Control By Sensed Ambient Condition, Pattern Indicia, External Signal, Or Temperature Patents (Class 477/97)
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Patent number: 7997350Abstract: In a motor grader, when a cylinder hydraulic pressure detected by a cylinder-hydraulic-pressure-detecting section is less than a predetermined threshold value, a control section makes a determination that the motor grader is in a running state and uses a running-hydraulic-pressure waveform corresponding to the running state to control the hydraulic pressure supplied to a clutch. When the cylinder hydraulic pressure is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the control section makes a determination that the motor grader is in a working state and uses a working-hydraulic-pressure waveform corresponding to the working state to control the hydraulic pressure supplied to the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Masaki Shiohara, Michihiro Aida
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Patent number: 7988594Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine mechanically coupled to an electromechanical transmission selectively operative in one of a plurality of transmission operating range states and one of a plurality of engine states. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, determining preferability factors associated with the current and potential transmission operating range state and the engine state wherein the preferability factors associated with potential transmission operating range states include load-stabilizing preferability factors, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the present transmission operating range state and engine state based upon the preferability factors.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim
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Patent number: 7983824Abstract: A method for operation of a drivetrain including a drive motor and an automatic transmission having at least five shift elements, of which, at least two elements are disengaged in each forward and reverse gear and the other shift elements are engaged. Two successive shifts are accomplished by two overlapped single gear shifts such that: a) during the first shift, a first shift element is engaged or disengaged while a second shift element is disengaged or engaged; b) during the first shift, second and third shift elements are prepared for either engagement or disengagement; and c) during the first and the second shifts at least one fourth shift element is kept engaged or nearly engaged.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Christian Popp
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Patent number: 7972244Abstract: Described is a method for controlling a transmission for motor vehicles, especially an automatic transmission or an automatic gearbox, where a gear ratio (“1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”) is adjusted according to operating conditions by means of pre-determined shifting programs (“0”, “Eco”, “Normal”, “Sport”, “Mountain II”, “Warm-up”, “Tip”) and corresponding specific shifting values (HS45, RS43) and where in relation to a vehicle's actual operating condition at least one special function (“Curve Recognition KE”, “Rapid Drive Pedal Release FO”, “Spontaneous Delay Vehicle SVF”, “Drive Speed Control FGR”, “Drive Dynamic control ESP”) is activated, which prevents the change from an actual gear ratio to a target gear ratio requested by a shifting program within a pre-determined operating range of a vehicle. In a first version of the method, the operating range, wherein a gear ratio change of the transmission is prevented, is changed in relation to applied specific values that depend on the operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Armin Gierling, Friedemann Jauch, Franz-Josef Schuler, Michael Kiefer
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Patent number: 7967724Abstract: A controller selects a shift map for deriving the shift timing of an automatic transmission according to output signals from a front seat seating sensor, a pillion seating sensor and a carrier loading sensor. The controller switches the shift map of a standard type to an output-emphasizing type shift map when the seating of the rider is sensed and at least one of the seating of the passenger and the loading on the carrier is sensed. The controller judges the seating of the rider or the loading of the cargo when a load equal to or exceeding a predetermined value is continuously applied to each load sensor for predetermined time or longer. Load sensors that can measure weight are used and a shift map may be also selected based upon a total value of loaded weight.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Kojima, Yoshiaki Nedachi
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Patent number: 7963882Abstract: A range-switching device of an automatic transmission has a control device that executes a fail-safe process of prohibiting the changing to the parking range if a parking load greater than or equal to a predetermined value occurs when the vehicle is at rest.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Naoki Nishimura
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Patent number: 7946955Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a controller. When predetermined conditions are satisfied, the controller executes a neutral control that forcibly places an automatic transmission in a substantially neutral state, the predetermined conditions including the shift position of the automatic transmission being in the drive position. When it is determined that the amount of exhaust matter accumulated in a catalyst provided in an exhaust system of a vehicle has exceeded a first reference value, the controller executes a catalyst heating control that increases the temperature of the catalyst so as to remove the exhaust matter accumulated in the catalyst. When it is determined during the catalyst heating control that the amount of the exhaust matter accumulated in the catalyst has exceeded a second reference value that is larger than the first reference value, the controller prohibits the execution of the neutral control.