Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090111651 | Transmission Temperature Sensing and Control - As one example, a propulsion system for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a propulsion device configured to provide mechanical work via a crankshaft; a transmission having an input shaft coupled with the crankshaft and an output shaft, wherein said transmission includes a plurality of selectable gear ratios between the input and output shaft; at least one drive wheel coupled with the output shaft; an actuation device configured to adjust the selected gear ratio of the transmission; and a control system configured to adjust an electrical signal provided to the actuation device to obtain an indication of a temperature dependent electrical parameter of the actuation device and to adjust the selected gear ratio of transmission by varying the signal provided to the actuation device in response to said indication. | 04-30-2009 |
20090241872 | Temperature Sensing Coordination with Engine Valve Timing Using Electric Valve Actuator - A method of operation for an engine including an electrically actuated engine valve in a cylinder head, with at least an actuator coupled to the valve, the method including applying a potential to generate a current indicative of temperature in the actuator at least partially during a substantially non-moving condition of the actuator and adjusting a timing of the application of the potential based on valve location in the cylinder head. | 10-01-2009 |
20100006318 | INSULATED ASSEMBLY OF INSULATED ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS - An insulated assembly of insulated electric conductors includes a first plurality of insulated electric conductors. Each insulated electric conductor has a copper core, a uniform thickness thin sheet of aluminum that is mechanically formed to envelope the copper core and a single dielectric layer of aluminum oxide that is formed by anodizing an outer surface of the thin sheet of aluminum. A first aluminum layer is mechanically formed to envelope the first plurality of insulated electric conductors and a first single dielectric layer of aluminum oxide surrounds the first aluminum layer. | 01-14-2010 |
20100238006 | CONCEALED DISPLAY FOR AN EXTERNAL SURFACE OF A VEHICLE - A panel assembly includes a body that is attachable to a vehicle and has an aperture. A display sub-assembly configured for illumination has a periphery configured to conform to the aperture. The display sub-assembly is mounted to the body within the aperture such that a surface of the display sub-assembly and a surface of the body are substantially flush. A translucent coating is disposed over both the surface of the body and the surface of the display sub-assembly. The translucent coating substantially conceals the display sub-assembly. | 09-23-2010 |
20100244459 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for starting an engine in a vehicle, the engine including a starter, the vehicle including a plurality of energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter. One example method comprises, during a first charging condition, electrically coupling the plurality of energy storage devices in parallel to each other; and during a second discharging condition, electrically coupling the plurality of energy storage devices in series to each other and to the starter to actuate the starter and rotate the engine. | 09-30-2010 |
20100259218 | BATTERY CHARGING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A battery charger may be capable of receiving power from a power distribution circuit. The charger may be configured to receive a request for reactive power and, in response, cause the requested reactive power to be present on the power distribution circuit. | 10-14-2010 |
20100259223 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING CURRENT OF A POWER DISTRIBUTION CIRCUIT - A method of operating a battery charger electrically connected with a power distribution circuit having a power line and return line includes determining at least one of a temperature and a change in temperature of at least one of the power line and return line, and controlling a current through the power line based on the at least one of temperature and change in temperature. | 10-14-2010 |
20100259227 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING CURRENT FLOW THROUGH A POWER DISTRIBUTION CIRCUIT - A method for controlling a current flow through a power distribution circuit includes determining a current flow through a load electrically connected with the power distribution circuit, and a wire gauge of the power distribution circuit based on a measured output current and output voltage of the power distribution circuit. The method also includes controlling the output current based on the current flow through the load and the wire gauge. | 10-14-2010 |
20100259229 | BATTERY CHARGING APPARATUS - A battery charger may be capable of receiving power from a power distribution circuit including a fuse and may be configured to reduce reactive power through the fuse caused by at least one load, other than the charger, electrically connected with the power distribution circuit. | 10-14-2010 |
20100259242 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING TEMPERATUE OF A POWER DISTRIBUTION CIRCUIT - A method for monitoring a temperature change of a power distribution circuit having a power line and return line includes measuring an output current and output voltage of the power distribution circuit at an input to a load electrically connected to the power distribution circuit, and determining a change in temperature of at least one of the power line and return line based on a change in at least one of the output current and output voltage. | 10-14-2010 |
