Condition Responsive (e.g., Responsive To Speed, Load, Etc.) Patents (Class 180/338)
  • Patent number: 11840241
    Abstract: A system and method for providing calibration data for driver assist systems based on a changed ride height includes receiving sensor data from at least one of a camera, RADAR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and/or LiDAR sensor of the vehicle, determining that a ride height of the vehicle has changed based on the sensor data, retrieving calibration data for at least one driver assist system based upon the changed ride height; and operating the at least one driver assist system using the retrieved calibration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jordan Barrett, Keith Weston, Brendan Francis Diamond, Michael Alan McNees, Andrew Denis Lewandowski, Matthew Johnson
  • Patent number: 11767911
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating a multi-speed vehicle transmission having a plurality of shift elements (A, B, C, D, E) for engaging the gears of the vehicle transmission. The method includes decoupling between an input (AN) and an output (AB) of the vehicle transmission in a neutral gear, and coupling the input (AN) and the output (AB) of the vehicle transmission in a drive gear for propelling the vehicle by closing at least one shift element (B). At least one transmission state is determined when the neutral gear is engaged, where a shift element (D) for a reverse gear of the vehicle transmission is closed at least partially if the transmission is in a state with increased drag losses when the neutral gear is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Fabian Ley, Jürgen Blaser, Sascha Fiesel, Wolfgang Rapp
  • Patent number: 11623848
    Abstract: A crane for lifting and transporting loads includes a base frame to transfer loads onto a support surface by a plurality of contacts in contact with the surface. An arm for lifting loads is rotatable relative to the base frame around a vertical axis. The angular range of the arm around the vertical axis includes angular fields, and load sensors. Each load sensor is associated with a respective contact to detect the force on the support surface. A control system obtains, from the load sensors, the value of the force, and detects the angular field where the arm is located. The control system determines a danger condition based on the values detected by the load sensors, according to different criteria in at least two different angular fields. The control system carries out predetermined functions of the crane, if the danger condition is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Jacques Tranchero
  • Patent number: 11136043
    Abstract: A yaw moment control apparatus for a vehicle which comprises a rear wheel driving torque transmission path that transmits the driving torque of a drive unit to left and right rear wheels, the path including a speed increasing device for increasing speed of the rear wheels relative to the front wheels, and clutches that change transmission capacities of driving torques to the left and right rear wheels, and a control unit for controlling fastening forces of the clutches. The control unit controls the fastening forces based on a lateral acceleration of the vehicle to impart a yaw moment by a driving torque difference between the wheels to the vehicle when traveling control of the vehicle by applying braking forces to the wheels is not being performed, and to impart no yaw moment by a driving torque difference to the vehicle when traveling control of the vehicle is being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Kambe, Yusuke Suetake
  • Patent number: 10882367
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle includes a vehicle body, a prime mover, a drive wheel, a water propulsion device, a drive wheel transmission, and a propulsion transmission. The drive wheel is disposed on a front side of the prime mover. The water propulsion device is disposed on a rear side of the prime mover. The drive wheel transmission is disposed on the front side of the prime mover and transmits power from the prime mover to the drive wheel. The propulsion transmission is disposed on the rear side of the prime mover and transmits the power from the prime mover to the water propulsion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Sato, Mitsuo Onoue, Tetsuya Miyamoto, Takashi Matsunaga, Katsuhiko Nakajo, Taichi Omura, Yuta Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10657823
    Abstract: A system and method system for determining when an object detected by a collision avoidance sensor on one member of an articulated vehicle comprises another member of the vehicle are provided. The system includes a collision avoidance sensor disposed on a first member of the vehicle and configured to detect an object within a field of view of the sensor on a side of the first member of the vehicle. The system further includes a controller configured to determine an articulation angle between the first member of the vehicle and a second member of the vehicle and to determine in response to the articulation angle, whether the second member of the vehicle is the object within the field of view of the collision avoidance sensor on the first member of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael K. Lesher, Martin P. Franz, Liju V. Alex
  • Patent number: 10595443
