Keyless entry module and method
Granted: March 31, 2009
Patent Number:
7511602
Methods and apparatus are provided for a key-less system for actuating a lock responsive to a valid OPEN signal. A first portion is continuously coupled to a power source and a second portion receives power from the source only when a coupling switch is ON. The first portion comprises a keypad for entry of a lock actuation code, and a detector that senses the first keystroke and turns the switch ON. The second portion includes an RF transmitter and preferably a memory with valid…
Method and apparatus for hydrogen generation
Granted: March 31, 2009
Patent Number:
7510640
A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered…
System and method for drying a fuel cell stack at system shutdown
Granted: March 24, 2009
Patent Number:
7507488
A system and method for drying a fuel cell stack after stack shutdown. In one embodiment, a cooling fluid is pumped through the fuel cell stack after the system is shutdown to use the heat still available in the cooling fluid immediately after shutdown to provide thermal equilibrium in the stack. In another embodiment, the heated cooling fluid still available immediately after system shutdown is sent through a cathode input gas heat exchanger so that drying air from the system compressor…
Battery pack arrangements
Granted: March 24, 2009
Patent Number:
7507499
Battery packs are retained by frames which are comprised of plastic beams and aluminum corner connectors that peripherally surround the battery packs. The plastic beams are tensioned by tensioning bolts which pass through the aluminum corner connectors and thread into threaded pin inserts laterally seated in the beams. As the tensioning bolts are advanced into the inserts the beams are axially tensioned. Damping pads are disposed between the separate battery modules of the battery packs,…
Electric motor/generator and method of cooling an electromechanical transmission
Granted: March 24, 2009
Patent Number:
7508100
An electromechanical transmission includes a rotor supported by a rotor hub that has at least one passage formed therein for providing cooling fluid flow to the rotor. Preferably, cooling fluid is provided to the passage through an orifice to control flow rate. An inner diameter of the rotor is supported by the rotor hub and fluid is pooled by the rotor hub opposite the rotor inner diameter for cooling thereof. Preferably, fluid is thrown by centrifugal force from the rotor hub onto…
Driver control input device for drive-by-wire system
Granted: March 24, 2009
Patent Number:
7509195
A driver control input device includes a support post and a steering ring rotatably supported with respect to the support post. A steering transducer is operatively connected between the steering ring and support post to convert mechanical rotation of the steering ring into non-mechanical steering control signals to be sent to a steer-by-wire system. A braking ring and acceleration ring may also be provided for generating non-mechanical braking and acceleration control signals.
Sensor feedback control for noise and vibration
Granted: March 24, 2009
Patent Number:
7509201
A method of controlling noise/vibration in a vehicle having a powertrain includes sensing noise/vibration in the vehicle. An operating point of the powertrain is adjusted and a constant transmission output power is maintained to reduce the noise/vibration.
Neutral idle hill detection
Granted: March 24, 2009
Patent Number:
7509202
A neutral idle hill detection system for a vehicle with an automatic transmission comprises a range selection input device that receives an operating range of a transmission. A throttle position input device receives a throttle position signal. A transmission output speed input device receives a transmission output speed signal. A transmission temperature input device receives a temperature signal. A brake status input device receives a brake signal. A control module receives the range,…
Method for managing vehicle software configuration updates
Granted: March 17, 2009
Patent Number:
7506309
The present invention provides a system and a method for managing a software configuration of a vehicle. Software configuration update data for a vehicle is requested from a central database from one of a call center or a telematics unit. Vehicle software configuration data representative of a vehicle software configuration is retrieved. A determination is made whether the software configuration update data corresponds with the vehicle software configuration data and a software module is…
Method and apparatus for remote vehicle communication
Granted: March 10, 2009
Patent Number:
7502673
A method for remote vehicle communication is provided. The method monitors, stores and/or transmits data representative of the operation of a component or system, whereby the transmitted data may be analyzed and vehicle performance improved through the analysis thereof. Additionally, the vehicle systems are remotely accessible such that a technician can remotely analyze the vehicle without taking control of the vehicle away from the consumer.
