Condition Responsive Control Patents (Class 74/731.1)
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Patent number: 11927256Abstract: A torque converter includes a drive plate arranged to receive a torque. The torque converter further includes a front cover non-rotatably connected to the drive plate. The torque converter further includes a lock-up clutch including a piston and a clutch plate disposed between the piston and the front cover. The piston is axially slidable to engage the clutch plate. The torque converter further includes first and second seals each configured to seal the piston to the front cover. The first seal is arranged at an inner diameter of the piston, and the second seal is arranged radially outside of the first seal.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Victor Norwich
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Patent number: 11858527Abstract: A control system for a vehicle capable of traveling in first and second traveling states is provided. The second traveling state requires an operation related to traveling by a passenger more than the first traveling state. The system changes, based on a traveling situation of the vehicle, an upper limit speed at which the vehicle can travel in the first traveling state. The system performs notification to the passenger of a request for a predetermined operation at a timing when a traveling speed of the vehicle reaches a predetermined speed when switching from the first traveling state to the second traveling state. A difference between the upper limit speed and the predetermined speed is increased in a case where the upper limit speed is high compared to a case where the upper limit speed is low.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tadahiko Kanoh, Ayumu Horiba, Katsuya Yashiro, Chihiro Oguro
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Patent number: 11660593Abstract: Fluid assembly for use in a fluid system, having a control module including a processing unit for processing control commands into individual electrical control signals with individually adjustable control signal levels and a control signal level electrically connected to the processing unit, with a power unit, which has a power module for converting the control signals into individual electrical control currents as a function of the control signal levels and an output interface electrically connected to the power module, wherein the processing unit is designed to provide a first group of control signals in a first time interval which can be individually predetermined for each control signal and to provide a second group of control signals in a second time interval which can be individually predetermined for each control signal and follows the respective first time interval, wherein the first control signal and the second control signal are selected in such a way that the control currents in the first time inType: GrantFiled: November 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Festo SE & Co. KGInventors: Tobias Schuster, Jens Engelhardt, Maik Flach, Duc-Thang Vu, Gabor Duroska, Stefan Bammesberger
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Patent number: 11591978Abstract: A mobile machine includes an internal combustion engine operatively connected to a plurality of propulsion devices for travel over a work surface. The mobile machine can include an electronic controller that receives condition data signals indicative of the operating state or condition of the mobile machine from a plurality of condition input sensors. The electronic controller compares the condition data signals with condition threshold to determine whether to operate the internal combustion engine in accordance with rated engine speed range or an adjusted engine speed range.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2022Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Fulcher, Ethan M. Tevis, Matthew D. Dobsch
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Patent number: 11499753Abstract: The flameless heater system includes an energy source comprising a diesel engine configured to create volumes of air, a hydraulic system to control engine loading for heat generation and for air moving, and a control system, operatively coupled with the energy source and the hydraulic system to control at least one of a speed of the diesel engine, a loading of the diesel engine, or a fan speed.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Anderson Industries, LLCInventors: Daniel Ewert, Timothy Springer
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Patent number: 11391017Abstract: A wheel loader is provided that can suppress abrupt change in vehicle speed accompanied by erroneous determination on a lift arm lifting operation. A wheel loader includes: an engine; an HST pump; an HST motor; a forward and reverse switch; a stepping amount sensor; an operation amount sensor; and a controller. The controller determines whether a specific condition for specifying an operation of the lift arm in an upper direction during forward travel of the vehicle body, on the basis of a forward and reverse switching signal, the stepping amount, and a pilot pressure pertaining to the lifting operation for the lift arm. In a case of the specific condition being satisfied, the vehicle speed is limited by controlling the displacement volume of the HST motor in conformity with increase in the pilot pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Isamu Aoki, Tetsuji Tanaka, Masaki Nukii
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Patent number: 11326689Abstract: A shifter abnormality diagnosis device for a shifter used in an automatic transmission having a manual mode, the shifter including a first switch for outputting a signal corresponding to the position of a select lever and a second switch for outputting a signal corresponding to the position of the select lever if the select lever is located in at least one of an upshift range or a downshift range, wherein the abnormality diagnosis device is configured to perform an abnormality diagnosis of the second switch on the basis of an output signal of the second switch and prohibit the abnormality diagnosis of the second switch if it is determined that the select lever is not located in any one of forward ranges including the upshift range and the downshift range on the basis of an output signal of the first switch.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignees: JATCO Ltd, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Keisuke Ichikawa, Tomoaki Kabe, Kosuke Abe
