Indicating A Completion Of A Shift Or A Shift To Be Completed Patents (Class 701/64)
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Patent number: 8145399Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing an electronic gear shift selector associated with an automatic mechanical transmission for a heavy vehicle. The gear shift selector includes a toggle switch for asserting at least one gear shift request, a counter receiving the at least one gear shift request, and a time delay for preventing communication of the at least one gear shift request from the counter until a predefined time period has passed. A method for communicating a collective gear shift request to a gear box includes asserting one or more gear shift requests with a gear shift selector, communicating the gear shift requests to a counter, determining the collective gear shift requests occurring within a predefined time period, communicating the gear shift requests occurring within the predefined time period to a gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Anders Lindgren, Anders Eriksson
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Patent number: 8099220Abstract: A powertrain control includes monitoring map preview information, determining a road gradient factor based upon the map preview information, and adapting a transmission shift schedule based upon the road gradient factor.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Daekyun Kim, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Chunhao J. Lee
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Patent number: 8090499Abstract: A vehicle control system reduces vehicle rollback upon brake release. The control system includes a brake system, a vehicle grade measurement device and a controller that modulates applied brake pressure of the brake system based on a grade measurement of the grade measurement device. The controller actuates brake-hold device communicating with the brake system based on the grade measurement through pulse width modulation. The control system communicates with a motor generator and an engine to provide a start power to the engine upon brake release based on the grade measurement. Fuel injectors of the engine are enabled upon brake release based on the grade measurement. The control system further communicates with a transmission forward clutch to provide selective rotational communication between the transmission and the engine based on the grade measurement.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventor: Goro Tamai
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Patent number: 8055419Abstract: A novel display apparatus and method that enables the operator to shift gears smoothly on motor vehicles is described. The display shows engine revolutions per minute (RPM) at various traveling speeds for any gears all in one dial. The display may also show shifting paths for different driving styles. The static version of the display may be overlaid on top of existing tachometer. The dynamic version of display runs on portable devices with Global Positioning System (GPS) will show optimal RPM and shift indicator continuously. Further, the dynamic display is wireless networked to provide real-time driving instructions.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Inventor: Jianhao Meng
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Patent number: 8042420Abstract: A twin clutch type speed-change apparatus for detecting the engagement state of a dog clutch by use of the rotational speed difference between an inner main shaft and an outer main shaft and of a signal outputted from a gear position sensor. A rotational speed difference between an inner main shaft and an outer main shaft is detected by use of inner and outer rotational speed sensors. When the engagement of the dog clutch is to be released, it is judged to complete the release if the signal outputted from the gear position sensor indicates a speed step number after shifting and the rotational speed difference is zero. It is judged as a dog-tip caught state if the signal outputted from the gear position sensor indicates a speed step number before or after shifting and the rotational speed difference is a transmission gear ratio difference.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kousuke Tsunashima, Hiroyuki Kojima, Yoshihisa Kanno
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Patent number: 8041486Abstract: A method of gear shifting in a servo-controlled gearbox. The method generates an oscillation on angular velocities of primary and secondary shafts of the gearbox, separates the primary shaft from the secondary shaft thus disengaging a first current gear when the oscillation has taken the angular velocity of the primary shaft close to the angular velocity that the primary shaft must assume to engage a second next gear, and connects the primary shaft to the secondary shaft thus engaging the second next gear when the oscillation has led the angular velocity of the secondary shaft to equalize the current angular velocity of the primary shaft multiplied by the transmission ratio of the second next gear.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventors: Franck Baldet, Luca Poggio, Amedeo Visconti
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Patent number: 8036801Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including a differential mechanism including an electric motor. The drive system includes a switching clutch and switching brake to switch the transmission mechanism between a continuously-variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state. A shifting control mechanism changes a manner of controlling shifting action of the transmission mechanism during shifting action of an automatic transmission portion, for reducing a shifting shock, depending upon whether a differential portion is placed in the continuously-variable shifting state in which engine speed is variable due to differential function irrespective of rotating speed of power transmitting member, or the non-continuously-variable shifting state in which the engine speed is more difficult to be variable than in the continuously-variable shifting state.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
