GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160140056 | METHODS TO IMPROVE SECURE FLASH PROGRAMMING - Methods are provided for securely loading software objects into an electronic control unit. The methods include receiving a first software object comprising a second level public key certificate, a first encryption signature and a first set of software. Once the first software object is received, validating the first second level public key is validated with the embedded root public key, the first encryption signature with the first second level public key certificate, and the first set of software with the first encryption signature. When the first set of software is valid, then the first second level public key certificate and the first set of software are stored to non-volatile memory. Once stored, a consecutive software object is received comprising only a consecutive encryption signature and a consecutive set of software from the programming source. The consecutive encryption signature is validated with the stored second level public key certificate, and the consecutive set of software is validated with the consecutive encryption signature. | 05-19-2016 |
20160138514 | FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - In a fuel injection system a high-pressure fuel pump is arranged to deliver fuel into the fuel rail, a first valve is disposed at the inlet of the high-pressure fuel pump, and a second valve is disposed in a return line that fluidly connects the fuel rail to a fuel tank. An electronic control unit is configured to monitor a value of a parameter indicative of a fuel quantity injected into the engine, monitor a value of an engine speed, and operate the first valve to allow a first fuel flow to be delivered from the high-pressure fuel pump into the fuel rail and contemporaneously operate the second valve to discharge a second fuel flow from the fuel rail, if the monitored value of the parameter indicates that no fuel is injected into the engine and the monitored value of the engine speed exceeds a predetermined threshold value thereof. | 05-19-2016 |
20160138501 | TURBOCHARGED ENGINE EMPLOYING CYLINDER DEACTIVATION - A method of operating a gasoline engine having a first subset of cylinders and a second subset of cylinders includes providing a flow of compressed air from a single-sequential compressor to the engine, selectively deactivating the first subset of cylinders, and igniting gasoline mixed with the compressed air in the second subset of cylinders. The single-sequential compressor includes a dual sided impeller having a first blade arrangement in fluid communication with a first air inlet, and an opposing second blade arrangement in fluid communication with a second air inlet. Additionally, deactivating the first subset of cylinders includes sealing the first subset of cylinders such that the flow of compressed air is provided only to the second subset of cylinders. | 05-19-2016 |
20160138498 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE PROVIDED WITH A SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION SYSTEM - An internal combustion engine (ICE) and method of control are provided to determine a value of a catalyst temperature and a value of a quantity of a reducing agent stored in the catalyst. The quantity of gas recirculated by an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system of the ICE is calculated on the basis of the value of the catalyst temperature and of the value of the quantity of the reducing agent stored in the catalyst. This solution makes it possible to adjust the quantity of gas recirculated by the EGR system on the basis of parameters linked to an efficiency of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system associated with the ICE, in order to reduce the global quantity of pollutants produced by the ICE and released in the environment. | 05-19-2016 |
20160137016 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE HAVING A TWO STAGE TURBOCHARGER - In an internal combustion engine, a two stage turbocharger is disclosed including a low pressure turbine and the high pressure turbine are arranged in series. The high pressure turbine is connected to an exhaust manifold of the engine through a high pressure turbine inlet duct. The low pressure turbine is connected to the high pressure turbine through a low pressure turbine inlet duct and to the high pressure turbine inlet duct through a connecting channel. The two stage turbocharger is provided with a bypass system including a high pressure turbine valve arranged in the high pressure turbine inlet duct, and a low pressure turbine valve arranged in the connecting channel. An actuator is configured to operate the high pressure turbine valve and the low pressure turbine valve to alternatively close the high pressure turbine inlet duct or the connecting channel. | 05-19-2016 |
20160131001 | CATALYST DESIGN FOR SELECTIVE-CATALYTIC-REDUCTION (SCR) FILTERS - Provided is an improved selective catalytic reduction filtering (SCRF) device that separates reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from oxidation of soot, hydro-carbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO). The SCRF device has a diesel oxidation catalyst unit for oxidizing HC and CO and oxidizing diesel fuel to support DPF regenerations, and a SCR filtering unit, including at least one inlet channel and being connected to the diesel oxidation catalyst unit, for controlling (soot) emission, cleaning-up slipped HC and CO during a DPF regeneration, and reducing nitrogen oxides in the diesel exhaust gas. At least one inlet channel is coated with an ammonia-neutral oxidation catalyst, and at least one outlet channel is coated with a selected catalytic reduction catalyst. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129936 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING STEERING OF A GROUND VEHICLE - A method of controlling steering of a vehicle through setting wheel angles of a plurality of modular electronic corner assemblies (eModules) is provided. The method includes receiving a driving mode selected from a mode selection menu. A position of a steering input device is determined in a master controller. A velocity of the vehicle is determined, in the master controller, when the determined position of the steering input device is near center. A drive mode request corresponding to the selected driving mode to the plurality of steering controllers is transmitted to the master controller. A required steering angle of each of the plurality of eModules is determined, in the master controller, as a function of the determined position of the steering input device, the determined velocity of the vehicle, and the selected first driving mode. The eModules are set to the respective determined steering angles. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129851 | VEHICLE DOOR WITH CONTROL PANEL - A control panel realized in the form of a touchscreen is arranged on an inner side of a vehicle door. The control panel can be switched over between at least two display modes. The touchscreen displays a first control element for controlling a first actuator of the vehicle in the first control mode and a second control element for controlling a second actuator, which is dissimilar from the first actuator, in the second control mode. The control panel may include a touchscreen of a smartphone device operably positioned in a recess formed in qn interior trim panel of the vehicle door. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129747 | SUPPORT STRUCTURE COMPONENT FOR CONNECTING A SPRING STRUT TO A VEHICLE BODY, METHOD FOR MOUNTING A SPRING STRUT ON A VEHICLE BODY AND VEHICLE BODY - The present disclosure provides a support structure component for connecting a spring strut to a vehicle body. The support structure component includes a connection section for connecting to the vehicle body and at least one flange section having a spring strut mount configured to mount a spring strut. In this manner, the support structure component can be used for assembling the spring strut into the vehicle body without requiring significant access from above. | 05-12-2016 |
20160123057 | MOTOR VEHICLE DOOR WITH HINGE REINFORCEMENT - A motor vehicle door is configured to hingedly mount to the body of a motor vehicle. The door includes a door structure having a hinge reinforcement arranged on an interior side of the door structure. The hinge reinforcement includes a respective mounting flange section abutting the door structure on at least two opposing outer edges and a force absorption area between the at least two opposing mounting flange sections. The force absorption area is situated at a distance from the door structure to define a hollow space there between. The force absorption area is supported against the door structure by at least one bushing. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121928 | VEHICLE CHASSIS STRUCTURE - A side member of a vehicle chassis structure is disclosed as having a front section, two rear sections running on the same side of the vehicle center, and a branching section that connects the front and rear sections. The branching section includes a y-shaped floor part and at least one side wall part, which extends along an edge of the floor part, and encompasses both a side wall attached to a rising flange of the floor part and a flange angled away from the side wall and attached to a base plate of the floor part. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121843 | AIRBAG MODULE ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE AND VEHICLE WITH THE AIRBAG MODULE ARRANGEMENT - An airbag module for a vehicle is disclosed. The airbag module includes a module housing, a gas generator in response to an impact of the vehicle, and an airbag for expanding with the gas. The airbag and the gas generator are arranged in the module housing. The airbag, module includes an actuator member for carrying out a linear movement and for actuating an unlocking mechanism of an engine bonnet or hood of the vehicle. The actuator member in a position of rest is arranged within the module housing and in an activation position is arranged at least in sections outside the housing. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121837 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A TRIM COMPONENT WITH HIDDEN TEAR PATTERN AND TRIM COMPONENT WITH HIDDEN TEAR PATTERN - A method of manufacturing a trim component includes forming a skin layer of the trim component, and spraying a foam layer on the skin layer according to a first spray pattern that establishes a first gap in the foam layer arranged as a predetermined tear pattern. The skin layer extends across the first gap. A corresponding trim component has a skin layer with an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, and a foam layer sprayed on the inner surface of the skin layer according to a predetermined spray pattern so that the foam layer has a first gap arranged as a predetermined tear pattern, with the skin layer extending across the first gap. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121828 | FRONT PART OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND STIFFENING THERETO - A bumper stiffener includes at least one rib projecting from a first major face of the plate and extending in the direction of an impact to be absorbed by the shock absorber stiffener. The compressive strength in longitudinal direction of the rib is higher at its ends than in its middle. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121813 | INSERT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE SEAL - The present disclosure relates to an insert for a motor vehicle seal, with multiple frames connected to one another via webs. The webs have adjacent first legs with outer face ends along an insert longitudinal axis. A minimum distance of the outer face ends of the first legs of first frames to a bending axis of these legs is smaller than a maximum distance of the outer face ends of the first legs of second frames to the bending axis of the first legs of the first frames. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121762 | SEATING ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE AND VEHICLE WITH THE SEATING ARRANGEMENT - A seating arrangement for a vehicle includes abuse cushion and atop cushion. The top cushion is situated on the base cushion and divides the base cushion into a seat cushion section and a coupling cushion section. The seat cushion section is situated in front of the top cushion in the seat direction. The coupling cushion section is situated in back of the top cushion in the seat direction and includes a cover. The seating arrangement includes a coupling device which is configured to cooperate with a child seat having at least one coupling arm for coupling with the coupling device arranged on the seat cushion section. The seating arrangement further includes a guiding device fastened to the cover of the coupling cushion section for the coupling arm. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121760 | ACTUATING DEVICE FOR ACTUATING AN UNLOCKING MECHANISM AND SEAT ARRANGEMENT WITH SUCH AN ACTUATING DEVICE - An actuating device for actuating and unlocking an unlocking mechanism for a vehicle seat that can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle. The vehicle seat is supported in a first and in a second rail assembly such that it can be displaced from a first seat position into a second seat position. The actuating device actuates the one unlocking mechanism in an active position and unlocks the vehicle seat such that it can be displaced from the first seat position into the second seat position. The actuating device includes a hand lever for transferring the actuating device from the idle position into the active position. The actuating device includes a crosstie for engaging into the first and the second rail assembly and a hand lever arranged angular to the crosstie. The hand lever and the crosstie are realized in the form of a common plastic molding. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121522 | TRIM COMPONENT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A TRIM COMPONENT - A method for manufacturing a trim component includes the following steps: (a) forming an outer skin layer in the shape of a trim component; (b) applying an inner skin layer on the outer skin layer; (c) spraying a foam layer on the inner skin layer; (d) disposing a substrate on the foam layer; and (e) wrapping portions of the inner skin layer, the outer skin layer, and the foam layer around at least one edge of the substrate. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121491 | FORCE LIMITING DEVICE AND METHOD - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving device and another object, using a parallel mechanism and torque limiters where the threshold force to activate the force limiting mechanism is not related to the configuration of the moving device or the location of the contact force relative to the activation point of the force limiting mechanism, and where the mechanism may be configured for one, two or three degrees of freedom. A counterbalance mechanism is also provided to counteract gravity load when the force limiting mechanism is configured for three degrees of freedom and responsive to contact forces including a vertical element. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving robotic device and a contactable object. | 05-05-2016 |
20160117560 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OBJECT DETECTION - Systems and methods for detecting objects from a moving platform are provided. The method includes receiving, from a camera coupled to the moving platform, first and second image frames, wherein the second image frame is subsequent in time to the first image frame. Within the first image frame, a first target is defined characterizing the location of an object detected in the first image frame. A first score associated with the first target and a second score associated with the second target are determined, and a first predicted target is determined based on a tracking process applied to the first target. A third score associated with the first predicted target is determined. The method determines a merged target corresponding to the second target when the second score is greater than the third score and a proximity measure between the second target and the first predicted target is above a threshold. | 04-28-2016 |
20160116977 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE AT A VEHICLE INCLUDING AN EYE TRACKING DEVICE - Systems and methods for a vehicle including an eye tracking device. The systems and methods use input from the eye tracking device. The systems and methods are configured to communicate with a driver based on input from the eye tracking device. | 04-28-2016 |
20160115858 | CONTROLLING A COOLANT PUMP AND/OR CONTROL VALVE OF A COOLING SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - The present disclosure relates to a method for determining an actuating value for a coolant pump or a control valve of a cooling system for an infernal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. In particular, a pre-control value for ascertaining the actuating value is determined in a first determination mode based on a prescribed first allocation as a function of an output variable of the infernal combustion engine and a temperature difference of a heat exchanger of the cooling system. | 04-28-2016 |
20160114387 | CHILLED-ZONE MICROSTRUCTURES FOR CAST PARTS MADE WITH LIGHTWEIGHT METAL ALLOYS - Methods for casting high strength, high ductility lightweight metal components are provided. The casting may be die-casting. A molten lightweight metal alloy is introduced into a cavity of a mold. The molten lightweight metal alloy is solidified and then a solid component is removed from the mold. The solid component is designed to have a thin wall. For example, the solid component has at least one dimension of less than or equal to about 2 mm. In this way, a chill zone microstructure is formed that extends across the at least one dimension of the solid lightweight metal alloy component. The solid component thus may be substantially free of dendritic microstructure formation, enabling more extensive alloy chemistries than previously possible during casting. Such methods may be used to form high strength, high ductility, and lightweight metal alloy vehicle components. | 04-28-2016 |
20160111721 | VOLTAGE-RESPONSIVE COATING FOR LITHIUM-SULFUR BATTERY - A sulfur-containing electrode with a surface layer comprising voltage responsive material. The electrode is used in a lithium-sulfur or silicon-sulfur battery. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107606 | HOOD FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE BODY - A hood, for example a front hood, for a motor vehicle body is described. The hood includes an outer skin and a stiffening structure covered by the outer skin. The stiffening structure includes a nub plate with a substrate and nubs extending from the substrate under the outer skin made of plastic. A second plate is includes on which apexes of the nubs are fastened. | 04-21-2016 |
