Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080230024 | Controlling two cam phasers with one cam position sensor - A camshaft (cam) phaser control system for an engine includes a first camshaft having a first target wheel. A second camshaft has a second target wheel. A cam position sensor detects said first and second target wheels and generates camshaft position data based on said first and second target wheels. | 09-25-2008 |
20090030586 | VALVETRAIN DRIVE STRETCH COMPENSATION FOR CAMSHAFT TO CRANKSHAFT CORRELATION - A method of correlating a rotational position of a crankshaft to a rotational position of a camshaft includes determining a stretch value of a timing connection, which drivingly couples the crankshaft and the camshaft, and calculating a crankshaft to camshaft rotational position value indicative of the rotational position of the crankshaft with respect to the rotational position of the camshaft. The crankshaft to camshaft rotational position value is compensated based on the stretch value to provide a compensated crankshaft to camshaft rotational position value and whether the rotational position of the crankshaft correlates to the rotational position of the camshaft is determined based on the compensated crankshaft to camshaft rotational position value. | 01-29-2009 |
20090064762 | KNOCK SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD - A knock sensor diagnostic system may include a knock sensor. A bias circuit applies a bias voltage to the knock sensor. An input circuit receives an input signal based on the bias voltage. A control module indicates a short circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the input signal. A knock sensor diagnostic system may also or alternatively include a signal generator that generates and applies a test signal with a predetermined frequency to the knock sensor. Another input circuit receives another input signal that is based on the test signal. A control module indicates an open circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the other input signal. | 03-12-2009 |
20110094475 | SPARK VOLTAGE LIMITING SYSTEM FOR ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT - An engine control system for a vehicle includes a variable displacement module that deactivates N of M cylinders of an engine during a fuel management mode. N is an integer and M is an integer greater than 1. A spark control module generates a spark timing signal for the N cylinders based on a pre-dwell time and a fuel management dwell modifier during the fuel management mode. The spark control module reduces dwell time of the N cylinders during the fuel management mode based on the fuel management dwell modifier. | 04-28-2011 |
20110220068 | FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINES - A control system includes an engine mode transition module that initiates a deactivated mode to deactivate at least one cylinder. A scheduling module schedules a command to disable a spark plug at least one engine cycle after a command to disable a fuel injector for the at least one cylinder. | 09-15-2011 |
20130006496 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING ENGINE CRANKSHAFT-CAMSHAFT CORRELATION AND FOR IMPROVED VEHICLE LIMP-HOME MODE - A system for an engine includes an edge detection module and a correlation calibration module. The edge detection module (i) detects edges of a camshaft of the engine using a camshaft position sensor, and (ii) detects edges of a crankshaft of the engine using a crankshaft position sensor. The correlation calibration module calibrates a correlation between the crankshaft and the camshaft based on the detected edges of the crankshaft and the camshaft, respectively. | 01-03-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090178453 | BENDING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF BENDING A METAL OBJECT - A method of bending a metal object, such as a tube, is provided that uses real time, closed-loop feedback of the actual springback of the object in order to modify the applied bending force or preprogrammed bending coordinates so that the final desired bend geometry is achieved. The variability of springback from object to object is thus accounted for and the number of objects that must be scrapped due to incorrect bends (over bend or under bend) is reduced. The method is carried out using an apparatus such as a rotary draw bender with a measuring device operable to measure actual bend coordinates of metal objects bent by the bender. A controller is operatively connected to the bender and the measuring device and is configured to control the bender to bend the metal objects at least partly based on measured bend coordinates provided by the measuring device. | 07-16-2009 |
20100024503 | Electromagnetic shape calibration of tubes - Articles are often formed from a tubular workpiece in a process which does not usefully shape the ends of the tube. In an embodiment of the invention, tube ends may be mechanically reduced in cross section and then expanded against a secondary forming surface(s) using an electromagnetic force to obtain desired shapes for the tube ends and minimize scrapping of workpiece material. | 02-04-2010 |
20100037670 | Gravity Fill System with Pressure Check Valve - A hydroform die includes a plurality of seal units to provide fluid to die cavities. The plurality of seal units each define a piston cylinder. A piston is located within the cylinder and is selectively moveable between an open and a closed position. Additionally, the piston at least partially defines a valve chamber located on a first side of the piston and a piston chamber located on a second side of the piston. A piston fluid passage is defined by the piston to fluidly connect the valve chamber and the piston chamber. | 02-18-2010 |
