Abstract: An integrated motor and clutch assembly is provided, which includes a housing that rotatably supports an input shaft and an output shaft. A selectively engageable friction clutch is disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft for transferring torque therebetween. The friction clutch includes an outer hub connected for rotation with the output shaft. The integrated motor and clutch assembly also includes a motor having a rotor non-rotatably connected to the outer hub of the friction clutch and disposed coaxial with the input and output shafts. The motor also includes a stator secured to the housing and disposed concentric with the rotor.

Abstract: A controller-assisted, manually shifted transmission system having a control system and method for controlling automatic range shifts are disclosed. Automatic range shifts are determined by control logic utilizing predetermined logic rules to evaluate transmission system criteria. The control logic determines a set of potential target gear ratios. Engine overspeed tests evaluate the set of potential target gear ratios in combination with the transmission system criteria. The appropriate range shift is determined and executed based on the selected target gear ratio.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining the torque required to launch a vehicle having a hybrid drive-train that includes at least two independently operable prime movers. The method includes the steps of determining the value of at least one control parameter indicative of a vehicle operating condition, determining the torque required to launch the vehicle from the at least one determined control parameter, comparing the torque available from the prime movers to the torque required to launch the vehicle, and controlling operation of the prime movers to launch the vehicle in response to the comparing step. The system of the present invention includes a control unit configured to perform the steps of the method outlined above.

Abstract: An integrated motor and clutch assembly is provided, which includes a housing that rotatably supports an input shaft and an output shaft. A selectively engageable friction clutch is disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft for transferring torque therebetween. The friction clutch includes an outer hub connected for rotation with the output shaft. The integrated motor and clutch assembly also includes a motor having a rotor non-rotatably connected to the outer hub of the friction clutch and disposed coaxial with the input and output shafts. The motor also includes a stator secured to the housing and disposed concentric with the rotor.

Abstract: A method/system for adaptively controlling engine fueling during disengagement of a jaw clutch (70) while maintaining the vehicle master friction clutch (20) engaged. Engine torque is initially commanded to a zero drive line torque value (114) and, after a period of time (T2−T1) if non-torque lock is sensed ((d/dt(SLY-Y))<REF), than a torque bump (128) engine fueling routine is initiated.

Abstract: A controller-assisted, manually shifted compound transmission system (10) and splitter shift control method therefor. Auxiliary splitter section (16B) shifts are automatically implemented by a splitter shifter (28) under commands (56) from a controller (54). The splitter ratio to be engaged is determined as a function of a target engine speed (EST) under sensed and expected vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A control system/method for a controller-assisted, manually shifted transmission system (10) senses incomplete jaw clutch engagement (FIGS. 7A and 7B) and causes the engine to dither about zero driveline torque to allow the vehicle operator to fully engage (FIG. 7C) the engaging jaw clutch (200).

Abstract: A detent plunger assembly (48) for selectively inhibiting shift lever (42) movement in a controller-assisted, manually shifted transmission system (10). The assembly includes a differential area piston (86) and a light biasing spring (110) for causing said plunger to apply a light inhibiting force when system air (S) is not available, such as at vehicle startup.

Abstract: A control system/method for a controller-assisted, manually shifted transmission system (10). Upon sensing an intent to initiate a lever shift (ITS), the target gear ratio (GRT) is assumed to be a single shift from the currently engaged ratio (GRT=GRC±1) until a delay period of time (TDELAY) expires. After the delay period (T>TDELAY), the target ratio is determined as a function of shift lever position (SL) and/or fore/aft force (FF/FA) on the shift lever (48).

Abstract: A support for a baby is disclosed having a flap portion, a seat portion, and a handle portion. The flap portion has at least one pocket. A pair of cushion blocks is removably attached to the seat portion, one on each side of the baby. The seat portion has a central area between the cushion blocks, composed of a non-slip material. Straps are included for securing the baby in a shopping cart or other seat. A handle is preferably attached to the handle portion for carrying the support. The cushion blocks support a baby too young to sit up alone in a seated position. Since the cushion blocks are removably attached on two surfaces, the support can also be laid flat for use as a changing pad.

Abstract: A control for enhanced manual start ratio engagement in a computer-assisted (48) vehicular compound transmission (16) having a synchronized main section (16A) shifted by a manually operated shift lever (31), an auxiliary splitter section, and a controller (48). The splitter section (16E) is located behind the main section and is provided with a three-position (L, H, N) actuator (46) and is commanded to a splitter-neutral position upon sensing that the vehicle is essentially stopped (OS<REF), that the master clutch (14) is disengaged and the main section is in neutral.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission (14) having a plurality of ratios (first-twelfth) and an automated system (10) utilizing same, has an upper group of ratios (seventh-twelfth) having a relatively small average ratio step (13%) compared to the average ratio steps (30%-40%) of comparable transmissions. This allows high-speed operation (35-70 mph) at or very nearing desired engine speed (112), emulating the characteristics of a CVT.

Abstract: A double acting, baulkring-type synchronizer (20) for frictionally synchronizing and positive connecting first and second gears (14, 16) to a shaft (12). The synchronizer includes a first cone clutch with friction members (22,46) for frictionally synchronizing gear (14) with shaft (12) and a second cone clutch with friction members (24,44) for frictionally synchronizing gear (16) with shaft (12). The synchronizer further includes a third cone clutch with friction members (18,56) which is engaged in response to engagement of the first cone clutch and axial movement of the first gear (14).

Abstract: An appliance backsplash assembly includes an appliance housing with a top member. A control housing assembly includes a rear wall and a pair of end caps mounted adjacent the rear portion of the top member. The control housing also includes a control panel assembly with a mounting plate and a cover. The mounting plate has tabs spaced across its bottom edge with slots therein. The cover includes tabs spaced apart across its bottom edge and received in the slots in the mounting plate tabs. The mounting plate tabs are received slots in the rear portion of the top member so that the mounting plate can be pivoted to a position exposing one of its faces. Controls are mounted to the mounting plate through that face to be removable when that face is exposed.

Abstract: An improved golf cart display panel comprises an elongated plastic body forming a frame through which a color graphic representation of holes on a golf course can be viewed. The plastic body is sized to be mounted to the golf cart extending between the upstanding roof support posts on the front of the cart with the graphic display being presented to a golfer in the cart. The graphic display includes areas for advertising copy allowing sponsors to advertise their products and services to golfers riding in the cart.