Abstract: A system and method for an electronic control unit adapter used to supplement existing electronic control units for enhanced or additional IO integration, the electronic control unit adapter designed to be updated easily by the end user in order to add functionality as it is developed thus prolonging the viability of an electronic control unit or vehicle, the electronic control unit adapter usable in conjunction with a vehicle or other vessel using an internal combustion engine or similar technology.

Abstract: A system and method for an electronic control unit adapter used to supplement existing electronic control units for enhanced or additional IO integration, the electronic control unit adapter designed to be updated easily by the end user in order to add functionality as it is developed thus prolonging the viability of an electronic control unit or vehicle, the electronic control unit adapter usable in conjunction with a vehicle or other vessel using an internal combustion engine or similar technology.

Abstract: A system and method for an electronic control unit adapter used to supplement existing electronic control units for enhanced or additional IO integration, the electronic control unit adapter designed to be updated easily by the end user in order to add functionality as it is developed thus prolonging the viability of an electronic control unit or vehicle, the electronic control unit adapter usable in conjunction with a vehicle or other vessel using an internal combustion engine or similar technology.

Abstract: A system and method for an electronic control unit adapter used to supplement existing electronic control units for enhanced or additional IO integration, the electronic control unit adapter designed to be updated easily by the end user in order to add functionality as it is developed thus prolonging the viability of an electronic control unit or vehicle, the electronic control unit adapter usable in conjunction with a vehicle or other vessel using an internal combustion engine or similar technology.

Abstract: A system and method for an electronic control unit adapter used to supplement existing electronic control units for enhanced or additional IO integration, the electronic control unit adapter designed to be updated easily by the end user in order to add functionality as it is developed thus prolonging the viability of an electronic control unit or vehicle, the electronic control unit adapter usable in conjunction with a vehicle or other vessel using an internal combustion engine or similar technology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cycling a neutral switch of an automated mechanical transmission includes software which, either independently or by operator command through a shift actuator having side-to-side motion capability and sensors, controls a select piston and cylinder assembly to provide shift rail motion along a transverse axis of the transmission which simulates operator commanded motion of a shift rail of a conventional (manual) transmission as the operator checks for neutral. Such activity may release a malfunctioning neutral switch thereby providing a proper neutral indication to associated transmission and engine components to, for example, permit starting of the engine.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for operating an automated mechanical transmission (AMT) achieves switching between and selecting one of a plurality of automated mechanical transmission shift scheduling modes. Such switching or selection occurs and is controlled by the vehicle operator undertaking a sequence of non-routine operating steps or inputs which are interpreted by a microprocessor or controller as a request for a change of the shift scheduling mode.

Abstract: A method for controlling the speed of internal combustion engines in heavy duty trucks and the like compensates for the overshoot, i.e., the difference between a targeted or commanded engine speed and a transient overspeed or underspeed. The method comprehends executing a program or subroutine where a throttle or engine speed change command is received by a controller, the engine speed change is monitored, a value of overshoot (on both an engine speed increase or decrease) is detected and the detected overshoot is subsequently utilized to temporarily reduce the speed change command, thereby effectively eliminating the overshoot and more positively and quickly arriving at the targeted engine speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cycling a neutral switch of an automated mechanical transmission includes software which, either independently or by operator command through a shift actuator having side-to-side motion capability and sensors, controls a select piston and cylinder assembly to provide shift rail motion along a transverse axis of the transmission which simulates operator commanded motion of a shift rail of a conventional (manual) transmission as the operator checks for neutral. Such activity may release a malfunctioning neutral switch thereby providing a proper neutral indication to associated transmission and engine components to, for example, permit starting of the engine.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for operating an automated mechanical transmission (AMT) achieves switching between and selecting one of a plurality of automated mechanical transmission shift scheduling modes. Such switching or selection occurs and is controlled by the vehicle operator undertaking a sequence of non-routine operating steps or inputs which are interpreted by a microprocessor or controller as a request for a change of the shift scheduling mode.

Abstract: A method for the control and regulation of a transmission brake in an automatic transmission with a countershaft. The transmission brake arrests a transmission input shaft or a countershaft during an upshifting procedure. The speed of rotation (1) of these shafts at the engagement point in time corresponds to the synchronous speed of rotation already established by the transmission output speed of rotation and the ratio of the selected gear stage or approaches this value up to a predetermined tolerance of deviation. The disengagement point in time for the transmission brake is calculated with the aid of the brake rate of change of the countershaft, i.e., the transmission input speed of rotation as well as with the rate of change of the transmission output shaft speed of rotation. The transmission brake is further provided with disengagement, given consideration of lead time, before the calculated disengagement point in time.

