Speed Responsive Patents (Class 74/336R)
  • Patent number: 6164149
    Abstract: A shifting device for a synchromesh-type transmission is designed to detect an accurate change of the input rotation of each area of the shifting operation, and to set the applying load to the shifting fork based on the change of input rotation. The shifting device for a synchromesh-type transmission includes a detecting device for detecting a rotation change rate of an input shaft, a judging device for judging a balk point based on the rotation change rate of the input shaft detected by said detecting device, and a transmission controlling mechanism including an electric-controlled driving device for driving a shift actuator to shift the shift fork. The driving device controls a drive current to the shift actuator when the balk point is detected by the judging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Ohmori, Michiaki Nakao, Takao Ohi, Shinji Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6155948
    Abstract: A method for determining parameters of an electrohydraulically controlled automatic transmission (4) by, on a final test bench, successively initiating transmission gearshifts. During gear changes the parameters of the automatic transmission are determined from measuring values transmission input/transmission output speeds (10, 12) and transmission input/transmission output moments (11, 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Georg Gierer
  • Patent number: 6151977
    Abstract: An electronic shift control lever assembly that transmits signal indicating a driver's desired gear selection to a variety of types of vehicle's transmissions in one form includes a steering column mounted shift lever. The shift lever is actuatable by the driver to signal a gear selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Freightliner Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Menig, Michael von Mayenburg, Nasser Zamani, Joseph Loczi, Jason Stanford
  • Patent number: 6151978
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: ZF Meritor, LLC
    Inventor: Jon M. Huber
  • Patent number: 6151543
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. McKee, Jeffrey S. Milender
  • Patent number: 6148682
    Abstract: A method is proposed for increasing the spontaneity of an automatic transmission where the gear shifts are carried out as overlapping gears. Here an upshift from a first to a second reduction step is not completely terminated and a change over to a downshift is carried out when an abort criterion is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Christian Popp, Friedrich Tenbrock, Hansjorg Rosi
  • Patent number: 6128974
    Abstract: A control for enhanced manual start ratio engagement in a computer-assisted (48) vehicular compound transmission (16) having a synchronized main section (16A) shifted by a manually operated shift lever (31), an auxiliary splitter section, and a controller (48). The splitter section (16E) is located behind the main section and is provided with a three-position (L, H, N) actuator (46) and is commanded to a splitter-neutral position upon sensing that the vehicle is essentially stopped (OS<REF), that the master clutch (14) is disengaged and the main section is in neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas A. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6117046
    Abstract: An electric-power-assist transmission and a shaft control method which allow good operability to be obtained. A main clutch is put in an engaged or disengaged state in a manner which is mechanically coupled with the rotation of a shift spindle. At normal times, the rotational direction and the rotational speed of the shift spindle rotated by a driving motor are controlled in accordance with a first control procedure. However, with the main clutch in a disengaged state, as the rotational speed of the engine exhibits a predicted change, the rotational direction and the rotational speed of the shift spindle are controlled in accordance with a second control procedure which is different from the first control procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsuo Ota, Toshinari Mohara
  • Patent number: 6109126
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a compound transmission automatically prevents a manually selected shift of the auxiliary section from occurring unless the vehicle speed is within a predetermined maximum limit or range. A shift controller initially determines if a request for a shift operation in the auxiliary section has been made by the operator of the vehicle. This determination may be inferred from a change in the position of a manually operable switch. If a shift request has been made, the shift controller determines if the main section of the transmission is in the neutral gear ratio. If the main section of the transmission is not in the neutral gear ratio, then the shift controller takes no further action. When the shift controller determines that the main section of the transmission is in the neutral gear ratio, then it determines if the speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined limit or range to enable shifting of the auxiliary section in a safe and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Transmission Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen C. Cochran, James L. Holman
