With Transmission Control Patents (Class 180/336)
  • Patent number: 11885414
    Abstract: A parking apparatus for a vehicle and a transmission for a vehicle are provided. The parking apparatus for the vehicle includes an actuator, a pinion gear mounted in an end portion of the actuator and rotating in a same direction as the actuator rotates, a rack gear engaged with one side of the pinion gear and linearly moving in a tangential direction to the pinion gear as the pinion gear rotates, a push assembly including a push shaft extending from an end portion of the rack gear and a push head provided on one side of the push shaft, a parking sprag rotating according to an operation of the push assembly, and a parking gear mounted in a driver and selectively engaged with the parking sprag as the parking sprag rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: NEOOTO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Duk Soon Choi, Sun Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 11168778
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission structure of an embodiment includes a shift drum which rotates in accordance with a shift operation; a bearing member which rotatably supports the shift drum with respect to a transmission case; a set member which positions the bearing member; a shift fork shaft supported by the transmission case; and a shift fork supported by the shift fork shaft to be movable in an axial direction. An end portion of the shift fork shaft is movably fitted to an insertion hole provided in the transmission case, a cap is provided at an end portion of the shift fork shaft, a first gap is provided between an end surface of the insertion hole and the cap, the set member is disposed at a position overlapping the insertion hole when viewed in the axial direction, and a second gap is provided between an end surface of the insertion hole and the set member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Ishii, Yoshihiko Muneno
  • Patent number: 11001201
    Abstract: A system includes a vehicle transmission shifter input device; and a computer. The computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions such that the processor is programmed to detect, via the shifter input device, a user input to shift the vehicle transmission; and generate, a haptic feedback via the shifter input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Weston, Ryan Orourke, Enzo Campagnolo, Edwin Ho, Trystan Magnuson, Nikhil Subramaniam
  • Patent number: 10960952
    Abstract: A handlebar switch device for a saddled vehicle is provided in which a handlebar switch case and a handlebar grip that is disposed on an outside in a vehicle width direction of the handlebar switch case are mounted on a handlebar forming part of a steering handle. A sub switch case is supported on a stay that is selected from a plurality of kinds of stays that can be mounted on the handlebar at a fixed relative position with respect to the handlebar switch case while being adjacent to the handlebar switch case from an inside in the vehicle width direction. This enables a sub switch case to be additionally disposed without impairing the ease of operation of a switch of the handlebar switch case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuya Osanai, Yutaka Kikuchi, Masaru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10865876
    Abstract: A shift lever apparatus for a vehicle is an apparatus, in which by integrating P-range switch function into manual switch function, components for the P-range switch are eliminated and thus the configuration is simplified and cost reduction is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Kyung Chang Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Ik Kim, Bum Jun Kim, Sun Il Kim, Ji Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 10843562
    Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a steering column, a steering wheel rotatable about an axis between rotational positions, and a magnetic paddle shift system for selecting a gear of a transmission. A sensor assembly has a sensor array. First and second paddle shifters are rotatable with the steering wheel and extend from a proximal end to a distal end. First and second magnets are disposed at the proximal end of the first and second paddle shifters, respectively, in alignment with the sensor array in any of the rotational positions. Actuation of the first and second paddle shifters move, respectively, the first and second magnets relative to the sensor array between first and second positions, the magnets being closer to the sensor array in the second position. The sensor array is configured to sense the first and second magnets in the second position for any of the rotational positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KA Group AG
    Inventor: Martin Goulet
  • Patent number: 10731749
    Abstract: An input device for use in a vehicle steering assembly. The input device includes at least one user-operable control member which is moveable between a deployed state and a retracted state. When a control member is in its deployed state it is operable to provide an input to a vehicle control system, and when retracted, it is moved to a position that avoids accidental actuation. In a particular example, the or each control member is a paddle shaped lever which is used to send gear change requests to an automatic transmission, and the lever is retracted when gear change requests do not need to be sent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Rob Jerger, James Gennard
  • Patent number: 10343491
