Adaptive Control Patents (Class 701/58)
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Patent number: 9020714Abstract: For each engine operation state to which a variable cylinder engine can be switched, a fuel consumption amount to be consumed to generate a driving force required to maintain a current traveling state of a vehicle for each of a current gear and a new gear after a possible shift-up is calculated. An automatic shift control of shifting up to the new gear is performed in a condition that a calculated fuel consumption amount of the new gear after the possible shift-up is smaller than a calculated fuel consumption amount of the current gear. In this way, the fuel consumption amount can be optimally reduced and the shift control can be performed without degrading the traveling performance, even in the vehicle equipped with the variable cylinder engine.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Saito, Yutaka Ishikawa
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Patent number: 9020716Abstract: A control device for a vehicle drive device that includes a drive source that outputs a drive force for running and an automatic transmission that has multiple speeds, the control device includes: a blipping control device that performs blipping control in which an output torque of the drive source is changed irrespective of an accelerator operation when a manual downshift of the automatic transmission is performed, and that changes a timing to perform next blipping control in a learning manner on the basis of an undershoot amount of a turbine speed at start of shifting of the automatic transmission.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2010Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Ota, Hitoshi Matsunaga
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Publication number: 20150112559Abstract: Method for executing gearshifts interlaced into each other in an automatic transmission with several shifting elements, whereas, upon the execution of gearshifts interlaced into each other, first shifting elements are open or switched off, and second shifting elements are closed or switched on, namely in such a manner that, as a second shifting element, at least one positive-locking shifting element is closed, whereby, with the activation of a positive-locking shifting element to be closed, there is a monitoring of whether, within a time interval after the activation of the particular positive-locking shifting element to be closed, the transmission ratio of the automatic transmission is within the tolerance band and is thus constant, and/or whether an end position sensor of the particular positive-locking shifting element to be closed detects a completely engaged position of the positive-locking shifting element to be closed, whereby, if at least one of these conditions is met, a proper closing of the particuType: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Markus Maurer, Christian Villing
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Publication number: 20150112558Abstract: In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for enhancing the performance of a continuously variable transmission of a work vehicle may include engaging a range clutch of the continuously variable transmission, cycling a directional clutch of the continuously variable transmission between an engaged state and a disengaged state while the range clutch is engaged and controlling a position of a swash plate of the continuously variable transmission such that a ground speed of the work vehicle is maintained substantially at zero while the directional clutch is cycled between the engaged and disengaged states.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Pawel Kuros, Peter Dix
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Patent number: 9014932Abstract: An automatic transmission capable of improving stability and reliability of connection operation of a synchronization mechanism when pre-shift control is executed, thereby making it possible to prolong the service life of the mechanism and improve marketability thereof. To change the speed position of a vehicle, one of two power transmission paths from an internal combustion engine to drive wheels is switched to the other, and pre-shift control is executed before switching the path. In doing this, when conditions for executing the pre-shift control are satisfied, whether or not a motive power fluctuation state of the engine occurs after satisfaction of the execution conditions is determined. If the motive power fluctuation state occurs, delay control for delaying the start of the pre-shift control is executed, whereas if the same does not occur, the pre-shift control is executed without executing the delay control.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshikazu Nemoto
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Patent number: 9014933Abstract: An electric tool has a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, an output shaft, a first planetary gear transmission mechanism, having a power input member, disposed between the motor and the output shaft, and a locking mechanism, having a power output member. The locking mechanism has a locked state and an unlocked state. When torsion is transmitted from the motor to the output shaft, the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, and the output shaft is driven by the motor to rotate to perform electric operation. When the output shaft reversely receives a force, the locking mechanism is in the locked state, and the power input member of the first planetary gear transmission member is locked to perform manual operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Chervon (HK) LimitedInventors: Liang Chen, Wu Chen