20100040485 | High Pressure Dual-Action Hydraulic Pump - A high pressure pump includes a pump housing. A piston rod located within the pump housing defines a plurality of pump cavities and a plurality of piston cavities. Movement of the piston within the piston cylinder pumps the fluid from the piston cavities out of the high pressure pump. The continuous pumping of HWBF from the pump housing provides fluid at a relatively constant flow and pressure. The HWBF pressure is also at a higher pressure than traditional single stage high pressure pumps can provide. | 02-18-2010 |
20110174035 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TUBE BENDER SET-UP - A method is provided for setting up a tube bender having a bend die, a clamp die, a pressure die and a wiper die. The method includes providing a test-piece having an outer surface defined by a length and a substantially round cross-section. The method also includes arranging the pressure die, the clamp die, and the wiper die relative to each other in the tube bender, and arranging the test-piece relative to the pressure die, the clamp die, and the wiper die. The method further includes applying a force by the tube bender to clamp the test-piece, and determining whether the applied force is within a predetermined range of forces. Additionally, the method includes adjusting the arrangement of at least one of the pressure die, the clamp die, and the wiper die to apply a force to the test-piece that is within the predetermined range of forces. | 07-21-2011 |
20120260709 | INTERNAL MANDREL AND METHOD - A method and system for forming a part from a workpiece including a hollow portion, using a mandrel and a conventional press such as a stamping press includes filling the hollow portion of the workpiece with a mandrel material and transforming the mandrel material to form a mandrel. The mandrel material is removable from the formed part and may be recycled to form a mandrel for another workpiece. | 10-18-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100174031 | SYNTHETIC RESIN PROCESS AND ARTICLE USEFUL FOR PLATING APPLICATIONS - A method for processing reinforcing filler-filled synthetic resins and applications made therefrom wherein the resulting articles have the ability to be plated to form a structurally aesthetic product substantially free of visual defects. The process utilizes an accelerated heat and cool process to form a resin-rich surface that is substantially free of any reinforcing fillers, such as fiber strands and/or bundles, on the external surface of the article. As such, the resulting article is capable of being plated to form an article that is substantially free of visual defects caused by these fillers on the surface of the article. | 07-08-2010 |
20130113226 | ENERGY ABSORBING SYSTEM FOR CONFLICTING REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLE BUMPERS - In an embodiment, multi-stage energy absorbing system can comprise: a thermoplastic flanged frame and a crush lobe having a proximal base aligned with the flanged frame and a distal end protruding from the flanged frame. The crush lobe comprises a central slab and slab pairs such that the crush lobe comprises a total of 2i+1 slabs, wherein i is the number of slab pairs and is greater than or equal to 1. The slabs are disposed in a stepped arrangement and configured to absorb impact energy by collapsing in a telescopic manner with increasing energy level. | 05-09-2013 |
20130313841 | ENERGY ABSORBER WITH STAGGERED, VERTICALLY ORIENTED CRUSH LOBES - A thermoplastic energy absorber having a horizontal axis and a vertical axis, and comprise: an array of energy absorbing lobes protruding from a base, the lobes arranged in two or more rows. The energy absorbing lobes can have a vertical length (L) and a horizontal width (D), and wherein a ratio of L:D is greater than 1. The energy absorbing lobes in each row can be disposed in a staggered manner with respect to energy absorbing lobes in an adjacent row. The energy absorber can be configured to be installed on a vehicle for absorption of impact energy. An energy absorbing system can comprise the thermoplastic energy absorber disposed between a bumper beam and a fascia. The fascia can optionally be configured to envelope the thermoplastic energy absorber and the bumper beam. This system passes EuroNCAP lower-leg impact requirements, version 5.1, June 2011, for lower leg impact requirement. | 11-28-2013 |
20140024772 | SYNTHETIC RESIN PROCESS AND ARTICLE USEFUL FOR PLATING APPLICATIONS - A method for processing reinforcing filler-filled synthetic resins and applications made therefrom wherein the resulting articles have the ability to be plated to form a structurally aesthetic product substantially free of visual defects. The process utilizes an accelerated heat and cool process to form a resin-rich surface that is substantially free of any reinforcing fillers, such as fiber strands and/or bundles, on the external surface of the article. As such, the resulting article is capable of being plated to form an article that is substantially free of visual defects caused by these fillers on the surface of the article. | 01-23-2014 |
