Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130025780 | MANUFACTURE OF AN ACOUSTIC SILENCER - A method for manufacturing a resonator is disclosed in which a sleeve insert is placed into a fixture within a blow molding apparatus. The sleeve insert has a wall with a first plurality of apertures in the wall at a first axial distance and a second plurality of apertures in the wall at a second axial distance. A parison is slid over the sleeve insert; the mold is clamped over the parison causing the parison to press into the sleeve insert at three locations: near the ends of the sleeve insert and at a location between the pluralities of apertures; and air is blown into the sleeve insert, via a blow pin, to expand the parison into the walls of the mold to form cavities proximate the first and second pluralities of aperatures. After cooling, the mold opens to release the newly formed resonator. | 01-31-2013 |
20130032102 | COOLING SYSTEMS - A method for controlling a cooling system for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine permits rapid warm-up of the engine by the use of two electrically-operated valves in addition to a conventional thermostat. The method includes controlling a bypass valve and a heater valve to both remain closed at low coolant temperatures and engine speed to inhibit coolant flow through the engine. A control unit opens the bypass valve to prevent cavitation in the water pump if engine speed and/or load exceeds a certain value. The heater valve is opened when a threshold engine coolant temperature is reached permitting warming of the heater matrix. | 02-07-2013 |
20130035852 | POINT OF INTEREST SEARCH, IDENTIFICATION, AND NAVIGATION - A computer-implemented navigation method for identifying one or more points of interest (POI) in a geographic location includes calculating a navigation route and receiving a reference point input. The reference point input may be unrelated to the navigation route and usable for identifying one or more POIs. The method further includes receiving one or more search parameters for searching for one or more POIs with respect to the reference point and identifying the one or more POIs based on the search parameters and reference point. The method also includes presenting the one or more POIs on a vehicle computer display. | 02-07-2013 |
20130040620 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENABLING AN AUTHORIZED VEHICLE DRIVEAWAY - Various embodiments may include methods and system for enabling an authorized vehicle driveaway. A vehicle driveaway authorization code for authorizing a vehicle to be driven and a user authorization code that corresponds to the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be generated. The codes may be generated by, for example, at least one server configured to generate the authorization codes. The at least one server may be communicating with a nomadic device and a vehicle driveaway authorization system. A vehicle driveaway request signal may be received. In response to a receipt of the vehicle driveaway request signal, the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be transmitted to the vehicle driveaway authorization system and the user authorization code may be transmitted to the nomadic device for input to the vehicle driveaway authorization system in order to enable the vehicle to be driven. | 02-14-2013 |
20130043700 | STOWABLE CHILD SEAT FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES - A child seat mount assembly, a seat for mounting a child seat, and a passenger vehicle having a stowable child seat are provided. A seat back is connected to the body for closing an access opening to a storage compartment and seating an occupant in an upright position, and for opening the access opening in a collapsed position. A child seat mounting plate is connected to the seat back such that the mounting plate and child seat extend into the storage compartment in the upright position of the seat back, and such that the child seat is in a seating position in the collapsed position of the seat back. A method is provided for converting a vehicle seat for receiving and storing a child seat in the storage compartment, and for deploying a child seat in the collapsed position of the seat back. | 02-21-2013 |
20130058849 | SYSTEM FOR REMEDIATING EMISSIONS AND METHOD OF USE - A method of using a hybrid oxidation catalyst system for remediating a lean emission from a vehicle includes the step of oxidizing the hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in an engine emission comprising hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, NO | 03-07-2013 |
20130060419 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OBJECT DETECTION BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on each of the primary and secondary keys and is configured to generate a driver status signal indicative of whether the driver the primary driver or the secondary driver. A controller is operably coupled to the key ignition device. The controller is adapted to determine whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. The controller is adapted to generate a position notification signal indicative of the position of the object with respect to the vehicle. The controller is adapted to notify the primary and secondary drivers of the position of the object. The controller is adapted to selectively control the operation of generating the position notification signals based on whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060420 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING A VEHICLE BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - In at least one embodiment a system and a method for tracking locations for one of a primary driver and a secondary driver is provided. The apparatus comprises a communication module configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of the driver being the secondary driver. The communication module is further configured to detect the presence of a memory map device that provides map data for one or more locations capable of being visited by the secondary driver and to receive a location signal having coordinate data that corresponds to one or more locations visited by the secondary driver. The communication module is further configured to store the coordinate data when the memory map device is not detected so that the coordinate data is available for transmission with the map data when the memory map device is detected. | 03-07-2013 |
