Indicating A Completion Of A Shift Or A Shift To Be Completed Patents (Class 701/64)
  • Patent number: 12208858
    Abstract: A bicycle with an electric pedal assist motor capable of driving a chainring independent of cranks includes wheel speed sensors and crank cadence sensors. The wheel speed sensors and the crank cadence sensors measure wheel speed and crank cadence, respectively, and provide the measured wheel speed and crank cadence to a controller of the bicycle. The controller is configured to instruct an assist motor to activate based on the measured wheel speed and/or the measured crank cadence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Sage Hahn, Brian Jordan, Kevin Wesling
  • Patent number: 12195003
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for integrated predictive dynamic control of a vehicle powertrain in an autonomous vehicle are described. An example method for controlling a vehicle includes generating, based on performing an optimization on a blended smooth wheel domain fuel consumption map subject to a modified torque availability constraint, one or more wheel domain control commands, converting the one or more wheel domain control commands to one or more powertrain-executable engine domain control commands, and transmitting the one or more powertrain-executable engine domain control commands to a powertrain of the vehicle, the powertrain configured to operate a plurality of gears, wherein the one or more powertrain-executable engine domain control commands enable the vehicle to track a reference kinematic trajectory associated with a vehicle speed driving plan within a predetermined tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: TUSIMPLE, INC.
    Inventors: Junbo Jing, Dinghua Li, Arda Kurt, Chasen Sherman
  • Patent number: 12091135
    Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller that controls a transmission device to shift a ratio of a rotational speed of a wheel to a rotational speed of a crank axle in stages. The controller controls the transmission device so that the transmission device performs a first shifting action that shifts the ratio by only one stage in a case where a shifting condition is satisfied. The transmission device is controlled by the electronic controller so that the transmission device performs a second shifting action that shifts the ratio by two or more stages in a case where the shifting condition is satisfied and a vehicle state of the human-powered vehicle is a predetermined state. The predetermined state includes a state in which a change amount of a parameter related to the vehicle state is a predetermined amount or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Shahana
  • Patent number: 11781498
    Abstract: An electronic control system configured to control operation of an engine by evaluating whether to operate the engine in a green engine break-in mode. In the green engine break-in mode, the electronic control system is configured to determine a break-in torque limit for the engine, dynamically vary the break-in torque limit in response to break-in operation of the engine, and control operation of the engine using dynamically modified break-in torque limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Rebekah Lippis McIntier, John D. Ridge, Daniel Christopher Villiger
  • Patent number: 11643079
    Abstract: In a cruise control method and a cruise control apparatus for a manual transmission vehicle, upon receiving a signal from an input device to start a cruise mode, a cruise control controller calculates an optimal gear stage for satisfying a target cruise traveling speed according to a traveling state of a vehicle, and a display device displays the calculated optimal gear stage to the driver to induce the driver to shift to the optimal gear stage. In addition, whether the gear stage by the driver's operation has matched the optimal gear stage may be determined within a predetermined time to determine whether a cruise control continues according to the determination result, thereby eliminating the driver's inconvenience due to frequent cancellation of the cruise mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sun-Young Park, Oh-Eun Kwon
  • Patent number: 11551309
    Abstract: System, apparatus, and methods are disclosed for determining, through vehicle-to-vehicle communication, a drafting characteristic of a drafting relationship using vehicle operational data, where the drafting characteristic may include one or more of a vehicle spacing between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, vehicle speed, and vehicle type. Vehicle driving data and other information may be used to calculate an autonomous droning reward amount. In addition, vehicle involved in a drafting relationship in addition to, or apart from, an autonomous droning relationship may be financially rewarded. Moreover, aspects of the disclosure related to determining ruminative rewards and/or aspects of vehicle insurance procurement/underwriting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: allstate insurance company
    Inventor: Mark V. Slusar
  • Patent number: 11112005
    Abstract: A transmission system for a work vehicle includes a transmission. The transmission includes one or more input shafts, one or more output shafts, and shafts disposed in-between. The transmission includes gear sets disposed on the shafts, wherein the gear sets include intermediate gear sets. The transmission includes clutches disposed along the shafts, wherein each of the clutches is configured to selectively couple a respective gear set of the gear sets corresponding to a respective power flow path of the transmission. The transmission also includes a forward coupler and a reverse coupler each disposed on one of the shafts. The transmission system also includes a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a shuttle shift, and in response to receiving the signal, instruct the clutches to stop rotation of the intermediate gear sets and subsequently shuttle shift between forward and reverse directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Garth Harvey Bulgrien
