Abstract: A cable assembly (100) includes a first connector (1) including a first insulating housing (10) and a number of first and second contacts (11, 12) received in the first housing, a cable (3) including a number of conductors (302, 304) electrically connecting with the first contacts, and a second connector including a second housing (20) back to back assembled to the first housing and a number of third contacts (22) electrically connecting with the second contacts of the first connector.

Abstract: A cable connector for providing a communication network comprises a first connector (10) forming a plurality of first arrays (11) with first terminals (11a), a second connector (5) forming a plurality of second arrays (6) and at least one twig array (7) with second terminals (6a). Each array consists of the same number of first or second terminals (6a, 11a) arranged at intervals and in the same pattern. The first and second arrays (6, 11) and twig arrays (7) are form a plurality of rows arranged at the same intervals. The second connector (5) is provided with at least one more array than the first connector (10). Thus, the first connector (10) can be selectively connected to the second arrays (6) and twig arrays (7) of the second connector (5) for altering the configuration of the electrical connection. A plurality of modular communication cable units are installed in a manner such that the first connector of the front cable unit is connected to the second connector of the next cable unit.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector with a dielectric housing mounting a plurality of terminals having pin portions. A pin stabilizing plate has a plurality of apertures for receiving the pin portions and is movable from a protecting position generally at distal ends of the pin portions to a mating position spaced inwardly of the distal ends. A second connector is mateable with the first connector and is engageable with the pin stabilizing plate for moving the plate from its protecting position to its mating position in response to mating of the connectors. Complementary interengaging latches between the second electrical connector and the pin stabilizing plate move the plate back from its mating position to its protecting position in response to unmating of the connectors.

Abstract: A cross-connect module including a housing having a front end and a rear end. The rear end includes a rear wall defining connector mounting openings. First and second switching jacks are positioned adjacent the front end of the housing. Rear connectors mount within the connector mounting openings. Cables electrically couple the rear connectors to the switching jacks. A tracer lamp circuit including a power connector and a pin jack are also provided. In depicted embodiments, the rear connectors, the pin jack and the power connector are secured to the rear wall of the housing by snap-fit connections. The depicted module also includes a front cover having structure for providing snap-fit connections with the switching devices.

Abstract: A pin jack for use with a DSX system is disclosed. The pin jack includes a pin jack housing configured to be secured within an opening defined by a piece of telecommunications equipment. The pin jack housing including first and second ends. Two conductor mounting openings extend between the first and second ends. Conductors are mounted within the conductor mounting openings. The conductors include sockets accessible from the first end of the pin jack housing and tails that project from the second end of the pin jack housing.

Abstract: A modular jack, comprising a jack frame and terminal housing, for accepting one or more twisted pairs of conductors. Running through a base of the terminal housing are one or more wire management tunnels. Each of the tunnels has a first opening located within a first end of the terminal housing, a second opening located within a second end of the terminal housing, and a third opening located within a surface of the terminal housing from which extends a plurality of turrets. A twisted pair of conductors enters the wire management tunnel through either the first or second opening, and then travels through the wire management tunnel before exiting through said third opening. The twisted pair of conductors exiting the third opening then terminate within one or more slots defined by neighboring turrets.

Abstract: A joint connector has wire holders (15a, 15b, 15c) that project in a wire draw-out direction from wire draw-out portions (14b) of housings (12a, 12b, 12c) where wires (W) connected with terminal fittings (20) are drawn out. The wires (W) are held tightly between the inner surfaces of the opposite wire holding portions (15a, 15b, 15c). Holding projections (16) project from the inner surfaces of the wire holding portions (15a, 15b, 15c) toward the opposite surfaces, so that the wires (W) can be so held as not to come out while being partly squeezed.

Abstract: An adapter has a cylindrical body which is screwed onto a battery post, and a flange portion formed on a top portion of the cylindrical body to be clamped by a screwing tool. A terminal body includes a substantially U-shaped adaptor fitting portion which accommodates the adapter therein, and a seat portion on which an electric wire terminal is fixed. A lever includes a cam portion and is supported on the terminal body so as to be pivotable between a first position and a second position. A space in which the flange portion is capable of passing through is secured inside of the adaptor fitting portion when the lever is in the first position. The cam portion is abutted against an outer periphery of the cylindrical body of the adaptor so that the adaptor is retained between the cam portion and an inner face of the adaptor fitting portion, when the lever is in the second position. The flange portion of the adaptor is engaged with a top end face of the adapter fitting portion of the terminal body.