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masaaki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7918762Abstract: The drive control of the invention executed in a vehicle sets a correction coefficient keg, based on an intake air temperature and an atmospheric pressure reflecting the density of intake air supplied to an engine, and multiplies a power demand required for the vehicle by the set correction coefficient keg to specify a target engine power, which is to be output from the engine. The engine and two motors are then controlled to ensure output of the specified target engine power from the engine and output of a torque demand, which depends upon an accelerator opening. The varying density of the intake air may cause output of excessive power from the engine or output of insufficient power from the engine. A battery is charged or discharged to compensate for the excessive power output from the engine or for the insufficient power output from the engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso CorporationInventors: Koichiro Muta, Eiji Masuda
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Patent number: 7881844Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention vary the sensitivity slope of the FNR control lever of an agricultural windrower, such that speed commands outputted through a first range of movements of the FNR lever are slower and increase less rapidly than commands outputted through a second range of movements greater than the first range, the first range corresponding to movements in closer proximity to the neutral position of the FNR lever. The different show is achieved by using different slopes for transfer function signals for the first and the second ranges of positions of the FNR lever.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Richard P. Strosser
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Patent number: 7873452Abstract: A method and system for controlling an engine controller in response to actual vehicle load.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventors: Jeffery Scott Hawkins, Charles Chapin Blake
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Patent number: 7867136Abstract: A method is provided for limiting a torque output associated with a power conversion unit. The method may include receiving data related to a pressure associated with an implement system hydraulic cylinder, determining, based on the data, a preferred torque value, wherein the preferred torque value is below a predetermined threshold value associated with one or more drive train components, and modifying a torque output associated with a power conversion unit to approximate the preferred torque value.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventor: Andrew N. Schifferer
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Patent number: 7862471Abstract: A solenoid control system for implementation with an electronic range selection (ETRS) system that shifts a transmission range between a park position and an out-of-park position. A first solenoid assembly is operable to control a fluid valve to supply pressurized fluid to urge a valve spool toward a first position. A second solenoid assembly is operable to control a fluid valve to supply pressurized fluid to urge said valve spool toward a second position. A control module selectively energizes one of the first and second solenoids based on a transmission fluid temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Inventors: Jack P. Koski, Mark A. Vernacchia, Stephen W. Powell
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Patent number: 7862473Abstract: An ECU executes a program including outputting, when the oil temperature THO of ATF<the threshold value THO (0), a control signal to the solenoid valve to control the solenoid valve to cause the lock-up relay valve to enter the state of resupplying the ATF discharged from the torque converter to the torque converter. In the state where the ATF discharged from the torque converter is being resupplied to the torque converter, the second oil path guiding the ATF discharged from the torque converter to the oil pan is disconnected from the torque converter.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuaki Nakamura, Kazuyuki Watanabe
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Patent number: 7862472Abstract: In a planetary gear type stepped automatic transmission, a gear shift control to shift a gear shift stage between a first gear shift stage and a second gear shift stage is performed by a first shift control section by referring to a first gear shift control data used when the gear shift stage is switched between the first gear shift stage and the second gear shift stage, an abnormality state due to a failure of at least one of a first frictional engaging element and a second frictional engaging element is detected, and an abnormality state gear shift control is performed to shift the gear shift stage between a third gear shift stage (for example, first speed) and a fourth gear shift stage (for example, 2.5 speed) by the first shift control section, while forcefully releasing the first frictional engaging element, when detecting the abnormality state.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: JATCO LtdInventors: Takateru Kawaguchi, Satoshi Ozawa, Fumitaka Nagashima, Shinya Mochiyama
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Patent number: 7833127Abstract: A method for controlling or regulating a clutch torque of a startup clutch of a motor vehicle, which first of all reliably prevents an unintentional rolling of the motor vehicle down a gradient and second enables a comfortable maneuvering mode, which requires no separate actuation of an operating element for activating a maneuvering mode, and also enables a precisely dosed speed definition during maneuvering on gradients, wherein the adjusted speed is substantially independent from the gradient of the ground and the motor vehicle load. A startup and maneuvering control device is provided according to the invention, which reads in driving resistance data, determines therefrom a driving resistance value, and determines a base value of the clutch torque of the automated startup clutch in dependence thereof, which is adjusted in dependence upon the accelerator pedal.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Rainer Petzold, Mario Steinborn, Peter Herter, Franz Bitzer