    Abstract: An open-ended screwless positioning module of an access apparatus includes an external frame body and an operation handle pivotally connected to the external frame body. The external frame body has a base, two arms, positioning bumps, an installing portion, an unlocking switch and a pivot portion. The arms extend downwards from the base in which a holding space for receiving the access apparatus is defined by the base and the arms. The positioning bumps are integrally formed on the arms for engaging with securing holes of the access apparatus. The installing portion is disposed on an upper surface of the base, the unlocking switch is movably assembled on the installing portion, and the pivot portion is disposed to a main body of the operation handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: CHENBRO MICOM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuan-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 10530286
    Abstract: An integrated electrical pump comprises a motor, an oil pump driven by the motor, and a pressure control system. The pressure control system controls a hydraulic pressure of the oil pump according to a motor speed of the motor, an oil temperature and a pressure command. An oil pressure control method of the integrated electrical pump is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Youqing Xiang, Xiaoyuan Hong, Huabo Li, Qingliang Lang, Xiaojun Yan
  • Patent number: 10107373
    Abstract: A differential may include a metal plate interlocking with a pinion, and at least one permanent magnet fixable to a case of the differential to generate an eddy current in the metal plate upon a relative rotation of the metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Soo Chang Cho
  • Patent number: 10065501
    Abstract: A method and a corresponding controller for the four-wheel drive of a motor vehicle are described, consisting of a clutch (AK) disposed in the drive train between a primary axle and a secondary axle (VA, HA) of the four-wheel drive, by means of which the drive torque of a primary axle (KHA, HA) driven by an engine (VKM, SG) can be distributed to a secondary axle (KVA, VA), wherein the controller (S) has a signal connection to the clutch (AK) and to sensors recording the revolution rates of at least one wheel of the primary axle (HA) and one wheel of the secondary axle (VA) and the clutch (AK) is controlled by means of the controller (S) below a specified torque such that a significantly reduced transfer of torque to the secondary axle (VA) is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN AG & CO KG
    Inventors: Hans-Thomas Feichtner, Johannes Quehenberger, Werner Schöfmann
  • Patent number: 9776498
    Abstract: An assembly includes a transmission and an electric machine for a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, and the transmission is a multi-stage standard transmission with first and second subtransmissions, each of which has a separate input shaft and shares an output shaft. Both input shafts are coupled to the shared output shaft via form locking shift elements of the subtransmissions. The assembly includes a first shiftable clutch which is allocated to a first input shaft such that the internal combustion engine is coupled to the first input shaft via the first shiftable clutch, and a second shiftable clutch which is allocated to the second input shaft such that the electric machine is coupled to the second input shaft via the second shiftable clutch. The electric machine is coupled to the internal combustion engine via a third shiftable clutch, and to the first input shaft via a fourth shiftable clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Timo Wehlen, Michael Roske
  • Patent number: 9656665
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, compensation is provided for a dual mass flywheel positioned in a vehicle driveline. The approaches may reduce driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, David Oshinsky
  • Patent number: 9568099
    Abstract: There is provided an oil pressure control device for a belt-type continuously variable transmission which includes two pulleys and a belt, wherein each of the two pulleys has a movable sheave which moves by oil pressure supplied to a hydraulic chamber, wherein the oil pressure control device calculates a request torque according to a running state, wherein when calculating the oil pressure which is supplied to the hydraulic chamber of the movable sheave on the basis of the request torque, the oil pressure control device reduces the request torque if the request torque is greater by a predetermined value or more than an actual input torque which is inputted to the belt-type continuously variable transmission. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an oil pressure control device for a belt-type continuously variable transmission with which undesirable vibration can be avoided by means of stable speed-ratio control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Honma, Seiichiro Takahashi, Akito Suzuki, Masahiro Iriyama
  • Patent number: 9534683
    Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic circuit for transmissions with which, while suppressing the hydraulic circuit from becoming complicated, it is possible to suppress an operational failure and a drop in the oil pressure of the hydraulic circuit, and to stabilize an oil pressure in the hydraulic circuit. The CVT 1 includes a part to be lubricated and a hydraulic control part for controlling transmission. The hydraulic circuit for transmissions includes a hydraulic oil pathway 3 for supplying oil from the pump apparatus 8 to the hydraulic control part 2, and a lubricating oil pathway 5 for supplying oil containing an air bubble to the part to be lubricated 4. The pump apparatus 8 includes a multi-stage trochoid pump 9 and has an air bubble-containing oil discharging part 11 for discharging the oil containing an air bubble to the first stage trochoid pump part 6. The air bubble-containing oil discharging part 11 is connected to the lubricating oil pathway 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MIKUNI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Norio Takehana
