One Control Blocks Another Patents (Class 477/96)
  • Patent number: 11731506
    Abstract: A driving system includes an electric motor, a transmission apparatus, a differential apparatus and a brake. The differential apparatus includes an input portion coupled to an output portion of the transmission apparatus, a pair of output portions, and a differential device that allows differential rotation of the pair of output portions. A brake is provided in a drive path from an output portion of the electric motor to the input portion of the differential apparatus. The differential apparatus includes a clutch member movable between a first position in which a differential rotation of the differential device is allowed and a second position in which the differential rotation of the differential device is stopped, a clutch actuator that moves the clutch member to the first position, and a holding portion that holds the clutch member to the second position when the clutch actuator is in a non-operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Isao Hirota, Kazutaka Kawata
  • Patent number: 11225254
    Abstract: A driving support ECU 10 determine that a mistaken acceleration operation condition is satisfied when a time from a first time point to a second time point is equal to or shorter than a predetermined threshold time (T2th), while a shift position is at a reverse position (R) for driving the vehicle backward. The first time point is a time point at which the driver does not operate the brake operation member. The second time point is a time point at which an index value corresponding to an acceleration operation amount satisfies a predetermined index value condition to be satisfied when the driver performs a predetermined sudden operation of the acceleration operation member. The driving support ECU make the driving force when the mistaken acceleration operation condition is satisfied smaller than the driving force when the mistaken acceleration operation condition is not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuka Takagi
  • Patent number: 10975964
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a clutch pedal module, a gear selector module, a powertrain control module, a motor, and a transmission. The clutch pedal is selectively disposed in one of a first clutch position and a second clutch position. The gear shift lever is selectively disposed in one of a plurality of forward gear positions and a reverse gear position. The powertrain control module operates a control logic sequence to convert the input signals to a plurality of transmission output signals. The transmission is an automatic transmission operating in a manual mode having gear selection controlled by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Stefan Michael Frick
  • Patent number: 10167951
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a hydraulic drive system includes determining a forward park position value, a reverse park position value, an initial forward position value, and an initial reverse position value of a control device and using these values to calculate a forward buffer value and a reverse buffer value. The forward buffer value and the reverse buffer value are used to determine an adjustment amount for the drive system. The adjustment amount can be used to properly adjust a drive system to avoid system errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Tom Morrison, David V. Rotole, Eric M. Thies, Mitchell R. Usasz, Walter Craig Wright
  • Patent number: 10161519
    Abstract: In an electronic parking lock apparatus, a relative rotation angle of an electric motor of an actuator is detected by a relative rotation angle sensor, an absolute rotation angle of the electric motor is calculated according to the relative rotation angle and reference rotation position information obtained by a rotation end limiting portion that limits a rotation end of a rotating component. An absolute rotation angle of the rotating component is detected by using an absolute rotation angle sensor, and the working status of the parking lock is determined according to the absolute rotation angle. The rotation end limiting portion used for obtaining the reference rotation position information of the relative rotation angle sensor and a detected component used for enabling the absolute rotation angle sensor to work to obtain the absolute rotation angle are provided in the same rotating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hamaya, Hiroshi Takei
  • Patent number: 9243707
    Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter includes: a shifter body; a shift lever; a control switch unit for controlling the shift lever; and a switch-unit holding member holding the control switch unit. The switch-unit holding member is attached to the shifter body. The control switch unit has a shifter body-based positioning portion configured to be positioned with respect to the shifter body during an operation of attaching the switch-unit holding member to the shifter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Yamamoto, Yuji Shiwa, Keita Nishimo
  • Patent number: 8725343
    Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission that outputs a command signal to an actuator to control the automatic transmission. The control device configured with a main control section that receives a state of the automatic transmission, that determines an abnormality in the automatic transmission on the basis of the input state of the automatic transmission, and that outputs to the actuator a main control section command signal for controlling the automatic transmission so as to establish a predetermined shift speed when it is determined that an abnormality is occurring in the automatic transmission; and a monitoring section that determines an abnormality in the main control section and that outputs to the actuator a monitoring section command signal for causing the automatic transmission to establish a neutral state irrespective of the main control section command signal when it is determined that an abnormality is occurring in the main control section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimizu, Masamichi Yamaguchi, Kenichi Tsuchida, Naoyuki Fukaya, Kazunori Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20140038774
    Abstract: When simultaneous depression of an accelerator pedal (2) and a brake pedal (4) is detected, an electronic control unit (1) inhibits a downshift of an automatic transmission (11) and performs output suppression control for an engine (6), thereby making it possible to suppress the increase of vehicle drive force caused by the downshift and maintain a constant vehicle deceleration rate by an easier operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihiro Kida, Masashi Takagi, Michihito Shimada, Shinya Kodama, Motonari Obayashi, Hiroshi Shimada, Takamasa Kitamura, Akito Oonishi
  • Patent number: 8584824
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling an automatic freewheeling function in a vehicle where a freewheeling function is active due to a prevailing freewheeling condition and where a control unit is programmed to: predict that the vehicle soon will travel in a steep downhill slope that is steeper compared to a prevailing downhill slope; simulate if less fuel will be consumed if the freewheeling function is inactivated in a a further position before the vehicle enters the steeper downhill slope, compared to if the vehicle enters the steeper downhill slope with the freewheeling function active; and inactivate the freewheeling function in the further position, that is, before the vehicle enters the steeper downhill slope if the simulation shows that less fuel will be consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Niklas Öberg
  • Publication number: 20120322617
    Abstract: A reverse speed control apparatus for controlling a reverse speed of the vehicle may include a brake operation detection unit, a shift range detection unit, and a reverse speed restriction unit. The brake operation detection unit detects a brake operation and a brake release of brakes disposed in the vehicle, and the shift range detection unit detects a shift range of the vehicle. Based on the brake operation detection unit and the shift range detection unit, the reverse speed restriction unit performs a restriction on a reverse speed of the vehicle in accordance with a restriction speed threshold. Specifically, when a brake operation is detected and the shift range of the vehicle is in a reverse range, the reverse speed restriction unit performs the restriction on the reverse speed of the vehicle for a preset period of time when a brake release is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro Takahashi, Tomohiro Tsujimura
  • Patent number: 8235866
    Abstract: A method of actuating a gear step in an automatic or automated transmission of a motor vehicle. The gear step of the transmission and a parking lock, which immobilizes the vehicle, can be engaged as a function of a gear step (P, R, N, D) that can be selected by the driver via a controllable selector device, and as a function of other motor vehicle operating parameters. A separate operating device, which is in addition to the selector device, can activate a holding phase, in which the transmission is in a traction-free neutral position, independently of a predetermined gear step “Park” (P), “Reverse” (R), “Neutral” (N) and/or “Forward” (D) that is specified by the selector device, if the motor vehicle is at least almost at a standstill and at the same time, an ignition circuit acting on a drive motor of the motor vehicle is electrically interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Frank Worms, Stephane Klein, Walter Hecht, Bernd Zaenglein
  • Patent number: 8210989
    Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized movement of a transmission shift mechanism comprises the steps of: detecting a predefined event; moving a locking device into an engaged position with a shift mechanism upon the occurrence of the predefined event to retain the shift mechanism in at least one of a park, reverse, neutral, and drive position; and maintaining an ignition system in a substantially off position during the detecting of the event and the moving of the locking device into the engaged position. A vehicle assembly is also provided comprising the transmission shift mechanism and the locking device coupled to the shift mechanism. The vehicle assembly also includes the ignition system, which is movable between off, accessory, run, and start positions, and a controller with the controller energizing the locking device in response to the predefined event to move the locking device into the locked position while the ignition system remains substantially in the off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Larry W. Burr