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Publication number: 20100274455Abstract: A method for operating an engine and transmission in a vehicle is described. The method comprises up-shifting the transmission based on whether engine knock limits spark advance at engine conditions after the up-shift. Further, the method may include accounting for differences in fuel types, and their effects on engine knock in future gears.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jeff Allen Doering, Michael John Cullen
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Patent number: 7778757Abstract: Method and arrangement for controlling movements of a work vehicle. The positional or geometric state of an equipment assembly for handling objects or material is determined and the control scheme which governs operation of at least one driveline component of the vehicle is varied depending on the determined equipment assembly state.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment ABInventor: Bjorn Brattberg
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Patent number: 7747373Abstract: An ECU (Electronic Control Unit) executes a program including a step of detecting a driver's preference potential Hdr, a step of calculating a target engine output Ptgt using Hdr when a deceleration request is detected, a step of calculating a target slippage tsl using Hdr, a step of calculating a target engine speed tne, a step of calculating a target ISC (Idle Speed Control) opening tidle from Ptgt and tne, a step of assigning a guard value to tidle when tidle is smaller than the guard value, a step of calculating a current engine output Pnow and a step of calculating a motor output (regeneration quantity) Phv from (Ptgt-Pnow).Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Ogawa
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Patent number: 7695404Abstract: When an n speed prohibition command is being output from the AI shift controlling component, the AI shift control is performed even in the S mode if the vehicle speed V is lower than the reference vehicle speed Vn, whereby busy shifting can be effectively prevented when the vehicle is running on an uphill road or cornering. When the vehicle speed V is equal to or higher than the reference vehicle speed Vn, the AI shift control is cancelled, thus minimizing the possibility of a large engine brake force being applied to the vehicle despite the intention of the driver.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hidenori Saitoh, Masami Kondo
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Patent number: 7693638Abstract: A method of regulating operation of a hybrid transmission in a vehicle includes determining a desired transmission state using a first module, generating transmission control signals based on the desired transmission state using a second module and receiving at least one transmission parameter signal at the second module. An actual transmission state is determined based on the at least one transmission parameter signal at the second module. Whether a fault is present within the hybrid transmission control system is determined based on the desired transmission state and the actual transmission state at the first control module.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Mark H. Costin, Thyagarajan Sadasiwan, Peter E. Wu
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Patent number: 7648439Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in a transmission is presented. According to the method, transmission operation can be improved by heating the valves, at least during some conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Clay Maranville, Allan Gale, Larry Elie, Philip Koneda
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Patent number: 7641587Abstract: A control system and method for adaptively controlling transmission ratio shifting in an electronically controlled transmission. A refueling event is detected. After the detected refueling event, fuel consumption is monitored for a predetermined period during which a change in composition of fuel to the engine reaches or approaches a steady state. During the period, the rate of adapting transmission shift controls is modified to respond quicker to the change in shift characteristics induced by differences in torque produced by the engine. Implementing this method can improve transmission shift quality while the quality of fuel reaching an engine is in transition.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Richard B. Jess, Jeffrey A. Sell, John E. Marano, Julian R. Verdejo
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Publication number: 20090326770Abstract: A retarding system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The machine may have a power source and a traction device driven by the power source. The retarding system may have a speed sensor configured to generate a speed signal indicative of a speed of the machine. Additionally, the retarding system may have a service brake configured to retard motion of the traction device. The retarding system may also have an engine brake configured to retard motion of the power source. In addition, the retarding system may have a controller in communication with the speed sensor, the service brake, and the engine brake. The controller may be configured to substantially concurrently retard motion of the traction device based on the speed signal and retard motion of the power source based on the speed signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Kevin Anthony O'Neil, Dennis Alan Barney, Michael David Staub, Adam Michael Buhs, Christopher Kent Hoadley
