Patents Examined by Ryan Massey
  • Patent number: 4990127
    Abstract: A dual range infinitely variable transmission utilizes a continuously variable speed mechanism in conjunction with a fixed ratio speed mechanism to provide two power paths from the input to the rotatable output. A jaw clutch is utilized to switch between the high range and low range of the transmission. A reaction type clutch is utilized to provide a positive neutral for the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Roberts, deceased, Richard L. Smirl, Herbert N. Underwood
  • Patent number: 4986145
    Abstract: A method of engine determination is used in an electronically-controlled automatic transmission system. A transmission controller is capable of determining the particular engine model by data sent by the engine controller. The method includes determining whether the data received equals a first predetermined engine model byte stored in RAM. If not, the method determines whether the data received is valid. If so, the method determines whether the data received equals a second predetermined engine model byte stored in EEPROM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Hemang S. Mehta
  • Patent number: 4982623
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of controlling the automatic transmission of a vehicle, in which the vehicle can be smoothly started on a low frictional coefficient road by requiring the concurrent operation of the brake pedal and the acceleration pedal. An up-shift operation will occur when both the brake and acceleration pedals are operated when the vehicle speed is less than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Yoshino, Koichi Funatsu, Keiichi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 4976667
    Abstract: A differential gear mechanism is provided of the type including a gear case (17), at least one pinion gear (21), and a pair of side gears (27 and 29). Clutch packs (43 and 45) are disposed between the side gears and the gear case and are operable, when engaged, to retard relative rotation between the gear case and the side gears. The mechanism includes a fluid pressure actuated displacement mechanism (57) which, in response to an external signal (71) transmits its output displacment into axial movement of a plurality of input members (81). The axial movemenat of the input members has an actuating travel X and an actuating force F. A pair of lever members (85) receives the axial input from the input members 81, with each lever member pivoting about a fulcrum member (91) to transmit to each of the clutches a clutch actuating movement having an actuating travel substantially less than the actuating travel X, and an actuating force substantially greater than the actuating force F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Goscenski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4973297
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive hub for six speeds, with an integral back-pedal brake device (28, 31) for bicycles or the like. The gear system comprises two separate planetary gear units (5b, 6a, 7b and 16, 26, 27 respectively), each of which comprises one stage and of which a primary gear unit (5b, 6a, 7b) is incorporated in the drive member (5), while a secondary gear unit (16, 26, 27) is disposed in the hub sleeve (1). The coupling elements (2, 3, 23 29) of the drive hub are constructed in such a manner that lost motion positions are avoided both during driving and during braking. During braking the torque flow is always guided through the secondary gear unit (16, 26, 27) in the hill speed position by means of separate detents (23) which come into operation only during the backward rotation of the drive member (5), so that the back-pedal brake is operated with a stepped-up brake force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventor: Eduard Bergles