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Patent number: 8019519Abstract: A shift-by-wire control unit is provided that includes, but is not limited to a sensor for detecting the position of a shift lever, which is movable on a path between a neutral position and at least one shift position, a control circuit, and an actuator for driving a selector fork in accordance with a movement of the shift lever detected by the control unit. The control circuit is set up to predefine a setpoint position of the actuator for each detected position of the shift lever, the rate of change of the setpoint position as a function of the shift lever position being higher in a first area of the path adjacent to the neutral position than in a second area of the path, which is at a greater distance from the neutral position than the first area.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christian Ruebsam, Jan Sporleder
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Patent number: 7983824Abstract: A method for operation of a drivetrain including a drive motor and an automatic transmission having at least five shift elements, of which, at least two elements are disengaged in each forward and reverse gear and the other shift elements are engaged. Two successive shifts are accomplished by two overlapped single gear shifts such that: a) during the first shift, a first shift element is engaged or disengaged while a second shift element is disengaged or engaged; b) during the first shift, second and third shift elements are prepared for either engagement or disengagement; and c) during the first and the second shifts at least one fourth shift element is kept engaged or nearly engaged.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Christian Popp
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Patent number: 7979191Abstract: A method for monitoring a starting process of a motor vehicle, having a drive train including a driving motor, a torque transfer system and a transmission, a controller and an actuator, which is controlled by the controller for actuating the torque transfer system. Upon initiation of the starting process, if it is observed that the motor vehicle does not start, despite a clear starting request, appropriate measures for starting the motor vehicle are initiated.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Rupert Kramer, Peter Herter, Ingo Sauter
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Patent number: 7979184Abstract: An automatic transmission controller system and method are disclosed. In particular, disclosed is a system and method for controlling solenoid pressure control valves associated with an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission controller system comprises a controller which is configured to receive one or more electrical signal inputs for attributing each solenoid pressure control valve with one of a set of I-P calibration curves.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michael T. Dickinson, Chris Hopp
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Patent number: 7979185Abstract: A method for determining a motor vehicle mass which is implemented in conjunction with shifting an automated shift transmission from a current gear to a desired gear. In determining the mass, a value force and movement parameters are determined partly before or after the shift operation and partly during it. For the more rapid and accurate determination of mass, the drive-wheel-related traction force of the drive engine before and after the shift F_zug_vor, F_zug_nach, the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle before and after the shift, a_zug_vor, a_zug_nach, and the acceleration a_roll determined in the traction-force-free phase during the shift are determined, and from these and in accordance with the equation m=F_zug/(a_zug?a_roll), a first mass value m_vor=F_zug_vor/(a_zug_vor?a_roll) is calculated for the beginning of the shift and a second mass value m_nach=F_zug_nach/(a_zug_nach?a_roll) is calculated for the end of the shift.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Werner Wolfgang, Maik Würthner, Ingo Sauter
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Publication number: 20110093174Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system for a vehicle includes a deceleration module, a downshift trigger module, and a shift module. The deceleration module determines a deceleration rate based on a speed of at least one of the vehicle and an engine of the vehicle. The downshift trigger module generates a threshold signal based on the deceleration rate. The shift module generates a downshift signal when the speed is less than the threshold signal and while the vehicle is operating in a manual transmission mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Patrick J. O'Leary, Barbara A. Shuler