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Patent number: 7608012Abstract: A method of controlling a clutch-to-clutch transmission. The method includes detecting transmission slip speed that exceeds a predetermined amount for a predetermined time period. Based on the detecting, a shift of a gear ratio of the transmission is forced. When this method is implemented in a vehicle, loss of driver control of the vehicle can be prevented in the event of a non-commanded neutral condition in the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Todd J. Thor, David W. Wright, Brian J. Pellerito, Craig A. Brunstetter
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Patent number: 7604567Abstract: A control apparatus of a vehicle includes: an internal combustion engine; a transmission, including a group of gears made to mesh with synchronizing mechanisms for attaining a predetermined change of gear; an internal combustion engine controller stopping the internal combustion engine when receiving a first control stop signal; a transmission controller, controlling the synchronizing mechanisms via an actuator actuated by a power source driven by the internal combustion engine, when a shift lever is in a drive force cut-off position, the transmission controller releasing the meshing of the synchronizing mechanism when receiving a second control stop signal; and a control stop signal controller, transmitting the second control stop signal to the transmission controller when detecting that an ignition switch of the vehicle is switched off, and transmitting the first control stop signal to the internal combustion engine controller after the transmission controller has released the meshing of the synchronizing mType: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Sasakura, Takao Kimura, Junji Takekoshi, Yukari Takahashi, Kunishige Hayashi, Ryo Ogasawara
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Patent number: 7606649Abstract: A vehicle control system for automotive vehicles which is designed to optimize an output torque of a power train at all times. A power train control unit determines an allowable torque range within which the power train is allowed to output torque and provides it to a manager control unit. The manager control unit determines a target output torque of the power train based on an operating maneuver of a vehicle driver. When the target output torque is out of the allowable torque range, the manager control unit corrects it to lie within the allowable torque range, thereby optimizing an output of the power train.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2005Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Masahiro Sato
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Publication number: 20090247359Abstract: A shift control device comprises: a thermal load prediction unit which predicts a thermal load state of a friction element upon completion of a shift from a current thermal load state of the friction element; and a shift control unit which, when the thermal load state upon shift completion predicted by the thermal load prediction unit corresponds to a predetermined state, either performs the shift in a modified shift mode in which a heat generation amount of the friction element is smaller than the heat generation amount of the friction element when the predetermined state is not established, or prohibits the shift. The predetermined state is set at a different state in a case where the shift is an upshift and in a case where the shift is a downshift, and is set on the basis of a gradient of a traveling road.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Katsuhiro Matsuo, Satoshi Takizawa
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Patent number: 7559875Abstract: A method for controlling the shift sequence of a multispeed automatic gearbox in which, to reach a target gear called for, multiple shifts through one gear-step can be carried out. A target gear from a currently engaged gear is proposed and, which is several gear-steps away from this current gear, is engaged as a function of the current driving situation, optionally by a direct multiple shift in one step or by a combination of several successive single shifts each of only one gear-step or by a combination of several successive double or multiple shifts each of two or more than two gear-steps or by a combination of at least one double or multiple shift and at least one single shift or by a combination of at least one double shift and at least one multiple shift.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Christian Popp
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Patent number: 7555967Abstract: A shift control apparatus for an automatic transmission having an automatic shift mode for performing a shift operation by determining a gear ratio to be set according to a vehicle running condition and a manual shift mode for performing a shift operation instructed by a manual operation by an operator.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Terayama, Koichi Hasegawa, Yoshiyuki Kokubo
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Publication number: 20090143962Abstract: An energy saving method for an automobile is provided herein. The energy saving method includes: judging whether the automobile is stopped; starting a timer to measure and signal an end of a predetermined time interval by outputting an interrupt signal; and turning off an engine of the automobile in response to the interrupt signal. A related energy saving device is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: De-Hua TONG, Shih-Fang WONG, Lin-Lin GUO, Pin-Feng FU
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Publication number: 20090131218Abstract: A clutch control system for a twin-clutch type automatic/manual transmission AMT includes a hydraulic pump for driving a first clutch and a second clutch and oil passages for transmitting oil pressures and an AMT control unit for controlling the supply of oil pressures into the oil passages. Upon detection of an engine starting operation, the AMT control unit performs an initial preparatory operation in which the oil pressures are supplied into the oil passages at different timings so as to fill up the oil passages with a working oil, thereby completing the preparations for driving of the clutches. When the oil pressure is supplied into the oil passage after a predetermined oil pressure is generated in the oil passage, the period of time taken for a first speed gear to become usable is shortened, whereby a swift vehicle starting after the starting of the engine can be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Yoshiaki NEDACHI, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Takashi Ozeki, Hiroyuki Kojima, Kazuyuki Fukaya
