Abstract: An electric torque converter has a torque converter input member connected to the first node of a differential gear set representable by a lever diagram having first, second, and third nodes. A motor/generator is connected to the second node. The third node is connected to an input member of a transmission gearing arrangement. A brake is selectively engagable to ground the first node to a stationary member. Engagement of the brake provides a regenerative braking mode and an electric-only driving mode, with the motor/generator connected to the transmission gearing arrangement through the differential gear set. Various clutches may be provided for lock-up or selective connection of the engine, including arrangements which reduce motor/generator torque required for engine starting while in electric-only driving. A method of operating a vehicle maintains the engine speed at an optimum level to the extent possible given battery charge levels and operator commands.

Abstract: A powertrain is provided with a first input clutch and a second input clutch, each of which is selectively engageable to connect an engine with a transmission input member. Selective engagement of the first input clutch permits a motor to power the engine to start the engine. Selective engagement of the second input clutch permits the engine to power the transmission for propulsion.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a motor, a sump for storing a hydraulic fluid, and a dual element pump connected to the motor. The dual element pump has at least one input port connected to the sump, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port. The dual element pump provides a first volume of hydraulic fluid to the first outlet port and provides a second volume of hydraulic fluid to the second outlet port. The first volume is greater than the second volume. The first outlet port is connected to a diversion valve. The second outlet port is connected to a high pressure hydraulic circuit. The diversion valve is operable to transmit the hydraulic fluid from the first outlet port to a low pressure hydraulic circuit and the high pressure hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A powertrain is provided with a first input clutch and a second input clutch, each of which is selectively engageable to connect an engine with a transmission input member. Selective engagement of the first input clutch permits a motor to power the engine to start the engine. Selective engagement of the second input clutch permits the engine to power the transmission for propulsion.

Abstract: A powertrain is provided with an input clutch that is disengagable to allow a transmission input member to rotate independently of engine speed under power of a motor and provide an alternative way to power vehicle accessories otherwise driven by engine torque, while still allowing the motor to start the engine. A powertrain having a parallel combination of input clutches including a friction input clutch and a selectable one-way clutch is provided, as well as a method of control of such a powertrain. Another method of controlling a hybrid vehicle powertrain includes starting the engine via torque from a motor with the input clutch biased in an engaged position. If vehicle operating conditions are more efficiently met without operating the engine, the input clutch is disengaged to so that torque is provided only by the motor to the output member and to vehicle accessories operatively connected to the input member.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine with an engine output member, such as a crankshaft, and a first motor/generator having a first rotor connected to the crankshaft for rotation therewith. A transmission includes a transmission input member, a transmission output member, and a differential gearing arrangement selectively operatively connecting the transmission input member and the transmission output member. A plurality of torque transmitting devices is selectively engageable to provide a plurality of fixed speed ratios between the transmission input member and the transmission output member. A second motor/generator includes a second rotor connected to the gearing arrangement to provide torque to the transmission output member. The transmission input member is selectively connectable to the engine output member and the first rotor to alternate between a series hybrid drive mode and a fixed ratio mode of powertrain operation. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid conversion module configured to easily attach to existing powertrain components in order to produce a light hybrid vehicle. The hybrid conversion module includes an electric motor/generator operable to transmit power to a torque converter and thereby drive the light hybrid vehicle. A storage device such as a battery is operatively connected to the electric motor/generator and is configured to transmit energy to or receive energy from the electric motor/generator. A clutch is configured to selectively decouple the light hybrid vehicle's engine from the torque converter such that the vehicle can be powered by the electric motor/generator in an efficient manner. The apparatus of the present invention also includes a light hybrid vehicle having such a hybrid conversion module attached in the manner described to a conventional powertrain.

Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission is provided with first and second motor/generators and three planetary gear sets. The planetary gear sets have continuous interconnections, and selective connections via a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms, that provide three forward electrically-variable modes. Preferably, the planetary gear sets are characterized by effective gear ratios such that a substantially equal maximum torque is required from each of the motor/generators during the three forward electrically-variable modes for a given torque on the input member. This allows the first and second motor/generators to be substantially equal in size.

Abstract: An electric torque converter has a torque converter input member connected to the first node of a differential gear set representable by a lever diagram having first, second, and third nodes. A motor/generator is connected to the second node. The third node is connected to an input member of a transmission gearing arrangement. A brake is selectively engagable to ground the first node to a stationary member. Engagement of the brake provides a regenerative braking mode and an electric-only driving mode, with the motor/generator connected to the transmission gearing arrangement through the differential gear set. Various clutches may be provided for lock-up or selective connection of the engine, including arrangements which reduce motor/generator torque required for engine starting while in electric-only driving. A method of operating a vehicle maintains the engine speed at an optimum level to the extent possible given battery charge levels and operator commands.