20160097315 | SILENCER - A silencer for a motor vehicle and in particular air intake or exhaust gas lines and/or HVAC air passageways is disclosed. The silencer includes a pipe arranged in a housing, which defines a duct and an annular orifice arrangement having a first annular orifice which extends from the pipe to the housing. The housing and pipe form a chamber arrangement with a first chamber and a second chamber, which are separated by the first annular orifice and communicate with the duct through apertures in the pipe. The housing is designed integrally with a first connector and the pipe integrally with a second connector, which communicate with the duct, and in particular merge into the duct. | 04-07-2016 |
20160091009 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING CORROSION OF JOINING COMPOSITE WORKPIECES - The present disclosure relates a rivet body, including a rivet head and a rivet shank, composed of a different material than a mandrel used for insertion into a workpiece(s), the mandrel including a mandrel shaft and a mandrel cap. The rivet body receives the mandrel shaft, including the mandrel cap, through the rivet shank. The mandrel shaft is received by the installation tool, which rotates the rivet body, and the mandrel cap locally deforms workpieces(s) through friction riveting to install the rivet body. During the friction riveting, the fast-rotating rivet body is pushed into the workpiece(s) causing local deformation/melting where the mandrel cap contacts the workpiece(s). The mandrel cap creates a cavity which progresses through an upper surface and a lower surface of the workpiece(s). | 03-31-2016 |
20160090936 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING AN INJECTION DWELL TIME BETWEEN TWO INJECTIONS OF A FUEL INJECTOR - A system and method of controlling the hydraulic dwell time between a first injection and a second injection performed by a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine are disclosed, in which the injector is equipped with a needle operated by a control valve. A value of a nominal electric dwell time between the first injection and the second injection is determined. An actual instant of hydraulic closing of the fuel injector after the first injection is also determined. A corrected electric dwell time is calculated as a function of the nominal electric dwell time and the actual instant of hydraulic closing of the fuel injector after the first injection. The fuel injector is operated using the corrected electric dwell time. | 03-31-2016 |
20160085070 | AMBIENT DISPLAY - A windshield includes a windshield body and an ambient display coupled to the windshield body. The ambient display includes a light guide plate and a light source optically coupled to the light source. Aside from the light source, the ambient display includes a transparent phosphor film and an optic array. The transparent phosphor film includes at least one phosphor. The optic array includes a plurality of lenses and is disposed between the light guide plate and the transparent phosphor film. The light guide plate is positioned relative to the optic array such that light emitted from the light source is directed toward the optic array. The chromaticity and luminance of the light emitted by the transparent phosphor film can be adjusted based on the electrical current received by the light source. | 03-24-2016 |
20160084155 | TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM - A turbocharger system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed which includes a variable-geometry-turbine having movable vanes, an electric actuator coupled to rotate the movable vanes. An electronic control unit is configured to operate the electric actuator for rotating the movable vanes until they reach a mechanical stop corresponding to a fully-open position. A position sensor learns the position value of the movable vanes, once they have reached the mechanical stop. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082979 | SITUATION AWARENESS SYSTEM AND METHOD - A situation awareness method can be used to provide information to a vehicle operator via first, second, and third substantially transparent ambient displays that are coupled to a windshield of a vehicle. The situation awareness method includes the following steps: (a) monitoring a physiological state of the vehicle operator; (b) monitoring a vehicle operating parameter of the vehicle; (c) monitoring a vehicle context data; (d) identifying a predetermined physiological condition based on the monitored physiological state of the vehicle operator; (e) identifying a predetermined vehicle operating condition based on the monitored vehicle operating parameter; (f) identifying a predetermined vehicle context condition based on the monitored vehicle context data; (g) adjusting a luminance of the first, second, and third substantially transparent ambient displays based on the identified predetermined physiological condition, the identified predetermined vehicle operating condition; and the identified predetermined vehicle context condition, respectively. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082802 | VEHICLE AND A HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM FOR THE VEHICLE - A vehicle and a height adjustment system for the vehicle are disclosed. A valve includes a member movable between a first position operating first and second piston mechanisms to raise an end of the vehicle to a first height, a second position operating the first and second piston mechanisms to lower the end of the vehicle to a second height and a third position maintaining the end of the vehicle at one of the first height and the second height. A first fluid line extends between the first piston mechanism and the valve to fluidly connect the first piston mechanism and the valve. Additionally, a second fluid line extends between the second piston mechanism and the valve to fluidly connect the second piston mechanism and the valve. The first fluid line and the second fluid line are fluidly connected to the valve independently of each other. | 03-24-2016 |
20160069440 | MULTI-MODE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION WITH SELECTABLE TRANSFER GEARS - A multi-mode continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle includes a transmission input member, a transmission output member, a planetary gear set, a forward clutch, a brake, and a continuously variable unit having a first pulley, a second pulley, and an endless member wrapped around the first pulley and the second pulley. A first transfer gear set is connected to the transmission output member. A second transfer gear set is connected to the transmission output member. A dual clutch assembly is provided having a first clutch and a second clutch, wherein the first clutch selectively connects the second pulley to the first transfer gear set and the second clutch selectively connects the second pulley to the second transfer gear set. The dual clutch assembly provides two modes or ranges of continuously variable speed ratios between the transmission input member and the transmission output member. | 03-10-2016 |
20160069320 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An internal combustion engine includes a plasma ignition system having an in-cylinder dielectric barrier-discharge igniter, and a direct-injection fuel injector having an in-cylinder fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle protrudes into the combustion chamber proximal to the igniter. A controller operatively connects to the internal combustion engine, the plasma ignition system and the fuel injection system. The controller controls the internal combustion engine at an air/fuel ratio that is lean of stoichiometry. The fuel injector injects a first fuel pulse prior to activation of the igniter, and then the igniter initiates a plasma energy pulse. The fuel injector is controlled to inject a second fuel pulse during the plasma energy pulse. | 03-10-2016 |
20160068169 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SUGGESTING AND AUTOMATING ACTIONS WITHIN A VEHICLE - The present disclosure relates to systems for implementing a computer-readable storage device comprising instructions, including a behavior recognizer, that, when executed by a system having a processor, cause the processor to perform operations, for providing personalized proactive assistance to a vehicle user. The operations comprise receiving a behavior input data package comprising a sequence of user events using the behavior recognizer, and determining the behavior input data package indicates proactive assistance to be presented to the vehicle user by the system, using a user behavior model and a machine state model of the behavior recognizer. The disclosure also relates to methods for providing personalized proactive assistance to a vehicle user. | 03-10-2016 |
20160068097 | MOTOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE - A motor vehicle is disclosed which includes a headlamp directed in travelling direction towards the front having an adaptable light beam. A controller is provided to adaptively control the light beam. A camera is arranged in the motor vehicle and oriented so that it captures a head of a driver. The camera is in data communication with the controller, which is configured to determine at least one region of attention of the driver from data transmitted by the camera. The controller is further configured to adapt the light beam of the headlamp, as a function of the region of attention by emphasizing the region of attention. | 03-10-2016 |
20160062115 | DISPLAY SYSTEM - A heads-up display system is disclosed which features an imaging system for displaying an image on the windshield of a vehicle. An information source delivers information on occurring or anticipated cornering in a horizontally varying manner such that the projected image is displayed on the windshield as a function of the information of the information source. | 03-03-2016 |
20160061124 | VAPOR RETURN SYSTEM OF A FUEL VAPOR COLLECTING TANK - A vapor return system of a fuel vapor collecting tank includes a vapor outlet line with a first stop valve, which is arranged in the vapor outlet line of the fuel vapor collecting tank. A first vapor return branch is arranged between the vapor outlet line of the fuel vapor collecting tank and a charge air duct of a compressor in a turbocharger. A second vapor return branch is arranged between the vapor outlet line of the fuel vapor collecting tank and a fresh air suction duct of the compressor of the turbocharger. The first vapor return branch is connected by a first check valve to the charge air duct. The second vapor return branch is connected by a second check valve to a suction inlet of a venturi nozzle situated in a bypass line between the charge air duct and fresh air suction duct via a second stop valve. | 03-03-2016 |
20160059653 | CAM ADJUSTABLE ASSEMBLY - A cam adjustable assembly generally includes a cam bolt, a cam washer, and a driving tool. The cam bolt includes a head and a shank coupled to the head. The shank includes a first shank portion coupled to the head. The second shank portion is coupled to the first shank portion. The cam washer can be coupled to the second shank portion. The cam washer includes a washer body and defines a shank receiving hole extending through the washer body and a tool receiving hole extends through the washer body. The shank receiving hole is configured to receive the second shank portion. The driving tool includes a tool body and a protrusion extending from the tool body. The protrusion is configured to be received in the tool receiving hole such that rotation of the driving tool causes the cam bolt to rotate. | 03-03-2016 |
20160056734 | CONFORMABLE ELECTROADHESIVE HOLDING DEVICE - A gripping device is described, and includes a holder including a base and a conformable jamming element having an electroadhesive element on a surface thereof and a controllable voltage source that is electrically connected to the electroadhesive element. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052185 | INJECTION MOLD ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF DESIGNING SAME - An injection mold assembly for injection molding an object includes a first mold tool having a first tool surface and a second mold tool having a second tool surface. The first and the second tool surfaces are cooperatively configured to define a mold cavity between the tool surfaces for an injection molding of an object. The first mold tool has a tool element with a first side that has the first tool surface, and with a second side opposite the first side. Multiple fins extend from the second side of the tool element. A base supports the fins. The tool element, the fins and the base define a coolant flow cavity at the second side of the tool element. A method of designing the mold assembly is also disclosed. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052148 | PART HOLDING ASSEMBLY, AN ASSEMBLY SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF POSITIONING A FIRST PART - A part holding assembly, an assembly system and a method of positioning a first part are disclosed. The part holding assembly is coupleable to a support structure. The part holding assembly includes a base adapted to be coupled to the support structure. The part holding assembly also includes a first pin extending outwardly away from the base to a distal end that is spaced from the base. The base is movable to position the first pin relative to a first part and to insert the distal end of the first pin through a first hole of the first part to locate the first part. The part holding assembly further includes a first magnet adjacent to the first pin. The first magnet is selectively magnetized to selectively secure the position of the first part relative to the base. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052147 | CONFORMABLE MAGNETIC HOLDING DEVICE - A device for holding a workpiece includes a holder including a base including a magnetic element. A conformable jamming element attaches to the base and includes a closed impermeable pliable membrane containing magnetic particles. A controllable pressure device fluidly couples to the jamming element. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052145 | CONFORMABLE HOLDING DEVICE - A device for gripping a workpiece is described, and includes a holder including a base and a conformable jamming element. The conformable jamming element includes an air-impermeable pliable membrane containing filling material including magnetic particles, and is attached to the base. An electroadhesive element and a conformable releasable surface-adhesive element are secured to a surface of the membrane. | 02-25-2016 |
20160052144 | CONFORMABLE DRY ADHESIVE HOLDING DEVICE - A gripping device is described and includes a holder including a base and a conformable jamming element that has a conformable releasable surface-adhesive element secured onto its surface. | 02-25-2016 |
20160046248 | BUMPER MODULE - A bumper module for a vehicle includes at least one shaped part that is unitarily deep-drawn from a sheet material. The shaped part has two connecting flanges facing a back side for fastening to side members of the vehicle and an arch which is pre-curved towards a front side connecting the connecting flanges. At least in lateral portions of the arch, the sheet material is laid into folds, which are elongated from the back side towards the front side. | 02-18-2016 |
20160041562 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A COMPONENT OF A VEHICLE WITH A USER DEVICE - A method of controlling a component of a vehicle with a user device includes receiving a data signal from the user device, within a vehicle controller. Graphics, corresponding to the data signal received from the user device, are displayed on a display screen of the vehicle. A signal is received from the user device that indicates the user device has received an input into a user interface of the user device. A determination is made, in the controller, that the signal received from the user device corresponds to controlling the component of the vehicle. | 02-11-2016 |
20160040762 | GUIDE PIN ASSEMBLY - A guide pin assembly for a CVT variator includes a retainer and a guide pin coupled to the retainer. The retainer provides at least three functions for the guide pin: pilot, orientation and retention. The guide pin provides lateral and axial constraints to a chain guide through which a chain extends. | 02-11-2016 |
20160040727 | FLYWHEEL AND DUAL CLUTCH MODULE ASSEMBLY - A dual mass flywheel and dual clutch module assembly includes a connector plate and a drive plate. The connector plate is fastened to a center plate of the dual clutch module and has a plurality of castellation tabs disposed on an inner periphery of the connector plate. The drive plate drivingly connected to a flywheel member of the dual mass flywheel and includes a plurality of castellation tabs disposed on an inner periphery of the drive plate. The plurality of castellation tabs of the connector plate are interleaved with the plurality of castellation tabs of the drive plate. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039285 | SCENE AWARENESS SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A method of alerting a user of a vehicle as to a scene, external to the vehicle, includes capturing data pertaining to the scene, external to the vehicle. The captured data, pertaining to the scene external to the vehicle, is transmitted to a processor. The determination is made, in the processor that a characteristic is in the scene that requires the user's visual attention. Data pertaining to a gaze of the user is captured. Captured data, pertaining to the gaze of the user, is transmitted to the processor. A determination is made, in the processor that the drive is gazing toward a user device. A signal is transmitted to the user device such that the user device alerts the user as to the characteristic in the scene requiring the user's visual attention. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039093 | LOW-IMPEDANCE ARTICULATED DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING A MANUAL ASSEMBLY TASK - A system for assisting an operator in a manual assembly task includes a base assembly, end-effector, and controller. The base assembly has joint actuators providing three or more degrees of freedom (DOF). The end-effector is in series with the base assembly and has additional joints providing one or more additional DOFs. The base assembly and end-effector support a task load, including a weight and/or a reaction torque of an object. Sensors measure joint positions. The controller receives the measured positions, controls the joint actuators to support the task load, and extends a range of motion of the object. A method includes receiving the position signals as the operator manipulates the object, generating an output signal using the measured positions, and transmitting the output signal to the joint actuators to control the joint actuators, support the task load, and extending a range of motion of the object. | 02-11-2016 |