  • Patent number: 10753461
    Abstract: Control systems and methods for a vehicle automatic transmission utilize a driver interface configured to receive input from a driver of the vehicle relating to a custom shift mode of the automatic transmission and a controller configured to monitor a driving history of the vehicle and, based on the driving history, determine a reduced shift sequence for the transmission to utilize during the custom shift mode, the reduced shift sequence specifying a subset of available forward gears of the transmission to utilize during the custom shift mode, the subset of gears being less than a total number of available forward gears of the transmission, such that one or more available forward gears are skipped in the reduced shift sequence, initiate the custom shift mode for the transmission, and during the custom shift mode, control shifting of the transmission according to the reduced shift sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Michael B Solt, Caleb M Coats, Jamie F Standring
  • Patent number: 10689001
    Abstract: A method of controlling a dual clutch transmission power on up shift including an on-coming clutch and an off-going clutch. The method includes implementing a prep phase comprised of decreasing torque on the off-going clutch, monitoring the off-going clutch speed to determine a slip point, and adding a bump torque to the off-going clutch when the off-going clutch reaches the slip point. The method implements a torque phase transferring torque from the off-going clutch to the on-coming clutch by increasing torque on the on-coming clutch towards an engine torque, decreasing torque on the off-going clutch, and simultaneously keeping the combination of torques greater than the slip point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Dunfee, II, Andrew Hart, Simon Fitzgerald, Michael Gallion
  • Patent number: 10464549
    Abstract: An electric drive direction confirmation system and method for a vehicle are provided. The system and method include receiving a gear selector input signal corresponding to a gear selection from an electronic gear selector on the vehicle, determining whether the gear selector input signal corresponds to a directional movement gear selection, and, when determined that the gear selector input signal corresponds to the directional movement gear selection, sending a drive command to temporarily urge the vehicle in a direction corresponding to the gear selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter J. Cardimen
  • Patent number: 10267341
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining of at least one end position of a displacement element of an adjustable hydraulic machine, in particular of the axial piston type, shiftable or displaceable between two ends position a by means of a displacement unit between a first end position and a second end position. According to the invention the determination of having reached an end position of displacement takes place by means of a measurement circuit, whose electrical characteristics are changed jumpily when an end position is reached. This is done by connecting a partial branch of the measuring circuit with earth, when a moveable element comes into electric contact with a limit stop assigned to the corresponding end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Suenje Marsch, Rolf Rathke, Stephan Kaiser, Edat Kaya
  • Patent number: 10155577
    Abstract: A method for controlling a marine engine system includes receiving an operator demand to change an engine speed of the marine engine system, and then detecting a panic shift command based on the operator demand. A minimum speed demand value and hold period are then determined. A speed command to the marine engine system is set at or above the minimum speed demand value for at the least the hold period following detection of the panic shift command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Van Buren, Travis C. Malouf, Robert Raymond Osthelder
  • Patent number: 10112617
    Abstract: A damping control device for an electric vehicle is having a continuously variable transmission between a motor and left and right front wheels. The damping control device drive system includes a feedback control unit, which suppresses a vibration accompanying a disturbance in the rotational speed of the motor, and an operation determination unit, which determines whether or not an absolute value of a second-order differential of the transmission ratio is equal to, or greater than, a predetermined value, wherein when the absolute value of the second-order differential of the transmission ratio is equal to, or greater than, the predetermined value. The feedback control unit performs control of the output torque of the motor whereby a compensation torque component for suppressing a vibration accompanying a gear shift is subtracted from a compensation torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuichi Orita
  • Patent number: 9238465