Abstract: A weathertight connector for electrical connectors having multiple connection chambers with a conductive element having splaying ends in the connection chambers. One common O-ring and an O-ring for each connection chamber is utilized.

Abstract: A two stage damping system is provided for a trim cylinder mount of a marine drive unit. The mounting bushings comprise inner and outer tubes with an elastomeric material disposed between the inner and outer tubes. The elastomeric material is structured to provide a soft rate of stiffness in response to relatively light loads, such as shifting loads, and a harder rate of stiffness in response to higher loads, such as during high thrust loads or wide open throttle operation of a marine vessel. The two rates of stiffness are provided by the appropriate placement of cavities either within the elastomeric material or between the elastomeric material and the inner or outer tubes. Alternatively, two different types of elastomeric material can be used to provide the two rates of stiffness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for flushing a cavitation plate water intake outboard motor. The invention includes as coupling for attaching the device to a water source such as a hose, a flow passage for directing water through the device and into the outboard motor, and an attachment portion for attaching the device to the outboard motor.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide simple, high-speed processing for the formation of an EL layer by an ink-jet method. A method of manufacturing an electro-optical device having good operation performance and high reliability, and in particular, a method of manufacturing an EL display device, is provided. The present invention forms EL layers continuously across a plurality of pixels when the EL layers are formed by the ink-jet method. Specifically, with respect to m columns and n rows of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix state, the EL layers are formed so as to form stripes with respect to one certain selected row or one column. The EL layers may also be formed having an oblong shape or a rectangular shape with respect to each pixel electrode.

Abstract: A solid halogen-containing lamp fill material and a method of introducing small amounts of halogen into a HID lamp are disclosed. The solid material may include an admixture of a metal and a metal halide in the form of spheres of high purity, uniform size and uniform composition. Solid lamp fill material and methods of introducing small quantities of one or more metals into a HID lamp are also disclosed.

Abstract: A light emitting diode device comprises a copper substrate having multiple light emitting regions, multiple dies and encapsulation. Each light emitting region has a die pad and at least one electrode connected together and encapsulant covering the light emitting region. The dies are respectively mounted on the die pads and are wire bonded to the corresponding electrode or electrodes. A step defining a gap is applied to the substrate to form multiple light emitting regions, and each light emitting region has a die pad and electrodes. Therefore, the present invention can simplify the steps for fabricating die pad and electrodes to increase the production rate of LED devices or LED display modules.

Abstract: A toy figure having multiple articulating limbs connected to the torso by pivot joints that are molded in a vertical injection molding step that forms and pivotally interconnects, in situ, one member of the pivot joint to a second, pre-formed member of the pivot joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy game comprising a self-propelled vehicle (3) and at least two deflection elements (1, 2) which are adapted to deflect the travelling direction of the vehicle (3) on a base. The invention is characterized in that the elements comprise a curved, concave track for approximately frictionless cooperation with one of the sides of the vehicle and comprise an underside and a grip configured such that a player can reorient and move the element on the base of the vehicle quickly and without obstacles.

Abstract: A device for feeding bees, comprising a rigid heat-absorptive housing having a chamber therein, where the chamber has a bottom surface with a plurality of holes passing therethrough. The housing has an access port which allows a viscous syrup to be poured into the chamber. The port may be reversibly sealed. The device further includes a system for mounting said housing on top of a beehive. The plurality of holes in the bottom of the chamber are large enough to allow a bee to access the viscous syrup through the holes, but small enough to prevent the viscous syrup from dripping through the holes.

Abstract: A method for substantially simultaneously polishing a copper conductive structure of a semiconductor device structure and an adjacent barrier layer includes use of a fixed-abrasive type polishing pad with a substantially abrasive-free slurry in which copper is removed at a rate that is substantially the same as or faster than a rate at which a material, such as tungsten, of the barrier layer is removed. The slurry is formulated so as to oxidize copper at substantially the same rate as or at a faster rate than a material of the barrier layer is oxidized. Thus, copper and the barrier layer material have substantially the same oxidation energies in the slurry or the oxidation energy of the barrier layer material in the slurry may be greater than that of copper. Systems for substantially polishing copper conductive structures and adjacent barrier structures on semiconductor device structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: An end face polishing device has a first revolution shaft mounted for undergoing revolving movement about a first axis, a rotational shaft mounted for undergoing rotation about a second axis eccentric from the first axis, and a second revolution shaft mounted for undergoing revolving movement about a third axis eccentric from the second axis. A polishing disc is connected to the second revolution shaft for revolving movement therewith.