20160031384 | MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A STORAGE BAG FOR A BICYCLE - A storage bag for a motor vehicle is disclosed for stowing a bicycle inside an accommodation space bounded by the storage bag within the vehicle. The storage bag includes a bag with an opening for introducing and removing a bicycle through the opening, and at least one fastening device for attaching the bag to the motor vehicle. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031346 | VEHICLE SEAT FOR A VEHICLE AND VEHICLE FLEET WITH THE VEHICLE SEAT - A vehicle seat is disclosed as having a seat structure with an upper transverse strut for receiving a headrest of the vehicle seat. The headrest has right and left headrest rods for coupling with the upper transverse strut. The transverse strut 6 includes right and left receiving openings for the right and left headrest rods. The headrest may be arranged with the headrest rods in various guide channels to define first and second mounting positions relative to the upper transverse strut. The headrest in the first mounting position is offset transversely to the seat direction with respect to the headrest in the second mounting position. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031345 | ARMREST FOR A VEHICLE SEAT AND VEHICLE SEAT WITH THE ARMREST - An armrest for a vehicle seat is disclosed. The armrest includes a monolithic frame as a support structure of the armrest and for fastening armrest upholstery thereto. The monolithic frame, which includes first and second longitudinal side rails and first and second transverse end rails, is constructed as a one-part, one-piece and/or one-material primary-formed component. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031260 | AXLE MEANS, METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME AND MOTOR VEHICLE - An axle device for a motor vehicle includes an axle shaft, a wheel receiving unit fixed on an end of the axle shaft, and a support body on which the wheel receiving unit is supported from rotation fixed about an axis of rotation. A bearing unit is arranged between the support body and the wheel receiving unit. The bearing unit includes an inner bearing shell at least partially formed by a surface portion of the wheel receiving unit, an outer bearing shell at least partially formed by a sleeve body abutting the support body, and a bearing assembly arranged between the inner bearing shell and the outer bearing shell. | 02-04-2016 |
20160023684 | MULTI-PART FRAMEWORK - A framework such as a vehicle body is disclosed and includes at least two components of materials with different heat expansion coefficients fastened to one another on an elongated overlap zone. The overlap zone on a first component is subdivided by weak points oriented in its transverse direction into portions following one another in longitudinal direction. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023555 | MOTOR GENERATOR UNIT WITH MULTIPLEXED OUTPUT - A vehicle includes an engine, transmission, auxiliary and high-voltage electrical loads, a drivetrain, and an electrical system. The electrical system, characterized by an absence of a DC-DC converter, includes a full-bridge active rectifier/inverter, a semi-active auxiliary rectifier, an MGU connected to the engine via the drivetrain, and a controller. The controller executes a first operating mode in which the bridge rectifier is disabled and the MGU operates as a motor to restart or assist the engine, and a second operating mode in which the MGU is a generator, with the rectifier/inverter powering the HV-ESS and HV electrical load. The auxiliary rectifier provides an auxiliary DC output voltage to the LV-ESS and auxiliary electrical load. Switches may be positioned between a DC bus connection point and the HV-ESS and LV-ESS, with a switch closed and another opened in the first operating mode, and vice versa in the second operating mode. | 01-28-2016 |
20160017476 | METAL SHEET AND METHOD FOR ITS TREATMENT - A method for treating sheet metal is disclosed in which a material containing at least one alloying element is applied onto a first area of at least one surface of the metal sheet. A second area of the surface is kept free of the material. The metal sheet is subsequently heat treated in order to diffuse the alloying element into the first area of the metal sheet. The temperature of the first area is lower than the melting temperature of the metal sheet during the diffusion. | 01-21-2016 |
20160017457 | METHOD FOR TREATING SHEET METAL - A method for treating sheet metal is disclosed. An amorphous mass containing an alloying element is applied onto a first area of a surface of the metal sheet. A second area of the surface is kept free of the amorphous mass. The amorphous mass and at least the first area of the metal sheet are heated in order to alloy the alloying element into the first area of the metal sheet while the second area remains unalloyed. | 01-21-2016 |
20160016464 | MOTOR VEHICLE FILLER INLET COMPARTMENT LID ARRANGEMENT - A motor vehicle filler inlet compartment lid arrangement is disclosed. A filler inlet compartment lid is mounted so that it can swivel around a lid axis relative to a vehicle body. A filler module with at least one filler passage for filling up the motor vehicle is joined with the filler inlet compartment lid so that it can swivel relative to the vehicle body between a use and non-use position. | 01-21-2016 |
20160004983 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR QUANTIFYING DIMENSIONAL VARIATIONS AND PROCESS CAPABILITY INDEPENDENTLY OF DATUM POINTS - A measurement system receives design values specifying measurement points of a first design and values corresponding to measurement points of a first part manufactured according to the first design using a first process. The system calculates a reference point of the first part and translates the received values based on a difference between reference points of the first part the first design. The system includes a rotation module that applies a rotational transformation with a first angle to the translated values. The system includes an error minimization module that determines a first value for the first angle that minimizes deviations between the transformed values and the specified design values. The system includes an error determination module that computes deviations between the transformed values and the specified design values. The system includes an analysis module that calculates a process metric of the first process based on the computed deviations. | 01-07-2016 |
20160003123 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An electronic control module for operating an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The electronic control module is configured to monitor a first air-fuel equivalence ratio of engine exhaust gases upstream of a NOx trap, and to activate a diagnostic routine for the NOx trap when the first air-fuel equivalence ratio is smaller than one. The diagnostic routine enables the electronic control module to monitor a second air-fuel equivalence ratio of engine exhaust gases downstream of the NOx trap, to use the first and second air-fuel equivalence ratios to calculate an index that is representative of the conversion efficiency of the NOx trap, and to identify a failure of the NOx trap when the efficiency index is lower than a predetermined threshold value. | 01-07-2016 |
20160001722 | BUMPER STRUCTURE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A bumper cross member for a motor vehicle includes an insert of fiber-reinforced composite material and reinforcing structures molded onto the insert. A first groove is formed onto the insert, and the reinforcing structures include ribs formed in the first groove. The ribs extend inclined in relation to a longitudinal direction of the groove from one lateral wall of the groove to the other. The insert is further formed into a second groove, which are open toward opposing sides of the insert. The first and second grooves share a lateral wall. An outer bumper skin is supported by the bumper cross member. | 01-07-2016 |
20150375334 | ELIMINATION OF TOOL ADHESION IN AN ULTRASONIC WELDING PROCESS - A welding assembly includes a sonotrode, cleaning station, and controller. The controller periodically commands clamping of the sonotrode onto the cleaning block, and a transmission of ultrasonic energy into the cleaning block for a calibrated duration sufficient for removing residual amounts of metal from welding pads of the sonotrode. The cleaning block may include an aluminum bar coated with a polymeric material, e.g., porous polyethylene silica or alumina composite. A thin sacrificial layer of an anti-adhesion material, e.g., colloidal silica, may be periodically applied to the welding pads, particularly after a transition from welding a first metal to welding a second metal. The sacrificial layer may be applied via a sponge, a saturated surface, or spraying. | 12-31-2015 |
20150369111 | ENGINE BLOCK FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An engine block for an internal combustion engine including a cylinder coolant channel provided with a coolant inlet conduit. The coolant inlet includes a baffle for dividing the coolant inlet conduit into two passageways both in communication with the cylinder coolant channel. | 12-24-2015 |
20150369104 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN OXYGEN CONCENTRATION - A method is disclosed for controlling a concentration of oxygen that is measured by an oxygen sensor of an after-treatment system of an internal combustion engine when a regeneration of an after-treatment device is required. The method may be a computer-implement method, An oxygen sensor target value is lowered in a stepped phase as a function of an exhaust gas flow speed as the exhaust gas passes through the after-treatment system. The oxygen sensor target value is lowered evenly as a function of the exhaust gas flow speed and by a filter phase when a measured air/fuel ratio value is less than or equal to an AFR threshold value and until the oxygen sensor target value is equal to an oxygen sensor final target value. The oxygen concentration is controlled by applying the oxygen sensor target value. | 12-24-2015 |
20150367783 | CENTER CONSOLE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE AND MOTOR VEHICLE HAVING SUCH A CENTER CONSOLE - A center console for a motor vehicle includes a stowage compartment with a stowage compartment aperture. A stowage compartment lid is positionable from a closed position, in which the stowage compartment lid covers the stowage compartment aperture, into an open position, in which the stowage compartment lid opens the stowage compartment aperture. The stowage compartment lid can be pivoted about a first pivot axis extending in longitudinal direction in a first pivot direction from the closed position into the open position. The present disclosure furthermore relates to a motor vehicle with such a center console. | 12-24-2015 |
20150361985 | TURBINE OUTLET DIFFUSER - A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes a rotating assembly having a turbine wheel disposed inside a turbine housing and a compressor wheel disposed inside a compressor cover. The turbine housing defines a turbine outlet cavity, a turbine housing inlet, and a turbine housing outlet. The turbine housing inlet is configured to channel engine post-combustion gases to the turbine wheel and the turbine housing outlet is configured to exhaust the gases aft of the turbine wheel. A diffuser arranged inside the turbine outlet cavity is configured to channel the post-combustion gases aft of the turbine wheel and out to the turbine housing outlet, without discharging into the turbine outlet cavity. | 12-17-2015 |
20150361916 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OPERATING IN HCCI COMBUSTION MODE - An internal combustion engine is configured to operate in a homogeneous-charge compression-ignition combustion mode and a spark-ignition combustion mode employing late intake valve closing. A method for operating the internal combustion engine includes determining an amount of residual gas re-inducted into a combustion chamber from a previous engine cycle and determining an amount of fresh air trapped in the combustion chamber for the present engine cycle based upon the amount of residual gas re-inducted into the combustion chamber from the previous engine cycle. Engine fueling to the cylinder for the present engine cycle is controlled based upon the amount of fresh air trapped in the combustion chamber for the present engine cycle. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360608 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF IMPROVING DRIVER EXPERIENCE - A vehicle apparatus includes a seat and a transducer configured to vibrate such that a vibration is felt by a person sitting in the seat. A transducer control signal that is transmitted to the transducer is based on output from a sensor of the apparatus configured to measure data including parameters indicative of at least one of a vehicle system function, a vehicle environment, and driver state, or on output from the vehicle system indicating parameters related to the vehicle system, vehicle environment, or driver state. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360596 | SEAT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A seat for a motor vehicle includes a seat bottom having a seat cover, an upholstery and a support structure, and a seat back having a seat cover, an upholstery and a support structure. Two lateral support parts are fastened to a front section of the support structure of the seat back for increasing the lateral support of an occupant on the seat. The lateral support parts are fastened to the support structure of the seat back. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360595 | SEAT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A seat for a motor vehicle includes a seat bottom, a seat back with a seat cover, an upholstery, an A-support structure and a B-support structure. The A-section of the seat cover lies on the upholstery, and a B-section of the seat cover is fastened to the B-support structure. The seat back exhibits a height extension between an upper end and lower end of the seat back. The A-section and B-section of the seat cover are fastened to a A-fixing strip, which is arranged on a back area of the seat back. The distance in the direction of the height extension between an upper end of the A-fixing strip and the upper end of the seat back is greater than 40% of the height extension of the seat back, so as to yield legroom on the back side of the seat back without the A-fixing strip. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360414 | ULTRASONIC WELDER CLAMP - A device for joining thermoplastic workpieces includes an ultrasonic welder including an ultrasonic transducer, a booster and a horn having a welding tip. A clamping mechanism attaches to the ultrasonic welder and includes an upper frame coupled to a boot. The welding tip of the horn of the ultrasonic welder projects into an aperture in the boot of the clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism exerts a clamping force on the workpieces that differs from a welding force exerted on the workpieces by the ultrasonic welder when the ultrasonic welder is operating to join the thermoplastic workpieces. | 12-17-2015 |
20150356402 | QUICK ANALYSIS OF RESIDUAL STRESS AND DISTORTION IN CAST ALUMINUM COMPONENTS - A computer-implemented system and method of rapidly predicting at least one of residual stress and distortion of a quenched aluminum casting. Input data corresponding to at least one of topological features, geometrical features and quenching process parameters associated with the casting is operated upon by the computer that is configured as a neural network to determine output data corresponding to at least one of the residual stress and distortion based on the input data. The neural network is trained to determine the validity of at least one of the input data and output data and to retrain the network when an error threshold is exceeded. Thereby, residual stresses and distortion in the quenched aluminum castings can be predicted using the embodiments in a tiny fraction of the time required by conventional finite-element based approaches. | 12-10-2015 |
20150353139 | REINFORCING AGENT FRAME STRUCTURE AND VEHICLE - A reinforced frame structure such as vehicle pillar and more particularly a hinge pillar region for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The reinforced frame structure includes at least one substantially planar reinforcement member positioned within an outer floor section by an inner base profile forming the cavity. The reinforcement member is arranged with a first coupling portion between the outer bottom profile and the inner bottom section for securing these sections. A second coupling portion is formed on the outer bottom profile and/or at the inner bottom section and is particularly dimensionally fitted, fixed or defined. | 12-10-2015 |
20150352934 | FRAME STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE DOOR IN PARTICULAR A TAILGATE OF A VEHICLE - A frame structure for a vehicle door and a method of manufacture thereof is disclosed. In particular, a tailgate includes at least two tubular parts which are flexurally deformed in the direction of their longitudinal extension and connected to each other to form a ring structure. The ring structure is incorporated into a structural unit with the frame structure in a tailgate of a motor vehicle. | 12-10-2015 |
20150352932 | FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE DOOR IN PARTICULAR A VEHICLE SIDE DOOR - The invention relates to a frame structure ( | 12-10-2015 |
20150352671 | LASER CUTTING SAME SIDE SLUG REMOVAL - A method of laser cutting a slug from a workpiece may include angling a laser cutting head other than perpendicular relative to a cutting surface of a layer of the workpiece from which the slug will be cut, laser cutting the slug from the layer, with the slug having a wider portion on the cutting surface than a portion of the slug on a backside surface of the layer, and removing the slug from the layer through the cutting surface side of the layer. | 12-10-2015 |