20130073150 | ADJUSTABLE GRILL SHUTTER SYSTEM - An adjustable grill shutter system is provided. In one embodiment, adjustment of the grill shutter system can be provided by a method of adjusting a grill shutter system for a vehicle, the method comprising adjusting opening of one or more grill shutters located at a front end opening of the vehicle in response to a non-driven vehicle condition. | 03-21-2013 |
20130073164 | METHOD OF AVOIDING BRAKE DISC SCORING IN A VEHICLE - A method for avoiding reducing scoring of the brake disc or the brake drum of a vehicle driven under rainy conditions calculates a product of three parameters, and activates an automatic braking operation for the vehicle, regularly, whenever the product exceeds the pre-determined threshold level. The first parameter is a rain intensity based parameter, a measure of the current raining intensity. The second parameter is a brake-activation-free driving time parameter, representing the time elapsed since the braking system of the vehicle was activated last. The third parameter is a speed parameter, which represents a current speed of the vehicle. As the automatic braking operation is carried out, the particles of dust, water, snow and de-icing substances, adhered to the brake disc of the vehicle, and causing scoring of the brake disc, are quickly removed, thus, reducing disc scoring. | 03-21-2013 |
20130079194 | Temperature Dependent Minimum Transmission Input Speed - A system and method is employed to regulate a minimum transmission input speed based on automatic fluid temperature. The system includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the automatic transmission fluid and a controller for setting a minimum engine speed of the engine based on the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid. The size of a transmission pump may be reduced while the pump is still able to supply enough automatic transmission fluid to friction elements and gear ratios to provide lubrication and enable friction element actuators to engage and disengage the friction elements in a timely and effective manner In a preferred form of the invention, when the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid is below 210° F., the minimum engine speed is set to no greater than 900 rpm; and when the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid is above 210° F., the minimum engine speed is set to no less than 1000 rpm. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079968 | PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE INTERLOCK - To prevent damage of a vehicle or a cord set used to charge a plug-in electric vehicle when the vehicle is driven away while the cord set is attached, an interlock can be provided to disable the vehicle. Such interlock may be based on a protective door over the charging receptacle being open or detection that a cord set is plugged in. However, in the event that the vehicle is in an activated state, the interlock is prevented from disabling the vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. That is, undesirable disabling of the vehicle is prevented when either there is no indication of a cord set being coupled to the vehicle or the vehicle is in an activated state. | 03-28-2013 |
20130081736 | CORD WRAP AND POWER PLUG RECEPTACLE ARRANGEMENT FOR INFLATOR - A temporary mobility kit to minimize or prevent the inadvertent outflow of tire sealant is provided. The temporary mobility kit includes a switch-inflator assembly and a removable sealant assembly. The switch-inflator assembly includes a pump motor and an electrical plug assembly having a cord portion and a plug. The plug is adapted for use in the vehicle's power unit. The housing includes a peripheral channel about which the cord portion of the electrical plug assembly is wrapped when the electrical plug assembly is not in use. A plug-receiving aperture is provided to receive and retain the plug when not in use. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085034 | Ratio Shift Control System And Method For A Multiple-Ratio Automatic Transmission - A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated friction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a powertrain source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a powertrain source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided. | 04-04-2013 |
20130090818 | Multiple-Ratio Automatic Transmission Control Method And System For Ratio Upshifts - A speed ratio shaft control for multiple ratio vehicle transmission has controlled release of an off-going transmission clutch and controlled engagement of an on-coming transmission clutch during a speed ratio upshift, at least one clutch being a friction torque establishing clutch. A controller, using shift-timing software strategy, actively manages in real time a clutch torque level for each clutch so that transient torque disturbances in a transmission torque output shaft are mitigated. | 04-11-2013 |
20130092118 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH A LUBRICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A lubrication system in an internal combustion engine is provided. The lubrication system includes a crankshaft bearing supporting a crankshaft, a supply line including an outlet flowing oil to the crankshaft bearing and an inlet receiving oil from an oil gallery, and thermal insulation at least partially surrounding at least a portion of an inner wall of the supply line and/or the oil gallery. | 04-18-2013 |
