Abstract: A method for operating a semi-automatic or automatic manual transmission of a heavy truck when driving at idle speed. The method includes supplying fuel to the engine of the heavy truck at a rate that facilitates engine-idle operation. In another step, the method engages the automatic or semi-automatic transmission in a gear higher than the starting gear of the transmission and permits the truck to operate at a first substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. Depending upon traffic and environmental requirements which require a slower or higher speed, the driver downshifts or upshifts the semi-automatic or automatic transmission by depressing a control pedal of the truck and then drives the truck at a second substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. For a downshift, the second substantially uniform driving velocity is less than the first substantially uniform driving velocity.

Abstract: Automatic mechanical transmission system for a vehicle with antilock braking which is configured to selectively decouple the drive train of the vehicle from the wheels of the vehicle. The system includes a first sensor for sensing at least one operational state of the vehicle, a second sensor for sensing a wheel-lock up condition of the vehicle, and a logic control unit. The logic control unit is configured to receive signals from the first and second sensors. When the first sensor communicates a first predetermined operational state of the vehicle and the second sensor communicates a wheel-lockup condition, the logic unit directs disengagement of the drive train from the wheels. Alternatively, when a second predetermined operational state of the vehicle and wheel lock-up condition is communicated, the logic control unit directs engagement of the drive train and the wheels.

Abstract: Method for adapting an automated transmission of a heavy vehicle in consideration of a speed sensitive PTO. The method selects appropriate gears based on the constraint that the engaged PTO should remain below a set speed limit. The information about the speed limit of the PTO is used by the transmission control unit to ensure that the engine does not drive the PTO at a speed higher than the given speed limit. The engine speed may also be limited to reduce the engine speed to prevent it from exceeding the allowable PTO speed.

Abstract: Method for exiting an engine-idle driving mode in a heavy land vehicle having an automatic transmission. The engine-idle driving mode is established in the vehicle when the engine is running substantially constantly at idle speed and a gear is engaged propelling the vehicle at a corresponding substantially constant, relatively slow vehicle speed. The method includes receiving a driver request, when in engine-idle driving mode, to accelerate from the prevailing substantially constant, relatively slow vehicle speed. The engine torque requirement is assessed for delivering the requested acceleration that can be developed from the engine while maintaining the automatic transmission in the same gear in which engine-idle driving is taking place. The requested acceleration is delivered by increasing the engine's torque output and without downshifting the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A method for activating a freewheel function of a vehicle, where the vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary brake, an auxiliary braking control for controlling the braking power of the auxiliary brake between an auxiliary brake not-active position and at least one auxiliary brake active position, at least one engine, at least one wheel driven by the engine via an automated mechanical transmission, an accelerator pedal for controlling the driving torque of the engine. When deactivation of the auxiliary brake occurs due to manual positioning of the auxiliary braking control to the auxiliary brake not-active position, the freewheel function is automatically activated if a freewheeling condition is sensed.

Abstract: A method for gear selection during driving of a vehicle in a heavy uphill drive condition is provided, the vehicle including an engine, an automated mechanical transmission, a clutch, a control unit for receiving input signals including signals indicative of vehicle speed, engaged ratio of the transmission, rotational speed of the engine, rotational speed of a input shaft and displacement of a throttle control for engine torque request, and for processing the signals in accordance with programmed logic rules to issue command output signals to the engine, to the transmission and to said clutch.

Abstract: System and method for adapting an automatic mechanical transmission (AMT) on a heavy vehicle. The method includes assessing at least one driving characteristic of an operator of the vehicle. Specific examples are detailed below, but in general these will be driving traits that demonstrate the driver's proficiency at executing certain driving tasks. This is taken as a predictor of his or her ability to handle and properly use advanced vehicle features that are beneficial when used properly, but that typically also have a capacity for misuse. Based on the assessment, the operator is classified as being either entitled to enhanced transmission features or not entitled to enhanced transmission features. If the classification is positive, that is the driver is classified as being entitled to enhanced transmission features; at least one enhanced transmission feature is enabled for the operator.

Abstract: Method for adapting an automated transmission of a heavy vehicle in consideration of a speed sensitive PTO. The method selects appropriate gears based on the constraint that the engaged PTO should remain below a set speed limit. The information about the speed limit of the PTO is used by the transmission control unit to ensure that the engine does not drive the PTO at a speed higher than the given speed limit. The engine speed may also be limited to reduce the engine speed to prevent it from exceeding the allowable PTO speed.

Abstract: A method for gear selection during driving of a vehicle in a heavy uphill drive condition is provided, the vehicle including an engine, an automated mechanical transmission, a clutch, a control unit for receiving input signals including signals indicative of vehicle speed, engaged ratio of the transmission, rotational speed of the engine, rotational speed of a input shaft and displacement of a throttle control for engine torque request, and for processing the signals in accordance with programmed logic rules to issue command output signals to the engine, to the transmission and to said clutch.

Abstract: Method for exiting an engine-idle driving mode in a heavy land vehicle having an automatic transmission. The engine-idle driving mode is established in the vehicle when the engine is running substantially constantly at idle speed and a gear is engaged propelling the vehicle at a corresponding substantially constant, relatively slow vehicle speed. The method includes receiving a driver request, when in engine-idle driving mode, to accelerate from the prevailing substantially constant, relatively slow vehicle speed. The engine torque requirement is assessed for delivering the requested acceleration that can be developed from the engine while maintaining the automatic transmission in the same gear in which engine-idle driving is taking place. The requested acceleration is delivered by increasing the engine's torque output and without downshifting the automatic transmission.