20150350776 | SOUND AUGMENTATION SYSTEM TRANSFER FUNCTION CALIBRATION - A vehicle system is provided that includes a sound augmentation system with a sound augmentation generator that produces an augmented audio output to drive at least one audio output based on a transfer function. The vehicle system also includes a sound augmentation system health monitor that determines a current performance level of the sound augmentation system based on at least one audio input and a feedback of the augmented audio output, and triggers a transfer function update prompt based on a difference between the current performance level and an expected performance level being at a threshold level. A user interface outputs the transfer function update prompt and receives a transfer function calibration request in response to the transfer function update prompt. A transfer function calibration module drives a calibration sequence on at least one audio output and monitors at least one audio input to determine an updated transfer function. | 12-03-2015 |
20150350758 | DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF A VEHICLE MICROPHONE - A hands-free audio system for a vehicle and method of using the system is described. The method includes controlling the directionality of a vehicle microphone. The steps of the method may include: (a) receiving a sensor value from at least one of a vehicle seat position sensor, a vehicle seat orientation sensor, or a vehicle mirror orientation sensor; (b) based on the received sensor value(s) of step (a), determining an origin of a vehicle user's speech; and (c) controlling the microphone sensitivity directionality based on the determined origin. | 12-03-2015 |
20150349614 | EXPANDING GAP SUPPORT FOR ELECTRIC MOTOR ASSEMBLY - A number of variations may include a product comprising a gap support tool comprising an inflatable body portion, wherein the inflatable body portion comprises a plurality of fluid chambers, and wherein the plurality of fluid chambers are constructed and arranged to center a rotor inside a stator and create a concentric air gap between the stator and the rotor during assembly. | 12-03-2015 |
20150347527 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING AND DISPLAYING STRUCTURED DATA - Methods and systems are provided for processing data. In one embodiment, a method comprises: receiving query data that requests a result; performing a query on structured data to determine a plurality or results; determining a relevancy for the plurality of results; and generating graphical user interface data for graphically displaying the plurality of results in a user interface based on the relevancy. | 12-03-2015 |
20150347279 | METHODOLOGY AND TOOL SUPPORT FOR TEST ORGANIZATION AND MIGRATION FOR EMBEDDED SOFTWARE - A method of establishing traceability for embedded software systems. A design code database is provided for an embedded software system. A test suite database including a plurality of test cases is structured for testing design code of the embedded software system. The structuring of the test cases provides a correspondence from a respective test case to a respective portion of the design code. A processor receives a design code modification to the embedded software. An associated test case is identified for testing the modified design code being based on traceability data. The associated test case is revised to accommodate the modified design code. The modified test cases are integrated into the test suite. A traceability database establishes a one-to-one correspondence between the modified design coder and the modified test case is updated. | 12-03-2015 |
20150347208 | MECHANISMS AND APPARATUS FOR EMBEDDED CONTROLLER RECONFIGURABLE INTER-PROCESSOR COMMUNICATIONS - A system and method for reconfigurable inter-processor communications in a controller. The system and method include providing multiple processors in the controller and generating a send buffer and a receive buffer for each of the processors. The system and method further include generating a send table and a receive table for each of the processors where the send table stores identifying information about messages being sent and where the receive table stores identifying information about messages being received, and providing infrastructure services that include protocols for sending and receiving messages between multiple processors in the controller. | 12-03-2015 |
20150346888 | METHOD VEHICLE INPUT/OUTPUT DEVICE AND METHOD - An input/output device for a motor vehicle includes a base area and at least one local elevation adjoining the same. The base area is preferably enclosed by and/or integrally formed with the local elevation(s). The local elevation(s) includes a touch-sensitive surface for inputting control element actuating information for the motor vehicle by touching, (e.g., manually sliding) the fixed surface. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345981 | ADAPTIVE NAVIGATION AND LOCATION-BASED SERVICES BASED ON USER BEHAVIOR PATTERNS - A method and system are disclosed for adaptive driver guidance for navigation and location-based services based on user behavior patterns. A driver-facing camera and a gaze tracking system determine the location of the driver's visual focus while an outside-facing camera detects and interprets external driving situations, a microphone and a speech analyzer identify driver vocalizations, and driver-proximate sensors and the driver-facing camera detect driver emotions. The driver's visual focus, the driver vocalizations and the driver emotions, along with vehicle system parameters from a data bus, are used to evaluate driver satisfaction with navigation guidance and determine driver behavior patterns. An adaptive navigation guidance engine modifies navigation guidance content and timing based on the driver satisfaction and behavior patterns. Adaptation of guidance for location-based services is also provided. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345636 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A DRIVER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle in which a quantity of permissible end positions of an in particular manual gear shift of the motor vehicle is determined and a manual gear shift actuation is detected. A target position of the manual gear shift actuation is determined, and a warning is output when the target position does not belong to the quantity of the permissible end positions. A gear shift actuation and gear shift movement of manual gear shift of the motor vehicle may also be determined. The gear shift movement path may include a starting position, an end position and a movement from the starting position into the end position, as a function of the gear shift actuation. The gear shift movement path is displayed in a graphic of a gear shift of the motor vehicle. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345631 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A VARIATOR - A method of controlling a variator that requires clamping pressure between a first component and a second component to transfer torque therebetween, such as a continuously variable transmission, includes calculating a theoretical clamping pressure, and multiplying the theoretical clamping pressure by a multiplier to define a commanded clamping pressure. The multiplier includes a value that is variable between a minimum multiplier value and a maximum multiplier value. The value of the multiplier is based on current operating conditions of the variator. The commanded clamping pressure is applied to the first component and the second component to generate friction and transfer torque between the first component and the second component. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345432 | COOLING SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A cooling system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed which includes a coolant pump for circulating a coolant in a coolant circuit and a radiator disposed in the coolant circuit. A charged-air cooler is disposed in the coolant circuit downstream of the radiator, and a long-route exhaust-gas-recirculation cooler disposed in the coolant circuit downstream of the charged-air cooler and upstream of the radiator. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345417 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING VOLUMETRIC EFFICIENCY IN POWERTRAIN - A method for estimating the volumetric efficiency in an internal combustion engine in real time includes the following steps: (a) monitoring an oxygen percentage of gases in the intake manifold using an oxygen sensor coupled to an intake manifold; and (b) determining, via a control module, a volumetric efficiency of the internal combustion engine in real time based, at least in part, on the oxygen percentage of the gases in the intake manifold. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345412 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF AN AIR CHARGING SYSTEM OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method of controlling the operation of an air charging system is disclosed. A plurality of output parameters of the air charging system are monitored. An error between each one of the monitored output parameters and a target value thereof is calculated. Each one of the calculated errors is applied to a linear controller that yields a virtual input which is used to calculate a plurality of input parameters for the air charging system. Each one of the input parameters is used to determine the position of a corresponding actuator of the air charging system and operate of the actuators according to the determined position thereof. The inputs parameters are calculated with a non-linear mathematical model of the air charging system configured such that each one of the virtual inputs is in a linear relation with only one of the output parameters. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345377 | TURBINE EXPANSION RATIO ESTIMATION FOR MODEL-BASED BOOST CONTROL - A method for controlling a turbine of an engine system to achieve a desired boost pressure is provided. The method determines a desired exhaust gas pressure based on the desired boost pressure by using a model for a power balance between the turbine and a compressor of the engine system. The method generates a base command for controlling a position of a vane of the turbine based on a ratio of the desired exhaust gas pressure to a measured turbine outlet pressure. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345354 | EXHAUST AFTERTREATEMENT SYSTEM INJECTOR AND CONTROL - In one aspect, an injector assembly for injecting a fluid into an exhaust aftertreatment system is provided. The injector assembly includes a housing having an outlet orifice and an inner wall defining a passageway, the passageway fluidly coupled to the outlet orifice and configured to supply the fluid to the outlet orifice, and a valve having a longitudinal axis. The valve is oriented within the passageway and configured to translate along the longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position. A downstream end of the valve includes a tapered wall oriented at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and the housing inner wall is oriented at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. | 12-03-2015 |
20150345004 | METHOD FOR TREATING PLATE - A method for locally treating a plate is disclosed. A pattern formed from a compound containing at least one alloying element is applied onto at least one surface of the plate. At least the surface of a contacting layer including the pattern is covered by adequately heat-resistant material. The plate is subsequently heat treated in order to diffuse the alloying element into the plate. | 12-03-2015 |
20150344072 | REAR END REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE BODY - A rear-side reinforcement structure for a motor vehicle body includes at least one side member extending in vehicle longitudinal direction, a shock absorber reinforcement profile and an outer rear end reinforcement profile. The shock absorber reinforcement profile is connected to the side member with a lower front profile section located in travelling direction at the front. The shock absorber reinforcement profile is connected to the rear end reinforcement profile with a rear profile section that is spaced from the side member and facing a rear end of the body. The outer rear end reinforcement profile extends from the rear profile section of the shock absorber reinforcement profile to the side member and with a lower connection section is connected to the side member. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343966 | HIGH SPEED DATA COMMUNICATION IN A VEHICLE - A system and method is provided for the high-speed transfer of data within a vehicle. The method includes the steps of: receiving at a high-speed transmitter non-video parallel data from a plurality of data sources in the vehicle; sampling the parallel data received from the plurality of data sources; serializing at the high-speed transmitter the parallel data from the plurality of data sources; and then transmitting via a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) the parallel data to a high-speed receiver in the vehicle for deserialization while performing a sample and hold function as new parallel data is received at the high-speed transmitter during transmission, wherein the high-speed transmitter is configured to provide video data. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343960 | USB CORD CLEAT - The present invention generally relates to a vehicle component which may include an electronic port. The electronic port may be constructed and arranged to provide power to an electronic device. Additionally, a cleat may be disposed around the electronic port. The cleat may be constructed and arranged to hold a cord of the electronic device. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343887 | MODULAR SUNROOF FRAME ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - A modular sunroof frame assembly and method for a vehicle having a body structure is provided. The modular sunroof frame assembly is attachable to the body structure and includes right and left side rails, front and rear cross beams, and a plurality of corner attachment couplings. The right and left side rails have respective cross-sections throughout their length, front rail ends, and rear rail ends. The front and rear cross beams have respective cross-sections throughout their length, right beam ends, and left beam ends. The corner attachment couplings are fixed to the respective side rail end and to the respective cross beam end. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343878 | MOTOR VEHICLE WITH AUTOMATIC START-STOP SYSTEM AND WITH A HEATING SYSTEM HEAT EXCHANGER FUNCTIONING AS A COLD RESERVOIR - A motor vehicle with a drive, a control with automatic start-stop system and with an HVAC device, which includes a heating system heat exchanger that can be thermally coupled to the drive and an evaporator that is embedded in a refrigerant circuit of the air-conditioning system. The heating system heat exchanger can with activated automatic start-stop system be thermally decoupled from the drive and for use as cold reservoir in a stop phase of the automatic start-stop system, can be thermally coupled to the evaporator. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343640 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCATING VEHICLE COMPONENTS RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER - A method for locating a first vehicle component relative to a second vehicle component includes the following steps: (a) moving the robotic arm to a first position such that a form feature of the first vehicle component is within a field of view of a camera; (b) capturing an image the form feature of the first vehicle component; (c) moving the robotic arm to a second position such that the form feature of the second vehicle component is within the field of view of the camera; (d) capturing an image of the form feature of the second vehicle component; (e) picking up the second vehicle component using the robotic arm; and (f) moving the robotic arm along with the second vehicle component toward the first vehicle component. | 12-03-2015 |
20150343548 | METHOD FOR JOINING WIRE - A method of joining wire includes preparing a first discrete region of a first wire at a first end of the first wire. The prepared first discrete region is welded to a component to form a joint such that material of the prepared first discrete region at least partially thickens the joint. The component is one of a second end of the first wire, an end of a second wire, or a non-wire component. The joint may be heat treated according to a three-stage heat treatment process. Mechanical stress may be induced in the joint during the heat treatment so that the joint is subjected to thermo-mechanical processing. | 12-03-2015 |
20150341862 | VEHICLE TELEMATICS UNIT POWER MANAGEMENT - A system and method of power management of a telematics unit in a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining that the vehicle is unpowered; determining that the vehicle is in a fringe region of a cellular network; and based the determining steps, entering a power-saving mode at the telematics unit. | 11-26-2015 |
20150341629 | AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION OF EXTRINSIC AND INTRINSIC CAMERA PARAMETERS FOR SURROUND-VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM - A method of calibrating multiple vehicle-based image capture devices of a vehicle. An image is captured by at least one image capture device. A reference object is identified in the captured image. The reference object has known world coordinates. Known features of the vehicle are extracted in the captured image. A relative location and orientation of the vehicle in world coordinates is determined relative to the reference object. Each of the multiple image capture devices is calibrated utilizing intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the at least one image capture device as a function of the relative location and orientation of the vehicle in world coordinates. | 11-26-2015 |
20150341628 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION IN SURROUNDING VIEW SYSTEMS - An embodiment contemplates a method of calibrating multiple image capture devices of a vehicle. A plurality of image capture devices having different poses are provided. At least one of the plurality of image capture devices is identified as a reference device. An image of a patterned display exterior of the vehicle is captured by the plurality of image capture devices. The vehicle traverses across the patterned display to capture images at various instances of time. A processor identifies common landmarks of the patterned display between each of the images captured by the plurality of image capture devices and the reference device. Images of the patterned display captured by each of the plurality of image devices are stitched using the identified common landmarks. Extrinsic parameters of each image capture device are adjusted relative to the reference device based on the stitched images for calibrating the plurality of image capture devices. | 11-26-2015 |