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory power management assembly has a power device, an accessory device, a power transmitting device and a controller. The power transmitting device has an input part coupled to the power device, an output part coupled to the accessory device, and a speed ratio switching part switchable between a first operating state in which the input part and the output part rotate at a first speed ratio relative to one another and a second operating state in which the input part and the output part rotate at a second speed ratio relative to one another. The controller is configured to switch the speed ratio switching part between the first operating state and the second operating state in response determining whether the speed of output of the power device is above a pre-determined value or below a pre-determined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Eisenhour
  • Patent number: 10240548
    Abstract: An electronic control unit suitable for a motorcycle provides diagnostic support, tachometer drive and warning lamp drive all multiplexed onto one pin and driven by a single driver circuit. In a diagnostics mode, the pin is connected to diagnostic equipment. When a diagnostic test has been completed, a tachometer drive signal is output on the pin, the drive signal having a duty cycle set high enough to illuminate the warning lamp if a fault condition is detected by on-board sensors. By combining multiple functions onto a single pin with a single driver circuit, the cost of implementing an engine control unit may be reduced compared with existing arrangements which require separate pins and drivers for each function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Garrard, Anoop K. Aggarwal, William E. Edwards, Philip Tobin
  • Patent number: 10107385
    Abstract: A golf cart shift device for facilitating ease of shifting gears for a golf cart. The golf can shift device includes a shaft support member pivotally fastenable to a forward and reverse shaft and abutting a vertically disposed base wall of a golf cart supporting a seat for a user; a shaft securely supported by the shaft support member and having an upper portion and a lower portion; and a knob secured to the shaft and spaced from the vertically disposed base wall when the shaft support member is fastened to the forward and reverse shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Chris T. Richner
  • Patent number: 9890849
    Abstract: An electronic gear shifter is described herein that provides tactile feedback imitating the tactile feedback generated by a manual transmission shifter. The shifter includes a tactile feedback mechanism having a base, a pivot through the base, one or more springs coupled to the base, and first and second detents. The base rotates about the pivot, whereas the springs resist rotations of the base from, and return the base to, and equilibrium position. The first detent resists rotation of the base from the equilibrium position. The second detent resists further rotation of the base past the first detent and away from the equilibrium position. Rotation of the base past the first and second detents imitates manual transmission tactile feedback, and rotation of the base past the second detent also closes one or more of the electronic switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Stephen R. Hall, Christopher Johnson, Jason Simpson
  • Patent number: 9759313
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle is provided including a power source, such as an engine or an electric motor, and a transmission having a variable gear ratio. A sub-transmission coupled to an output of the transmission includes a plurality of selectable gear configurations including at least one of a forward gear, a neutral gear, a reverse gear, and a park gear. An electronic controller is operative to electronically control the gear configuration of the sub-transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Nelson, Donovan L. Fredrickson, David J. Koenig, Ryan D. Carlson, Aaron D. Deckard
  • Patent number: 9702455
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle is provided including a power source, such as an engine or an electric motor, and a transmission having a variable gear ratio. A sub-transmission coupled to an output of the transmission includes a plurality of selectable gear configurations including at least one of a forward gear, a neutral gear, a reverse gear, and a park gear. An electronic controller is operative to electronically control the gear configuration of the sub-transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Nelson, Donovan L. Fredrickson, David J. Koenig, Ryan D. Carlson, Aaron D. Deckard
  • Patent number: 9650024
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having a drive system, the drive system having a forward drive mode, a reverse drive mode, and a neutral mode. The control system may include an operator control operable by the vehicle user to control whether the vehicle is in a drive mode or a neutral mode. The control system may be configured, based on whether the vehicle operator is actively controlling the operator control, to automatically engage/disengage a vehicle brake, detect operator presence or absence and provide neutral lockout for preventing starting of the vehicle engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Hurricane, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky A. Weihl
  • Patent number: 9593770
    Abstract: An electronic shifter assembly includes a shift lever and a speed sensitive damping arrangement housed within a base of the assembly. The speed sensitive damping arrangement includes a housing, a shaft coupled to the shift lever, a plurality of stacked plates and a damping substance. The stacked plates are associated with the shaft and a cavity of the housing, where at least one of the stacked plates is keyed to the shaft and at least another one of the stacked plates is keyed to the housing such that rotation of the shaft via the shift lever causes relative movement of the keyed stacked plates. The damping substance is packed into the internal cavity and about the stacked plates such that the damping arrangement provides speed sensitive damping to the shift lever proportional to a speed of movement of the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Jay T TenBrink, Michael Perecki