  • Patent number: 6109407
    Abstract: A process for the control of non-synchronized, manually shiftable vehicle transmissions which are actuated in vehicles of new construction by means of an automated transmission control system whereby the driver is able to select a desired gear by means of an operating unit which is connected electrically to the transmission control system. When the vehicle is stopped and the clutch is disengaged practice of the invention prevents a situation in which the engagement of a gear is prevented by a tooth-on-tooth position of the transmission claws. The disclosed process makes it possible to engage the selected gear in all operating states of the vehicle in a simple and reliable manner. In this regard, a desired gear is first selected, and the clutch is then disengaged. When a suitable speed of the transmission input is then reached, a gear to be engaged is automatically engaged. Thereby, the engagement of a gear when the vehicle is stopped is systematized and facilitated for the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co, OHG
    Inventors: Gerhard Bockmann, Andreas Bohm
  • Patent number: 6095004
    Abstract: An electric-power-assist transmission and a shift control method which allow good operability to be obtained. In the shift control method, a sleeve is engaged with a target gear. A shift spindle is rotated by a driving motor in order to move the sleeve along a main shaft by using a shift fork and a shift drum interlocked with the shift spindle. When the sleeve is moved to a position in contact with the target gear, PWM control is executed at a duty ratio of 70% during the first 20 ms. Thereafter, the PWM control is executed by changing the duty ratio to 50% and restoring the duty ratio back to 70% repeatedly at intervals of 10 ms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsuo Ota, Toshinari Mohara, Osamu Suzuki, Satoru Narita
  • Patent number: 6073507
    Abstract: A shift control unit is provided in an electric-power-assist transmission which offers good operatability. A shift disabling unit employs a neutral-position detecting unit, a vehicle-speed judging unit, an engine-rotational-speed judging device, an OR circuit and an AND circuit. The neutral-position detecting unit is used for outputting an "H"-level signal to indicate that a gear is placed at a neutral position. The vehicle-speed judging unit generates an "H"-level signal for a speed of a vehicle equal to or higher than 10 km/h. On the other hand, the engine-rotational-speed judging device generates an "H"-level signal for a rotational speed of an engine equal to or higher than 3,000 rpm. The OR circuit generates an "H"-level signal when the vehicle-speed judging unit generates an "H"-level signal or the engine-rotational speed judging device generates an "H"-level signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsuo Ota, Satoru Narita, Tatsuo Masuda
  • Patent number: 6067495
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Mark R. Foeller, Kenneth J. Potter, Dennis Zeiger
  • Patent number: 6067492
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Hideo Tomomatsu, Haruyuki Kodera, Kenji Niwa
  • Patent number: 6044721
    Abstract: A control for enhanced manual shifting in a computer-assisted (48) vehicular splitter-type compound transmission (16) having a nonsynchronized, enlarged backlash main section (16A) shifted by a manually operated shift lever (31) and a controller (42). The splitter section (16E) is provided with a three-position (L, H, N) actuator (46) and is commanded to a splitter-neutral position upon sensing a main section shift to neutral to reduce the inertia of the main shaft assembly and reduce the need to synchronize the main section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Genise
  • Patent number: 6042504
    Abstract: A control for enhanced range shifting in a computer (48) assisted vehicular compound transmission having a main section (16A) shifted by a manually operated shift lever (31) and a range section (16B) shifted in response to operation of a range shift selector, such as sensing shift lever (31) passing through a predetermined actuation point (AR) in the shift pattern. During a compound shift, if the main section is engaged prior to completion of the range shift, the engine is fueled to a synchronous speed for engaging the target ratio (ES=OS*GR.sub.T) and the range section shift is completed without undue wear or damage to the range section synchronized clutch (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Sharon L. Gualtieri, David L. Wadas
  • Patent number: 6035735
    Abstract: The device contains an electronic control system, which, in an automatic mode, automatically determines the transmission ratio in dependence of an operating condition, and contains selector devices, which, in the automatic mode, determine the driving stages of the transmission control and, in a manual mode, change the transmission ratio in steps. After a manual selection of the transmission ratio, driving and operating situations in which the automatic mode of the control system is desirable are detected and, if such a situation is detected, a return circuit causes the electronic control system to return to the automatic mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiegesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich Graf, Frank Lohrenz, Werner Hauptmann, Kai Heesche
