Indicating A Completion Of A Shift Or A Shift To Be Completed Patents (Class 701/64)
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Patent number: 6216073Abstract: A down-shift is carried out when a) the sum of a dry force of a vehicle and a predetermined value, is smaller than a running resistance, and b) when an accelerator opening is larger than a threshold value which is based on vehicle speed, road inclination, and speed change step (gear position).Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventors: Masanobu Horiguchi, Akira Ikeda
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Patent number: 6212458Abstract: A control for an automatic shifting power transmission employs an algorithm to determine the proper gear ratio during vehicle deceleration. The algorithm establishes downshift grade requirements based on the brake pressure and speed threshold targets based on brake pressure. A grade average is calculated from the operating parameters of acceleration, engine braking, aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance and brake torque deceleration. If the grade average is within downshifting range and the speed target is met, the control commands a downshift to the next lower gear ratio. The downshift grade requirements decrease as brake pressure increases and speed targets increase as brake pressure increases.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Allen John Walenty, Kevin Gerard Leppek, Scott R. Kloess
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Patent number: 6202016Abstract: A method of shifting a transmission having both a hydrostatic portion, including a variable pump (15), and a hydraulic motor (29), and a mechanical transmission (33) portion, including a shift cylinder (37). The method includes relieving the output torque of the motor (29), shifting the mechanical transmission to neutral, and controlling the. displacement of the pump (15) to synchronize motor output speed with the required input speed to the desired gear ratio of the mechanical transmission (33). Then fluid flow to the shift cylinder (37) occurs to shift to the desired gear ratio. The shifting method includes a series of steps in which the feasibility of the prospective shift is determined, and only when the prospective shift can be completed, without detriment to the operation of the vehicle, will the shift be completed. As a result, the shifting between low gear and high gear can occur without bringing the vehicle to a stop each time.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Dwight B. Stephenson, Russell P. Schuchmann
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Patent number: 6151543Abstract: An electronic control system for a transmission in a work vehicle such as an agricultural tractor is disclosed herein. The system includes sensors for detecting the output speed of the vehicle engine, the output speed of the transmission and the vehicle ground speed. Command devices are available to the vehicle operator for generating command signals, such as for commanding the direction of movement, as well as forward and reverse gear ratios. A controller receives signals from the sensors and command devices, and controls engagement and disengagement of combinations of fluid clutches in the transmission to obtain desired gear ratios between the transmission input and output shafts. The command devices include an input device for generating transmission command signals, and the controller responds by selectively engaging the clutches to shift the transmission at a predetermined shift rate. The controller determines a commanded gear ratio based at least in part on the transmission command signals.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Case CorporationInventors: Kevin D. McKee, Jeffrey S. Milender
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Patent number: 6144911Abstract: A method for performing shifting operations in an automated, mechanical transmission, which is coupled via an automated clutch to an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine. The setpoint engine torque (MDsoll) is essentially predefinable by a gas pedal (10) and/or by a vehicle-speed controller or limiter (17, 18). The setpoint engine torque is varied in response to gear shifting operations through the intervention of an electronic control device, as follows: The area of the electronic control device that is designated for the transmission control is continually supplied with the setpoint engine torque MDsoll1. In response to manually or automatically introduced gear shifting operations, a switch is made to the setpoint engine torque being input by the electronic transmission control, which calculates this setpoint engine torque (GW-MD) as a function of gear-change parameters and/or extracts it from gear-change characteristics maps or curves.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Daimler Benz AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ralf Binz, Thomas Brock, Ulrich Nester
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Patent number: 6128565Abstract: In a disengagement side control, in a power on state, a disengagement side pressure P.sub.W is output, P.sub.W being set higher than a base pressure dependent on input torque, and a disengagement side frictional engagement element is engaged and maintained. In a power off state, a disengagement side pressure lower than the base pressure is output, and the disengagement side frictional engagement element slips. In the disengagement side control, when the vehicle driving state is changed from the power off state to the power on state, the disengagement side pressure P.sub.W is changed from that for a slip state to that for a maintain state.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Tsutsui, Takao Taniguchi, Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Masaaki Nishida, Yoshihisa Yamamoto, Masao Saito
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Patent number: 6101439Abstract: A method for controlling a transfer case in an automatic four-wheel-drive driveline for a motor vehicle includes sensing if the engine is drivably decoupled from the transfer case and setting a first variable to "T" if the engine is decoupled, otherwise setting the variable to "F". The vehicle speed is sensed to determine if the speed is substantially zero and a second variable is set to "T" if the speed is substantially zero, otherwise the second variable is set to "F". Whether the vehicle is braking is sensed, and a third variable is set to "T" if the vehicle is braking, otherwise the third variable is set to "F". If all the first, second and third variables are "T", a shift condition flag is set to "T" to permit a shift of the transfer case through a neutral state, otherwise the shift condition flag is set to "F" and a shift of the transfer case through the neutral state is not permitted.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Howard Cutting, Joseph Przywara McNally, Rajiva Prakash, Vincent Frank Amatangelo