  • Patent number: 9555806
    Abstract: A method for controlling rollback of a work vehicle may include receiving a signal indicating that a pedal of the work vehicle has been depressed, wherein the work vehicle is initially traveling in a first direction up an inclined surface such that at least one clutch of the transmission is engaged. In addition, the method may include reducing a pressure within the at least one clutch after receiving the signal in order to decelerate the work vehicle in the first direction and engaging a parking brake of the work vehicle as the work vehicle reverses direction and travels in a second direction down the inclined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Garth Harvey Bulgrien, Peter J. Dix, Pawel Kuros
  • Patent number: 9487193
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having a drive system, the drive system having a forward drive mode, a reverse drive mode, and a neutral mode. The control system may include an operator control operable by the vehicle user to control whether the vehicle is in a drive mode or a neutral mode. The control system may be configured, based on whether the vehicle operator is actively controlling the operator control, to automatically engage/disengage a vehicle brake, detect operator presence or absence and provide neutral lockout for preventing starting of the vehicle engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Hurricane, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky A. Weihl
  • Patent number: 9416875
    Abstract: An apparatus for returning a transmission to a primary mode is provided. The apparatus includes a shift lever that is configured to shift a transmission and a motor that is configured to provide driving force to move the shift lever. In addition, a selecting unit receives the driving force from the motor and moves the shift lever in a selecting direction. A shifting unit receives the driving force from the selecting unit and moves the shift lever in a shifting direction. The shift lever is further configured to be moved to a first position by the selecting unit and to a second position by the shifting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SL Corporation
    Inventor: Jung Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 9360108
    Abstract: A gear shift lever lock system and an apparatus and method for operating the gear shift lever lock are provided. The gear shift lever lock includes a lock solenoid having a lock pin movable between a first position inhibiting movement of a gear shift lever from a park position and a second position permitting movement of the gear shift lever from the park position. The apparatus is configured to receive a first signal from a brake sensor indicating that a brake pedal is depressed and a second signal from a park position sensor indicating that a gear shift lever is being moved from a resting position to a shifting position. The apparatus is configured to operate the lock solenoid to move the lock pin from the first position to the second position in response to receiving the second signal while it is indicated that the brake pedal is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Adam J. Pfenninger, Michael C. Vermeersch, Larry W. Burr
  • Patent number: 9317058
    Abstract: For proving a pedal assembly module to improve productivity, a forward pedal, a backward pedal, a first shaft supporting the forward pedal and the backward pedal, a brake pedal, a second shaft supporting the brake pedal, and a frame box supporting the first shaft and the second shaft are assembled and integrated with their functions ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Goto, Masahiro Hanafusa, Keisuke Iida
  • Patent number: 9316311
    Abstract: A method of controlling a shift-by-wire transmission is provided. The method monitors a setting of a shift assembly that sets a select gear from gearing of the transmission. A motor is activated to adjust the setting of the shift assembly when the monitoring of the shift assembly indicates that the then current setting of the shift assembly is outside of a course window of a desired gear. The course adjustment window is centered about a nominal target position for the desired gear while being within an acceptable range of the select gear. The motor is shut off when the monitoring of the setting of the shift assembly indicates the setting is within a fine adjustment window of the desired gear. The fine adjustment window is also centered about the nominal target position for the desired gear. The fine adjustment window is narrower than the course adjustment window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory L. Maki
  • Patent number: 9316270
    Abstract: A solenoid body is attached to an outer surface side of a clutch cover attached to an engine main body so as to cover a pair of hydraulic clutches. A hydraulic control solenoid valve for controlling pressure of a hydraulic oil from an oil pump, a single switching valve for alternatively selecting hydraulic chambers of the pair of hydraulic clutches to be supplied with the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic control solenoid valve, and a shift solenoid valve for controlling operation of the switching valve are attached to the solenoid body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshimasa Mitsubori, Takamori Shirasuna, Eiji Kittaka
  • Patent number: 9291249