20130092124 | METHOD FOR REDUCING THE PARTICLE EMISSIONS OF A SPARK-IGNITION INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH DIRECT INJECTION, AND INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE FOR CARRYING OUT SUCH A METHOD - A method for reducing the particle emissions of a spark-ignition, direct-injection internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises operating at least one cylinder superstoichiometrically, responsive to an injector coking level and sufficiently high cylinder temperature, for a duration to increase oxidation of coking residues. | 04-18-2013 |
20130092472 | ACOUSTIC ATTENUATOR FOR AN ENGINE BOOSTER - An acoustic attenuator | 04-18-2013 |
20130093205 | INSERT FOR A DASHBOARD - A unit for storing items in a motor vehicle interior includes a main storage compartment and a docking station for a portable electronic device such as a smart phone or a navigation device. A main cover is movably attached to the storage compartment to enclose the main storage compartment, and a docking cover encloses a sub-portion of the storage compartment. The docking cover is movable to an in-service position wherein its underside is exposed. A device holder is attached to the underside of the docking cover for holding a mobile electronic device in an access position when in the docking cover is in the in-service position. The docking cover and the portion are inset relative to a perimeter of the storage compartment, so that the docking station forms a portion of a main perimeter of the storage compartment. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096789 | Bounded Vehicle Driveline Twist Estimating - A method for controlling a vehicle driveline having a power source and a transmission clutch includes using a difference between two spaced locations in the subject vehicle driveline to determine driveline twist speed due to applied torque, using a product of driveline twist speed and a sampling interval to produce an estimated driveline twist from the sum of incremental changes in driveline twist that are between predetermined upper and lower magnitudes, producing, in response to a demanded wheel torque, a first signal that controls torque transmitted from the power source to the clutch during a lash crossing using the estimated driveline twist and the current driveline torque; and producing a second signal that controls clutch torque capacity such that clutch slip is produced during the lash crossing. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096808 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENGINE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for controlling the operation of an engine of a vehicle is disclosed in which a torque request signal supplied to control the supply of torque from the engine is adaptively modified based upon a desired maximum acceleration limit for the currently engaged gear and variations in the sum of forces resisting motion of the vehicle. | 04-18-2013 |
20130098000 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE HAVING A PLURALITY OF EXHAUST PORTS PER CYLINDER AND CHARGE EXCHANGE METHOD FOR SUCH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method for controlling valve actuation in an engine is provided. The method includes initiating combustion operation in a first cylinder, opening, via a first cam, a first exhaust valve coupled to the first cylinder for a first opening duration. The method further includes opening, via a second cam, a second exhaust valve coupled to the first cylinder for a second opening duration not equivalent to the first opening duration. | 04-25-2013 |
20130098031 | Supercharged Internal Combustion Engine Having Exhaust-Gas Recirculation Arrangement and Method for Operating an Internal Combustion Engine of Said Type - Embodiments for an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder, at least one exhaust line for discharging combustion gases via an exhaust-gas discharge system, and at least one intake line for supplying charge air via an intake system are provided. In one example, an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust-gas recirculation arrangement which comprises a recirculation line which branches off from the exhaust-gas discharge system and which opens into the intake system, an exhaust-gas turbocharger comprising a compressor arranged in the intake system and a turbine arranged in the exhaust-gas discharge system, a throttle element which is arranged in the intake line downstream of the compressor, a bypass line which branches off from the intake line upstream of the throttle element and which opens into the intake line again downstream of the throttle element, and an expansion machine for gaining additional energy arranged in the bypass line. | 04-25-2013 |
20130101471 | EXHAUST-GAS AFTERTREATMENT SYSTEM - The present disclosure relates to an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system for an internal combustion engine, having an exhaust line and having provided therein a filter arrangement which comprises a first particle filter element and a second particle filter element, wherein the first particle filter element is equipped with an active regeneration device for restoring its filtration performance. The disclosure furthermore relates to a method for operating an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system of said type and to the use thereof. | 04-25-2013 |
20130101485 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN INJECTION DEVICE FOR FEEDING AN AMMONIA-RELEASING REDUCING AGENT INTO AN EXHAUST-GAS PURIFICATION SYSTEM OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling an injection device for feeding an ammonia-releasing reducing agent into an exhaust-gas purification system of an internal combustion engine for the purpose of reducing the nitrogen oxide emissions, wherein the exhaust-gas purification system comprises at least one SCR catalytic converter with n cells which are arranged in series in the exhaust-gas throughflow direction and in which ammonia can be stored. | 04-25-2013 |
