Condition Responsive Control Patents (Class 475/254)
  • Patent number: 11754164
    Abstract: A gearwheel pair for a gear unit, comprising a first gear and a second gear, which can be meshed with one another, wherein the first gear consists entirely or partially of metal or plastic and the second spur gear comprises an outer part having a gear rim made of a first plastic and having a number of injection-molded portions, an inlay part made of metal, and a connecting part, which is arranged between the inlay part and the outer part and is made of a second plastic for the interlocked and/or materially-bonded connection of the inlay part and the outer part and further relates to the second spur gear per se, a gear unit having such a gearwheel pair, and a method for producing a second gear, which is used for such a gear unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: IMS Gear SE & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Matthias Koop, Stephan Oberle, Egor Melinkov, Eugen Stoppel, Sebastian Birk
  • Patent number: 11732788
    Abstract: A gear apparatus for controlling movement of an output by an input coupled to a power source. The apparatus an input member coupled to the input, an output member coupled to the output and the input member so that movement of the input member causes movement of the output, a selectably releasable member coupled to the input member and the output member, wherein the selectably releasable member remains in a fixed position while the input member and the output member move, and a releasable member brake mechanism coupled to the selectably releasable member, wherein the releasable member brake mechanism is arranged to prevent movement of the selectably releasable member when the input member and the output member move and to allow back driving of the selectably releasable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: WedgeRock LLC
    Inventor: Thomas C West
  • Patent number: 11692624
    Abstract: A shift device includes: a shift switching member including a plurality of valley portions corresponding to shift positions; a motor that includes a rotor and a stator and that is configured to drive the shift switching member; and a positioning member configured to establish the shift positions in a state in which the positioning member is fitted into any one of the plurality of valley portions of the shift switching member. The shift device is configured to learn the shift positions based on a change amount of a load torque applied to the motor while the positioning member is moved to continuously pass through the plurality of valley portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsuto Ogino, Kota Ishikawa, Kentaro Baba
  • Patent number: 11624438
    Abstract: A motor angle calculation unit acquires from a motor rotation angle sensor a motor rotation angle signal corresponding to a rotational position of the motor, and calculates a motor angle based on the motor rotation angle signal. An output shaft signal acquisition unit acquires, from an output shaft sensor that detects a rotational position of an output shaft, an output shaft signal corresponding to the rotational position of an output shaft. An abnormality determination unit determines abnormality in the output shaft sensor. A target angle setting unit sets a target rotation angle corresponding to a target shift range. A drive control unit controls driving of the motor so that the motor angle becomes a target rotation angle. The target angle setting unit sets the target rotation angle to different values when the output shaft sensor is normal and when the output shaft sensor is abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeru Kamio
  • Patent number: 11161562
    Abstract: A controlling device includes a storage device configured to store predetermined information about durability of a component of a man-powered vehicle, and a controller configured to control an indicator based on the predetermined information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yasunaga Kawasaki, Keiji Terashima, Daisuke Watanabe, Yoshiyuki Kasai, Hiroaki Takeshita, Taketoshi Sato, Takeshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 10975965
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a position learning system for an electric shift-by-wire system, which senses changes in the load of a motor according to operations of a four-stage detent plate and a detent spring to learn positions of shift stages of the electric shift-by-wire system, the position learning system including: a sensor for sensing the current generated from the motor; and a controller for receiving current data until a shift stage P is switched to a shift stage D or the shift stage D is switched to the shift stage P from the sensor, learning positions of shift stages R and N through the received current data, and performing offset operations on the basis of the learned positions of the shift stages R and N to learn positions of the shift stages P and D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: HYUNDAI AUTRON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyoung Sang Cho
  • Patent number: 10967863
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicle with a stepped automatic transmission has: a gradient acquiring part; a driving force calculating part; a future change estimating part; and a shift control part. The shift control part prohibits change of the gear stage when the speed of change of the speed or acceleration of the vehicle in the future if the maximum driving force applied, is within a reference range of speed of change where the occupants would not notice a change in speed or acceleration, and permits change of the gear stage when the speed of change of the speed or acceleration of the vehicle in the future if the maximum driving force applied, is outside the reference range of speed of change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takaaki Tokura, Hideki Takamatsu, Hirofumi Sato, Shojiro Suga, Katsumi Kono, Akira Hino, Masato Matsubara