  • Patent number: 9457799
    Abstract: A hybrid drive for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine and a transmission. The transmission is a multi-stage shifting transmission having first and second subtransmissions which have first and second input shafts, respectively, and share a common output shaft. The first and second input shafts can be coupled selectively to the common output shaft via form-locking shift elements of the subtransmissions. The first input shaft of the first subtransmission can be coupled to the electric machine via a first clutch, and the second input shaft can be coupled to the internal combustion engine via a second clutch. A drive shaft of the electric machine can be connected to the second input shaft via a form-locking shift element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Uwe Griesmeier
  • Patent number: 9120474
    Abstract: An air braking system for a vehicle blends regenerative and foundation braking during low deceleration conditions in an effective and controlled manner. The braking system also includes a mechanical override that bypasses system electronics in response to an aggressive brake request such that treadle circuit pressure is sent directly to a brake relay circuit to actuate vehicle brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Lloyd, Kranti Kiran Manga, Ken Flory, Michael Marcetti
  • Patent number: 9022165
    Abstract: A method of controlling a fluid pump to supply lubricating fluid to a plurality of fluid requiring components in a hybrid vehicle powertrain includes selecting a component-required flow rate for each respective component using a determined operating speed and torque for that respective component. Once the each component-required flow rate is selected, the system flow rate is set to the maximum component-required flow rate of the plurality of component-required flow rates. The fluid pump is then commanded to supply fluid to each of the plurality of fluid requiring components at the system flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Ali K. Naqvi, Sean W. McGrogan, Mindy L. Barth, Besim Demirovic
  • Patent number: 8996263
    Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Stanley B. Quinn, Jr., Alan L. Miller, Scott R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8996259
    Abstract: An engine control device for a forklift that suppresses an increase in fuel consumption amount and noise by limiting an engine rotation speed when the forklift is driven without the need to increase the engine speed according to the accelerator operation even when the accelerator is depressed hard. Determining means in a controller determines whether all of the following conditions are satisfied: a neutral position of the traveling direction instructing means; a lift raising switch and first, second and third attachment switches are turned off. When all of the above conditions are satisfied, it is determined whether the forklift is driven in any of a plurality of states. An engine control means generates and outputs a control command to obtain the engine speed based on the accelerator pedal depression with the upper limit value of the engine speed set as an upper limit value of the engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Kaneko, Yoshitaka Onodera, Jun Hashimoto, Hideyuki Hiraiwa, Kazunori Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8977429
    Abstract: A system for shifting a vehicle's transfer case into or out of the neutral position, using an electronic vehicle information center. The system comprises a transfer case control module connected to a transfer case and an electronic vehicle information center connected to the transfer case control module. The electronic vehicle information center instructs the transfer case control module to shift the transfer case into or out of the neutral position by detecting an input signal request from a control panel to shift the transfer case into or out of a neutral position, and sending an instruction signal to the transfer case control module to shift the transfer case into or out of the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C Hendry, Michael Mashkevich
  • Publication number: 20140367187
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device for work machine includes: a driving device that generates a driving force for traveling of the work machine; a park braking device that parks the work machine; an operating unit that is provided in a cab of the work machine and operated by an operator for driving a work device; a hydraulic brake device that generates a braking force according to operation of a brake pedal; a hydraulic lock unit that hydraulically locks the hydraulic brake device to cause the hydraulic brake device to be continuously operated; a work device drivable state judging unit that judges whether or not the work device is in a work device drivable state in which the work device can be driven; and a park brake control unit that brings the park braking device into operation when the hydraulic lock unit hydraulically locks the hydraulic brake device and the work device drivable state judging unit judges that the work device drivable state has not been established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuaki Kodaka, Tsuyoshi Takayama, Yukihiro Tatsuno
  • Patent number: 8880308
