Patents Examined by Timothy Hannon
  • Method to control a road vehicle with a microslip of the clutch
    Patent number: 11248667
    Abstract: A method to control a road vehicle provided with a clutch, which connects an internal combustion engine to drive wheels and is arranged upstream of a servo-assisted transmission; the control method comprises the steps of: checking whether the tyres of the drive wheels are close to a grip limit; and opening the clutch so that the clutch transmits a torque to the drive wheels with a slip of the clutch that is constant and other than zero when the tyres of the drive wheels are close to the grip limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: FERRARI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Barone, Andrea Nannini, Giacomo Senserini, Stefano Marconi
  • Working vehicle
    Patent number: 11248668
    Abstract: A working vehicle includes a first hydraulic clutch connected to the first traveling shaft, a second hydraulic clutch connected to the first traveling shaft separately from the first hydraulic clutch, a first gear mechanism to transmit, to a second traveling shaft, power from the first hydraulic clutch when the first hydraulic clutch is engaged and not to transmit, to the second traveling shaft, power from the first hydraulic clutch when the first hydraulic clutch is disengaged, and a second gear mechanism to transmit, to the second traveling shaft, power from the second hydraulic clutch when the second hydraulic clutch is engaged and not to transmit, to the second traveling shaft, power from the second hydraulic clutch when the second hydraulic clutch is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Azuma, Tetsuo Yamaguchi, Shinji Ohara
  • Synchronizing ring
    Patent number: 11248664
    Abstract: A synchronizing ring for a synchronizer having an inner ring. The synchronizing ring is designed to be arranged outside of and to abut against the inner ring for achieving friction between an outer surface of the inner ring and an inner surface of the synchronizing ring during synchronization. The synchronizing ring has a plurality of through holes extending from the inner surface to an outer surface of the synchronizing ring for evacuation of oil from the interface between the inner ring and the synchronizing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CO.
    Inventors: Eva Barrientos Blanco, Henrique Budacs
  • Method for determining the engaged gear in a manual gearbox
    Patent number: 11231106
    Abstract: A method for determining the engaged gear in a manual gearbox of a vehicle comprising a number of gears is described, wherein the vehicle comprises an engine, the manual gearbox, and at least one clutch. The method comprises the following steps: determination of the revolution rate of the engine as a function of time; differentiating the determined revolution rate of the engine against time; determination of the speed of the vehicle; and determination of the engaged gear based on characteristic curves of the revolution rate of the engine as a function of time for a number of the gears in the case of a fixed rate of engagement of the clutch, the revolution rate of the engine, the differential of the revolution rate of the engine against time and the speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christoph Grewer, Daniel Roettger, Tobias Emig, Klemens Grieser
  • Generator disconnect couplings
    Patent number: 11226013
    Abstract: A method of disconnecting a generator from a source of mechanical rotation includes receiving a generator disconnect command and receiving a rotational position of a generator input member. The input member rotational angle is compared to the target disconnect angle range, and a determination made whether to disconnect the input member from a generator drive member based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Kris H. Campbell, Jonathan C. Dell, Shin Katsumata
  • Clutch control method for vehicle
    Patent number: 11221049
    Abstract: A clutch control method for a vehicle includes: increasing, by a controller, a clutch torque to a refill execution torque at a predetermined first inclination when a predetermined first reference time period has elapsed in a micro-slip state of a clutch; increasing, by the controller, the clutch torque to a refill torque at a predetermined second inclination to initiate refilling of a pressure chamber of a hydraulic-driving actuator with oil in a reservoir tank when the clutch torque reaches the refill execution torque; and maintaining the clutch torque at the refill torque during a predetermined second reference time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sung Hyun Cho
  • Vehicle automatic transmission device, and vehicle including the same
    Patent number: 11215247
    Abstract: An automatic transmission device for a vehicle driven by transmitting a torque of an engine to driving wheels includes a clutch provided in a torque transmission system extending from the engine to the driving wheels, a transmission located between the clutch and the driving wheels in the torque transmission system, and a transmission controller. The transmission controller is configured or programmed to perform a torque feedback-control to bring the clutch into a sliding state in response to issue of a shift command and feedback-control a transmission torque to a target torque, disengage the clutch after the torque feedback-control, change a shift stage of the transmission according to the shift command after disengaging the clutch, and engage the clutch after changing the shift stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinobu Ohata
  • Working device and working machine having the same
    Patent number: 11214152