  • Patent number: 10508725
    Abstract: A geared transmission unit in which flexibility in arrangements of shafts and members coupled to the shafts is enhanced. The geared transmission unit comprises: a pair of pinion gears having different teeth numbers that rotate integrally; a carrier that rotates while supporting the pinion gears in a rotatable manner; a fixed gear meshed with a first pinion gear; a first transmission gear arranged on an inner circumferential side of the carrier while being meshed with a second pinion gear; an external gear formed on an outer circumferential face of the carrier; and second transmission gears respectively meshing with the external gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Isono
  • Patent number: 10436312
    Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission, when hydraulically controlling the speed ratio of a belt type continuously variable transmission that transmits power from an engine to driving wheels by shifting or speed change, limits the shift speed to or below a predetermined value when an accelerator pedal is off and the engine rotational speed is at or below a predetermined speed. As a result, it is possible to avoid a driver from feeling uncomfortable when shifting with the accelerator off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daigo Kishi, Katsunori Satou
  • Patent number: 10190668
    Abstract: A method and system for bypassing a control valve that would otherwise disengage differential and/or inter-axle locking means. The bypass is achieved by a valve that can be actuated by a vehicle condition change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Brandt Road Rail Corporation
    Inventor: Josh Dumalski
  • Patent number: 10000195
    Abstract: A bicycle control apparatus is basically provided for controlling a bicycle having a drive assistance electric motor. The bicycle control apparatus includes a manual drive force detector, a state detector and a controller. The manual drive force detector is configured to detect a manual drive force. The state detector is configured to detect a state of the bicycle. The controller is programmed to execute calibration of the manual drive force detector upon the controller determining that a prescribed bicycle state condition exists after power of the bicycle control apparatus is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Junya Fujita, Etsuyoshi Watarai, Mitsuru Tauchi
  • Patent number: 9533673
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving transmission gear shifting of a hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods prepare the hybrid vehicle for conditions that may occur after a requested gear shift is performed. In one example, a motor speed that would occur after a downshift, if the downshift were allowed to occur, is determined and control actions may be taken in response to the predicted motor speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Matthew John Shelton, Felix Nedorezov, Todd McCullough, Mark Steven Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9400050
    Abstract: A method is provided for switching a drive of a hybrid vehicle from one operating mode to another operating mode. The drive includes an internal-combustion engine, at least one propulsion-generating electric machine and a transmission. The transmission can be shifted by a selecting device to be actuated by a driver into different operating states. The operating modes are distinguishable according to the ratio of drive power generated by the electric motor to the drive power generated by the internal-combustion engine. The drive is controlled by a drive control unit as a function of a drive prompt specified by the driver by an accelerator element and the selecting device, and according to different drive state and/or vehicle parameters. The drive is switchable from one operating mode to another operating mode by actuating the selecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Baumer, Julian Rothfuss
  • Patent number: 9376164
    Abstract: An electrically assisted vehicle includes a vehicle body, pedals to input human power, a crank that is coupled to the pedals and freely rotatably supported on the vehicle body, a wheel (i.e., at least one wheel) that is attached to the vehicle body and rotates according to a rotation of the crank, a first electric motor that is attached to the vehicle body and drives the wheel, a second electric motor that is attached to the vehicle body and drives the wheel or another wheel, a torque detection unit that detects a torque applied to the crank, a torque command value calculation unit, and a motor drive unit that drives the first electric motor and second electric motor according to a calculated torque command value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Fuminao Obayashi, Kazuto Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9346154
    Abstract: An electric handheld machine tool includes: a tool spindle driven by an electric motor; a gearing situated between the tool spindle and the electric motor; and a manually adjustable operating element which has an adjustment travel, the adjustment travel having at least two functional ranges. Upon switching over from a first functional range to a second functional range, a mechanical additional function of the gearing is mechanically connected. The operating element is configured as a part of a motor switching element for influencing the current through the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Heiko Roehm
  • Patent number: 9080657