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processing device programmed to monitor an operating state of a vehicle and the operation of at least one subsystem module. Depending on the operating state of the vehicle, the processing device can detect a subsystem module failure. If a failure is detected, the processing device can perform a remedial action. The remedial action taken may be based on the type of failure detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Jayagopal Appukutty, Abraham G. Philip, David James Tippy
  • Patent number: 9174573
    Abstract: A coaching system for drivers of vehicles monitors the power dissipation of a manual transmission clutch and, when the energy dissipated during an event is excessive, suggests modified driving technique. The system may monitor launch events, shift events, and steady state driving. The system may adjust the energy threshold at which a suggestion is provided based on vehicle weight or road gradient. The system may also adjust the energy threshold when an estimate of clutch temperature is elevated. The suggestion may be provided on a graphic display or may be provided verbally over a speaker. In some cases, the suggested may also be conveyed to a third party outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, James William Loch McCallum, Christian Meyer, Seunghoon Lee
  • Patent number: 9121496
    Abstract: A drive axle system and a method of control. Shifting of a drive axle assembly between different speed ranges may be inhibited when the inclination of the vehicle exceeds a threshold value. An inclinometer may be used to detect inclination of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Kwasniewski
  • Patent number: 9073434
    Abstract: A method for operating a forward-guiding driver assist system, in particular an ACC system, in a motor vehicle having a clutch pedal as a driver-operated actuator for manually operating a clutch and an additional clutch actuator includes the steps of performing with the driver assist system at least one driving intervention for controlling the speed of the motor vehicle, determining a desired clutch slip, when controlling the speed, and controlling the additional clutch actuator for automatically disengaging and engaging the clutch commensurate with the determined clutch slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Alexander Breu, Manfred Holzmann
  • Patent number: 9037368
    Abstract: A method for electronically controlling a bicycle gearshift comprising at least one derailleur is disclosed, comprising the sequential steps of: a) imparting a movement on the derailleur of the gearshift until the derailleur is in an intended position; b) waiting for a predetermined time period, c) performing a check whether the derailleur is in the intended position, within a possible predetermined tolerance, d) in case said check has a negative outcome, imparting a movement on the derailleur of the gearshift until the derailleur is in the intended position. A derailleur and an electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift comprising control electronics comprising modules adapted to carry out the method outlined above are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Federico Miglioranza
  • Patent number: 9008926
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member through selective application of a plurality of clutches. A method for controlling the powertrain includes commanding a shift from a fixed gear operating range state to a second operating range state, commanding decreased reactive torque through an off-going clutch during a torque phase of said commanded shift, and decreasing said reactive torque through said off-going clutch through control of engine input torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Lawrence A. Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 8972132
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes detecting an occurrence of a downshift in the transmission from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio. A determination is made whether the vehicle is operating within a freeway speed range, and whether an accelerator pedal is depressed at least a minimum percentage of a fully depressed position. When the downshift from the high gear ratio to the low gear ratio is detected, the vehicle is operating within the freeway speed range, and the accelerator pedal is depressed at least the minimum percentage of the fully depressed position, a countdown timer is started to count down from a pre-defined time to zero. An upshift of the transmission from the second gear ratio to the first gear ratio is restricted while the countdown timer defines a time that is greater than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric Piper, Alexander K. Rustoni, John Janczak, Samantha Victoria Lado
  • Patent number: 8963703
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying a driver shift aid are disclosed. In one aspect, an electronic control unit causes a shift indicator to be presented if a need for a shift is detected and vehicle performance after the shift would not be unduly impacted. If the vehicle operator follows the guidance of the shift indicator, vehicle fuel efficiency may be improved while vehicle performance remains adequate. In one aspect, a different indicator may be displayed to prompt the vehicle operator to shift either one gear or two gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Stephan Olsen, Ethan A. Ott, Zachary Slaton, Mark Nievelstein
  • Patent number: 8942898
