Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.

Abstract: A control method for operating internal combustion engine electric hybrid vehicles with smaller battery packs, particularly in configurations where an electric motor (E/M) or electric motor/generator (E/MG), a battery, and associated controls are inserted between the engine and a continuously variable or automatic transmission. The interaction between the combustion engine and battery operated electric motor is controlled by taking energy into the batteries only if it is more efficient than throttling the engine and operating the engine at a lower efficiency. Additionally, the batteries are charged to a certain state or the batteries are maintained at a particular state of charge. A goal of the invention is to obtain the best possible fuel economy while maintaining good driveability.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.

Abstract: A series inline continuously variable transmission (SICVT) in which two series coupled continuously variable transmissions are in an inline configuration is provided to be used in rear-wheel drive vehicles. Two sets of pulleys are connected in series to square the reduction and bring the input and output shafts inline. The input and output pulleys are configured for actuation by hydraulic pistons for shifting, while the idler pulley set may be implemented without a need for actuation. Displacement of the actuated pulleys results in the square of the original ratio change. The SICVT is compact and efficient, and can be used in all types and sizes of vehicles including gasoline and diesel powered vehicles and electric, fuel cell electric, and all types of hybrid electric vehicles. Additional CVT stages can be provided for further reduction in size.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a transmission. A turbocharger is in fluid communication with the internal combustion engine. Moreover, a generator is mechanically coupled to the turbocharger and thereby driven by exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The generator can provide electricity to the motor and/or a battery while simultaneously providing altitude compensation for the internal combustion engine so that the internal combustion engine output remains at the same power and efficiency as altitude and environmental conditions change. The turbocharger can also be used for power boost if desired. The exhaust gas driven generator system can be deployed in conventional vehicles as well to charge the battery and/or power electrical accessories, thereby replacing the alternator.

Abstract: A control method for operating internal combustion engine electric hybrid vehicles with smaller battery packs, particularly in configurations where an electric motor (E/M) or electric motor/generator (E/MG), a battery, and associated controls are inserted between the engine and a continuously variable or automatic transmission. The interaction between the combustion engine and battery operated electric motor is controlled by taking energy into the batteries only if it is more efficient than throttling the engine and operating the engine at a lower efficiency. Additionally, the batteries are charged to a certain state or the batteries are maintained at a particular state of charge. A goal of the invention is to obtain the best possible fuel economy while maintaining good driveability.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the power output of an internal combustion engine in a vehicle, wherein a motor/generator or a generator/motor is coupled to the output shaft of the engine and the positive and negative torque of the motor/generator or the generator/motor is varied to control the power output of the engine as a function of speed for all manners of performance of the vehicle. The engine operates along a predetermined ideal operating line at all speeds of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control method for operating internal combustion engine electric hybrid vehicles with smaller battery packs, particularly in configurations where an electric motor (E/M) or electric motor/generator (E/MG), a battery, and associated controls are inserted between the engine and a continuously variable or automatic transmission. The interaction between the combustion engine and battery operated electric motor is controlled by taking energy into the batteries only if it is more efficient than throttling the engine and operating the engine at a lower efficiency. Additionally, the batteries are charged to a certain state or the batteries are maintained at a particular state of charge. A goal of the invention is to obtain the best possible fuel economy while maintaining good driveability.

Abstract: A charge depletion method and apparatus for operating the electric motor and auxiliary power unit, such as an internal combustion engine, in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) separately or together depending upon the driving conditions. Operation of the electric motor and auxiliary power unit are coordinated as a function of a control policy for the auxiliary power unit based on desired least fuel consumption and/or vehicle emissions characteristics.