  • Patent number: 6033338
    Abstract: A transmission control system for a vehicle 10 is disclosed comprising a continuously variable transmission (CVT) 14 whose transmission ratio is varied by a CVT controller 20. When the selector lever 24 is in drive D, the CVT controller 20 varies the transmission ratio in a continuous manner but, if a stepped down-shift is selected using a down-shift button DS on the steering wheel 36, a hybrid mode may be entered to allow a user to perform stepped down-shifts to provide engine braking. In the hybrid mode, stepped down-shifts can be selected but the vehicle 10 is accelerated by varying the transmission ratio in a continuous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Rover Group Limited
    Inventors: Neil David Jackson, Richard Taylor
  • Patent number: 6030315
    Abstract: A system for overriding hold mode operation of an automated transmission coupled to an internal combustion engine is provided, wherein the transmission is operable in the hold mode of operation to maintain engagement of a currently engaged transmission gear. A control computer is operable to monitor at least one vehicle operating parameter and determine whether hold mode operation is inappropriate based thereon. If hold mode operation is inappropriate, the control computer is operable to either initiate an automatic upshift to a numerically higher transmission gear or limit engine or vehicle speed to a predefined speed value. In this manner, the system of the present invention is operable to allow hold mode operation only when a legitimate need therefore exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Cumiins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Bellinger
  • Patent number: 6026699
    Abstract: A gear control for reduces the thermal stress on switching components (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) of a reversing gear (1) for machines having an input shaft (8) and an output shaft (15) and at least one directional switch for forward motion (2) and one for reverse motion (3) and a downstream load-switchable switching set (4) with several switching components (5, 6) allocated to a gear. Here the switching components (2, 3, 5, 6) can be electrically and/or hydraulically controlled by a regulating and control device (12) in such a way that, during a switching operation, in addition to one of the directional switching components (2, 3) corresponding to the switching operation, at least one other switching components (5, 6) of the downstream switching set (4) lying in the power flow and fully engaged at the start of a reversal is set to a slip state under frictional load. The frictional load is thus distributed between the directional switching components (2, 3) and the other slipping switching components (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Uwe Heitz, Hugo Burkhart, Ralf Dreibholz
  • Patent number: 6023988
    Abstract: A method and system for calibrating at least one clutch in a transmission whereby the incipient engagement pressure of the fluid in the clutch may be determined. Two shafts in the transmission are locked together in mutually incompatible gear ratios thereby preventing their free relative rotation. The output of the clutch is connected to these shafts to prevent its free rotation. The input of the clutch is connected to the engine to cause it to rotate. The clutch is then gradually engaged as the load on the engine is monitored, preferably by measuring changes in the fuel flow rate to the engine. Once the engine load increases a predetermined amount, the system saves the particular valve command signal that produced the incipient engagement pressure and the process ends. The method is preferably performed entirely under microprocessor control, thereby eliminating the need for operator intervention during the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. McKee, Jeffrey S. Milender
  • Patent number: 6019009
    Abstract: A driverless vehicle operating system for controlling operation of a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission includes a shift control mechanism controlling operation of a shift lever for the manual transmission, a clutch control mechanism controlling operation of a clutch, which operationally connects the manual transmission and an engine of the vehicle, and an accelerator pedal control mechanism controlling operation of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle. The system also includes an operator input device, an engine speed sensor, and a vehicle speed sensor. An electronic control unit receives input from the shift control mechanism, the clutch control mechanism, the accelerator pedal control mechanism, the operator input device, the engine speed sensor and the vehicle speed sensor, and controls the shift control mechanism, the clutch control mechanism, and the accelerator pedal control mechanism based on the received input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Co.
