Abstract: An illustrative embodiment disclosed herein is a network including a first local group of first node devices, a second local group of second node devices, and a new node device. The new node device has a processor with programmed instructions to range to each of the first node devices, collect ranging data from each of the first node devices, calculate a plurality of distances based on the ranging data, and send the plurality of distances to each of the second node devices.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided, where the CVT has an input shaft drivable by an engine, and an output shaft connectable to a load. A variator has an input side connected to the input shaft, and an output side. The variator is adjustable so as to vary a transmission ratio between the input and output sides. A differential transmission has a first differential input element connected to the input shaft, a second differential input element connected to the output side of the variator, and first and second differential output elements. A range transmission has a first range input element, and at least one range output element connected to the output shaft. A first connecting component selectively connects the first differential output element to the first range input element. A second connecting component selectively connects the second differential output element to the first range input element.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment disclosed herein is a network including a first local group of first node devices, a second local group of second node devices, and a new node device. The new node device has a processor with programmed instructions to range to each of the first node devices, collect ranging data from each of the first node devices, calculate a plurality of distances based on the ranging data, and send the plurality of distances to each of the second node devices.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment disclosed herein is a system including client devices distributed across an environment and configured to generate distance measurements. The system further includes wireless transceivers. Each transceiver is associated with one of the client devices. Each transceiver is configured to send and receive distance measurements. The system further includes a trilateration circuit in at least one of the client devices. The trilateration circuit is configured to receive the distance measurements from the client devices, determine a first position and a first weight based on the distance measurements via a first algorithm, determine second position and a second weight based on the second distance measurements via a second algorithm, calculate a final position based on the first position, the second position, the first weight, and the second weight, and send the final position to the plurality of client devices.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment disclosed herein is a network of a plurality of node devices distributed across an environment. The network includes a first local group of first node devices, a second local group of second node devices, and a new node device. The new node device is configured to join the first local group, identify the first node timeslot associated with the new node device, range to each of the first node devices during the first node timeslot associated with the new node device, collect ranging data from each of the first node devices during the first node timeslot associated with the new node device, calculate a plurality of range values based on the ranging data, and send the plurality of range values to each of the second node devices during the first node timeslot associated with the new node device.

Abstract: A propulsion system for providing a power output is disclosed. The propulsion system may have a transmission configured to provide the power output. The propulsion system may also have at least one first energy conversion machine. Further, the propulsion system may have at least one power unit. The power unit may be operable to selectively drive at least one of the transmission and the at least one first energy conversion machine. The propulsion system may also have at least one second energy conversion machine. The second energy conversion machine may be operable to selectively drive or be driven by the transmission. In addition, the propulsion system may have a power transfer arrangement for transferring power between the first and second energy conversion machines.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided, where the CVT has an input shaft drivable by an engine, and an output shaft connectable to a load. A variator has an input side connected to the input shaft, and an output side. The variator is adjustable so as to vary a transmission ratio between the input and output sides. A differential transmission has a first differential input element connected to the input shaft, a second differential input element connected to the output side of the variator, and first and second differential output elements. A range transmission has a first range input element, and at least one range output element connected to the output shaft. A first connecting component selectively connects the first differential output element to the first range input element. A second connecting component selectively connects the second differential output element to the first range input element.

Abstract: A disconnect clutch and method of controlling the connection of a parasitic load to an engine disposed on a machine is disclosed. The disconnect clutch may comprise a flywheel assembly, a friction plate and a coupling. The flywheel assembly may include a flywheel having a cavity, a chamber, a piston moveable between a contracted position and an expanded position, a pressure plate, a lever, and a coupling operably connected to the friction plate. The flywheel may include an end plate. The chamber may be defined by the flywheel and the piston. The lever may apply an activation force to the pressure plate when the piston is in the expanded position. The friction plate may be attached to and rotatable with the flywheel assembly when the piston is in the expanded position and generally stationary when the piston is in the contracted position.

Abstract: Transmission for coupling to hydromechanical power source includes differential and range modules including planetary gear arrangements, a plurality of selectively engagable clutch assemblies, and a drop box module, which includes a final output member. First and second power source paths provide power to the differential module. The clutch assemblies are selectively engagable to provide variable rotational power from the differential module to the range module, and from the range module to the drop box module in a plurality of directional ranges. The drop box adapts the variable rotational power provided in the selected range for connection in a given application.

Abstract: A propulsion system for providing a power output is disclosed. The propulsion system may have a transmission configured to provide the power output. The propulsion system may also have at least one first energy conversion machine. Further, the propulsion system may have at least one power unit. The power unit may be operable to selectively drive at least one of the transmission and the at least one first energy conversion machine. The propulsion system may also have at least one second energy conversion machine. The second energy conversion machine may be operable to selectively drive or be driven by the transmission. In addition, the propulsion system may have a power transfer arrangement for transferring power between the first and second energy conversion machines.