    Abstract: A working device connected to a traveling vehicle having a prime mover and configured to perform an agricultural work, includes: a working portion to perform an agricultural work; an electric motor to be driven by electric power; a power transmission mechanism to which power generated by the electric motor is inputted, configured to transmit the power to the working portion; a regeneration resistor to consume a regenerative power generated in the electric motor; a switch portion to switch, between a connecting state and a shut-off state, a state established between the electric motor and the regeneration resistor; and a controller portion to control driving of the electric motor and switching of the switch portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamanaka, Sumio Yagyu, Go Takaki
  • Clutch control device
    Patent number: 11204068
    Abstract: This clutch control device is provided with: a supply valve and a supply valve control unit, which control the supply of an operating fluid to a pressure chamber; a first discharge valve and a first discharge valve control unit, which control the discharge of the operating fluid in the pressure chamber; and a second discharge valve and a second discharge valve control unit, which control the discharge of the operating fluid in the pressure chamber. When it is determined that the engagement and disengagement switching of a clutch device 2, which is necessitated by the discharge of the operating fluid in the pressure chamber, is required, the first discharge valve is controlled to be opened and then the second discharge valve is controlled to be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventor: Shuuichi Yahagi
  • Hybrid module and drive arrangement for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 11198357
    Abstract: A hybrid module for a motor vehicle for coupling an internal combustion engine includes a disconnect clutch, an electrical machine, a dual-clutch device, a disconnect clutch actuating system, a first actuating system, and a second actuating system. The disconnect clutch is for transmitting a first torque from the internal combustion engine to the hybrid module and disconnecting the hybrid module from the internal combustion engine. The dual-clutch device includes a first partial clutch and a second partial clutch. The disconnect clutch actuating system is for actuating the disconnect clutch. The first actuating system is for actuating the first partial clutch. The second actuating system is for actuating the second partial clutch. The disconnect clutch actuating system, the first actuating system, and the second actuating system are arranged next to one another in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dirk Reimnitz
  • Hybrid module
    Patent number: 11199250
    Abstract: A hybrid module for a vehicle includes a torque converter and an electric motor. The torque converter includes an impeller shell and a cover. The cover is fixed to the impeller shell to form at least a portion of an outer shell for the torque converter. The electric motor includes a rotor supported on a rotor carrier. The cover and the rotor carrier are integrally formed from a same piece of material. In an example embodiment, the hybrid module includes a resolver rotor fixed to the rotor carrier. In some example embodiments, the hybrid module includes a cover disk, fixed to the rotor carrier and extending radially inward to form a portion of the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Maximilian Podschwadt, Markus Steinberger, Matthew Payne, John Ramsey
  • Clutch control device
    Patent number: 11199230
    Abstract: This clutch control device is provided with: a first valve; a second valve; a valve control unit configured to control the operation of each of the first valve and the second valve; an operation determination unit configured to perform an operation determination for the clutch device; and an initial operation completion determination unit which determines whether an initial operation of the clutch device has been completed. The valve control unit, if it is determined by the operation determination unit that an on-off switching process is required, subjects both the first valve and the second valve to opening-control. If it is determined by the initial operation completion determination unit that the initial operation has been completed, the valve control unit subjects the second valve to closing-control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventor: Shuuichi Yahagi
  • High-speed, overrunning coupling and control assembly, coupling assembly and locking member which pivotally moves with substantially reduced friction
    Patent number: 11187282
    Abstract: A high-speed overrunning coupling and control assembly, coupling assembly and locking member which pivotally moves with substantially reduced friction are provided. At least one pivot projects from a main body portion of the locking member and enables pivotal motion of the locking member. The at least one pivot is sized, shaped and located with respect to the main body portion so that the at least one pivot makes contact with at least one bearing located between a pocket surface of a pocket and an outer surface of the at least one pivot to reduce friction during pivotal motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Brice A. Pawley, Riley C. Moore, Ryan W. Essenmacher, Earl A. Getchel, Steven M. Thomas
  • Method for controlling clutch actuator for automated manual transmission
    Patent number: 11187286