Abstract: A reaming tool is capable of reaming out several axially interspaced borings of a workpiece. The reaming tool includes a guide shank that can be clamped into a machine spindle and which can be supported in prepared borings of the workpiece to be machined by using external supporting elements. The reaming tool also includes a reaming head coaxially connected on the front end thereof. In order to be able to easily change a worn tool, the reaming head is connected to the guide shank by an auto-centering clamping mechanism. The supporting elements positioned in the proximity of the clamping mechanism can, during a clamping process, be radially spread outwardly from a smaller dimension to a predetermined diameter guide dimension.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of polishing a substrate comprising (i) providing a substrate comprising an organic polymer film, (ii) contacting the substrate with a chemical-mechanical polishing system comprising a liquid carrier, an abrasive and/or polishing pad, a peroxy-type oxidizer, and a metal compound with two or more oxidation states, wherein the metal compound is soluble in the liquid carrier, and (iii) abrading at least a portion of the substrate to polish the substrate.

Abstract: A method of polishing a metal layer comprising the following steps. A structure having an upper patterned dielectric layer with an opening therein is provided. A barrier layer is formed over the patterned upper dielectric layer and lining the opening. A metal layer is formed over the barrier layer, filling the opening. A first polish step employing a first slurry composition is conducted to remove a portion of the overlying metal layer. A second polish step employing the first slurry composition is conducted to: polish the partially removed overlying metal layer; and to expose portions of the barrier layer overlying the patterned upper dielectric layer. A third polish step employing a second slurry composition is conducted to remove the exposed barrier layer portions and exposing underlying portions of the patterned upper dielectric layer. A fourth polish step employing the second slurry composition and BTA is conducted to buff the exposed upper dielectric layer portions.

Abstract: The polishing machine is capable of evenly applying a pressing force from an upper polishing plate to work pieces accommodated in through-holes of carriers. The polishing machine comprises: a plurality of the carriers provided around a center of gravity of an upper polishing plate and sandwiched between the polishing plates. Circular motion of the carriers, without revolving, are performed independently. Centers of gravity of the work pieces, which are held by the carriers, are simultaneously moved close to a center of gravity of the upper polishing plate and simultaneously moved away therefrom, and moving distances of the centers of gravity of the work pieces are equal.

Abstract: Abrasive body (1) capable of being used in surface processing devices that has an active face (2a) provided with appropriate means of abrasion (3) intended to perform finishing operations on the surface of an object when the said body is set in motion. The abrasive body has a predetermined number of substantially passing cuts (6) defined by the respective flaps (7, 8) lying side by side. When the abrasive body is set in motion on an object to be processed, flaps (7, 8) deform in such a manner as to create appropriate opening that will permit the abraded dust particles to be removed solely and exclusively from that part of the abrasive body actually in contact with the object (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A dust and chip removal device for sanding hand power tools has a storage container securable to a hand power tool, a transport channel via which dust and chips are directed into the storage container, a retaining element preventing the dust and chips from flowing back out of the storage container, the retaining element having at least one passage, an elastic element which has a holding force closing the at least one passage, the passage being openable automatically against the holding force at starting at a certain delivery pressure, while the elastic element automatically closes the passage below a certain delivery pressure, and a channel having cross-sectional area which tapers toward the passage.

Abstract: The shackle assembly (10) has a lock gear (22) non-rotatably mounted to the shackle (11). Lock collar (45) has inwardly projecting lock collar teeth (51) that engage with the lock gear teeth (28A-28D). When the lock collar is moved toward the lock gear against the bias of spring (58), the lock gear teeth (28) move into the interior cavity (50) of the lock collar. This protects the teeth of both the lock gear and the lock collar at all times.

Abstract: A coin bank includes a housing having a coin receiving area for receiving unsorted coins, a coin sorting area for sorting the unsorted coins and a coin storage area for storing sorted coins. The coin storage area includes a drawer slidably mounted in the housing and a coin tube support movably mounted in the drawer between a first position, when the drawer is fully retracted into the housing and a second position, when the drawer is fully extended from the housing. A plurality of coin tubes is mounted in the coin tube support for holding sorted coins. The plurality of coin tubes is inclined in relation to a vertical axis for receiving sorted coins when the drawer is in a retracted position. A reservoir is located directly above each of the coin tubes for holding at least one additional coin above a stack of coins completely filling the coin tube.