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Patent number: 10697519Abstract: An actuator for positioning a solar array to track the sun includes a motor and a single-stage cycloidal gearbox operatively coupled to the motor. The single-stage cycloidal gearbox includes a drive shaft rotationally coupled to the motor to rotate the drive shaft about a drive axis at a first input speed, an input gear coupled to and driven by the drive shaft, and an output gear configured to be engaged and driven by the input gear at a second output speed. The single-stage cycloidal gearbox is configured to reduce the first input speed to the second output speed within a single rotation of the drive shaft. The first speed is reduced to the second speed by a factor of at least 60 within the single rotation of the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventor: John L. Gibb
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Patent number: 10570673Abstract: The invention relates to a downhole tool for use in a petroleum well. The downhole tool (100) comprises a first part (110) comprising a driving unit (8), and second part (120) comprising a driven unit (9), wherein the drive unit (8) is configured for driving the driven unit (9).Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Qinterra Technologies ASInventor: Gerald McInally
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Patent number: 10024374Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a characteristic curve of a clutch of a clutch activation system in a drivetrain, in particular of a motor vehicle, in which the clutch is activated by an actuator, wherein a bite point of the clutch is adapted as a first support point of the characteristic curve. In a method in which the accuracy of the specific clutch characteristic curve is improved, a preload point of the actuator, preferably of an electric central disengagement device, is used as a second support point of the characteristic curve.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventor: Florian Ziefle
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Patent number: 9695890Abstract: A method for determining a draining behavior of a hydraulically actuated transmission shifting element. By applying actuating pressure, the shifting element is changed from a completely drained, open operating condition to a completely filled closed operating condition, and the reference filling time, until the closed condition has been reached, is determined. Upon recognition of the closed condition, then by adjusting the actuating pressure for a predefined draining time, the shifting element is changed to its open condition and, thereafter, again completely filled and closed. Upon recognition of the closed condition, the shifting element is actuated direction toward the open condition by reducing the actuating pressure. Then, before completely opening, the shifting element is again returned to its closed operating condition and the filling time, until the partially drained shifting element has reached the completely filled and closed operating condition, is determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Sven Bieber, Jan-Frederik Kuhn, Marcus Hiemer, Stephan Schinacher, Mario Brugger, Markus Lukassek
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Patent number: 9475497Abstract: An electric implement power management system includes an electronic controller that monitors total electric implement load and commands a transmission to reduce the speed of the traction drive wheels below the desired traction drive speed if the total electric implement load reaches a maximum allowable load.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Robert A Henson, Patrick W Cross, Eric R Funk
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Patent number: 9416874Abstract: A method for learning the bite point of a position-controlled clutch in a vehicle having an engine and a transmission includes commanding an engagement of a clutch fork via a controller when the transmission is in park and the engine is idling. The method also includes controlling an apply position of the clutch via the controller, calculating a clutch torque capacity of the clutch, and measuring the apply position via a position sensor. The apply position is recorded as the clutch bite point when the calculated clutch torque capacity equals a calibrated clutch torque capacity. The transmission is then controlled using the recorded clutch bite point. A system includes the transmission, input clutches, and a controller configured to execute the method. A vehicle includes an engine, the transmission, the position-controlled input clutch, and the controller, as well as a clutch position sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David H. Vu, Xuefeng Tim Tao, Jayson S. Schwalm, Craig J. Hawkins, Jeryl McIver
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Patent number: 9003926Abstract: An oil passage structure of a chain-driven oil pump includes three lines of oil passages for supplying oil from the center support to the torque converter, a first oil passage for supplying oil to the torque converter through the inside of an input shaft of the torque converter, a second oil passage for supplying oil to the torque converter through a space defined by the outer periphery surface of the input shaft and the inner periphery surface of a stator shaft, and a third oil passage for supplying oil to the torque converter by bypassing the drive sprocket. The third oil passage is provided on the outer periphery side of the drive sprocket and in a position where it does not interfere with the operation of a chain. Accordingly, it is possible to utilize the flex lock-up to a maximum extent, and to reduce the diameter of the sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2009Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshihiro Mizuno, Koichi Tanaka, Yusuke Ogata