Abstract: An electromechanical transmission is provided with a structural support member that supports a motor/generator in a space efficient way; particularly, the motor/generator is supported from one side only to save space axially in the transmission. Specifically, a stationary structural support member circumscribes an outer surface of and supports a stator while extending radially-inward of a rotor and at least partially supporting the rotor. A rotor hub rotatable with respect to the structural support member is used to support an inner surface of the rotor. The structural support member substantially encloses the stator and rotor from one direction along the axis of rotation. However, the stator and rotor have no additional support members in the opposing axial direction such that they are unenclosed from an opposing axial direction.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a control unit that regulates electric power interchange an energy storage device and a motor/generator for causing selective torque generation by the motor/generator and for controlling engagement of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The control unit is configured to place the torque-transmitting mechanism in slipping engagement to launch the vehicle and thereby decouple a fixed relationship between engine torque and motor/generator torque or between engine torque and torque at the output member. A method of operating a hybrid vehicle powertrain is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes an electronically variable transmission (EVT) with an input member to receive mechanical rotary power from the engine, an output member to provide mechanical rotary power to a vehicle powertrain to propel the vehicle, and an EVT gear train configured to selectively and operatively couple the input member to the output member. The EVT further includes first and second motor/generators driveably coupled to the gear train. A selectively engageable input brake mechanism is provided to create a reaction torque for the motor/generators thereby enabling the motor/generators to be used with additive power for electric propulsion or regenerative braking. The input brake improves electrical power to mechanical power conversion efficiency by reducing power circulation when the EVT is operated in electric drive, engine off mode.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a hydrostatic retarder pump and motor. The apparatus includes a housing rotatably supporting a shaft. The shaft includes a first eccentric portion and a second eccentric portion. A plurality of pistons are disposed within the housing and are engageable with the first eccentric portion. A plurality of valves are also disposed within the housing and are engageable with the second eccentric portion. The plurality of valves are configured to selectively connect the plurality of pistons with a low pressure accumulator or a high pressure accumulator. The rotation of the shaft may be implemented to drive the plurality of pistons and thereby transfer hydraulic fluid from the low pressure accumulator to the high pressure accumulator such that resistance is applied to the shaft and vehicle output is retarded. Alternatively, hydraulic fluid from the high pressure accumulator may be implemented to drive the plurality of pistons and thereby power the vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes an electrically variable transmission and an internal combustion engine. The transmission is operable to provide a continuously variable mode of operation. The engine is capable of variable displacement in that at least half of the cylinders contained therein are deactivatable. Additionally the internal combustion engine operates with a late intake valve closing strategy to increase the peak efficiency of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A powertrain is provided with an input clutch that is disengagable to allow a transmission input member to rotate independently of engine speed under power of a motor and provide an alternative way to power vehicle accessories otherwise driven by engine torque, while still allowing the motor to start the engine. A powertrain having a parallel combination of input clutches including a friction input clutch and a selectable one-way clutch is provided, as well as a method of control of such a powertrain. Another method of controlling a hybrid vehicle powertrain includes starting the engine via torque from a motor with the input clutch biased in an engaged position. If vehicle operating conditions are more efficiently met without operating the engine, the input clutch is disengaged to so that torque is provided only by the motor to the output member and to vehicle accessories operatively connected to the input member.

Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission is provided with first and second motor/generators and three planetary gear sets. The planetary gear sets have continuous interconnections, and selective connections via a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms, that provide three forward electrically-variable modes. Preferably, the planetary gear sets are characterized by effective gear ratios such that a substantially equal maximum torque is required from each of the motor/generators during the three forward electrically-variable modes for a given torque on the input member. This allows the first and second motor/generators to be substantially equal in size.

Abstract: A single range, electrically variable transmission (EVT) is provided with a lockup clutch that reduces motor power requirements. When applied, the lockup clutch allows engine torque to be transmitted directly to the output without the necessity of a motor/generator supplying reaction torque. With the lockup clutch applied, the transmission operates with zero electro-mechanical power flow at a fixed mechanical ratio, thus mitigating the power peak which occurs through the motor/generators. Input-split, output-split, and compound-split transmissions are disclosed. A method of operating an EVT with a lockup clutch is also provided.

Abstract: A transmission includes a housing, an electric motor having a stator within the housing, and a member including a generally cylindrical portion that circumscribes at least part of the stator. The member cooperates with the housing to form an annular coolant flowpath therebetween, and the member includes a plurality of holes to provide radial inflow of coolant from the flowpath to the stator to provide significantly improved motor cooling compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a hybrid transmission having an engine input and two motor/generator units, which are interconnected by a planetary gear mechanism and three selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms to establish three modes of transmission operation including an input split mode, a first compound split mode, and a second compound split mode.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an LCD screen hood is provided for use with digital cameras. The hood includes a hood tube that defines a light blocking sidewall having an open camera end and an opposite viewing end and enclosing a longitudinally extending viewpath therebetween. An eyepiece mounted on the viewing end includes an eyepiece lens for enlarging an image on an associated LCD screen disposed at the camera end of the hood tube. An eye cup is mounted on the eyepiece for shielding the eyepiece lens from ambient light. An objective tube fixed to the hood tube carries a three piece objective lens mounted between the eyepiece lens and the camera end of the hood tube. Magnification of the eyepiece lens varies as appropriate between 1× and 2.5×. Rotation of the eyepiece tube provides for diopter adjuxtment.