    Abstract: In a range switchover control apparatus, a microcomputer checks, under a state that driving force of a motor is released, whether a range switchover mechanism is at rest and whether the range switchover mechanism is at rest in a bottom position, that is, whether an engagement member is fitted deep into a bottom of a range holding recess. If the range switchover mechanism is at rest in the bottom position, an encoder count value at a reference position (bottom position of a P-range) is calculated based on a present range and an encoder count value. By using the present range and the calculated encoder count value, an encoder count value of the bottom position of the present range can be determined. Based on this encoder count value, the encoder count value at the reference position can be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Yamada
  • Publication number: 20150025762
    Abstract: Music-based electronic transmission range selection for a vehicle is provided. A first signal from a first electronic control unit (ECU) is received that is indicative of an initiation of an electronic park function. The first ECU generates a signal when an operator presses an electronic park button on an electronic shift device. A corresponding first audio function is determined from the first signal and is implemented. It is determined whether a second signal from a second ECU is received, which second signal indicates successful engagement of the park function. If it is not received, a second audio function is implemented and, if it has been received, a third audio function is implemented. The second audio function produces sound that is dissonant with respect to the sound produced by the first audio function, and the third audio function produces sound that is consonant with respect to the first audio function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Orson S. Wang
  • Publication number: 20150012194
    Abstract: A method for operating a manual transmission in a motor vehicle, includes recognizing in driving states of the motor vehicle in which no gear is engaged in the manual transmission a condition indicating that a gear is to be engaged; and displaying which gear is to be engaged in the manual transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Mathias Braun
  • Patent number: 8924112
    Abstract: A start control device and a start control method of a vehicular power transmission system including a lock-up clutch and a start clutch are provided in which start-time lock-up slip control is performed, and neutral control is performed. When the start-time lock-up slip control is additionally executed during cancellation of the neutral control, the gradient of an output rotational speed of the hydraulic power transmission which is changed, through engagement of the start clutch, toward an input rotational speed of the automatic transmission at the time of completion of engagement of the start clutch is controlled, using at least one of a start clutch pressure that is increased so as to engage the start clutch, and a lock-up clutch pressure that is increased so as to bring the lock-up clutch into slip engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ayabe, Tomohiro Asami, Hidenori Saito
  • Patent number: 8924106
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: JATCO Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukiyoshi Inuta, Aki Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 8914210
    Abstract: A device for generating an additional reset force on the gas pedal for motor vehicles, wherein a position change of the gas pedal relative to the initial position thereof, induced by a corresponding actuating force, against a reset force leads to an increase in the motive power of the engine and, when there is a decrease in the actuating force, a reset force moves the gas pedal back in the direction of the initial position thereof, and wherein an actuator is provided, which applies an additional reset force that acts in the reset direction of the gas pedal, and wherein the motor vehicle has a unit for determining the shifting point of a manually shifted transmission. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for operating the device according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignees: Continental Engineering Services GmbH, Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Schmitt, Frank Drews, Andreas Zell, Thorsten Gerbig
  • Patent number: 8909444
    Abstract: A method for controlling a motor vehicle transmission (11) is disclosed in which a sensor (18) used to produce an indication of position of a selector (17) is calibrated such that positioning the selector (17) at a peak force feedback position produced by a peak and trough force feedback mechanism (24) connected to the selector (17) will always result in the selection of a drive mode of the transmission (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Rob Jerger, Pete Stares, Hardev Mandair
  • Patent number: 8909445
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determination of one or more shift points for a gearbox in a motor vehicle which comprises an engine connected to, in order to drive, said gearbox, where a shift point represents an engine speed at which said gearbox is adapted to effecting a downshift or upshift, said one or more shift points are determined on the basis of an engine target speed ?T and a first engine speed difference ??TT, said target speed ?T is a desired speed for said engine, said first engine speed difference ??TT is a difference between a first engine speed at a first time t1 and said target speed ?T at a second time t2, and said first and second times t1 and t2 are separated by a time period T. The invention relates also to a system, a motor vehicle, a computer program and a computer program product thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Swartling, Anders Kjell, Tom Nyström