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Patent number: 9008891Abstract: A method of rationalizing a plurality of temperature sensors associated with a plurality of electrical systems of a vehicle includes: maintaining each of the respective electrical systems of the vehicle in a non-operational state for a predetermined period of time; receiving a temperature reading from each of the plurality of temperature sensors following the predetermined period of time; computing a master-reference temperature value from the plurality of received temperature readings; determining a difference between each of the respectively received temperature readings and the computed master-reference temperature value; comparing each determined difference to a threshold; and providing an indicator if one or more of the determined differences exceeds the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kevin P Houle, Andrew M. Zettel, Kathryn E Mulligan, Paul A Adam
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Patent number: 9002604Abstract: A target shift stage comes to a high speed stage at t2, during reduction toward zero of a motor torque by an accelerator pedal releasing operation from t1, and an up-shift shift request along with the torque reduction is generated. The shift request is executed for the first time at t3, and the automatic transmission is shifted up to a high speed stage from a current low speed stage selecting state. Therefore, even in the case that a request for increasing a motor regenerative torque is issued by a braking operation just after (t2 to t3) an up-shift shift request moment t2 in response to the torque reduction, the gear shift in response thereto is not generated, and it is possible to avoid generation of repeated gear shift of low speed stage?high speed stage?low speed stage for a short time.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryohei Toyota
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Patent number: 9002602Abstract: A method of determining a current operating range of a transfer case includes continuously calculating current Combined Drive Ratio (CDR), and categorizing the current CDR into one of a pre-determined number of expected CDRs. Counters are used to track when the current CDR is identified as an expected CDR. The different counters are then analyzed using simple mathematical operations to identify which gear ratio the transfer case is currently operating in.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Peter John Giles, Michael A. Turley
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Patent number: 9002601Abstract: In a shift control apparatus of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) configured to steplessly vary a torque, the control apparatus employs an acceleration intention determination section for determining the presence or absence of a driver's acceleration intention, a shift mode setting section for setting a shift-control mode from a normal mode to an acceleration mode in the presence of the driver's acceleration intention, a shift speed setting section for setting a shift speed based on a target transmission ratio and a vehicle speed, and a shift control section for controlling a shift of the CVT. Also provided is a shift speed correction section for correcting the shift speed for an initial downshift in the acceleration mode to a shift speed slower than the shift speed set by the shift speed setting section, only when a demanded degree of the driver's acceleration intention is small.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Tomoaki Kabe, Nobuhiko Morifuji, Keisuke Ichikawa, Nobuhide Kato, Yuki Ono, Hiromu Ogino, Yukinobu Sakakibara, Hisao Nakanishi, Takahiro Nakata, Mitsuki Ishizuka
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Patent number: 9002603Abstract: A method of operating a transmission of a vehicle drive-train when a gearshift from a current gear toward a target gear has been requested. The transmission having frictional shifting elements and at least one interlocking shifting element. If an actuating electrical current, equivalent to a closed operating condition of the frictional shifting element to be engaged, and an actuating electrical current, equivalent to an open operating condition of the interlocking shifting element to be disengaged, are determined while, at the same time, a closed operating condition of the interlocking shifting element to be disengaged is detected by a sensor, a fault is recognized. If the fault is recognized during a predefined test period, one or more selected shifting elements are disengaged and a force flow in the transmission is interrupted. Alternatively, by disengaging the frictional shifting element to be engaged, the current gear is engaged in the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Jorg Arnold, Valentine Herbeth, Georg Mihatsch
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Patent number: 8996264Abstract: A control device for continuously variable transmission includes an operating state detection means for detecting an operating state of a vehicle including a vehicle speed and an accelerator pedal opening, a control means for controlling a speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission based on the operating state, an acceleration request determination means for determining the presence or absence of an acceleration request of a driver based on the accelerator pedal opening, and a speed ratio setting means for setting a speed reduction ratio controlled by the control means to be smaller with an increase in an acceleration start vehicle speed if the accelerator pedal opening is equal during acceleration. The control means updates the acceleration start vehicle speed to a vehicle speed at the time of a determination after determining that the accelerator pedal opening has been increased during acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoyuki Suzuki, Akihiro Makiyama
