Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080276904 | Differential Torque Operation for Internal Combustion Engine - A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders including at least a first cylinder and a second cylinder, the method comprising firing the first cylinder and the second cylinder in an alternating sequence; during a first mode, adjusting an operating parameter of the engine to produce a first difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; during a second mode, adjusting the operating parameter of the engine to produce a second difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; and performing the first mode at a higher engine speed than the second mode; wherein the first difference is greater than the second difference. | 11-13-2008 |
20090107426 | DUAL CRANKSHAFT ENGINE WITH COUNTER ROTATING INERTIAL MASSES - A dual crankshaft internal combustion engine is symmetrically constructed to form a perfectly balanced engine assembly. A first crankshaft, having a first end, a second end, and being formed of a shape and with a torsional flexibility, is housed within a cylinder block and connected to a first series of cooperating pistons and cylinders. A second crankshaft, having a first end and a second end, is formed of substantially the same shape as the first crankshaft and has substantially the same torsional flexibility as the first crankshaft. The second crankshaft is also housed within the cylinder block and connected to a second series of cooperating pistons and cylinders, while being positioned parallel to the first crankshaft, with the first end of the first crankshaft being positioned adjacent to the second end of the second crankshaft. | 04-30-2009 |
20090107434 | Systems And Methods For Managing Camshaft Torsional Loading - Systems and methods for managing camshaft dynamic loads associated with actuation of a camshaft-driven auxiliary device in a multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine apply positive and negative torque to the camshaft in a phased relationship relative to actuation of the auxiliary device and optionally relative to actuation of intake or exhaust valves operated by the camshaft. | 04-30-2009 |
20090107458 | DIFFERENTIAL TORQUE OPERATION FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders including at least a first cylinder and a second cylinder, the method comprising firing the first cylinder and the second cylinder in an alternating sequence; during a first mode, adjusting an operating parameter of the engine to produce a first difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; during a second mode, adjusting the operating parameter of the engine to produce a second difference between an amount of torque produced by the firing of the first cylinder and an amount of torque produced by the firing of the second cylinder; and performing the first mode at a higher engine speed than the second mode; wherein the first difference is greater than the second difference. | 04-30-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100123270 | METHOD OF FORMING A PART WITH A FEATURE HAVING A DIE-LOCKED GEOMETRY - A method of forming a part with a feature having a die-locked geometry is disclosed herein. A molding tool used in the method includes at least one die having a cavity defined in a surface thereof, and a protrusion formed in the cavity. The method includes disposing a shape memory polymer insert on the protrusion, where the shape memory polymer insert has i) the die-locked geometry as its temporary shape, and ii) a geometry that is removable from the die-locked geometry as its permanent shape. A material is established in the cavity such that at least a portion of the material conforms to the die-locked geometry, thereby forming the part having the feature with the at least one die-locked geometry. | 05-20-2010 |
20100127427 | PREFORMS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - A method for making a preform includes creating a pressure differential between an inside and an outside of a perforated shape memory polymer mandrel in its temporary shape. The pressure differential is such that pressure outside the perforated shape memory polymer mandrel is greater than pressure inside the perforated shape memory polymer mandrel. The perforated shape memory polymer mandrel has i) a predetermined preform shape as the temporary shape and ii) a shrunken shape as its permanent shape, wherein the shrunken shape is configured such that it is removable from the predetermined preform shape. The method further includes depositing, as the pressure differential is maintained, at least one material onto a surface of the perforated shape memory polymer mandrel. The at least one material is set in the predetermined preform shape, thereby forming the preform. | 05-27-2010 |
