Abstract: To provide a simple-structured cam clutch that does not require precise control, uses a smaller drive force, provides improved clutch operation stability and high responsiveness, and offers more mode switch options. The cam clutch includes a plurality of cams circumferentially arranged between an inner race and an outer race. The cams are arranged in a plurality of rows adjacent each other in a direction of rotation axis. The cam clutch has a selector that allows a rotation angle thereof to be controlled relative to the inner race or the outer race. The selector has a cam orientation control surface capable of changing the orientation of at least one row of cams by making contact with a cam surface. The cam orientation control surface includes a cam release portion radially protruded toward the cams more than a cam actuator portion and moving the cams to a non-operating orientation.

Abstract: A drive system includes a motor having a rotatable output shaft that is operably coupled to a lead screw by a transmission that converts rotary output of the motor into linear translation of the lead screw. The drive system further includes a position sensor configured to sense a position of the lead screw. A method for determining a backlash of the drive system includes the steps of sensing an initial position and driving the lead screw in a first direction to a calculated second position by controlling the motor to rotate the output shaft an amount that corresponds to a distance between the initial position and the calculated second position. The method further includes the steps of sensing an actual second position of the lead screw; and determining a backlash value according to a difference between the calculated second position and the actual second position.

Abstract: A method of operating a dual bidirectional input to single bidirectional output transmission is disclosed. The method includes providing said transmission. The method includes activating a computer controller capable of receiving torque data signals from a first bidirectional torque input, a second bidirectional torque input, and a single bidirectional torque output. The method includes determining torque input from said first and second bidirectional torque input, and determining whether to transmit torque to said single bidirectional torque output. In cases where it is so determined, the method involves transmitting torque to said single bidirectional torque output.

Abstract: A drive axle of a vehicle includes an electric motor having an output shaft. At least one of a gear and a planetary gear set is operably connected to the output shaft of the electric motor. The at least one of the gear and the planetary gear set is operably connected to a differential configured to transfer torque to two axle half shafts of the vehicle. At least one clutch configured to facilitate a plurality of gear ratios between the electric motor and the differential.

Abstract: There is disclosed an aircraft engine assembly including an engine having an engine shaft; an output shaft; a clutch in driving engagement between the engine shaft and the output shaft. The clutch has a first component in driving engagement with the engine shaft and a second component. The clutch is operable between first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the first component is rotatable relative to the second component and the engine shaft is rotatable relative to the output shaft. In the second configuration, the first and second components are engaged with one another and the engine shaft rotates with the output shaft. A mechanical lock is operable between first and second positions. In the first position, the mechanical lock is disengaged from the first component. In the second position, the first and second components are secured for joint rotation one relative to the other.

Abstract: A drive device includes a drive machine, such as an electric motor, gear reduction planetary gear sets, and a differential. One of the gear reduction planetary gear sets utilizes multi-step planetary gears. The differential is a spur gear differential. To reduce axial length, one of the gearwheels of each multi-step planetary gears axially overlaps with planetary gears of the spur gear differential.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an output member, and first and second simple planetary gear sets. The planetary gear sets each have a first, a second, and a third member including a sun gear, carrier, and ring gear member. The drive unit includes a single electric machine operable as a motor and having a rotor connected to rotate in unison with and drive the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set. An interconnecting member connects the second member of the first planetary gear set to rotate in unison with the first member of the second planetary gear set. The third member of the first planetary gear set or the second member of the second planetary gear set is continuously grounded to the stationary member or operatively connected to be driven by an engine. The third member of the second planetary gear set is continuously operatively connected to the output member.

Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device including a crank type continuously variable transmission mechanism is provided with a forward/reverse switching mechanism disposed between an output shaft and a driven wheel, a transmission shaft relatively rotatably fitted around an outer periphery of the output shaft, an auxiliary power transmission device configured to provide a connection between an input shaft and the transmission shaft, a first outer peripheral spline provided on the transmission shaft, second and third outer peripheral splines provided on the output shaft, an inner peripheral spline that can switch between a first state, a second state, and a third state, and a second one-way clutch provided between the output shaft and the second outer peripheral spline and that is engaged when a rotational speed of the output shaft exceeds a rotational speed of the second outer peripheral spline.

Abstract: A powered square baler is operable to form a bale by compressing loose material. The powered square baler broadly includes a chassis, a plunger assembly, and a plunger drive. The chassis includes a baler frame that presents a baling chamber to receive the loose material. The plunger assembly includes a reciprocating plunger head and a pair of connecting arms attached to the plunger head. The reciprocating plunger head is slidably mounted relative to the frame and is operable to reciprocate into and out of the chamber and apply a compressive force to the loose material. The plunger drive includes a pair of planetary gear trains and a common drive shaft that powers both of the gear trains, with each gear train drivingly connected to a corresponding one of the connecting arms to cooperatively power the plunger assembly.

Abstract: A drive mechanism effects a rotary power output in a selected one of opposite first and second power output directions in response to a reciprocating power input resulting from substantially linear forces applied to the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes input bevel gears meshed with corresponding output bevel gears coupled to a common power output shaft through clutches that effect a rotary power output at the power output shaft in response to the reciprocating power input from the substantially linear forces. Opposite crank arms are coupled with the input bevel gears such that each crank arm is advanced by an applied substantially linear force, and is retracted upon advancement of the opposite crank arm. A selector enables selection of either one of the opposite directions of rotation of the power output shaft, without requiring a change in the manner in which the linear force input is applied.

Abstract: A planetary gear (1, 20, 30, 40) for variable transmission, particularly a planetary gear for variable transmission towards a tail rotor of a helicopter. At least one gear set (s1, s2, s3, s4) of a sun gear (w4, w6, 21) comprises a ring gear (w1, w7), planetary wheels (2, 22, 32) and a planet carrier (w2, w3, w8). At least one clutch (k, K1, K2) and at least one freewheel (Fl, FL1, FL2) are provided for at least two different speeds of the planet carrier (w2, w3, w8) as output.

Abstract: After an engine starts, a rotation speed of the engine is fed back to a target rotation speed that is defined in response to requested power for the engine. In addition, by operating a gear ratio of a CVT, a rotation speed of an output side of a one-way bearing is fed back to the target rotation speed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transmission comprising: a first driving source configured to provide a rotational force and having a first input shaft; a second driving source configured to provide the rotational force and having a second input shaft; a planetary gear unit including a sun gear, a planetary gear and a ring gear, two of the sun gear, the planetary gear and the ring gear being connected to each of the first input shaft and the second input shaft, and the remaining one being connected to an output shaft; a first one-way clutch disposed between the first driving source and the planetary gear unit; and a second one-way clutch disposed between the second driving source and the planetary gear unit, wherein the first direction and the second direction are set such that the output shaft of the planetary gear unit is rotated in the same direction.

Abstract: A drive device having at least one electric machine, a gearbox, a differential which can be driven by the electric machine by means of the gearbox, at least one torque-fixed first operative connection between a first drive shaft of the electric machine and the gearbox.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to vehicle gearing systems, especially those used in electric bicycles, but may also be used in other dual propulsion vehicles such as hybrid cars. The vehicle gearing system comprises a first rotational input, a second rotational input and a rotational output. The first rotational input and second rotational input may transmit a rotation to the rotational output, wherein one of the first rotational input and second rotational input is connected to the rotational output through a one way clutch, and wherein the other of the first rotational input and second rotational input is connected to the rotational output through an overrunning clutch, wherein said one way clutch and said overrunning clutch are rotationally coupled.