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Patent number: 8996223Abstract: The invention relates to an engine operation start control device of a hybrid vehicle comprising a power output device having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. In this hybrid vehicle, an intermittent control for intermittently operating the engine can be performed and when the operation of the engine is started during the intermittent control being performed, a cranking of the engine is performed until the engine speed reaches a target engine speed. According to the invention, in case that the operation of the engine is started when the speed of the hybrid vehicle is higher than or equal to a predetermined speed and a power required for the power output device is larger than or equal to a predetermined power, the engine speed, which increases as the speed of the hybrid vehicle increases, is set as the target engine speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideki Kamatani, Kenta Watanabe
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Patent number: 8996263Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Stanley B. Quinn, Jr., Alan L. Miller, Scott R. Anderson
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Publication number: 20150088393Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes the following steps: (a) determining whether a vehicle is coasting to a stop based on an accelerator pedal position; (b) determining whether an automatic transmission is in first gear; (c) shifting an input clutch from an engaged state to a disengaged state in order to operatively disconnect the automatic transmission from an internal combustion engine if the vehicle is coasting to a stop and the automatic transmission is not in first gear; and (d) shifting the automatic transmission to the first gear in order to allow the internal combustion engine to be shut down while the vehicle is coasting to a stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Martin Gentile, Armin Mueller
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Publication number: 20150088392Abstract: Transmission gear shift control techniques can include calculating, at a controller of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, the controller including one or more processors, brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) for each of: (i) a current gear of a transmission of the vehicle, (ii) a lower gear than the current gear of the transmission, and (iii) a higher gear than the current gear of the transmission, wherein the transmission is one of a manual transmission and an automatic transmission operating in a manual mode. The techniques can include determining, at the controller, which of the current gear, the lower gear, and the higher gear has a smallest BSFC to obtain a desired gear of the transmission. The techniques can also include outputting, from the controller, an indication to shift the transmission to the desired gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Songping Yu, Mohamed Othman, Ryan B. McNamara, Sean King
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Patent number: 8989976Abstract: A method for controlling a multi-mode transmission system employing torque machines under dynamic operating conditions includes calculating a phase shift between a control parameter of one of the torque machines and a response parameter of the multi-mode transmission system under dynamic operating conditions, comparing the calculated phase shift and an expected phase shift, and executing remedial action when the calculated phase shift exceeds a threshold associated with the expected phase shift.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Houchun Xia, Robert L. Morris, R. Anthony Hansen
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Patent number: 8989971Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for pressure transducer errors includes a valve for regulating operation of a hydraulic device, a pressure transducer for detecting a pressure output from the valve, and a microprocessor comprising logic for computing a pressure measurement error of the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer is configured to output a pressure reading representing the detected pressure. The pressure measurement error may be computed using a first pressure reading from the pressure transducer taken at an operating condition in which the actual output pressure of the valve is substantially known, together with the substantially known actual output pressure of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Mark L. Dell' Eva
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Patent number: 8977451Abstract: The first setting value showing holding pressure for a metal belt is set for each of a plurality of control modes A to H. The second setting value changing lagging behind the first setting value is calculated based on the first setting value for each of the plurality of control modes A to H. A target value is set to be equal to or more than the greatest second setting value among a plurality of second setting values. A continuously variable transmission is controlled such that the holding pressure for the metal belt is equal to the set target value.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Motonori Kimura, Shuhei Ishikawa, Shinya Toyoda, Akihide Ito, Yasunari Matsui, Sei Kojima