20100181698 | METHODS OF FORMING A PART USING SHAPE MEMORY POLYMERS - One method of forming a part includes deforming a shape memory polymer from a permanent shape into a temporary shape, where the permanent shape of the shape memory polymer is a predetermined part shape and the temporary shape is a shape larger than the predetermined part shape. The shape memory polymer in each of the permanent shape and the temporary shape defines a cavity therein. The method further includes introducing a molding material into the cavity of the shape memory polymer, and reverting the shape memory polymer back into its permanent shape. Other methods for forming the part are also disclosed herein. | 07-22-2010 |
20100249682 | SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER MEDICAL CAST - A medical cast and methods of using the same are disclosed. The method of making includes providing a shape memory polymer (SMP) in a permanent shape which corresponds to a limb's general shape but has a diameter smaller than the limb's diameter. The SMP is converted from the permanent shape into a primary temporary shape, which has a diameter larger than both a diameter of the permanent shape and a diameter of the limb. The limb is at least partially surrounded with the SMP in its primary temporary shape. The SMP is then heated, which causes the primary temporary shape to i) attempt to revert to the permanent shape, and ii) conform to a secondary temporary shape having a diameter smaller than that of the primary temporary shape and larger than that of the permanent shape. The SMP in the secondary temporary shape conforms to the limb. | 09-30-2010 |
20100276434 | STORAGE VESSEL AND METHOD OF FORMING - A storage vessel, such as vessels used in storing high pressure gas is provided. The storage vessel includes a liner having a center portion and a first and second end dome. A first composite layer is disposed circumferentially about the center portion. A second composite layer is disposed about said first composite layer and the first and second end dome. In some embodiments, the second composite layer is formed from a knitted or braided sleeve that is tightened over the liner and first composite layer by pulling the sleeve. | 11-04-2010 |
20100301512 | PACKAGING AND DE-PACKAGING METHODS USING SHAPE MEMORY POLYMERS - Packaging and de-packaging methods using shape memory polymers are disclosed herein. An embodiment of the packaging method involves placing a part adjacent to shape memory polymer in its permanent shape, heating the shape memory polymer to a temperature above its switching temperature, and applying a force to the heated shape memory polymer such that the polymer switches from its permanent shape into a temporary shape. The temporary shape of the shape memory polymer conforms to at least one of i) a shape of the part, or ii) a desired shape for packaging the part. The method further includes cooling the shape memory polymer to a temperature below its switching temperature to set the temporary shape. | 12-02-2010 |
20120000916 | COMPOSITE PRESSURE VESSEL AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING THE SAME - A composite pressure vessel assembly method includes fitting an end portion of a tubular member into an annular slot formed in an end cap. Sealant may be in the annular slot. The end cap includes an annular groove in an exterior surface of the end cap body portion. A first material layer is formed on an exterior surface of the tubular member. The first material layer includes a first composite material including fibers oriented circumferentially to the tubular member. A second material layer is formed on the first material layer with a portion of the second material layer being disposed into the annular groove, and includes a second composite material including fibers oriented axially to the tubular member. A third material layer is formed adjacent the second material layer and in the annular groove, and includes a third composite material including fibers having an orientation circumferential to the tubular member. | 01-05-2012 |
20120102897 | PACKAGING AND DE-PACKAGING METHODS USING SHAPE MEMORY POLYMERS - A method disclosed herein includes packaging and de-packaging a part. The part is packaged by placing the part adjacent to a shape memory polymer (SMP) while the SMP is in a permanent shape. The SMP is heated to a temperature above a switching temperature of the SMP, and a force is applied to the heated SMP such that it conforms to i) a shape of the part and/or ii) a desired shape for packing the part, thereby changing the SMP from the permanent shape into a temporary shape. The SMP is cooled to a temperature below the switching temperature to set the SMP into the temporary shape. The part is de-packaged by heating the SMP to a temperature above its switching temperature, thereby reverting the SMP from the temporary shape into the permanent shape and releasing the part. The part is removed from the SMP in the permanent shape. | 05-03-2012 |