Abstract: Light control glasses are used as window glasses of a vehicle. When the vehicle is parked, voltage is applied to the light control glass, which directly receives solar radiation from the sun, so that a light transmittancy of the light control glass is reduced to reduce the amount of solar radiation entered a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: Air duct outlets having remotely located joystick controls are provided. A first set of generally parallel louvers are pivotally connected in spaced-apart adjacent relationship. A second set of generally parallel louvers are pivotally connected in spaced-apart adjacent relationship in an upstream location from the first set of louvers. A joystick is remotely positioned and does not interfere with air flowing through the outlet. The joystick is operably coupled with the first and second sets of louvers and is configured to pivot the first and second sets of louvers in response to user movement thereof.

Abstract: A shroud for the infeed section impeller in a rotary combine. The shroud includes a rear converging wall cone and a front diverging wall cone. A feed plate extends transversely across the front of the shroud and a sump is formed in the shroud behind the feed plate. The front diverging wall cone comprises top and bottom, rearwardly diverging walls. Transitions castings separate the top and bottom walls on left and right sides and have rearwardly converging front faces.

Abstract: Allowed actions of a computer-based player in a game are limited. A pre-action value is identified which corresponds to a relative advantage between the computer-based player and a real person player prior to a current action taken by the computer-based player. A post-action value is identified corresponding to the relative advantage between the computer-based player and the real person player after the current action taken by the computer-based player. The current action is limited to be among a set of allowed actions, which keep the post-action value at least as great as a threshold value. The current action of the computer-based player also may be limited to keep the post-action value not more than a tolerable value, where possible. The current action is selected from the set of allowed actions. The threshold value and tolerance value are prescribed, selected or varied over the course of the game.

Abstract: A system and method of playing a lottery-type game are provided. The game comprises obtaining at least one player-selected combination, or concatenated indicia string, such as from a series of one or more columns on a game play slip. A first random combination, or concatenated indicia string, is generated by a gaming administrator and it is determined whether at least one of the player-selected combinations matches the gaming administrator generated combination. Regardless of whether any player-selected combinations match the first gaming administrator generated combination, at least a second gaming administrator generated combination, or more, may be provided for a player to determine whether at least one of the player-selected combinations matches the second gaming administrator generated combination. A payout amount may be awarded based upon the number of player-selected combinations and gaming administrator generated combinations matched.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and providing support to a gaming device that includes monitoring the gaming device to determine an occurrence of an event, generating a message regarding the event, encoding the message, transmitting the message to a remote location over a communication link, receiving the message at the remote location, decoding the message, analyzing the message, and initiating a response to the message. In one embodiment, the event comprises an error or fault and the message regarding the event is transmitted using the simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP). Embodiments of the invention comprise apparatus forming a part of a gaming network or system including gaming devices such as gaming machines. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises servers associated with a remote service center and message data storage.

Abstract: A universal joint hub comprising a generally spherical body having two flat areas on opposing exterior sides and at least one opening into an open body interior. The hub has two flat areas on opposing interior surfaces of the body orthogonal to the exterior flat areas and an exterior circumferential groove extending between the exterior flat areas on a given plane. Four apertures extend into the body and are positioned orthogonal to each other on the given plane with each aperture disposed in one of the flat areas. A bushing is disposed in each aperture having a face exposed to the exterior surface. A circumferential band is disposed in the circumferential groove coupling each of the bushings.

Abstract: A rotating attachment device for attaching the upper end of a swing to a support bar generally comprises and inner bearing and an outer bearing. The inner bearing comprises at least two inner bearing arc segment members for direct placement on the cross bar, each including an outer side including a raceway including a radial bearing surface. The outer bearing includes a first and second semi-cylindrical outer bearing members including an inner side having a bearing surface, pivotly connected first ends such that the outer bearing is pivotable between an open position for fitting over the first bearing and a closed position bearing on the inner bearing such that the outer bearing is rotatable 360 degrees about the swing support bar, and second ends including a latch for latching the outer bearing around the inner bearing in the closed position.