20150338856 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE ACCELERATION - A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an acceleration delta module and a remedial action module. The acceleration delta module determines an acceleration delta of a vehicle based on a difference between an actual acceleration of the vehicle and a desired acceleration of the vehicle. The acceleration delta module also determines an average value of the acceleration delta corresponding to at least one of a first predetermined period and a predetermined number of samples of the acceleration delta. The remedial action module, based on the average value of the acceleration delta and independent of a torque command generated to accelerate the vehicle, selectively takes a remedial action by adjusting operation of at least one of an engine and an electric motor. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337950 | HYDRAULIC SYSTEM CHARGE DETECTION - A vehicle includes a transmission, an electrically-driven fluid pump which supplies pressure to a hydraulically-actuated clutch of the transmission, and pump motor sensors positioned with respect to a pump motor of the fluid pump. The sensors are configured to measure electrical properties of the pump motor, and to output the measured electrical properties as input signals. A controller detects when the hydraulic circuit is fully charged by determining an actual speed of the pump motor. The controller calculates an average pump torque and a slope of the average pump torque for the pump motor using the input signals. A flag is set via the controller indicating that a calibrated line pressure has been attained in the hydraulic circuit when the slope of the average pump torque reaches zero and the speed of the pump motor reaches a calibrated speed. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337937 | TORQUE VECTORING HYBRID TRANSAXLE - A transaxle for a vehicle includes an input driven shaft that extends along a drive axis, between a first end and a second end. The input driven shaft is rotatable about the drive axis. A first planetary gear train is coupled to the first end of the input driven shaft, and a first motor is coupled to the first planetary gear train. A second planetary gear train is coupled to the second end of the input driven shaft, and a second motor is coupled to the second planetary gear train. The first motor and the second motor provide torque to the first planetary gear train and the second planetary gear train independently of each other to provide a differential functionality and allow torque vectoring between drive wheels. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337912 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED TORQUE LIMITING VALVE - A flow limiting and temperature compensated orifice assembly includes a valve body having an orifice and a plurality of exterior bypass channels or openings. The valve body is disposed in a complementary cylindrical chamber in a housing in the fluid line which also receives a bi-metallic disc and a rubber washer. The bi-metallic disc is disposed adjacent one end of the body and defines a center opening which aligns with the orifice opening. In a first, higher temperature position or state, the bi-metallic disc engages the adjacent end face of the body and closes off flow through the exterior channels and allows fluid flow only through the flow limiting and thus torque controlling orifice. In a second, lower temperature position or state, the bi-metallic disc has flipped and moved away from the end face of the body and allows fluid flow through the exterior bypass channels as well as the orifice opening. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337746 | REDUCING CONDENSATION IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH AN EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION SYSTEM - The present disclosure relates to a method and system for reducing condensation in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle including an exhaust gas recirculation system for recirculating exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. A value of a humidity parameter is first determined, and then exhaust gas recirculation is controlled or regulated as a function of this humidity parameter value. | 11-26-2015 |
20150336575 | COLLISION AVOIDANCE WITH STATIC TARGETS IN NARROW SPACES - A method of detecting and tracking objects for a vehicle traveling in a narrow space. Estimating a host vehicle motion of travel. Objects exterior of the vehicle are detected utilizing object sensing devices. A determination is made whether the object is a stationary object. A static obstacle map is generated in response to the detection of the stationary object detected. A local obstacle map is constructed utilizing the static obstacle map. A pose of the host vehicle is estimated relative to obstacles within the local obstacle map. The local object map is fused on a vehicle coordinate grid. Threat analysis is performed between the moving vehicle and identified objects. A collision prevention device is actuated in response to a collision threat detected. | 11-26-2015 |
20150336573 | HYBRID POWERTRAIN AND MODULAR REAR DRIVE UNIT FOR SAME - A powertrain includes an engine that has a crankshaft. A first motor-generator is drivingly connected to the crankshaft via an endless rotatable device. The powertrain includes a transmission that has a transmission input member driven by the crankshaft and a transmission output member. A front differential is operatively connected with front half shafts. A transfer case is configured to distribute torque of the transmission output member to the front differential and to a driveshaft. A rear differential is configured to transfer torque from the driveshaft to rear half shafts. A second motor-generator is drivingly connected to the rear differential. A gearing arrangement is configured to multiply torque from the second motor-generator to the rear half shafts. A controller controls the second motor-generator to function as a motor that provides torque to the rear wheels through the rear differential. A modular rear drive unit operatively connects to the vehicle body. | 11-26-2015 |
20150336536 | MOTOR VEHICLE WITH FOLDABLE BACKSEAT AND SAFETY BELT ASSIGNED TO THE SAME - A backrest for a back seat of a motor vehicle is pivotable between a usage and folded position. A lateral part is arranged next to the backrest in usage position and forms a gap therebetween. A safety belt adjacent to the gap rests on a contact surface of the lateral part. A guide element is arranged in the gap and mounted in the lateral part for moving from an operative position partially projecting out of the gap and too a non-operative position completely retracted in the gap and vice versa. The guide element projects over the contact surface in the operative position. The guide element is moved from the operative position into the non-operative position against a spring force when the backrest pivots into the usage position. | 11-26-2015 |
20150336470 | DEHUMIDIFICATION CHAMBER FOR BATTERY SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS - The present disclosure relates to reducing formation of condensate in a battery compartment using a dehumidification chamber in which air is conditioned prior to entering the battery compartment. In one embodiment, a cooling system may be configured to produce a flow of coolant. The dehumidification chamber configured to receive a flow of ambient air from an environment. A heat transfer device may be in thermal communication with the dehumidification chamber and configured to receive the flow of coolant. The heat transfer device may produce a flow of conditioned air from a thermal interaction between the flow of coolant and the flow of ambient air. The battery compartment may house a battery and may receive the flow of conditioned air and the flow of coolant. In some embodiments, the flow of coolant may pass through the heat transfer device before the flow of coolant passes through the battery compartment. | 11-26-2015 |
20150336441 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - Methods and systems for controlling a climate control system of a vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: determining a solar azimuth angle curve associated with point of interest; determining at least one intersection point between the azimuth angle curve and at least one line that defines at least one edge of a transparent element of the vehicle; determining whether the point of interest is shaded or not shaded based on the at least one intersection point; and automatically controlling the climate control system based on the determination of whether the point of interest is shaded or not shaded. | 11-26-2015 |
20150336271 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FIXTURELESS COMPONENT LOCATION IN ASSEMBLING COMPONENTS - A system for assembling a first component and a second component comprises a support operatively supporting the first component without any fixtures, a vision system configured to view the supported first component and the second component and determine the locations thereof, a robotic system configured to move and position the second component relative to the first component, and a controller operatively connected to the vision system and to the robotic system and operable to control the robotic system to position the second component relative to the first component based on the locations determined by the vision system. Various methods of assembling the first component and the second component are provided to create a process joint prior to creation of a structural joint in a subsequent assembly operation. | 11-26-2015 |
20150336268 | RAPID ROBOTIC IMITATION LEARNING OF FORCE-TORQUE TASKS - A method of training a robot to autonomously execute a robotic task includes moving an end effector through multiple states of a predetermined robotic task to demonstrate the task to the robot in a set of n training demonstrations. The method includes measuring training data, including at least the linear force and the torque via a force-torque sensor while moving the end effector through the multiple states. Key features are extracted from the training data, which is segmented into a time sequence of control primitives. Transitions between adjacent segments of the time sequence are identified. During autonomous execution of the same task, a controller detects the transitions and automatically switches between control modes. A robotic system includes a robot, force-torque sensor, and a controller programmed to execute the method. | 11-26-2015 |
20150336227 | RECONFIGURABLE FIXTURE FOR SHEET METAL PARTS AND METHOD - A reconfigurable fixture and method for holding a sheet metal part for processing, assembly, or inspection is provided. The reconfigurable fixture includes a holding container made of a flexible material, and holding granules at least partially filling the holding container. The holding container and the holding granules cooperate to conform to the sheet metal part when the sheet metal part is placed on the holding container. | 11-26-2015 |
20150336221 | TOOL FOR ASSEMBLING COMPONENTS AND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SAME - A tool for assembling first and second components includes a tool body having a first roller element rotatably mounted to the tool body and rotatable about a first axis of rotation. A second roller element is rotatably mounted to the tool body and is rotatable about a second axis of rotation nonparallel with the first axis of rotation. A third roller element is rotatably mounted to the tool body and is rotatable about a third axis of rotation nonparallel with the first axis of rotation. The second and third roller elements define a gap between one another. At least one clamping device provides clamping force directing one of the second and the third roller elements toward the gap. A weld head is operatively connected to the tool body. A system and method are provided for welding components to one another using the tool. | 11-26-2015 |
20150333675 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE DC MOTOR COOLING FAN EFFICIENCY WITH PULSE WIDTH MODULATION FREQUENCY VARIATION - Methods, systems and a vehicle are provided for. The method provides for controlling pulse width modulation by a transistor based on the speed of a motor and a transfer function. The system includes a memory storing the transfer function, a transistor modulating an output current, a direct current power source providing the modulated output current to the motor via the transistor, a heat sink configured to absorb heat from the transistor and reflecting a transistor temperature, and a computing device, the computing device being configured to receive an electronic signal representing a desired speed of the motor and being configured to control the modulating input voltage, wherein the transistor produces the modulated output current at a switching frequency from the direct current power source based on the transistor temperature, and with a duty cycle based on the electronic signal as an input to the transfer function. | 11-19-2015 |
20150333606 | ROTOR AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME - A method of forming a rotor includes inserting a conductor bar into a slot defined by a lamination stack to define a gap between the conductor bar and the lamination stack. The method further includes, after inserting, swelling the conductor bar within the slot to fill the gap and form the rotor. A rotor is also disclosed. | 11-19-2015 |
20150333318 | NEGATIVE ELECTRODE MATERIAL FOR LITHIUM-BASED BATTERIES - A negative electrode material includes an active material, which is present in an amount ranging from about 60 wt % to about 95 wt % of a total wt % of the negative electrode material. The negative electrode material further includes a polyimide binder, which is present in an amount ranging from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % of the total wt % of the negative electrode material. The polyimide binder contains a repeating unit, where a backbone structure of each repeating unit has no ether group present and no more than one carbonyl group present. The negative electrode material also includes a conductive filler, which is present in an amount ranging from about 3 wt % to about 20 wt % of the total wt % of the negative electrode material. | 11-19-2015 |
20150332526 | CONTROL AND DIAGNOSIS OF A CONTROLLER WAKE UP FEATURE - A control and diagnosis methodology for an electronic module of a vehicle is presented here. In accordance with the disclosed method, at least one wake up event for a processor of the electronic module is performed during an inactive shutdown state of the vehicle. The at least one wake up event is initiated by a wake up timer of the electronic module. The method continues by logging, during the inactive shutdown state of the vehicle, wake up information associated with the at least one wake up event to obtain logged wake up information. The logged wake up information is analyzed during an active operating state of the vehicle to obtain a wake up diagnosis, and the method generates, during the active operating state of the vehicle, an output indicative of the wake up diagnosis. | 11-19-2015 |
20150331829 | SERVICE AND SYSTEM SUPPORTING COHERENT DATA ACCESS ON MULTICORE CONTROLLER - A system and method for accessing coherent data on a controller. The system and method include a first buffer and a second buffer that each may be read from or written to and an indicator that indicates which of the first or the second buffer is read from while the other of the first or second buffers is written to. The system and method also include a read synchronization protocol that allows the coherent data to be read from the buffer that the indicator indicates is the read buffer and a write synchronization protocol that allows the coherent data to be written to the buffer that the indicator indicates is the write buffer. | 11-19-2015 |
20150330492 | VEHICLE TRANSMISSION WITH COMMON CARRIER PLANETARY GEAR SET - A transmission with a common carrier planetary gear set is provided for a vehicle that has drive axle half shafts defining an axis of rotation, an electric motor/generator with a motor shaft parallel with the axis of rotation, either concentric with the axis of rotation or spaced therefrom, and a differential with a differential carrier connected with the drive axle half shafts. The planetary gear set has a first sun gear member continuously or selectively connectable with the motor shaft, first and second pinion gears, a carrier member rotatably supporting the first and the second pinion gears so that the first pinion gear meshes with the first sun gear member, and a ring gear member meshing with one of the pinion gears. The ring gear is connectable to a non-rotating housing. The carrier member is operatively connected with the differential carrier. | 11-19-2015 |
20150330446 | EXPANSION REDUCTION OF METAL COMPONENT ASSEMBLIES USING COMPOSITES - Methods for minimizing thermal expansion in an assembly, e.g., a bearing assembly, for a vehicle are provided. The assembly has at least two components with substantially different linear coefficients of thermal expansion (CLTEs). The assembly has a polymeric composite with a first CLTE, a lightweight metal component (e.g., a housing) with a second CLTE, and a third component (e.g., a bearing component) having a third CLTE. The second CLTE is ≧25% more than the third CLTE. The first CLTE is less than or equal to the third CLTE, so that the polymeric composite structure coupled to the first surface reduces radial thermal expansion of the first metal component and minimizes separation of the second surface of the first metal component from the second component. | 11-19-2015 |
20150330424 | FRICTIONALLY ENGAGED FASTENING OF A FIRST COMPONENT TO A SECOND COMPONENT - A method for the frictionally-engaged fastening of a first component to a second component is disclosed. A prefabricated carrier is arranged on a first face of the first component. A second face of the second component is subsequently clamped against to the first face, while the prefabricated carrier is arranged therebetween. The prefabricated carrier has particles arranged on and/or embedded therein in order to increase a friction coefficient between the first and second component. | 11-19-2015 |