Abstract: A hybrid module for a drive train of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a transmission. The hybrid module operates between the internal combustion engine and the transmission and has an electric drive, a clutch, and a freewheel, and the clutch and the freewheel are provided parallel to each other in order to transmit torque from the internal combustion engine toward the transmission, the freewheel transmits torque coming from the internal combustion engine to the transmission and opens for torque directed in the opposite direction, and a portion of the torque produced by the internal combustion transmitted by the freewheel can be set by setting a torque that can be transmitted by the clutch so that the vehicle can be driven by the internal combustion engine or the electric drive or both at the same time.

Abstract: One-way clutches OWC1 and OWC2 are provided on output sides of transmissions TM1 and TM2, and the transmissions TM1 and TM2 mechanically lock when the output member 121 of the one-way clutches OWC1 and OWC2 is reversely rotated to the backward side. Clutch mechanisms CL1 and CL2 are interposed between the output member 121 and a driving target member 11 connected to a driving wheel 2. According to uphill start conditions, a controller 5 makes any one of the clutch mechanisms CL1 and CL2 enter ON state when a vehicle-backward-movement prevention control is determined to be required and the controller 5 makes the clutch mechanisms CL1 and CL2 enter OFF state when the vehicle-backward-movement prevention control is determined to be not required. Thus, it is possible to provide a vehicle driving system capable of performing a hill hold assist function with a simple control.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for a vehicle is provided which is equipped with a power split device and a speed variator. The power transmission device is designed to set a speed ratio of speed of rotation of an output of a power source to speed of rotation of a driven wheel in a power circulation mode of a power split device to lie within one of a positive range in which a sign of the speed ratio is positive and a negative range in which a sign of the speed ratio is negative. This results in a decrease in degree of torque acting on the speed variator such as a continuously variable transmission, thus permitting a required degree of durability of the speed variator to be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is a powertrain for a hybrid type motor vehicle comprising an electric machine (22), a thermal engine (10), a speed variation device (14) including an engine epicyclic gear train (26) with a sun gear (36) and a crown (50), each connected to shaft (12) of thermal engine (10) by a controlled clutch (28, 30) and to a fixed portion (48) of the vehicle by a one-way coupling (32, 34), and a motion transmission track (120, 122) for motion transmission to a drive axle (16). The powertrain comprises another epicyclic gear train (96) connecting engine epicyclic gear train (26) to said motion transmission track (120, 122).

Abstract: A rear-wheel drive system includes motors for generating driving force to drive a vehicle, hydraulic brakes on power transmission lines between the motors and rear wheels switching a motors side and a wheels side to a connected state or a disconnected state, an ECU controlling the motors and the brakes and a one-way clutch in parallel with the hydraulic brakes on the transmission line configured to be engaged when a forward rotational power on the motors side is inputted into the wheels side and disengaged when a backward rotational power on the motors side is inputted into the wheels side and vice versa. The ECU causes the hydraulic brakes to be applied so as to put the motors side and the wheels side in the connected state when the forward rotational power on the motors side is inputted into the wheels side.

Abstract: A regenerative brake device for a vehicle includes an output shaft (14) of a combustion engine (4), an input shaft (27) of a gearbox (8), an electrical machine (6) having a stator (24) and a rotor (26), and a planetary gear (10) which comprises a sunwheel (18), a ring gear (20) and a planet wheel carrier (22). The engine output shaft (14) is disconnectably connectable to the planetary gear (10) by a movable piston (16) which in a first position connects the engine output shaft (14) to the planetary gear (10) and in a second position disconnects the gearbox input shaft from the planetary gear. Also a method for regenerative braking of a vehicle (1) for such a regenerative brake device (2) is disclosed.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A drive unit for an electric bicycle, the drive unit including a motor configured to generate a rotary force to drive a wheel of the electric bicycle, a reduction gear unit provided with a plurality of gears to decelerate a rotary force generated from the motor, and a ring gear configured to output the rotary force which is decelerated by the reduction gear, wherein a rib is formed on at least one of two lateral sides of the ring gear.