  • Patent number: 8145399
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing an electronic gear shift selector associated with an automatic mechanical transmission for a heavy vehicle. The gear shift selector includes a toggle switch for asserting at least one gear shift request, a counter receiving the at least one gear shift request, and a time delay for preventing communication of the at least one gear shift request from the counter until a predefined time period has passed. A method for communicating a collective gear shift request to a gear box includes asserting one or more gear shift requests with a gear shift selector, communicating the gear shift requests to a counter, determining the collective gear shift requests occurring within a predefined time period, communicating the gear shift requests occurring within the predefined time period to a gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Lindgren, Anders Eriksson
  • Patent number: 8128530
    Abstract: A method of automatically controlling a neutral position and parking lock of an motor-vehicle transmission to immobilize the vehicle depending on a drive position of the transmission selected by the driver with a selector device and subject to other operating parameters of the motor vehicle. Only when simultaneously the vehicle is essentially stationary, an ignition circuit is electrically interrupted and the selector device is in a “Neutral” position, can an Neutral-holding phase be activated, in which the transmission is in a non-frictionally engaged neutral position as long as the parking lock of the transmission has not yet been engaged. If the Neutral-holding phase has not been activated, the transmission remains non-frictionally connected in the Neutral position until the driver at least intends to exit the vehicle, at which time the parking lock of the transmission is automatically engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Walter Hecht, Armin Gierling, Klaus Steinhauser, Frank Worms, Bernd Zänglein, Stéphane Klein
  • Patent number: 8062176
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the automatic control of a neutral position and a parking lock of an automatic or automated motor vehicle transmission, such that the neutral position and the parking lock of the transmission provided in order to immobilize the motor vehicle can be engaged as a function of a drive setting selected by the driver of the motor vehicle using a selector device, and as a function of other operating parameters of the vehicle. In addition, the invention concerns a motor vehicle controlled by the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Walter Hecht, Armin Gierling, Klaus Steinhauser, Frank Worms, Bernd Zänglein, Stéphane Klein
  • Patent number: 8062177
    Abstract: A method of selecting a neutral position of an automatic or automated transmission and a parking gear to immobilize a motor vehicle. The neutral position and parking device can be set or activated, depending on a gear selected by the driver with a selector device and depending on other vehicle operating parameters. Only when the motor vehicle is at least substantially stationary, an ignition circuit acting on the drive motor vehicle is electrically interrupted and a “Neutral” (N) gear is selected by a selector device occur simultaneously, can an N-holding phase, in which the transmission is in a friction-free neutral position, be activated by a separate control device provided in addition to the selector device, as long as an energy management system of the motor vehicle allows activation of the N-holding phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Walter Hecht, Armin Gierling, Klaus Steinhauser, Frank Worms, Bernd Zänglein, Stéphane Klein
  • Patent number: 8050828
    Abstract: A system includes a pressure sensor that measures a transmission fluid pressure at a first fluid cavity of a transmission. A transmission control module receives the transmission fluid pressure, determines a transmission fluid temperature in the first fluid cavity based on the transmission fluid pressure, and controls the transmission fluid pressure based on the transmission fluid temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Randall B. Dlugoss, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 8029409
    Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized movement of a transmission shift mechanism comprises the steps of: detecting a predefined event; moving a locking device into an engaged position with a shift mechanism upon the occurrence of the predefined event to retain the shift mechanism in at least one of a park, reverse, neutral, and drive position; and maintaining an ignition system in a substantially off position during the detecting of the event and the moving of the locking device into the engaged position. A vehicle assembly is also provided comprising the transmission shift mechanism and the locking device coupled to the shift mechanism. The vehicle assembly also includes the ignition system, which is movable between off, accessory, run, and start positions, and a controller with the controller energizing the locking device in response to the predefined event to move the locking device into the locked position while the ignition system remains substantially in the off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Larry W. Burr
