Patents Examined by Nathan O. Jensen
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Patent number: 5460061Abstract: An adjustable control pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle including an accelerator control pedal assembly and a brake control pedal assembly. A motor is positioned between the control pedal assemblies and includes a motor drive shaft driving first and second cables secured to the opposite ends of the drive shaft. The cables extend respectively to the brake and accelerator pedal assemblies so as to provide rotary cable movement at each pedal assembly. A transmission at each pedal assembly converts the rotary cable movement to rotary movement of a screw member which slidably adjusts a pedal arm along an adjuster member. As the pedal arm moves along the adjuster member, the pivot axis of the assembly is moved so as to maintain a substantially constant feel for the pedal irrespective of the adjusted position of the pedal arm. The pivot axis is moved by a cam pin driven by the pedal arm and received in a slot in a cam member carrying the pivot axis pin.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1993Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Comfort Pedals, Inc.Inventors: Harry L. Redding, Christopher Bortolon
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Patent number: 5460581Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission in which when a select position of a select lever operated by a driver is detected by an inhibitor switch, and a detected select position is a neutral position and/or a reverse position, ignition timing is retarded or fuel supply is reduced to reduce output torque of an engine, the output torque of the engine is also reduced when abnormal detection of the select position is determined due to a disconnection of the inhibitor switch or the like, thereby preventing transmission of excessive output torque to a frictional engaging element to achieve a reverse and driving force transmission members connecting to the frictional engaging element.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1993Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Jatco CorporationInventor: Yoshiaki Ueda
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Patent number: 5456640Abstract: An automatic transmission having an input annulus and a first bevel gear integrally attached to an input shaft to thereby divide torque in the input shaft into two torque components. A sun gear is rotatably mounted about the input shaft, and a set of planetary gears are in simultaneous meshing engagement (i) about the sun gear and (ii) with interior teeth of the input annulus. The sun gear includes a second bevel gear fixedly attached to a side of said sun gear and in substantial co-axial orientation with the sun gear and the first bevel gear. At least one torque-varying gear member comprises a torque-combining bevel gear and a torque-delivering gear integrally intercoupled by a stub shaft. The torque-combining bevel gear is in simultaneous meshing engagement with the first and second bevel gears, and the torque-delivering gear is in meshing engagement with an output gear, said output gear being integrally attached to an output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1994Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Inventor: Dean B. Petersen
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Patent number: 5456643Abstract: A system for controlling an automobile transmission effects a gear change by disengaging synchronizing clutch means for a present gear position, achieving a neutral gear position, and then engaging a synchronizing clutch for a next gear position in response to a shift control signal. The automobile transmission has an actuator for selectively engaging and disengaging the synchronizing clutch. An electronic control unit controls an engine output adjusting assembly to adjust the output power of the engine and also controls the actuator to start disengaging the synchronizing clutch for a present gear position in response to a shift command signal. The electronic control unit also controls the actuator to complete disengaging the synchronizing clutch for a present gear position to enter the neutral gear position when substantially no load is transmitted between drive and driven members of the synchronizing clutch for a present gear position under the control of the engine output adjusting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1993Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshinori Yamamoto, Yoshikazu Ishikawa
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Patent number: 5454766Abstract: A hybrid transmission provides a continuous range of reduced output speeds in a coaxial relationship about a common central axis within a surrounding cylindrical housing. The input shaft speed is increased through a planetary transmission having a sun gear fixed to a variable eccentric shaft. The eccentric shaft is surrounded by an orbiter and spaced anchor and drive vanes, which are interconnected by a plurality of anchor and drive vanes. Output speed is varied by change of the degree of eccentricity, using a worm gear drive interposed between inner and outer eccentrics within the eccentric shaft. control is achieved through shift rings that rotate a worm in response to external cable tension.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Speed Control, Inc.Inventor: Ned D. Mills
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Patent number: 5445042Abstract: A countershaft type power transmission has a plurality of hydraulically actuated synchronizers which are selectively operable to establish the gear ratios in the transmission. Each synchronizer is effective to control one or more ratios and is positionable between neutral positions. A hydraulic control system is provided to control the movement of the synchronizers and to hydraulically force each synchronizer to neutral when it is not called upon for ratio establishment.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1993Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Robert B. Deady