  • Patent number: 8892320
    Abstract: The noise caused by the coupling and decoupling of the gear generated when ignition on and off of a dual-clutch mounted vehicle in the P range are switched to each other, and the merchantability of the vehicle can be increased by improving the noise performance of the vehicle by preventing the noise generated by the coupling of the gear as possible from being remarkable in other shift ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Young Min Yoon
  • Patent number: 8886426
    Abstract: A power-assisted bicycle includes a bicycle body with a power assistance provider and a derailleur, a microcomputer, a gear-shift control driver, and sensors. When the microcomputer decides to perform gear shifting, it controls the power assistance provider to provide an assistant power output and the gear-shift control driver to drive the derailleur to shift gears properly subject to a before-shifting time period, an in-shifting time period and an after-shifting time period. Further, the microcomputer controls the power assistance provider to change the current assistant power to a predetermined low assistant power during the before-shifting time period, or to maintain the predetermined low assistant power during the in-shifting time period, or to change the assistant power output to a level higher than the current assistant power and then to return to the said current assistant power after the end of the after-shifting time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: J.D. Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chang Cheng
  • Patent number: 8874337
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a selected gear module and a shift indicator module. The selected gear module determines a selected gear of a manual transmission. The shift indicator module monitors vehicle speed and the selected gear and generates a shift indicator signal based on the vehicle speed and the selected gear, the shift indicator signal indicating when to shift to one of first gear and reverse gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: William L. Cousins, James M. Partyka
  • Patent number: 8874332
    Abstract: A system and method involves a machine having a power train including a continuously variable transmission (CVT) associated with a plurality of virtual gear ratios. To shift between the plurality of virtual gear ratios, the machine may include an operator input device that may be movable between a plurality of distinct positions. A first position may be associated with a neutral position in which no shifting of virtual gear ratios occurs. A second position of the operator input device may be associated with a first incremental rate for shifting between the virtual gear ratios. A third position may be associated with a second incremental rate for shifting between the virtual gear ratios which is different than the first incremental rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Davis, Adam Nackers, Michael D. Beyer, Shane C. McBride
  • Patent number: 8843284
    Abstract: A method for controlling a manual transmission of a vehicle includes providing a manual transmission comprising a shift fork actuator and a shifter assembly comprising a shift lever, a shift knob disposed on the shifter lever, a shift lever position sensor and a shifter tactile sensor. The tactile sensor may be used to determine when pressure is applied to the shift knob of the shifter assembly and, when pressure is applied to the shift knob, vehicle operating parameters are monitored. A predicted gear selection is determined based on the monitored vehicle operating parameters. An operator gear selection is then determined based on the shift lever position sensor when the shift lever is moved. The operator gear selection is compared to the predicted gear selection and, when the predicted gear selection is the same as the operator gear selection, the manual transmission is shifted to the predicted gear selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Wolterman
  • Patent number: 8838350
    Abstract: When gear shift to second gear shift stage is completed and frictional engagement element is judged to be in slip state by slip state judging unit in a state in which input torque is input torque upper limit value, a value obtained by subtracting first predetermined amount from the input torque upper limit value is set as a decrease side input torque upper limit value. When next gear shift to the second gear shift stage is completed with the decrease side input torque upper limit value set and the frictional engagement element is not judged to be in slip state by the slip state judging unit in a state in which the input torque is the decrease side input torque upper limit value, a value obtained by adding second predetermined amount to the decrease side input torque upper limit value is set as a new input torque upper limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Jatco Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukiyoshi Inuta
  • Patent number: 8836268
    Abstract: A pulse signal output unit sends three-phase pulse signals according to movement of the movable member. A counter unit adds a first predetermined value or a second predetermined value to a count value or subtracts the first predetermined value or the second predetermined value from the count value, according to a combination of the pulse signals appearing when all the pulse signals are normal and a combination of the pulse signals appearing when one of the pulse signals malfunctions. A position detection unit detects the position of the movable member according to the count value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8838345