  • Patent number: 7909731
    Abstract: A shift module assembly for controlling the movement of a vehicle transmission out of a park condition responsive to a condition of the ignition system of the vehicle and responsive to a position of the vehicle brake pedal includes a moveable swing arm adapted to selectively control the condition of the vehicle transmission. The swing arm is in a park position when the vehicle transmission is in the park condition. The swing arm is locked in an immobile position by a solenoid operated armature shaft when the swing arm is placed in the park position. The armature shaft is in direct contact with said swing arm when said swing arm is in the locked position. The armature shaft releases the swing arm from the locked position upon actuation of the vehicle ignition system and depression of the vehicle brake pedal. The swing arm includes a stress line that will cause the swing arm to break along the stress line before, the swing arm is moved out of the park position if excessive force is applied to the swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Admiral Tool & Manufacturing of Michigan
    Inventors: Wayne M. Avers, Steven Waldie, Gregory A. Scout, Daniel McCluskey, Jeffrey Adelmann, Joe Carano
  • Patent number: 7813859
    Abstract: When a vehicle stops, a brake control unit maintains a braking force applied on a wheel by a braking-force application unit for maintaining a halted state. In this state, if a driver depresses the accelerator pedal to execute starting of the vehicle, the braking force is gradually decreased, and the vehicle starts at a speed that accords with a degree of accelerator opening and a gradient of a road on which the vehicle is stopped. When a movement direction at this time is the same as a movement direction intended by the driver, the braking force is decreased to zero for smooth starting. When the movement direction is opposite to the intended movement direction, the braking force is increased to control the movement in the opposite direction, such that the movement changes from the opposite direction to the same direction, and finally, smooth starting in the desired direction is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Aizawa, Shinsuke Sakane, Masashi Kishimoto, Yuzo Imoto
  • Publication number: 20090260476
    Abstract: A pawl for controlling the rotation of a gear in a planetary gear mechanism. The pawl includes a nose and first and second pivot axes. The nose is engageable with the gear. The pawl is rotatable about the first pivot axis between a first mode permitting rotation of the gear in a first direction and a second direction and a second mode preventing rotation of the gear in the first direction. The pawl is rotatable about the second pivot axis to permit rotation of the gear in the second direction while the pawl is the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: SRAM Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Jordan, Christopher Shipman, Kevin Wesling
  • Patent number: 7591757
    Abstract: A shift lever device for transmission operation of a vehicle has a shift lever, a locking member, a withdrawing member and a biasing member. When force is applied to the shift lever due to transmission operation of the shift lever by a vehicle occupant, the withdrawing member is pushed, and, due to a component of force thereof, is withdrawn from a path of movement for transmission operation of the shift lever. When the locking member is set in a movement limited state due to operation of the vehicle occupant, the locking member impedes movement of the shift lever due to transmission operation. When the locking member is set in a movable state, the locking member as well is, by a torsion spring, interlocked with the withdrawing member and withdrawn from the path of movement of the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Naoki Otashiro
  • Patent number: 7559874
    Abstract: A shift mechanism for a transmission in a vehicle includes a housing, a shift lever, a key cylinder and an actuator. The actuator operably connects to the key cylinder and is capable of movement between a first position that prevents the shift lever from changing shift positions, and a second position that allows the shift lever to change shift positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Gregory F. Fischer, Donald J. Stewart, Scott Munro, Robert L. Brown, David P. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20090176619
    Abstract: Control apparatuses (6, 10) include an ending process element that, when a locked state is established within a reference period after operation of a parking mechanism (5), performs a normal ending process that stops a vehicle drive source (1) and switches to an ignition off position, and when the locked state is not established within the reference period, performs an abnormal ending process that stops the vehicle drive source (1) and switches to an accessory position; and a support process element that, when the parking mechanism (5) is operated, if a vehicle speed increase is detected, performs a support process that prohibits operation of the parking mechanism (5) and extends the reference period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuji Inoue
  • Patent number: 7544147