Abstract: An adjustable grip bowling ball kit comprising a tubular sleeve member adapted for permanent insertion into a bowling ball grip hole and a plurality of inserts to be removably inserted into the sleeve is provided. The sleeve is further equipped with at least one guide member extending from a sleeve inner diameter surface into the sleeve's interior. Each insert has an outer diameter surface and an inner diameter surface. Each insert is further equipped with at least one channel groove extending along the outer diameter surface of the insert. Each channel groove is adapted to cooperatively engage the guide member upon insertion of the insert into the sleeve. Upon insertion, rotation of the insert in one direction locks the insert within the sleeve. Rotation of the insert in another direction unlocks the insert to facilitate easy removal of the insert from the sleeve.

Abstract: A correlated set of iron type golf clubs is designed to improve performance. The set of clubs includes a plurality of iron type golf clubs having linearly spaced lofts such that a first iron type golf club has a loft which is x degrees greater than the loft of a second iron type golf club and the second iron type golf club has a loft which is x degrees greater than a third iron type golf club and subsequent iron type golf clubs increase in loft at the same rate. The plurality of iron type golf clubs also have lengths which are linearly spaced such that a first iron type golf club has a length which is y inches less than the length of the second iron type golf club and the second iron type golf club has a length which is y inches less than the length of the third iron type golf club and subsequent iron type golf clubs decrease in length at the same rate. The set of iron type golf clubs is further designed such that the design efficiency increases as the loft of the golf clubs decreases.

Abstract: An improved baseball swing trainer is presented where a standard wooden bat is modified with an embedded magnetic speed indicator based on a ball bearing and a magnet. The distance between the magnet and the ball bearing can be adjusted to adjust the amount of swing force necessary to break the ball bearing free. The device is mechanically simple and easy to install in any wooden bat.

Abstract: A baseball training device for use in improving batting skills, particularly bat directing skills while batting, the device comprising an elongated member of at least a length to extend about the wrist of a wearer and forming a loop, and a bat knob receiving member depending from the elongated member, the bat knob receiving member having a generally circular opening adapted to receive the knob of a baseball bat when the wearer of the training device swings the baseball bat.

Abstract: A vertical aerial assembly for the volleyball includes a lower fixing rod, a lower screw member, an aerial, a handle, an upper screw member, and an upper fixing rod. The vertical aerial assembly has a simplified construction with fewer parts, thereby decreasing the cost of fabrication. In addition, the vertical aerial assembly is assembled easily and conveniently, thereby saving the time of assembly. Further, the handle only needs to form a through hole to fit the outer diameter of the aerial without having to additionally provide a stepped hole, thereby decreasing the cost of fabrication.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanical broadhead arrowhead. The broadhead arrowhead includes a ferrule. A fixed main blade assembly extend outwardly from the ferrule. This main blade assembly has a first substantially planar portion disposed in a plane at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ferrule and a two continuously curved second portions offset at angle to the plane of the first planar portion such that the blade assembly has an airfoil-type shape. A number of deployable blades attached to the ferrule also have substantially planar portions and continuously curved portions. The main blade and deployable blades act together as an axial flow turbine during flight. The ferrule further comprises an inertial trigger mechanism that both inhibits premature deployment of the deployable blades during release and flight, yet also promotes deployment of deployable blades during impact with a target.

Abstract: Crank drive belt systems feature a triple pulley tensioner which may be applied in various ways to provide proper tensioning on belt spans adjacent a motor generator for both starting and generating functions of the system. The tensioner provides adequate belt wrap and damping functions for the systems. In a simplified embodiment, the belt system connects a crankshaft or crank pulley with a motor generator pulley and at least one accessory drive pulley, such as an air conditioner compressor. The triple pulley tensioner includes a fixed tensioner housing mounting a fixed rotatable pulley and two tensioner arms carrying pulleys for tensioning the belt spans on either side of the motor generator. The fixed pulley is positioned on a third belt span between the accessory and the crank and combines with the tensioner pulleys to maximize belt wrap around the MG pulley, the crank pulley, and the accessory pulley, if needed. Numerous alternative arrangements may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt for use in a continuously variable transmission, in particular for automotive application, comprising at least one set (7) of nested metal rings, the set interacting with transverse elements (3) provided slidably along the set, and the rings of the set being accommodated with small mutual play between each pair of adjacent rings, characterized in, that for at least the majority of said pairs of adjacent rings the nominal value of said play is zero.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having a sun gear, ring gear and planet carrier mounted in a housing. A plurality of planet gears are rotatably mounted to the planet carrier. The planet carrier is connected to one of either an input shaft or an output shaft while the ring gear is connected to the other of either the input shaft or output shaft. A clutch engageably and disengageably couples the sun gear for rotation with one of the input or output shafts to which the planet carrier is coupled. A brake engageably and disengageably fixes the sun gear against rotation relative to the housing. A hydraulically engaged/spring disengaged non-rotating piston is mounted in the housing and is slidable in response to fluid pressure between an engaged position for engaging one of the clutch and the brake and a retracted position for disengaging the one of the clutch and the brake.