    Inventor: Dong Min Lee
  • Patent number: 6009768
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission of twin clutch type, in which a skip downshift is executed with a light gearshift shock and in a short gearshifting time period. As illustrated in FIG. 1, after the release of a clutch C2, a command for switching over a synchro mechanism is issued at a time t3. When the r.p.m. NT of a turbine has reached the synchronous r.p.m. NT3 of the intermediate stage of the skip downshift, the oil pressure of a clutch C1 is raised in order that the rising rate of the turbine r.p.m. (speed) NT may become a predetermined value d/dt(NT1) or d/dt(NT2). Thereafter, the oil pressure of the clutch C1 is controlled in order that the turbine r.p.m. NT may maintain a value NT2 (synchronous r.p.m. of the lower speed stage of the skip downshift)+.DELTA.NT4. After the completion of the switchover of the synchro mechanism, the oil pressure of the clutch C2 is gradually raised, and that of the clutch C1 is gradually lowered. Thus, the skip downshift in a power-ON state is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumi Hoshiya, Hidehiro Oba, Hiroatsu Endo
  • Patent number: 6006621
    Abstract: The object is to provide a small-sized speed-change apparatus for performing the automatic gear shifting of the conventional gear transmission. In the speed-change apparatus 1, the select mechanism comprises a select motor 6 controllable for forward and backward rotation, gears 7, 8 for transmitting the rotation, a select-shift shaft 11 to be rotated forward and backward through said gears 7, 8 and connected with the select-shift rod 5 of the gear transmission M; and the shift mechanism comprises a piston 12 for moving the select-shift shaft 11 in the axial direction, hydraulic chambers 13, 14 accommodating the piston 12 and a shift-operating hydraulic-pressure generator for supplying the hydraulic oil through hydraulic tubes into the hydraulic chambers 13, 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Aichi Kikai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Imao, Eiji Takeyama
  • Patent number: 6003396
    Abstract: A system for controlling automatic transmission downshift points includes a control computer for electronically controlling an internal combustion engine and a transmission having at least one automatically selectable gear. The control computer is responsive to at least a throttle signal, provided by either a manually actuatable accelerator pedal or a cruise control system, to compute an engine load value, and is further responsive to either an engine speed signal or a vehicle speed signal to compute a deceleration value. The control computer is operable to compute a downshift engine RPM value based on the deceleration value and either the throttle signal or the engine load value, wherein the downshift engine RPM value is lower than a default downshift engine RPM if the deceleration value indicates a relatively slow deceleration rate and the throttle signal or the engine load value indicates high throttle or engine load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Bellinger, David J. Munt, Stephen L. Cooper, Daniel W. Bache
  • Patent number: 5996435
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic control device for power shift gearboxes, in particular in construction machinery, has switching elements (SE1, SE2, SE3) which can be actuated by a system pressure from an external pressurized medium source (1). Shift valves (SV1, SV2, SV3) are provided between the pressurized medium source (1) and the switching elements (SE1, SE2, SE3) and can each be actuated by pilot pressure. Each of the switching elements (SE1, SE2, SE3) can be actuated in a defined switching state by at least two actuated shift valves (SV1, SV2, SV3) and at least one non-actuated shift valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Michael Riedhammer
  • Patent number: 5997435
    Abstract: A process is described for shifting a gear change transmission which has no synchronizing members. A defined rotational speed difference is adjusted at the gear clutches in the range of the synchronous rotational speed. Thereby engaging flanks of the clutch halves which are always situated opposite to one another in the same rotating direction come in contact during the shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Ottmar Back
  • Patent number: 5993346
    Abstract: The crown wheel of a planetary gear is connected to an input shaft while the planet carrier is connected to the output shaft. The sun wheel is locked by means of a free wheel when the clutch is released. The device then operates as a reduction gear. The sun wheel rotates with the crown wheel and the planer carrier when the clutch is engaged. The axial forces (F.sub.AP, F.sub.AC), sustained by the sun wheel and the crown wheel when in gear-reduction mode, and resulting from the helical tooth configuration, tend through the stop to compress a spring and release the clutch. When in direct drive and beyond a certain torque, the clutch slips, thereby generating the above-mentioned axial forces which compress the spring and accelerate disengaging. The device operates as a reduction gear until the torque on the shaft is reduced, thereby, enabling the spring to re-engage the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Antonov Automotive Technologies B.V.