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method providing a park brake for a propulsion system of an agricultural windrower having a FNR lever assembly including a FNR lever movable in relation to a neutral position in first and second directions, and a sensor for sensing positions of the FNR lever as the lever is moved and outputting signals representative thereof, the sensor being configured such that the signals outputted thereby are to have signal values within a predetermined range of values and/or which will change within a predetermined rate of change, a programmable control module in operative control of a park brake and programmed and operable for monitoring the signals and comparing the values of the signals to the predetermined range, and if the value of any of the signals is outside of the predetermined range, then automatically engaging the park brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard P. Strosser, Robert L. Fackler
  • Patent number: 7530921
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method providing neutral safeing for a propulsion system of an agricultural windrower having a FNR lever assembly including a FNR lever movable in relation to a neutral position in first and second directions, and a sensor for sensing positions of the FNR lever as the lever is moved and outputting signals representative thereof, the sensor being configured such that the signals outputted thereby are to have signal values within a predetermined range of values and/or which will change within a predetermined rate of change, a programmable control module in operative control of a park brake and programmed and operable for monitoring the signals and comparing the values of the signals to the predetermined range, and if the value of any of the signals is outside of the predetermined range, then automatically engaging the park brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Fackler, Richard P. Strosser
  • Patent number: 7490528
    Abstract: An electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system for shifting a transmission range of a transmission includes an electro-mechanical park inhibit assembly that operates to disallow the ETRS system from shifting from an Out-of-Park mode to a Park mode under certain circumstances. The park inhibit assembly includes a follower having a recess defined thereon and slidably disposed within a follower bore. In one embodiment a selectively energizable solenoid assembly is mounted substantially perpendicular to the follower and operates to bias a ball into the recess when energized thereby locking the ETRS system in the Out-of-Park mode. In another embodiment the park inhibit assembly includes a selectively energizable motor assembly mounted substantially perpendicular to the follower. The motor assembly operates to enforce the Park and Out-of-Park mode of the ETRS system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack P. Koski, Ryan M. Jenness, Stephen W. Powell, Mark A. Vernacchia
  • Publication number: 20080242503
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Sixten Berglund, Peter Templin
  • Publication number: 20080039282
    Abstract: A shift-by-wire control system includes a parking lock device that brings an output shaft of an automatic transmission device to a lock state when a range switching unit switches to the P-range. The parking lock device brings the output shaft to a lock-release state when the range switching unit switches to another shift range. An electric motor actuates the range switching unit and the parking lock device in accordance with an instruction of an operator. A manual device transmits manual operation force of the operator to the parking lock device when the electric motor stops. The manual device includes a one-way transmission unit permitting transmission of the manual operation force in a direction toward the lock state, and prohibiting transmission of the manual operation force in a direction toward the lock-release state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shigeru Yoshiyama, Kiyoshi Kimura, Taku Itoh, Kenichi Oishi, Atsushi Kamada, Yoshinobu Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7326148
    Abstract: A shifter mechanism for a motor vehicle includes a shifter lever, a park switch indicating when the shifter lever is out of a park position, and an electric actuator movable between a locking position and an unlocking position to lock and unlock the lever. An interlock switch indicates when the vehicle operator desires to move the lever. A controller moves the actuator when an ignition switch indicates an ignition is on, a brake switch indicates a brake pedal is pressed, and the interlock switch is actuated. The controller also moves the actuator when the lever is not in the park position and the interlock switch is actuated. The controller actuates a vehicle key lock actuator when the ignition switch indicates the vehicle ignition is on or when the park switch indicates that the lever is not in the park position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Douglas Howe, Charles Lee Flynn, Mohit Singhal
  • Publication number: 20080026913
    Abstract: A golf car operated by a prime mover under the control of an accelerator control a brake capable of being set in a locked condition for retaining the car from movement. Upon original operation of the prime mover the brake is not released until after a predetermined condition is established to insure against unwanted movement of the car before the prime mover is able to drive the car in the intended direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Takehiro Nakamoto, Taikan Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7270623
    Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter assembly comprises a shift lever support configured for attachment to a vehicle, a shift lever mounted to the shift lever support to shift between transmission gear settings; a brake transmission system interlock (BTSI) comprising a shift lever control member controllable by actuation of a solenoid or other powered actuator to selectively block the shift lever from moving out of the PARK position. An electronic ignition switch, an ignition actuator and an ignition key interlock are mounted to the shift lever support. The ignition key interlock comprises an interlock member controllable by the ignition actuator to selectively block the solenoid from moving the shift lever control member to the unblock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Dura Glabal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Qiang Wang
  • Patent number: 7204785
    Abstract: The methods and devices for actuating a parking brake in a gearbox which is actuated in an automated manner, whereby gear changes are carried out by means of at least one electrically driven actuator, gear positions can be selected by means of a selector device, and the parking brake can be activated by means of the selector device when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly. The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with an additional gearbox. The ignition key can only be removed, when the gearbox is in the P state and the additional gearbox is not in the N state. The further method and device, whereby the additional gearbox can only be shifted in the N state when the gearbox is not in the P state. The methods and a device for carrying out the same, by automated manual gearboxes, especially parallel gearboxes, are controlled in such a way that the vehicle can be safely parked and can set off in a reliable and comfortable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Reinhard Berger, Alexander Schweizer, Dietmar Lang, Klaus Küpper, Burkhard Pollak, Jürgen Benz
  • Patent number: 7189186
    Abstract: A brake transmission shift interlock actuator includes a bobbin that has an open end and a closed end. A plunger is slidably disposed within the bobbin and a plunger rod extends from the plunger. Moreover, a primary plate is installed within the open end of the bobbin. The plunger is movable between an unlocked position, wherein the plunger rod does not extend through the primary plate and a locked position, wherein a first end of the plunger rod extends through a bore formed by the primary plate. Further, a magnetic force of attraction between the plunger and the primary plate diminishes as the plunger approaches the primary plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Alexis C. Weber, Alejandro Moreno
  • Patent number: 7064525
    Abstract: A method for improving vehicle battery state-of-charge (SOC) for initial vehicle customer delivery is disclosed. The method is focused on vehicle assembly plant practices and ensuring that battery discharge is minimized or eliminated during the vehicle assembly process. The method includes determining the available maximum percentage of duty cycle voltage output from the vehicle alternator and determining a minimum idle boost speed necessary to provide minimum discharge or positive charge to the battery when the vehicle's accessories are in the “on” state during vehicle assembly. The method further includes programming the vehicle's controllers to force the maximum percentage of duty cycle voltage output available and the minimum idle speed necessary to provide minimum battery discharge or positive charge during the earliest part of the vehicle life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahlon Richard Pachciarz, Robert D. Harris
  • Patent number: 6976569
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for an improved brake shift interlock system which reduces solenoid noise created by vehicle vibrations and solenoid activation. The brake shift interlock system includes a park position switch, a brake sensor, and a control circuit. The method includes the sensing of the park position switch and the brake sensor and generating a pulse width modulated control signal having a varying duty cycle for driving the solenoid when predetermined conditions of the park position switch and brake sensor are sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris L Khaykin, Carrie Porter, Dave John Rutkowski, Keri Przebienda, Thomas Dudley Belanger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6886426
    Abstract: In a shift lever apparatus, a shift position can be changed from a “P” shift position only by turning a shift lever to a right side of a vehicle. Unless a brake is operated, it is possible to maintain a state in which a stopper portion is disposed in a right side of the vehicle in an abutting portion. Therefore, the abutting portion abuts the stopper portion, and the shift lever cannot be turned to the right side of the vehicle. When the brake is operated, a rotary plate is rotated in accordance that the shift lever turns to the right side of the vehicle. Accordingly, the abutting portion does not abut the stopper portion, and the shift lever can be turned to the right side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Keiji Kahara