    Abstract: A transmission includes: a counter low-gear with a low-gear body and a boss fit into the low-gear body so that driving force can be transmitted, and provided with dog-claws and an expanded part at one axial end and that is axially non-movably and rotatably fit around a counter shaft. A counter high-gear with a high-gear body is arranged in the one side from the low-gear body and with a cylinder including dog-claws at the one axial end thereof and is axially non-movably and rotatably fit around the boss. A shift sleeve is axially movably spline-fit around the counter shaft, and is arranged in the one side from the counter high-gear and that includes dog-claws capable of engaging with the dog-claws of the gears. The high-gear body is axially non-movably arranged between the low-gear body and the expanded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Seiji Itoo, Ayumi Hamada, Taisuke Morita
  • Patent number: 9222573
    Abstract: The structure and the installation of the mechanical transmission linkage to the parking lock is simplified in that the mechanical transmission linkage allows a smooth operation and serves also as an actuating devices having more than one shift gate without requiring complex modifications. An actuating device for selecting gear steps of a shift-by-wire gearshift transmission with a base housing, a selection lever, mechanical transmission for actuating a parking lock, and with a coupling system with a coupling element between the selection lever and the transmission. The transmission is selectively actuated by the coupling element only during selection and/or deselection of the parking lock position on the selection lever. The actuating device has includes the coupling element with a first end which is linearly guided in a slot and a second end which is in certain sections pivotally guided in a slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Ludger Rake
  • Patent number: 9080663
    Abstract: An actuating device for selecting gear steps of a shift-by-wire gearshift transmission with a base housing, a selection lever, a mechanical transmission means for actuating the parking lock, and with a coupling element are arranged between the selection lever and the transmission means. The transmission means is selectively actuated by the coupling element only during selection and/or deselection of the parking lock position on the selection lever. The coupling element has an end which is linearly guided in a slot and an end which is pivotally guided in certain sections in the base housing. The coupling element and the selection lever are kinematically coupled with each other by way of a swivel support. The structure and the installation of the mechanical transmission linkage required for selectively actuating the transmission means to the parking lock can be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Berthold Grosse Kohorst, Andreas Giefer, Ludger Rake
  • Patent number: 9022164
    Abstract: An operation device of a shift by wire way excludes mechanical connection for transferring operational force between a transmission and an operation device for shifting, which can be used in a vehicle to which an electronic shifting device is mounted. For this purpose, a shift pattern is capable of operating intuitively a shifting device by providing a shift pattern identical to an existing shift pattern and keeping user's experience and at the same time reducing the number of the shift lock to solve the drawback of a prior shift pattern provided with a plurality of shift locks that defines the utilizing of a space, and thereby utilizing a space at a maximum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, SL Corporation
    Inventors: Hyung-Suk Kim, Young-Eon Jung
  • Patent number: 9022163
    Abstract: A gear shift control device of a saddle ride type vehicle includes an operation pedal; a movable part which includes a movable member interlocking with and connected to the operation pedal and which has at least one of a click mechanism configured to give click feeling to an operation of the operation pedal, a stopper mechanism configured to restrict a turning operation range of the operation pedal, and a return mechanism configured to apply a spring force in a return direction to the operation pedal; and a detector which detects a gear shift operation performed by using the operation pedal, the gear shift control device configured to make a transmission perform a gear shift on the basis of a detection result of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenta Nakamura, Yuzuru Ishikawa, Shinichi Karube, Taichi Mori, Ippei Kawamura
  • Patent number: 9004218
    Abstract: A system for controlling a work vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a controller configured to control motion of the work vehicle and an electronic joystick communicatively coupled to the controller. The electronic joystick may be configured to transmit signals to the controller as it is moved between a neutral position and a full stroke position. The joystick may also be configured such that a varying joystick force is required to move the joystick between the neutral and full stroke positions. In addition, a rate of change of the joystick force may be varied as the electronic joystick is moved across a start/stop position defined between the neutral and full stroke positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Navneet Gulati, Duqiang Wu, Aditya Singh
  • Patent number: 8997916
    Abstract: A clutch actuator and a speed change actuator are disposed so as to be adjacent to each other on one side of an engine main body along the axis of a crankshaft. The clutch actuator is provided with a manual clutch operating part capable of being manually operated. The speed change actuator is provided with a manual speed change operating part capable of being manually operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Norita, Toshimasa Mitsubori
  • Patent number: 8973701