    Abstract: A multi-ratio transmission system with parallel vertical and coaxial planet gears is provided, including: multiple planet gear sub-systems, a coupling assembly, a setting element, a setting element controller, an annular gear, a cylindrical casing, a sprocket and a central axle. The planet gear sub-systems are disposed coaxially in series along a first axis. Each of the planet gear sub-system includes a sun gear and at least one planet gear. The coupling assembly transmits the rotation between every two adjacent planet gear sub-systems. The setting element optionally engages with the sun gear. The annular gear is engaged to the planet gear and is installed onto a one-way clutch. The cylindrical casing encloses the planet gear sub-systems. The sprocket is installed onto the one-way clutch for connecting an external transmission system. The central axle enables the hollowed tube of the setting element controller to rotate around the central axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Cheng Ho Chen
  • Patent number: 8989970
    Abstract: There is disclosed a continuously variable ratio transmission assembly (“variator”) comprising a roller which transmits drive between a pair of races, the roller being movable in accordance with changes in variator ratio, a hydraulic actuator which applies a biasing force to the roller, at least one valve connected to the actuator through a hydraulic line to control pressure applied to the actuator and so to control the biasing force, and an electronic control which determines the required biasing force and sets the valve accordingly, wherein the valve setting is additionally dependent upon a rate of flow in the hydraulic line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: Stephen William Murray
  • Patent number: 8961354
    Abstract: An infinitely variable speed amplifier comprising a continuously variable unit (“variator”), two differential gear trains, and four shafts. Two of the shafts connect to opposite ends of the variator and to two connections of each differential gear train, respectively. The third connections of the first and second differential gear trains are connected to the input and output shafts respectively. Ratios and other parameters are chosen so that an acceptable range of transmission speeds can be achieved without the use of clutches while also minimizing the power crossing the variator. Furthermore, this invention includes a variant that is a compound infinitely variable speed amplifier that provides a wider performance range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: William Robert Brown
  • Patent number: 8905113
    Abstract: A door release mechanism includes a drop wheel coupled to a holding brake sprocket; a brake drive sprocket fixed to a drop wheel coupled with a governor; and a drop arm having a tooth to mesh with the drop wheel. The drop arm has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the drop arm prevents rotation of the brake drive sprocket; in the disengaged position, the drop arm allows rotation of the brake drive sprocket. The door release mechanism includes a second brake having a brake sprocket rotationally coupled to the brake drive sprocket. The second brake is configured to provide resistance to rotation of the brake sprocket in response to rotation of the brake sprocket exceeding a predetermined braking speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Overhead Door Coporation
    Inventors: Mark Daus, Alvin Eiterman
  • Patent number: 8827860
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The transmission input member is connected to a dry launch clutch. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are for example clutches and brakes. A hill hold control strategy is provided for locking the transmission without using the dry launch clutch by selectively engaging combinations of the clutches and brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 8790210
    Abstract: A power tool is provided with a device for automatically switching transmission output, including at least one stage of transmission part having a sun gear, a planetary gear carrier, and a gear ring for transmission, a sensing system having a sensing component for sensing variation of operating condition, and a control device cooperated with the sensing system for controlling the transmission output of the transmission part. A first transmission output is generated when the sun gear, the planetary gear carrier, and the gear ring in the same stage are in a first transmission state, and a second transmission output is generated when the variation of operating condition received by the sensing component reaches a predetermined value and then being fed back to the control device by the sensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Chervon (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Liang Chen, Zhi Zhang, Jiang Li
  • Patent number: 8696511
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying a rotational force to a structural element during a surgical procedure. The instrument may be designed for increasing an input force to produce an enlarged output force adequate for fracturing an excess section of the elongated element from a remainder of the structural element. The instrument may include an input mechanism that receives an external rotational input force, a planetary gear system that multiples the input force, and an output mechanism that attaches to and delivers the multiplied rotational output force to the excess section of the structural element. The output mechanism may also be configured to capture the separated excess section. The instrument may include a housing and a handle for grasping and manipulating during the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Steele, Thomas V. McGahan, Jacob R. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8639424
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to enable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on vehicle conditions. In addition, the system and method is configured to selectively actuate an accumulator to prime the transmission for a smooth restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Carlos E Marin, Casie M. Bockenstette, Zhen J. Zhang, Paul G. Otanez, James B. Borgerson