Abstract: A method for assisting a transmission oil pump in a hybrid electric powertrain to generate transmission oil pressure rapidly during vehicle start. An electric motor is initially utilized to provide momentary torque to rotate an oil pump and rapidly generate transmission oil pressure. After initial assistance is provided by the electric motor, an oil pump electric motor powers the oil pump and maintains oil pressure within the hybrid powertrain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power transmitting device capable of streamlined structure and control, as well as alleviating energy loss. The device comprises a planetary gear device wherein motive power of an engine and a motor is inputted from a first element and a second element; and a first clutch that transmits, in an interruptible manner, motive power from a second shaft that is linked to the second element, to a first shaft that is linked to a third element and an input shaft, while interrupting motive power from the first shaft or the input shaft to the second shaft. It is possible to switch motive power of the engine and the motor with motive power transmission switching by the first clutch, thus allowing streamlining of structure and control.

Abstract: A driveline for a vehicle is provided. The driveline includes a power source, a planetary gearset, a lockout clutch, a transmission, and a kinetic energy recovery system. The planetary gearset includes a sun gear, a carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably disposed thereon, and a ring gear. The power source is in driving engagement with a portion of the planetary gearset. The lockout clutch is capable of placing the planetary gearset in a locked out condition. The transmission is in driving engagement with another portion of the planetary gearset. The kinetic energy recovery system includes an accessory clutch and a flywheel. The accessory clutch facilitates driving engagement between the flywheel and another portion of the planetary gearset. The lockout clutch and the accessory clutch are selectively engaged to facilitate a transfer of energy to and from the transmission and the flywheel.

Abstract: A transmission for operating an auxiliary assembly in a drivetrain of a hybrid vehicle, includes a first sun gear rotatable about a main axis on a drive input side of the transmission, a first planet gear in engagement with the first sun gear on the drive input side of the transmission, a second planet gear on a drive output side of the transmission and mounted with the first planet gear on a common shaft, and a second sun gear in engagement with the second planet gear on the drive output side of the transmission, for coupling to the auxiliary assembly. The first planet gear is connected to the shaft by a first freewheel, which generates a rotationally conjoint connection when the first planet gear overruns in a first direction of rotation, and generates a freewheeling connection when the first planet gear overruns in a second, opposite direction of rotation.

Abstract: An automobile driving system includes an engine and a transmission. The transmission includes a variable gear ratio mechanism and a gear ratio of the transmission can be set to infinity. A one-way clutch is provided at an output portion of the transmission. At a time of a engine stopping controller controlling to stop the engine, a transmission-and-control device uses inertia from the engine up to an input member of the one-way clutch as assisting force for driving operations of the variable gear ratio mechanism to change the gear ratio at the transmission to infinity or close to infinity, before the engine actually stops.

Abstract: An electrically-operated two wheeled vehicle provided with a swing unit which pivotally supports a drive wheel WR. The swing unit includes: a first rotary electric machine having a first rotor; a second rotary electric machine having a second rotor; and a planetary gear mechanism which combines a rotational drive force of the first and second rotors to each other and transmits a product of rotational drive forces to a drive wheel WR in a state where a rotational speed is increased. The first and second rotary electric machines are arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle such that an axis Ax2 of the second rotor is positioned in front of an axis Ax1 of the first rotor along the vehicle body. This arrangement prevents a height position of a lower surface of a swing unit from becoming excessively low.

Abstract: A power plant which is capable of enhancing the driving efficiency and the power-generating efficiency thereof. A rotating machine includes a first rotor having a magnetic pole row that has each two adjacent magnetic poles, a stator having an armature row that is disposed in a manner opposed to the magnetic pole row, for generating a rotating magnetic field between the armature row and the magnetic pole row by a predetermined plurality of armature magnetic poles, and a second rotor having a soft magnetic material element row that is formed by a plurality of soft magnetic material elements arranged in a manner spaced from each other. The ratio between the number of the armature magnetic poles, the number of the magnetic poles, and the number of the soft magnetic material elements is set to 1:m:(1+m)/2 (m?1.0).

