Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080226686 | GENERATION OF NITRIC OXIDE IN SITU AT SUBSTRATE/BLOOD INTERFACES AND REPRODUCIBLE NITRIC OXIDE SENSOR FOR DETECTING NITROSOTHIOLS - A material includes a surface and a reactive agent that is located at the surface of the material, covalently attached to a backbone of the material, and/or located within the material. The reactive agent has nitrite reductase activity, nitrate reductase activity, and/or nitrosothiol reductase activity. The reactive agent also converts at least one of nitrites, nitrates and nitrosothiols to nitric oxide when in contact with blood. A reproducible nitrosothiol sensor is also disclosed. | 09-18-2008 |
20080241208 | Methods, Compositions and Devices For Promoting Anglogenesis - This disclosure is, at least in part, directed to compositions, devices, and methods of promote angiogenesis. | 10-02-2008 |
20080262330 | Analyte Sensors and Compositions for Use Therein - The present invention relates to analyte sensors and compositions, membranes for use in analyte sensors. For example, an analyte sensor is provided that comprise an electrode surface comprising an enzyme; an a biocompatible analyte permeable composition comprising a nitric oxide generating agent. | 10-23-2008 |
20090118819 | Nitric Oxide Coatings for Medical Devices - The disclosure provides for devices and coatings that are substantially free of organic solvent sand suitable for insertion into a patient, and that comprise a metal layer and a coating with a thickness of about 20 nm to about 2000 nm wherein the coating comprises a biocompatible polymer comprising at least one residue covalently bonded to a nitric oxide generating compound. | 05-07-2009 |
20090287072 | POLYMER COMPOSITIONS, COATINGS AND DEVICES, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - The disclosure provides for a biocompatible, thromboresistant coating including a chalcogenide compound that induces nitric oxide formation; and a biocompatible matrix incorporating the chalcogenide compound. Devices incorporating such coatings, and methods of making and using such coatings are also disclosed herein. | 11-19-2009 |
20110117164 | Use of Additive Sites to Control Nitric Oxide Release from Nitric Oxide Donors Contained within Polymers - A method for increasing, prolonging, and/or controlling the release rates of nitric oxide (NO) from polymeric materials containing NO adducts. Such NO-containing polymeric materials may find use in devices such as blood contacting devices, and biocompatible devices utilizing the same. The method and device utilizes anionic site additives, acidic site additives and/or acidic producing site additives in a polymer that contains NO-adducts to generate higher fluxes of NO to exceed NO threshold levels desirable to substantially prevent and/or minimize reactions such as platelet activation or adhesion. | 05-19-2011 |
20120070483 | Multi-Functional Biocompatible Coatings for Intravascular Devices - A polymeric coating is adapted to substantially eliminate thrombus formation when in contact with blood. The polymeric coating includes a first polymeric layer and a second polymeric layer. Interposed between the first and second polymeric layers is a polymeric matrix layer doped with at least one of a nitric oxide donor and a nitric oxide generator. The nitric oxide donor and/or the nitric oxide generator are capable of releasing or generating NO. A bioactive agent is either immobilized to the surface of the second polymeric layer or is incorporated into the polymeric matrix layer. | 03-22-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090224557 | ENGINE STOP/START SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A method of operating an engine stop/start system includes connecting an armature of a starter motor to the engine through an overrunning clutch when the engine changes a rotational direction. | 09-10-2009 |
20090322101 | Engine Cranking System and Method - A vehicle has an engine, a starter motor, an energy storage system (ESS) for powering an auxiliary system, and a supercapacitor module for powering the starter motor during engine cranking and starting. The supercapacitor module disconnects from the starter motor to recharge. A DC-DC booster converter increases the level of voltage supplied from the ESS so as to charge the supercapacitor module to a relatively higher voltage level, such as approximately 125 to 140 percent of the voltage level supplied by the ESS. A method for preventing voltage sag in an auxiliary system of the vehicle includes disconnecting the supercapacitor module from the starter motor when the engine is running, and then charging the supercapacitor module using the ESS until a cranking support voltage equals a stored target voltage. A detected commanded cranking and starting of the engine causes the connection of the supercapacitor module to the starter motor. | 12-31-2009 |
20100066097 | METHOD TO ESTIMATE THE OUTPUT CURRENT OF AN AUTOMOTIVE GENERATOR (ALTERNATOR) - A control system of a vehicle comprises a current estimation module, a current sensor, and a current diagnostic module. The current estimation module determines an estimated output current of a generator of the vehicle based on an engine speed when the generator is operating in a steady-state condition. The current sensor measures an output current of the generator. The current diagnostic module diagnoses a condition of the current sensor based on the estimated output current and the measured output current. | 03-18-2010 |