    Inventor: Roumen Antonov
  • Patent number: 5989149
    Abstract: An automatic friction wheel transmission that includes an enclosed case, an input shaft assembly rotatively mounted through the enclosed case, and an output shaft assembly rotatively mounted through the enclosed case and operatively connected to the input shaft assembly for selective rotation therewith. An input low speed friction wheel engages an output low speed friction wheel and an input high speed friction wheel is disengaged from an output high speed friction wheel when a speed sensor initially senses a low speed of an input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Mauricio C. Apostolo
  • Patent number: 5983740
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling the operation of an engageable and disengable torque transmitting system and of an automated transmission that is connected to a differential and to the torque transmitting system by an input shaft. The system and the transmission are disposed in a power train of a motor vehicle having variable-speed drive unit, and the transmission is shiftable into any one of a plurality of gears. The torque transmitting system and the automated transmission comprise a control unit and at least one actuator arranged to vary the extent of engagement of the torque transmitting system and to shift the transmission into a selected gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Salecker, Jochen Stinus
  • Patent number: 5979258
    Abstract: A power shifter control system for transmitting shifting operation of a change lever (1) via shift cable (5) to a power shifter (2), which incudes a motor (3) for amplifying the transmitted shifting operation force and providing amplified shifting operation force to a transmission. The power shifter control system comprises a displacement sensor (6) for detecting displacement of the power shifter (2), and a controller (4) for controlling the driving of the motor (3) according to an output signal provided from the displacement sensor (6). The controller (4) includes a shifting speed detector (41) for calculating shifting speed according to an output signal provided from the displacement sensor (6), and a motor drive characteristic computer (42) for controlling the shifting force to be constant by increasing the rate of increase of driving force of the motor (3) with increasing shifting speed calculated in the shifting speed calculator (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Keihin Seimtsu Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichi Nakano
  • Patent number: 5974906
    Abstract: A control for controlling splitter clutch (88) engagement for compound shifts in a controller (48) assisted manually shifted splitter-type vehicular transmission system (10). The controller has logic rule for sensing an attempted compound shift of the splitter-type transmission (16) and will retain the splitter clutch in a disengaged condition (N) until engagement of a main transmission section (16A) ratio from main transmission section neutral is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Alan C. Stine, David L. Wadas, Alan R. Davis
  • Patent number: 5974354
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel P. Janecke, Jon A. Steeby, Warren R. Dedow
  • Patent number: 5970810
    Abstract: A control system for controlling splitter jaw clutch (88) engagement and disengagement forces during a splitter section (16B) shift. The splitter section is shifted by a variable force splitter actuator (142) and is preferably capable of asserting at least a low, medium and high force to the splitter jaw clutch members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Wadas
  • Patent number: 5964121
    Abstract: An improved vehicular automated splitter-type mechanical transmission system. The splitter section is retained engaged in its currently engaged splitter ratio at power-down until vehicle speed falls below a reference (OS<REF?) or the main section (12) is shifted into neutral (GR=N?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jon A. Steeby, Daniel P. Janecke
  • Patent number: 5956999
    Abstract: The disadvantage in the conventional transmission in which a high speed stage is established during the initialization operation by the starting up of an electronic control circuit, is eliminated. The disadvantage is that the rotational speed of an engine lowers due to the establishment of the high speed stage during the initialization operation at the time of running in a low speed stage, with the result that the recovery of the driving force after the completion of the initialization operation is delayed. To solve this disadvantage, valves that can switch the transmission to a neutral condition in the running range are provided. During the initialization operation of the electronic control circuit (20), a neutral signal which shifts the transmission (1) to the neutral condition is output (S902) to the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Okada, Shoichi Tanizawa, Osahide Miyamoto, Norio Nakauchi, Shinichi Nishio
  • Patent number: 5950491
    Abstract: A control for enhanced shifting in a computer (48)-assisted vehicular compound transmission system having a having a main section (16A) shifted by a manually operated shift lever (31). The system is controlled as a function of current main section engaged or neutral condition sensed as function of shift lever vertical position in an H-type shift pattern. A position sensor (160) is provided for sensing the position of the shift lever in the shift pattern. Logic is provided to vary, as a function of vehicle operating conditions, the location/width of the bands of vertical positions (202/204) considered to be indicative of a main section neutral condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Wadas
