Patents Examined by Roger Pang
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Patent number: 9604645Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing a multiple gear downshift of a transmission gear by transiently operating in an intermediate gear. In response to ambient humidity and a condensate level in a charge air cooler, the transmission gear may be downshifted from a higher gear to an intermediate gear, and then to a requested lower gear. Downshifting through an intermediate gear may also be controlled based on the gear shift request.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Shuya Shark Yamada
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Patent number: 9605754Abstract: A dog clutch for an automatic transmission includes a shape-memory alloy shifter. The shape-memory alloy shifter is configured for moving a sliding clutch along an axial direction between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. A plurality of splines of a mating clutch meshes with a plurality of splines of the sliding clutch in the engaged configuration. A related automatic transmission is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventor: David Edward Drosback
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Patent number: 9592831Abstract: The present invention relates to a launch control unit for selectively engaging a revised shift control strategy. The revised shift control strategy is operable to control an internal combustion engine and/or an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The launch control unit can be configured to receive a brake signal from a foot brake and a torque demand from a throttle pedal. In use, the launch control unit is operable to engage said revised shift control strategy upon receipt of a torque demand greater than or equal to an upper torque threshold within a predefined time period of receipt of a brake signal less than or equal to a lower brake threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: David Blakeway, Neil Dixon
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Patent number: 9593754Abstract: An axle assembly with a motor, a differential assembly, a housing, a transmission and a reduction gearset. The transmission has a first and second planetary gearsets that have associated (i.e., first and second) ring gears, planet carriers and sun gears. The first planet carrier is coupled to a differential carrier of the differential assembly for common rotation. The second ring gear is non-rotatably coupled to the housing. The second planet carrier is coupled to the second differential output for common rotation. The second sun gear is coupled to the first sun gear for common rotation. The reduction gearset is disposed between an output shaft of the motor and the first ring gear and includes a first gear, which is coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith, and a second gear that is coupled to the first ring gear for rotation therewith.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: e-AAM Driveline Systems ABInventor: Erik J. Sten
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Patent number: 9593674Abstract: A planetary gear includes a central sun gear having external teeth, a ring gear having internal teeth, a planetary carrier having formed therein lubricant supply channels, and planet gears supported on the planetary carrier and having side cheeks engaging the internal teeth of the ring gear and the external teeth of the sun gear. A slide bush radially supports the planetary carrier and has radial outer and inner sliding surfaces, and an interposed shoulder surface, which bear flat upon a radial outer and inner bearing surfaces, and an interposed shoulder surface on an inner surface of the planetary carrier. An annular lubricant distribution channel is formed between the shoulder surfaces of the slide bush and the planetary carrier, with the lubricant supply channels feeding into the lubricant distribution channel on the inlet side and connected to the external lubricant supply via a lubricant supply channel formed in the slide bush.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Klaus Boland, Dominikus Daners, Markus Degeling
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Patent number: 9593746Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission may include: an input shaft; an output gear; a first planetary gear set including first sun gear, first planet carrier, and first ring gear; a second planetary gear set including second sun gear, second planet carrier, and second ring gear; a third planetary gear set including third sun gear, third planet carrier, and third ring gear; a fourth planetary gear set including fourth sun gear, fourth planet carrier, and fourth ring gear; a first rotation shaft including the first sun gear; a second rotation shaft including the first planet carrier, the second ring gear, the third planet carrier, and the fourth ring gear; a third rotation shaft including the first and third ring gears; a fourth rotation shaft including the second sun gear and selectively connected to a transmission housing; a fifth rotation shaft including the second planet carrier, selectively connected to the first rotation shaft and to the third rotation shaft, and directly connected to the inpType: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Wonmin Cho, Jae Chang Kook, Myeong Hoon Noh, Seongwook Ji, Kangsoo Seo, Seong Wook Hwang