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle having a locking mechanism in which a play elimination process is required in the locking, a torque shock in the play elimination is reduced. In a hybrid vehicle 1 having a locking mechanism 700 which is a cam-lock type engaging apparatus, an ECU 100 performs MG1 locking control. In the control, play is formed between a cam 710 and a clutch plate 720 of the locking mechanism 700. The formed play is gradually reduced such that the torque shock in the play elimination does not occur due to the phase control of the cam 710, on the basis of an initial value of the amount of the play when the clutch plate 720 is bought into contact with a friction part 733 and a play elimination amount G.

Abstract: A system for operating a hybrid vehicle that includes a chargeable energy storage device, a single dynamo (motor/generator combination) an internal combustion engine, and a torque coupling device configured to variably couple the engine to the dynamo. The torque coupling device is such that using only a single dynamo, the system is able to operate in different modes expected of hybrid vehicles, such as: electric drive only, engine drive only, electric and engine drive combined, and charging of the chargeable energy storage device.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes first and second torque machines, a differential gear set including first, second and third elements, an output member, and first, second, and third selectable one-way clutches (SOWC). The first SOWC is configurable to prevent rotation of the third element of the differential gear set in a first rotational direction when controlled to a first activated state, and configurable to prevent rotation of the third element of the differential gear set in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction when controlled to a second activated state. The first torque machine is coupled to the third element of the differential gear set only when the second SOWC is controlled to one of the activated states. And, the third element of the differential gear set is coupled to the input member only when the second and third SOWCs are each controlled to one of the activated states.

Abstract: For the penetrating shaft type planetary gear train with bidirectional input and one-way output, the planetary gear train and one-way transmission integrate to constitute the planetary gear train, in which the driven rotary direction of the input shaft of the gear train with bidirectional input and one-way output is changed, and the output rotary direction of the output shaft is constant.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine, a transmission with an input member driven by the engine, and an output member. An electric motor is operable to drive the input member. The transmission has an electrically-actuated one-way clutch with a neutral mode in which the clutch freewheels in both directions of rotation, and a locked mode in which the clutch is locked in one direction of rotation. The transmission also has a hydraulically-actuated dual-piston clutch with a spring that biases the dual-piston clutch to an engaged state. The one-way clutch is in the neutral mode and the spring biases the dual-piston clutch to the engaged state prior to a key start of the engine. The one-way clutch is actuated to the locked state following ignition of the engine after a key start, and remains in the locked state during an autostop of the engine.

Abstract: A motor transmission apparatus is provided between a transmission output shaft coupled to a drive wheel and a motor shaft coupled to a motor/generator. The motor transmission apparatus includes a first power transmission path that is switched to a power transmission condition by a high clutch having a clutch oil chamber, and a second power transmission path that is switched to a power transmission condition by a low brake having a brake oil chamber. Working oil discharged from an oil pump is guided to an oil passage switching valve via an output control valve. The working oil is distributed to one of the clutch oil chamber and the brake oil chamber by the oil passage switching valve, and therefore interlocking, in which the high clutch and the low brake are engaged simultaneously, can be avoided.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a transmission and a transmission fluid pump for transport of transmission oil to and within the transmission. The transmission fluid pump has a moving element which is coupled to a summation shaft of a planetary gear train. The planetary gear train has a ring gear which is operated by a first drive, and a sun gear which is operated by a second drive. A freewheel mechanism is arranged between the sun gear or a shaft connected to the sun gear and a further element so that the second drive can be switched off, when the first drive operates at high speeds while yet maintaining proper operation of the transmission fluid pump.