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Patent number: 8977458Abstract: A twin clutch controlling apparatus wherein a clutch lever is operated during a deceleration operation in which an auto mode (Auto) is selected, then a shift down action from a gear position “N-2” at which a driving force can be transmitted only by one of an odd number stage side clutch CL1 and an even number stage side clutch CL2 to another position “1-2” at which the transmission gear for transmitting a driving force is switched in response to switching control of the clutch is carried out in response to the operation of the clutch lever. After the shift down action, if re-connection of the clutch is to be carried out by the clutch lever, then the clutch (CL1, CL2) on the side to be driven in response to a manual operation clutch capacity arithmetic operation value (tqc1tmt) is determined in response to a vehicle speed V.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiaki Nedachi, Hiroyuki Kojima, Kazuyuki Fukaya, Kazuhiko Nakamura, Satoshi Honma, Yasuyuki Mori
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Patent number: 8977454Abstract: A system and method are provided for grade-based anti-hunt shift control of an automatic transmission powering a machine. A shift controller determines a recommended gear in which to operate the transmission and sets an anti-hunt timer upon recommending a shift from a first gear to a second gear. The anti-hunt timer prevents a subsequent shift back to the first gear while the anti-hunt timer is running. A grade-based controller is configured to track machine operation and to determine when the machine operational factors change such that an estimated steady state gear differs from the second gear. When such a change is encountered, the grade-based controller clears the anti-hunt timer and sets a secondary timer. The clearing of the anti-hunt timer allows a downshift to accommodate the detected grade while the setting of the secondary timer prevents a subsequent clearing of the anti-hunt timer while the secondary timer is running.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Tipton, James W. Landes, Justin L. Steinlage
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Patent number: 8977452Abstract: In a vehicle control, an automatic transmission is shifted using a predetermined shift model, which determines control operation amounts for achieving shift target values, by setting the shift target values on the basis of a torque on an output shaft-side rotating member and a speed variation amount of an input shaft-side rotating member, setting the control operation amounts on the basis of a torque on the input shaft-side rotating member, a torque capacity of an engaged-side engagement device during shifting and a torque capacity of a released-side engagement device during shifting and setting torque shares of a transmission torque between the engaged-side engagement device and the released-side engagement device during shifting when the transmission torque is converted to the torque on the input shaft-side rotating member, and timing at which the torque shares are varied is changed on the basis of a shift pattern.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Seiji Masunaga, Yoshio Hasegawa, Keisuke Ota
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Publication number: 20150066319Abstract: A method for controlling a shift of an automatic transmission in a vehicle may include calculating a first long-term driving style index by using running information in the running mode, calculating a second long-term driving style index by using running information in the sports mode, when the vehicle is switched from the running mode to the sports mode, temporarily storing the first long-term driving style index at the switching point, and when the sports mode is switched to the running mode, if the second long-term driving style index is greater than the temporarily stored first long-term driving style index, updating the second long-term driving style index as a final long-term driving style index, and determining a driving style.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Byeong Wook JEON, Joseph D. CHANG, Dong Hoon JEONG
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Patent number: 8972130Abstract: An ECU determines whether or not there is an abnormality (shift pattern abnormality) in a combination of shift signals provided from a shift position sensor. After occurrence of the shift pattern abnormality is determined, ECU determines whether or not a first condition that a shift pattern has changed into a normal pattern of a drive range, a second condition that a brake is ON and a vehicle is in a stop state is satisfied, and a third condition that an accelerator is OFF are satisfied. When occurrence of the shift pattern abnormality is determined, ECU stops generation of driving force of the vehicle and prohibits switching to the drive range. When ECU determines that the above-mentioned first to third conditions are satisfied after occurrence of the shift pattern abnormality is determined, ECU switches the shift range to the drive range indicated by the shift pattern.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keiji Kaita, Masaya Amano, Takeshi Hoshiba, Koji Hokoi, Takahiko Hirasawa
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Publication number: 20150057899Abstract: Method for engaging and disengaging a hydraulic motor which is adjustable in its displacement from and to a hydrostatic drive train of a hydromechanical transmission with a closed hydraulic fluid circuit. Two adjustable hydraulic motors and a hydraulic pump are arranged in parallel in the hydrostatic drive train and connected to a mechanical drive on the output side. At least one of the two hydraulic motors is connected to the mechanical drive via an assigned clutch. As appropriate to the driving situation, during operation of the other hydraulic motor and the hydraulic pump at least one of the hydraulic motors is engaged via the assigned clutch with the hydromechanical transmission from which the hydraulic motor was previously disengaged, likewise as appropriate to the driving situation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Torsten Kohmaescher