20140203577 | POLYMER, ENERGY ABSORBER RAIL EXTENSION, METHODS OF MAKING AND VEHICLES USING THE SAME - In one embodiment, a rail extension comprises: an energy absorber comprising a polymer body, and vehicle attachment tabs extending from one end of the energy absorber and configured to attach to a vehicle rail, and an attachment tab extending from another end of the energy absorber and configured to attach to a bumper beam. The energy absorber can comprise cells formed by cell walls extending a length of the energy absorber and forming cavities therethrough; and open channels formed on each side of the energy absorber, wherein the channels are defined by walls of adjacent cells. A vehicle can comprise: a bumper beam; a vehicle rail; and the rail extensions. | 07-24-2014 |
20140203592 | REINFORCED BODY IN WHITE AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - A structural body of a vehicle can comprises: a hollow metal component comprising walls that define a channel, wherein the metal component has a metal component length, and wherein the metal component is selected from the group consisting of beam, rail, pillar, chassis, floor rocker, and cross-bar, combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing; and a plastic-metal hybrid reinforcement having a cavities therethrough, and a metal support having greater than or equal to 3 walls forming a support channel. The plastic element is located in the support channel wherein the reinforcement is located in the component channel. | 07-24-2014 |
20150291112 | POLYMER, ENERGY ABSORBER RAIL EXTENSION, METHODS OF MAKING AND VEHICLES USING THE SAME - In one embodiment, a rail extension comprises: an energy absorber comprising a polymer body, wherein the energy absorber comprises cells formed by cell walls extending a length of the energy absorber and forming cavities therethrough; each side of the energy absorber comprises an open channel wherein the channel is defined by walls of adjacent cells; a vehicle attachment tab extending from at least one of the cell walls at one end of the energy absorber; and a first vehicle attachment tab gusset extending between the vehicle attachment tab and the cell wall on one side of an opening in the vehicle attachment; wherein the energy absorber and the vehicle attachment tab were formed as one-piece. | 10-15-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120153643 | VEHICLE LOWER-LEG PROTECTION DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - In one embodiment, a thermoplastic lower-leg device, comprises: corrugations in a direction perpendicular to an impact direction; and an interior section extending in the impact direction and having an outbound portion having an outbound length D | 06-21-2012 |
20120153644 | BLOW MOLDED ENERGY ABSORBER AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - In one embodiment, a vehicle energy absorber system, comprises: blow molded crush lobes that are open on one side, wherein the energy absorber comprises fillets having a fillet radius of less than 20 mm and a thickness of less than or equal to 1.5 mm; a bumper beam adjacent the open side; and a fascia, wherein the energy absorber is located between the fascia and the bumper beam. In one embodiment, a method for making a blow molded energy absorber comprises: introducing a molten plastic to a first mold cavity; introducing gas into the plastic to conform the plastic to the interior of the first mold cavity and form a first preform; and separating the first preform along a centerline thereof to form open, first preform portions having first crush lobes. | 06-21-2012 |
20120153669 | REINFORCED BODY IN WHITE AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - In various embodiments, a structural body of a vehicle comprises: a hollow metal component comprising walls that define a channel, wherein the metal vehicle component has a metal component length, and wherein the metal vehicle component is selected from the group consisting of beam, rail, pillar, chassis, floor rocker, and cross-bar, combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing; and a plastic reinforcement having a honeycomb structure, wherein the plastic reinforcement is located in the channel. The metal component can be a portion of the structural body of the vehicle. | 06-21-2012 |
20120304445 | BLOW MOLDED ENERGY ABSORBER AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - In one embodiment, a vehicle energy absorber system, comprises: blow molded crush lobes that are open on one side, wherein the energy absorber comprises fillets having a fillet radius of less than 20 mm and a thickness of less than or equal to 1.5 mm; a bumper beam adjacent the open side; and a fascia, wherein the energy absorber is located between the fascia and the bumper beam. In one embodiment, a method for making a blow molded energy absorber comprises: introducing a molten plastic to a first mold cavity; introducing gas into the plastic to conform the plastic to the interior of the first mold cavity and form a first preform; and separating the first preform along a centerline thereof to form open, first preform portions having first crush lobes. | 12-06-2012 |
20130175128 | MULTI-STAGE ENERGY ABSORBER AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - In one embodiment, a multi-stage energy absorbing system can comprise: a base; and an energy absorber comprising elements, wherein the energy absorber elements comprise a pair of outer sidewalls having a narrow section with a narrow section angle and a wide section with a wide section angle, wherein the narrow section and the wide section are connected by a diverging section with a diverging section angle, wherein the diverging section angle is less than 90°; a connecting wall between the outer sidewalls; a pair of inner sidewalls; and an inner connecting wall, wherein the energy absorbing elements are in a nested arrangement creating an open area between adjacent sidewalls and adjacent connecting walls. | 07-11-2013 |