Disclosed is a method for producing a complex composite metal structure having a metallic foam substrate. A sheet metal structure is provided having a metallic foam precursor formed of metallic particles and foaming agents. The sheet metal structure is formed using quick plastic or superplastic formation processes. After or during the formation of the metal, the temperature of the metallic precursor is raised to a point that the foaming agent produces a metallic foam.

The present invention provides a method for determining an authorization status of a satellite broadcast service for a mobile vehicle. A call center receives a request for the authorization status of the satellite broadcast service for the mobile vehicle. The call center sends a request signal to the mobile vehicle. The call center then receives an authorization status signal from the mobile vehicle. The call center then sends the authorization status to the satellite broadcast service.

A torque steer compensation algorithm utilizing selected vehicle parameters, such as for example engine torque, accelerator pedal position, throttle position, transmission gear, and vehicle speed. Rates of change of the parameters are determined and compared to predetermined thresholds, whereby a torque steer factor is determined. The resulting torque steer factor is subsequently multiplied with a conventional, prior art predicted steering assist signal to arrive at a modified steering assist si…

A hydrodynamic retarder control apparatus includes two valve spools, one, a retarder control valve, functions as a relay valve to control the on/off operation of a hydrodynamic retarder and the other, a regulator valve, functions to control the regulation of pressure at the hydrodynamic retarder. During abnormal periods of operation of the regulator valve, the retarder control valve will also function as a pressure control valve thereby limiting the maximum pressure at the hydrodynamic retarder.

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.

A method of releasing a lockup clutch for a fluid coupling assembly disposed between an engine and an automatically shiftable transmission during a negative engine torque mode of operation is provided. The method includes the steps of: A) determining a current engine torque value prior to commanding the engine to ramp to a target engine torque value; B) commanding the engine to a target engine torque value wherein the target engine torque value is one of a zero and near zero value; C) holding th…

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 rotor ends a…

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, the thro…

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 is heat…

A hydrogen-based propulsion system is provided for storing hydrogen feed gas which evaporates over time from a storage vessel containing liquid hydrogen as a fuel. In particular, this system enables the evaporated hydrogen feed gas to be stored for later use in the propulsion unit and also provides a system for enabling the stored hydrogen gas to be cooled by evaporated hydrogen feed gas in transit to the propulsion unit.