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Patent number: 8965646Abstract: A control system for the transmission of an agricultural vehicle or an industrial off-highway vehicle, wherein the system comprises a controller of the clutch, connected thereto to supply an operating signal, a plurality of sensors suitable for measuring a plurality of characteristic quantities of the transmission and connected to the controller to supply a plurality of signals proportional to the quantities, a torque processor suitable for calculating a reference torque and connected to the controller to supply thereto a signal proportional to the reference torque, and a thermal load managing device suitable for receiving at least some of the plurality of quantities and for receiving the reference torque in order to calculate at least one operative datum on which the thermal power exchanged in the clutch is dependent. The control system is suited to process the operative datum to operate the transmission so as to limit the temperature in the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Carraro Drive Tech S.p.A.Inventor: Luca Cuogo
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Patent number: 8965647Abstract: A control apparatus for a continuously variable transmission is capable of continuously changing an output of an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle and allowing a transmission mode to be switchable between a continuous transmission mode in which a transmission ratio is set continuously and a stepped transmission mode in which the transmission ratio is set stepwise. A transmission mode selector is configured to change the transmission mode in such a manner that in a case where the stepped transmission mode is selected, when a engine rotation speed reaches a first predetermined rotation speed, then falls below a second predetermined rotation speed which is lower than the first predetermined rotation speed, and further falls below a third predetermined rotation speed, the transmission mode is switched from the stepped transmission mode to the continuous transmission mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akihira Aoki
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Patent number: 8965645Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for automated control of transmission ratio change which balances the requirements for power with energy efficiency. A plurality of sensors detect environmental conditions of a vehicle. An environmental conditions analysis unit analyzes the environmental conditions to determine whether the detected environmental conditions indicate a likelihood of a transmission ratio increase. When the detected environmental conditions indicate the likelihood of the transmission ratio increase, an automatic transmission changes in operation from a normal state to a prepared state. However, after a predetermined amount of time, the automatic transmission changes from the prepared state back to the normal state when there is no user indication that the transmission ratio should be increased.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Samuel S. Ahn
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Patent number: 8958963Abstract: A method for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied within a transmission of a work vehicle. The method may generally include receiving a signal associated with a load condition of the work vehicle, determining a desired pressure for the hydraulic fluid supplied within the transmission based on the load condition and controlling a valve such that hydraulic fluid is supplied within the transmission at the desired pressure, wherein the transmission includes an input shaft, a counter shaft and at least two driven shafts extending parallel to the input and counter shafts.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Yanming Hou
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Patent number: 8958961Abstract: A CVT transmission comprising a shaft journalled to a housing, a first sheave fixed to the shaft, a second sheave moveable parallel to an axis of rotation of the shaft, the second sheave locked in rotating relation with the first sheave by a first sheave member cooperatively engaged with a second sheave receiving member, the second sheave receiving member disposed at a helical angle (HA) with respect to the axis of rotation, a sprocket journalled to the housing, the sprocket threadably engaged with a movable member, a bearing disposed between the movable member and the second sheave, the movable member engaged with the housing whereby movement of the movable member is parallel with the axis of rotation, an electric actuator engaged with the sprocket, and the second sheave is axially movable upon a rotation of the sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventor: Andrzej Dec
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Publication number: 20150039195Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Brad P. Pohl, Fernand A. Thomassy, Charles B. Lohr, Scott T. McBroom