20120124816 | JOINING MAGNESIUM WITH REINFORCED POLYMER COMPOSITE FASTENERS - A method is disclosed for forming corrosion-resistant joints in a plurality of overlapping thin metal sheet workpieces, at least one of which comprises at least 85% by weight of magnesium sheets. The fastener is a fiber-reinforced polymer rod shaped and sized for insertion into a coaxial opening formed in each sheet and subsequently upset on each end to form a head. The workpiece sheets are deformed to form mechanically-interfering features which cooperatively complement the strength of the fastener, under at least some joint loading patterns. The method may be used for other workpiece and fastener compositions. | 05-24-2012 |
20120251863 | FABRIC COMPOSITE SUPPORT OR ENCLOSURE FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY PACK - A battery enclosure comprising a support and a cover fabricated from a thermoset or thermoplastic polymer reinforced by at least a woven fabric reinforcement is described. In an embodiment the reinforcement is a woven glass fabric. | 10-04-2012 |
20130074312 | METHOD OF JOINING MAGNESIUM - Methods of joining a magnesium substrate to a second substrate are provided. A region of the magnesium substrate and a region of the second substrate are aligned to provide an overlap. A region of the overlap is deformed to provide a joint. A polymeric material is disposed in the joint to secure together the magnesium substrate and the second substrate. The joining of the magnesium substrate and the second substrate is facilitated by using a die in various aspects. | 03-28-2013 |
20130108824 | ONE-PIECE FIBER REINFORCEMENT FOR A REINFORCED POLYMER COMBINING ALIGNED AND RANDOM FIBER LAYERS | 05-02-2013 |
20130122246 | STRUCTURAL MEMBERS AND METHODS OF MAKING A STRUCTURAL JOINT - Structural members are disclosed herein. An example of the structural member includes a primary thermoplastic composite structure and a secondary panel having opposed sides and an aperture extending from one of the opposed sides to another of the opposed sides. The secondary panel is formed of metal or a composite material. An adhesive layer bonds the one of the opposed sides to the primary thermoplastic composite structure. A thermoplastic composite doubler plate is in contact with the other of the opposed sides of the secondary panel. The thermoplastic composite doubler plate has a depression formed therein that extends into the aperture. A weld fixedly attaches the thermoplastic composite doubler plate to the primary thermoplastic composite structure through the aperture. Methods for making a structural joint are also disclosed herein. | 05-16-2013 |
20130221692 | BUMPER RETENTION SYSTEM - A system for controlling displacement of a vulnerable component in connection with an impact event at the system. The system includes a frame structure, the vulnerable component, and a composite crush member (a) connected to the frame structure and the vulnerable component, forming a first close connection between the composite crush member and the vulnerable component and a second close connection between the composite crush member and the frame structure, (b) comprises primarily a polymer composite and is configured, and (c) is arranged in the system to fail in a predetermined manner in response to the impact event. The system also includes a retention feature configured and connected, directly or indirectly, to the vulnerable component and to the frame structure to, in operation of the system, maintain at least one of the first close connection and the second close connection during and following the composite crush member the impact event. | 08-29-2013 |
20140238597 | COMPOSITE PRESSURE VESSEL AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING THE SAME - A method for assembling a composite pressure vessel includes disposing a sealant into each of a plurality of annular slots defined in an exterior surface of a body portion of an end cap. The end cap is aligned with an end portion of a tubular member such that the exterior surface of the body portion of the end cap abuts an interior surface of the tubular member. A force is applied to the tubular member having the end cap aligned with the end portion of the tubular member. The force is applied while rotating the tubular member. The force deforms the tubular member such that the end portion conforms to the plurality of annular slots defined in the body portion of the end cap. | 08-28-2014 |
20150151796 | VEHICLE PILLAR - A pillar for a vehicle includes a translucent polymer composite having chopped reinforcing fibers incorporated therein. The pillar also includes a truss embedded in the translucent polymer composite and disposed substantially along a length of the pillar. The truss and the translucent polymer composite share a loading condition applied to the pillar. The pillar is to be disposed between a lower body portion of the vehicle and a roof of the vehicle to support the roof. | 06-04-2015 |