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Patent number: 9593762Abstract: A power transfer device can include a housing, first and second input members, first and second output members, a differential, and a pump. The housing can define a sump. The first input member can receive rotational power and rotate about an axis. The second input member can be meshingly engaged with the first input member and can rotate through the sump. The differential case can be drivingly coupled to the second input member. The differential gearset can transmit rotary power between the differential case and the first and second output members. The pump can be disposed about the first input member and can have an inlet, outlet, and pump element. The inlet can be coupled for fluid communication with the sump. The pump element can be drivingly coupled to the first input member and can pump the fluid from the sump when the first input member rotates about the axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Adrian M. Lenczewski, Robert Degowske
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Patent number: 9592830Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a control system adapted to making it possible to use, or prolong a use of, a higher transmission mode in a vehicle. The control system comprises a simulation unit configured for simulating at least one future speed profile for an actual speed for the vehicle along a section of road ahead of the vehicle, which simulation is conducted at a time when the section of road is still ahead of the vehicle, and is based on information related to a gradient of the section of road. The system further comprises an evaluation unit configured for evaluating whether a raising of an actual speed for the vehicle is appropriate to achieving the making possible or prolongation, which evaluation is based on the simulation of at least one future speed profile, and a use unit configured for using the evaluation during control of the actual speed.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: SCANIA CV ABInventors: Fredrik Roos, Mikael Ögren, Gustav Norman, Mengxi Wu
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Patent number: 9587713Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving power from an engine, an output shaft outputting power changed in speed, a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotating elements, a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotating elements, a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotating elements, a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotating elements, and six control elements disposed between the rotating elements, and disposed at positions where the rotating elements are selectively connected with a transmission housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Dong Hwan Hwang, Sueng Ho Lee, Chang Wook Lee, JongSool Park, KyeongHun Lee
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Patent number: 9574658Abstract: A shift-by-wire control apparatus includes: a first detector that detects a first vehicle state; a second detector that detects a second vehicle state; an auto parking controller that executes an auto parking control irrespective of a state of a shift range, on conditions that detection results derived from the first and second detectors satisfy respective predetermined conditions; and a malfunction determining unit that determines that the first detector is malfunctioning, on a condition that the first detector fails to detect a change in the first vehicle state. The auto parking controller executes, based on the detection result derived from the second detector, the auto parking control irrespective of the detection result derived from the first detector, on a condition that the first detector is determined by the malfunction determining unit as malfunctioning.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Koichiro Terai, Taichi Tsuji
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Patent number: 9574642Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Brad P. Pohl, Fernand A. Thomassy, Charles B. Lohr, Scott T. McBroom
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Patent number: 9574653Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the ring gear in a Powerglide transmission are disclosed. Systems may include a radial stabilization member mountable to the planet carrier and individual bearing members mountable to an inner surface of the ring gear in opposition to the radial stabilization member. Axial stabilization may also be provided by an axial stabilization member configured and dimensioned to be positioned between the ring gear mid-step and reverse clutch pack apply plate. Methods include mounting the radial stabilization member on the planet carrier using attachment means and securing the bearing members to the inner surface of the ring gear in a spaced relationship.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventors: Randall R. Schroeder, Brian G. Rowell, Gregg A. Nader
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Patent number: 9562309Abstract: A double-drive transmission washing machine and method comprising: fixedly connecting an input part of a speed reduction mechanism to a power part for providing rotational driving power; fixedly connecting a spinning output part of the speed reduction mechanism to a spin tube of the washing machine; connecting a agitating output part of the speed reduction mechanism to a wash shaft of the washing machine; by means of connecting the agitating output part to the input part, the agitating output part revolves around an axis of the power part; and by means of meshing connection between the spinning output part and the agitating output part, the spinning output part and the agitating output part are interacting with each other, but rotate separately drive the wash shaft and the spin tube to rotate individually. This washing machine has the rotation speed of the wash shaft vary according to the washing load.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Changzhou Machine Master Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chen Chang