20130116090 | Friction Element Load Sensing in an Automatic Transmission - A load sensor assembly for measuring an amount of torque transmitted through a torque establishing element includes a core mounted on a transmission housing and a load sensor mounted on the core. The load sensor is positioned against a portion of the torque establishing element whereby a portion of the amount of torque transmitted through the torque establishing element travels through the load sensor and is measured. A cable is connected to the load sensor for transmitting a signal representative of the amount of torque to a transmission controller. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116924 | Methods and Systems for Testing Navigation Routes - Various embodiments may include a method and system for testing data defining one or more navigation routes. A starting location may be input at a computer remote from the starting location. A destination location may also be input. Map data including GPS information based on the starting location input and the destination location input may be received. Route data may also be received. Based on the map data and the route data, data defining one or more navigation instructions may be generated for one or more routes. The one or more navigation instructions may be executed at the computer and compared to the map data. Based on the comparison, an accuracy of the navigation instructions may be determined. The data defining the navigation instructions may be corrected if the data is determined to be inaccurate. | 05-09-2013 |
20130117065 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED MESSAGING IN AN ONLINE LEGAL WORKFLOW TOOL - A computer system and computer-implemented method for message or “chaser” management in a distributed legal workflow environment is provided. Embodiments provide central administration of legal workflow conducted by a plurality of distributed participants. A plurality of workflow chasers associated with a plurality of workflow records are created and defined based on a plurality of attributes (e.g. associated record identification, action identification, target user, display date, etc.). New and existing chasers are compared to one another to identify any redundancies (e.g. duplicate chasers, unnecessary chasers, etc.). Redundant chasers are deleted or otherwise de-activated. Remaining chasers are implemented within the distributed legal workflow environment, as appropriate (i.e. displayed to their target user on the associated target display date. Chasers may be created automatically as required for conformance to workflow policies, procedures or applicable laws. Chasers may also be user-defined and modified. | 05-09-2013 |
20130118148 | ADVANCED EXHAUST-GAS SAMPLER FOR EXHAUST SENSOR - An exhaust-gas sampler is adapted to couple into an exhaust conduit and to sample a constituent of an engine exhaust flowing therein. The sampler comprises an envelope having upstream and downstream surfaces joined by a curved side surface. The upstream and downstream surfaces are each tangent to a plane substantially normal to a central axis of the exhaust conduit. A series of inlets are formed in the upstream surface, and an outlet is formed in the curved side surface. A sensor responsive to a level of the constituent in the exhaust is coupled in the envelope, at the peripheral region of the conduit. | 05-16-2013 |
20130118154 | CONTROLLING OPERATION OF EXHAUST OF AN ENGINE INCLUDING A PARTICULATE FILTER - Methods and systems for controlling operation of exhaust of an engine including a particulate filter are described. One example method includes generating compressed air during engine operation, and storing the compressed air. The method further includes, during or after engine shutdown, pushing the compressed air through the particulate filter using a pressure of the compressed air. | 05-16-2013 |
20130118425 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING WARM-UP OF AN ENGINE - A method is disclosed for heating a liquid supplied to an engine of a motor vehicle by a pump when the temperature of the liquid is low, thereby reducing the operating efficiency of the engine. The method comprises inefficient operation of the pump by constricting flow to create heat that is transferrable to the liquid. Inefficient operation of the pump is enacted when service brakes are applied and the vehicle is decelerating to minimize negative impact on fuel economy and overall engine efficiency. | 05-16-2013 |
20130120158 | False Event Suppression for Collision Avoidance Systems - A collision warning apparatus includes sensors, output devices, memory locations, a GPS device, and a processor. The processor may receive information from the sensors. The processor may also process the information to identify a detected object as a present potential collision object. The processor may compare present GPS coordinates of the vehicle with stored vehicle GPS coordinates saved in memory, to determine whether or not the present GPS coordinates correspond to stored vehicle GPS coordinates associated with a previously identified potential collision object. If the present GPS coordinates correspond to stored vehicle GPS coordinates associated with a previously identified potential collision object, the processor is operable to suppress a potential collision warning. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123064 | Method And System To Prevent Vehicle Driveaway During Battery Charging - A system and method are disclosed for preventing driveaway or roll away of a plug-in electric vehicle when it is being charged or is coupled to an external power supply cord. When it is detected based on at least one of the following conditions: a current is flowing to the battery charger, a voltage source is coupled to the battery charger, an access door allowing access to the receptacle on board the vehicle is open and/or a plug detect switch indicates that a plug is coupled with the receptacle, a mechanical restraint on the driveline is prevented from being released. The mechanical restraint may be a parking brake. Alternatively, the mechanical restraint may include preventing the gear shift selector from being moved out of the park position. | 05-16-2013 |