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Patent number: 6098004Abstract: In an automotive transmission, a method for determining whether an upshift should be enabled or disabled determines the predetermined upshift vehicle speed at which the upshift is scheduled to occur with reference to current throttle position and vehicle speed. The method employs the difference between upshift vehicle speed and current vehicle speed, the current vehicle acceleration, an empirically determined upshift vehicle acceleration referenced to current vehicle speed and the speed difference. If the current vehicle acceleration is equal to or greater than upshift vehicle acceleration, the upshift is enabled; otherwise, the scheduled upshift is disabled.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bryant David Grytzelius, Bruce Kinston Lyon, Joseph James Gallo, John Paul Gorys, Jeffrey James Tumavitch, Paul Christian Stallman, Stephanie Ann Skown
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Patent number: 6085136Abstract: According to a torque converter lockup control, a lockup actuator, including a lockup solenoid, is operative responsive to an output command signal issued by a controller to adjust lockup clutch engagement force to a commanded value. The lockup clutch engagement force is a force with which the lockup clutch is engaged. The controller determines the commanded value as a function of a deviation between a current value of slip speed within the torque converter and a desired value thereof. For preventing the lockup clutch from shifting deeply into its converter position when the deviation persists to stay in the neighborhood of zero, the controller sets a limit to the determined commanded value during operation of the lockup clutch in the slip lockup mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shusaku Katakura, Hisaaki Toujima
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Patent number: 6073071Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, wherein a shift-down action of the automatic transmission is achieved with a releasing action of a hydraulically operated frictional coupling device, the apparatus including a rapid pressure reduction device operated upon determination that the shift-down action should be effected, for rapidly reducing a pressure of the frictional coupling device to a predetermined pressure level higher than a critical level at which the frictional coupling device starts slipping, an input torque determining device for determining an input torque of the automatic transmission, or a rate of increase of the input torque, and a rapid pressure reduction amount determining device for determining the predetermined pressure level to which the pressure of the frictional coupling device is reduced, on the basis of the input torque or the rate of increase thereof of the automatic transmission determined by the input torque determining device.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1997Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideki Yasue, Hiromichi Kimura
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Patent number: 6067494Abstract: A transmission torque of a friction part during a shift is requested in accordance with an input rotation speed and an input torque of the friction part of an automatic transmission and a target torque during the shift determines. An output torque of an engine is reduced in accordance with a difference between the transmission torque and the target torque. A control transmission torque supplied to the friction part is determined in accordance with the torque difference and the transmission torque, thereby an operation force to the friction part is determined and the operation force is supplied to the friction part. A control apparatus and method for the automatic transmission is provided wherein a stable shift time can obtain and a shift shock can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1997Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Noda, Kazuhiko Sato, Masahiko Ibamoto, Hiroshi Kuroiwa, Mitsuyoshi Okada
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Patent number: 6067495Abstract: An shift control strategy for controlling an automatic transmission based on acceleration. The shift control strategy determines a learned vehicle inertia as well as road load torque and expected torque in an upshift gear. A projected post shift acceleration is predicted based on the expected torque, road load torque and inertia of the vehicle. If vehicle speed and throttle position are within an allowable shift zone and if the predicted post shift acceleration exceeds a threshold value, the vehicle automatic transmission is allowed to upshift. The predicted post upshift acceleration value is determined as a function of a selected one of the possible downshifts and is compared to a threshold value. A downshift of the automatic transmission to the selected downshift is allowed if the post downshift acceleration value is less than the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Mark R. Foeller, Kenneth J. Potter, Dennis Zeiger
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Patent number: 6067492Abstract: A display system for an automatic transmission including: a first range switching mechanism for switching a shift range by a mechanical operation; and a second range switching mechanism activated by electric enabling mechanism for switching the shift range by an electric operation. The display system comprises: a first display device for displaying the shift range which is selected by the first range switching mechanism; a second display device for displaying the active state of the enabling mechanism; and a third display device for displaying the shift range which is selected by the second range switching mechanism activated by the enabling mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1997Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Hideo Tomomatsu, Haruyuki Kodera, Kenji Niwa
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Patent number: 6064935Abstract: An apparatus and related methods for controlling the operation of an automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle comprising a device for shifting the transmission from a first transmission gear speed to a second transmission gear speed in accordance with a predetermined transmission shift pattern; a device for detecting an engine condition of the vehicle; and a device for automatically shifting back the transmission from the second transmission gear speed to the first transmission gear speed based on the engine condition within a predetermined time period after the shifting of the transmission from the first transmission gear speed to the second transmission gear speed is initiated.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Hyundai Motor Co.Inventor: Jin-Ho You