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Patent number: 7532968Abstract: A vehicle driving force control apparatus is provided to prohibit a change in a shift schedule that will cause insufficient power generation of a generator that supplies power to an electric motor to drive a first drive wheel. The vehicle driving force control apparatus has a shift schedule change section, a power sufficiency determining section and a shift schedule change prohibit section. The shift schedule change section is configured to change a shift schedule of a transmission of the main drive source. The power sufficiency determining section is configured to determine whether generated power of the generator will be insufficient by a change in the shift schedule by the shift schedule change section, when an electromotive force of the generator is driving the electric motor that supplies torque to the first drive wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keiji Kadota
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Publication number: 20090118089Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine mechanically coupled to an electromechanical transmission selectively operative in one of a plurality of transmission operating range states and one of a plurality of engine states. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, determining preferability factors associated with the current and potential transmission operating range state and the engine state wherein the preferability factors associated with potential transmission operating range states include load-stabilizing preferability factors, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the present transmission operating range state and engine state based upon the preferability factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim
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Publication number: 20090118993Abstract: In a motor vehicle powertrain that includes a diesel engine, a particulate filter and a torque converter, a method for correcting an indicated engine output torque includes estimating a magnitude of torque being transmitted from the engine to the torque converter while regenerating the particulate filter, determining a reference magnitude of current engine torque being produced while regenerating the particulate filter, determining a torque error from a difference between the estimated magnitude and the reference magnitude, recording the torque error, determining a current torque error from the recorded torque error using a current engine speed and a current reference engine torque as indices to the recorded engine toque error, producing a corrected engine torque from the sum of the current torque error and the current reference engine torque, and using the corrected engine torque to control operation of the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2007Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventors: Stephen M. Cicala, Cristina Ike, Charles W. Suter, Joseph Kucharski, Bradley D. Riedle, Dave M. Dillon, Michael Polk
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Publication number: 20090105043Abstract: The drive control of the invention executed in a vehicle sets a correction coefficient keg, based on an intake air temperature and an atmospheric pressure reflecting the density of intake air supplied to an engine, and multiplies a power demand required for the vehicle by the set correction coefficient keg to specify a target engine power, which is to be output from the engine. The engine and two motors are then controlled to ensure output of the specified target engine power from the engine and output of a torque demand, which depends upon an accelerator opening. The varying density of the intake air may cause output of excessive power from the engine or output of insufficient power from the engine. A battery is charged or discharged to compensate for the excessive power output from the engine or for the insufficient power output from the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Koichiro Muta, Eiji Masuda
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Patent number: 7513848Abstract: A transmission has a first gearshift group, a second gearshift group, and a controller. The controller is configured to perform a method that includes fully coupling the first gearshift group to an engine drive shaft, and partially coupling the second gearshift group to the drive shaft while the first gearshift group is fully coupled to the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Inoue, Satoshi Kishi
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Patent number: 7500936Abstract: A fail detecting apparatus for an automatic transmission which is capable of quickly detecting a failure of an oil pressure switch with accuracy. In addition to an oil pressure switch state determining process carried out while a vehicle is running, the state of an oil pressure switch is detected at the time of turning-on of an ignition switch before an engine is started, and if the oil pressure switch has continued to be ON until a timer value becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the oil pressure switch has failed. Since the state of the oil pressure switch is determined before the engine is started, i.e. in the state in which no oil pressure has been generated, whether the oil pressure switch is normal or has failed can be determined with high accuracy irrespective of which range is currently selected in the automatic transmission.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Tetsuya Sato, Takateru Kawaguchi
