Abstract: A control system/method for a controller-assisted, manually shifted transmission system (10) senses incomplete jaw clutch engagement (FIGS. 7A and 7B) and causes the engine to dither about zero driveline torque to allow the vehicle operator to fully engage (FIG. 7C) the engaging jaw clutch (200).

Abstract: A detent plunger assembly (48) for selectively inhibiting shift lever (42) movement in a controller-assisted, manually shifted transmission system (10). The assembly includes a differential area piston (86) and a light biasing spring (110) for causing said plunger to apply a light inhibiting force when system air (S) is not available, such as at vehicle startup.

Abstract: A controller-assisted, manually shifted compound transmission system (10) and range shift control method therefor. Range section (16B) shifts are normally automatically implemented by a range shifter (28) under commands (56) from a controller (54) in response to manual initiation. Under certain operating conditions ((ESMIN<OS*GR) and (ESMAX<OS*GRCLR)) automatic range downshifts without driver initiation are commanded.

Abstract: 3A method/system for controlling upshifting in an automated mechanical transmission system (10) utilized on a vehicle preferably having an ECU (28) controlled engine brake (ECB) or inertia brake (26). When an upshift from a currently engaged ratio (GR) is required (ES>ESU/S), skip upshifts (GRTARGET=GR+N, N>1) and then single upshifts (GRTARGET=GR+1) are evaluated in sequence.

Abstract: A control system/method for a controller-assisted, manually shifted transmission system (10). Upon sensing an intent to initiate a lever shift (ITS), the target gear ratio (GRT) is assumed to be a single shift from the currently engaged ratio (GRT=GRC±1) until a delay period of time (TDELAY) expires. After the delay period (T>TDELAY), the target ratio is determined as a function of shift lever position (SL) and/or fore/aft force (FF/FA) on the shift lever (48).

Abstract: A powertrain system (10) control system/method for controlling engine (12) output torque as a function of sensed degree of engagement of jaw clutch members (62, 64) associated with the engaged ratio of a transmission (14).

Abstract: An improved system and method for detecting solenoid-related faults in a solenoid-controlled actuator assembly. The system includes a processing circuit which controls a solenoid driver circuit for energizing and de-energizing the solenoid, a current sense circuit for sensing the current in the solenoid, and a power supply switching circuit for selectively connecting and disconnecting a supply voltage from the solenoid driver circuit. The processing circuit implements fault detection logic wherein the processing circuit senses the current in the solenoid and, if the sensed current exceeds a predetermined current value for a predetermined time period, disconnects the supply voltage from the solenoid driver circuit and measures the rate of voltage decay in the solenoid driver circuit to determine if an open circuit fault or a short circuit fault exists.

Abstract: A method/system for adaptively calibrating an X-Y position sensor (46). Signals (SLX-X and SLY-Y) indicative of X-X and Y-Y positions of a shift member (SL) in an H-type shift pattern (12A) are sensed. The current Y-Y position (SLY-Y) when the rate of change of X-X position exceeds a reference ((d/dt) SLX-X REF) is indicative of the neutral position value (NY-Y) of the second signal.

Abstract: A powertrain system (10) control system/method for controlling application of a force to cause full engagement of partially engaged jaw clutch as a function of sensed engine torque.

Abstract: A control system/method to minimize unwanted shifts in an automated mechanical transmission system (12). Initiation of shifts are prohibited unless throttle position (THL) has achieved a substantially steady-state value (|(d/dt(THL))|<REF1≈0).

Abstract: A soft tip game dart (30) comprising a plastic tip portion (32), a metallic body portion (34), and a flight or tail portion (36). The tip portion is received in a bore (42) in the portion and is biased forwardly in the bore by a spring and plunger (64, 66). Cross-sectionally, non-annular peripheries of the bore and head section (56) of the tip cooperate to limit relative rotational movement therebetween.

Abstract: A control method/system for controlling range section (14) shifting in a range-type transmission (10) having a “repeat-H” (200) or “double-H” (202) shift mechanism. Under certain conditions, a shift into an operator-selected target ratio (GRT) is unacceptable and a shift into an alternate ratio (GRALT) is implemented. The alternate ratio is a ratio available at an operator-selected main transmission position (1/5, 2/6, 3/7, 4/8) with the range section in a range ratio not selected by the operator.

Abstract: In a transmission inertia brake a ball ramp mechanism is used to load a clutch pack to slow a rotating transmission shaft where the clutch pack is carried on a one piece drive assembly having a gear section for meshing with a transmission gear, an extension section for engaging a thrust plate in an isolator assembly, a clutch section for engaging plurality of driven clutch plates in the clutch pack and a bearing section for rotational support within a brake housing. An armature having an angled peripheral surface engages a mating friction surface formed in an end plate to form a core clutch, the armature being magnetically pulled upon energization of an electrical coil. The armature is nonrotatably connected to the control ring of the ball ramp mechanism through at least one connecting pin. Belleville washers are used to apply an axial load on the ball ramp mechanism. A gerotor oil pump provides a cooling lubricant through the clutch pack in the ball ramp mechanism.

Abstract: A control system/method to minimize unwanted multiple upshifts in an automated mechanical transmission system (12). After a full-throttle upshift (54A), the engine speeds at which upshifts are commanded are increased from a default value (54) to a modified value (72) until the occurrence of a reset event.

Abstract: A method/system for controlling downshifting in an automated mechanical transmission system (10) utilized on a vehicle having a manually controlled engine brake (46) and foot brake (44) system. The engine speed at which downshifts are commanded (ESD/S) is modified as a function of sensed operation of the engine brake (EB?) and foot brake (FB) systems.

Abstract: A control for sensing impending and existing electrical connection faults in a vehicular transmission control circuit (42) including a plurality of individually energized and de-energized electrical devices such as electric motors (36 and 38) and solenoid-controlled valves (24 and 30). A voltage monitor (46) senses voltage drop across a power source (44) for properly operating devices and compares it to an expected voltage drop (REF) to determine if an electrical connection fault condition exists.

Abstract: An X-Y shifter control (68) allows independent and simultaneous control of the X—X motor (32) and Y—Y motor (36). Required X—X movements of thie shift member (34) are initiated when the shift member is within a band (84) of the neutral (20) Y—Y position.

Abstract: A partially automated transmission system (100) and method for controlling same is provided. The system includes a manually shifted splitter-type transmission (10) having a splitter section (14) and a manually shifted main section (12). The splitter section is controlled by a three-position splitter actuator (116) under control from a system ECU (146). A sensor (120) is provided for sensing an operator's intent to shift and, upon sensing an intent to shift, the splitter section is urged to the neutral position while engine fueling is controlled to cause a reduced drive line torque condition.

Abstract: An improved control method/system for controlling engine speed (ES) of an electronically controlled engine (12) communicating over an industry standard data link. If the difference between engine speed and target engine speed exceeds a reference value ((ES−ESTARGET)>REF?), then the engine is commanded to operate in a torque control mode or a speed- and torque-limiting mode (64).

Abstract: A manually shifted, range-type compound transmission (110) is provided with enhanced automatic range shifting. A controller (222) receives input signals indicative of shift selector operation and of vehicle speed (OS) and automatically commands range shifts as a function of both system parameters.