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Patent number: 7912614Abstract: An automatic transmission control apparatus is provided with a control scheme that focuses on the rotational speed differences of the frictional engaging elements and the distribution of torque transferred by the frictional engaging elements. When the automatic transmission is upshifted while in a power-off state, the individual torque capacity of a frictional engaging element being released and the individual torque capacity of a frictional engaging element being connected are corrected by adding a prescribed torque capacity amount to each of the individual torque capacities during an inertia phase of the shift control in which a compensation is executed for inertia related to changing the gear ratio. In this way, frictional losses are induced in the frictional engaging elements so as to absorb the inertia torque and lower the input rotational speed more quickly.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Tomoaki Honma, Masaaki Uchida, Shusaku Katakura, Yoshinobu Kawamoto, Sadamu Fujiwara
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Patent number: 7912613Abstract: A riding type vehicle includes an automatic transmission capable of executing a shift change by a clutch actuator and a shift actuator. A clutch is controlled by the clutch actuator and is a multiplate clutch. The multiplate clutch is provided with bias member configured to enlarge a partial clutch engagement region of the clutch. The multiplate clutch is configured such that during shift change, both of the clutch actuator and the shift actuator are controlled to operate in overlapping manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Makoto Kosugi
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Patent number: 7908063Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to execute synchronous shifting in a powertrain system having multiple torque-generative devices each operable to independently supply motive torque to the transmission device. The exemplary transmission device comprises a two-mode, compound-split, hybrid electro-mechanical transmission. Operation includes operating in an initial fixed gear ratio, operating the transmission in a mode operation, and, operating the transmission in a final fixed gear ratio. The control system reduces reactive torque of a clutch activating the initial gear, and deactivates the first torque-transfer device when the reactive torque is less than a predetermined value. It determines that speed of an input shaft to the transmission is substantially synchronized with a rotational speed of the second torque-transfer device, and actuates the second torque-transfer device.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Jy-Jen F. Sah
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Patent number: 7894969Abstract: A control apparatus includes a torque-boost control portion that boosts torque output from the engine, and corrects the operation amount of an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of air taken into the engine to increase the amount of air during a torque phase when the automatic transmission upshifts; and an inertia-phase determination portion that determines whether an inertia phase has started. The torque-boost control portion includes a torque-boost end control portion that executes a torque-boost end control that gradually decreases a correction amount, by which the operation amount is corrected, to zero when the inertia-phase determination portion determines that the inertia phase has started.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomohiro Asami, Toshio Sugimura, Takaaki Tokura, Nobufusa Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7878084Abstract: A method for determining the position of a shifting element (11), for example of a sliding sleeve in an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, with the element actuated by way an actuating element, for example comprising a shifting rod (8) and a shifting fork (10), via an operating element (1). From the actuating pressure and/or the shifting force of the operating element, deformation of the actuating element, for example the shifting rod (8) and/or the shifting fork (10), is determined which result in the position of the shifting element being determined with greater precision.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Rainer Petzold, Robert Ingenbleek, Mario Steinborn
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Publication number: 20100312442Abstract: An improper gear shift timing indicator system for a manual transmission vehicle. The system includes a gear position detector for detecting gear position information and a control unit in communication with the gear position detector. The control unit is configured to detect a gear shift event based on a change in the gear position information. The control unit measures elapsed time during the gear shift event and compares the elapsed time with a threshold value, which is based on various vehicle operating parameters and the given gear shift event. A signal system is in communication with the control unit and the control unit causes the signal system to provide a signal to a driver of the vehicle when the elapsed time of the gear shift event is less than the threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: Samuel S. Ahn
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Patent number: 7844376Abstract: A method for determining a position of a range indication device for an automatic transmission is provided. The method includes: receiving N bits corresponding to a state of N circuits, respectively, wherein the N bits are related to a position of a range indication device and wherein the position includes transmission range states and transitional states between the transmission range states; associating the bit patterns with at least one of the transitional states and the transmission range states; defining the bit pattern having N bits equal to a first state as the transitional state, and defining the bit pattern having N/2 bits equal to one of the first state and a second state as the transmission range state.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Inventor: Craig A. Brunstetter