20150224753 | BOND STANDOFFS FOR SLIDING POSITIONING OF COMPONENTS IN AN ASSEMBLY - Adhesive bonds may be formed between components (e.g., automotive) by sliding components into position without wiping or removing the uncured adhesive. Here, a first bonding region has an uncured adhesive and a plurality of bond standoffs that is positioned adjacent to a second bonding region. Bond standoffs promote sliding between the first and second components, while substantially retaining the uncured adhesive during the sliding. Bond standoffs can be formed on the surface, for example, by molding or stamping. The first and second bonding regions slide into engagement, followed by applying pressure, heat, and/or energy as needed, to form a solid adhesive bond. Methods of repairing manufactured components (e.g., automotive) are also provided with such techniques, including the ability to slide parts into place without removing the uncured adhesive, using bond standoffs formed as strips of adhesive cured on the substrate component or tacks pinned into a composite substrate component. | 08-13-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090179461 | DYNAMIC LOAD BEARING COMPOSITE FLOOR PAN FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - A composite floor pan may be joined with other structural members of an automotive vehicle. External loads imparted to the structural members may be transferred to the floor pan. The floor pan may be configured to absorb and/or transfer these external loads without separating. | 07-16-2009 |
20090278371 | AUTOMOTIVE STRUCTURAL JOINT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A joint for an automotive vehicle may be formed by applying an adhesive to at least one of a first member and a first surface of a composite member, placing the first member in contact with the first surface of the composite member, applying an adhesive to at least one of a second member and a second surface of the composite member, positioning a divot portion of the second member within an aperture of the composite member, placing the second member in contact with the second surface of the composite member, attaching the divot portion of the second member with the first member and curing the adhesives. | 11-12-2009 |
20100314909 | AUTOMOTIVE STRUCTURAL JOINT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A joint for an automotive vehicle may be formed by applying an adhesive to at least one of a first member and a first surface of a composite member, placing the first member in contact with the first surface of the composite member, applying an adhesive to at least one of a second member and a second surface of the composite member, positioning a divot portion of the second member within an aperture of the composite member, placing the second member in contact with the second surface of the composite member, attaching the divot portion of the second member with the first member and curing the adhesives. | 12-16-2010 |
20120012239 | AUTOMOTIVE STRUCTURAL JOINT AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A joint for an automotive vehicle may be formed by applying an adhesive to at least one of a first member and a first surface of a composite member, placing the first member in contact with the first surface of the composite member, applying an adhesive to at least one of a second member and a second surface of the composite member, positioning a divot portion of the second member within an aperture of the composite member, placing the second member in contact with the second surface of the composite member, attaching the divot portion of the second member with the first member and curing the adhesives. | 01-19-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080252113 | ACTIVE MATERIAL HEAD RESTRAINT ASSEMBLY - A head restraint assembly includes a support member and a deployable member selectively movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. At least a portion of the deployable member is farther from the support member in the deployed than in the retracted position. A latch system is configured to releasably retain the deployable member in its retracted position. An active material member is actuatable to release the latch system, to release the deployable member. | 10-16-2008 |
20100140987 | ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATED HEADREST UTILIZING BAR LINKAGE DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM - An active headrest for selectively supporting the head of an occupant, includes a shell, and an actuator disposed within the shell, including a bar linkage system drivenly coupled to the shell, so as to adjust the distance or engagement between the shell and head when displaced, and an active material element drivenly coupled to the system, so as to cause or enable the displacement of the system, and preferably further including a ratchet sector/pawl and latch cooperating to present plural achievable deployment positions. | 06-10-2010 |