Abstract: Vehicle (A) with an internal combustion engine (1), an automated transmission (2) coupled to the engine, and electronic control elements (3) which control the supply of fuel to the engine combustion chambers and recirculation of exhaust from the engine exhaust side (7) to its intake side (6). The control elements are disposed to compute, while the vehicle is moving, future driving resistance and the time until a future shifting between gears and to control valve elements (9) which regulate exhaust return flow during this time to optimize fuel consumption and emissions, when the gearshifting takes place.

Abstract: Automatic mechanical transmission system for a vehicle with antilock braking which is configured to selectively decouple the drive train of the vehicle from the wheels of the vehicle. The system includes a first sensor for sensing at least one operational state of the vehicle, a second sensor for sensing a wheel-lock up condition of the vehicle, and a logic control unit. The logic control unit is configured to receive signals from the first and second sensors. When the first sensor communicates a first predetermined operational state of the vehicle and the second sensor communicates a wheel-lockup condition, the logic unit directs disengagement of the drive train from the wheels. Alternatively, when a second predetermined operational state of the vehicle and wheel lock-up condition is communicated, the logic control unit directs engagement of the drive train and the wheels.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for achieving lower emissions during operation of a vehicle that includes comprising a combustion engine (10) that emits exhaust gases into an exhaust system (140) having a catalyzes (320). An injection device (310) is arranged to inject a substance into the exhaust system and a transmission (90) is provided that is driven by the engine. The method includes selecting a gear in the vehicle's transmission in response to at least information about whether catalytic conversion is required and information about the temperature (T) in the exhaust system so that the selected gear regulates the temperature in the exhaust system.

Abstract: A method for operating a semi-automatic or automatic manual transmission of a heavy truck when driving at idle speed. The method includes supplying fuel to the engine of the heavy truck at a rate that facilitates engine-idle operation. In another step, the method engages the automatic or semi-automatic transmission in a gear higher than the starting gear of the transmission and permits the truck to operate at a first substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. Depending upon traffic and environmental requirements which require a slower or higher speed, the driver downshifts or upshifts the semi-automatic or automatic transmission by depressing a control pedal of the truck and then drives the truck at a second substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. For a downshift, the second substantially uniform driving velocity is less than the first substantially uniform driving velocity.

Abstract: A method for activating a freewheel function of a vehicle, where the vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary brake, an auxiliary braking control for controlling the braking power of the auxiliary brake between an auxiliary brake not-active position and at least one auxiliary brake active position, at least one engine, at least one wheel driven by the engine via an automated mechanical transmission, an accelerator pedal for controlling the driving torque of the engine. When deactivation of the auxiliary brake occurs due to manual positioning of the auxiliary braking control to the auxiliary brake not-active position, the freewheel function is automatically activated if a freewheeling condition is sensed.

Abstract: A method and device for modifying throttle control characteristics of a throttle control in a vehicle, the vehicle including an engine coupled to engine driven vehicle wheels via a stepped gear mechanical transmission, and where requested engine torque at a given engine speed of the engine is controlled as a function of positions of the throttle control. When sensing a gear shift to a vehicle high speed gear, a control unit modifies the characteristics so the engine torque and engine speed will be controlled via said throttle control along a first set of relatively flat curves, when the curves are plotted in a diagram with engine torque on the y-axis and engine speed on the x-axis.

Abstract: A method of producing lower emissions in the operation of a vehicle includes an internal combustion engine which gives off exhaust gases to an exhaust system comprising a catalytic converter, injectors which are designed to inject hydrocarbon into at least one of the exhaust system and the engine combustion chamber, and a transmission that can be driven by the engine. The method includes a step in which a gear in the vehicle transmission is selected as a function at least of information that catalytic conversion is required and information on the temperature in the exhaust system, so that the gear selected regulates the temperature in the exhaust system. The catalytic converter is preferably of the LNC (Lean NO, Catalyst) type.

Abstract: Method for adapting an automated mechanical transmission based upon a PTO load. The method includes setting the transmission gears so that no torque is being transmitted to the output shaft of the transmission. With the PTO load engaged, engine torque is measured by the engine control unit. This torque is compared to the expected engine torque. Using the difference from the expected value and the measured value, the transmission control unit adjusts the shifting of the transmission because the PTO will cause the engine to lose some of its available torque. Based on the PTO load, the transmission control unit will select the appropriate start gear, upshift gears, and downshift gears.

Abstract: Method for regulating the rotational speed of a clutch-independent power take-off. The power take-off is driven by an engine arranged in a vehicle. The engine is connected to an automatic stagegeared transmission by way of an automated vehicle clutch. At least one control unit is provided for controlling the transmission, the vehicle clutch and the engine. The control unit controls the rotational speed of the engine as a function of the position of the throttle lever and controls the transmission as a function of the position of a gear selector. The rotational speed of the engine is regulated by way of a control and the degree of engagement of the vehicle clutch is regulated by way of the throttle lever when the power take-off is engaged and a drive position is selected by way of the gear selector. The rotational speed of the engine is automatically reduced when equipment engaged to the power take-off approaches a limit position.

Abstract: Method for improved automatic control of a function in a terrestrial vehicle that includes an automatic control of the function, determination of the position of the vehicle on the ground (x, y) and comparison of the position of the vehicle with one or several previously stored positions. The previously stored positions are positions in which it has been determined that the control automation has carried out a control that was outside a predetermined permitted range on previous occasions, and if the determined position of the vehicle conforms with one of the previously stored positions, special previously stored control information is used to reduce the risk of the control being outside the predetermined permitted range yet again.