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Patent number: 8948988Abstract: Speed change inhibition control for inhibiting change of the speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is executed when an input shaft speed of the CVT is lower than a predetermined ABS-operating-time upper-limit input shaft speed. Therefore, the speed ratio of the CVT can be changed to the largest reduction ratio until it is determined that the input shaft speed of the CVT is lower than the predetermined ABS-operating-time upper-limit input shaft speed. Thus, during ABS operation of an ABS control device before the vehicle is stopped, the speed ratio can be returned to the largest reduction ratio in a condition where engine brake force is not excessively applied, and sufficient driving force of the vehicle or starting response is obtained when the vehicle is re-started.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sei Kojima, Kazuya Yoshizawa, Taichi Washio
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Patent number: 8948979Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that is configured to maintain a near straight alignment. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes multiple interconnected spans which are supported by multiple tower structures. Each tower structure includes a variable-speed drive unit for selectively driving a tower structure at a selected speed. The irrigation system also includes multiple sensors that are each associated with a corresponding span to determine an alignment of the corresponding span with respect to adjacent spans. Each of the sensors is in communication with a corresponding variable-drive control unit. Each of the variable-drive control units are configured to control the selected speed of a corresponding variable-speed drive unit to maintain the interconnected spans in a substantially linear orientation with respect to adjacent ones of the plurality of interconnected spans along a generally longitudinally oriented axis (e.g., maintain alignment of the spans with respect to each other).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventor: Craig S. Malsam
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Patent number: 8948986Abstract: A system includes an accumulator control module that selectively releases automatic transmission fluid from an accumulator. The accumulator control module also receives a plurality of measured characteristics of the accumulator. A temperature estimation module estimates a temperature of the automatic transmission fluid within the accumulator based on at least one of the measured characteristics of the accumulator. An engine start-stop module selectively disables automatic start-stop events of an internal combustion engine based on the estimated temperature of the automatic transmission fluid within the accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Zhen J. Zhang
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Publication number: 20150032345Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, transmission, engine control module (ECM), and transmission control module (TCM). The transmission includes an input member and an input clutch which selectively connects a crankshaft of the engine to the input member. The TCM identifies a target clutch torque of the input clutch during a creep maneuver of the vehicle, and communicates the identified target clutch torque to the ECM. The ECM maintains engine idle speed at a threshold level through the creep maneuver and a requested launch using the target clutch torque as a feed-forward term. A method includes identifying a target clutch torque of the input clutch during a creep maneuver, and communicating the identified target clutch torque to the ECM. The idle speed is maintained at a threshold level by the ECM through the creep maneuver and a detected launch using the target clutch torque as a feed-forward idle speed control term.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Krishnendu Kar, Colin Hultengren, Leon Cribbins
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Publication number: 20150032346Abstract: A method of controlling an automated motor vehicle transmission. A current driving resistance is taken into account when selecting a target gear to be engaged as part of a shifting process. In order to be able to regulate shifting processes in a driving-resistance-dependent manner so as to ensure that the motor vehicle can always able to continue driving on, during selection of the target gear, disregarding gears for shifting from a currently engaged gear, in a driving-resistance-dependent manner, when the required associated shifting times are longer than a respective permitted maximum shifting time. In connection with the above, the method is incorporated in an automated motor vehicle transmission, a computer program product and a data carrier, containing the computer program product.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Johannes KEMLER, Maik WUERTHNER, Joachim STAUDINGER
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Patent number: 8938339Abstract: A method of actuating an assembly of a transmission, with which are associated a plurality of actuators with whose help the assembly can in principle be actuated, such that out of the actuators available in principle for actuation, a control unit selects at least one actuator for the actual actuation and activates the selected actuator with an output signal in such manner that a status parameter of the actuated assembly corresponds to or follows a control-side nominal value, such that out of the actuators available in principle for actuating the assembly, the control unit selects at least one actuator for the actual actuation of the assembly in such manner that, for all the actuators available in principle for actuating the assembly over the operating life of the transmission, the extent of their utilization is approximately uniform.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Peter Herter, Rupert Kramer