    Abstract: An assembly includes a steering column, a steering wheel coupled to the steering column, and a shifter coupled between the steering column and the steering wheel. The shifter includes a shifter body and a shift actuator movably coupled to the shifter body. The assembly further includes a coupler movable through the shifter body between a first coupler position and a second coupler position. The coupler is configured to couple the shifter body to the steering wheel when the coupler is in the first coupler position to permit the shift actuators to rotate along with the steering wheel. The coupler is configured to couple the shifter to the steering column when the coupler is in the second coupler position to maintain the shifter body stationary relative to the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Holihan, Charles M. Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 8931586
    Abstract: A working vehicle includes a joy-stick lever which operates a front loader, and a main change lever etc., wherein a right side dashboard is located in the right side of the driver's seat, the forward end step part is located beside the steering wheel, and is provided with the joy-stick lever, a grip part of the main change lever is disposed at a lower position than the steering wheel, a grip part of the position lever is disposed at an outside position of the grip part of the main change lever on a plan view, and a grip part of the joy-stick lever is disposed at a front side position of the grip part of the main change lever on a plan view, and is disposed in a range of a height of the steering wheel on a side view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Iseki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Wakino, Tomoo Kiyokawa, Satoru Kinoshita, Noboru Sagawa, Takanori Izutani
  • Patent number: 8924107
    Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission mounted on a vehicle to establish a plurality of shift speeds by engaging engagement elements that need to be engaged for each shift speed. The control device includes a target shift speed setting device, a during-travel neutral control device and a prediction control device. The prediction control device takes action when a predicted prechange time becomes equal to or less than a predetermined time while the automatic transmission is in the neutral state, the predicted prechange time being a time predicted on the basis of variations in vehicle speed and being a time before implementation of a change of the target shift speed that involves changing the particular engagement element from a disengaged state to an engaged state in order to maintain the neutral state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatake Ichikawa, Yutaka Teraoka, Hiroyasu Amano
  • Patent number: 8918257
    Abstract: In a linear solenoid 107n, an electromagnetic coil 71n, a pressure sensor 72n, and label resistors 73n and 74n for correcting an inherent variation in a pressure detection characteristic are integrated; the standard characteristic of the pressure sensor 72n is stored in a control module 120M; when driving is started, the resistance values of the label resistors 73n and 74n are read, the pressure detection characteristic of the utilized pressure sensor 72n is corrected, and an excitation current for the electromagnetic coil 71n is controlled in such a way that a target adjusted hydraulic pressure is obtained. Even when due to a change in the oil temperature, the valve opening characteristic of the linear solenoid 107n changes, the adjusted hydraulic pressure is controlled to be constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shozo Kanzaki, Fumiaki Arimai, Hiroyoshi Nishizaki
  • Patent number: 8862350
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a multi-mode transmission configured to transfer torque among an engine, torque machines, and a driveline. A method for controlling the powertrain includes executing a dual closed-loop control scheme that includes determining an engine-based output torque range employed in a first feedback loop and simultaneously determining a control acceleration-based output torque range employed in a second feedback loop. Engine commands are controlled responsive to the engine-based output torque range and simultaneously a control acceleration is controlled responsive to the control acceleration-based output torque range to achieve an output torque of the powertrain system responsive to an output torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Sean W. McGrogan, Krunal P. Patel
  • Patent number: 8857558
    Abstract: A zero-turn-radius mower includes a chassis, a pair of drive wheels for supporting the chassis above a ground surface, an engine, and a pair of transmissions or other drive mechanism for driving the drive wheels. A manually-moveable brake lever enables an operator to selectively brake the drive wheels and a manually-moveable bypass lever enables the operator to selectively engage bypass functions of the transmissions. The brake lever and the bypass lever are mechanically coupled such that engaging the brake lever causes the bypass lever to be engaged with the brake lever, but engaging the bypass lever does not cause the brake lever to be engaged. The brake lever and the bypass lever each including a locking mechanism that retains the respective lever in an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Swisher Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Samuel Poe
  • Patent number: 8849525