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Patent number: 8620544Abstract: A transmission includes a plurality of clutches that are selectively engageable alone or in combination with each other to establish a plurality of forward drive modes, wherein one of the clutches is configured as a neutral idle (NI) clutch that is selectively actuated to shift the transmission into an NI state, and a controller. The controller is adapted to shift the transmission from a forward drive mode into the NI state during a coast-down maneuver prior to the transmission reaching a zero output speed. A method of shifting the transmission into the NI state includes determining the presence of a predetermined one of the forward drive modes using the controller, and using the controller to actuate a designated one of the clutches as an NI clutch to enter the NI state during the forward drive mode, during a coast-down maneuver, and prior to the transmission reaching a zero output speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Sindu Sebastian, David W. Wright
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Patent number: 8567286Abstract: At pre-shift of a shift control, a line pressure control section determines a pressure raising amount ?PL of a line pressure PL on the basis of a pressure raising amount map stored in a memory, and controls a line pressure controlling linear solenoid valve so that the line pressure PL regulated by a regulator valve is raised by this pressure raising amount ?PL. For example, a control hydraulic pressure corresponding to the pressure raising amount ?PL is applied to the regulator valve from the line pressure controlling linear solenoid valve. Thus, hydraulic oil supplied from an oil pump is mostly discharged from an output port for the line pressure PL. Therefore, although there is a possibility that the line pressure PL regulated within a line pressure circuit somewhat varies when stroke of a hydraulic piston starts, a decrease of the line pressure PL is suppressed sufficiently compared with the case where the line pressure PL is not raised as a conventional manner.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shohei Taka, Masayuki Sadakiyo
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Patent number: 8414454Abstract: A load control system for a work vehicle including set rotation speed detection means for detecting a set rotation speed of an engine of the work vehicle, actual rotation speed detection means that senses an actual rotation speed of the engine, a continuously variable speed change device that receives power from the engine of the work vehicle, speed change position detecting means for detecting a speed change operating position of the continuously variable speed change device, operating means for speed-shifting the continuously variable speed change device, and control means for controlling the operation of the operating means.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Eiji Nishi, Keishiro Nishi, Atsushi Shinkai, Yasunobu Nakatani
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Patent number: 8380411Abstract: A clutch control device for vehicle equipped with a clutch actuator driven by a working fluid, wherein secular change in the flow rate control valve for controlling the working fluid is compensated, and the rate of connection of the clutch is correctly controlled by a simple means. To control the stroke of a clutch actuator 110, the clutch control device is provided with a single flow rate control valve 1 that controls the feed and discharge of the working fluid by using an electromagnetic solenoid. A flow rate control valve control device 9 is provided with a learning device 91 that learns the neutral position of the flow rate control valve 1 which shuts off the flow of the working fluid, separately detects the amounts of electric current to a coil 8 of when the rate of change in the stroke becomes zero depending upon the directions in which the valve body of the flow control valve 1 moves, and learns the central point at the neutral position by averaging the detected values.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Yoshihiro Takei, Yasushi Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Kawanishi
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Patent number: 8312793Abstract: A first hydraulic circuit leads, as clutch control pressure, pressurized oil supplied from a first hydraulic pump, to a transmission control device after regulating the pressurized oil, and leads, as torque converter operation oil, pressured oil to a torque converter, and leads pressurized oil to an oil cooler. Through a second hydraulic circuit, pressurized oil from a second hydraulic pump is distributed to a circuit portion downstream of the pressure regulation valve and upstream of a safety valve and to a circuit portion downstream of the torque converter and upstream of the oil cooler. A flow control device changes a proportion of a rate of flow in the second hydraulic circuit so that a proportion of the rate of flow to the circuit portion downstream of the torque converter and upstream of the oil cooler increases as pressure at an entrance of the torque converter increases.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Azuma, Atsushi Shimazu, Masaki Yoshikawa, Kosei Suzuki
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Patent number: 8287409Abstract: A hydraulic control system of continuously variable transmission includes: a first sheave pressure regulating valve (17) that regulates a line pressure (Pl), which is used for hydraulic control as a source pressure, to obtain a first sheave pressure (Pin); a fail-safe valve (19) that selects and outputs any one of the first sheave pressure (Pin) or a fail-safe hydraulic pressure (second sheave pressure Pout) that is applied to a drive pulley (21) at the time of a failure due to an excessive first sheave pressure (Pin) to the drive pulley (21); and a first regulator valve (12) and a second regulator valve (13) that regulate the line pressure (Pl). An output pressure (Psf) of the fail-safe valve (19) is supplied to the first and second regulator valves (12 and 13) in a feedback manner as a drive pulley (21) side hydraulic pressure to thereby regulate the line pressure (Pl).Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yusuke Ogata, Toshihiro Aoyama