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Patent number: 8935066Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a torque converter, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission has an input member connected to a turbine of the torque converter. The transmission includes a neutral idle (NI) state and a designated NI clutch actuated to enter the NI state. The controller calculates a reference slip error as a function of engine speed and turbine speed, detects when the designated NI clutch is exhausting while operating in the NI state as a function of the reference slip error, and executes a control action when the exhausting NI clutch is detected. A method includes measuring engine and turbine speed, calculating the reference slip error value as a function of the engine and turbine speeds, detecting when the designated NI clutch is exhausting while operating in the NI state using the reference slip error, and executing a control action when the exhausting NI clutch is detected.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Sindu Sebastian, Min K. Kim
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Patent number: 8935065Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission. The control device configured to determine if the automatic transmission is in such a condition that the automatic transmission accelerates the vehicle at predetermined acceleration when the output command value is transmitted to the control device for the motor. The output command value is not cancelled if it is determined by the determining means that the automatic transmission is not in such a condition that the automatic transmission accelerates the vehicle at the predetermined acceleration, and the output command value is cancelled if it is determined by the determining means that the automatic transmission is in such a condition that the automatic transmission accelerates the vehicle at the predetermined acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shoji Fushimi, Yasuhito Suzuki, Tsunekazu Inakura, Masatoshi Taguchi
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Patent number: 8930103Abstract: A method for controlling a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The vehicle comprises a drive engine and a dual-clutch transmission. The dual-clutch transmission comprises a first friction clutch and a second friction clutch together with a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit, in order to establish a first power transmission branch and a second power transmission branch. The dual-clutch transmission comprising a clutch actuator device for actuating the friction clutches and a gearshift actuator device for engaging and disengaging gears of the dual-clutch transmission.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Harmann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KGInventor: Hartmut Faust
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Publication number: 20150006048Abstract: A control system having at least one sensor collecting data from a vehicle component such as a steering wheel. A processor determines if the data collected from the sensor is above or equal to a predetermined level. If the processor determines that the data is above a predetermined level, the processor indicates to the controller that the data is above that predetermined level and requires a prevention of upshifting of the transmission. A method of including controlling the transmission of a vehicle by a control system, sensing at least one vehicle property by a sensor in acquiring data relating to that property, storing the data in a data storage unit, determining if the data is above a predetermined level and sending a signal to a transmission of the vehicle if the data is above a predetermined level thereby preventing upshift of the transmission to the top two gears.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: Tai J. Ly
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Patent number: 8924115Abstract: The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a control system for controlling a braking system. The control system includes a parking brake operatively to at least one wheel, a park brake override mechanism operatively associated with the parking brake, an inching pedal operatively coupled to a transmission, a shift lever operatively coupled to the transmission, at least one sensor operatively coupled to the parking brake to detect when the parking brake is engaged, at least one sensor operatively coupled to the inching pedal to detect a depression of the inching pedal, and at least one sensor operatively coupled to the shift lever for detecting at least one of a forward or reverse gear selection. The control system further includes a controller operatively coupled to the at least one sensors to receive corresponding signals and adapted to control the engagement of the parking brake when the inching pedal is depressed and the at least one of the forward or reverse gear selections is desired.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Mohammad Rahman, Mark Behn, Aaron Gnagey, James Roal, Kirk Shively, Cory Smith
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Patent number: 8924107Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masatake Ichikawa, Yutaka Teraoka, Hiroyasu Amano
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Patent number: 8924106Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle includes an automatic transmission configured to attain a predetermined shift-stage by releasing an engaged friction-engagement element and by engaging a released friction-engagement element; a variation-start detecting section configured to detect that a parameter which varies with a progress of inertia phase has varied; a memorizing section configured to sequentially memorize a state of the vehicle; and a learning section configured to correct a control quantity for a next-time shift of the transmission on the basis of the state of vehicle memorized at a timing earlier by a given time interval than a timing when the variation-start detecting section detects that the parameter has varied.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignees: JATCO Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukiyoshi Inuta, Aki Hayakawa