    Abstract: An automatic transmission system for a bulldozer includes an automatic speed stage shifting section that switches among speed stages depending on a vehicle speed, a speed stage maintaining section that maintains a currently selected speed stage until a predetermined speed stage shifting disobedient time elapses after completion of a speed stage shifting while disobeying a switching instruction from the automatic speed stage shifting section, a load detecting section that detects a vehicle load, and a control restricting section that restricts a control processing of the maintaining section for causing it to obey the shifting section's instruction when the vehicle load is a predetermined load or greater even before the disobedient time elapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenjiro Shimada
  • Patent number: 8816676
    Abstract: The position sensor includes a shift lever used to select one of five ranges P, R, N, D, and B, fixed contacts corresponding to the ranges P, R, N, D, and B, and movable contacts configured to be electrically connected to the fixed contacts. The fixed contacts include regular fixed contacts, first backup fixed contacts, and second backup fixed contacts. The first and second backup fixed contacts have their lengths in the moving direction of the movable contacts configured to be longer than the length of the regular fixed contact that corresponds to the first and second backup fixed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Yamashita, Yasuhiro Ijichi, Hiroshi Takei
  • Publication number: 20140236441
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle provided with a continuously variable electric transmission mechanism capable of sequential shift mode, a minimum engine rotational speed is specified for each gear specified in the sequential shift mode so that the lower the gear, the greater the minimum engine rotational speed. When the engine rotational speed has decreased to the minimum rotational speed while driving in the sequential shift mode, an upshift lamp of a gear shift indication device is turned on to prompt the driver to manually shift to a higher gear. As the driver shifts to a higher gear in response to the prompt, the minimum engine rotational speed is specified to a lower value. That allows for further decrease of the engine rotational speed and improves fuel consumption rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keita Sato, Eiji Fukushiro
  • Patent number: 8812207
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and correcting mismatches between an electronic shifter position and a vehicle's actual transmission gear. The method and system implement a correction scheme that may initially set a period for manual correction, if possible, then initiate automatic correction if correction is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Chrysler Group LLC, Kostal of America
    Inventors: Brian L Wagoner, Eugene Karpinsky, Matthew S Martin, Michael F Tefend, Steven R Hoskins
  • Patent number: 8798880
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine speed module and a downshift indicator module. The engine speed module determines an engine speed when a clutch is engaged with a dual mass flywheel. The downshift indicator module generates a downshift indicator signal when the engine speed is less than a first speed, the downshift indicator signal indicating when to downshift a manual transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: William L. Cousins, James M. Partyka
  • Patent number: 8768587
    Abstract: A method of operating a machine at a worksite includes determining data associated with at least one of a machine operation at the worksite and a worksite condition, and determining, based on the data, that one of machine propulsion and machine retarding will be required for greater than a corresponding threshold. The method also includes determining, in response to determining that machine propulsion will be required, a desired propulsion gear, and recommending the propulsion gear to an operator of the machine. The method further includes determining, in response to determining that machine retarding will be required, a desired retarding gear, and recommending the retarding gear to the operator. In such a method, the retarding gear is determined based on a maximum temperature associated with the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan J. Wulf, Christopher M. Sprock, Mahmoud M. Tobaa, Mallikharjuna Rao Boddu
  • Patent number: 8768589
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission includes a transmission control unit that controls action of a first clutch actuator, a second clutch actuator, and a shift mechanism; determines whether or not a clutch torque capacity for an engaging-side clutch has increased to a determination value during a clutch change period; and, if the clutch torque capacity for the engaging-side clutch has increased to the determination value, changes the torque transmission path by reducing the clutch torque capacity of a release-side clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Arai
  • Patent number: 8755978