Abstract: In a transmission-fluid cooling system of an automatic transmission of an automotive vehicle equipped with a water-cooled oil cooler and an air-cooled oil cooler connected in series to each other, a first bypass valve is provided to permit working fluid to circulate therevia through oil passages in the transmission, bypassing the water-cooled oil cooler and the air-cooled oil cooler, only when a working-fluid temperature is less than or equal to a predetermined temperature and the line pressure is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure. Also provided is a second bypass valve that opens to permit the working fluid to circulate via the water-cooled oil cooler and the second bypass valve through the oil passages in the transmission, bypassing only the air-cooled oil cooler, only when the working-fluid temperature is less than or equal to a preset temperature value.

Abstract: A manual transmission for a four-wheel drive vehicle transmits a power to a front drive shaft for driving front wheels and to a rear drive shaft for driving rear wheels through a propeller shaft. A plurality of shift gear trains are formed by drive gears mounted on an input shaft, driven gears meshing with the drive gears and mounted on an output shaft arranged below the input shaft and clutches. The output shaft is hollowed inside to incorporate the front drive shaft therein. An intermediate shaft is rotatably, coaxially disposed with the input shaft and is driven by the output shaft through a connection gear train. The intermediate shaft is coaxially connected with a transfer unit from which power is distributed to the front drive shaft through another connection gear train and at the same time to the rear drive shaft. Further, the transmission incorporates another clutch for directly transmitting power from the input shaft to the intermediate shaft so as to produce a shift gear ratio of 1.0.

Abstract: A torque transfer assembly including an input gear, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a planetary differential and a torque control system. In one embodiment, the planetary differential includes first and second planetary gear set pairs each with inner and outer planetary gear sets. The torque control system includes first and second torque control mechanisms each having a control element rotating with one of the planetary gear set components as well as a controller communicating with the first and second control mechanisms and selectively controlling a resistance torque exerted by the first and second torque control mechanisms on the first and second control elements.

Abstract: A torque biasing differential including a planetary case rotatable about an axis, a first output shaft rotatable relative to the planetary case, a second output shaft rotatable relative to the planetary case and the first output shaft, and a planetary assembly coupling the planetary case to the first and second output shafts. The planetary assembly includes first and second intermeshed inboard planet gears. The differential also include torque sinks associated with each of the first and second planetary assemblies to selectively distribute torque between the output shafts and control relative shaft rotation. The various embodiments of the torque biasing differential also describe alternative planetary differential configurations relating to the structure, orientation, and interaction of the sun gears, planet gears, and case.

Abstract: Pursuant to the control strategy of the present invention, torque load may be shared between the low/reverse friction clutch and a one-way clutch to effect low and reverse gear ratios in a transmission. This may be accomplished by engaging the friction clutch during vehicle launch and keeping it engaged until the peak torque has passed. Once the peak torque has been passed, the load capacity of the friction clutch can be reduced to zero. In this operational mode, the one-way clutch is acting to support the remaining drive torque. Thus, with only the one-way clutch carrying a load at the time of the up-shift from first to second gear, a non-synchronous shift can be affected. In this way, the control strategy acts to share the torque load between the low/reverse brake and the low one-way clutch, thereby allowing a reduced capacity, lower spin-loss one-way clutch design.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain in a motor vehicle having a first torque source and a second torque source each providing a torque output to a transmission includes determining a vehicle speed and a current gear selection of the motor vehicle. A threshold value is calculated from the vehicle speed and the current gear selection. An accelerator position of the motor vehicle is then determined. An accelerator position rate of change is calculated from the accelerator position. The accelerator position rate of change is compared to the threshold value. The torque output from the first torque source is increased if the accelerator position rate of change is less than the threshold value. However, the transmission is downshifted if the accelerator position rate of change is greater than the threshold value.