20100262314 | POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A power system may include at least one controller configured to determine a net reactive power on at least one power distribution circuit and to issue at least one request for offsetting reactive power based on the determination to reduce the net reactive power on the at least one power distribution circuit. | 10-14-2010 |
20100268401 | Vehicle Wireless Information System - A vehicle wireless information system includes a vehicle, an onboard vehicle computer provided in the vehicle and at least one external access point adapted to wirelessly access the onboard vehicle computer. | 10-21-2010 |
20100320019 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PROVIDE LUBRICATION FOR A PLUG-IN HYBRID - In hybrid electric vehicles having increased battery storage capacity and plug-in capability, electric-only operation of significant duration is available. To supplement lubrication for the electric and mechanical component provided by an engine-driven mechanical pump, an electric pump is provided in parallel to the mechanical pump. A method to control the electric pump is also disclosed in which a first desired quantity of a first component and a second desired quantity of a second component are determined. The electric pump is commanded to provide the greater of the first and second quantities. The desired quantity can be based on preventing temperature in the component from exceeding a maximum design temperature and/or providing sufficient lubrication to rotating parts of the component. | 12-23-2010 |
20100321030 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PROVIDE LUBRICATION FOR A PLUG-IN HYBRID - In hybrid electric vehicles having increased battery storage capacity and plug-in capability, electric-only operation of significant duration is available. To supplement lubrication for the electric and mechanical components provided in a fluid circuit by an engine-driven mechanical pump, an electric pump is provided in parallel to the mechanical pump. When the electric pump is operating, a diagnostic can be performed to determine system integrity. According to one embodiment, an actual quantity provide to the circuit is determined; an expected quantity is estimated; and a fault is determined when the actual and expected quantities differ by more than a predetermined amount. The fault may indicate a leak or plug in the fluid circuit or a failure of a component in the fluid circuit. | 12-23-2010 |
20110013322 | AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE CHARGE PORT WITH FAULT INTERRUPT CIRCUIT - An automotive vehicle includes a charge port integrated with the vehicle. The charge port includes electrical contacts configured to receive electrical power from an electric grid, and a fault interrupt circuit electrically connected with the electrical contacts. | 01-20-2011 |
20110046828 | System And Method For Controlling Electric Power In A Plug-In Vehicle From An External Power Source - A system and method is provided for controlling electric power in a plug-in vehicle, such as a pure electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle. The electric power is controlled from an external power source to one or more predetermined components in the plug-in vehicle. The power source is external to the vehicle and has a maximum power level. Electric power at a charging level from the external power source is received. Based on the charging level and the maximum power level, an available power level is determined. Based on the available power level, the electric power is controlled from the external power source to the predetermined components in the plug-in vehicle. | 02-24-2011 |
20110084548 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING CURRENT FLOW THROUGH A POWER DISTRIBUTION CIRCUIT - An automotive vehicle capable of receiving power from a power distribution circuit including a power line and return line includes a controller disposed within the vehicle. The controller is configured to be electrically connected with the power distribution circuit, determine a difference between a resistance of the power line and a resistance of the return line, and control a current flow through the distribution circuit based on the determined difference. | 04-14-2011 |
20110132292 | COOLING FAN CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for reducing aerodynamic drag on a moving vehicle. One example method comprises, during a first vehicle moving condition, operating the cooling fan, and during a second vehicle moving condition, selectively applying a braking torque on the fan. | 06-09-2011 |
20110163715 | System And Method For Charging A Vehicle Battery - An automotive vehicle power system includes a battery charger having an input and output. The battery charger receives electrical energy via the input when the input is electrically connected with an electrical energy source. The battery charger also reduces a current provided at the output from a commanded value to a target value that varies according to a voltage at the input if the voltage at the input falls within a predetermined range of voltages. | 07-07-2011 |
20110163716 | Battery Charger Temperature Control System And Method - A vehicle includes a traction battery and a battery charger. The battery charger receives electrical energy from an electrical power source if electrically connected with the electrical power source and provides a current to the traction battery at a target value that varies according to a temperature of the battery charger if the temperature falls within a predetermined range of temperatures. | 07-07-2011 |
20110163717 | System And Method For Vehicle Battery Charging - A vehicle power system includes a traction battery and a battery charger. The battery charger has an electrical output and a capacitor electrically connected with the electrical output. No more than two electrical contactors are electrically connected with the traction battery, capacitor and battery charger. | 07-07-2011 |