20130125368 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A VANITY ASSEMBLY - A vanity mirror and light assembly is provided for use on a vehicle visor. The vanity assembly includes a clear frame molded to a reflective film to define a reflector portion and a partially transmissive portion. The assembly also includes a lighting device located behind the partially transmissive portion of the reflective film to provide a vanity light passing through the partially transmissive portion. A method of forming the vanity assembly in a mold is also provided. | 05-23-2013 |
20130129939 | PROCESS FOR REPAIRING A CYLINDER RUNNING SURFACE BY MEANS OF PLASMA SPRAYING PROCESSES - A method of repairing an inner surface of a cylinder liner housed in an engine block. Material is removed from the inner surface to produce a reduced-thickness region, the reduced-thickness region extending axially relative to the cylinder and stopping short of an end of the liner to leave a region of original diameter between the reduced thickness region and the end of the liner. The surface the reduced-thickness region is then roughened, for example by hammer brushing. A plasma coating is applied to the reduced-thickness region and to at least a portion of the region of original diameter. The coating is then finish-machined to produce a uniform internal diameter equal to an original internal diameter of the region of original diameter prior to the application of the coating. | 05-23-2013 |
20130130850 | Accessory Drive and Engine Restarting - A method for controlling a drive system includes driveably connecting an engine to a variator, using a pulley to transmit rotating power from an electric machine through a gearset that increases speed of an input of the variator relative to a speed of the pulley, controlling a speed ratio of the variator, and transmitting power through the gearset and variator to the engine. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131900 | Engine Power Elevation Energy Management Strategies for Hybrid Vehicles - A method for a hybrid vehicle includes outputting from an engine at least an elevated engine power while a driver demand power is greater than the elevated engine power. The method further includes outputting just the elevated engine power from the engine while the driver demand power is less than the elevated engine power and transferring from the engine to a traction battery an extra engine power between the elevated engine power and the driver demand power. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131960 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMPENSATING ENGINE THERMAL CONDITIONS - A method for compensating for thermal transient conditions of an engine that can cause valve growth or contraction is disclosed. In one example, the method provides cylinder air amount compensation during non-blow-through and blow-through conditions. The approach may improve cylinder air amount estimates, thereby improving engine emissions. | 05-23-2013 |
20130133988 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A BRAKE SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE - A method for operating a brake system of a vehicle is described. The vehicle includes a service brake having a brake master cylinder and a plurality of wheels each having a respective brake device. Upon attainment of a given measurement value, in particular in the context of a stability control procedure, a brake pressure is built up by means of the brake master cylinder at the brake devices of all wheels. | 05-30-2013 |
20130134005 | COOLING SYSTEM FOR A DRY DUAL CLUTCH OF A DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION - A dual-clutch for a motor vehicle includes an input, first and second outputs, friction plates for producing a drive connection between the input and the first and second outputs alternately, a housing including an inlet and an outlet, containing at least a portion of the friction plates, and a cooling system including a fan impeller rotating with the input and producing an air stream flowing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet. | 05-30-2013 |
20130146036 | Stored Compressed Air Management and Flow Control for Improved Engine Performance - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method comprises admitting air from the compressor to the intake manifold via a main throttle valve, storing some air from the compressor in a boost tank, and discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold via an auxiliary throttle valve distinct from the main throttle valve. | 06-13-2013 |
20130146039 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING VACUUM DEGRADATION IN A VEHICLE - An engine including a lubricated vacuum source is disclosed. In one example, engine oil entrained in gases lubricates a vacuum pump. The approach may provide for improved efficiency when generating vacuum. | 06-13-2013 |
20130149472 | Surface Treatment For Polymeric Part Adhesion - A surface treatment for polymeric part adhesion and a treated part is provided. In one aspect, a method for adhesively securing a part to a polymeric substrate is provided comprising providing an adhesive layer having a bonding surface having a first oxygen composition, a part having a bondable surface, and a polymeric substrate having a mating surface. Spray from an air plasma device is directed onto at least a portion of the bonding surface of the adhesive to provide a second oxygen composition on the bonding surface of the adhesive layer, with the second oxygen composition being greater than the first oxygen composition. The adhesive layer is secured between the bondable surface of the part and the mating surface of the polymeric substrate. | 06-13-2013 |