  • Patent number: 6880687
    Abstract: A vehicular transmission system is disclosed that includes an engine, a transmission having an input shaft, a master friction clutch for drivingly connecting the engine to the transmission, an inertia brake for selectively controlling rotation of the input shaft, and at least one control unit. The control unit includes logic rules that selectively disable operation of the inertia brake in response to a system operating condition during at least one mode of operation of the vehicular transmission system. The system also includes at least one input corresponding to a system operating condition and at least one output corresponding to a command to log a fault or disable operation of the inertia brake in response to the system operating condition during the at least one mode of operation. A control system and method for operating the vehicular transmission system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald K. Markyvech, Daniel P. Janecke, Donald D. Teadt
  • Patent number: 6872165
    Abstract: The invention relates to a parking brake system for transmissions of motor vehicle, especially for an automatic transmission and an automated selector transmission, having one parking brake for blocking or releasing the transmission according to actuation signals of a control device, especially by a pawl engaging and disengaging in a parking brake gear connected with the output of the transmission, an electric operative connection between the control device in the interior of the motor vehicle and the parking brake, a spring accumulator (9) for actuating the parking brake and a pressure-controlled release device of the parking brake. It is proposed to load the release device (10) when releasing the parking brake with a negative pressure independent of the transmission and which is preferably taken from the suction system (15) of the internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle or from a negative pressure brake force booster of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Freidrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Georg Gierer
  • Patent number: 6848559
    Abstract: A shift locking apparatus for an automatic transmission includes a lock cam connected to a shift lock cable and a key lock cable, respectively. The lock cam is positioned between a latched and unlatched state depending on an engaged or disengaged state of the brake pedal. A shift lock pin cooperates with the lock cam via the shift lock cable to lock or release the shift lever in or from a ‘park’ position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sang Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 6817966
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for an improved brake shift interlock system which eliminates the need of a redundant park position switch. The number of components is minimized due to an incorporation of a latch within the brake shift interlock system. The apparatus also eliminates the need of a cam and wiring harness, as well as manual labor traditionally required to install these components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Melvin Avers, Carrie Hildinger, Boris L. Khaykin, Keri Przebienda, Dave John Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 6817262
    Abstract: An interlock device includes a housing and a toggle interlock mechanism with an extendable interlock pin. The interlock device also includes a preassembled switch, an electromechanical device, and a lead frame interconnecting the switch and electromechanical device. The lead frame conductors are formed as one piece, but are separated after assembly into the housing. The conductors and mating components include mating non-releasable contacts that telescope together in a manner that forms a robust assembly and that facilitates automation of the assembly process. A method related to the above is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products, division of JSJ Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Lewis, Donald R. Rempinski
  • Publication number: 20040043865
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for an improved brake shift interlock system which eliminates the need of a redundant park position switch. The number of components is minimized due to an incorporation of a latch within the brake shift interlock system. The apparatus also eliminates the need of a cam and wiring harness, as well as manual labor traditionally required to install these components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Wayne Melvin Avers, Carrie Hildinger, Boris L. Khaykin, Keri Przebienda, Dave John Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 6689014
