Abstract: A sensor is provided in a machine having a continuously variable transmission, for example, and the amount of force exerted by the machine against a load is sensed. Based on the sensed power, an appropriate audio signal is generated which simulates the sounds an operator would expect to hear when such force is applied with a machine having a conventional geared transmission. The sounds can include engine noises, as well as sounds associated with the flow of oil or other hydraulic fluids. In addition, the sounds can be generated from digitally pre-recorded audible data, or can be output based on calculated audible data. User controls are also provided to adjust the volume and frequency or pitch of the generated sounds.

Abstract: An electric powertrain includes an engine configured to provide mechanical energy and a generator operably coupled to the engine and configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical energy into electric energy. The electric powertrain further includes at least one electric motor operably coupled to the generator, a plurality of driving members, and at least one power electronics unit configured to control at least one of the engine and the generator. The at least one electric motor is configured to provide torque for the plurality of driving members.

Abstract: An electric powertrain includes an engine configured to provide mechanical energy and a generator operably coupled to the engine and configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical energy into electric energy. The electric powertrain further includes at least one electric motor operably coupled to the generator, a plurality of driving members, and at least one power electronics unit configured to control at least one of the engine and the generator. The at least one electric motor is configured to provide torque for the plurality of driving members.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes an electrically operated input device and a first planetary assembly in driving engagement with the input device. The first planetary assembly is drivingly connected to a first output assembly. A second planetary assembly is in driving engagement with the first planetary assembly and the second planetary assembly is drivingly connected to a second output assembly. The first planetary assembly co-acts with the second planetary assembly to provide substantially the same torque to the first and second output assemblies and the first and second planetary assemblies include axes of rotation substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the input device.

Abstract: A transmission control system is provided for a work machine that has a transmission and a traction device with a brake mechanism. The transmission control system has a speed sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a travel speed of the work machine. The transmission control system also has a controller in communication with the speed sensor and the brake mechanism. The controller is configured to determine when a transmission gear change is desired. The controller is further configured to adjust operation of the brake mechanism in response to the signal from the speed sensor when the transmission gear change is desired.

Abstract: A drive system for a work machine is disclosed. The drive system has at least one driven traction device and a transmission operatively connected to the at least one driven traction device. The transmission is configured to drive the at least one driven traction device. The drive system further has a controller configured to determine a ground tractive capacity associated with the at least one driven traction device and to limit an amount of torque transmitted from the transmission to the at least one driven traction device when the amount of torque to be transmitted will exceed the ground tractive capacity.

Abstract: A multi-motor drive system for a work machine has a first traction device and a second traction device substantially aligned transversely of a primary travel-direction of the work machine. The drive system also has a first drive-group power-transfer system that connects the first traction device and the second traction device. The drive system may also include a third traction device and a fourth traction device substantially aligned transversely of the primary travel-direction of the work machine. Further, the drive system also includes a second drive-group power-transfer system that connects the third traction device and the fourth traction device. Additionally, the drive system has an inter-group power-transfer system that connects the first drive-group power-transfer system to the second drive-group power-transfer system. A first drive motor may operatively connect to the first drive-group power-transfer system separate of the inter-group power-transfer system.

Abstract: A vibration management system (20) for a machine (10) may receive a signal indicative of an amount of vibration experienced via one or more sensors or an amount of vibration to be expected based on data from a surveying system (26) which may be combination with data from a positioning system (28) and a speed monitoring system (27). The vibration management system (20) may add this data to a vibration history of a machine member 11 to predict the accumulative vibration the machine member 11 may be exposed to. This characteristic is compared to a desired characteristic and an adjusting action may be taken in response to a deviation as to have a second predicted characteristic approach the desired characteristic. A site management system (500) may use the deviation to allocate resources.

Abstract: A sensor is provided in a machine having a continuously variable transmission, for example, and the amount of force exerted by the machine against a load is sensed. Based on the sensed power, an appropriate audio signal is generated which simulates the sounds an operator would expect to hear when such force is applied with a machine having a conventional geared transmission. The sounds can include engine noises, as well as sounds associated with the flow of oil or other hydraulic fluids. In addition, the sounds can be generated from digitally pre-recorded audible data, or can be output based on calculated audible data. User controls are also provided to adjust the volume and frequency or pitch of the generated sounds.

Abstract: Electrical devices such as motors and generators create heat as they operate. This can lead to lower performance and life. Therefore, it is important to provide cooling for such devices. This is particularly true in heavy duty applications such as earthmoving or other industries. Methods and apparatus are disclosed to provide cooling that involves the circulation of two fluids in defined pathways. Heat within a case or other enclosure for an electrical device is transferred to one fluid. Heat from the one fluid is subsequently transferred to the other fluid. In one example, this heat transfer may occur across fins for increased effectiveness. It is also preferred that the flow of fluid be closed loop so that contaminants are not introduced into the electrical device. By providing the heat transfer out of the electrical device as described, cooling is enhanced that can lead to longer lived and better performing devices.

Abstract: Electrical devices such as motors and generators create heat as they operate. This can lead to lower performance and life. Therefore, it is important to provide cooling for such devices. This is particularly true in heavy duty applications such as earthmoving or other industries. Methods and apparatus are disclosed to provide cooling that involves the circulation of two fluids in defined pathways. Heat within a case or other enclosure for an electrical device is transferred to one fluid. Heat from the one fluid is subsequently transferred to the other fluid. In one example, this heat transfer may occur across fins for increased effectiveness. It is also preferred that the flow of fluid beclosed loop so that contaminants are not introduced into the electrical device. By providing the heat transfer out of the electrical device as described, cooling is enhanced that can lead to longer lived and better performing devices.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes an electrically operated input device and a first planetary assembly in driving engagement with the input device. The first planetary assembly is drivingly connected to a first output assembly. A second planetary assembly is in driving engagement with the first planetary assembly and the second planetary assembly is drivingly connected to a second output assembly. The first planetary assembly co-acts with the second planetary assembly to provide substantially the same torque to the first and second output assemblies and the first and second planetary assemblies include axes of rotation substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the input device.

Abstract: The control system and method includes a plurality of clutch actuators adapted to be connected to clutches disposed for connecting members of the transmission to an input or output, respectively; first and second electrical motor/generators connected to respective members of the transmission and operable in a motor mode for controllably rotating the members and in a generator mode controllably rotated by the members to generate electrical energy; a sensor for sensing a speed representative of a rotational speed of the input or output; and a processor operably connected to the sensor, the motor/generators and the clutch actuators, the processor being operable for operating one of the motor/generators in the generator mode while operating another of the motor/generators in the motor mode powered by the one of the motor/generators so as to controllably rotate selected of the members of the transmission at speeds corresponding to a sensed rotational speed of the input or output for disconnecting one of the select

Abstract: A transmission and an associated method for operatively connecting components associated therewith include a hydrostatic transmission, a mechanical transmission having a planetary gearing mechanism, the mechanical transmission being driven by an engine and the hydrostatic transmission being driven by and interacting with the mechanical transmission to provide infinitely adjustable power flow through the transmission. The planetary gearing mechanism includes three planetary gear sets and five members to connect the transmission to an output.