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Patent number: 7835840Abstract: Transmission shift history is tracked using the current transmission state and the immediately preceding transmission state and the vehicle speed during a cycle of Neutral transmission state. Vehicular safety and convenience applications are extended to Neutral states of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Wanli Chiu, Osman D. Altan
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Patent number: 7828695Abstract: A control apparatus for a shift-position changing mechanism that changes the shift positions of an automatic transmission mounted in a vehicle using a rotational force of an actuator based on the state of an operation member includes: a detection unit that detects a command to change the shift positions based on a change in the state of the operation member; a control unit that controls the actuator such that the actuator is rotated by a predetermined rotation amount, when a predetermined first condition concerning the state of the vehicle is satisfied in a case the command to change the shift positions is not detected; and a determination unit that determines that a failure has occurred in the shift-position changing mechanism, when a predetermined second condition on the control of the actuator is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Inoue, Yoshinobu Nozaki
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Patent number: 7798031Abstract: In a method for shifting gears of an automatic transmission, in which a shift finger can be moved by a selective actuator along a selective path into various selective positions, out of which the shift finger can be moved via a shift actuator into different shift paths and the shift finger engages a gear each when it is moved into an end region of a shift path, the selective actuator is activated for verifying the correct function of the selective actuator and its connection to the shift finger prior to each engagement of a new gear within a shift path such that by approaching the edge of the shift gear the respective shift path is detected.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Lars Lein, Jan Gunnar Royland, Ole Andre Gjerpe, Christer Svenkerud
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Patent number: 7789780Abstract: During Low return control, in which a speed ratio determined by a contact radius of a V-belt (4) with a non-rotating primary pulley (2) and a non-rotating secondary pulley (3) is shifted toward lowest speed ratio while the vehicle is stationary, an estimated speed ratio (ic) is calculated on the basis of a secondary pulley pressure (Psec). When a start request is issued to the vehicle while Low return control is underway, a primary pulley pressure (Ppri) and the secondary pulley pressure (Psec) are controlled on the basis of the estimated speed ratio (ic).Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: JATCO LtdInventors: Hiroki Iwasa, Yoshihisa Kodama
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Patent number: 7769515Abstract: A method for controlling a shift during a shift of an automatic transmission controls to complete an N to N-2 shift and an N-2 to N-3 shift simultaneously such that the shift during a shift is smoothly performed when the N-2 to N-3 shift where one frictional element is released is required to be performed during the N to N-2 shift where another frictional element is released and the other frictional element is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jin Soo Lee
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Publication number: 20100087998Abstract: A method and device for driving assistance for a propulsion unit of a vehicle with manual control of the transmission gear ratio, using a control system with a calculator controlling an indication to a driver of a recommended gear ratio based on a request information from the driver and depending on driving conditions of the vehicle at any moment, and a mapping of the gear change rules from which the ratio to be recommended is determined, depending on the vehicle speed at each moment, for an optimal fuel consumption and a minimized pollutant emission. The recommended ratio for an optimal consumption is corrected in successive steps by taking into account, one after the other, a set of constraints concerning the driving safety and comfort, each step having priority over the previous one so that the ratio finally recommended is an optimal balance between the different constraints while putting an emphasis on driving safety.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: RENAULT S. A.S.Inventors: Patrice Habert, Eric Vigerie
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Patent number: 7689340Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a parallel transmission comprising two partial transmissions that act upon a common drive shaft and can be coupled to a drive shaft via one respective clutch. The gear ratio of the parallel transmission can be changed from the gear that is engaged in one partial transmission to the gear that is engaged in the other partial transmission without interrupting traction when the parallel transmission functions correctly by opening the clutch of one partial transmission and simultaneously closing the clutch of the other partial transmission. When a malfunction is detected in the actuator of at least one of the clutches, the open clutch can be closed only if at least one of the following conditions is met: the previously closed clutch is open; or, no gear is engaged in the partial transmission allocated to the previously closed clutch.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteilgungs KGInventor: Alexander Schweizer