20130152529 | AIR CLEANER FILTER ASSEMBLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OPERATING IN EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS - A filter assembly for a motor-vehicle air cleaner comprises a main filter, an auxiliary filter set apart from the main filter, and a filter mount fixed to and configured to support the main filter and the auxiliary filter. In this embodiment, the filter mount is fittable in and removable from a housing of the air cleaner, and comprises a sealing element passing between the main filter and the auxiliary filter. | 06-20-2013 |
20130154284 | PRESSURE-BASED CRASH DETECTION SYSTEM INCORPORATED IN SIDE RAIL - A vehicular crash sensing system includes a bumper cap for contacting a bumper. A chamber fits into a side rail attached to the bumper, the chamber being sealed by the bumper cap. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element. | 06-20-2013 |
20130166123 | VEHICLE SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING TRAVEL RANGE - A vehicle system is provided with a controller and an interface communicating with the controller. The controller is configured to receive input that is indicative of available electric energy of a storage device, actual electrical power usage of a climate control system, and thermal requests. The controller is also configured to generate output that is indicative of an estimated travel range in response to the input. The interface is configured to display a range indicator based on the estimated travel range. | 06-27-2013 |
20130167510 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH EXHAUST-GAS AFTERTREATMENT ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OF SAID TYPE - A method, comprising purging a storage catalytic convertor of stored NOx by diverting only a portion of incoming exhaust flow around the catalytic device while increasing injection of reductant to the storage catalytic convertor; and responsive to the diverting, adjusting injection of an ammonia-containing fluid into recombined exhaust flow upstream of an SCR catalytic convertor. Bypass of the storage catalytic convertor reduces available oxygen and air flow through the storage catalytic convertor, providing a more advantageous environment for reduction of NO | 07-04-2013 |
20130167784 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A COOLANT CIRCUIT - A method for operating a liquid coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine is described in which the coolant circuit contains an integrated EGR cooler such that the cooling system has a single circuit with two operational modes. The method includes a controller that can switch between operational modes to enable delivery of coolant to the EGR cooler when the flow of coolant through the block cooling circuit is blocked. In the second operational mode, the method also includes using an auxiliary pump to pass coolant to the EGR cooler while bypassing the main coolant pump, which can occur by adjusting the flow of coolant through the circuit so the flow through a bypass line is reversed relative to the inherent forward direction of flow in the bypass line during the first operational mode. | 07-04-2013 |
20130167786 | LIQUID-COOLED INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OF SAID TYPE - A liquid-cooling engine system is described with a coolant control device having an adjustable control element capable of independently controlling the flow of coolant through a cylinder head and cylinder block. The device contains a rotatable drum that can be rotated along its longitudinal axis to expose holes and thereby allows coolant circulation based on a temperature within the engine system. The coolant control device has three positions but may also be fine-tuned within each position to control the flow of coolant through the cylinder head and cylinder block in order to adjust the amount of heat extracted according to demand, which serves to control the liquid-type cooling circuit in a demand-dependent manner that accounts for the operating modes of the internal combustion engine. | 07-04-2013 |
20130167793 | METHOD TO BALANCE MASS MOMENTS OF A DRIVE UNIT AND DRIVE UNIT FOR PERFORMANCE OF SUCH A METHOD - A method to balance a crank drive of an internal combustion engine comprising: using a balancer unit comprising a first balance weight and a second balance weight serving as counterbalance; rotating the first and second balance weight at an engine rotation speed when a crankshaft rotates at the engine rotation speed; rotating the first balance weight in a same direction as the crankshaft; rotating the second balance weight in an opposite direction to the crankshaft; arranging the first balance weight and the second balance weight such that a resulting balancing moment about a velocity pole of a 1st order of a rigid body rotation of a drive unit at least partially balances a rotary movement about a velocity pole provoked by a resulting mass moment of the 1st order, an external effect of the resulting mass moment of the 1st order being at least partially balanced. | 07-04-2013 |
20130167803 | MULTI-CYLINDER INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH A MULTI-CYLINDER INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A linearly aligned four-cylinder internal combustion engine system operated in a 1-3-4-2 sequence, comprising a cylinder head connected with a cylinder block wherein each cylinder has at least one exhaust port to discharge exhaust gasses via an exhaust gas discharge system, for which an exhaust gas pipe is connected at each exhaust port; wherein the exhaust gas pipes of the cylinders that merge in stages into a common exhaust gas pipe and the exhaust gas discharge system emerges outside of the cylinder head. Thus exhaust gas from consecutive ignitions in adjacent cylinders is separated for a distance throughout the engine head to reduce mutual influencing in adjacent cylinders with consecutive ignitions. | 07-04-2013 |
