| 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 |