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Patent number: 7684919Abstract: An method of operating a multiple speed (gear ratio) mechanical transmission and engine combination to optimize (reduce) fuel consumption comprises the steps of determining a fuel efficiency map for an engine, providing a multiple speed mechanical transmission controller having data and program storage capabilities, providing data regarding the fuel efficiency map to the controller and providing a control algorithm in the controller whereby operation of the engine/transmission combination is optimized for fuel economy in accordance with the fuel efficiency map.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Muneer AbuSamra
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Patent number: 7676313Abstract: A method for controlling a power-off shift from a current gear to a target gear in a hybrid electric powertrain including an engine, electric motor and automatic transmission includes the steps of determining an initial target speed for the current gear, operating the motor at the initial target speed, repetitively determining a current gear ratio, a output shaft speed during the gear ratio change, a time rate of change of output shaft speed, using the current gear ratio, the current speed of the output shaft and the time rate of change of output shaft speed repetitively to determine a current target speed, and operating the motor at the current target speed until a gear change to the next gear is completed.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Walt J. Ortmann, Andrew J. Silveri
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Publication number: 20100036571Abstract: The present invention relates to an information method for a manual transmission vehicle that provides information for inducing stepping on an accelerator pedal for economical driving of a manual transmission vehicle and provides information for inducing changing a shift stage for the economical driving by using a driving performance guidance map showing a fuel consumption rate area in accordance with BSFC.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Kwonhee Han, Hyeonsoo Kim, Dongjin Shin, Sungyun Kim, Kyuho Kim
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Patent number: 7610827Abstract: An adjusting device for a transmission, such as a motor vehicle transmission is described. The transmission has at least one moveable adjusting element, at least two sensors for detecting a position of the at least one moveable adjusting element, and a code path of the at least one moveable adjusting element having sections of different heights which are provided to be scanned by the at least two sensors, the sections of the code path of different heights being arranged at least two-dimensionally. The at least two sensors are arranged parallel to one another.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Doerr, Zoltán Skriba
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Publication number: 20090222181Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing an electronic gear shift selector associated with an automatic mechanical transmission for a heavy vehicle. The gear shift selector includes a toggle switch for asserting at least one gear shift request, a counter receiving the at least one gear shift request, and a time delay for preventing communication of the at least one gear shift request from the counter until a predefined time period has passed. A method for communicating a collective gear shift request to a gear box includes asserting one or more gear shift requests with a gear shift selector, communicating the gear shift requests to a counter, determining the collective gear shift requests occurring within a predefined time period, communicating the gear shift requests occurring within the predefined time period to a gearbox.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR ABInventors: Anders Lindgren, Anders Eriksson
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Patent number: 7584040Abstract: The following steps are performed in the control method: determining a mode of operation from amongst a permanent mode and a transient mode, as a function of a set of variables comprising said estimated values; correcting the value of the speed of rotation of the outlet shaft in such a manner that: if the mode has been determined as being the permanent mode, then the moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) over a period (T) of a plurality of unit time intervals lies between a first threshold value (S1) that is negative and a second threshold value (S2) that is positive; and if the mode has been determined as being the transient mode, then said moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) lies outside the range of values defined by the first and second threshold value (S1, S2).Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventor: Stéphane Rimaux
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Patent number: 7547266Abstract: A shift control ECU includes the steps of storing a position of a shift lever; starting a count-up timer when the shift lever comes to a neutral position; and recognizing a driver's request for the neutral position when a count-up timer value attains TN(1) if the stored shift lever position is a home position and when a count-up timer value attains TN(2) if the stored shift lever position is not the home position. Here, TN(1) is set to be smaller than TN(2).Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Inoue, Yasushi Kobiki, Toshiharu Asai, Takehiro Uchida, Yasuo Shimizu
