Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain and a controller. The powertrain includes a transmission torque converter having a bypass clutch disposed between an electric machine and a drive wheel. The controller is programmed to adjust a closed-state torque capacity of the bypass clutch according and in proportion to the greater in absolute value of a negative impeller torque command to the torque converter and a negative regenerative braking torque request.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission is configured to alter clutch pressures in preparation for an upcoming shift between discrete gear ratios (e.g., input-to-output ratio). For example, the clutch pressures may spike to a heightened magnitude to prepare for the upcoming shift. The electric machine is configured to selectively propel the vehicle and perform regenerative braking. If regenerative braking demands occur during the clutch pressures being heightened during shift preparation, the controller is programmed to stop the preparing of the clutches. This can be done by reducing the clutch pressures back to their pre-preparation magnitude. The upcoming shift can be cancelled or delayed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain and at least one controller programmed to, in response to a brake request and a shaft speed associated with a speed of the vehicle achieving a starting speed that is defined by a torque of the powertrain that changes with brake demand at a given shaft speed, reduce a regenerative torque limit that constrains regenerative braking torque over a blend-out duration based on the shaft speed.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a hybrid powertrain includes an electric machine coupled between an automatic gearbox and an engine. The vehicle includes paddle shifters configured to output a driver requested gear change. The hybrid powertrain is configured to selectively operate in an economy mode that optimizes fuel economy. While operating in the economy mode, a controller may selectively inhibit the driver requested gear change when the change may negatively impact fuel economy. In the economy mode, the driver requested gear change may be inhibited during a demand for braking. If the driver requested gear change is a downshift request, the downshift is inhibited and simulated using electric machine torque.

Abstract: A manual transmission is partially automated by utilizing a controller to regulate the torque capacity of the clutch. Under most circumstances, the controller manipulates the clutch according to driver manipulation of a clutch pedal to simulate a non-automated manual transmission. However, to save fuel, the controller may enter a sailing mode in which the clutch is disengaged without the driver depressing the clutch pedal. The controller exits sailing mode in response to the vehicle speed decreasing below a threshold which is a function of the currently selected gear ratio. The threshold is selected such that the engine will not stall and will be able to generate sufficient power for acceleration when the clutch is re-engaged to exit sailing mode. In order to extend the use of sailing mode, the controller may activate a downshift indicator at a slightly higher speed threshold to encourage the driver to downshift.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shifting a transmission of a hybrid driveline that include a torque converter with a lockup clutch are presented. The systems and methods may adjust a feedforward motor torque command to match application of motor torque to a time that a gear clutch closes so that shifting may be improved and so that driveline torque disturbances may be less noticeable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a transmission of a hybrid vehicle's driveline are presented. In one example, the systems and methods estimate a driveline disconnect clutch stroke pressure and gain via extending a line from a non-zero driveline disconnect clutch torque capacity to a zero driveline disconnect clutch torque capacity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a transmission of a hybrid vehicle's driveline are presented. In one example, the systems and methods estimate a driveline disconnect clutch stroke pressure and gain via extending a line from a non-zero driveline disconnect clutch torque capacity to a zero driveline disconnect clutch torque capacity.

Abstract: A manual transmission is partially automated by utilizing a controller to regulate the torque capacity of the clutch. Under most circumstances, the controller manipulates the clutch according to driver manipulation of a clutch pedal to simulate a non-automated manual transmission. However, to save fuel, the controller may enter a sailing mode in which the clutch is disengaged without the driver depressing the clutch pedal. The controller exits sailing mode in response to the vehicle speed decreasing below a threshold which is a function of the currently selected gear ratio. The threshold is selected such that the engine will not stall and will be able to generate sufficient power for acceleration when the clutch is re-engaged to exit sailing mode. In order to extend the use of sailing mode, the controller may activate a downshift indicator at a slightly higher speed threshold to encourage the driver to downshift.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shifting a transmission of a hybrid driveline that include a torque converter with a lockup clutch are presented. The systems and methods may adjust a feedforward motor torque command to match application of motor torque to a time that a gear clutch closes so that shifting may be improved and so that driveline torque disturbances may be less noticeable.

Abstract: An automatic chain saw sharpener includes a housing enclosing a sharpening device for sharpening a saw chain, an incrementing device assembly for incrementing the saw chain, and a timing device for operating the sharpening device until the entire saw chain has been sharpened automatically, without constant user intervention. The chain saw is supported by a bar guide and a pair of adjustable bar stabilizer clamps, and adjustment screws adjust the vertical height of a support plate supporting the sharpening device and the incrementing assembly. At initial operator set-up, a pair of friction wheels in the incrementing device are tightened down against the side surfaces of the saw chain links to increment the chain around the saw bar. After the operating cycle begins, a pair of contact sensors sense the presence and orientation of the cutting teeth along the chain.

Abstract: A combination chipper and shredder apparatus and lawn vacuum is obtained by providing an input chute or hopper on the machine that is movable to either of two positions by coupling the input chute to the wall of the chipping and shredding chamber with a coupling that permits the chute to be adjustably rotated, with respect to the coupling, but remain in full communication with the chipping and shredding chamber. With the mouth of the chute facing upward the machine may be operated in the chipping and shredding mode and with the mouth of the chute facing downward the machine may be operated in the lawn vacuum mode.