  • Patent number: 8397787
    Abstract: A door mechanism includes a bracket and a door shaft, rotationally mounted to the bracket, to operate a door. The door mechanism includes a gear assembly having a ring gear, set of planetary gears, sun gear, and drive sprocket. The ring gear fixed to the door shaft. The door mechanism includes a holding brake to counter the closing bias of the door. The door release has an engaged position in which rotation of the door shaft in the second direction is impeded by a first brake; and a disengaged position in which rotation of the door shaft in the second direction is unimpeded by the first brake. The door mechanism includes a link and a second brake. The link is configured to melt in response to a predetermined temperature. The second brake is configured to provide resistance in response to component rotation exceeding a predetermined speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Daus, Alvin R. Eiterman
  • Patent number: 8311712
    Abstract: A method of operating of a drivetrain, having at least a drive motor and an automatic transmission with at least five shift elements, to improve a shift speed such that during a first upshift or a first downshift, at least one required shift element is prepared such that, when a synchronization point is reached, the successive upshift or the successive downshift can be immediately carried out. The method comprises the steps of requiring, at most, two of the at least five shift elements be disengaged and a remainder of the shift elements be disengaged for each gear for transferring one of torque and force; and one of increasing and decreasing a torque of the drive motor, relative to a torque of the drive motor derived from a driver's wish, during one of the first upshift or downshift and the successive upshift or downshift to assist with an overlapped implementation of the successive upshifts or the successive downshifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Christian Popp
  • Patent number: 8285462
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission is operative to transfer torque between an input member and torque machines and an output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear and continuously variable operating range states through selective application of torque transfer clutches. The torque machines are operative to transfer power from an energy storage device. A method for controlling the hybrid transmission includes operating the hybrid transmission in one of the operating range states, determining a first set of internal system constraints on output torque transferred to the output member, determining a second set of internal system constraints on the output torque transferred to the output member, and determining an allowable output torque range that is achievable within the first set of internal system constraints and the second set of internal system constraints on the output torque transferred to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Tung-Ming Hsieh, Bin Wu
  • Publication number: 20120178578
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The transmission input member is connected to a dry launch clutch. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are for example clutches and brakes. A hill hold control strategy is provided for locking the transmission without using the dry launch clutch by selectively engaging combinations of the clutches and brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Publication number: 20120142484
    Abstract: A power tool is provided with a device for automatically switching transmission output, including at least one stage of transmission part having a sun gear, a planetary gear carrier, and a gear ring for transmission, a sensing system having a sensing component for sensing variation of operating condition, and a control device cooperated with the sensing system for controlling the transmission output of the transmission part. A first transmission output is generated when the sun gear, the planetary gear carrier, and the gear ring in the same stage are in a first transmission state, and a second transmission output is generated when the variation of operating condition received by the sensing component reaches a predetermined value and then being fed back to the control device by the sensing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: CHERVON (HK) LIMITED
    Inventors: Liang Chen, Zhi Zhang, Jiang Li
  • Publication number: 20110183805
    Abstract: A motor unit comprises a housing for containing a motor, a motor shaft for receiving a motor provided driving force, a torque sensor mechanism for detecting torque, and a controller for controlling power to the motor in response to a detected amount of torque. An actuator couples the torque sensor to a sensor of the controller. The actuator is configured to move relative to the controller sensor thereby causing the sensor to produce a signal indicative of the detected level of torque. The controller is contained within the housing of the motor. The motor unit may also have an auxiliary shaft for receiving an externally provided driving force with a first torque transmission path for transferring the externally provided driving force to a drive mechanism and a second torque transmission path for transferring the motor provided driving force to said drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Yet Chan
  • Patent number: 7983824
    Abstract: A method for operation of a drivetrain including a drive motor and an automatic transmission having at least five shift elements, of which, at least two elements are disengaged in each forward and reverse gear and the other shift elements are engaged. Two successive shifts are accomplished by two overlapped single gear shifts such that: a) during the first shift, a first shift element is engaged or disengaged while a second shift element is disengaged or engaged; b) during the first shift, second and third shift elements are prepared for either engagement or disengagement; and c) during the first and the second shifts at least one fourth shift element is kept engaged or nearly engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Christian Popp
