Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided with an electric transmission operatively connected to a first axle and an electric drive module operatively connected to a second axle. A transmission ratio of a differential gear set and a final drive of the electric transmission are selected so that a torque ratio of torque of the first axle over the torque of the engine is that at which any working chamber of the engine that is operated to expand the working fluid can operate without throttling, without torque of the engine torque exceeding a torque necessary to propel the vehicle at a steady vehicle speed, and with the second electric machine freewheeling.

Abstract: A gearshift mechanism for a motorcycle (10) or other sequentially geared vehicle having a solenoid assembly (12, 14), a solenoid plunger (18), a switch apparatus (30, 32) and a linkage (22, 26). The switch apparatus (30, 32) has first and second switching positions and is operably connected to the solenoid assembly (12, 14). The linkage (22, 26) is secured to the solenoid plunger (18) and is connectable to a gearshift lever (28) of a motorcycle engine. The solenoid assembly (12) operates on actuation of the switch apparatus to its first switching position (30) causing movement of the solenoid plunger (18) in a first direction along the axis of the solenoid assembly (12, 14). The solenoid assembly (14) operates on actuation of the switch apparatus to its second switching position (32) causing movement of the solenoid plunger (18) in the opposite direction along the axis of the solenoid assembly (12, 14).

Abstract: Torque-down controlling conducted on an engine torque upon gear changing of an automatic transmission is implemented by converting a demand for a rate of torque-down against the engine torque into a down rate of combustion torque (an objective down rate). Further, from a difference between the present ignition timing of the engine and the MBT (Minimum Advance for Best Torque) ignition timing, the present down rate that is a rate of the present combustion torque against the combustion torque at the MBT ignition timing to subsequently multiplying the present down rate by the objective down rate so that a counter MBT down rate that is a down rate of the present combustion torque against the combustion torque at the MBT ignition timing is obtained. Thus, from the obtained counter MBT down rate, an amount of retard of ignition timing from the MBT ignition timing is calculated to implement the torque-down controlling.

Abstract: A shift-assist circuit for reducing the clutch wear of a transmission on a marine propulsion system during the shift process by anticipating the probable shifting forces and providing an ignition-kill signal before the shift forces can build to an unacceptable level.

Abstract: A shift assist apparatus for a marine drive includes a tube having a pair of biased springs, between which a sleeve at the end of a transmission cable is movably retained. A remote control cable is fixedly attached to the tube. High transmission cable shift forces associated with resistance to shifting cause the sleeve to move against the bias of one of the springs. A sensor detects this movement and sends an electrical signal to interrupt the engine ignition circuit, thereby preventing the firing of one or more cylinders of the engine. The interruption of the engine ignition reduces the torque on the shift mechanism, in turn reducing the shift forces in the transmission cable and enabling the operator to shift the transmission. When the shift operation is completed, the engine resumes normal firing.

Abstract: A device is provided for influencing starting of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle that has an electronically controlled gearbox, an electrically acting interlock that prevents the internal combustion engine from being put into operation when a gearbox status causing a driving force connection is selected, and a starter with an electromagnetic disengagement switch that is suppliable with battery current from an ignition switch during actuation of the starter. The device has an electronic engine control unit for at least one of ignition and metering of fuel, with a communicative connection communicatively connecting the engine control unit to the gearbox control. A direct connection is provided from the ignition switch to the electromagnetic disengagement switch for supplying battery current to the electromagnetic disengagement switch without an intermediate disabling switch.