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Patent number: 8924111Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic controller for a continuously variable transmission of the type having a variator (10) with a rotary variator input (17) coupled to a first variator race (14a) and a rotary variator output (29) coupled to a second variator race (16a). At least one roller (20) runs upon the said races to transfer drive from one to the other. The roller is movable to steplessly vary the variator ratio. The variator further comprises at least one hydraulic actuator (36), (38) which acts upon the roller and through which net torque acting on the variator races is referred via the roller to the variator's casing. A hydraulic arrangement is provided for applying to the actuator at least one hydraulic control pressure which determines force applied’ by the actuator and thus determines the reaction torque. The variator is coupled between a rotary transmission input (17) and a rotary transmission output (714) such that the transmission ratio is a function of the variator ratio.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Torotrak (Development) LimitedInventor: John William Edward Fuller
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Patent number: 8924108Abstract: A method of managing available operating states in an electrified powertrain includes: identifying a plurality of operating states; determining an allowable hardware operating speed range for each of the plurality of operating states; determining a real operating speed range for each of the plurality of operating states; determining an ideal operating speed range for each of the plurality of operating states, the ideal operating speed range being a subset of the allowable real operating speed range; indicating an operating state of the plurality of operating states as ideal-allowed if an actual output speed of the electrified powertrain is within the ideal operating speed range for that operating state; and commanding the electrified powertrain to operate within one of the operating states that is indicated as ideal-allowed.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim, Samantha Victoria Lado, John Janczak
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Publication number: 20140372000Abstract: A speed control system for a hydrostatic transmission includes an engine having a drive shaft connected to a hydraulic pump. At least one hydrostatic motor is connected to the pump in a closed circuit by a flow line. Connected to the motor via a system shaft is a vehicle system. A controller is connected to a plurality of sensors and a high pressure relief valve that is connected to the flow line between the pump and the motor. Based on information received from the sensors, the controller sets the pump and motor displacements to limit the pressure to a value that will not overspeed the engine and allow the system to automatically provide braking beyond the engine's capability. This may be accomplished through the use of various algorithms.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Frank J. Rozycki, Simon L. Nielsen, Gary R. LaFayette
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Publication number: 20140372001Abstract: A speed control system for a hydrostatic transmission includes an engine having a drive shaft connected to a hydraulic pump. At least one hydrostatic motor is connected to the pump in a closed circuit by a flow line. Connected to the motor via a system shaft is a vehicle system. A controller is connected to a plurality of sensors and a proportional high pressure relief valve that is connected to the flow line between the pump and the motor. Based on information received from the sensors, the controller sets the pressure relief valve to limit the pressure to a valve that will not over-speed the engine and allows the demands of the speed control system to be attained. This may be accomplished through the use of various algorithms.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Frank J. Rozycki, Simon L. Nielsen, Gary R. LaFayette
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Patent number: 8909443Abstract: A shift device includes: a shift lever which is installed in a vehicle, and which is configured to automatically return to a reference position from a neutral position; a position detecting unit which is configured to detect that the shift lever is placed at the neutral position; and a setting unit which is configured to: set the vehicle to a neutral state when the shift lever is held at the neutral position for a specified time or more; set the vehicle to the neutral state when the shift lever is placed at the neutral position a plurality of times within a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kunishige Hayashi
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Patent number: 8909401Abstract: HV-ECU executes a program including a step of executing rattling noise avoidance control when an engine operating point falls within a rattling noise producing range and when a requested torque Treq2 falls within the rattling noise producing range, and a step of executing normal control when the engine operating point does not fall within the rattling noise producing range or when the requested torque Treq2 does not fall within the rattling noise producing range.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshimitsu Yokouchi, Tetsuo Hori, Hideto Watanabe