    Abstract: A method and system of improving shift event performance in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. One or more accelerometers in the vehicle are used to sense one or more longitudinal acceleration values. The longitudinal acceleration values or values derived therefrom are compared with predetermined stored values. Shift event behavior is changed in response to differences between the one or more longitudinal acceleration values or values derived therefrom and the predetermined stored values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Hussein Dourra, Mircea Gradu, Michael Hall
  • Patent number: 8862344
    Abstract: A clutch actuator and to a method for the control thereof. The actuator actuates a multi-disk clutch, and to do so has actuator modules. The number of which corresponds to the number of the friction clutches. The modules have separate control units and electric motors, which are controlled by the control units and act on the friction clutches by a disengaging mechanism. In order to counter block the partial drive trains disposed downstream of the friction clutches, particularly automatically closed friction clutches during a malfunction of an actuator module, the actuator modules are connected among each other to a data line, which allows monitoring of the actuator modules and counter-measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Zimmermann, Matthias Gramann, Juergen Gerhart, Martin Rapp, Wolfgang Hill, Michael Menzel, Wai-Wai Buchet
  • Patent number: 8833335
    Abstract: A control device has a mechanical oil pump driven by an engine and an electric oil pump supplying oil via a check valve in an oil passage connecting the mechanical oil pump and the electric oil pump, the check valve allowing a flow of the oil from the electric oil pump side to the mechanical oil pump side while blocking a flow in an opposite direction, regardless of the pressure of the electric oil pump. When the check valve is closed under an oil pressure condition in which the electric oil pump outputs a maximum output oil pressure while the mechanical oil pump is driven by the engine at idle, the control device is configured to drive the electric oil pump during stop of the mechanical oil pump, and to stop the electric oil pump based on a load increase after start of the mechanical oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Karasawa
  • Patent number: 8781695
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to control the pickup on an uphill slope of an automotive vehicle provided with an automatic or robotized gearbox provide the definition of a control strategy of the gear box operation, also according to the gradient of the uphill slope, which is preferably calculated based on a longitudinal acceleration value of the automotive vehicle, and based on the altitude at which the automotive vehicle can be found, which is preferably calculated based on a detected atmospheric pressure value. In this way, it is also possible to consider the reduction in the engine torque due to the reduction in the air density with altitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Bianco, Claudio Cervone, Giuseppe Gatti, Giuseppe Lorusso, Euplio Pagliarulo, Francesco Cimmino
  • Patent number: 8763736
    Abstract: In control apparatus and method for a hybrid vehicle, a line pressure control valve disposed at a downstream side of each of mechanical oil pump (M-O/P) and electrically driven oil pump (S-O/P) to decrease a supplied hydraulic pressure from at least one of the mechanical oil pump and the electrically driven oil pump by opening drain ports thereof in accordance with a control valve command value is provided, the control valve command value is set by adding a predetermined additive correction quantity to a required line pressure set in accordance with operating states of a hydraulic pressure clutch (CL1) and a transmission and the drain ports of the line pressure control valve are controlled to a closure side, during an actuation of the electrically driven oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: JATCO Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Mochiyama, Hiroki Kawakami, Hideharu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8755980
    Abstract: A vehicle with a transmission having a crankshaft and an output shaft. A clutch located between the output shaft and a drive wheel is engaged and disengaged according to a rotational speed of the output shaft. An idle speed control device performs idle speed control to adjust an idle rotational speed of an engine. An electronic control unit (ECU) suppresses or stops the idle speed control when the clutch is engaged, or when an abnormality in the transmission is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuichiro Sawada
  • Patent number: 8738248
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling overspeeding of a vehicle carrying an internal combustion engine having one or more exhaust brake devices controllable to apply braking torque to the engine. The system may be operable determine a desired speed of the vehicle, to determine a road speed of the vehicle, and if the road speed of the vehicle exceeds the desired speed of the vehicle by more than a threshold speed, to determine a target brake torque required to reduce the road speed of the vehicle speed to the desired speed of the vehicle, and to then control the one or more exhaust brake devices to apply the target brake torque to the engine to thereby control the road speed of the vehicle to the desired speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Andrasko, John Kresse, Kevin Kluemper, Brett Caldwell
  • Patent number: 8660767