20100314918 | ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT UTILIZING SOLENOID ACTIVATION AND BAR LINKAGE TRANSMISSION - An active head restraint for supporting the head of an occupant, includes a shell, and an actuator disposed within the shell, wherein the actuator further includes a spring-biased bar linkage system pivotally coupled to the shell, a radial ratcheting sector coupled to the linkage system, a pawl selectively engaging the sector, and a solenoid drivenly coupled to the pawl, and configured, when activated, to cause the pawl to disengage the sector. | 12-16-2010 |
20120001461 | STOWABLE ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATED REAR SEAT HEADREST - An active headrest adapted for use with a rear seat, including a translatable, conformable, or otherwise reconfigurable shell, an active material actuator disposed within and drivenly coupled to the shell, and preferably including a linkage system fixedly coupled to the seat and/or shell, wherein the actuator is operable to cause the headrest to achieve one of a plurality of achievable positions. | 01-05-2012 |
20150202994 | VEHICLE SEAT STABILIZATION ASSEMBLY - A stabilization assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat and a slide assembly. The vehicle seat includes a first frame member, a second frame member spaced opposite the first frame member, and a torque tube disposed between and attached to the first frame member and the second frame member. The slide assembly includes a track defining a channel therein, a rail translatable within the channel, and a bracket attached to the rail. A lift linkage interconnects the vehicle seat and the slide assembly, is attached to the bracket and the torque tube, and is rotatable with respect to the bracket about a pivot axis. The stabilization assembly also includes a locking sprocket attached to the bracket, rotatable about the pivot axis during a non-energy management condition, and not rotatable about the pivot axis during an energy management condition. A vehicle including the stabilization assembly is also disclosed. | 07-23-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110183811 | HYDRAULIC CLUTCH FILL CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR A TRANSMISSION OF A VEHICLE - A method of filling a clutch chamber of an automatic transmission includes determining an engage pressure to engage a clutch of the automatic transmission. The method determines a reactive pressure of a return spring of the clutch. The method also estimates a fill pressure based on the engage pressure and the reactive pressure. The method estimates a flow rate based on the engage pressure, and generates a fill pressure command signal to fill the clutch chamber based on the fill pressure, the flow rate and a flow rate limit. | 07-28-2011 |
20110295472 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE CONTROL OF TRANSMISSION FLUID OPERATING PRESSURES - A control system for a transmission includes a pressure control module and a pressure adapt module. The pressure control module operates a hydraulic control system of the transmission at a target pressure during steady-state operation of the transmission. The target pressure is based on first and second learned pressures for different predetermined first and second torque ranges. The pressure adapt module selectively adjusts at least one of the first learned pressure and the second learned pressure based on a first pressure at which a slip condition of the transmission occurs. The first and second learned pressures define a learned pressure gain and offset. When adjusting the first and second learned pressures, the pressure adapt module limits increases and decreases in the learned pressure gain offset based on a predetermined pressure gain and offset. A method is also provided. | 12-01-2011 |
20130319155 | HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAVING ANALOG ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION RANGE SELECTION - A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem. The ETRS subsystem includes an ETRS valve, a park mechanism, a mode valve, a latch valve assembly, and a plurality of solenoids. The ETRS subsystem is configured to provide desired operating conditions during a plurality of potential failure conditions. | 12-05-2013 |
20130319156 | DISCRETE MECHANISM FOR ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION RANGE SELECTION - A hydraulic control system for a transmission is provided. The hydraulic control system includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with a discrete electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem. The hydraulic control system includes first and second mode valves located downstream of a hydraulic fluid pressure source. The mode valves are supplied with fluid via one or more solenoid valves or other valves. The mode valves have a plurality of ports configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid. The first mode valve transfers pressurized hydraulic fluid from the source to the second mode valve. The second mode valve transfers pressurized hydraulic fluid from the first mode valve to one of drive or reverse. An electro-hydraulic circuit for pulling the transmission out of park and putting the transmission into park is also provided. A park sensor assembly including a Hall Effect sensor switch is also provided. | 12-05-2013 |