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Patent number: 8266986Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a motor, a sump for storing a hydraulic fluid, and a dual element pump connected to the motor. The dual element pump has at least one input port connected to the sump, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port. The dual element pump provides a first volume of hydraulic fluid to the first outlet port and provides a second volume of hydraulic fluid to the second outlet port. The first volume is greater than the second volume. The first outlet port is connected to a diversion valve. The second outlet port is connected to a high pressure hydraulic circuit. The diversion valve is operable to transmit the hydraulic fluid from the first outlet port to a low pressure hydraulic circuit and the high pressure hydraulic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Kevin Michael Dougan, Norman Schoenek, Michael R. Schmidt
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Patent number: 8265844Abstract: A clutch control device for vehicle is equipped with a clutch actuator driven by a working fluid, and works to correctly control the rate of connection of the clutch by a simple means compensating secular change of a flow rate control valve that controls the working fluid. The clutch control device has a single flow rate control valve 1 for controlling the feed and discharge of the working fluid to change the stroke of the clutch actuator 110. The flow rate control valve 1 has a neutral position at where feed and discharge of the working fluid is stopped. A flow rate control valve control device 9 is provided with a learning device 91 for learning the neutral position. To control the stroke, the flow rate control valve control device 9 corrects the amount of electric current to a coil 8 of an electromagnetic solenoid based on a value learned by the learning device 91 and compensates a change in the flow rate characteristics caused by secular change.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Yoshihiro Takei, Yasushi Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Kawanishi
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Publication number: 20120152056Abstract: A system for providing hydraulic power in a machine transmission includes a first hydraulic variator and a second hydraulic variator, each variator having a mechanical input to a hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic motor linked to the hydraulic pump via a hydraulic circuit, and a mechanical output from the hydraulic motor. In an embodiment, the first hydraulic circuit side of one variator is hydraulically connected to the first hydraulic side of the other variator, and the second hydraulic circuit sides are likewise linked together. A common input is geared to the inputs of the variators and a common output is geared to the outputs of the variators, tying the pump and motor of each variator to rotate at the same speed as the counterpart components of the other variator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Hongliu Du, Tony L. Marcott
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Publication number: 20110203411Abstract: There is provided an oil temperature correction device for an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission having a torque converter and a transmission mechanism to which an output torque of a driving power source is inputted through the torque converter. The oil temperature correction device has an oil temperature sensor that detects a temperature of hydraulic oil in an oil pan of the transmission mechanism; and an oil temperature correction section that, when the temperature of the hydraulic oil detected by the oil temperature sensor is lower than a first threshold value, performs a sensor detection temperature correction process to correct the detected temperature of the hydraulic oil based on a heat generation amount of the torque converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: Ikuo MARUYAMA
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Publication number: 20100319340Abstract: A device producing unidirectional rotation motion as output from any bidirectional rotation motion as input, includes: —a first input rotation axis (1); —a second input rotation axis (2), orthogonal to the first input rotation axis (1); —an output rotation axis; transmission elements (6A, 6B, 6C, 91, 9B, 9C) provided between the first input rotation axis and the output rotation axis and between the second input rotation axis and the output rotation axis, in order to convert a clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation motion on the first input rotation axis and/or on the second input rotation axis into a unidirectional rotation motion on the output rotation axis, characterized in that one of the first input rotation axes is the same as the output rotation axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventor: Martin John Wickett
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Publication number: 20100317473Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission having a continuously variable transmission ratio. The transmission includes an input-side torque converter that is optionally connectable on the output side through a first transmission stage with a predetermined gear ratio, or through a second, continuously variable transmission stage, to the output shaft of the transmission so that it transmits torque. The transmission ratio of the continuously variable transmission stage is adjustable in such a way that the rotational speed of the transmission output shaft remains constant when the transmission of torque is shifted from the first transmission stage to the second transmission stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Emmanuel SIMON
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Publication number: 20100183418Abstract: An arbor, arranged for attachment to a drilling rigs overhead support and drilling fluid circuit, has a cross frame with axles that support telescoping link arms to carry a single stand elevator at their lower end. The link arms have provision, at their top end, to tilt about a horizontal axis. The link arms can extend an amount greater than their minimum length.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: PREMIERE, INCInventors: Kris Henderson, Lee M. Robichaux, Joseph L. Hawkins, Lee J. Matherne, JR.