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Publication number: 20090062069Abstract: A transmission control device of a motorcycle can detect a predetermined traveling state based on the difference in rotational speed between a front wheel and a rear wheel, and can execute a shift-change control suitable for the traveling state. A transmission control device of a motorcycle includes a shift-change control instruction part that performs an automatic shift change of an AMT (automatic manual transmission) in response to at least vehicle-speed information. A first sensor detects a rotational speed of a front wheel, which constitutes a driven wheel. A second sensor detects a rotational speed of a rear wheel, which constitutes a drive wheel. A rotational-speed-difference detector detects the difference in rotational speed between the front wheel and the rear wheel. The control part inhibits the automatic shift change when the rotational speed of the rear wheel becomes larger than the rotational speed of the front wheel by a predetermined value or more.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Yoshiaki Nedachi, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Takashi Ozeki, Hiroyuki Kojima, Kazuyuki Fukaya
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Publication number: 20090036267Abstract: A system and method of controlling shift points of a transmission coupled to an internal combustion engine by modifying at least one transmission shift point schedule may comprise determining a weight of a vehicle carrying the engine and the transmission, modifying the at least one transmission shift point schedule as a function of the weight of the vehicle, and controlling automatic shifting between two or more gear ratios of the transmission in accordance with the modified at least one transmission shift point schedule.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventor: Steven M. Bellinger
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Patent number: 7476177Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a transmission ratio of a power transmission path defined between input and output shafts is provided. The method includes detecting a rotational speeds of the input and output shafts, calculating a rotational-speed ratio between the detected rotational speeds of the input and output shafts, determining whether or not a difference between the rotational-speed ratio calculated at a certain time and a rotational-speed ratio calculated earlier is within a first threshold, and estimating a value relating to the later rotational-speed ratio to be the transmission ratio and storing the value in a memory if the difference between the rotational-speed ratios is determined to be within the first threshold, while estimating a value relating to the earlier rotational-speed ratio stored in the memory to be the transmission ratio if the difference between the rotational-speed ratios is determined not to be within the first threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takuya Sakamoto
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Patent number: 7470211Abstract: A valve characteristic changing mechanism is supplied with oil discharged from an electric oil pump in addition to oil discharged from a mechanical oil pump that is driven by an operation of an internal combustion engine. Driving of the electric oil pump is controlled such that a work rate of the electric oil pump increases as a temperature of the oil supplied to the valve characteristic changing mechanism increases, or as a viscosity of the oil is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hibiki Ueura, Naohide Fuwa
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Publication number: 20080305927Abstract: Described is a method for controlling a transmission for motor vehicles, especially an automatic transmission or an automatic gearbox, where a gear ratio (“1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”) is adjusted according to operating conditions by means of pre-determined shifting programs (“0”, “Eco”, “Normal”, “Sport”, “Mountain II”, “Warm-up”, “Tip”) and corresponding specific shifting values (HS45, RS43) and where in relation to a vehicle's actual operating condition at least one special function (“Curve Recognition KE”, “Rapid Drive Pedal Release FO”, “Spontaneous Delay Vehicle SVF”, “Drive Speed Control FGR”, “Drive Dynamic control ESP”) is activated, which prevents the change from an actual gear ratio to a target gear ratio requested by a shifting program within a pre-determined operating range of a vehicle. In a first version of the method, the operating range, wherein a gear ratio change of the transmission is prevented, is changed in relation to applied specific values that depend on the operating condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2006Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Armin Gierling, Friedermann Jauch, Franz-Josef Schuler, Michael Kiefer
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Patent number: 7452306Abstract: A drive system for a work machine is disclosed. The drive system has at least one driven traction device and a transmission operatively connected to the at least one driven traction device. The transmission is configured to drive the at least one driven traction device. The drive system further has a controller configured to determine a ground tractive capacity associated with the at least one driven traction device and to limit an amount of torque transmitted from the transmission to the at least one driven traction device when the amount of torque to be transmitted will exceed the ground tractive capacity.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Kent A. Casey
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Patent number: 7454282Abstract: An engine output control device and an engine output control method for a working vehicle capable of implementing low fuel consumption, and of providing the output required for working. The engine output control device of includes a mode setting switch which can set any one from among a plurality of output modes, a load detector which detects the load on the working vehicle, and an engine controller which controls an engine based on any one engine output characteristic selected from among a plurality of engine output characteristics which are prepared in advance.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuhisa Mizuguchi