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Publication number: 20090139320Abstract: Disclosed is a method for real time determination of a base torque value, representative of maximum available torque of an engine at a specified engine rpm, as a function of engine torque during predetermined engine conditions. The base torque value is used to determine shift points for an automatic transmission of an self propelled work machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: Garth H. Bulgrien
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Patent number: 7532974Abstract: Parameters having a correlation with a crowded condition of a road traveled by a vehicle are inputted to an ideal fuel consumption estimation model. This ideal fuel consumption estimation model estimates an ideal fuel consumption of vehicle based on the parameters. The ideal fuel consumption of vehicle estimated by the ideal fuel consumption estimation model is outputted to an output portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus CorporationInventors: Tasuku Sato, Masayuki Kayano, Shogo Matsuura
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Patent number: 7529607Abstract: A method for controlling selection of an automatic transmission gear ratio with staged ratios or constant variation for a vehicle including a control for preventing/allowing extension of the gear ratio or for controlling a shortening the transmission gear ratio if, at a current engine speed, the power is insufficient for maintaining the vehicle speed. The method prevents extension of the transmission gear ratio if the power available after the extension is insufficient for maintaining the vehicle speed; otherwise allowing extension of the transmission gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Renault S.A.S.Inventor: Olivier Aubert
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Publication number: 20090075773Abstract: A method for operating the powertrain includes monitoring operator inputs, monitoring a transmission output, and terminating an engine operating mode when a time-rate change in the transmission output exceeds a threshold absent a change in the monitored operator inputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Ryan D. Martini, Charles J. Van Horn, Peter E. Wu, Andrew M. Zettel, Sam Almasri, Jy-Jen F. Sah
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Publication number: 20090030584Abstract: A novel display apparatus and method that enables the operator to shift gears smoothly on motor vehicles is described. The display shows engine revolutions per minute (RPM) at various traveling speeds for any gears all in one dial. The display may also show shifting paths for different driving styles. The static version of the display may be overlaid on top of existing tachometer. The dynamic version of display runs on portable devices with Global Positioning System (GPS) will show optimal RPM and shift indicator continuously. Further, the dynamic display is wireless networked to provide real-time driving instructions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventor: Jianhao Meng
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Patent number: 7482912Abstract: An indicating instrument including at least one display unit including display segments that are used to represent a currently engaged gear and a background surrounding the display segments, and a control circuit configured to apply a first signal having a first polarity to the display segments and a second signal having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity to the background such that the display segments and the background have different contrasts to indicate the currently engaged gear.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Preh GmbHInventors: Anton Rüttiger, Jürgen Nauth
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Patent number: 7468017Abstract: An ECT_ECU of the present invention executes a program including the step of setting a determination time T for determining the completion of an upshift in an accelerator off mode to a short determination time T (X) when a slip value NS (NS=NE?NT) between an engine revolution NE and a turbine revolution NT is smaller than a predetermined slip value NS (0) (when the difference between NT and NE is large, and the step of setting the determination time T to a long determination time T (Y) when the slip value NS (NS=NE?NT) is larger than the predetermined slip value NS (0) (when the difference between NT and NE is small).Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshio Sugimura, Toshinari Suzuki, Tatsuya Kawamura, Atsushi Ayabe
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Patent number: 7447584Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating an optimal gear shift time is disclosed. The apparatus includes an input circuit that obtains a plurality RPM readings over a selected interval of time, a processing module that determines an RPM acceleration based upon the plurality of RPM readings, the processing module also determines an appropriate shift time based upon the RPM acceleration and estimated shift reaction time, and a shift indicator that communicates the appropriate shift time. In certain embodiments, the appropriate shift time includes shifting within a range of maximum engine power. In some embodiments, the shift indicator comprises a shift indicator light or an audible signal generator.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Inventor: John William McMullen
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Publication number: 20080262685Abstract: A method for performing gear shifting by engaging a coupling element with a gear wheel includes moving the coupling element relative to the gear wheel from a disengaged position to an engaged position, in which a particular gear is selected. A speed of the coupling element relative to a speed of the gear wheel is controlled during movement of the coupling element so that a speed difference is maintained until the coupling element reaches the engaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2005Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT HOLDING SWEDEN ABInventors: Christer Asplund, Joakim Gafvert
