to partially satisfy a demand for driveline damping and while the clutch is locked, slips the clutch to completely satisfy the demand for driveline damping. | 03-10-2016 |
20160096446 | VEHICLE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TORQUE DELIVERY DURING TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENTS WITH ROAD GRADE AND MASS ESTIMATION - A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a torque output of an electric machine of an electrified vehicle based on estimated loads present during a transmission engagement of the electrified vehicle. | 04-07-2016 |
20160096522 | POWERSPLIT HYBRID POWERTRAIN WITH OVERDRIVE CLUTCH - A hybrid vehicle powertrain includes an internal combustion engine, first and second electric machines, traction wheels, and an output shaft having meshing gears configured to establish a final drive ratio between the output shaft and the traction wheels. The powertrain additionally includes a first mechanical linkage and a second mechanical linkage. The first mechanical linkage is configured to selectively transmit engine torque to the fraction wheels and selectively transmit electric machine torque to the traction wheels. The second mechanical linkage is configured to selectively transmit engine torque to the traction wheels. When transmitting engine torque to the wheels, the second mechanical linkage defines a fixed overdrive speed relationship between the engine and the fraction wheels. | 04-07-2016 |
20160101770 | Methods and Systems of Controlling A Vehicle Powertrain - A vehicle may include a controller programmed to, in response to a vehicle speed less than a speed threshold, a decrease in driver demand, and a change in steering position greater than a position threshold, maintain a friction element pressure of a friction element configured to couple an engine with and electric machine, and increase an amount of spark retard associated with an engine cylinder. | 04-14-2016 |