  • Publication number: 20110036188
    Abstract: A robot arm has: a drive gear that has a shaft; a gear frame being capable of turning about the shaft of the drive gear; a first follower gear being capable of turning, in synchronization with the drive gear, about a shaft fixed to the gear frame, in a direction opposite to the turning direction of the drive gear; a transmission control mechanism that is capable of locking the first follower gear to the drive gear; an arm that moves in synchronization with the first follower gear; and a collision detection unit that is capable of detecting a collision between the arm and an obstacle. The transmission control mechanism unlocks the follower gear from the drive gear in response to detection, by the collision detection unit, of collision between the arm and the obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Soichiro Fujioka, Osamu Mizuno, Yoshihiko Matsukawa, Akinobu Okuda, Tsuyoshi Tojo, Rie Takahashi, Tohru Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20110021307
    Abstract: A rotary actuator comprises a planetary gear assembly having a sun gear, a drive input, and a drive transmission arrangement whereby rotary drive is transmitted between the drive input and the sun gear, wherein the drive transmission arrangement incorporates a brake device operable to apply a braking load to the sun gear in the event that the torque applied to the drive transmission arrangement in at least a first rotary direction exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Harlow Davies
  • Patent number: 7873457
    Abstract: A power transfer assembly for use in a four-wheel drive vehicle has a torque transfer mechanism equipped with a power-operated clutch actuator for controlling adaptive engagement of a friction clutch and a control system for controlling actuation of the clutch actuator. The control system and its method of operation are adapted to control actuation of the clutch actuator based on whether the vehicle is operating in an engine drive mode or an engine coast/braking mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: MAGNA Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Thomas Christöfl, Martin Parigger, Andreas Teuschel
  • Patent number: 7827875
    Abstract: An automatic transmission consisting of a planetary gear unit comprising in combination an input shaft (1), an input gear (2), a key planet gear (3), an output gear (4), an output shaft (5), a bearing planet gear (6), a rotating frame (7), a rotor (8), wherein the planet shaft is the rotor (8) having a certain inertia moment, so its revolving is equivalent to the precession of a gyroscope due to an external force wherein the precession-production external force is the load acting on the output shaft (5). Hence the revolutionary speed of the rotor (8) varies depending upon changes in the output load and the same holds true for the rotational speed of the output shaft (5), which makes the speed ratio spontaneously vary with changes in the outpot load. Accordingly, the transmission of the present invention operates at speed ratios spontaneously varying with changes in load, without any controlling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Guardian Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Chol Lim, Gi Hun Han, Gi Hyok Han
  • Publication number: 20090250276
    Abstract: Hybrid-electric vehicle are described herein and comprises: an electric motor, at least one battery pack, at least one capacitor bank, at least one generator, at least one engine, and a controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the at least one battery pack, the at least one capacitor bank and the at least one engine. Power systems are also disclosed, wherein the power systems include: at least one battery pack, at least one capacitor bank, at least one generator, and a controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the at least one battery pack, the at least one capacitor bank and the at least one generator. In addition, modified gear boxes are disclosed that include: an epicyclic roller arrangement and a control mechanism coupled to an output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Johnathan Goodwin, Uli Kruger, Neil Young
  • Patent number: 7532968
    Abstract: A vehicle driving force control apparatus is provided to prohibit a change in a shift schedule that will cause insufficient power generation of a generator that supplies power to an electric motor to drive a first drive wheel. The vehicle driving force control apparatus has a shift schedule change section, a power sufficiency determining section and a shift schedule change prohibit section. The shift schedule change section is configured to change a shift schedule of a transmission of the main drive source. The power sufficiency determining section is configured to determine whether generated power of the generator will be insufficient by a change in the shift schedule by the shift schedule change section, when an electromotive force of the generator is driving the electric motor that supplies torque to the first drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Kadota
  • Patent number: 7507177
    Abstract: Transmission method and arrangement for distributing tractive force in a vehicle between a first transmission branch (28a) and a second transmission branch (30). The transmission branches are connected to one another by way of a fork (28b) and one transmission branch (28a) is directly connectable to at least one wheel contact surface. The second transmission branch (30) is connected to the fork (28b) by way of a control unit (19), which is provided with control means (27) for varying the transmission ratio in this branch (30). The invention furthermore relates to a vehicle having at least two driving wheels (16, 16b, 17, 17b, 18, 18b) and the transmission arrangement specified above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Articulated Haulers AB