    Abstract: In a method for controlling a clutch actuator for an automated manual transmission, when a driver's operation signal is input for operation of the clutch actuator, the hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic chamber of the clutch actuator forms pressure equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure through a pressure equilibrium control by standing by at a control-standby state before an actual stroke position of the clutch actuator enters a hydraulic pressure generation range from a hydraulic pressure release range. When the actual stroke position of the clutch actuator enters the hydraulic pressure generation range from the hydraulic pressure release range, the clutch actuator is moved to the predetermined stroke position by a predetermined operation speed, and then controlled to follow the driver's operation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dong Joo Lee, Myoung Soo Park, Jeong Heon Kam, Han Ki Hong, Hongsuk Suh, Hosung Kim
  • Transmission apparatus including clutch and planetary gear assembly for a transportation system
    Patent number: 11187277
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus and associated methods for a transportation system. The transmission apparatus includes a clutch assembly and a planetary gear assembly. The clutch assembly includes a clutch hub, a first clutch sleeve, and a second clutch sleeve. The first clutch sleeve is axially movable relative to the clutch hub to selectively engage a first component of a planetary gear assembly. The second clutch sleeve is axially movable relative to the clutch hub to selectively engage a second component of the planetary gear assembly. The planetary gear assembly includes a plurality of planet gears and a planet carrier. Each of the plurality of planet gears is supported in a rotatable manner by the planet carrier. In some embodiments, the first component of the planetary gear assembly is a first sun gear that engages each of the plurality of planet gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Luke A. Rippelmeyer
  • Clutch assembly and system
    Patent number: 11174903
    Abstract: Power transmission systems including clutch arrangement and control systems are adapted to be used in numerous different operational environments. Such power transmission systems may include clutch arrangements that provide more effective power transmission capabilities, reduced vibration, greater durability and longer life. Control arrangements are provided to more effectively control and monitor clutch operation in ways that provide for greater system flexibility and drive options. Structures that minimize vibrations may be included in a clutch housing as well as in clutch and separator discs of a disc pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: LOGAN CLUTCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stefan Vinca, W. Andrew Logan
  • Cross flow turbine hub
    Patent number: 11156278
    Abstract: A torque converter is provided with a turbine hub with a pair of flow channels formed therein. In embodiments, the torque converter has a clutch piston configured to engage or disengage a disconnect clutch. On one side of the clutch piston is an apply chamber configured to receive fluid, wherein the fluid when subjected to pressure moves the clutch piston to engage the clutch. On the other side of the clutch piston can be a second fluid chamber, such as a circulation chamber or a release chamber. The turbine hub has a pair of flow channels formed therein, one that supplies fluid directly to the apply chamber, and one that supplies fluid directly to the second fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Jeremy Jewell
  • Mechanism and method to engage/disengage a sprag clutch using actuators
    Patent number: 11149803
    Abstract: A sprag clutch has an inner race, an outer race, and a radial cavity between the races. A plurality of sprags are disposed in the radial cavity, and each sprag is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. A sprag cage retains each of the plurality of sprags at a uniform spacing within the radial cavity, and a plurality of actuators are positioned to exert or withdraw a force upon a corresponding sprag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Gilberto Morales, Carlos Alexander Fenny
  • Control system and control method for vehicle
    Patent number: 11143250
    Abstract: The disclosure is concerned with control system and control method, for a vehicle including a driving power source, drive wheels, a first clutch, and a second clutch. An electronic control unit, which is included in the control system, places the first clutch in a half-engaged state with a predetermined clutch torque capacity, when the vehicle is started, performs start control in a first mode using the second clutch, by gradually increasing a clutch torque capacity of the second clutch from a released state, and switches the start control from the first mode using the second clutch to a second mode using the first clutch, when the increased clutch torque capacity of the second clutch reaches the clutch torque capacity of the first clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Ryosuke Mizuto
  • Driving force distribution control device
    Patent number: 11143249
    Abstract: A driving force distribution control device mounted on a four-wheel drive vehicle is provided. A coupling mechanism controller connects a drive shaft with an auxiliary driving wheel and sets a fastening force as a first fastening force, when an increase rate in an accelerator opening becomes more than a given value and a vehicle speed is below a given first speed, and changes the fastening force from the first fastening force to a second fastening force, when a slip of at least one of main driving wheels is detected after the fastening force is set to the first fastening force, and before a given time period has lapsed from the setting of the fastening force, or before the vehicle speed becomes faster than a given second speed. The second fastening force at least immediately after the change of the fastening force is a value larger than the first fastening force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yasumasa Imamura, Naoki Nobutani, Keisuke Haruta, Daisuke Umetsu, Yasushi Yagi