Abstract: A method is provided which uses, or which calculates, a temperature gradient of a portion of a vehicle to determine a value equal to, or representative of, a time before a maximum allowable operating temperature is reached by the portion. If the value is less than a certain threshold, the apparatus reduces the operating speed of the portion and, in one embodiment, provides a warning signal to an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided which use, or which calculate, a temperature gradient of a portion of a vehicle to determine a value equal to, or representative of, a time before a maximum allowable operating temperature is reached by the portion. If the value is less than a certain threshold, the apparatus reduces the operating speed of the portion and, in one embodiment, provides a warning signal to an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle drive system or transaxle 10 including an internal combustion engine 12, a generator/motor 14 which is coupled to engine 12 by use of a planetary gear set 20, and an electric motor 16. Drive system 10 includes a brake or clutch assembly 34 which is operatively and selectively coupled to a generator/motor 14 and is effective to supplement the generator-produced reaction torque, thereby cooperating with the generator/motor 14 to control the speed of engine 12.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided which use, or which calculate, a temperature gradient of a portion of a vehicle to determine a value equal to, or representative of, a time before a maximum allowable operating temperature is reached by the portion. If the value is less than a certain threshold, the apparatus reduces the operating speed of the portion and, in one embodiment, provides a warning signal to an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus 12 which uses or calculates a temperature gradient of a portion 16 of a vehicle 10 to determine a value equal to or representative of a time before a maximum allowable operating temperature is reached by the portion 16. If the value is less than a certain threshold, the apparatus 12 reduces the operating speed of the portion 16 and, in one embodiment, provides a warning signal to an operator of the vehicle 10.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus 12 which uses or calculates a temperature gradient of a portion 16 of a vehicle 10 to determine a value equal to or representative of a time before a maximum allowable operating temperature is reached by the portion 16. If the value is less than a certain threshold, the apparatus 12 reduces the operating speed of the portion 16 and, in one embodiment, provides a warning signal to an operator of the vehicle 10.

Abstract: A method for reverse drive mode operation of a hybrid electric vehicle includes determining an output power of the internal combustion engine, determining a power circulation loss between a generator and a motor, determining a benefit power based on the difference between the output power of the internal combustion engine and the power circulation loss, and stopping operation of the internal combustion engine during the reverse drive mode operation of the vehicle if the benefit power is less than a predetermined threshold power value.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle drive system or transaxle 10 including an internal combustion engine 12, a generator/motor 14 which is coupled to engine 12 by use of a planetary gear set 20, and an electric motor 16. Drive system 10 includes a brake or clutch assembly 34 which is operatively and selectively coupled to a generator/motor 14 and is effective to supplement the generator-produced reaction torque, thereby cooperating with the generator/motor 14 to control the speed of engine 12.

Abstract: The invention is a controller for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that provides a strategy to control a split powertrain hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) when a vehicle travels in reverse, battery state-of-charge (SOC) is low and the powertrain is configured to only use the motor while traveling in reverse.

Abstract: A multiple-function mechanical coupling having inner and outer races, the outer race having an internal surface with peripherally spaced pockets defining ramp surfaces, the inner race having an outer surface with peripherally spaced pockets defining ramps that are situated adjacent corresponding ramp surfaces of the outer race. The inner race surrounds a circular torque transfer shaft. The inner race is split to permit radial expansion of the effective diameter of the inner race. A hydrostatic pressure actuator exerts a tangentially directed force on the adjacent ends of the inner race. A plurality of clutch rollers is received in the recesses in the inner surface of the outer race and the outer surface of the inner race whereby the races are locked together and the inner race establishes frictional engagement of the torque delivery.

Abstract: A multiple-ratio automatic transmission having plural torque delivery paths that are established and disestablished by a roller clutch and brake system. The clutch and brake system establishes and disestablishes torque flow paths while preventing simultaneous clutch or brake engagement. The clutch and brake system is capable of accommodating instantaneous torque reversals during ratio changes. Simplified clutch and brake system actuators trigger the application and release of the clutches and brakes during ratio changes.