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Patent number: 6041275Abstract: An upshift control apparatus for use in an automatic transmission having first and second torque transmitting elements operable on fluid pressure between engaged and released conditions for controlling at least the fluid pressure to the second element to an initial value to engage the second element to effect an upshift from a current gear ratio to a higher traget gear ratio while releasing the first element without the use of a one-way clutch to release the first element while synchronizing rotation. Engine racing is detected after an upshift is detected when the detected gear ratio is equal to or greater than a threshold value greater than a gear ratio existing before the upshift. The fluid pressure supplied to the second element is increased to prevent the engine racing when the engine racing is detected at the early stage of the upshift before the inertia phase of the upshift starts.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1997Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Jatco CorporationInventor: Masahiro Takiguchi
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Patent number: 6014604Abstract: The object of this invention is to reduce shift shocks by controlling the driving torque during gear shift changing so that the driving torque is represented by a smooth, ideal waveform.The driving torque calculating means estimates the output shaft torque of the automatic transmission from the engine torque characteristic or torque converter characteristic and, based on the estimated driving torque, generate a targeted torque pattern during gear shift changing. The engine torque control value calculating means calculates the control value for controlling the engine output torque, i.e., an ignition timing correction value .DELTA..theta.ig, so as to eliminate the deviation between the targeted torque and the driving torque estimated by the driving torque calculating means. This ignition timing correction approximates the driving torque to the smooth targeted torque. This configuration realizes the object mentioned above.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd. & Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Kuroiwa, Masahiko Ibamoto, Kazuhiko Sato, Mitsuyoshi Okada, Masami Shida
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Patent number: 6014603Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-automatic gearbox system, characterized by the fact that it includes means suitable for causing first gear to be engaged automatically when the system detects that the vehicle has stopped, with the engine running, and with a gear ratio other than neutral or than reverse.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1997Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Magneti Marelli FranceInventor: Adriana Le Van
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Patent number: 5984828Abstract: A shift by wire vehicle transmission includes control methods for engaging gears after the vehicle has been at rest or coasting. When the vehicle is started from a stop or rest, a default starting gear is automatically selected. The driver can override the default gear and choose to start driving the vehicle in one gear above or below the default starting gear by manipulating a shift lever. Similarly, the driver can override the default starting gear to begin driving the vehicle in reverse. When the vehicle has been coasting, the transmission control unit chooses the next gear based upon a signal that is provided when the driver manipulates the shift lever. Depending on the indicated desire of the driver, the system controller automatically selects a gear depending upon vehicle speed and torque conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLCInventor: Jon M. Huber
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Patent number: 5974354Abstract: A control method/program for rapidly confirming engagement of a target gear ratio (GR.sub.T) in an automated mechanical transmission system (92) on the basis of input signals (ES, or IS, OS) indicative of transmission input shaft (18) and output shaft (58) rotational speeds.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Daniel P. Janecke, Jon A. Steeby, Warren R. Dedow
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Patent number: 5954776Abstract: A hydraulic control unit of an automatic transmission calculates deceleration during a coasting downshift, and calculates a piston play offsetting time, that is, the lag time that elapses between a shift decision and the start of the shift, on the basis of a correction value determined in accordance with the lag time learned from the previous shift. Based on the rate of deceleration and the piston play offsetting time, the downshift line in the speed shift map is corrected, that is, advanced in timing. Using this timing-advanced shift line, the control unit makes an earlier shift decision such that the shift starts in a proper state of operation, thus reducing shift shock during a coasting downshift and preventing excessive engine speed during a high-speed upshift.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Aisin AW Co., LTD.Inventors: Masao Saito, Masaharu Chiba, Masayuki Kuwata, Masatoshi Taguchi, Kenji Suzuki, Hiroshi Tsutsui
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Patent number: 5948034Abstract: A method of controlling a power unit of a vehicle, comprising a stage of calculating the theoretical increment/decrement (Ge, Gd) in the gear number required to pass from the actual operating condition of the vehicle to a condition of maximum power and, respectively, of maximum economy, and a stage of calculating the increment/decrement in the gear number required to obtain the optimum gear by means of an average of the theoretical increments/decrements (Ge, Gd) weighted with weighting factors (Ke, Kd) calculated on the basis of operating parameters of the vehicle detected by means of onboard sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1995Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Iveco Fiat S.p.A.Inventors: Katalin Tihanyi, Massimo Prata, Giuseppe Cuzzucoli
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Patent number: 5921135Abstract: A method and a circuit configuration for gear detection in a motor vehicle transmission detect a signal corresponding to an input rpm and a signal corresponding to an output rpm of the transmission. A quotient of the output rpm to the input rpm is formed. A gear that has been engaged is detected from this quotient and from a known gear ratio of the transmission. A variation over time of the ratio of the output rpm to the input rpm of the transmission is ascertained and compared with a limit value. If the limit value is exceeded, a determination is made that no gear has been engaged.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Arno Friedrich, Klaus Wenzlawski