20100281866 | EXHAUST GAS BYPASS VALVE CONTROL FOR THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A method of controlling engine exhaust flow through at least one of an exhaust bypass and a thermoelectric device via a bypass valve is provided. The method includes: determining a mass flow of exhaust exiting an engine; determining a desired exhaust pressure based on the mass flow of exhaust; comparing the desired exhaust pressure to a determined exhaust pressure; and determining a bypass valve control value based on the comparing, wherein the bypass valve control value is used to control the bypass valve. | 11-11-2010 |
20100284823 | OIL PRESSURE CONTROL IN AN ENGINE - An engine having a fluid lubrication and control system is provided. The engine also includes a pump configured to maintain fluid pressure in the lubrication and control system when the engine is running. The engine additionally includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the lubrication and control system. The accumulator is configured to accumulate and retain fluid when the engine is running, and to discharge the fluid when the engine is not running in order to maintain fluid pressure in the lubrication and control system. A method for controlling oil pressure in the engine is also provided. | 11-11-2010 |
20110239634 | EXHAUST BYPASS FLOW CONTROL FOR EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY - An exhaust system for an engine comprises an exhaust heat recovery apparatus configured to receive exhaust gas from the engine and comprises a first flow passage in fluid communication with the exhaust gas and a second flow passage in fluid communication with the exhaust gas. A heat exchanger/energy recovery unit is disposed in the second flow passage and has a working fluid circulating therethrough for exchange of heat from the exhaust gas to the working fluid. A control valve is disposed downstream of the first and the second flow passages in a low temperature region of the exhaust heat recovery apparatus to direct exhaust gas through the first flow passage or the second flow passage. | 10-06-2011 |
20110240080 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE OF A THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR IN AN EXHAUST SYSTEM - A method of controlling the temperature of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) in an exhaust system of an engine is provided. The method includes determining the temperature of the heated side of the TEG, determining exhaust gas flow rate through the TEG, and determining the exhaust gas temperature through the TEG. A rate of change in temperature of the heated side of the TEG is predicted based on the determined temperature, the determined exhaust gas flow rate, and the determined exhaust gas temperature through the TEG. Using the predicted rate of change of temperature of the heated side, exhaust gas flow rate through the TEG is calculated that will result in a maximum temperature of the heated side of the TEG less than a predetermined critical temperature given the predicted rate of change in temperature of the heated side of the TEG. A corresponding apparatus is provided. | 10-06-2011 |
20110277728 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING ENGINE STOP-START RESPONSE TIME - A control system for an engine includes a stop-start initiation module and a load control module. The stop-start initiation module shuts down the engine in response to an engine shutdown request. The load control module, in response to the engine shutdown request, increases a rate at which a rotational speed of the engine decreases during engine shutdown by increasing a rotational load input to the engine by an engine accessory coupled to a crankshaft of the engine. A method for an engine includes shutting down the engine in response to an engine shutdown request. The method further includes increasing, in response to the engine shutdown request, a rate at which a rotational speed of the engine decreases during engine shutdown by increasing a rotational load input to the engine by an engine accessory coupled to a crankshaft of the engine. | 11-17-2011 |
20110297466 | LOW CONTENT EXTENDED-RANGE ELECTRIC VEHICLE POWERTRAIN - An extended-range electric vehicle includes drive wheels, an engine having an output shaft, a planetary gear set having a node driven by the output shaft of the engine when the engine is on, and first and second electric machines. The first electric machine is connected to another node, and operates as a generator when the engine is on. A one-way clutch is connected to the remaining node. The second electric machine is connected to an output side of the one-way clutch, with a shaft connecting the drive wheels to the second electric machine. A controller provides a forward electric-only (EV) mode, a reverse EV mode, power-split mode(s), and series mode(s). The series mode(s) provide a direct mechanical path between the engine and drive wheels, with the one-way clutch overrunning in the forward EV mode. The one-way clutch may be activated passively or by a PRNDL device. | 12-08-2011 |
20120031231 | STOP-START SELF-SYNCHRONIZING STARTER SYSTEM - A starter system is provided for an engine having a stop-start capability. The starter system includes a first gear coupled to the engine, wherein the first gear rotates at a speed of the engine. The starter system also includes a starter arranged relative to the engine. The starter includes a second gear arranged to selectively mesh with and apply torque to the first gear in order to start the engine, such that the second gear is capable of rotating at the speed of the engine. The starter additionally includes a synchronizer arranged to substantially match the speed of the first gear with the speed of the engine prior to engagement of the first and second gears, such that the second gear is enabled to mesh with and apply torque to the first gear to thereby start the engine. The starter system and the engine may be employed in a vehicle. | 02-09-2012 |
