METHOD OF TRACKING AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTION
Granted: May 19, 2005
Application Number:
20050108115
A method of tracking automotive production in the manufacture of automotive vehicles (10) is provided. The method includes manufacturing a plurality of automotive vehicles along an assembly line (12). Each of the plurality of automotive vehicles having a build characteristic (13). The build characteristics varying among the plurality of automotive vehicles. The method includes installing a radio frequency transmitter within each of the plurality of automotive vehicles as they move along…
SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING REACTANT MIXTURES
Granted: May 12, 2005
Application Number:
20050098578
A system for controlling dispensation of multiple component reactant mixtures. A mixing chamber is positioned adjacent to a part. A metering ram is actuated to pressurize at least two reactant components. The metering ram is stopped if a measured pressure value exceeds a predetermined pressure value. At least one flow meter measures a volume of a reactant component passing through the system.
Global paint process optimization
Granted: May 5, 2005
Application Number:
20050096796
The present invention provides a method of optimizing a painting process for applying a paint layer on an article. The method comprises defining a functional relationship paint processing parameters and a paint layer property (i.e., the average paint layer thickness) using a neural network. This functional relationship is then used in a paint optimization function that measures a combination of quality control parameters and efficiency parameters. Finally, the paint optimization function…
SYSTEM AND METHOD TO CONTROL A SWITCHABLE POWERTRAIN MOUNT
Granted: May 5, 2005
Application Number:
20050096804
A strategy controls alternate anti-vibration modes in a switchable powertrain mount using vehicle operational status sensors and pre-selected thresholds. The switchable mount modes can include engine off-idle and an idle mode. Vehicle sensors and pre-selected thresholds can determine whether the engine is off-idle, or running in idle mode, whether the engine will likely remain in idle mode. From these determinations, the controller can command the switchable mount to engine idle mode…
Automatic transmission control system with direct electronic swap-shift control
Granted: May 5, 2005
Application Number:
20050096820
A control system and control method for an automotive vehicle having a multiple-ratio automatic transmission having two gearsets arranged in series relationship for delivering vehicle engine power to vehicle traction wheels, each gearset being controlled using friction elements that establish multiple torque flow paths, each gearset being characterized by at least two ratios, which define an overall transmission ratio, synchronous shifting of the gearsets effecting at least one…
Auxiliary gearset shift progression command generator for a swap-shift automatic transmission
Granted: May 5, 2005
Application Number:
20050096823
A target command generator for use in a control system for an automatic transmission having a simple planetary gearset in series with a multiple-ratio gearset, the target command generator providing input for a controller for the simple planetary gearset to achieve synchronized control of pressure operated friction elements of the gearsets to effect smooth swap-shifts during an overall transmission ratio change.
Method to analyze a proposed venture transaction
Granted: May 5, 2005
Application Number:
20050096948
A system and method to analyze a proposed venture transaction. The analysis comprises any one of a merger, acquisition, joint venture, or other venture transaction. The analysis further comprises predicting information technology capabilities of an entity formed according to the proposed venture transaction.
METHOD AND SYSTEM TO DETERMINE A NEED TO HIRE A NEW EMPLOYEE TO WORK WITHIN A MANUFACTURING SYSTEM
Granted: May 5, 2005
Application Number:
20050096961
A computer-implemented method and system for determining a need to hire a new employee. The need to hire a new employee is determined and based on a labor resource planning agent (LRPA) which automatically calculates human resource deficiencies and excesses for use by a human resource manager in making hiring decisions.
AUTOMOTIVE SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION
Granted: April 28, 2005
Application Number:
20050087965
An automotive side impact assembly 10 is provided. The automotive side impact assembly 10 includes a door assembly 18 having a door body portion 20 and a window opening portion 22. The door body portion 20 and said window opening portion 22 meet to form a beltline 24. A window assembly 26 is positioned within the window opening portion 22 and extends into the door body portion 20 when in a window closed condition 28. An automotive seat assembly 12 is positioned adjacent said door…
DELIVERY RACK SYSTEM FOR STOCKING PRODUCTION LINES
Granted: April 21, 2005
Application Number:
20050084365
A delivery rack system for transporting a dolly. The delivery rack system includes a frame disposed on a plurality of wheels. The frame includes a side rail and first and second transverse rails disposed proximate the side rail. The side rail, the first transverse rail, and second transverse rail cooperate to define a compartment adapted to receive the dolly.
