Abstract: A modification to the manual valve of an automatic transmission is provided which improves the shift quality of the automatic transmission when the transmission is shifted from a drive gear to either Park or Neutral. More particularly, the invention provides a control orifice which regulates the release of hydraulic fluid from one or more clutch circuits such that pressure to one or more clutches is gradually released. The gradual release of pressure form the one or more clutches provides an improved shift quality. In alternate embodiments, the present invention provides a further modification to an automatic transmission which allows the control orifice to be circumvented in situations where a rapid swap of pressure from on clutch control solenoid to another is required.

Abstract: A method of determining a fill volume of a clutch of an automatic transmission. A clutch fill sequence is observed from measurement of fluid pressure applied to the clutch, wherein the sequence may include a initial rise, a plateau, and a final rise. A fill end time may be identified as corresponding to an intersection of a forward extrapolated portion of the plateau and a backward extrapolated portion of the final rise.

Abstract: A modification to the manual valve of an automatic transmission is provided which improves the shift quality of the automatic transmission when the transmission is shifted from a drive gear to either Park or Neutral. More particularly, the invention provides a control orifice which regulates the release of hydraulic fluid from one or more clutch circuits such that pressure to one or more clutches is gradually released. The gradual release of pressure form the one or more clutches provides an improved shift quality. In alternate embodiments, the present invention provides a further modification to an automatic transmission which allows the control orifice to be circumvented in situations where a rapid swap of pressure from on clutch control solenoid to another is required.

Abstract: A system for monitoring performance of a fuel system in a vehicle includes a plurality of sensing modules that periodically sense data from a plurality of control systems in the vehicle during a predetermined evaluation period. The system includes a control module that analyzes the data after the evaluation period, generates performance ratings for the control systems based on the data, generates a set of values for the performance of the fuel system based on the performance ratings and a plurality of predetermined fuzzy logic rules, and generates a control signal based on a numerical analysis of the set of values. The system includes an indicator module that indicates in real time whether the performance of the fuel system conforms to a designed performance of the vehicle based on the control signal.

Abstract: A method of determining a fill volume of a clutch of an automatic transmission. A clutch fill sequence is observed from measurement of fluid pressure applied to the clutch, wherein the sequence may include a initial rise, a plateau, and a final rise. A fill end time may be identified as corresponding to an intersection of a forward extrapolated portion of the plateau and a backward extrapolated portion of the final rise.

Abstract: A system for monitoring performance of a fuel system in a vehicle includes a plurality of sensing modules that periodically sense data from a plurality of control systems in the vehicle during a predetermined evaluation period. The system includes a control module that analyzes the data after the evaluation period, generates performance ratings for the control systems based on the data, generates a set of values for the performance of the fuel system based on the performance ratings and a plurality of predetermined fuzzy logic rules, and generates a control signal based on a numerical analysis of the set of values. The system includes an indicator module that indicates in real time whether the performance of the fuel system conforms to a designed performance of the vehicle based on the control signal.

Abstract: A method of determining the remaining useful life of automatic transmission fluid used in an automatic transmission or transaxle is provided. A multiplicity of vehicles having the same type of automatic transmission or transaxle are monitored and data on factors bearing on the useful life of automatic transmission fluid are collected. Weighted constants are derived for each factor. The automatic transmission controller is then programmed to monitor the operation of the automatic transmission or transaxle and collect data on the factors that bear on the useful life of the automatic transmission fluid. Based on the collected data and weighted constants, the remaining useful life of the automatic transmission fluid is determined.