20110163722 | VEHICLE AND METHOD OF CHARGING BATTERY OF SAME - A method for charging a battery may include determining a degradation condition of the battery based on impedance parameters of the battery, altering a default charge profile for the battery based on the degradation condition, and charging the battery with the altered charge profile. | 07-07-2011 |
20110166728 | System And Method For Controlling Chassis Coupling Current - An automotive vehicle may include a battery charger that receives electrical energy, via an electrical connection including a ground wire, from an electrical source remote from the vehicle, and outputs the electrical energy to at least one electrical load. The vehicle may also include at least one controller that commands a change in the electrical energy output by the battery charger. The battery charger, in response to the command, may control a rate of change in the electrical energy output such that a coupling current to the ground wire resulting from the change in the electrical energy output by the battery charger has a magnitude less than a predetermined threshold. | 07-07-2011 |
20110166809 | POWER DISTRIBUTION CIRCUIT DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD - A diagnostic system for a power distribution circuit including a line, neutral and ground may include a switch configured to electrically connect the line and neutral, a first sensor configured to sense a line to neutral electrical parameter, and a second sensor configured to sense a neutral to ground electrical parameter. The system may also include a processor configured to close the switch, to observe at least some of the sensed electrical parameters before and after the switch is closed, and to identify a fault condition in the line or neutral based on the observed electrical parameters. | 07-07-2011 |
20110208380 | Transmission Temperature Sensing and Control - As one example approach, temperature indications from transmission actuators are used to control the actuators and transmission shifting. For example, temperature differences among the different actuators can be used to provide improved relative timing and actuation levels and thus improved shifting control. | 08-25-2011 |
20110221392 | VEHICLE AND METHOD OF DIAGNOSING BATTERY CONDITION OF SAME - A method for diagnosing a battery may include applying a generally constant current to the battery for a period of time, measuring a response voltage of the battery to the applied current, determining battery impedance parameters based on at least one of the applied current, period of time, and response voltage, and determining a degradation condition of the battery based on the battery impedance parameters. | 09-15-2011 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20120153895 | System And Method For Controlling AC Line Current And Power During Vehicle Battery Charging - An automotive vehicle power system includes a battery charger having an input and output. The battery charger receives electrical energy via the input when the input is electrically connected with an electrical power source. The battery charger also alters at least one of a voltage set point and current provided at the output such that a power associated with the energy received from the power source remains approximately equal to a power target as a voltage associated with the energy received from the power source varies. | 06-21-2012 |
20120161925 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING A CHARGE STATION - A vehicle may include a battery that receives energy from a charge station remote from the vehicle, and a controller. The controller may request that the station provide information about an electrical parameter associated with energy being supplied by the station, may determine information about an electrical parameter associated with energy received by the battery, and may prevent the battery from further receiving energy if the provided information is different than the determined information. | 06-28-2012 |
20120166026 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHARGING A VEHICLE BATTERY - An automotive vehicle may include at least one controller and a battery charger that receives electrical energy from a power distribution circuit remote from the vehicle. The at least one controller may request that a battery charger of another vehicle draw a specified current, and may establish a battery charging schedule with the another vehicle for the battery charger if, after issuing the request, the at least one controller detects a drop in voltage on the power distribution circuit. | 06-28-2012 |
20120200262 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for starting an engine in a vehicle. In one example, two or more energy storage devices are coupled in series to improve engine starting. The method and system may reduce engine starting time. | 08-09-2012 |
20120280646 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CHARGING VEHICLE BATTERIES - An automotive vehicle includes a traction battery, an auxiliary battery and at least one controller. The at least one controller may be configured to cause a specified charge current to be provided to the traction battery and to cause another specified charge current to be provided to the auxiliary battery if the current being provided to the traction battery is increasing or decreasing. | 11-08-2012 |
20130001006 | Method for Supplying Power to an Electrically Assisted Steering System - A method for supplying power to an electrically assisted steering system is described. In one example, the method adjusts alternator field current to increase energy supplied to the electrically assisted steering system in response to an automatic engine stop request. The method may improve operation of the electrically assisted steering system. | 01-03-2013 |
20130002210 | Method for Controlling Vehicle Launch - A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a transmission actuator in response to engine combustion during an engine start. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles. | 01-03-2013 |