ACTIVE NIGHT VISION CONTROL SYSTEM
Granted: March 24, 2005
Application Number:
20050065683
A vision system (10) for a vehicle (14) includes a light source (46) that generates an illumination beam (20). A receiver (92) generates an image signal in response to a reflected portion of the illumination beam (20). A transmission sensor (120) generates a transmission signal. A controller (50) is coupled to the light source (46), the receiver (92), and the transmission sensor (120) and enables activation of the light source (46) in response to the transmission signal.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING TORQUE IN AN ELECTRIC MOTOR
Granted: March 10, 2005
Application Number:
20050050965
A method for monitoring torque in an electric motor is provided. First, the motor current is measured and the AC torque is determined based on the measured current. The speed of the motor and the DC motor power are then determined. The DC torque is calculated as a function of the DC motor power and the motor speed. The DC torque is then compared to the AC torque. After the AC torque is verified, it is compared to a reference torque to determine if the difference between the torques is…
FUEL CUT-OFF CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
Granted: March 10, 2005
Application Number:
20050051376
A fuel cut-off control system (12) for a vehicle (10) is provided. This system (12) includes one or more crash sensors (24) for detecting a fuel cut-off event and for generating a crash signal. These sensors (24) are coupled to a controller (26) and are utilized for transmitting the crash signal thereto. This controller (26) is coupled to a fuel supply system (14) and is intended to temporarily disable the fuel supply system (14) when the controller (26) receives the crash signal. The…
METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ACTIVATION OF A POWER SOURCE OF A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
Granted: March 10, 2005
Application Number:
20050055140
A method for controlling activation of a power source of a hybrid electric vehicle. A hybrid electric vehicle has first and second power sources connected to a motor. The motor is connected to a transmission adapted to drive a vehicle wheel. The method includes comparing a vehicle speed value to first and second threshold values. If the vehicle speed value is less than the first threshold value, then the method determines whether a vehicle brake is released. If the vehicle speed value is…
MANUFACTURING ASSEMBLY LINE AND A METHOD OF DESIGNING A MANUFACTURING ASSEMBLY LINE
Granted: March 3, 2005
Application Number:
20050044700
A method of designing a manufacturing process line. A process is identified as a set of discrete steps. A subset of steps is assigned to one of a plurality of standardized work cells. The work cells include a standardized workpiece presenter and a standardized processing tool. Additional subsets of discrete steps are assigned to a standardized work cell until the design for the manufacturing process is completed.
HOSE CLAMP TOOL
Granted: March 3, 2005
Application Number:
20050044992
A hose clamp installation tool and a method for installing a hose assembly. The hose clamp installation tool includes a hook that engages a clamp. A first rod engages the clamp and releases the clamp from an open position to a closed position. A sensor indicates release of the clamp.
System for dynamic airflow control in a paint booth using multiple air supply plenums
Granted: March 3, 2005
Application Number:
20050048897
A system and method for handling airflow in a paint booth where a primary plenum encloses a secondary plenum having a damper to control the amount of air entering the secondary plenum from the primary plenum. The secondary plenum is installed above a paint spray applicator and an anemometer. A damper at the secondary plenum inlet controls the amount of airflow from the primary plenum in real time based at least in part on the air velocity detected by the anemometer. The present invention…
METHOD FOR ANALYZING WAVINESS OF A SURFACE
Granted: March 3, 2005
Application Number:
20050049823
A method for analyzing waviness of a surface. The method includes measuring a height of the surface, producing a set of data points indicative of a waviness profile, selecting a subset of the set of data points, calculating a waviness height of the subset, repeating the selecting, determining, and calculating steps for additional subsets until all members of the set of data points have been selected, and selecting a maximum waviness height value from the waviness heights calculated for…
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTIVATION OF REMOTE FEATURES FROM AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE
Granted: February 10, 2005
Application Number:
20050030195
A system (12) for activating a remotely controlled device (14) from an automotive vehicle (10) includes a key pad (24) that generates a first coded signal. A transmitter controller (20) is coupled to the key pad (24) and receives the first coded signal and generates a control signal in response to the first coded signal.
APPARATUS FOR TRIMMING METAL
Granted: February 3, 2005
Application Number:
20050022640
An apparatus for trimming scrap from an aluminum sheet metal blank is provided. The apparatus includes a clamping base comprising a clamping base engagement surface positioned between a clamping base upper surface and a clamping base bottom surface. The clamping base engagement has a clamping base vertically orientated portion and a clamping base angled portion. A steady blade is mounted to the clamping base. The steady blade and the clamping base form a contiguous angled engagement…