    Inventor: Karl-Erik Olsson
  • Patent number: 7186201
    Abstract: A system and method for actively decelerating a combine rotor is provided. The system includes an electronic control system configured to disengage the combine rotor from an engine, to brake the combine rotor at a first deceleration rate for a first time interval, and to subsequently brake the combine rotor at another deceleration rate until the rotor is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John G. Brome, Douglas L. Wolken, Nicholas J. Laufenberg
  • Patent number: 7137920
    Abstract: Transmission method and arrangement for distributing tractive force in a vehicle between a first transmission branch (28a) and a second transmission branch (30). The transmission branches are connected to one another by way of a fork (28b) and one transmission branch (28a) is directly connectable to at least one wheel contact surface. The second transmission branch (30) is connected to the fork (28b) by way of a control unit (19), which is provided with control means (27) for varying the transmission ratio in this branch (30). The invention furthermore relates to a vehicle having at least two driving wheels (16, 16b, 17, 17b, 18, 18b) and the transmission arrangement specified above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Volvo Articulated Haulers AB
    Inventor: Karl-Erik Olsson
  • Patent number: 6878085
    Abstract: In a differential limiting torque control section, a target differential rotation speed between front and rear drive shafts is established according to a dial position inputted by a driver of a variable dial. Further, an actual differential rotation speed between front and rear drive shafts is calculated and a deviation between the target differential rotation speed and the actual differential rotation speed is calculated. Based on the deviation, a first differential limiting torque and based on a dial position of a variable dial a second differential limiting torque are calculated. Further, a third differential limiting torque is calculated based on the dial position and a throttle opening angle. A final differential limiting torque between front and rear drive shafts is obtained by summing up these first, second and third differential limiting torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Matsuno
  • Patent number: 6799109
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus including an engine, an automatic transmission, a hydraulic servo, a mechanical oil pump, an electric oil pump and a controller that controls driving of the electric oil pump and generates a standby pressure supplied to the hydraulic servo based upon a driving state of the mechanical oil pump, wherein the standby pressure is set less than a line pressure generated based upon driving the mechanical oil pump during idling and equal to or greater than an engagement starting pressure by which the friction engagement element starts transmitting a torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinori Nakamori, Takehiko Suzuki, Satoru Wakuta, Takeshi Inuzuka
  • Publication number: 20040097323
    Abstract: A torque biasing assembly, such as for use in a vehicle, to selectively resist relative rotation between a casing and first driven shaft. The torque biasing assembly includes the casing, the first driven shaft, first and second torque biasing mechanisms, and a pressure control system communicating with the biasing mechanisms. The first and second biasing mechanisms are each operatively connected to the casing and the first driven shafts and are operable in an engaged condition to impede rotation of the first driven shaft relative to the casing as well as a disengaged position. The pressure control system is configured to selectively communicate pressurized fluid to the torque biasing mechanisms to position the torque biasing assembly in a no-biasing state, first biasing state, and a second biasing state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Xiaohong N. Duan
  • Publication number: 20040048715
    Abstract: A planetary gear device (1) includes a first, a second, and a third ring-shaped member (10, 20, 30) that are concentrically arranged in that order from the inside. A sun gear (4) is coaxially fixed to an end surface of the first ring-shaped member (10), planet shafts (61 to 64) of planet gears (6-1 to 6-4) are supported on an end surface of the ring-shaped member (20), and an internal gear (2) is coaxially fixed to an end surface of the third ring-shaped member (30). A first cross roller bearing (40) is formed between the first and second ring-shaped members (10, 20) and a second cross roller bearing (50) is formed between the second and third ring-shaped members (20, 30). Each member is arranged concentrically on a plane that is perpendicular to the device axis (1a), so that an planetary gear device that is extremely slim in the device axial direction can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Naomi Shirasawa
  • Patent number: 6607463
    Abstract: Disclosed is a malfunction method and system for an output shaft rpm sensor of a transmission. The method comprises the steps of: detecting output shaft rpm of a transmission by the output shaft rpm sensor, and detecting vehicle speed by a vehicle speed sensor; determining whether malfunction conditions, which indicate a malfunction in the output shaft rpm sensor, are satisfied based on the output shaft rpm and the vehicle speed; performing stand-by for a predetermined stand-by time if the malfunction conditions are satisfied; determining whether there is a malfunction in the output shaft rpm sensor using the detected output shaft rpm; and generating malfunction codes if it is determined that there is a malfunction in the output shaft rpm sensor. The system comprises a vehicle state detector for performing detection of various drive states and operations of elements of a vehicle, and outputting corresponding signals, and an ECU for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Byeong-Wook Jeon