20130026970 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARGING A VEHICLE BATTERY - A vehicle power system includes a battery having a plurality of cells and at least one controller. The at least one controller causes the cells to acquire charge for a period of time such that at the expiration of the period of time, voltages of some of the cells are approximately equal to a specified voltage, amp·hours stored by other of the cells are approximately equal, and an amount of energy stored by the battery is at least equal to a predetermined target energy amount. | 01-31-2013 |
20130030617 | Battery Cell Voltage Balancing System And Method - A vehicle may include an electric machine that generates motive power for the vehicle, a plurality of cells that store energy for the electric machine, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may cause the cells to receive current for a period of time and, during the period of time, cause at least some of the cells to supply cell load current such that at the expiration of the period of time, the amount of energy stored by the cells is at least equal to a predetermined target energy level. | 01-31-2013 |
20130030618 | Time-Based Vehicle Battery Balancing System And Method - A power system for a vehicle may include at least one controller and a battery having a plurality of cells. The at least one controller may, for each of the cells, determine a voltage of the cell, determine a discharge time to reduce the voltage to a value approximately equal to a minimum of the determined voltages, and cause the cell to discharge for the discharge time to balance the battery. | 01-31-2013 |
20130030619 | Battery Cell Capacity Balancing System And Method - A vehicle may include an electric machine that generates motive power for the vehicle, a plurality of cells that store energy for the electric machine, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may cause the cells to receive current for a period of time and, during the period of time, cause at least some of the cells to supply cell load current such that at the expiration of the period of time, the amount of energy stored by the cells is at least equal to a predetermined target energy level. | 01-31-2013 |
20130030620 | Battery Cell Capacity Balancing System And Method - A power system for a vehicle may include at least one controller and a battery having a plurality of cells. The at least one controller may, for each of the cells, determine a capacity of the cell, determine a duration of time to supply cell load current to reduce the determined capacity of the cell to a value approximately equal to a minimum of the determined capacities, and cause the cell to supply cell load current for the determined duration of time to balance the battery. | 01-31-2013 |
20130093391 | Variable Output Current Battery Charger and Method of Operating Same - A vehicle includes a battery charger system arranged to charge a traction battery. The battery charger system receives current from a power distribution system remote from the vehicle and outputs the current to the traction battery at a series of magnitudes to characterize a charge efficiency profile of the battery charger and power distribution systems. The battery charger system then charges the traction battery according to the charge efficiency profile. | 04-18-2013 |
20130187600 | Electric Vehicle Charging System Adaptor - An adaptor is provided for connecting an EV/PHEV charging system to a grounded extension cord that may be plugged into a conventional NEMA receptacle. A proximity detection switch is provided within the adaptor. A pulse width modulated signal is limited by the control logic to limit the current provided to the vehicle charging system so that the current drawn by the system does not exceed the current carrying capacity of the extension cord. The adaptor has a NEMA plug on one side and a J1772 connector receptacle on another side. | 07-25-2013 |
20130283782 | METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING AN ENGINE - A method for operating an engine in response to a waste gate position is presented. In one example, the method adjusts an actuator to reduce the possibility of misfire in an engine cylinder in response to waste gate position. In this way, it may be possible to adjust engine operation for varying engine operating conditions. | 10-31-2013 |
20130300134 | DEPLOYABLE HOOD LATCH FOR PEDESTRIAN HEAD PROTECTION - A motor vehicle hood latch mechanism for engaging a striker of a hood having a closed locked position and a released position is disclosed. The mechanism includes a latch assembly attached to a chassis member. The latch assembly includes a latch having a locking cam and a pawl movable between a locked position engaging the locking cam and an unlocked position away from the locking cam. A sensor detects the presence of a pedestrian proximate the front of the motor vehicle and generates a signal in response thereto. A deployment spring having an energized position and a released position is retained in an energized position by a release mechanism responsive to the signal generated by the sensor, such that actuation of the release mechanism releases the resilient member and rotates the pawl to the unlocked position to release the latch. | 11-14-2013 |
20140015450 | Method and System for Heating Traction Battery of Electric Vehicle - An electric vehicle such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and a battery-only electric vehicle (BEV) includes a traction battery. A torque command is generated for a motor such that a traction battery electrically connected therewith outputs a discharge current having an alternating current (AC) component to cause a temperature of the traction battery to increase. | 01-16-2014 |
20140035291 | 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. | 02-06-2014 |