Electro-mechanical transmission
Granted: March 3, 2009
Patent Number:
7497796
A hybrid electromechanical transmission for a tracked vehicle includes a drive motor and a steer motor with separate propulsion paths to output members of the transmission. A two-speed range package is provided, including an input planetary gear set and first and second clutches. The first and second clutches are selectively alternatively engagable to establish two speed ratios between the drive motor and the remainder of the transmission. Additionally, the drive motor and the steer…
Method for transferring routes between navigational devices
Granted: March 3, 2009
Patent Number:
7499798
A method for navigation includes providing a route, including at least first and second route portions, at a telematics unit and determining a route status. The method further sends the second route portion to a mobile communication device based on the route status.
Method of selecting a transmission shift schedule
Granted: March 3, 2009
Patent Number:
7499784
A method for selecting a shift schedule for a transmission in a motor vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of determining whether a signal-to-noise ratio exceeds a threshold and calculating a tractive effort of the motor vehicle. A vehicle mass and a road grade is then estimated from the tractive effort using a recursive least squares estimator with multiple forgetting when the signal-to-noise ratio exceeds the threshold. A vehicle mass is selected and the road grade…
Heat exchanger mechanization to transfer reformate energy to steam and air
Granted: March 3, 2009
Patent Number:
7497881
A heat exchanger design is provided for optimal transfer of thermal energy between a primary reactor-out reformate and a primary reactor-in steam and air. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a prime-surface true counter axial flow heat exchanger positioned around the primary reactor.
Torque transmitting mechanism engagement control system and method
Granted: March 3, 2009
Patent Number:
7497799
A control system operable to engage a torque transmitting mechanism, the control system having at least one variable bleed solenoid valve operable to selectively provide pressurized fluid to selectively engage at least one torque transmitting mechanism. An electronic control unit is also provided to provide control to the at least one variable bleed solenoid valve. The electronic control unit commands the variable bleed solenoid valve to provide the pressurized fluid to the at least one…
Hybrid electro-mechanical transmission park system and method of assembly
Granted: February 24, 2009
Patent Number:
7493999
This invention relates to the housing of a hybrid electro-mechanical transmission consisting of park pawl system located in the end cover portion of the transmission housing. The end cover portion is configured to cover the park pawl system and allow access to the components of the park pawl system for assembly or service even as the end cover portion remains attached to the main housing of the transmission. Beyond providing coverage to the park pawl system, the end cover portion also…
Insulation for cryogenic tanks
Granted: February 24, 2009
Patent Number:
7494023
A magnetic multi-layer insulation system for a cryogenic storage tank. The system includes multiple layers of insulation comprising a carrier support structure disposed between a first major surface of a magnetic material defining a north pole facing away from the carrier support structure, and a second and opposite major surface of a magnetic material defining a south pole facing away from the carrier support structure. A reflective surface, or metal foil, is disposed adjacent the…
Anti-roll thrust system for vehicles
Granted: February 24, 2009
Patent Number:
7494153
A thruster system is provided for a vehicle that can be used to reduce the roll propensity of a motor vehicle. The system utilizes a control system and multiple sets of thrusters which are strategically placed upon the vehicle. The control system is provided for detecting a potential roll condition and activates selected ones of the thrusters to produce a necessary thrust force for counteracting roll forces.
Corrosion resistant plate for PEM fuel cell and methods of making same
Granted: February 24, 2009
Patent Number:
7494734
A fuel cell or electrochemical cell has a catalytic electrode and an electrically conductive contact element facing the electrode. The electrically conductive contact element conducts electrical current from the electrode and has a surface that includes a plurality of passivated regions and a plurality of non-passivated regions dispersed among the passivated regions. The surface is further coated with an electrically conductive, corrosion resistant coating. Methods include treating the…
Fuel cell stack design and method of operation
Granted: February 24, 2009
Patent Number:
7494735
A hydrogen fuel cell stack has at least two segments of fuel cells each having reactant gas passages. The reactant gas passages of each fuel cell in each segment are arranged in parallel with each other. Flow of fuel cell fluids is in a gravity assisted downward direction. Gravity assisted flow directs water formed in each cell to lower removal points of the stack segments. Adjacent segments are separated by either a separator segment formed as an integral unit with the stack or the…