    Abstract: This invention is an improved park position locking system for controlling the conditions for removing an automatic transmission gearshift 90 from a PARK position. An electronic system controller 30 and the transmission controller 16 are engaged to a common data bus 18. Vehicle control system 10 comprises the electronic system controller (ESC) 30, which is the primary component of a vehicle electronic control system. ESC 30 manages and communicates with a number of vocational controllers disposed on a vehicle 13 and executes a load management program which oversees the total load imposed on the vehicle electrical system and power train by various accessories installed on the vehicle 13. Such communication is by a standard communication protocol that may be the SAE J1939 protocol over the common data bus 18. The ESC 30 is programmed to ensure that an operator of the vehicle may not move the gearshift 90 out of a PARK position without first depressing a service brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: William R. Fleming, Trevor T. Downes, Jeremy A. Lahr, Aaron D. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 6676564
    Abstract: A brake-shift interlock unit includes a pair of coils which are disposed in a coaxial relationship. A plunger is movable in a passage which extends through the coils. Upon actuation of a vehicle ignition switch, while a brake switch remains in an unactuated condition, a plunger pull coil is energized to move the plunger from the extended position to the partially retracted position. At this time, the plunger engages a stop member. Upon actuation of the vehicle brake, a stopper hold coil is de-energized to enable a shift lever to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: SAIA-Burgess Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Gruden
  • Publication number: 20030195082
    Abstract: A Brake Transmission Shift Interlock and Park Lock System having a shift lever, electromagnetic device, and blocking member operating with reverse logic. The system includes disabling means for disabling operation of the electromagnetic device when the shift lever is moved out of the PARK position and overriding means for manually withdrawing the blocking member from a position blocking the movement of the shift lever out of the PARK position. A time delay circuit decreases the speed of blocking member movement from the blocking position to the withdrawn position. A wire harness, including a park detection switch, electrically connects the BTSI to an automotive electrical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Atul Kalia
  • Publication number: 20030139253
    Abstract: A brake-shift lever interlock unit (14) includes a pair of coils (24, 26) which are disposed in a coaxial relationship. A plunger (50) is movable in a passage (72) which extends through the coils (24, 26). When the plunger (50) is in a extended position, it is effective to block movement of a force transmitting member (52) connected with a vehicle shift lever (10) Upon actuation of the vehicle ignition switch (18), while the brake switch (20) remains in an unactuated condition, a plunger pull coil (24) is energized to move the plunger (50) from the extended position to the partially retracted position. A cam surface (68) on the plunger (50) then engages the force transmitting member (52) to continue to prevent movement of the vehicle shift lever (10) out of the park position. At this time, the plunger (50) engages a stop member (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Gruden
  • Patent number: 6592492
    Abstract: A Brake Transmission Shift Interlock and Park Lock System having a shift lever, electromagnetic device, and blocking member operating with reverse logic. The system includes disabling means for disabling operation of the electromagnetic device when the shift lever is moved out of the PARK position and overriding means for manually withdrawing the blocking member from a position blocking the movement of the shift lever out of the PARK position. A time delay circuit decreases the speed of blocking member movement from the blocking position to the withdrawn position. A wire harness, including a park detection switch, electrically connects the BTSI to an automotive electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Pontiac Coil, Inc.
    Inventor: Atul Kalia
  • Patent number: 6569058
    Abstract: A linearly moveable gear selector system is provided for controlling operation of a vehicle drivetrain component. The gear selector system is coupled to a transmission and/or transfer case unit and is configured to shift the drivetrain component into a desired mode of operation. The gear selector system includes a selector lever that is movable by an operator in a linear direction parallel to a lengthwise axis of the vehicle. The selector system includes a slidable guide shaft that produces a linear motion linked to the drivetrain component that is proportion in magnitude and direction as that of selector lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: William T Presley
  • Publication number: 20030087725
    Abstract: In a shift lever apparatus, a shift position can be changed from a “P” shift position only by turning a shift lever to a right side of a vehicle. Unless a brake is operated, it is possible to maintain a state in which a stopper portion is disposed in a right side of the vehicle in an abutting portion. Therefore, the abutting portion abuts the stopper portion, and the shift lever cannot be turned to the right side of the vehicle. When the brake is operated, a rotary plate is rotated in accordance that the shift lever turns to the right side of the vehicle. Accordingly, the abutting portion does not abut the stopper portion, and the shift lever can be turned to the right side of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Keiji Kahara