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Publication number: 20090158869Abstract: In practical application, it often happens that a large number of motion sensors and control mechanisms is required in order to carry out controlled movements, e.g., of welding tongs. The object of the present invention is to provide a solution for controlling the movement of a pair of welding tongs in the most efficient and economical manner possible with a minimum of electrical and mechanical expenditure. This object is attained by the present invention by using mechanical displacement-limiting means that limit a swiveling motion if it should occur. The advantage is the robust design and elimination of electronics and sensor systems, which are susceptible to interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Ibrahim Doertoluk, Peter Schuh, Emil Hanauer, Bernd Schnurr
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Patent number: 7448293Abstract: A control system for driving a motor to perform a plurality of actions, includes a motor gear set, a first action gear set, a second action gear set, a third action gear set, a first switch gear set, and a second switch gear set. The first and second switch gear sets are driven by different operation directions of the motor gear set. Moreover, the first, second, and third action gear sets are driven to perform the actions by different switch method of the first switch gear set, the second switch gear set, or a combination of the first and second switch gear sets.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Lite-On Technology CorporationInventor: Wen-Bing Li
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Patent number: 7228762Abstract: A method of regulating a travelling speed of an agricultural machine includes providing a diesel engine to drive a variable displacement pump, the variable displacement pump connected by a hydraulic line to at least one hydraulic motor connected to a running gear so as to drive the agricultural machine at the travelling speed. The method further includes measuring a speed of the diesel engine, and providing a delivery volume from the variable displacement pump via the hydraulic line to the at least one hydraulic motor in proportion to the measured speed of the diesel engine, where a speed of the at least one hydraulic motor controls the travelling speed of the agricultural machine.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Ingo Mende, Henri Scholtke
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Patent number: 6978201Abstract: A transmission control method improves shift feel during kickdown shifts. The release clutch is fully released at the initiation of the kickdown shift. The release clutch is then reapplied when the volume of the release clutch reaches a threshold capacity. The volume of the release clutch is slowly ramped down, thereby increasing turbine speed. When the turbine speed reaches a threshold, the apply clutch is actuated. The apply clutch is actuated by controlling the volume of the apply clutch according to a target volume.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Gang Chen, David L Kwapis, Aaron Pfadt
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Patent number: 6810772Abstract: An automatic transmission in a power unit with a torque converter and a hydraulic clutch to be engaged and disengaged for the switching of speed-change gears. Hydraulic pressure is applied to the clutch and is increased only when operating the clutch during acceleration of a vehicle. A pressure control valve is provided at a discharge port of an oil pump for supplying hydraulic oil to the hydraulic clutch. The pressure control valve includes a valve body, a valve element is axially slidably provided in the valve body, and a spring is provided between the valve element and the valve body in a sliding direction of the valve element for adjusting a set pressure for opening/closing of the pressure control valve. The valve element is urged in its closing direction by a repulsive force applied to a stator in the torque converter.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiaki Hori, Seiji Hamaoka
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Patent number: 6711486Abstract: Drive unit for motor vehicles, comprising an engine and an automated friction clutch arranged between the engine and its gearbox, the engagement and disengagement of the clutch being controlled by a servo unit, which is controlled by a control computer to which, from various sensors there are fed values of engine speed, rotational speed of the input shaft of the gearbox, the position of the servo unit and the position of the gearsift lever. Points on a torque curve are stored in the memory of the control computer, the curve showing the torque as a function of the servo position (the clutch position). The computer is furthermore programmed to calibrate the servo unit to a pulling position, which provides a predetermined desired value of the torque, and to check, with a certain regularity, the actual value of the torque in the pulling position and, if needed, the adjust the actual value towards the desired value by changing the position of the servo unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Lars Gunnar Karlsson, Jan Erik Lauri, Karl Marcus Steén