20150330371 | RESETTABLE DEVICES - A device for cycling a component between a first condition and a second condition includes an element and a reset apparatus connected to and driven by the element. The element is formed from a shape memory alloy, wherein the alloy is transitionable between a martensite crystallographic phase and an austenite crystallographic phase in response to a thermal energy source. The apparatus is actuatable by the element from an initial state in which the alloy has the martensite phase and the component is in the first condition, to an actuated state in which the alloy has the austenite phase and the component is in the second condition. The apparatus is resettable from the actuated state to a reset state in which the alloy transitions from the austenite to the martensite phase while the component is in the first condition, and further resettable from the reset state to the initial state. | 11-19-2015 |
20150330325 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MULTI-FUEL ENGINE TO REDUCE ENGINE PUMPING LOSSES - A fuel control module, based on an engine torque request, fuels N cylinders of an engine using a first fuel system. N is an integer greater than zero. A throttle control module, based on the engine torque request and the fueling of the N cylinders using the first fuel system, opens a throttle valve to a predetermined wide open throttle (WOT) position. A cost module, when the engine torque request is greater than a predetermined torque: determines a first cost value for fueling at least one of the N cylinders of the engine using a second fuel system; and determines a second cost value for adjusting at least one operating parameter other than fueling of the engine. An adjustment module, based on, the first and second cost values, one of: initiates the fueling of the at least one of the N cylinders using the second fuel system; and adjusts of the at least one operating parameter other than fueling of the engine. | 11-19-2015 |
20150330286 | INDIVIDUAL PISTON SQUIRTER SWITCHING WITH CRANKANGLE RESOLVED CONTROL - One variation may include a product comprising a piston oil squirting system comprising at least one piston oil squirter operatively communicating with at least one engine oil channel and which is constructed and arranged to squirt oil at at least one piston; and at least one mechanism which is constructed and arranged to control a flow rate and a timing of at least one oil jet stream from the at least one piston oil squirter so that the oil jet stream flows at single or multiple intervals from a zero to a maximum flow rate within an engine cycle or a crankshaft revolution. | 11-19-2015 |
20150330278 | INCREASED EXHAUST TEMPERATURE WARM-UP FOR A RAPID LIGHT-OFF OF A CLOSE-COUPLED DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST - A method is provided for generating rapid light-off for a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) close-coupled to a compression-ignition engine. The engine includes an intake passage in fluid communication with a combustion chamber, a throttle for controlling a flow of intake air through the intake passage, and an exhaust passage configured to channel an exhaust gas from the combustion chamber to the DOC. The method includes starting the engine to commence a warm-up thereof and regulating the throttle to restrict supply of the intake airflow to the combustion chamber. The method additionally includes injecting a predetermined amount of fuel into the combustion chamber during the engine's exhaust cycle such that the injected fuel is carried by the exhaust gas and burned in the exhaust passage. Regulating the throttle and injecting fuel during the warm-up of the engine together increase temperature of the exhaust gas for rapid light-off of the close-coupled DOC. | 11-19-2015 |
20150329103 | ENGINE AUTOSTOP CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HYBRID POWERTRAIN - A vehicle includes a first axle, a second axle, an engine having a crankshaft, a transmission having an input member that is operatively connected to the crankshaft and an output member that is operatively connected to the first axle, a first motor having a first rotor operatively connected to the crankshaft, a second motor having a second rotor that is operatively connected to the second axle, and a controller being operatively connected to the engine, the first motor, and the second motor. The controller is configured to selectively cause the engine to enter a deceleration fuel cut off mode, cause the transmission input torque to increase to zero, cause the torque of the second motor to decrease as the transmission input torque increases such that the sum of the first axle torque and the second axle torque remains substantially constant as the transmission input torque increases to zero. | 11-19-2015 |
20150329088 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELF-CLEANING CAMERA - Methods and systems are provided for a self-cleaning camera. The system includes a camera including a lens and a housing surrounding the lens. The system includes a shroud coupled to the housing about the lens. The shroud includes at least one anchor point for coupling the shroud to a vehicle. The system also includes a motor coupled to the housing of the camera via a coupling system such that an activation of the motor moves the camera relative to the shroud, and the movement of the camera relative to the shroud assists in cleaning the lens of the camera. | 11-19-2015 |
20150329065 | RETAINER, RETAINING ASSEMBLY, AND RETAINING METHOD - A retainer can couple at least two components together and includes a retainer body defining a body opening and at least one leg extending from the retainer body. The leg can bend relative to the retainer body between a first position and a second position upon application of an external force. The leg includes a connection portion coupled to the retainer body, a support portion coupled to the connection portion, and a bendable portion interconnecting the connection portion and the support portion. The bendable portion can bend such that the leg can move relative to the retainer body between the first and second positions. When the leg is in the first position, the support portion is obliquely angled relative to the retainer body. When the leg is in the second position, the support portion is substantially parallel to the retainer body. | 11-19-2015 |
20150329057 | POCKET FORMING TRIM PANEL FOR A VEHICLE DOOR AND METHOD - A pocket forming trim panel for a vehicle door is provided. The pocket forming trim panel includes a panel portion and a pocket enclosure portion. The panel portion is configured to form a pocket opening. The pocket enclosure portion has a pocket floor portion and a pocket wall portion. The pocket enclosure portion is foldable with respect to the panel portion to complete the formation of a pocket on the door. | 11-19-2015 |
20150329030 | VEHICLE SEAT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A vehicle seat for a motor vehicle is disclosed which includes a seat part having a seat cushion, a seat cover and a fastening device for fixing the seat cover to the seat part. The vehicle seat also includes a back part with a seat cushion, a seat cover and a fastening device for fixing the seat cover to the seat back. The seat cover includes an upholstery portion and an elastic element to avoid major tensile forces on the upholstery portion and a permanent elongation of the seat cover resulting from a seated occupant. | 11-19-2015 |
20150329008 | BATTERY SYSTEMS OPERABLE IN A BACKUP MODE AND RELATED METHODS - The present disclosure pertains to various embodiments of battery systems and related methods that may operate in a preconditioning mode based upon a predicted disturbance of service of an electrical utility. Such systems may include a battery configured to store electrical energy. A communication module may be configured to receive an indication of a predicted disturbance of an electrical utility. A battery management system may operate the battery system in a normal mode to maintain a state of charge (SOC) of the battery system within a normal mode SOC range. Upon receipt of an indication of the predicted disturbance from the communication module, the battery system may be transitioned to a preconditioning mode. The state of charge may be maintained within a preconditioning mode SOC range that exceeds the normal SOC range. The battery system may provide electrical energy during an actual disturbance affecting the electrical utility. | 11-19-2015 |
20150328960 | HVAC VENT UTILIZING VORTEX RING AIR FLOW - An HVAC vent is provided. The HVAC vent includes a housing and an electro-mechanical diaphragm. The housing defines an air inlet for receiving cooling air from an HVAC module, an air chamber for enclosing the air received, and an air outlet configured to facilitate the generation of vortex rings. The electro-mechanical diaphragm is connected to the housing and cooperates with the configured air outlet and the receipt of cooling air from the HVAC module to project the received cooling air in the air chamber out of the air outlet as generated vortex rings. | 11-19-2015 |
20150328949 | AIR SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A VEHICLE - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a suspension system having an air spring. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining a desired value associated with a height of the air spring; determining an operating value associated with a height of the air spring; and controlling an amount of air at least one of to and from the air spring based on a comparison of the desired value and the operating value. | 11-19-2015 |
20150328847 | POLYMERIC COMPOSITE REPAIR VIA RADIOFREQUENCY HEATING OF MAGNETIC PARTICLES - A method of repairing a polymeric composite workpiece. The method includes detecting and identifying a localized area of a polymeric composite workpiece having a defect. A resin is applied to the localized area. The resin includes a plurality of magnetic particles dispersed therein. The resin may include a mixture of nanoparticles dispersed therein, selected from the group consisting of a thermosetting resin, a thermoplastic resin, and mixtures thereof. The method includes introducing radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation adjacent the resin to selectively induce localized heating and/or curing of the resin. | 11-19-2015 |
20150325872 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MITIGATING CARBON CORROSION IN A FUEL CELL SYSTEM - System and methods for reducing carbon corrosion in a fuel cell system are presented. Particularly, the disclosed systems and methods may be utilized in connection with preventing the formation of a propagating H | 11-12-2015 |
20150325121 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DECISION SUPPORT - Methods and systems are provided for providing decision support. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving a recommendation associated with a vehicle; receiving contextual data associated with the vehicle; determining a risk factor based on the recommendation and the contextual data; and generating notification data based on the risk factor to notify a user of the vehicle of the risk factor associated with the recommendation. | 11-12-2015 |
20150323424 | TEST METHOD - A method of testing a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated device includes cyclically operating the device. The method further includes determining a number of cycles in a functional life of the device based on observations of the device during the cyclical operation. The functional life is a range of consecutive cycles of operation of the device beginning with a first cycle during which the device performs within a specified limit. The functional life is immediately followed by a cycle during which the device performs outside of the specified limit. The method still further includes applying a progressive substitution sub-process to identify an opportunity to increase the number of cycles in the functional life of the device. | 11-12-2015 |
20150323034 | ENERGY ABSORBER SYSTEM AND VEHICLE - An energy absorber system for a vehicle includes a first panel and a second panel spaced apart from the first panel to define a cavity therebetween, wherein the second panel defines an aperture therethrough. The energy absorber system also includes an energy absorber disposed within the cavity and attached to the first panel. The energy absorber system further includes a plurality of fasteners, and a plate mounted to the second plate by the plurality of fasteners so as to cover the aperture. A vehicle including the energy absorber system is also disclosed. | 11-12-2015 |
20150321620 | LOAD CARRIER FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A vehicle includes a rearward structure and a load carrier having a stowed position and a transport position. The load carrier includes a longitudinal carrier, an extendable rail connected within the longitudinal carrier, a base segment assembled on the extendable rail for mounting at least one bicycle, and a swiveling axis mounted between the longitudinal carrier and the extendable rail to pivot the extendable rail and the base segment away from the rearward structure of the vehicle to be able to open a tailgate or a deck lid. The base segment, the extendable rail, and the longitudinal carrier are located substantially entirely below the rearward structure of the vehicle in the stowed position. The extendable rail extends in a horizontal direction and is located behind the rearward structure of the vehicle in the transport position for transporting at least one bicycle. | 11-12-2015 |
20150321591 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING A SEAT BACKREST STRUCTURE OF A VEHICLE SEAT - A method is disclosed for producing a frame-like seat backrest structure of a vehicle seat. The seat backrest structure includes lateral members of metal and transverse members of plastic connected to these. In accordance with the method, the prefabricated lateral members are inserted in an injection mold and plastic is injected in the injection mold such that the transverse members are molded and connected to the lateral members. | 11-12-2015 |
20150321572 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING BATTERY SYSTEM POWER CAPABILITY - System and methods for determining battery system power capability in a vehicle are presented. Peak power capability estimation systems and methods disclosed herein may compensate regressed parameters in a battery system circuit model for an effect of current magnitude. Utilizing the disclosed methods for accurately estimating peak power capability of a battery system may provide for, among other things, improved battery system performance modeling and/or improved battery system control and management decisions. | 11-12-2015 |
20150321568 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHARGING RECEPTACLE LOCK - Methods and apparatus are provided for a charging receptacle lock. The method includes receiving a speed of the vehicle, and receiving sensor data indicating a position of a door covering a receptacle associated with the charging system of the vehicle. The receptacle adapted to receive a connecting device of an external power supply. The method includes outputting one or more control signals to move a lock pin associated with the receptacle between a first, extended position and a second, refracted position based on the speed of the vehicle and the position of the door. | 11-12-2015 |
20150321300 | PRODUCTION LINE FOR MACHINING AT LEAST ONE SURFACE COMPONENT AND METHOD FOR MACHINING THE AT LEAST ONE SURFACE COMPONENT IN THE PRODUCTION LINE - A production line for machining a surface component with a first machining station and a second machining station is disclosed. The first machining station includes a separating device configured to separate a surface component along a machining path. The second machining station includes a bending/forming device configured to form and/or bend the surface component in a bending/forming position. The first machining station and the second machining station are sequentially arranged one directly after the other and/or linked together. | 11-12-2015 |
20150320126 | Configurable Passive-Assist Work Gloves - The present disclosure relates to a passive-assist glove comprising an impact portion, having a plurality of palm sections configured and arranged in the glove to cover a palm of the hand and allow manipulation of the palm, such that the palm may configure to receive an object during use of the glove. The glove additionally includes a dexterity portion comprising (i) a thumb compartment configured and arranged in the glove to receive a thumb of the hand and allow manipulation of the thumb such that the thumb may configure to receive an object during use of the glove and (ii) at least one finger compartment to configured and arranged in the glove to receive at least one of multiple fingers of the hand and allow manipulation of the at least one finger such that the at least one finger may configure to receive an object during use of the glove. | 11-12-2015 |
20150319551 | UPDATING A VEHICLE HEAD UNIT WITH CONTENT FROM A WIRELESS DEVICE - A communications system and method of operating a vehicle multi-tainment unit (VMU) within that communications system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) establishing a connection between the VMU and a mobile device; (b) retrieving from a cache associated with the VMU user data previously provided by the mobile device; (c) prior to receiving current user data from the mobile device, receiving via the connection recently-used user data from the mobile device; (d) comparing the previously-provided user data and the received recently-used data; and (e) updating the previously-provided user data based on the comparison. | 11-05-2015 |
20150317973 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COORDINATING SPEECH RECOGNITION - Methods and systems are provided for coordinating recognition of a speech utterance between a speech system of a vehicle and a speech system of a user device. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving the speech utterance from a user; performing speech recognition on the speech utterance to determine a topic of the speech utterance; determining whether the speech utterance was meant for the speech system of the vehicle or the speech system of the user device based on the topic of the speech utterance; and selectively providing the speech utterance to the speech system of the vehicle or the speech system of the user device based on the determination of whether the speech utterance was meant for the speech system of the vehicle or the speech system of the user device. | 11-05-2015 |
20150315831 | HINGE ASSEMBLY - A hinge assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket defines a first bracket surface and a second bracket surface opposite the first bracket surface. The hinge assembly further includes a first link pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets. The first link extends along a first longitudinal axis. The hinge assembly further includes a first, second, third, and fourth links pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth links is pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets such that the second bracket is movable relative to the first bracket between a first bracket position and a second bracket position. | 11-05-2015 |