  • Patent number: 6503170
    Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission which prevents an automatic transmission from executing a “busy-shift” caused by a lower gear ratio of the highest gear, and which reduces revolutions of a driving power source at high speed. The control device includes an automatic shift mode, an independent manual shift mode, and a highest gear control means. The automatic shift mode automatically determines a gear ratio of the automatic transmission on the basis of a driving condition of a vehicle having the automatic transmission. The manual shift mode determines a gear ratio of the automatic transmission by a driver's intention. The highest gear control means controls the automatic transmission, so that the smallest gear ratio set by the manual shift mode is smaller than the smallest gear ratio set by the automatic shift mode. If the gear ratio of the highest gear of the automatic shift mode is not so small, a shift caused by a change of a driving condition does not easily occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Tabata
  • Publication number: 20020147067
    Abstract: An automatic transmission system for a vehicle is comprised of a shift-by-wire system which converts a selected command operation range of a range selector into an electric signal and which changes an actual operation range of an automatic transmission into the selected command operation range by driving an actuator according to the electric signal. A lock mechanism restricts the operation of the range selector when the shift-by-wire system is electrically turned off regardless the present operation range of the range selector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yamauchi, Kenichiro Murakami, Satoshi Sakakibara
  • Publication number: 20020094906
    Abstract: An automatic bicycle shifting system for automatically controlling the shifting of a bicycle transmission based upon a plurality of wheel speeds selected by rider. The system includes a controller that operates a shifting mechanism such as an internal gear hub system. The system operates in three modes: a setting mode, an automatic mode, and a manual mode. The rider selects the plurality of wheel speeds by manually shifting the bicycle at desired bicycle speeds during the setting mode. The controller stores a bicycle speed each time the rider manually shifts the bicycle during the setting mode in its memory. The stored bicycle speeds are then used by the controller to shift the bicycle during the automatic mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Brian T. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6419606
    Abstract: A drive assembly is operable to move control surfaces on wings of an aircraft. The drive assembly may include a gear reduction assembly which is driven by a pair of motors. The drive assembly has output members which are connected with the control surfaces on the wings of the aircraft. Torque limiting brake assemblies are operable between an engaged condition in which they are effective to prevent rotation of output members and a disengaged condition in which the brake assemblies are ineffective to prevent rotation of the output members. Actuator assemblies are connected with the torque limiting brake assemblies. The actuator assemblies are operable to effect operation of the torque limiting brake assemblies from a disengaged condition to an engaged condition in response to transmission of predetermined torques through the actuator assemblies to the output members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred K. Tengan, Da-Yu Hsu
  • Publication number: 20020019287
    Abstract: An automatic transmission including an electric actuator, a shift operating unit, rotation position detecting means, a locating unit for locating a manual shaft, and a controlling unit for driving and controlling the actuator is constructed of an electric current detecting unit for detecting a driving current of the actuator, a shifting position calculating unit for calculating a shifting position of the manual shaft on the basis of detection by the electric current detecting unit of a change in the driving current of the actuator at the time when a detent pin gets over a convex to be fitted in a predetermined concave in shifting, and a rotation position detection learning unit for learning a relation between the shifting position calculated by the shifting position calculating unit and an output value of the rotation position detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: Niles Part Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Ebashi, Tomoyuki Ohata
  • Patent number: 6213908
    Abstract: A gear type automated torque converter used to provide a continuously variable minimum torque required in a transmission system subject to the changing of the loading is provided. The gear type automated torque converter includes a torque changing main unit formed of a drive gear set to receive an input power, the drive gear set including a differential gear system, a left gear at the left side, and a right gear at the right side; and a feedback gear mechanism formed of a plurality of feedback gear sets arranged in pair in force couples, the feedback gear sets each including a differential gear system, a left gear at the left side, and a right gear at the right side, the output rotational speed of the feedback gear mechanism and the input rotational speed of the torque changing main unit are equal, enabling the power at the feedback gear mechanism be fed back to the torque main unit through a converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Hao Pang Hsiao