    Abstract: A control apparatus is provided to control the stopping of a vehicle. The control apparatus comprises a speed detector that detects a speed of a vehicle, speed acquiring means, target setting means, and control means. The speed acquiring means acquires an actual speed of the vehicle from detected results of the speed detector. The target setting means sets a target acceleration of the vehicle depending on the actual speed when the vehicle is stopped automatically. The control means controls an actual acceleration of the vehicle at the target acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nakai, Shotaro Fukuda, Satoshi Niwa, Hajime Kumabe, Yukio Mori, Hiroyuki Kodama, Takahisa Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8620498
    Abstract: A method of regulating operation of a hybrid vehicle traveling on a surface having a grade includes determining a drive force of the hybrid vehicle, calculating a brake pressure value and determining whether a grade freeze condition exists based on the brake pressure value. The method further includes calculating a grade value of the surface based on the drive force when the freeze condition does not exist and regulating operation of the hybrid vehicle based on the grade value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Mark A. Zerbini, Goro Tamai
  • Patent number: 8577532
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a second MG provided such that torque is transmitted between the second MG and a wheel, a brake system that applies braking force to the vehicle via friction force, and a control unit that controls the engine, the electric motor and the braking device. The control unit executes control for decelerating the vehicle through regenerative braking by the electric motor and braking by the braking device, executes control for either starting or stopping the engine, and due to execution of one control, restricts execution of the other control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichiro Muta
  • Patent number: 8554423
    Abstract: An automatic transmission device for a wheel loader includes: a shift mechanism; a work detection device that detects that the wheel loader is performing an excavation work; and a shift control device that executes control so as to downshift a speed stage at the shift mechanism if the work detection device detects that the wheel loader is performing the excavation work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuji Tanaka, Masami Higaki, Hirofumi Ouchi, Eiichi Sakai
  • Patent number: 8554431
    Abstract: A method for adapting gear selection in a vehicle, the vehicle including an engine with an engine output shaft connected to an automated mechanical transmission via a clutch, a transmission output shaft connected to at least one driven wheel of the vehicle, an arrangement for registering whether a towed vehicle is connected to said vehicle, and at least one control unit for receiving input signals including signals indicative of the towed vehicle connection, and for processing the signals in accordance with programmed logic rules to issue gear selection command output signals to the transmission for gear shifting, where the control unit, when sensing that a towed vehicle has been connected to the vehicle, changes an originally selected first gear to a lower second gear having a higher starting gear ratio compared to the first gear. The towed vehicle connection registering arrangement registers at least bounce from when the vehicle bounces into the towed vehicle for connecting the towed vehicle to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Anders Lindgren
  • Patent number: 8540048
    Abstract: A system for controlling a transmission including a fluid pump and a fluid motor operably coupled to one another in a fluid circuit is disclosed. The system includes a controller configured to receive signals indicative of operator inputs, and determine a variable pressure limit in the fluid circuit based on the signals indicative of operator inputs. The controller is further configured to control displacement of at least one of the fluid pump and the fluid motor based on the variable pressure limit, such that a pressure level in the fluid circuit is maintained below the variable pressure limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Will, Randall T. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8528684
    Abstract: A charge pressure reduction circuit for a loader backhoe in which a directional control valve causes the charge pump to operate at a system pressure high enough to adequately supply a clutch circuit when conditions indicate the vehicle is operating in a loader or transport mode. The directional control valve causes the charge pump to operate at a lower pressure as, for example, required for a lubrication circuit when conditions indicate the vehicle is in a backhoe operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nathan H. Laws, Jonathan R. Copeland, Jacob J. Foxen, Anthony W. Brandon
  • Patent number: 8518248
    Abstract: An oil strainer includes a body member which includes a circumferential wall projecting in a first (downward) direction toward an oil pan, and a cover member covering an inside space surrounded by the circumferential wall, and including a suction hole to suck an oil from the oil pan. The body member further includes a communication hole opened into the inside space surrounded by the circumferential wall and adapted to lead to the inlet side of an oil pump, and a discharge hole opened into the inside spaces, and adapted to receive the oil discharged from a pressure regulating valve. The body member further includes a partition wall extending from the circumferential wall, and separating the communication hole and the discharge hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Hideki Ishii, Masaru Shimada, Hideki Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 8494740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling rotation speed of at least one rotary element in the drive line of a vehicle. A first control model and a second control model are defined. The first control model calculates a permitted slip of at least one of the ground engagement elements of the vehicle at its ground contact point, which ground engagement element is driven via the rotary element. The second control model calculates a torque to said ground engagement element. The result of one of said control models is used for controlling the rotation speed of the rotary element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Karl Erik Olsson
