Abstract: A regulator valve for controlling the pressure of fluid engaging a torque-transmitting mechanism in a transmission includes a valve body forming a valve bore of a plurality of passages. A spool valve slides within the valve body. A check valve selectively opens and closes one of the passages. A spring is disposed in the valve bore and biases the spool valve in one direction. The spool valve, check valve, spring, valve bore and passages are configured to control the pressure fluid provided to the torque-transmitting mechanism and a linearly increasing pressure until a first predetermined pressure is achieved and then at a second constant predetermined pressure greater than the first predetermined pressure, thus combining gradual clutch engagement during shifting with valve boost necessary for static capacity requirements. A method of controlling engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: A detent lever assembly for implementation with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system that shifts a transmission range between a park position and an out-of-park position. The detent lever assembly includes a shaft rotatably supported by a housing and a detent lever rotatably supported by the shaft and rotatable between a first position and a second position. In a first mode, the detent lever is rotatable about the shaft and in a second mode the detent lever is rotatable with the shaft.

Abstract: An electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system for shifting a transmission range of a transmission includes a park servo valve movable between a first position to inhibit a first flow of pressurized fluid and a second position to enable the first flow of pressurized fluid. A hydraulic servo assembly is movable between a first position and a second position based on the first flow of pressurized fluid. An actuator arm is interconnected to the hydraulic servo assembly. When the hydraulic servo assembly moves to the second position the actuator arm shifts the transmission range from a Park position to an Out-of-Park position.

Abstract: A detent lever assembly for implementation with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system that shifts a transmission range between a park position and an out-of-park position. The detent lever assembly includes a shaft rotatably supported by a housing and a detent lever rotatably supported by the shaft and rotatable between a first position and a second position. In a first mode, the detent lever is rotatable about the shaft and in a second mode the detent lever is rotatable with the shaft.

Abstract: An electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system for shifting a transmission range of a transmission includes a park servo valve movable between a first position to inhibit a first flow of pressurized fluid and a second position to enable the first flow of pressurized fluid. A hydraulic servo assembly is movable between a first position and a second position based on the first flow of pressurized fluid. An actuator arm is interconnected to the hydraulic servo assembly. When the hydraulic servo assembly moves to the second position the actuator arm shifts the transmission range from a Park position to an Out-of-Park position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting powertrain braking to mass, grade, and brake temperature. Vehicle mass is determined using a vehicle speed sensor and an tractive effort model based on engine-torque delivered, torque converter multiplications, and transmission ratio and tire rolling radius effects. Road grade is continuously calculated and altitude change is calculated based on grade and distance traveled. To achieve an ideal amount of powertrain braking, powertrain braking is directed towards a designed coast performance target based on deceleration as a function of vehicle speed. Fuzzy logic is used to evaluate driver intentions, grade load conditions, terrain conditions, brake conditions and other vehicle information to determine the actual, optimal powertrain braking control. A real time brake thermal model is developed to provide increased powertrain under extreme brake conditions. The powertrain braking efforts are limited when restricted by available tractive efforts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting powertrain braking to mass, grade, and brake temperature. Vehicle mass is determined using a vehicle speed sensor and an tractive effort model based on engine-torque delivered, torque converter multiplications, and transmission ratio and tire rolling radius effects. Road grade is continuously calculated and altitude change is calculated based on grade and distance traveled. To achieve an ideal amount of powertrain braking, powertrain braking is directed towards a designed coast performance target based on deceleration as a function of vehicle speed. Fuzzy logic is used to evaluate driver intentions, grade load conditions, terrain conditions, brake conditions and other vehicle information to determine the actual, optimal powertrain braking control. A real time brake thermal model is developed to provide increased powertrain under extreme brake conditions. The powertrain braking efforts are limited when restricted by available tractive efforts.

Abstract: A package for holding and dispensing surgical masks, respirators, face shields and other articles having eye shields made from a substantially transparent, flexible material susceptible to abrasion or scratching. The surgical masks are stacked within the container one upon another and a fanning force is applied to each eye shield such that the eye shields become semi-rigid and fan apart, one from the next in the stack. In such condition scratching caused by the eye shields rubbing against each other is virtually eliminated, and the surgical masks are dispensed in a convenient scratch-free manner.

Abstract: In a neutral to drive shift timing control mechanism, a flow control arrangement is utilized in an electro-hydraulic control system for controlling a clutch fill period of a neutral to drive shift sequence. The hydraulic control system provides a pressure pulse of predetermined time which opens a valve to permit fluid flow to bypass an accumulator feed orifice to pressurize the clutch apply cylinder and piston to a value substantially equal to the piston return spring force without providing excess flow to the accumulator. The clutch apply pressure is then permitted to increase at a more normal rate which is controlled by the accumulator. The engagement time is determined so that the pulse time can be adjusted if the neutral to drive shift is not within a predetermined time range.