20120212190 | METHOD OF OPERATING A THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A method for operating a thermoelectric generator supplying a variable-load component includes commanding the variable-load component to operate at a first output and determining a first load current and a first load voltage to the variable-load component while operating at the commanded first output. The method also includes commanding the variable-load component to operate at a second output and determining a second load current and a second load voltage to the variable-load component while operating at the commanded second output. The method includes calculating a maximum power output of the thermoelectric generator from the determined first load current and voltage and the determined second load current and voltage, and commanding the variable-load component to operate at a third output. The commanded third output is configured to draw the calculated maximum power output from the thermoelectric generator. | 08-23-2012 |
20130291515 | Engine Off Particulate Filter ("PF") Regeneration Using a Plurality of Secondary Energy Storage Devices - An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine has an engine off condition. The exhaust gas treatment system includes particulate filter (“PF”) device in fluid communication with an exhaust gas conduit, an electric heater, a primary energy storage device, a plurality of secondary energy storage devices, and a control module. The PF device has a filter structure for removal of particulates in the exhaust gas, and is selectively regenerated based on an amount of particulates trapped within the filter structure of the PF device. The electric heater is disposed upstream of the filter structure and is selectively energized to provide heat for regeneration of the PF device. The plurality of secondary energy storage devices are selectively connected to the primary energy storage device. The secondary energy storage devices selectively energize the electric heater. | 11-07-2013 |
20130291526 | Engine Off Particulate Filter ("PF") Regeneration Using a Single Secondary Energy Storage Device - An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine has an engine off condition. The exhaust gas treatment system includes particulate filter (“PF”) device in fluid communication with an exhaust gas conduit, an electric heater, a primary energy storage device, a single secondary energy storage device, and a control module. The PF device has a filter structure for removal of particulates in the exhaust gas, and is selectively regenerated based on an amount of particulates trapped within the filter structure of the PF device. The electric heater is disposed upstream of the filter structure and is selectively energized to provide heat for regeneration of the PF device. The single secondary energy storage device is selectively connected to the primary energy storage device. The single secondary energy storage device selectively energizes the electric heater. | 11-07-2013 |
20130335026 | BATTERY PARALLEL BALANCING CIRCUIT - A method and device for regulating charging and discharging current through a battery pack. Two or more battery packs are connected in parallel to an inverter, such that the inverter can use grid power to charge the battery packs or the battery packs can provide AC power through the inverter. A current balancing circuit device is placed in series with each battery pack and is used to regulate the current through the battery pack so that none of the battery packs is excessively charged or discharged. The current balancing circuit includes two field effect transistors (FETs) arranged in series and in opposite directions, where one FET controls charging current and the other controls discharging current. The balancing circuit also includes a current sensor, and uses proportional-integral control to provide a signal to the FETs such that the actual current flowing through the circuit is regulated to a target current value. | 12-19-2013 |
20140103722 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A HYBRID-ELECTRIC VEHICLE - An electrical system includes a battery for providing electrical power to a starter mechanism and an auxiliary load of a hybrid-electric vehicle. An electric double-layer capacitor (“EDLC”) is electrically connectable to the battery and the auxiliary load. A separation switch is electrically connected between the battery and the EDLC for electrically separating the battery from the EDLC and the auxiliary load. The separation switch is opened in response to the voltage across the battery being less than the voltage across the EDLC. | 04-17-2014 |
20140306523 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE VOLTAGE STABILIZATION - Method for voltage stabilization during an engine starting event of a vehicle includes receiving, at a switch device module, an active Start_ON signal from a starter solenoid module indicating initiation of the engine starting event. At the switch device module, an auxiliary electrical energy storage device (ESD) is electrically coupled to one or more auxiliary loads within a predetermined delay since the active Start_ON signal was received. A primary ESD and a starter motor are electrically decoupled from the one or more auxiliary loads only after the auxiliary ESD has been electrically coupled to the one or more auxiliary loads. In response to a predetermined condition occurring while the primary ESD and the starter motor are electrically decoupled from the one or more auxiliary loads, the primary ESD and the starter motor are electrically coupled to the one or more auxiliary loads. | 10-16-2014 |