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Patent number: 9556943Abstract: A variable transmission includes an input shaft, two planetary gear sets, a first planetary set on the input side of a variator, and a second planetary set on the output side of the variator, to split the torque drivingly engaged with a variator comprising, a first ring assembly, a second ring assembly; various arrangements of brakes and clutches; a gearbox; and the output shaft to produce transmissions with continuously variable or infinitely variable torque output ratios.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Dana LimitedInventor: Mark R. J. Versteyhe
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Patent number: 9555810Abstract: A motorcycle's transmission control device is provided in which, in a case of a clutchless shift operation, disengagement of a fit of gears of a transmission and the fit of subsequent gears thereof can be smoothly achieved. A throttle operation unit controls the degree of opening of a throttle valve to become a first throttle opening-degree when a clutchless shifting unit determines that a clutchless down-shift operation can be implemented, and controls the degree of opening of the throttle valve to become a second throttle opening-degree when the clutchless shifting unit determines that a fit between shift gears is disengaged by the clutchless down-shift operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Mitsuaki Shirasaki, Kenichi Yamagata, Masahiko Nomura
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Patent number: 9551384Abstract: A clutch management system has a ramp actuator, an inner plate housing, an outer plate housing, and a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly may have a motor, a ratio adaptor, a primary sun gear, a secondary sun gear, a primary planet carrier and a secondary planet carrier. The primary sun gear is in contact with the ratio adaptor and primary planet gears. The primary planet gears are in contact with a ring gear. The primary planet carrier forms part of the ramp actuator. The second sun gear is connected to a housing and a secondary planet gears. The secondary planet gears are also in contact with the ring gear. A secondary planet carrier is connected. to the first plate of the ramp actuator.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLCInventor: Kenneth E. Cooper
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Patent number: 9546731Abstract: A bicycle gear changing control apparatus includes a controller that is programmed to control a gear changing state of a bicycle transmission according to an operation of a gear changing operating device upon determining a bicycle traveling speed is greater than a first speed. The controller controls the transmission automatically to be in a first prescribed gear changing state upon determining the bicycle traveling speed becomes less than or equal to the first speed and upon determining a gear ratio of a current gear changing state of the transmission is larger than a preset gear ratio of the first prescribed gear changing state. The controller controls the transmission automatically, after controlling the transmission to be in the first prescribed gear changing state, to a larger gear ratio than the gear ratio of the first prescribed gear changing state, upon determining the bicycle traveling speed becomes greater than a second speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Etsuyoshi Watarai
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Patent number: 9546723Abstract: A housing for a bevel gear includes a pinion bearing seat configured to support a pinion bearing for a driveshaft having a drive pinion. The housing also includes an attachment structure configured to attach a support bearing seat to the housing such that the position of the support bearing seat with respect to the pinion bearing seat is variable in the radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventors: Padelis Katsaros, Volker Wendt
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Patent number: 9534679Abstract: A differential assembly for a powertrain of a vehicle includes a differential housing, a differential shaft, and a retainer ring. The differential shaft retains a pair of opposing bevel gears within the differential housing in mesh with a pair of opposing side gears each connected to a half shaft. The retainer ring is disposed on the outside of the differential housing covering the bores in which is fit the differential shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Bhaskara Ch, Vishal Khare, Venkateswar Katha
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Patent number: 9533562Abstract: A drive device for a change-speed transmission for motor vehicles, has at least one transmission input shaft, at least one axially parallel output shaft, having a plurality of gearwheel sets which are arranged on the shafts with fixed gearwheels and idler gears which can be switched via synchronizer clutches in order to form forward gears, and having at least one separating clutch. A planetary transmission which can be switched over into two transmission stages is connected upstream of the gearwheel sets of the forward gears, which planetary transmission has a driven input element, an output element which outputs to the input shaft, and a transmission element which can be braked or coupled in order to switch over the transmission stages, wherein the transmission element can be coupled to an electric machine, by means of which the transmission element can be fixed or can be driven in both rotational directions.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Johann Märkl, Axel Heitmann