  • Patent number: 8494731
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a gear ratio rate of change in a machine having a continuously variable transmission. The method includes moving an operator input device to a changed position, receiving electronic data indicative of the changed position, and determining a non-limited desired gear ratio based at least in part on the changed position. A maximum gear ratio rate of change corresponding to the changed position is selected from an electronically stored gear ratio rate map. A current desired gear ratio is determined based at least in part on the non-limited desired gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio rate of change. The method also includes changing a commanded gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission to the current desired gear ratio using electronic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Todd Anderson, Bradley John Will
  • Patent number: 8480535
    Abstract: A hybrid-type power transmission in which an internal combustion engine and an electric rotating machine are used as a source of power for driving an output shaft through a change-speed mechanism. In the hybrid power transmission, the operation of the electric rotating machine is controlled in such a manner that the rotation speed of a rotor-side rotary member is synchronized with the rotation speed of an input-side or output-side rotary member when the rotation speed of the rotor-side rotary member becomes higher in a predetermined difference than the rotation speed of the input-side or output-side rotary member in shifting operation of a sleeve coupled with the rotor-side rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Ai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Tanba, Kan Sasaki, Yousuke Hayashi, Yuichi Fukuhara
  • Publication number: 20130168179
    Abstract: A system for controlling a transmission including a fluid pump and a fluid motor operably coupled to one another in a fluid circuit is disclosed. The system includes a controller configured to receive signals indicative of operator inputs, and determine a variable pressure limit in the fluid circuit based on the signals indicative of operator inputs. The controller is further configured to control displacement of at least one of the fluid pump and the fluid motor based on the variable pressure limit, such that a pressure level in the fluid circuit is maintained below the variable pressure limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Bradley J. WILL, Randall T. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130133973
    Abstract: A charge pressure reduction circuit for a loader backhoe in which a directional control valve causes the charge pump to operate at a system pressure high enough to adequately supply a clutch circuit when conditions indicate the vehicle is operating in a loader or transport mode. The directional control valve causes the charge pump to operate at a lower pressure as, for example, required for a lubrication circuit when conditions indicate the vehicle is in a backhoe operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Nathan H. Laws, Jonathan R. Copeland, Jacob J. Foxen, Anthony W. Brandon
  • Publication number: 20130126257
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a gear ratio rate of change in a machine having a continuously variable transmission. The method includes moving an operator input device to a changed position, receiving electronic data indicative of the changed position, and determining a non-limited desired gear ratio based at least in part on the changed position. A maximum gear ratio rate of change corresponding to the changed position is selected from an electronically stored gear ratio rate map. A current desired gear ratio is determined based at least in part on the non-limited desired gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio rate of change. The method also includes changing a commanded gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission to the current desired gear ratio using electronic signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Todd Anderson, Bradley John Will
  • Patent number: 8447477
    Abstract: A control device of a forklift engine that secures operability by keeping down fuel consumption when the accelerator pedal is floored in an unloaded or lightly loaded state, and once a heavy cargo is loaded, by lifting the cargo at a maximum lifting speed and traveling with maximum travel performance without acceleration problems. At least two maximum torque curves of different magnitudes are set in advance on a torque curve diagram. Then, the weight the cargo loaded on an attachment is measured. A threshold value for selecting at least two maximum torque curves is determined. If the measured weight is less than the threshold value, the maximum torque curve with a smaller maximum torque value is selected. If the measured weight is not less than the threshold value, the maximum torque curve with a larger maximum torque value is selected. The engine is controlled using the selected maximum torque curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Harada, Yoshitaka Onodera, Jun Hashimoto, Hideyuki Hiraiwa, Kazunori Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8442731