  • Patent number: 5947864
    Abstract: Manual speed changing is performed in a shorter time without giving rise to shocks. For that purpose, at the time of manual speed changing, a hydraulic pressure QUPON of a hydraulic engaging element on the engaging side is corrected by boosting. A correction value QUPONX before starting of an inertia phase and a correction value QUPONY after starting of the inertia phase are separately set. By making QUPONX>QUPONY, the time required for manual speed changing as well as the shocks at the time of speed changing are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Ohashi, Kouji Shibuya, Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 5944630
    Abstract: In a vehicle driving unit employing a driving source formed by combining an engine with a motor generator, a control system prevents a sharp decline of an output torque of a transmission at the end of a shift operation without extending a time period required for the shift operation. The shift shock resulting from the sharp decline of the output torque can be eliminated. The vehicle driving unit is provided with an engine, a motor generator and a multi-stage automatic transmission for accomplishing a predetermined speed by engagement of friction engagement elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Omote
  • Patent number: 5943912
    Abstract: A vehicular automated mechanical transmission system (10) is provided, having a semi-automatic mode of operation wherein shifts manually selected by a selector (1) are automatically implemented and a fully automatic mode of operation, manually selected by a mode selector (48), when shifts are automatically selected and implemented. When in the fully automatic mode of operation, manual manipulation of the selector lever will cause an automatic change to the semi-automatic mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Martin Fowler, Michael Daly
  • Patent number: 5928109
    Abstract: A system for automatically effecting a range shift between high and low ranges in a multi-speed transmission includes a control that monitors the output speed of both the engine and the transmission. The ratio of the two speeds is compared to available ratios in a look-up table such that the control is constantly determining the engaged gear. In one embodiment, a driver provides an intention of the next gear to be selected to the control. Should the intended gear shift require a range shift from the engaged gear, the control actuates the range shift once the transmission has been moved to neutral. In a second embodiment, no driver intention is provided to the controller. Instead, the control compares the engine output speed to threshold values. If the threshold values predict a gear shift that would require a range shift to be effected from the currently engaged gear, then the range shift will be effected once the transmission has been moved to neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Allen, Jr., Frank A. Palmeri, Thomas Desautels, Jon M. Huber
  • Patent number: 5916291
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for shuttle shifting a power transmission are disclosed. The transmission is of the type including a plurality of intermeshing gears and a plurality of clutches associated with the gears. The clutches are engageable in predetermined combinations to place the transmission in various gear ratios. A control system permits the transmission to be shuttle shifted from forward to reverse gear ratios and vice versa, taking into account the vehicle speed and the target gear ratio to be engaged following the shuttle shift. If the shuttle shift request prior to expiration of a preset time following movement of a command device from a directional position, the transmission is placed in a neutral condition. If the vehicle speed is greater than a maximum allowable shuttle shifting speed upon request of the shuttle shift, the transmission is placed in a neutral condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin D. McKee
  • Patent number: 5916292
    Abstract: A method of shifting in a manual mode of an electronically-controlled automatic transmission system includes the steps of determining whether a shift lever of a shift lever mechanism is presenting a position error when the shift lever is in a manual position, determining whether at least one switch on the shift, lever mechanism is presenting an error if a shift lever position, error is not determined, determining whether a temperature of an, automatic transmission or engine coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold if the at least one switch is not presenting an error, determining whether the manual position conditions have been met, determining whether an upshift or downshift of the automatic transmission is scheduled if the manual position conditions have been met, and executing either an upshift or a downshift of the automatic transmission based on the determined upshift or downshift being scheduled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Nabil M. Issa, Howard L. Benford
  • Patent number: 5902344