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Patent number: 5442972Abstract: A variable ratio bicycle drive mechanism has particular advantages for use in the drive train of an off-road bicycle but has application in human powered vehicles generally. The mechanism provides a mechanical advantage which varies with the position of the pedals. The angle between the left and right pedals is not fixed at 180.degree. but varies as the pedals rotate so that one pedal enters the most efficient part of its cycle before the other pedal has finished the most efficient pad of its cycle. The mechanism can help to improve the balance of a rider and even out the delivery of power by the rider to the bicycle. The mechanism has a driving axle rotatably mounted in a frame and a pair of pedal axles, one for each foot, mounted parallel to and spaced apart from the driving axle. The pedal axles are driven by the rider by means of linkages, which may be conventional pedals mounted at the ends of crank arms connected to the outer ends of the pedal axles.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1993Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Inventor: Irvin Hoover
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Patent number: 5441459Abstract: A hydraulic control device for an automatic transmission including a first frictional engaging element for achieving a low-speed side position, a second frictional engaging element for achieving a position higher in speed than the low-speed side position, a third frictional engaging element for achieving a position even higher in speed than the high-speed side position, a regulator valve for regulating pressure from an oil pump to a predetermined pressure and reducing the predetermined pressure in response to supply of a pilot pressure, and a control valve for controlling the pressure from the regulator valve to a desired hydraulic pressure, for controlling hydraulic pressures to the plural frictional engaging elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1993Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kaubshiki KaishaInventors: Seiichi Inukai, Kenjiro Fujita, Akihiro Kondo, Katsutoshi Usuki
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Patent number: 5441460Abstract: A gearbox comprises a row of parallely mounted disks. The mutually facing diametral planes of the disks are carrying cylindrical rings mounted coaxially to the rotation axes of the disks and provided with engaging elements on their internal and external cylindrical surfaces. Due to an offset between the neighboring disks providing for eccentricity between their parallel rotation axes all the rings located in the space between the diametral planes of the neighboring disks are in permanent engagement. Each ring is freely rotatable and is provided with means for its controlled interlocking with the disk carrying it.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1993Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Inventor: Valery V. Djudin
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Patent number: 5441464Abstract: A non-power downshift throttle recovery control method/system is provided for vehicular automated mechanical transmission systems of the type including a multiple-speed mechanical transmission (10) coupled to an electronically controlled engine (E) by a master clutch (C). The transmission is shifted without disengagement of the master clutch (C), and the engine is fueled according to at least a first control strategy wherein fueling tracks throttle (P) position or a second control strategy wherein engine fueling is modified to cause engine speed (ES) to equal a target engine speed (ES.sub.TARGET).Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1994Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Ronald K. Markyvech
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Patent number: 5438890Abstract: A cable position adjusting structure having an inner cable for interconnecting with an operator side member to an opposite side member so that the opposite side member is activated in accordance with an action of the operator side member, and an outer sheath surrounding the inner cable. The cable position adjusting structure having a mounting portion provided at one end of the outer sheath. The mounting portion having an elongated opening extending generally in the same direction as an axial direction of the cable. A bracket portion for securing the mounting portion to a position plate is provided. A bolt secures the mounting portion to the bracket portion through the elongated opening, and a leaf spring urges the mounting portion against the bracket portion so that the tension of the cable can be set to a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1993Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Kiyokazu Kato
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Patent number: 5437204Abstract: A system for directing line pressure alternately to a forward drive circuit and a reverse drive circuit includes three solenoid-operated select valves that direct pressure from a line pressure source to a reverse drive select valve, a forward drive select valve, reverse drive select valve, a range select switch assembly, pressure switches, and two coaxial range control valves. The two drive select valves are interconnected to form a hydraulic latch whose outputs are connected to the range control valve such that either the forward drive friction elements are pressurized, the reverse drive friction elements are pressurized, or none of the friction elements are pressurized.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1993Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Dennis W. Person
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Patent number: 5431607Abstract: A drive and braking arrangement for a motor vehicle has at least one electric motor which drives the motor vehicle in dependence on the setting of an accelerator pedal. A forward drive or reverse drive selector (15) adjusts the driving direction of rotation of the electric motor, and a sensor is provided for detecting the driving speed of the motor vehicle. In order to control the braking force of a friction brake arrangement acting on at least one wheel of the motor vehicle, an actuating drive is provided which is set to a braking position by an electronic control unit when the accelerator pedal remains in a driving position for longer than a predetermined period of time and at the same time the detected driving speed is zero and/or when the sensor associated with the control unit detects an actual movement of the motor vehicle in the direction opposite to the driving direction selected at the selector.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1994Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Mannesmann AktiengesellschaftInventors: Uwe Alder, Hans-Jurgen Drexl, Dieter Lutz, Franz Nagler, Martin Ochs, Stefan Schiebold, Hans-Joachim Schmidt-Brucken, Wolfgang Thieler, Michael Wagner, Holger Westendorf, Rainer Wychnanek