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle control unit. The vehicle control unit provides an automatic mode that automatically determines a gear ratio in accordance with an operational status of a vehicle and a temporary manual mode that, with a driver's operation, selects any one predetermined gear ratio from among predetermined gear ratios set in advance and automatically switches a mode of operation to the automatic mode according to the operational status of the vehicle. When switching a mode of operation from the automatic mode to the temporary manual mode through a downshift operation that changes a gear ratio to a lower one in a transmission and an engine speed is lower than a reference rotational speed set in accordance with a vehicle speed, the vehicle control unit selects any one of the predetermined gear ratios such that the engine speed is equal to or more than the reference rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Nishida, Koichi Inoue, Hiroki Tanaka, Keisuke Ajimoto, Shinya Yasunaga
  • Patent number: 8833503
    Abstract: There are provided a forward/reverse switchover lever pivotally operably about, as a pivotal center, a position which is inwardly of an outer periphery of a steering wheel and laterally outer side of vehicle body of a rotational axis of the steering wheel as seen in a direction along the rotational axis and a pivotal support shaft pivotally supporting the forward/reverse switchover lever at a position lower than the steering wheel such that a pivotal end of the forward/reverse switchover lever projects to the laterally outer side beyond the outer periphery of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Kobayashi, Tatsuyuki Kashimoto, Makoto Saegusa, Mikio Ishida, Atsushi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8793056
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement for an electronic transmission control unit of an automatic transmission accommodated in a transmission housing. The sensor arrangement comprises first and second pick-up arrangements for detecting various positions of an actuator system of the automatic transmission. The first pick-up arrangement is provided for monitoring a first position range of the actuator system remote while the second pick-up arrangement is provided for monitoring a second position range of the actuator system different from the first position range. The first and the second pick-up arrangements are connected to a common evaluation unit which, via a single common interface, connects with the electronic transmission control unit for transmitting the position signals of the first and second position range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Josef Habenschaden
  • Publication number: 20140191558
    Abstract: A control panel provided within an operator cabin of a machine is disclosed. A transmission input device disposed on the control panel. The transmission input device is operable to select from a plurality of transmission modes of the machine. More specifically, the transmission input device includes a rotary switch. Further, a hoisting input device is disposed on the control panel. The hoisting input device is operable to select from a plurality of hoisting functions associated with a payload carrier of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Riedel, JR., Daniel J. Whiting, JR., Anthony S. Cooksey
  • Patent number: 8763748
    Abstract: When an operation lever is operated to either a speed changing path or a neutral path, a second link mechanism establishes no operative coupling between the operation lever and a parking brake mechanism. When the operation lever is operated from the neutral path to a linking path, the second link mechanism establishes operative coupling between the operation lever and the parking brake mechanism. Further, when the operation lever is operated to a braking path, the parking brake mechanism is activated. When the lever is operated to a locking path, a locking mechanism is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichiro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8763749
    Abstract: An operating mechanism (178) for disengaging a cruise control lever (176) operatively engaged with a hydrostatic transmission of an off-road vehicle, the cruise control lever (176) rotatably mounted over a cruise shaft bracket (188) and capable of being acted upon by biasing and counter-biasing forces along a rotational axis of the cruise control lever (176), the operating mechanism (178) comprising, a first cable (226) and a second cable (228), the first and second cables (226, 228) coupled to LH and RH brake pedals (222, 224), respectively, via their one end and extending to be operatively coupled to a brake actuation linkage assembly (230) via their opposite end, a cable holding member (232) formed to have equilateral triangular ends and coplanarly arranged between the first and second cables (226, 228).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
    Inventors: Patil Lalit Sahebrao, Sakaleshpur Bhanuprakash Anumantha Rao, Bhagwat Vishwanath Vishnu
  • Patent number: 8755980
    Abstract: A vehicle with a transmission having a crankshaft and an output shaft. A clutch located between the output shaft and a drive wheel is engaged and disengaged according to a rotational speed of the output shaft. An idle speed control device performs idle speed control to adjust an idle rotational speed of an engine. An electronic control unit (ECU) suppresses or stops the idle speed control when the clutch is engaged, or when an abnormality in the transmission is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuichiro Sawada
  • Patent number: 8746395
    Abstract: An operator interface for advanced transmission control of a vehicle is disclosed. The operator interface may include a hand operated joystick mounted on a vehicle and a roller mounted on the joystick, the roller having at least two detents for providing at least four distinct states of speed control, the at least four distinct states including one or more increasing states and one or more decreasing states. In another embodiment, the roller of the operator interface may include at least one detent for providing at least three distinct states of speed control, the at least three distinct states including at least one increasing state, at least one decreasing state, and at least one other speed state provided in one of either an increasing state or a decreasing state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Ryan Frazier, David Allen Ober, Bryan Everett Copeland, Todd Bartholomew Smith, Shane C. McBride