    Abstract: In a vehicle having a power shift transmission engageable in a plurality of forward gear ratios by engaging and disengaging first and second fluid clutches with a fluid from a fluid supply, a manifold apparatus for measuring a pressure of the fluid and simultaneously filling the first and second clutches with the fluid supply having a first clutch fill valve fluidly coupled to the first clutch to control the flow of the fluid to the first clutch; a second clutch fill valve fluidly coupled to the second clutch to control the flow of the fluid to the second clutch; a manifold fluidly coupled to the first and second clutch valves to conduct the fluid from the fluid supply to the first and second clutch valves; a first flow restrictor disposed between the manifold and the fluid supply to restrict the flow of the fluid from the fluid supply to the manifold; and a pressure transducer fluidly communicating with the manifold to generate a signal representative of the pressure of the fluid within the manifold, where t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Craig R. Eike, Guy T. Stoever, Kevin D. McKee
  • Patent number: 5896963
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for controlling a servo clutch which is mounted between the motor of a vehicle and a transmission having at least one reverse gear which can be set. To set the reverse gear, at least two rotatable transmission parts are brought into meshing engagement with each other. To set the reverse gear, the servo clutch is driven in such a manner that a rotational movement is imparted to at least one of the transmission parts. With this system, the reverse gear can be set reliably and comfortably especially in automated manual-shift transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Schwientek
  • Patent number: 5893294
    Abstract: A method for controlling automatically controlling the shifting of a transmission when operating the higher speeds so that a downshift is performed before a directional shift is made. A controller receives a directional signal, a mode signal, a transmission output speed signal. The signals and a shift sequence table is used to shift the transmission when the machine has reached an "on speed" point. The controller will perform a shift after a predetermined time without the machine reaching the "on speed" point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Javad Hosseini, David L. Dickrell
  • Patent number: 5887483
    Abstract: When switching to a forward running is made while a vehicle is running in a reverse direction, a switching to the forward running condition is made at an early time to thereby prevent the deterioration of the durability of the hydraulic engaging element due to slipping. For that purpose, when a vehicle speed (V) has exceeded a predetermined value (YVa) in a reverse range (R) and also when the vehicle speed (V) has never fallen below the predetermined value (YVa) in a neutral range (N), a reverse signal (FREV=1) is outputted. If FREV=1 at the time of switching to the forward range, the relationship between the vehicle speed and the speed stage (speed change map) is set to one (a reverse-running-measure speed change map) which is different from that at an ordinary time, to thereby determine the speed stage to be established. Then, a low speed stage is established even at a relatively high vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Ohashi, Hideo Fukushi, Osahide Miyamoto, Norio Nakauchi
  • Patent number: 5873281
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling downshifting of an automated mechanical transmission system which senses unsuccessful attempts to engage a predetermined downshift target gear ratio (GR.sub.T) due to engine speed remaining less than the synchronous engine speed (ES=OS*GR.sub.T) for engaging said target gear ratio and, in response to sensing such conditions, automatically initiates a degraded mode of operation wherein an achievable degraded mode target gear ratio (GR.sub.DMT <ES.sub.MAX .div.OS), synchronizable at achieved maximum engine speed (ES.sub.MAX), is identified and caused to be engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Stasik, Michael Douglas Whitehead
  • Patent number: 5868033
    Abstract: A manual shift control system for automatic transmissions is so constructed as to carry out automatic shift control when a motor vehicle is found in the operation area where selection of a manual speed ratio is not allowed. Acceptance of the manual upshift or downshift command is prohibited until a predetermined time elapses after occurrence of automatic shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nishino, Hirofumi Michioka
  • Patent number: 5868034
    Abstract: In the present invention, a single cylinder or solenoid, ratchet-action, three speed actuator is used on an in-line shifter which actuator can be controlled by a button, single rpm switch, timer or a multiple number of rpm switches, or timers with a special controller. In-line shifters can control forward or reverse pattern transmissions. The pattern for a three-speed forward shifting transmission is first gear, second gear, third gear, neutral, reverse, and park. The pattern for a three-speed reverse shifting transmission is third gear, second gear, first gear, neutral, reverse, and park. A shifter for a forward pattern transmission must be pushed or pulled in a forward direction to shift to the next higher gear, and a shifter for a reverse pattern transmission must be pushed or pulled in a rearward direction to shift to the next higher gear. The handle of an in-line shifter travels in an arc through these patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Patrick A. McFadden