20130169033 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND A HYDRAULIC BRAKING SYSTEM - A method for operating a hydraulic brake system of a motor vehicle, comprising a pressure generating device used to build up additional brake pressure in a master brake cylinder or in addition to a master brake cylinder and in opposition to further pedal actuation wherein the additional pressure is a function of the pedal actuation travel distance. A method that reduces the limitations of a braking system's physical parameters on the build-up of additional braking pressure. | 07-04-2013 |
20130173115 | LANE-KEEPING ASSISTANCE METHOD FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A lane-keeping method and system for a motor vehicle determines a transverse deviation and an misalignment angle of the motor vehicle relative to a target lane centerline, calculates a reference track for the motor vehicle to follow to return to the centerline using the transverse deviation and the misalignment angle, determines a reference yaw rate using a curvature of the reference track and a longitudinal speed of the vehicle, and compares the reference yaw rate with an actual yaw rate of the vehicle to determine a control deviation. A steering input is then applied to a steering system of the motor vehicle to minimize the control deviation. | 07-04-2013 |
20130173535 | ON-LINE INVENTION DISCLOSURE APPROVAL SYSTEM - An on-line invention disclosure system includes a user computer ( | 07-04-2013 |
20130174536 | METHOD FOR PROTECTING A DPF OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - The invention relates to a method for protecting a DPF in the exhaust section of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle from unintentional combustion of soot in the DPF. According to the invention, the motor vehicle is a hybrid vehicle having at least one electric machine and is able to be driven exclusively by one or more electric machine(s) for some time. The vehicle is operated in a DPF protection mode if the system detects that unintentional combustion of soot is taking place or threatening to take place in the DPF, initiating an automatic decoupling of the combustion engine from the wheel drive train, forward propulsion demands by the driver are met exclusively with the aid of the one or more electric machine(s), and the combustion engine is switched off completely or is operated with stable stoichiometric combustion. | 07-11-2013 |
20130174546 | Controlling Fresh Air and Exhaust Gas Flow in Turbocharged Internal Combustion Engine - An internal combustion engine has a cylinder and an exhaust-gas turbocharger comprising a compressor arranged in an intake system and a turbine arranged in an exhaust-gas discharge system. Various lines are provided for conducting gases including 1) a bypass line branching off from the inlet system downstream of the compressor so as to form an inlet-side junction, and 2) a recirculation line branching off from the exhaust-gas discharge system upstream of the turbine so as to form an outlet-side junction which opens into the bypass line. A first control element at the outlet-side junction adjusts an exhaust-gas quantity conducted through the recirculation line. A second control element at the inlet-side junction has a first position that separates the bypass line from the cylinder and connects the intake line to the cylinder, and a second position that separates the intake line from the cylinder and connects the bypass line to the cylinder. | 07-11-2013 |
20130174547 | METHOD AND OBSERVER FOR DETERMINING THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TEMPERATURE IN A TURBOCHARGED ENGINE - The disclosure relates to a method and an observer for determining the exhaust manifold temperature in a turbocharged engine upstream of the turbine. In one example, a method for determining an exhaust manifold temperature in a turbocharged engine, said engine including a turbocharger and a turbine and said exhaust manifold temperature including a temperature upstream of the turbine, said method comprises estimating a value of the exhaust manifold temperature based on a model, measuring a temperature downstream of the turbine, and correcting the value of the exhaust manifold temperature based on said measurement. | 07-11-2013 |
20130175124 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A MECHANICAL PARKING BRAKE - The invention relates to a method for operating a brake device, in particular of a motor vehicle, wherein the brake device comprises a service brake and a mechanical parking brake, wherein the parking brake can be actuated by means of a mechanical actuating element, comprising at least the steps of establishing that the actuating element has been moved from an idle position into a position of use, simultaneously controlling a pressure-increasing element, so that a hydraulic pressure is generated, which hydraulic pressure acts on a brake element that is common with the holding element, blocking the common brake element of the service brake and the parking brake with a mechanical block of the mechanical parking brake. | 07-11-2013 |
20130178318 | MECHANISM FOR ACTUATING A POWER TRANSFER UNIT - A drive system includes a differential for transmitting power between a power source and first axles; a clutch including a first member driveably connected to the power source and a second member secured to a power transfer shaft; and a servo including a cylinder connected to a pressure source, a piston displaceable in the cylinder for mutually disconnecting the first and second members and allowing mutual engagement of the first and second members. | 07-11-2013 |
20130179049 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING A LUBRICATING SYSTEM OF A COMBUSTION ENGINE - The application relates to a method for operating a lubricating system of a combustion engine in a motor vehicle, the engine having a variably controllable oil pump and a plurality of piston cooling jets. The oil pressure may be adjusted based on operating conditions to activate and de-activate the piston cooling jets when needed. | 07-11-2013 |