Abstract: An energy management system for optimizing low power and short term high power states of a power supply system. A significant feature of the present invention relates to a design of a power supply apparatus based on internal resistances of the power supply components. In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply supplies power for driving a load. The power supply includes a power source having a first internal resistance and includes a capacitor connected in parallel with the power supply and having a second internal resistance. The first internal resistance and the second internal resistance have a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the power output of an internal combustion engine in a vehicle, wherein a motor/generator or a generator/motor is coupled to the output shaft of the engine and the positive and negative torque of the motor/generator or the generator/motor is varied to control the power output of the engine as a function of speed for all manners of performance of the vehicle. The engine operates along a predetermined ideal operating line at all speeds of the vehicle.

Abstract: A charge depletion method and apparatus for operating the electric motor and small auxiliary power unit, such as an internal combustion engine, in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) separately or together depending upon the driving conditions. Operation of the electric motor and auxiliary power unit are coordinated so that the vehicle operates as zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) or electric car at all speeds below a highway cruising threshold, unless the depth of discharge of the batteries exceeds a charge threshold in which case the vehicle operates in an HEV mode. Further, the vehicle operates in an HEV mode at speeds above the cruising threshold. The batteries are depleted during operation and are not charged by the auxiliary power unit, except during emergencies in which case the batteries are only charged enough to provide a performance enhancement to the small auxiliary power unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake system for braking a vehicle wheel includes a hydraulic fluid source, a pump connected to the hydraulic fluid source for pumping hydraulic fluid based on operation of an operating member of the vehicle and a connecting arrangement having one end connected to the pump. A wheel cylinder which is adapted to be mounted adjacent a brake disk of a vehicle wheel includes a brake pad element for being urged against the brake disk upon the application of a hydraulic fluid pressure to impart a braking force to the brake disk. The brake pad element is movable with the brake disk when the brake disk element is urged against the brake disk. In addition, a movable pressure increasing element is positioned adjacent the brake pad element and is movable away from the brake pad element as a result of the brake pad element moving with the brake disk.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake system for braking a vehicle wheel includes a hydraulic fluid source, a pump connected to the hydraulic fluid source for pumping hydraulic fluid based on operation of an operating member of the vehicle and a connecting arrangement having one end connected to the pump. A wheel cylinder which is adapted to be mounted adjacent a brake disk of a vehicle wheel includes a brake pad element for being urged against the brake disk upon the application of a hydraulic fluid pressure to impart a braking force to the brake disk. The brake pad element is movable with the brake disk when the brake disk element is urged against the brake disk. In addition, a movable pressure increasing element is positioned adjacent the brake pad element and is movable away from the brake pad element as a result of the brake pad element moving with the brake disk. As a result, an increase in pressure in the wheel cylinder arises in a relatively rapid manner to compensate for compliant characteristics in the braking system.

Abstract: A hydrostatic power steering system including an electric motor is provided for a automotive vehicle. The hydrostatic power steering system utilizes a power steering piston responsive to movement of the rack element of the rack and pinion steering connection. The power steering piston is provided in a piston chamber divided by a valve land into first and second portions, each of which are connected to first and second hydraulic lines. A torque sensor is connected to the steering shaft for providing an output torque signal to a power steering controller. The electric motor of the system is responsive to a command signal generated by the power steering controller. An electrically operated valve is connected to the hydraulic lines and is adapted to receive a signal from the power steering controller for controlling flow of hydraulic fluid to the power steering chamber.

Abstract: A stability augmentation system and hydrostatic power steering system including an electric motor is provided for a automotive vehicle. The hydrostatic power steering system utilizes a power steering piston responsive to movement of the rack element of the rack and pinion steering connection. A torque sensor is connected to the steering shaft for providing an output torque signal to a power steering controller. The electric motor of the system is responsive to a command signal generated by the power steering controller. An electrically operated valve is connected to the hydraulic lines and is adapted to receive a signal from the power steering controller for controlling flow of hydraulic fluid to the power steering chamber. The electrically operated valve arrangement is rendered inoperative within a predetermined zone defined by the command signal and the output torque signal. The stability augmentation system includes a hydraulic system having a separate oil pump and electric motor.