Abstract: A transmission is configured to transfer power between an input member, first and second torque machines and an output member and includes a transmission case, a differential gear set, first and second torque transfer clutches, a first torque machine rotatably operatively couplable to a first element of the differential gear set when the second torque transfer clutch is in an applied state, and a second torque machine rotatably operatively coupled to a second element of the differential gear set. The differential gear set is configured to transfer torque between the first torque machine and the output member in a first continuously variable mode when the first torque transfer clutch is in the applied state, and to transfer torque between the first and second torque machines and the output member in a second continuously variable mode when the second torque transfer clutch is in the applied state.

Abstract: A transmission for use in an electrically-driven bicycle and/or a scooter is disclosed, in which the transmission coupled with a motor is embedded together with the motor in a hub of a rear or front wheel. According to the transmission and a transmission method, the power generated from the motor or a pedal is outputted through a transmission device to a hub shell of the wheel. The output of the motor or other output of the motor which is subject to a reduction unit is used as the input of the transmission device. The ring gear and the hub shell are connected to each other with an output pawl, so that the power cannot be reversely inputted when the hub shell is rotated with a higher speed than the ring gear.

Abstract: A coupling system includes a dynamoelectric device selectively operable as either a generator or an electric motor, a gas turbine engine, a main differential operably connected between the dynamoelectric device and the gas turbine engine, a rotationally powered accessory engaged with the main differential, an epicyclic start differential operatively connected to the main differential, and a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism is configured for selectively braking the epicyclic start differential when the dynamoelectric device operates as an electric motor to direct torque transmission to the gas turbine engine, and is further configured to cease braking the epicyclic start differential when the dynamoelectric device operates as a generator such that the main differential transmits torque to power the rotationally powered accessory and to the dynamoelectric device.

Abstract: A motor unit comprises a motor shaft for receiving a motor provided driving force and an auxiliary shaft for receiving an externally provided driving force. A first torque transmission path transfers the externally provided driving force to a drive mechanism and a second torque transmission path transfers the motor provided driving force also to said drive mechanism. A first one way drive means is provided in the first torque transmission path between the auxiliary shaft and the drive mechanism such that when the drive mechanism is being driven by the motor provided driving force through the second torque transmission path, the auxiliary shaft is able to freewheel. The motor unit can drive any apparatus, but may be used in a pedal driven apparatus such as a bicycle where the externally provided driving force is provided by manually operable pedals of said apparatus which are fixed for rotation with the auxiliary shaft.

Abstract: A power unit includes: an energy dispensing/synthesizing system in which a first body of rotation is connected to an output shaft of a prime mover and a second body of rotation is connected to a driven unit via a first power transmission path; a first power transmission system selectively operable between an operating state for enabling power transmission in the first power transmission path and an operating state for disconnecting the power transmission; a second power transmission path connecting between the output shaft of the prime mover and the driven unit; and a second power transmission system selectively operable between an operating state for enabling power transmission in the second power transmission path and an operating state for disconnecting the power transmission, wherein an auxiliary device is connected to a second body of rotation of the energy dispensing/synthesizing system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of electrically-variable transmissions are provided that have a first and a second motor-generator, a first and a second planetary gear set, and two torque-transmitting mechanisms, including a rotating-type clutch and a stationary-type clutch. An input member is connected for common rotation with a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. Carriers of both of the planetary gear sets are connected for common rotation with one another, and with an output member. The first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the second planetary gear set. The rotating-type torque-transmitting mechanism is a dog clutch with a synchronizer. The stationary-type torque-transmitting mechanism may be either a dog clutch with a synchronizer or a selectable one-way braking clutch (SOWBC).