20150315826 | FLUSH DOOR HANDLE WITH SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY DRIVE AND HEATED HANDLE TO BODY SEAL - A door assembly includes a structure including an exterior panel defining an opening, and a grab bar. The grab bar is moveable relative to the exterior panel. A first linkage system and a second linkage system interconnect the grab bar and the structure. A drive assembly is coupled to the first linkage system and the second linkage system to move the grab bar between an extended position and a retracted position. The drive assembly includes a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator that contracts in response to a control signal, to move the grab bar. A seal may be provided to seal between the grab bar and the structure. A heating element may provide a thermal load to heat the grab bar, a seal surrounding the grab bar, or both. | 11-05-2015 |
20150315688 | CAST ALUMINUM ALLOY COMPONENTS - Aluminum alloy components having improved properties. In one form, the cast alloy component may include about 0.6 to about 14.5 wt % silicon, 0 to about 0.7 wt % iron, about 1.8 to about 4.3 wt % copper, 0 to about 1.22 wt % manganese, about 0.2 to about 0.5 wt % magnesium, 0 to about 1.2 wt % zinc, 0 to about 3.25 wt % nickel, 0 to about 0.3 wt % chromium, 0 to about 0.5 wt % tin, about 0.0001 to about 0.4 wt % titanium, about 0.002 to about 0.07 wt % boron, about 0.001 to about 0.07 wt % zirconium, about 0.001 to about 0.14 wt % vanadium, 0 to about 0.67 wt % lanthanum, and the balance predominantly aluminum plus any remainders. Further, the weight ratio of Mn/Fe is between about 0.5 and about 3.5. Methods of making cast aluminum parts are also described. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314814 | COUPLING ASSEMBLY - A coupling assembly includes a mounting bracket including a first mounting wall and a second mounting wall coupled to the first mounting wall. The coupling assembly further includes a connection bracket including a first connection wall, a second connection wall, and a third connection wall interconnecting the first and second connection walls. The connection bracket defines a first bracket opening extending through the first connection wall and a second bracket opening extending through the second connection wall. The coupling assembly further includes a flange extending from the second mounting wall. The flange extends through the connection bracket via the first and second bracket openings. The coupling assembly further includes a fastener extending through the third connection wall and the flange such that the mounting bracket is coupled to the connection bracket. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314813 | MULTI-POSITION ENDGATE CABLE - An endgate cable mechanism includes an outer housing defining a longitudinal tunnel and an inner fitting slidably disposed within the longitudinal tunnel. A first transverse hole is in the outer housing. A second transverse hole, which is spaced longitudinally from the first transverse hole, is also defined in the outer housing. A plunger is selectively extendable from the inner fitting to engage with one of the first transverse hole and the second transverse hole. The endgate cable mechanism has a first effective length when the plunger is engaged with the first transverse hole and has a second effective length when the plunger is engaged with the second transverse hole. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314805 | COUPLING ASSEMBLY AND A METHOD OF DECOUPLING A FIRST MEMBER AND A SECOND MEMBER - A coupling assembly and a method of decoupling a first member and a second member are disclosed. The assembly includes a first member defining a hole along a central axis and having a hole inner wall extending along the hole and circumscribing the central axis. The assembly also includes a second member defining an aperture that aligns with the hole along the central axis and has an aperture inner wall extending along the aperture and circumscribing the central axis. The assembly further includes a sleeve disposed in the hole and the aperture. The sleeve defines a slit to allow the sleeve to flex. The assembly also includes a pin at least partially disposed inside the sleeve to flex the sleeve outwardly into engagement with the hole inner wall and the aperture inner wall to couple together the first and second members. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314792 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTOMOBILE USING EYE GAZE DATA - A system or method capable of using automobile camera system data to generate biometric information for the use in identifying authorized drivers and customizing and controlling automobile components. The system is versatile enough to distinguish between a new or unauthorized person in the automobile and respond accordingly. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314690 | METHOD FOR CHARGING A PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A system and method for charging a battery in a plug-in electric vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the present method uses a charging profile and a scheduled departure time to develop a charging scheme for a plug-in electric vehicle that balances battery life with electricity costs. The charging scheme attempts to reduce the amount of time at which the battery is maintained at elevated state-of-charge (SOC) levels before a scheduled departure time, while still satisfying the electricity rate preferences established by the user. Reduced time spent at elevated SOC levels can, over the long term, improve battery life by increasing the capacity and performance of the battery. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314673 | HINGE ASSEMBLY - A hinge assembly includes a body strap having a main body. The main body defines a first surface end and a second surface opposite the first body end. The body strap includes a first pin support and a second pin support. The first and second pin supports extend from the main body. The body strap includes a protrusion extending from the second body end of the main body. The protrusion defines a first protrusion end and a second protrusion end opposite the first protrusion end. The hinge assembly further includes a door strap partially disposed between the first and second pin supports and a pin movably interconnecting the body strap and the door strap. The pin extends along an axis and is supported by the first and second pin supports. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314535 | A LINER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A method of manufacturing a liner, such as a wheelhouse liner, includes the following steps: (a) providing a textile blank; (b) dispensing a liquid-impermeable polymer only on a portion of the textile blank; (c) bonding the liquid-impermeable material to the textile blank; (d) changing a shape of the textile blank to form the liner; and (e) trimming the liner. The liner includes a substrate wholly or partly made of a textile. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The liner further includes a liquid-impermeable coat bonded to the substrate. The liquid-impermeable coat partially covers the first surface of the substrate in order to minimize liquid flow through the substrate. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314386 | ADAPTOR FOR A TOOL OR HANDLE - An adaptor can adjustably couple a tool to a mount and includes a clamping assembly, a coupling assembly, and a cam lock assembly. The clamping assembly includes a base and a clamp movably coupled to the base. The base and the clamp together define a substantially circular pocket. The coupling assembly includes a ball sized to be disposed in the substantially circular pocket and a shank extending from the ball. The cam lock assembly includes a camming base and includes a lever pivotally coupled to the camming base. The lever can pivot relative to the camming base between an unlocked position and a locked position. The cam lock assembly further includes a retention fastener and a draw fastener. Moving the lever toward the locked position causes the clamp to press the ball against the base, thereby locking the position of the ball relative to the clamping assembly. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314363 | METHOD OF FORMING A VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE FROM A PRE-WELDED BLANK ASSEMBLY - A method of forming a vehicle body structure includes pre-welding a patch blank to a base blank with a series of resistance spot welds to form a pre-welded blank assembly. After pre-welding, the pre-welded blank assembly is deformed into the vehicle body structure. The deformation of the pre-welded blank assembly is carried out by a suitable metalworking process, such as stamping, and results in concurrent deformation of the base blank and the patch blank. Following deformation of the pre-welded blank assembly, additional weld joints may optionally be formed between the base blank and the patch blank, wherever desired, to better secure the blanks together. | 11-05-2015 |
20150312564 | METHOD OF MISALIGNMENT CORRECTION AND DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION FOR LANE SENSING SENSOR - A method of diagnosing a state of health of a vision-based lane sensing system. A first misalignment factor is calculated as a function of a vehicle lateral offset and a vehicle heading. A second misalignment factor is calculated as a function of a vehicle speed, an estimated curvature of an expected path of travel, a lane curvature, and the vehicle heading. Histograms are generated for the first and second misalignment factors. A probability of a state of health is determined. A determination is made whether the probability of the state of health is within a predetermined threshold. An angle misalignment of the vision system is estimated. The angle misalignment of the vision system is corrected in response to the determination that the probability of the state of health is within the predetermined threshold; otherwise a warning of a faulty lane sensing system is actuated. | 10-29-2015 |
20150312474 | VEHICULAR SOCIAL MEDIA SYSTEM - A social media system for a vehicle and a method of operating the social media system are provided. The social media system, for example, may include, but is not limited to a camera, an interface, a memory configured to store one or more safety settings, and a processor communicatively coupled to the camera, the interface and the memory, the processor being configured to receive, via the interface, a command request to utilize the social media system, determine, based upon the safety settings stored in the memory, when the command request may be completed, and executing the command request when the processor determines that command request may be completed. | 10-29-2015 |
20150312353 | DRIVER-TO-DRIVER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, VEHICLE, AND METHOD THEREOF - A driver-to-driver communication system includes a server accessible over a communications network, a first vehicle, and a second vehicle. The first vehicle and the second vehicle each have a license plate with a license plate number. The license plate numbers are stored on the server. The first vehicle may be substantially behind the second vehicle, and may be configured to send the second license plate number to the server. This may be accomplished by a computer device, which includes a camera to detect and read the second license plate number. A processor recognizes the second license plate number and sends it to the server over the communications network via a wireless module. The server matches the second license plate number with the second vehicle, and subsequently establishes communication, either direct or indirect, between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. | 10-29-2015 |
20150311773 | METHOD OF USING A FILLER SHEET HAVING A FLAT SURFACE TO REDUCE CORE LOSS AND WELD FAILURE IN LAMINATED STACKED STATORS - A number of variations may include a method including welding a filler sheet having a flat surface to a plurality of stacked magnetic segments to form a stator core. | 10-29-2015 |
20150311547 | FUEL CELL CATHODE BALANCE OF PLANT FREEZE STRATEGY - A system and method for a cathode subsystem in a fuel cell system. The system includes a fuel cell stack, a cathode inlet line that provides cathode air to a fuel cell stack and a cathode exhaust line that exhausts a cathode exhaust gas out of the fuel cell stack. Also included is a backpressure valve in the cathode exhaust line that is located downstream of a drip rail of the cathode exhaust line, where the drip rail includes a protrusion that prevents condensed water from building up near the backpressure valve. The drip rail further includes a sump that collects drips of condensed water from the protrusion of the drip rail. The system also includes a drain below a water vapor transfer unit that includes an orifice that is in a portion of the drain that is within the cathode exhaust line. | 10-29-2015 |
20150310853 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SPEECH ARTIFACT COMPENSATION IN SPEECH RECOGNITION SYSTEMS - A method for speech recognition includes generating a speech prompt, receiving a spoken utterance from a user in response to the speech prompt, wherein the spoken utterance includes a speech artifact, and compensating for the speech artifact. Compensating for the speech artifact may include, for example, utilizing a recognition grammar that includes the speech artifact as a speech component, or modifying the spoken utterance to eliminate the speech artifact. | 10-29-2015 |
20150308566 | PUSH-BUTTON SHIFTER ASSEMBLY WITH BUTTON STATE DETERMINATION LOGIC - A vehicle or other system includes an actuator assembly operable to achieve a selected operating state of the system in response to an electronic state selection signal, a push-button shifter assembly, and a controller. The shift assembly includes push-buttons, each including at least three redundant switches. A binary open/closed state of each switch defines the electronic state selection signal. The controller is in by-wire communication with the actuator and push-button shifter assemblies, and receives the electronic state selection signal. The controller determines a pressed, released, or unknown button state of each push-button by determining, in response to the electronic state selection signal, if all of the redundant switches have closed. If all of the redundant switches have not closed, the controller determines whether fewer than all of the switches have closed and opened within a calibrated time interval of each other. | 10-29-2015 |
20150308552 | SPLIT INPUT CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - A two mode CVT is provided that for a motor vehicle. The CVT includes a speed change device connected to a pulley and belt assembly. The pulley and belt assembly is connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch. The planetary gear set arrangement is connected to a final drive unit. | 10-29-2015 |
20150308551 | THREE MODE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - A three mode continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle includes an optional speed change device connected to a pulley and a belt assembly or other continuously variable unit. The pulley and belt assembly is also connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes and two clutches. The planetary gear set arrangement is connected to a final drive unit. Engagement of the clutches and brakes provides three modes of operation to the CVT. | 10-29-2015 |
20150308538 | SYSTEM FOR ELASTICALLY AVERAGING ASSEMBLY OF COMPONENTS - An elastic averaging system for mated components comprises an inner panel and an outer panel disposed in a spaced configuration. An elastically deformable stand is fixed to and extends from the first panel towards the second panel. The elastically deformable stand comprises a side wall that forms a partial enclosure having a closure surface defining a top surface that faces the outer panel. A flexible wing extends outwardly from the sidewall. A receiver member extends outwardly from the outer panel towards the corresponding inner panel and comprises side walls extending forming a partial enclosure that is configured to receive the elastically deformable stand. The elastically deformable stand is configured to elastically deform as said stand enters the partial enclosure of the receiver member and moves toward a fully engaged position. | 10-29-2015 |
20150308355 | CYLINDER RE-ACTIVATION FUELING CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An engine control system is described. A cylinder control module selectively activates and deactivates intake and exhaust valves of a cylinder of an engine. A fuel control module disables fueling of the cylinder when the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinder are deactivated and, when the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinder are activated after being deactivated for at least one combustion cycle of the cylinder, adjusts fueling of the cylinder based on a predetermined reactivation fueling adjustment set for the cylinder. | 10-29-2015 |
20150308316 | INTEGRATED MIXING SYSTEM FOR EXHAUST AFTERTREATMENT SYSTEM - In one aspect, a swirl can mixer assembly for mixing a fluid with exhaust gas exhausted from an internal combustion engine is provided. The assembly includes an inlet portion including an injection area configured to receive a fluid injector for dispensing the fluid into the exhaust gas for mixing with the exhaust gas in the mixing assembly to produce an exhaust gas/fluid mixture, an outlet portion, and an extended mixing conduit fluidly coupled between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The extended mixing conduit is curved about at least a portion of a circumference of the outlet portion to induce a swirl in the exhaust gas/fluid mixture such that the exhaust gas/fluid mixture enters the outlet portion tangentially thereto. | 10-29-2015 |
20150307111 | METHODS FOR PROVIDING OPERATOR SUPPORT UTILIZING A VEHICLE TELEMATICS SERVICE SYSTEM - A method for providing interaction with an operator of a vehicle includes receiving request, from the operator of the vehicle and using a telematics system of the vehicle, for support or assistance regarding use of the telematics system, establishing a remote voice communication link between the vehicle and a remotely located call center, using the telematics system, and establishing a remote data communication link between the vehicle and the remotely located call center, using the telematics system. The method further includes providing verbal interaction or instruction regarding the use of the telematics system through the established remote voice communication, using the telematics system and/or providing audio/visual remote control, demonstrating or executing the use of the telematics system through the established remote data communication link, using the telematics system. | 10-29-2015 |