    Abstract: A control system for an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission of a straddle type vehicle in which an intentional shift down operation is easily made in an AT mode. An MT mode temporarily selecting section makes the gear change mode selecting section select the MT mode temporarily and makes the gear ratio control section change the gear ratio of the transmission to a gear ratio from among a plurality of predetermined gear ratios that is positioned lower than a current gear ratio when a mode change signal is inputted in AT mode. An AT mode returning section returns the gear change mode selected by the gear change mode selecting section to AT mode when a release signal is outputted after MT mode is temporarily selected by the MT mode temporarily selecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Unno
  • Patent number: 8412423
    Abstract: An alarm apparatus for an automatic transmission may include a transmission control unit (TCU) controlling the automatic transmission of a vehicle, an accelerator pedal unit, a driving unit driving the accelerator pedal unit to perform a predetermined operation, and a control unit interworking with the TCU and controlling the driving unit such that the accelerator pedal unit performs the predetermined operation at a predetermined time before a speed change time, when the speed change time calculated and outputted by the TCU may be inputted to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Eunsik Kim
  • Patent number: 8360181
    Abstract: An operation method of a hybrid vehicle having an automatic manual transmission system adapted to use at least two energy sources is provided with the following steps. Engaging an engine with a starter generator motor such that the engine and the starter generator motor rotate synchronously. Performing a speed changing by using a control unit assembly through controlling rotation speed of the traction motor and a rotation speed of the starter generator motor to a desired rotation speed for the speed changing according to a running state of the vehicle, such that the engine and the traction motor nearly rotate synchronously with the automatic manual transmission system to perform a gear ratio shifting process thereby to perform the speed changing. Controlling an automatic-switching clutch to engage or disengage the engine and the traction motor to achieve a plurality of driving mode for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tseng-Teh Wei, Huan-Lung Gu, Yee-Ren Chen, E-In Wu, Shih-Ming Lo, Su-Fa Cheng
  • Publication number: 20120298437
    Abstract: A combination motorized and propelled apparatus and moment imparting device is provided to improve the stability of the apparatus in motion with regard to pitch, roll and yaw. The moment imparting device uses one or more rotational members rotating around one or more axes to create a net rotational moment force around a desired axis of rotation. The moment imparting device is in communication with the motorized apparatus to translate that moment force to the motorized apparatus to improve stability or induce a desired rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Scott Gregory Dietz
  • Patent number: 8312956
    Abstract: A work vehicle is provided having a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly. The front wheel assembly may include a front axle assembly, and the rear wheel assembly may include a rear axle assembly. The vehicle may include a braking system configured to transfer front axle braking torque to the rear axle assembly when the vehicle is positioned on a slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: David Frederick Rindfleisch
  • Patent number: 8306711
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a shift control device including a rolling angular velocity sensor for detecting a rolling angular velocity of a component of the vehicle, and a steering-angle angular velocity sensor for detecting a steering-angle angular velocity of a handlebar of the vehicle. The shift control device is operable to inhibit shifting of a gear ratio of a continuously variable transmission during rolling operation of the vehicle when detection signals from the rolling angular velocity sensor and the steering-angle angular velocity sensor respectively are equal to or greater than predetermined reference values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Suzuki, Kaoru Hatanaka, Syunichi Miyagishi
  • Patent number: 8296002
    Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a vehicle, the vehicle provided with: a rotating electrical machine capable of inputting or outputting a torque with respect to an input shaft; and a transmission, which is disposed between the input shaft and an output shaft coupled with an axle, which is provided with a plurality of engaging apparatuses, which transmits a torque between the input shaft and the output shaft, and which can establish a plurality of gear stages having mutually different transmission gear ratios in accordance with engagement states of the plurality of engaging apparatuses, the transmission gear ratio being a ratio between a rotational speed of the input shaft and a rotational speed of the output shaft, the vehicle control apparatus provided with: a detecting device for detecting a braking operation amount of a driver; and an input shaft torque controlling device for controlling a torque of the input shaft such that in cases where the detected braking operation amount changes in a reducing dire
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata