Abstract: A single motor clutchless, torque converter-less buffer system is provided for linking an engine (101) to a transmission (111). Within this context of this system, the drive train comprises an engine (101), an electric motor (103), and a lossless buffer (109)receiving the engine output (106) and the motor output (107), and having a buffer output (113), such that the lossless buffer (109) provides a range of transmission ratios including a zero transmission ratio. The term “lossless” denotes the absence of intentional frictional losses/slippage such as may be present in clutches and torque converters. In an embodiment, the lossless buffer (109) includes a planetary system between the engine (101) and the transmission (111), wherein the single electric motor (103) functions to vary the transmission ratio of the buffer (109).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptive control method for an automatic transmission. The method includes the steps of:(a) commanding a predetermined clutch to fill in accordance with a plurality of clutch fill parameters;(b) determining the actual time to completely fill the clutch;(c) comparing the actual fill time with a predetermined fill time; and(d) adjusting at least one of the plurality of clutch fill parameters in response to the comparison in order to modify the clutch fill period during subsequent shifts to the predetermined clutch. Accordingly, the present invention adapts future shifts based on past shifts to improve the shift quality of the transmission.