Abstract: To suppress an oversteered condition or an understeered condition by letting the movement of the vehicle follow the operational intention of the driver as faithfully as possible by making the best use of the respective characteristics of changes of the driving force distribution between front and rear wheels, modification of the steering angle and selective braking of a selected wheel or wheels under a simple control calculation, a change of the driving force distribution between the front and rear wheels is first executed according to the progress of the oversteered or understeered condition, and when it further progresses, a modification of the steering angle, and further a selected braking of a selected wheel or wheels is further executed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of electrically-variable transmissions are provided that have a first and a second motor-generator, a first and a second planetary gear set, and two torque-transmitting mechanisms, including a rotating-type clutch and a stationary-type clutch. An input member is connected for common rotation with a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. Carriers of both of the planetary gear sets are connected for common rotation with one another, and with an output member. The first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the second planetary gear set. The rotating-type torque-transmitting mechanism is a dog clutch with a synchronizer. The stationary-type torque-transmitting mechanism may be either a dog clutch with a synchronizer or a selectable one-way braking clutch (SOWBC).

Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission is provided with input member and output member, first and second motor/generators, a first planetary gear set and a final drive gearset. Two or three torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engagable alone or in different combinations to establish at least one forward electric-only operating mode including a series mode, an output split mode, and at least one neutral mode including a purely neutral mode and a neutral battery charge mode. The transmission optionally includes a one-way clutch selected from the group of friction clutch and dog clutch, or is a lockable one-way clutch, for enabling low loss forward operation, regenerative braking functionality, and/or reverse vehicle operation.

Abstract: A power transmission unit including: a first prime mover; speed change gear pairs; output members; a differential mechanism, which has a first rotary element connected with the first prime mover, a second rotary element, and a third rotary element selectively outputting the power to the output member, and adapted to perform a differential action among those three rotary elements; and a second prime mover connected with the second rotary element. The speed change gear pair includes at lease one pair of first speed change gear pair, arranged between the first rotary element and the output member and allowed to transmit the torque selectively, and at least one pair of second speed change gear pair arranged between the third rotary element and the output member and allowed to transmit the torque selectively. A locking mechanism locks the second prime mover selectively to halt a rotation of the second prime mover.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a hybrid electro-mechanical transmission and a power source. A planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member connects the power source with a first and a second motor/generator. A battery is operatively connected to the motor/generators for receiving power therefrom and delivering power thereto. An input member rotates with the first member, the first motor/generator rotates with the second member, and the second motor/generator rotates with the output member. A first torque-transmitting mechanism is engagable to connect the second motor/generator for rotation with the third member. The battery and the second motor/generator provide an electric-only operating mode to power the output member when the first torque-transmitting mechanism is not engaged; the power source, planetary gear set and first motor/generator thereby being disconnected from the output member during the electric-only operating mode to prevent parasitic drag.

Abstract: A hybrid motor vehicle includes a differential having a differential mechanism equipped with a first rotating element that is connected to an engine, a second rotating element that is connected to a first electric motor and a third rotating element connected to both a second electric motor and a transfer member; and a transmission provided in a power transmission path, extending from the transfer member to driven wheels, that establishes a plurality of transmission ranges by selectively operating a plurality of coupling devices. An irreversible rotation member connected to a non-rotation member against reverse rotation through a one-way clutch is provided in the transmission. When the second electric motor is malfunctioning, an engine start control unit starts the engine by driving the first electric motor while selectively engaging the coupling devices to connect the transfer member to the irreversible rotation member.

Abstract: The invention combines the features of a supercharger, a turbocharger and turbo-compounding into one system, utilizing a hydraulic or mechanical continuously variable transmission to drive the turbocharger up to a specific speed or intake manifold pressure and then holding the ideal speed to keep it at the right boost pressure for the engine condition. The benefits of a supercharger, which is primarily good for high torque at low speed, and a turbocharger, which is usually only good for high horsepower at high speeds are merged. Once the exhaust energy begins to provide more work than it takes to drive the intake compressor, the invention recovers that excess energy and uses it to add torque to the crankshaft. As a result, the invention provides the benefits of low speed with high torque and the added value of high speed with higher horsepower or better fuel economy all from one system.