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Patent number: 5425284Abstract: A control system/method for controlling the shifting of automated mechanical transmission systems (10) is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the control system/method (FIG. 4 ) defines the window ((OS*GR.sub.T)+K.gtoreq.IS.sub.E .gtoreq.(OS*GR.sub.T)) for synchronous engagement (for shifts other than compound upshifts) such that jaw clutch (112/114, 116/118) engagement will occur or tend to occur when the input shaft (16) is rotating at speed (IS) equal to or slightly greater than a true synchronous speed (OS*GR.sub.T) to provide a "push" sensation upon jaw clutch engagement.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1993Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Alan R. Davis
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Patent number: 5417621Abstract: A control system for a friction bypass clutch for a torque converter that forms a part of an infinitely variable transmission in a vehicle driveline having an internal combustion engine including closed loop electronic controllers for coordinated control of the speed ratio of the transmission and the rate of engagement of the torque converter bypass clutch so that the resulting turbine speed will cause the vehicle engine to operate at an ideal speed and throttle setting that will achieve maximum brake specific fuel consumption wherein the time required for reaching the ideal speed is longer than the time required to complete engagement of the bypass clutch, thus effecting smooth clutch engagement with reduced energy absorption.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1993Date of Patent: May 23, 1995Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Thomas T. Tibbles
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Patent number: 5413015Abstract: A differential assembly having a driving case enclosing a pair of driving members operably coupled with a pair of driven members. The driven members are secured to output shafts and the driving members are forcibly driven by a driving shaft having its opposite ends in engagement with the driving case. The mid-section of the driving shaft passes through an eccentric or angled aperture formed by cooperating arcuate surfaces provided in opposing surfaces of the driving members. The driving members and the driven members are urged together respectively by double oppositely wound concentric springs bearing against a pin carried in an elongated hole coextensively provided in opposing surfaces of adjacent driving members of both pairs. Inspection and access openings are provided in passageways and in the oblong cross-section of part of the passageways.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1993Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Inventor: John Zentmyer
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Patent number: 5413012Abstract: A control system/method for controlling the shifting of automated mechanical transmission systems (10) is provided. The control system/method (FIG. 4 ) defines the synchronous window ((OS*GR.sub.T)+X.gtoreq.IS.sub.E >(OS*GR.sub.T)-Y) for jaw clutch engagement (for shifts other than compound upshifts) where X and Y are each greater than zero and the total synchronous window (X+Y) equals the greater of a function (fGR.sub.T) of the numerical value of the target ratio (GR.sub.T) or a minimum value ((X+Y) min).Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1993Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Alan R. Davis
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Patent number: 5411448Abstract: A gear shifting mechanism for a transmission, capable of driving the gearshift drum of the transmission for turning in both a shift-up direction and a shift-down direction by operating a switch or a valve. A sector gear is formed on a gearshift arm fixed to a gearshift spindle to drive a gearshift drum. A driving gear, engaged with an idle gear engaged with the sector gear, is fixed to the rotary shaft of a pneumatic rotary actuator. The pneumatic rotary actuator is attached to the transmission case of a transmission, and compressed air is supplied into either a first pressure chamber or a second pressure chamber of the rotary actuator through a solenoid selector valve to turn the rotary shaft in either the normal direction or the reverse direction. The present invention provides an auxiliary gear shifting system which enables gear shifting operation without the operator using his/her foot.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1993Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiyuki Horii, Masashi Amano
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Patent number: 5397283Abstract: A driving hub (6) connected to a first shaft (3) rotatably carries primary planet wheels (10) meshing with first (11) and second (12) sun wheels in coaxial relation. The first sun wheel (11) is fastened to a helical crown gear (16) meshing with auxiliary planet wheels (18) rotatably linked to the second sun wheel (12). Eccentrically projecting from the auxiliary planet wheels are respective interconnecting elements (22) guided in a trochoidal rolling track (23) formed in a guide member (24) fastened to a second shaft (5). Each auxiliary planet wheel (18) is driven by a piston (28) engaged in a pressurization chamber (29) formed in the second sun wheel (12). A fluid supplying circuit (30-35) sends oil under pressure into the pressurization chambers (29) in order to transmit axial thrusts to the auxiliary planet wheels (18), which thrusts, by effect of the helical toothings, produce balanced forces interacting with a motive power so as to transmit motion from the first (3) to the second (5) shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1993Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Mercantile Lombard Company Ltd.Inventor: Modesto Pratolongo
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Patent number: 5383822Abstract: An automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle includes first and second simple planetary gear units, certain of whose elements are continually interconnected and certain others are releasably connected through operation of five friction elements, hydraulically-actuated clutches and brakes. The input shaft of the transmission drives elements of the planetary gear units through an underdrive gearset and an overdrive gearset. Various speed ratios result by either underdriving or overdriving a driven element of the planetary gear unit or both underdriving one element and overdriving another element.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1993Date of Patent: January 24, 1995Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Stanley L. Pierce