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Publication number: 20040025630Abstract: In an automatic transmission includes a main shaft and a counter shaft which are parallel to a crankshaft with the rotation of a torque converter on the crankshaft being transmitted to the main shaft through gears. A two-state speed change is conducted by gears provided on the main shaft and the counter shaft. An oil hydraulic clutch is operatively provided for connection and disconnection between the gear for reducing the spacing between the crankshaft and the transmission and to contrive a reduction in size of a power unit. A tubular auxiliary main shaft rotatable relative to the main shaft is provided at the outer circumference of the main shaft with a first-speed drive gear and a rearward-running drive gear are fixed on the auxiliary main shaft. First and second oil hydraulic clutches are provided for enabling contact and separation between the main shaft and the auxiliary main shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Yoshiaki Hori, Seiji Hamaoka
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Patent number: 6655233Abstract: A cruise control system for a utility vehicle, which is speed-controlled by a hydrostatic transmission, includes a controller having an input for receiving a selectable set speed signal, and an output for sending a speed control signal to at least one proportional valve of a hydrostatic transmission servo control system. The vehicle ground speed is continuously monitored by a speed sensor operatively associated with a rotating gear in the vehicle drive train that rotates in proportion to vehicle ground speed, to create a ground speed signal. The selectable set speed signal can be input to controller memory by driving the vehicle at a desired ground speed and then activating a speed set switch. The speed control algorithm of the controller thereafter compares the set speed to the ground speed signal from the speed sensor and corrects the control signal to the proportional valve to correct hydrostatic transmission speed output.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Mark David Evans, Joseph Gerard Burgart
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Patent number: 6622594Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of hydraulic motors and a clutch is capable of reliably implementing a sequence for engaging and disengaging the clutch and for fixing and clearing a zero tilt rotation amounts of the hydraulic motors, thereby preventing a speed change shock or load slip in the hydraulic motors. The apparatus includes zero tilt rotation fixing means (10A), a clutch (5), hydraulic vehicle speed detecting means (32A), and control valve means (30A) that releases an output command pressure to a return pressure connected to a tank (19) until a vehicle speed signal pressure to be received reaches a start pressure of a predetermined value, and begins to output the command pressure to the zero tilt rotation fixing means and the clutch when the vehicle speed signal pressure exceeds a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Masanori Ikari, Nobuo Matsuyama
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Patent number: 6483197Abstract: The invention concerns a drive system with a drive motor (1), especially an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, and a drive train (27); an electric machine (26), which can apply a braking and/or driving torque to the drive motor (1) and/or drive train (27) and/or form a coupling in the drive train (27); and an open-loop/closed-loop control system, which controls/regulates the electric machine such that it diminishes drive train torque and/or speed fluctuations.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Continental ISAD Electronic Systems GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Ullrich Masberg, Thomas Pels, Klaus-Peter Zeyen, Andreas Gründl, Bernhard Hoffmann
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Publication number: 20020157502Abstract: The electronic-hydraulic transmission control module has a hydraulic plate, an electronic control unit, and a sensor. The sensor is caulked into a wall of an opening in the hydraulic plate forming a plastic deformation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Roland Albert, Christian Fritzsche, Andreas Rekofsky, Ulf Scheuerer
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Patent number: 6470771Abstract: A transmission system including an automatic transmission having a plurality of speed change modes, including at least a continuously variable speed change node and a steeping speed change mode, and a sub-transmission connected to the automatic transmission. The sub-transmission is capable of switching to one of a plurality of running ranges including at least a forward range, a neutral range, and a reverse range. The transmission system also includes a mode switch for selectively switching to one of the plurality of speed change modes of the automatic transmission, and a shift switch for switching from one speed change stage to another speed change when the stepping speed change mode is active. Functionally of the shift switch and the mode switch are collectively integrated into a common switch, and the common switch is selectively used as the shift switch or the mode switch.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takehiko Nanri, Yoshihisa Kanno