20130184898 | Remote Operator Assistance for One or More User Commands in a Vehicle - Various embodiments relate to remote operator assistance for one or more user commands at a vehicle. The operator assistance may occur via a vehicle computing system. One or more instances of an unsuccessful attempt to perform a user command may be received by the vehicle computing system. After detection of a predetermined number of instances, a connection may be established, via the vehicle computing system, with a remotely located system. The remotely-located system may be operated by a human operator in order to assist with performance of the user command. An information exchange may be facilitated between the vehicle and the remotely located system operated by the human operator. The information exchange may relate to the user command. The user command may be performed in the vehicle based on information obtained from the remotely-located system. | 07-18-2013 |
20130186351 | COOLANT CIRCUIT FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH INLET-SIDE FLOW CONTROL - An internal combustion engine cylinder head has a coolant jacket with a first supply opening and a first discharge opening. A cylinder block coolant jacket has a second supply opening and a second discharge opening. A coolant circuit connects the discharge openings to the supply openings via a recirculation line and a heat exchanger. A control unit has an inlet connected to a pump outlet, a first outlet connected to the first supply opening, a second outlet connected to the second supply opening, and a single setting element. The setting element has a first working position that opens up the first outlet and blocks the second outlet such that the coolant circuit is activated through the cylinder head and is deactivated through the cylinder block. The setting element has a second working position that opens up both the first outlet and the second outlet. | 07-25-2013 |
20130189600 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR POWER CONTROL IN AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - A method for controlling a vehicle including a fuel cell system and an energy storage unit includes, if the fuel cell system is charging the energy storage unit, determining an average ratio of (i) a change in energy stored in the energy storage unit and (ii) a mass of hydrogen consumed by the fuel cell system to generate the change in energy stored in the energy storage unit. The method also includes, if the fuel cell system is not charging the energy storage unit, selecting a target operating power for the fuel cell system based on vehicle power demand and the determined ratio that sufficiently minimizes drive cycle hydrogen consumption by the fuel cell system. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190975 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190976 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 07-25-2013 |
20130197750 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 08-01-2013 |
20130197751 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 08-01-2013 |
20130199018 | ALIGNMENT DEVICE FOR ASSEMBLING COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF USE - A fixture for positioning a component in a desired location in a first plane for assembly, machining, or other processing related to manufacturing. The fixture includes a holder establishing a reference position within a second plane parallel with the first plane, and a pin retained by the holder for movement relative thereto in the second plane within a range of coarse alignment about the reference position. The pin and holder are movable together normal to the second plane to engage the pin with the locating feature. A fixing element is movable, when the pin is engaged with the feature, to urge the pin to the reference position. | 08-08-2013 |
20130199466 | MULTI-CYLINDER INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A MULTI-CYLINDER INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OF SAID TYPE - A system for an engine comprising: a crankshaft with four crank throws, wherein, the first and the second crank throw are arranged offset by 180° CA from the third and the fourth crank throws; four cylinders corresponding to the four crank throws, the four cylinders arranged in two cylinder groups, the first cylinder group comprising the first and second cylinder, and the second cylinder group comprising the third and fourth cylinder; an exhaust manifold, wherein, exhaust lines within each of the two cylinder groups merge forming two component exhaust lines, and the two component exhaust lines merge into an overall exhaust line; and an ignition sequence such that each ignition is offset by 180° CA, and ignition of cylinders within the two cylinder groups is offset by 360° CA. In this way exhaust lines within the exhaust manifold can remain short and backpressure from sequential, adjacent cylinder ignition is minimized. | 08-08-2013 |
20130202855 | HARDENED MYCELIUM STRUCTURE AND METHOD - A method of preparing a mycelium component, including growing live mycelium from a fungal inoculum and a liquid aggregate. The live mycelium is cured to terminate further mycelium growth and form a mycelium structure. Moisture is applied to the mycelium structure such that the mycelium structure is nearly fully saturated. The mycelium structure is dried to form a hardened mycelium structure. | 08-08-2013 |
20130204510 | METHOD FOR INFLUENCING THE THERMAL BALANCE OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method for reducing the thermal load of an internal combustion engine without substantially reducing its power output is described. The method includes adjusting an engine air-fuel ratio responsive to one or more of a charge air over-temperature, a coolant over-temperature and an engine efficiency parameter. | 08-08-2013 |