  • Patent number: 8725596
    Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Joseph M. Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • Patent number: 8714296
    Abstract: In a vehicle input device having a position detection portion configured to output a detection signal and a controller (control section) configured to receive the detection signal, the position detection portion operated by a driver is provided near an end side of the vehicle input device, and a contact operation surface on which the driver performs a contact operation is an end surface of an operation member of the position detection portion. Thus, the driver is capable of operating the vehicle input device with a finger while holding a steering wheel. In addition, by the controller determining the position of an operation of the driver on the basis of the detection signal from the position detection portion, it is made possible to detect various operations and various devices can be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: ALPS Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Sano
  • Patent number: 8701819
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle and installment method are provided wherein the console is installed around a vehicle shifter assembly. The assembly includes a main body wherein the main body includes a shifter assembly mounted thereon, an elongated bracket mounted to the shifter assembly wherein the elongated bracket includes at least two protrusions, and a console assembly having at least two elongated portions wherein each of the elongated portions includes an inner wall. Attachment structures operable to accept the protrusions of the elongated bracket are mounted on the inner walls of the elongated portions of the center console. The center console having the at least two elongated portions is mounted over the shifter onto the elongated bracket allowing the at least two protrusions of the elongated bracket to attach to the means to accept the at least two protrusions thereby eliminating the need for any additional bolts or screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Anthony Porcs
  • Patent number: 8689923
    Abstract: A saddle riding vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a front wheel, a rear wheel, a power unit, a shift actuator, and an actuator guard. The power unit has a transmission and a shift mechanism for the transmission. The shift actuator is to actuate the shift mechanism and is attached to a lower portion of a side face of the power unit. The actuator guard is to protect the shift actuator from an obstacle and includes a guard frame and a guard member. The guard frame extends in a forward and backward direction of the saddle riding vehicle below the shift actuator. The guard frame is connected to the vehicle body frame. The guard member is connected to the guard frame and covers a lower face and an outer side face of the shift actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keisuke Kishikawa
  • Patent number: 8666613
    Abstract: A swing control system for a hybrid construction machine has a swing operating lever, an electric swing motor, a speed detection sensor which detects the rotary speed of a swing motor, a controller that calculates the driving speed of the swing motor by a swing operating signal created by the operation of the swing operating lever and by a detecting signal of the rotary speed, an inverter which drives the swing motor by a control signal from the controller, a swing inertia detector that detects the swing inertia of equipment and an inertia torque compensator which compares the torque compensation value in accordance with the equipment inertia, and outputs a calculated torque value for controlling the swing motor to the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Dong-Uk Choi
  • Patent number: 8579070
    Abstract: A speed changer lever and a lift lever are supported to a lever supporting structure that extends from the front end of an armrest disposed laterally of a driver's eat to the forward side of the vehicle body. A speed changer lever guide face portion is provided at a transversely inner portion of an upwardly oriented face of the lever supporting structure. A lift lever guide face portion is provided at a transversely outer portion of the upwardly oriented face of the ever supporting structure. The lift lever guide face portion is set at a disposing height lower than the speed changer lever guide face portion. An upper end of the lift lever is set at a disposing height lower than the upper end of the speed changer lever. A speed changer lever guide groove and a lift lever guide groove are disposed parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Keishiro Nishi, Akiyoshi Ono
  • Patent number: 8573350
    Abstract: A console assembly having a seal, such as a bead, operable to prevent water seeping though the opening from coming into contact with the electrical component is provided. A top panel of the console assembly includes an opening, and a stick shift disposed within the opening. The shifter housing is disposed within the center console is configured to hold an electrical component. An elongated member extends outwardly from the first shifter housing side wall towards the first cover wall. The seal is disposed above the electrical component. The seal is engaged between the first cover wall and the elongated member. A bead biases a portion of carpet against the side wall to retain the carpet in an upright position and prevent moisture from entering the shifter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Jeffrey John Pehler