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Patent number: 6457382Abstract: A transmission assembly having a variable displacement hydraulic device which controls a ratio of an input speed to an output speed of the hydrostatic transmission is disclosed. The transmission assembly further includes a torque reversing mechanical transmission coupled to the hydrostatic transmission and having a first range and a second range. The transmission assembly further includes an output shaft driven by one or more of the hydrostatic transmission and the mechanical transmission which causes a work machine to move at a travel speed and a controller. The controller is operable to determine a transmission load and an equal displacement travel speed ratio based on the transmission load. A shift from the first gear range to the second gear range is based on the equal displacement travel speed ratio. A method of operating a transmission assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Cronin, Brian D. Kuras
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Publication number: 20010041645Abstract: A variable transmission system includes a continuously variable transmission, a shiftable sub-transmission in series with an output of the continuously variable transmission, and controller. A sensor senses a position of a driver's shift lever, and another sensor senses a gear position of the shiftable sub-transmission. The sensors report to the controller. If both sensors detect reverse drive conditions, the controller adjusts an angle of a swash plate of the continuously variable transmission for the reverse driving direction. If only one of the sensors indicates a rear drive condition, the controller compares an engine speed to a threshold value. If the engine speed exceeds the threshold value, the controller curbs the engine speed by cutting off the ignition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: Takehiko Nanri, Kunihiko Fukui
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Patent number: 6272950Abstract: A drive train comprises an internal combustion engine, a clutchless gearbox, which can be shifted by means of an electronic control unit and by means of actuating devices, without a mechanical synchronizing device, and a hydrostatic gearbox with a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, which are connected in a closed circuit. The rotational speed of the hydraulic motor being controllable in dependence on a control signal to the adjusting device of the hydraulic pump and/or to the adjusting device of the hydraulic motor. The control unit calculates the control signal by means of setpoint input via an accelerator pedal or as a function of the rotational drive speed of the internal combustion engine, with shifting of the transmission stages being possible by means of the actuating devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignees: Sauer-Danfoss Inc., Merlo Spa Industria MetalmeccanicaInventors: Tom Braun, Lloyd Taylor
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Publication number: 20010007212Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle travelling control apparatus for a vehicle with an HST and a mechanical transmission, which are connected in tandem to each other and interposed in a travelling power transmission path between a driving power source and driving wheels. The vehicle travelling control apparatus includes a speed-change control mechanism which in turn includes a signal detection part and a control part for controlling the changing of the output speed of the HST and the shifting operation of the mechanical transmission. The signal detection part includes a load-torque detection means for detecting the load torque with respect to the vehicle. The control part is designed to control the mechanical transmission and the HST based upon the detected results by the load-torque detection means so that where the vehicle lies in a high load torque state, the control part downshifts the mechanical transmission to a lower speed stage, while increasing the output speed of the HST.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2000Publication date: July 12, 2001Inventors: Shusuke Nemoto, Toshiro Azuma
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Patent number: 6250180Abstract: A traveling mechanism having a driving motor (24) which drives a feed pump (25) and a hydrostatic variable displacement pump (2), a zero fluctuating hydrostatic variable displacement motor (1) which forms with the hydrostatic variable displacement pump (2) a hydrostatic circuit and a hydrostatically driven 2-speed gear mechanism (11) which is engaged when the torque to be transmitted is minimal and the hydrostatic variable displacement motor (1) is at zero displacement capacity.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Jürgen Legner, Egon Mann, Siegfried Stützle
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Patent number: 6216074Abstract: A method for controlling the fill time of an oncoming transmission clutch of a vehicle within a predetermined range of speed conditions is disclosed, the method including the steps of: (a) sensing an engine speed within the predetermined range; (b) reading an incremental pulse time value corresponding to the speed sensed in step (a); and (c) determining an adjusted pulse time value using the incremental pulse value read in step (b) and a predetermined nominal pulse time value.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jonathan R. Hillman, Danial P. Simon