20150307044 | ARCHITECTED AUTOMOTIVE IMPACT BEAM - A curved sandwich impact structure for a vehicle having a micro-truss core. In one embodiment, the sandwich impact structure includes a micro-truss layer sandwiched between two facesheets, a micro-truss layer designed for energy absorption on the outside of one of the facesheets, and a fascia panel in contact with the energy absorbing micro-truss layer. | 10-29-2015 |
20150307029 | STEP ASSEMBLY FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE HAVING A BED - A step assembly for a motor vehicle having a passenger compartment including a driver side and a passenger side and a cargo bed having first and second side portions includes a step member extending from a first end configured to be mounted at one of the driver side and the passenger side of the passenger compartment to a second end configured to be mounted at a corresponding one of the first and second side portions of the cargo bed. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306862 | RESISTANCE SPOT WELDING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A resistance spot welding system can join two polymeric workpieces and includes a power supply. The power supply has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The resistance spot welding system further includes a welding electrode assembly electrically connected to the power supply. The welding electrode assembly includes a housing, a first electrically conductive pin and a second electrically conductive pin. The first and second electrically conductive pins both protrude from the housing. The first electrically conductive pin is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the second electrically conductive pin is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power supply. The second electrically conductive material is electrically insulated from the first electrically conductive pin. The first and second electrically conductive pins are at least partly made of a material having a hardness ranging between 50 HRC and 70 HRC. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306861 | STIFFENING AND/OR STRENGTHENING A STRUCTURAL MEMBER USING A PRE-MADE MICROTRUSS INSERT - A method for fabricating a micro-truss structure having particular application for a vehicle impact structure. The method includes providing a thin support enclosure having a plurality of walls, where at least one of the walls is transparent to ultraviolet (UV) light. The support enclosure is filled with a liquid photomonomer resin and light from at least one UV source is directed through apertures in a mask and through the at least one transparent wall into the enclosure so as to polymerize and at least partially cure columns of the resin therein to form polymerized struts defining a micro-truss core in the enclosure that is secured to the walls. The support enclosure is then inserted into an outer structural enclosure. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306718 | PLATE ASSEMBLY - A plate assembly can support a cylinder head and includes a frame. The frame includes a frame body and a supporting wall extending from the frame body. The frame body defines an inner frame surface. The inner frame surface and the supporting wall jointly define a frame cavity. The plate assembly also includes an insert configured to support the cylinder head. The insert is sized to be received in the frame cavity and includes an insert body. The insert body defines a top insert surface, a bottom insert surface opposite to the top insert surface, and a lateral insert surface interconnecting the top and bottom insert surfaces. The supporting wall supports the insert such that the inner frame surface surrounds the lateral insert surface and the supporting wall contacts the insert bottom surface when the insert is disposed in the frame cavity. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306697 | RESISTANCE SPOT WELDING METHOD - A resistance spot welding method can be used to join polymeric and metallic workpieces together and includes the following steps: (a) placing an electrically conductive coating between a polymeric workpiece and a metallic workpiece, wherein the metallic workpiece has a textured surface facing the polymeric workpiece; (b) piercing the polymeric workpiece with first and second electrically conductive pins of a welding electrode assembly; (c) applying electrical energy to the first and second electrically conductive pins so that an electrical current flows through the first electrically conductive pin, the electrically conductive coating, and the second electrically conductive pin in order to at least partially melt the polymeric workpiece and the electrically conductive coating, thereby forming a weld pool; and (d) cooling the weld pool to form a solid weld nugget in order to establish a mechanical interface lock between the solid weld nugget and the textured surface. | 10-29-2015 |
20150302718 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERPRETING DRIVER PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA BASED ON VEHICLE EVENTS - A method for interpreting physiological information includes receiving, from at least one physiological signal source, physiological data associated with a user of a vehicle, receiving vehicle event data and driving context data associated with operation of the vehicle, and determining a state of the user based on the vehicle event data, the driving context data, and the physiological data. | 10-22-2015 |
20150301130 | AUTOMOTIVE MAGNETIC SHIELD - A linear magnetic sensor shield system comprises first and second shield parts. The system may include first and second field sensor assemblies, each having field sensors disposed therein. The first shield part may be disposed adjacent to a first side of the first field sensor assembly, and the second shield part may be disposed adjacent to a second side of the second field sensor assembly. The shield parts may be formed of mu metal or a mu metal and steel composite, by of example. A torque transmitting device is also provided. | 10-22-2015 |
20150301129 | AUTOMOTIVE MAGNETIC SHIELD - A linear magnetic sensor shield system comprises first and second shield parts. The system may include first and second field sensor assemblies, each having field sensors disposed therein. The first shield part may be disposed adjacent to a first side and a third side of the first field sensor assembly, and the second shield part may be disposed adjacent to a second side of the second field sensor assembly. The shield parts may be formed of mu metal, by of example, or they may have a curved shape or a thickness in the range of about 0.015 inch to about 0.030 inch. A torque transmitting device is also provided. | 10-22-2015 |
20150301116 | STATE OF CHARGE ESTIMATOR AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - A number of variations include a method, which may include using at least a segment of voltage-based Battery State Estimation data, and using real-time linear regression, which may be a method of estimating future behavior of a system based on current and previous data points, to provide a robust and fast-adapting impedance response approximator. Linear regression may be performed by forming an RC circuit which is “equivalent” to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data and processing the runtime values of that RC circuit using any number of known real-time linear regression algorithms including, but not limited, to a weighted recursive least squares (WRLS), Kalman filter or other means. | 10-22-2015 |
20150300485 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A SYNCHRONIZER ACTUATOR FORK OF A TRANSMISSION - A method of controlling movement of an actuator fork and attached synchronizer sleeve of a transmission through a pre-synchronization phase of a synchronization event at a pre-synchronization fork velocity below a breakaway velocity such that a strut is retained to the sleeve by a ball plunger for the duration of the pre-synchronization phase. A method of adjusting one of a pressure signal and a flow signal to an actuator piston to control movement of the actuator fork includes moving the fork from an initial disengaged position through a pre-synchronization phase of a synchronization event by controlling one of a pre-synchronization fluid pressure value and flow value, where the controlled pre-synchronization fluid value is less than a threshold value corresponding to a breakaway force of a ball plunger configured to selectively retain a strut assembly to a synchronizer sleeve operatively attached to the actuator fork. | 10-22-2015 |
20150300469 | TWO MODE CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - A two mode automatic transmission for a motor vehicle includes a variable ratio component, a plurality of planetary gear assemblies, a chain drive assembly and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. A first planetary gear assembly is associated with an input shaft, a first clutch and a first brake and provides forward and reverse gears. The variable ratio component is driven by the output of the first planetary gear assembly and drives the second planetary gear assembly. The second planetary gear assembly, which may be either a simple or compound planetary assembly, is associated with a second clutch and a second brake and drives the chain drive assembly. The output of the chain drive assembly drives a third planetary gear assembly which is associated with an output shaft. | 10-22-2015 |
20150300461 | ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DRIVE SYSTEM - An electro mechanical-drive system includes a main shaft, a plurality of ball bearings disposed around the main shaft, and a plurality of roller bearing disposed around the main shaft. At least one of the ball bearings is aligned with at least one of the roller bearings along an axis perpendicular to the main shaft. The ball and roller bearings may support other components of the electro-mechanical drive system and may be arranged in a nested or staggered configuration. | 10-22-2015 |
20150300434 | AIRFLOW DEFLECTOR FOR BRAKE COOLING - A fascia for a vehicle having a body front end, a distal body rear end, and a brake subassembly for decelerating the vehicle is disclosed. The fascia is configured to divert an incident airflow around the body front end and includes a fastening provision for attachment to the body front end. The fascia also includes a deflector having an airfoil shape and configured to direct the incident airflow to the brake subassembly for cooling thereof. A vehicle employing such a fascia is also disclosed. | 10-22-2015 |
20150300279 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A POWERTRAIN - The method can control a powertrain in order to maintain the charge temperature at a desired value regardless of exhaust manifold pressure or altitude. The method includes the following steps: (a) receiving a torque request; (b) determining a desired air charge based, a least in part, on the torque request; (c) determining an actual air charge based, at least in part, on input signals from a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor and a mass airflow (MAF) sensor; (d) adjusting an intake valve timing of the intake valve such that the actual air charge is equal to a desired air charge, and (e) adjusting throttle position and actuator positions of boosting devices such that the actual intake manifold pressure is equal to the desired intake manifold pressure. | 10-22-2015 |
20150300058 | LOCKABLE LATCHING DEVICE - A lockable latching device includes a body defining a cavity therein and having a central longitudinal axis, and a plunger disposed within the cavity. The plunger has a first end and a second end and is translatable with respect to the body along the axis between an open position and a closed position. The device also includes an annular rotator spaced apart from the body along the axis and configured for rotating the plunger about the axis. The device includes an annular latch abutting the rotator that is transitionable between an unlocked state and a locked state. The device also includes an element attached to the latch and formed from a shape memory alloy that is transitionable between an austenite crystallographic phase and a martensite crystallographic phase in response to an activation signal to thereby transition the latch from the locked state to the unlocked state. | 10-22-2015 |
20150300055 | LOCKABLE LATCHING DEVICE - A lockable latching device includes a body defining a cavity and having a central longitudinal axis, and a plunger disposed within the cavity. The plunger has a first end and a second end and is translatable along the axis between an open position and a closed position. The device includes an annular rotator disposed along the axis and configured for rotating the plunger about the axis. The device also includes an annular latch abutting the rotator that is transitionable between an unlocked state and a locked state. The device includes a first element operably connected to the latch and formed from a first shape memory alloy and a second element operably connected to the latch and formed from a second shape memory alloy. | 10-22-2015 |
20150300046 | VEHICLE DOOR ENGAGEMENT DETECTION - Methods and systems are provided for implementing door engagement detection for a vehicle. A sensor is configured to detect when an apparatus of a door of a vehicle is engaged from inside the vehicle. A processor is coupled to the sensor, and is configured to at least facilitate providing a notification if the apparatus of the door is engaged from inside the vehicle. | 10-22-2015 |
20150299818 | Thermal-Assisted Roll Forming of High Strength Material - A thermal-assisted method deforms plastically a high-strength material using a high-intensive heat source. The high-strength material may be a cold-rolled sheet aluminum of strength greater than 300 megapascal (MPa) or a cold-rolled sheet steel of strength greater than 1000 MPa. The cold-rolled sheet metal is heated just before bending to a temperature near or above the critical temperature for the material and is followed by rapid quenching after bending. | 10-22-2015 |
20150298443 | LOW ENERGY PROCESS FOR MAKING CURVED SANDWICH STRUCTURES WITH LITTLE OR NO RESIDUAL STRESS - A process for fabricating a curved beam including a micro-truss structure. In one embodiment, the process includes fabricating the micro-truss structure on a bottom facesheet, where the micro-truss structure is only partially cured so that it is readily bendable, and then forming the partially cured micro-truss structure and bottom facesheet over a curved fixture, where the partially cured micro-truss structure is then fully cured and hardened to its final curved state. A top facesheet is then adhered to a top surface of the micro-truss structure. In an alternate embodiment, a curved bottom facesheet is forced flat against a fixture and the micro-truss structure is formed while the bottom facesheet is secured to the fixture to a partially cured state. The bottom facesheet is then released from the fixture, which causes it to return to its curved configuration causing the micro-truss structure to bend. | 10-22-2015 |
20150298319 | LOWER ROBOTIC ARM ASSEMBLY HAVING A PLURALITY OF TENDON DRIVEN DIGITS - A lower robotic arm includes a base structure, a plurality of digits, and a plurality of tendons. The digits each include first, second, third, and fourth phalanges. Each digit is operatively attached to the base structure at the respective first phalange. A first joint operatively connects the first and second phalange to define a first axis, a second operatively connects the second and third phalange to define a second axis, and a third joint operatively connects the third and fourth phalange to define a third axis, such that the phalanges are selectively rotatable relative to the adjacent phalange, about the respective axis. The tendons are operatively connected to a respective one of the fourth phalanges. Each tendon selectively applies a first torque to the respective fourth phalange to urge the respective phalanges to rotate in a first direction about the respective axes. | 10-22-2015 |
20150295910 | AUTHENTICATING DATA AT A MICROCONTROLLER USING MESSAGE AUTHENTICATION CODES - A system and method of verifying data at a microcontroller using message authentication codes (MACs) includes generating at a microprocessor of the microcontroller a valid MAC using valid data; transmitting the valid MAC to a peripheral of the microcontroller along with the valid data; receiving an authentication message at the microprocessor from the peripheral in response to transmitting the valid MAC; generating at the microprocessor an invalid MAC, which is created by changing one or more bits of the valid MAC; transmitting the invalid MAC to the peripheral along with the valid data in response to the authentication message; and receiving a second authentication message at the microprocessor from the peripheral in response to transmitting the invalid MAC. | 10-15-2015 |
20150294496 | PROBABILISTIC PERSON-TRACKING USING MULTI-VIEW FUSION - A method of constructing a probabilistic representation of the location of an object within a workspace includes obtaining a plurality of 2D images of the workspace, with each respective 2D image being acquired from a camera disposed at a different location within the workspace. A foreground portion is identified within at least two of the plurality of 2D images, and each foreground portion is projected to each of a plurality of parallel spaced planes. An area is identified within each of the plurality of planes where a plurality of projected foreground portions overlap. These identified areas are combined to form a 3D bounding envelope of an object. This bounding envelope is a probabilistic representation of the location of the object within the workspace. | 10-15-2015 |
20150294483 | VISION-BASED MULTI-CAMERA FACTORY MONITORING WITH DYNAMIC INTEGRITY SCORING - A human monitoring system includes a plurality of cameras and a visual processor. The plurality of cameras are disposed about a workspace area, where each camera is configured to capture a video feed that includes a plurality of image frames, and the plurality of image frames are time-synchronized between the respective cameras. The visual processor is configured to receive the plurality of image frames from the plurality of vision-based imaging devices and determine an integrity score for each respective image frame. The processor may then isolate a foreground section from two or more of the views, determine a principle body axis for each respective foreground section, and determine a location point according to a weighted least squares function amongst the various principle body axes. | 10-15-2015 |