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Patent number: 7441521Abstract: A first arm member and a second arm member are provided. The first arm member is positioned between a cam and a valve body to oscillate in synchronism with the rotation of the cam. The second arm member changes the angle of the first arm member in accordance with the rotation angle of a control shaft. The temperature prevailing in the neighborhood of the control shaft and cam is detected. The rotation angle of the control shaft is corrected so as to avoid the influence of the detected temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiaki Asada, Shuichi Ezaki, Manabu Tateno
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Patent number: 7429232Abstract: A method for controlling a drive train of a motor vehicle, to a method for controlling a clutch device, and to a drive train of a motor vehicle, the drive train being operated in a normal load operation, in which the internal combustion engine moves the motor vehicle against the resistances opposing the movement of a motor vehicle, the play in the load direction pre-determined by the rotary direction of the motor output shaft being closed. The drive train (40) operating outside normal load operation is operated under pre-determined conditions in a second operating mode in which a first load is introduced into a drive train section, causing the play at the drive-end of the load introduction point to be closed or to remain closed, the first load being such that it would not be sufficient to overcome the resistances opposing the movement of the motor vehicle in the plane.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Klaus Kuepper
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Publication number: 20080234101Abstract: A friction clutch which transmits motive power of a main drive shaft to an auxiliary drive shaft, a piston which generates pressing force against the friction clutch, a cylinder chamber which houses the piston movably in the axial direction, a pressure sensor which detects the oil pressure of the cylinder chamber, an hydraulic pump which feeds pressurized oil to the cylinder chamber, a motor which drive the hydraulic pump forward/reversely, and a controller which compares a command from a vehicle with a signal from the pressure sensor and controls the forward/reverse drive of the motor are provided. An hydraulic control valve unit feeds the pressurized oil to the cylinder chamber when the hydraulic pump is rotated forward, prevents outflow of the pressurized oil from the cylinder chamber when forward rotation of the hydraulic pump is stopped, and forcibly discharges the pressurized oil from the cylinder chamber when the hydraulic pump is reversely rotated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventor: Satoru Suzuki
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Patent number: 7427254Abstract: A declaration control apparatus and method for a vehicle, which performs deceleration control such that a deceleration acting on the vehicle becomes equal to a target deceleration by an operation of a brake system which applies a braking force to the vehicle and a shift operation which shifts a transmission of the vehicle into a relatively low speed or speed ratio, increases the target deceleration over time at a predetermined gradient to a predetermined value when a determination that there is a need to shift the transmission into a relatively low speed or speed ratio has been made, and after the target deceleration reaches the predetermined value, maintains the target deceleration at a generally constant value. As a result, a deceleration transitional characteristic of the vehicle is able to be improved.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kunihiro Iwatsuki, Kazuyuki Shiiba
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Publication number: 20080194383Abstract: Method for adapting an automated mechanical transmission based upon a PTO load. The method includes setting the transmission gears so that no torque is being transmitted to the output shaft of the transmission. With the PTO load engaged, engine torque is measured by the engine control unit. This torque is compared to the expected engine torque. Using the difference from the expected value and the measured value, the transmission control unit adjusts the shifting of the transmission because the PTO will cause the engine to lose some of its available torque. Based on the PTO load, the transmission control unit will select the appropriate start gear, upshift gears, and downshift gears.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2006Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR ABInventor: Sixten Berglund
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Publication number: 20080188350Abstract: To automatically shift the shift position of an automatic transmission depending on whether or not the rider is seated or the side stand is retracted. When the vehicle is at a stop with an engine running, and it is detected that the rider is not sitting on a rider seat, an automatic transmission is automatically shifted to the neutral range while maintaining the operation of the engine. Further, when the vehicle is at a stop with the engine running, and the automatic transmission has been in the drive range continuously for a predetermined period of time, provided that the rider is not sitting on the rider seat, the automatic transmission is automatically shifted to the neutral range. Further, when, in a state with a side stand retracted, the throttle opening is equal to or smaller than a predetermined opening, the automatic transmission is automatically shifted to the drive range.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: Hiroyuki KOJIMA, Yoshiaki Nedachi