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Publication number: 20080242504Abstract: A shifting point display for indicating shift advice is provided in a motor vehicle having a manual transmission and a control unit for the continuous determination of a current operating point of the motor vehicle. At least one characteristic upshift indication curve or a characteristic downshift indication curve is stored in an electronic memory. An upshift indication or a downshift indication is displayed when the characteristic upshift indication curve or the characteristic downshift indication curve is reached by the current operating point and a currently differently engaged gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gerd KRAEMER, Alberto Croci
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Publication number: 20080228340Abstract: An improved method for predicting the health of a power transmission and an apparatus for practicing the same are provided. The method includes: monitoring a total number of converged shifts after a first shift has converged; determining if the total number of converged shifts is greater then a calibrated number of completed converged shifts; if yes, determining an initial clutch volume, an initial free running clearance, a free running clearance, and a free running clearance per face and monitoring a change in free running clearance per face; determining if either the free running clearance per face is greater than a calibrated free running clearance per friction surface for failure or if the change in free running clearance per face is greater than a calibrated change in free running clearance per friction surface for failure; if yes, activating a service indicator configured to warn vehicle occupants that transmission service is required.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Mark A. Rains, Brett R. Caldwell
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Patent number: 7356398Abstract: Synchronous shift control in a multi-mode, hybrid transmission utilizes motor torques to control clutch synchronizations and torque conditions thereacross for substantially torque disturbance free shifting from one mode to another.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Todd M Steinmetz, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Tung-Ming Hsieh
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Patent number: 7349784Abstract: A control method for automatic transmissions wherein a reverse motion condition in the neutral or drive ranges, caused by burning or the like in the operating devices of the automatic transmission, can be automatically detected to prevent an unwanted reverse motion of a vehicle from occurring, thereby enhancing the safety of the automatic transmission and improving the running stability of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jung-Suk Lee
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Patent number: 7219782Abstract: A gear position in an automotive gearbox is detected on the basis of measuring a value indicative of the speed of a rotating shaft between an engine and the gearbox, and a value indicative of the speed of an output shaft from the gearbox, and calculating a quotient of these two speeds. If for a predetermined period of time the quotient is between upper and lower limits about a quotient value pertaining to the respective gear position, it is decided that a gear position obtains. Through information about a selected split position of a split gear it is as possible gear position rule out all gear positions which do not correspond to the selected split position, thereby enabling said upper and lower limits to be raised and lowered respectively for the remaining gear positions which correspond to the selected split position.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Scania CV AB (publ)Inventors: Magnus Pettersson, Matts Jargenstedt
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Patent number: 7219001Abstract: A transmission system for a vehicle includes an automatic transmission configured to automatically change speed ratios between an input member and an output member. An indicator is configured to provide an indication of predetermined speed ratio changes to a driver inside a passenger compartment. A corresponding method is also provided. The method includes establishing a speed ratio, determining that a speed ratio change is appropriate, and generating an indication perceptible to a driver.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Paul D. Donar
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Patent number: 7203587Abstract: A shift lever operating position judging device includes a position sensor having switches. Each switch is arranged to be at an ON state within a different range in a shift lever operating range, and two or three switches out of the plurality of switches are at the ON state in a different combination in response to each shift lever operating position. The device further includes a calculated value calculating means reading a sensor signal representing the ON or OFF state of the switches and calculating a calculated value based upon the signal, and a first operating position judging means for judging the shift lever position corresponding to the calculated value following a first operating position judgment reference defining the calculated value at the event that all of the plurality of switches have been at a normal condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Daisuke Tamaru, Tomomitsu Terakawa