20140055102 | 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. | 02-27-2014 |
20140076875 | Method and System for Heating Auxiliary Battery of Vehicle - A vehicle includes an auxiliary battery and one or more accessory loads. An accessory load command is modulated such that the auxiliary battery outputs a discharge current to an accessory load. The discharge current has, in addition to a current component for driving the accessory load, an alternating current (AC) component to cause a temperature of the auxiliary battery to increase. | 03-20-2014 |
20140110145 | MULTI-COATED ANODIZED WIRE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An insulated electric conductor having a copper core, a layer of aluminum formed on the copper core, and a second layer of aluminum in the form of a high-purity aluminum is disclosed. The copper core may be a solid core or may be formed from a plurality of copper strands. The layer of aluminum formed over the copper core is at least partially anodized to form an aluminum oxide dielectric layer. The layer of high-purity aluminum may be formed by evaporation deposition, sputter deposition, or co-extrusion. Once the layer of high-purity aluminum is formed, it is anodized. More than two layers of aluminum may be formed over the copper core. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110147 | POLYMERIC OVERCOATED ANODIZED WIRE - An insulated electric conductor and method for making such a conductor are disclosed. The conductor comprises a copper core, a layer of aluminum formed over the copper core, an aluminum oxide dielectric layer formed over the layer of aluminum, and a thin polymeric layer formed over said aluminum oxide dielectric layer. The thin polymeric layer is preferably between about 30 microns (0.001″) and about 500 microns (0.02″) and is more preferably between about 45 microns (0.0015″) and about 250 microns (0.01″). The polymeric layer may be any polymeric material selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, and silicone resins. Other polymeric materials may be used. The polymeric layer may be formed by a variety of methods including, but not limited to, spraying, brushing, dipping, and powder coating. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110148 | ANODIZED COIL AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME - A method of anodizing a coil comprised of wire having a copper core and a layer of a metal formed on the core is disclosed. The metal has electrically insulating characteristics when anodized. Two variations of the method are provided. In the first variation the metal-clad wire is partially anodized prior to being wound on a spool to form a coil. Once the partially anodized wire is wound onto a spool the coiled wire is anodized to complete anodization. The anodized coiled wire may be rinsed to remove residual electrolytic material. In the second variation the metal-clad wire is wound on a spool to form a coil. The coiled wire is then anodized. The method of the disclosed invention reduces or entirely eliminates the presence of micro cracks in the oxide layer. The resulting coil may be used in motors, electromagnets, generators, alternators and subsystems for the same. | 04-24-2014 |
20140130506 | TURBOCHARGER ARRANGEMENT AND SET OF FEEDBACKS FOR ELECTRIC ACTUATOR CONTROL - Various methods for controlling a wastegate with an actuator having a temperature-dependent magnetic field are provided. In one example, the magnetic field is estimated based on operating conditions and other parameters, and used to apply a magnetic correction to a voltage supplied to the actuator. The methods may provide accurate wastegate control in the presence of varying magnetic fields, ensuring the proper supply of boost to an engine. | 05-15-2014 |
20140154097 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PROVIDE LUBRICATION FOR A PLUG-IN HYBRID - In hybrid electric vehicles having increased battery storage capacity and plug-in capability, electric-only operation of significant duration is available. To supplement lubrication for the electric and mechanical components provided in a fluid circuit by an engine-driven mechanical pump, an electric pump is provided in parallel to the mechanical pump. When the electric pump is operating, a diagnostic can be performed to determine system integrity. According to one embodiment, an actual quantity provide to the circuit is determined; an expected quantity is estimated; and a fault is determined when the actual and expected quantities differ by more than a predetermined amount. The fault may indicate a leak or plug in the fluid circuit or a failure of a component in the fluid circuit. | 06-05-2014 |
20140159672 | TIME-BASED VEHICLE BATTERY BALANCING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A power system for a vehicle may include at least one controller and a battery having a plurality of cells. The at least one controller may, for each of the cells, determine a voltage of the cell, determine a discharge time to reduce the voltage to a value approximately equal to a minimum of the determined voltages, and cause the cell to discharge for the discharge time to balance the battery. | 06-12-2014 |
20140174073 | EXHAUST PRESSURE ESTIMATION FROM WASTEGATE MOTOR CURRENT - In one embodiment, a method for an engine comprises adjusting an engine operating parameter based on exhaust pressure, the exhaust pressure estimated based on wastegate actuator motor current. | 06-26-2014 |
20150022150 | BATTERY OVERCHARGE MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An exemplary battery charge monitoring method includes, among other things, calculating expected charge data for a battery using at least a capacity of the battery and a charge rate, and comparing actual charge data to the expected charge data to identify differences between the actual charge data and the expected charge data. | 01-22-2015 |