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Patent number: 5875410Abstract: A control system and method for a semi-automatic mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for allowing operator request for direct shifts into a preselected default start ratio (GR.sub.DS) or into a dynamic best gear ratio (GR.sub.DB) under certain predefined conditions. The dynamic best gear ratio, under at least certain vehicle operating conditions, is the higher of a test best gear ratio (GR.sub.TB =ES.sub.TARGET /OS), determined as a function of vehicle speed (OS) and a target engine speed (ES.sub.TARGET), or the default start ratio.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1996Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Paul Martin Fowler, Anthony Stasik, Robert Stanley Wheeler
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Patent number: 5875409Abstract: A degraded mode of operation (FIG. 7) for a partially automated mechanical transmission system (92) having a splitter-type mechanical transmission (10) with a splitter section (14) automatically shifted in only certain ratios (ninth/tenth). Upon sensing certain system faults when in this automatic splitter shifting mode, the splitter section is retained, as is, until main section neutral can be confirmed, at which time the splitter section is returned to manual control for all transmission ratios.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1997Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Jon A. Steeby, Daniel P. Janecke
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Patent number: 5828974Abstract: A control method/system for controlling engagement of reverse ratios in automated vehicular transmission systems (10) having a controller (38) issuing command output signals to non-manually controlled actuators (30, 34) is provided. The controller includes logic rules for (i) sensing predetermined reverse ratio enabling conditions, including remaining in neutral for at least a predetermined period of time (N.sub.T >REF.sub.2) prior to selecting reverse, and (ii) issuing commands to cause a reverse ratio to be engaged only upon sensing such conditions, to minimize accidental engagement of reverse ratios without requiring mechanical interlocks.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Philip Hawarden, Michael Douglas Whitehead, Paul Martin Fowler, Robert Stanley Wheeler, Anthony Stasik
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Powertrain control device for a vehicle using targeted tongue generation for eliminating shift shock
Patent number: 5826208Abstract: The object of this invention is to reduce shift shocks by controlling the driving torque during gear shift changing so that the driving torque is represented by a smooth, ideal waveform. The driving torque calculating means estimates the output shaft torque of the automatic transmission from the engine torque characteristic or torque converter characteristic and, based on the estimated driving torque, generate a targeted torque pattern during gear shift changing. The engine torque control value calculating means calculates the control value for controlling the engine output torque, i.e., an ignition timing correction value .DELTA..theta.ig, so as to eliminate the deviation between the targeted torque and the driving torque estimated by the driving torque calculating means. This ignition timing correction approximates the driving torque to smooth the targeted torque.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1995Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Kuroiwa, Masahiko Ibamoto, Kazuhiko Sato, Mitsuyoshi Okada, Masami Shida -
Patent number: 5806009Abstract: A shift position is controlled so that a vehicle driving force becomes larger than a corrected vehicle running resistance obtained by adding a correction value corresponding to a surplus driving force to an original running resistance. When the automatic speed control device is operative to drive the vehicle at a constant speed, the correction value is switched to a smaller value compared with when the same is inoperative so that the upshift easily occurs during the constant speed drive.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventor: Masanobu Horiguchi
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Patent number: 5790969Abstract: A control system is provided for a vehicle with a power source connected to a transmission, a transmission controller, a clutch and a clutch control element for controlling clutch engagement and disengagement. The control system includes a gear shift lever with a neutral and non-neutral position, a relay circuit coupled to the gear shift lever and the clutch control element that responds to neutral and non-neutral signals from the gear shift lever, and a limp-home switch coupled to the clutch control element to control the application of power to the clutch control element by providing power to the clutch control element when the switch is actuated and the gear shift lever is not in neutral and interrupting power to the clutch control element when either the limp-home switch is not actuated or the gear shift lever is in the neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Case CorporationInventor: Kevin D. McKee
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Patent number: 5761628Abstract: A control system and method for controlling start-from-stop operation in an automated mechanical transmission system, including a multiple-speed change-gear transmission (10) having a lowest grouping of ratios (first-fourth) suitable for start-from-stop operation, is provided. Upon a request or requirement for a shift into a default start ratio, the system controller (106) will cause initiation of a shift into the highest gear ratio (fourth) of the lowest group of ratios.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1994Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Jon A. Steeby, Warren R. Dedow
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Patent number: 5758304Abstract: An electronic transmission shift control is provided wherein an input device such as a vehicle control lever is connected to a sensor. The sensor sends out a substantially continuous signal to an electronic control module. The electronic control module controls the current going through a solenoid that, in one application, is controlling the pressure of a valve to engage a clutch in a transmission.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1995Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Steven C. Bray