Abstract: A disconnect clutch and method of controlling the connection of a parasitic load to an engine disposed on a machine is disclosed. The disconnect clutch may comprise a flywheel assembly, a friction plate and a coupling. The flywheel assembly may include a flywheel having a cavity, a chamber, a piston moveable between a contracted position and an expanded position, a pressure plate, a lever, and a coupling operably connected to the friction plate. The flywheel may include an end plate. The chamber may be defined by the flywheel and the piston. The lever may apply an activation force to the pressure plate when the piston is in the expanded position. The friction plate may be attached to and rotatable with the flywheel assembly when the piston is in the expanded position and generally stationary when the piston is in the contracted position.

Abstract: Transmission for coupling to hydromechanical power source includes differential and range modules including planetary gear arrangements, a plurality of selectively engagable clutch assemblies, and a drop box module, which includes a final output member. First and second power source paths provide power to the differential module. The clutch assemblies are selectively engagable to provide variable rotational power from the differential module to the range module, and from the range module to the drop box module in a plurality of directional ranges. The drop box adapts the variable rotational power provided in the selected range for connection in a given application.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes two planetary gear sets having two outputs. A variator drives a ring gear of the second planetary gear set, and a transmission input shaft is driven by the engine, which also drives the variator and the planetary input. Second and third output shafts are connected to a transmission output shaft. A first clutch is connected to the first output shaft, a second clutch is connected to the second planetary output and engages a first drive gear. A third clutch is connected to the first output shaft and releasably engages the first drive gear, a fourth clutch is connected to the first drive gear and releasably engages the second output shaft, and a fifth clutch is connected to the first drive gear and releasably engages the third output shaft.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for pump control is disclosed. The hydraulic actuator includes two hydraulically isolated chambers for actuation in one direction and two hydraulically isolated chambers for actuation in an opposite direction. Each of the four chambers is connected to a source of high pressure fluid by an electronically controlled pressure reducing valve.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes two planetary gear sets having two outputs. A variator drives a ring gear of the second planetary gear set, and a transmission input shaft is driven by the engine, which also drives the variator and the planetary input. Second and third output shafts are connected to a transmission output shaft. A first clutch is connected to the first output shaft, a second clutch is connected to the second planetary output and engages a first drive gear. A third clutch is connected to the first output shaft and releasably engages the first drive gear, a fourth clutch is connected to the first drive gear and releasably engages the second output shaft, and a fifth clutch is connected to the first drive gear and releasably engages the third output shaft.

Abstract: A split torque transmission for a track type machine includes an internal combustion engine configured to drive a hydrostatic transmission and a mechanical transmission. The hydrostatic transmission includes a variable displacement pump drivingly connected with the internal combustion engine, and a variable displacement motor fluidly connected with the variable displacement pump and having a hydrostatic transmission output. The mechanical transmission has a forward and reverse mechanism drivingly connected with the internal combustion engine. A single stage unconventional planetary gear set is selectively coupled with the hydrostatic transmission output, the forward and reverse mechanism, and a final output, and is configured to sum outputs of the hydrostatic transmission and the mechanical transmission.

Abstract: A transmission is provided for a mobile machine. The transmission may have a plurality of available gear combinations selectively engaged to produce multiple stepped output ratios. The transmission may also have a first fluid pump and a second fluid pump. The first fluid pump may be configured to pressurize a first flow of fluid. The second fluid pump may have variable displacement to pressurize a second flow of fluid. At least one of the first and second flows of fluid may be directed to cause selective engagement of the plurality of available gear combinations.

Abstract: A system and method for variator control employs positively directed electronic make-up and flushing relief valves for more precise torque control of a hydraulic variator, especially during torque reversal, as well as improved cold weather operation. This can improve machine response during periods of severe torque change. The ability to more tightly control variator torque allows more precise torque management algorithms for power control and engine matching purposes. Moreover, the ability to positively control venting of the hydraulic circuit for purposes of fluid cooling allows for more consistent machine response regardless of ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring a hydromechanical transmission having a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor driven by the hydraulic pump and a pressure-driven actuator employs a particular torque-pressure curve configuration to maximize torque resolution with respect to actuator pressure changes while ensuring that the curve is substantially monotonic in each dimension and at any available motor speed within a predetermined motor speed limit and any available actuator pressure within predetermined actuator pressure limits. The resultant four-dimensional association between actuator pressure, motor speed, primary power source speed and motor torque allows selection of an actuator pressure to provide a desired torque.

Abstract: The machine may have a power system that includes a prime mover, a multiple-ratio transmission, a propulsion device, and power-system controls. The method may include propelling the machine by transmitting power from the prime mover to the propulsion device through the multiple-ratio transmission, while controlling operation of the prime mover and the multiple-ratio transmission with the power-system controls. This may include determining with the power-system controls at least one energy-efficiency estimate based at least on energy-efficiency characteristics of the prime mover and energy-efficiency characteristics of the multiple-ratio transmission. Controlling the prime mover and the multiple-ratio transmission may further include controlling a prime-mover operating speed of the prime mover and a transmission drive ratio of the multiple-ratio transmission based at least in-part on the at least one energy-efficiency estimate.