Abstract: A method for self configuring automated mechanical transmissions (AMT) and electronic control units (ECU) ensures compatibility therebetween. The method comprehends undertaking a program or subroutine when the vehicle is first powered up which moves the shift operators into a predetermined position. The shift operators include full stroke sensors. Depending upon differences between the commanded shift pattern and the actual shift pattern of the transmission, the specific type of transmission, for example, a twelve speed or a sixteen speed, can be determined.

Abstract: A vehicle power train system includes an engine, a transmission, and a centrifugal clutch assembly that selectively couples an engine output shaft to a transmission input shaft in response to an operator input. An operator selects a desired vehicle-operating mode by actuating a shift lever or shift switch from a gear selection device. The gear selection device indicates many different operating modes and includes a low-speed maneuvering mode that is selected for low-speed operations such as coupling a truck to a trailer, or positioning a truck and/or trailer in relation to a loading dock area. Once the low-speed maneuvering mode is selected, a control unit controls at least one of engine speed and engine torque to indirectly effect clutch slippage, which results in improved vehicle speed control at low-speed operations.

Abstract: A master clutch includes a pressure plate adjacent to a friction disc. A centrifugal weight forces the pressure plate and friction disc into engagement when in a desired install position. A locking device retains the centrifugal weight in the desired installed position. A controller sends an electronic command to a system component, such as an engine, to disengage the locking device. In one example, the electronic command may be an engine speed command that is above an engine speed limit in a normal vehicle operating mode. Commanding the engine to run at a speed greater than the typical engine speed limit moves the centrifugal weight out of the desired installed position making the master clutch operational.

Abstract: An automated mechanical transmission (AMT) includes a conventional multi-speed (gear ratio) mechanical transmission, a transducer/actuator assembly, a microprocessor controller which drives the actuator assembly and includes a plurality of inputs, and a plurality of sensors providing information to the controller inputs. A wireless interface is disposed between the controller and the actuator assembly. The wireless connection may utilize any of several technologies and protocols such as Bluetooth or WiFi. Such wireless interfaces or connections may also be utilized between various sensors or input devices and indicators or readouts and the controller as well as between any other components in the system.

Abstract: A method for controlling the speed of internal combustion engines in heavy duty trucks and the like compensates for the overshoot, i.e., the difference between a targeted or commanded engine speed and a transient overspeed or underspeed. The method comprehends executing a program or subroutine where a throttle or engine speed change command is received by a controller, the engine speed change is monitored, a value of overshoot (on both an engine speed increase or decrease) is detected and the detected overshoot is subsequently utilized to temporarily reduce the speed change command, thereby effectively eliminating the overshoot and more positively and quickly arriving at the targeted engine speed.

Abstract: An electrorheological inertia brake for a manual or automated mechanical transmission provides improved control of the speed of input shafts and countershafts during shifts and extends the service life of the transmission. The electrorheological inertia brake includes a housing defining a cavity filled with electrorheological fluid. A shaft coupled to a transmission shaft extends into the cavity and includes vanes, paddles or other drag increasing features. An electric current which may be of variable intensity is passed through the fluid to increase the viscosity, create drag and slow the associated transmission components.

Abstract: A master clutch includes a pressure plate adjacent to a friction disc. A centrifugal weight forces the pressure plate and friction disc into engagement when in a desired install position. A locking device retains the centrifugal weight in the desired installed position. A controller sends an electronic command to a system component, such as an engine, to disengage the locking device. In one example, the electronic command may be an engine speed command that is above an engine speed limit in a normal vehicle operating mode. Commanding the engine to run at a speed greater than the typical engine speed limit moves the centrifugal weight out of the desired installed position making the master clutch operational.

Abstract: A method for self configuring automated mechanical transmissions (AMT) and electronic control units (ECU) ensures compatibility therebetween. The method comprehends undertaking a program or subroutine when the vehicle is first powered up which moves the shift operators into a predetermined position. The shift operators include full stroke sensors. Depending upon differences between the commanded shift pattern and the actual shift pattern of the transmission, the specific type of transmission, for example, a twelve speed or a sixteen speed, can be determined.

Abstract: Across the spectrum of automatic transmissions, rapidly depressing the accelerator pedal to floor is interpreted by the transmission and associated components as a request for increased engine power to, for example, pass another vehicle or climb a hill. A method of operating an automated mechanical transmission includes a throttle position sensor and electronic control unit and provides a simulated signal in response to various full throttle positions and travel. Various time and position dependent relationships such as substantially fully depressed throttle, rapidly depressed throttle, throttle maintained substantially fully depressed and throttle substantially fully released before being depressed, i.e., a “pumped” throttle are sensed by the throttle position sensor and interpreted as a throttle kickdown by the electronic control unit which generates a kickdown signal.