    Abstract: A system for controlling a transmission of a vehicle based on input from a shifter includes first, second, third, and fourth position sensors and a position determination module. The shifter includes a shift lever. The first and second position sensors sense first and second positions of the shift lever, respectively, with respect to first and second axes, respectively, wherein the first and second axes are orthogonal to one another. The third and fourth position sensors sense third and fourth positions of the shift lever, respectively, with respect to third and fourth axes, respectively, wherein the third and fourth axes are orthogonal to one another. In addition, the first and second axes are non-orthogonal to the third and fourth axes. The position determination module determines a position of the shift lever based on the first, second, third, and fourth positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Lewis Pudvay
  • Patent number: 8744710
    Abstract: A control device for controlling a front wheel drive force and a rear wheel drive force of a vehicle that includes a transmission comprises: a first controller for controlling a drive force of a main drive wheel and a drive force of an auxiliary drive wheel, the drive force of the main drive wheel being one of the front-wheel drive force and the rear-wheel drive force, and the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheel being another of the front-wheel drive force and the rear-wheel drive force; and a second controller for detecting whether a speed-change ratio of the transmission has changed. In a case that the second controller has detected that the speed-change ratio has changed, the first controller increases the drive force of the auxiliary drive wheel and reduces the drive force of the main drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Manabu Hiroya
  • Patent number: 8725370
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus including: a bad-road control-mode switch configured to be manipulated by a driver; and a bad-road control section configured to perform a bad-road control when a bad-road control mode is selected by the bad-road control-mode switch, the bad-road control section including a shift changeover function configured to automatically change a shift state of vehicle between a forward running and a reverse running, and a driving-force applying section configured to reduce a driving force acting on a road-wheel when the shift state of vehicle is changed by the shift changeover function, and configured to apply a predetermined driving force to the road-wheel when a predetermined time has elapsed after the change of shift state, as the bad-road control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Ohtsu
  • Patent number: 8725367
    Abstract: In a control apparatus and a control method for a vehicle automatic transmission in which a plurality of gears with different speed ratios are achieved by selectively engaging a plurality of friction engagement devices and a one-way clutch, if an acceleration request is made in the case where the one-way clutch is in an idling state when a first predetermined gear is to be achieved by engaging the one-way clutch, a pre-synchronization control is executed to transmit torque through a predetermined friction engagement device used to achieve a second predetermined gear at which the one-way clutch is maintained in an idling state, and to continue to change a rotational direction of the one-way clutch toward a rotational direction in which the one-way clutch is brought to a synchronized state, according to the acceleration request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaaki Tokura, Hideaki Otsubo, Motonori Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140129102
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and correcting mismatches between an electronic shifter position and a vehicle's actual transmission gear. The method and system implement a correction scheme that may initially set a period for manual correction, if possible, then initiate automatic correction if correction is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Brian L. Wagoner, Eugene Karpinsky, Matthew S. Martin, Michael F. Tefend, Steven R. Hoskins
  • Patent number: 8688339
    Abstract: A method and system provides a Neutral Tow mode in a vehicle with a shift-by-wire transmission by displaying a Neutral Tow mode option when the transmission control mechanism has been used to select Park, an ignition switch is on, and an engine is off or an information button has been pushed and entering a Neutral Tow mode upon detecting a triggering event. The Neutral Tow mode is canceled upon detecting a certain sequence of events, such as turning on the ignition switch, depressing and holding a brake pedal, and selecting Park. When in Neutral Tow mode the transmission will stay in Neutral, without automatically shifting to Park or using battery power, thereby enabling the vehicle to be towed long distances without draining battery power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Luke Fyie, Todd Curtis Spaulding, Brian J Deurloo, Mark Edward Zyskowski, Charles C Poon, William Russell Goodwin, Christopher Lee Danks, Richard Reynolds Hathaway, Jeffrey James Tumavitch
  • Patent number: 8682548
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle washing mode for a vehicle equipped with shift-by-wire shifting device, may include performing an N-range-off determining step that determines whether a shift lever is in an N-range when an engine stops, performing an ACC determining step that determines whether the vehicle is in an ACC state, and performing a shifting step that shifts a P-range state of a transmission to a N-range state thereof by operating an actuator, when the N-range-off determining step determines that the shift lever is in the N-range when the engine was stopped, and when the ACC determining step determines that the vehicle is in the ACC state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Hangil Park