20140375118 | SMART POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT - Apparatus for voltage stabilization in a vehicle includes a battery distribution module having a load module managing electrical power to one or more auxiliary loads, a first switch coupling a starter motor and an ESD to the load module only when closed, a second switch coupling an auxiliary ESD to the load module only when closed, and a controller integrated with a PC board attached to the first and second switch devices. The controller is configured to control opening and closing of the first and second switches based on at least one of a plurality of signals received by the controller. The primary ESD is electrically coupled a primary fuse terminal of the battery distribution module which electrically couples the primary ESD to a second terminal of the first switch and the starter motor. The auxiliary ESD is electrically coupled to an auxiliary fuse terminal of the battery distribution module which electrically couples a first terminal of the second switch to the auxiliary ESD. | 12-25-2014 |
20150258881 | POWERTRAIN FOR A VEHICLE - A powertrain for a vehicle is disclosed. The powertrain includes an engine, a motor-generator and a starter mechanism. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. Electrical communication between the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system is independent of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states. | 09-17-2015 |
20150258882 | POWERTRAIN FOR A VEHICLE - A powertrain is disclosed. A ring gear is attached to a first distal end of a crankshaft such that the ring gear and the crankshaft are rotatable in unison about a longitudinal axis. A motor-generator includes a motor/generator shaft rotatable about a first axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. A starter mechanism includes a first starter gear coupleable to the motor/generator shaft and rotatable about a second axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. The first and second axes are spaced and substantially parallel to each other. The first starter gear is movable along the second axis between a first position engaging the ring gear such that torque is transferred from the motor/generator shaft through the first starter gear and the ring gear to the crankshaft to start the engine, and a second position disengaged from the ring gear to rotatably disconnect the starter mechanism from the ring gear. | 09-17-2015 |
20150258946 | SPLIT-RAIL VEHICLE POWER ARCHITECTURE - A vehicle includes a chassis, engine, transmission, electric machine operable to selectively power the engine, and an electrical system. The electrical system includes a DC propulsion energy storage system (P-ESS) and a DC auxiliary ESS (A-ESS). Positive terminals of the two ESSs are electrically connected. The A-ESS negative terminal connects to the chassis as an electrical ground. The P-ESS negative terminal is not connected to ground, such that voltage levels of the P-ESS negative terminal float with respect to ground. A power invertor module (PIM) is connected to the MGU via an AC propulsion bus, and to the positive and negative terminals of the P-ESS. Positive input terminal and output terminals of a DC-DC converter system are tied together and connected to positive terminals of the P-ESS and A-ESS. A negative input terminal of the DC-DC converter system is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the P-ESS. | 09-17-2015 |
20150258950 | MOTOR GENERATOR UNIT WITH MULTIPLEXED OUTPUT - A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission connected to the engine, an auxiliary electrical load, and an electrical system. The electrical system includes a high-voltage energy storage system (HV-ESS), an auxiliary/low-voltage energy storage system (LV-ESS) connected to the load, a full-bridge active rectifier/inverter, a semi-active auxiliary rectifier, and a motor generator unit (MGU) connected to the HV-ESS via the active rectifier/inverter, and to the LV-ESS via the semi-active auxiliary rectifier. A controller establishes a first operating mode in which the MGU is operated as a motor for restarting or assisting the engine via the active rectifier/inverter, and second operating mode in which the MGU operates as a generator and the semi-active rectifier provides an auxiliary DC output voltage to the LV-ESS and the load. Another vehicle has first and second switches in lieu of the semi-active rectifier, with the active rectifier connected to the HV-ESS and LV-ESS via different switches. | 09-17-2015 |
20150260145 | POWERTRAIN FOR A VEHICLE AND AN ELECTROMECHANICAL APPARATUS COUPLEABLE TO AN ENGINE - A powertrain and an electromechanical apparatus are disclosed. A ring gear is attached to a first distal end of a crankshaft such that the ring gear and the crankshaft are rotatable in unison about a longitudinal axis. A motor-generator includes a motor/generator shaft being rotatable about a first axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. A starter mechanism includes a first starter gear coupleable to the motor/generator shaft and rotatable about a second axis spaced from the longitudinal axis. The first starter gear is movable along the second axis between a first position engaging the ring gear such that torque is transferred from the motor/generator shaft through the first starter gear and the ring gear to the crankshaft to start the engine, and a second position disengaged from the ring gear to rotatably disconnect the starter mechanism from the ring gear. | 09-17-2015 |