20130327172 | HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - A hydraulic control system for a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an analog electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or a manual valve. The ETRS subsystem includes an ETRS valve, a park servo, a park mechanism, a mode valve, and a plurality of solenoids. The ETRS and manual valve communicate with a clutch actuator subsystem that engages a one-way clutch and six clutches/brakes. | 12-12-2013 |
20140026988 | ACTIVE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEVEL CONTROL FOR AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a sump tank, a front cover, a wall, and a flow control valve. The sump tank is attached to a bottom end of the transmission. The front cover includes an overflow tube and a hydraulic fluid input. The wall hydraulically separates the sump tank and the front cover. The flow control valve is disposed in the wall between the sump tank and front cover. The flow control valve is open when the transmission is going through an extreme maneuver and requires a greater amount of hydraulic fluid in the sump tank and the flow control valve is closed during normal transmission operation. | 01-30-2014 |
20140034437 | HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or manual valve and a clutch actuation subsystem. | 02-06-2014 |
20140047828 | TORQUE CONVERTER HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - A torque converter hydraulic control subsystem for a transmission is provided. The torque converter hydraulic control subsystem includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with a torque converter clutch (TCC) regulation valve, a TCC control valve, and a lubrication boost valve. The torque converter hydraulic control subsystem is configured to provide cooling and lubrication fluid flow to a torque converter in all modes of operation. | 02-20-2014 |
20140048377 | TRANSMISSION CLUTCH PISTON COMPENSATOR FEED CIRCUIT - A hydraulic control system of an automatic transmission includes a clutch compensator feed circuit that is in communication with clutch apply circuit exhaust fluid. The clutch compensator feed circuit receives exhaust fluid from one or more apply clutches, or other torque transmitting device(s), and feeds the exhaust fluid to the balance side of the clutch or other torque transmitting device. The clutch compensator feed circuit may be open to atmospheric pressure, such that the clutch compensator feed circuit is not pressurized with respect to atmospheric pressure. | 02-20-2014 |
20140054125 | TABBED CLUTCH PLATES - A multiple plate friction clutch includes clutch plates or discs having reduced frictional (spin) losses and thus reduced heat generation and improved service life. The clutch plates include both leaf springs or spring tabs at the periphery of the clutch plate that axially bias adjacent plates away from one another and a reduced area of friction material that contacts an adjacent reaction plate. On a typical motor vehicle automatic transmission clutch, a total of six or eight leaf springs or tabs are utilized: with three or four offset to one side and three or four offset to the other side. | 02-27-2014 |
20140123799 | VALVE INTEGRATED PARK INHIBIT SOLENOID ASSEMBLY - A system for locking a Park device in a transmission in an out-of-Park mode of operation includes a valve body that defines a bore, a solenoid connected to the valve body, a lock feature disposed in the valve body and interconnected with the solenoid, and a servo piston disposed within the bore of the valve body. The servo piston has a detent and the servo piston is interconnected to the Park device and is moveable between a first position and a second position. The detent is radially aligned with the lock feature when the servo piston is in the first position. Activation of the solenoid locks the lock feature into the detent of the servo piston to lock the Park device of the transmission in the no-Park mode. | 05-08-2014 |
20140163845 | HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR FILL ESTIMATION FOR CONTROLLING AUTOMATIC ENGINE STOP/START - A method of preventing an automatic engine stop includes: determining a pressure difference between an accumulator fill volume and a fluid conduit in selective fluid communication with the accumulator fill volume; determining a change in the accumulator fill volume from the determined pressure difference; adding the change in the accumulator fill volume to a previous estimate of the accumulator fill volume to determine a current estimate of the accumulator fill volume; comparing the current estimate of the accumulator fill volume to a predetermined threshold; and preventing an automatic engine stop if the current estimate of the accumulator fill volume is below the predetermined threshold. | 06-12-2014 |