Allison Transmission, Inc.

Bruce E Crum

Rick Daugherty

James Priest

Larry E Boley

Michael York

Michael R Toole

James R Priest

A method of controlling a vehicle during a braking operation includes providing a first and a second brake actuator, a brake input device, a steer input device, and a cross-drive transmission having two outputs and a controller. The method includes detecting a first output speed at the first output and a second output speed at the second output, and receiving a brake input request and a steer input request. The method also includes determining a differential output speed based on the first output speed and the second output speed, and comparing the differential output speed to a first threshold, the brake input request to a second threshold, and the steer input request to a third threshold. The method includes determining the first or the second output is locked during the braking operation, and controlling the first or the second brake actuator based on which output is determined to be locked.

Utilization of brakes and transmission system to affect steering of a vehicle and method thereof

A vehicle drivetrain for a vehicle including a transmission configured to move the vehicle with a surface engaging traction member and a final drive assembly configured to drive the surface engaging traction member. The final drive assembly includes a drive assembly coupler. A transmission coupler is operatively connected to the transmission and disposed between the transmission and the drive assembly coupler. The transmission coupler includes a first position engaged with the drive assembly coupler and a second position disengaged from the drive assembly coupler. An actuator is operatively connected to the transmission coupler and is configured to move the transmission coupler between the first position and the second position. The actuator, in one embodiment, includes a worm drive having a worm gear configured to move the transmission coupler along a longitudinal direction of the transmission. The worm gear rotates about an axis inclined with the longitudinal direction.

Final drive disconnect mechanism via transmission

A method of controlling brake clearance of a braking system of a vehicle includes providing a brake actuator, a brake input device, and a cross-drive transmission having an output and a brake pack. The method includes receiving a brake input request from the brake input device, actuating the brake actuator to apply the brake pack, and moving the brake actuator from a first position to a second position during the actuating step. The method also includes detecting an axial movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position, comparing the axial movement to a clearance threshold, and adjusting a return position of the brake actuator that is offset from the first position when the axial movement exceeds the clearance threshold. The method further includes controlling movement of the brake actuator from the second position to the return position.

Brake actuator-based prognostic system and method thereof

A motorized vehicle includes an engine, a transmission having an input coupled to the engine and an output, and a controller for controlling at least the transmission. A braking system includes a brake sensor and a brake pack configured to reduce a speed of the vehicle. The brake sensor is disposed in electrical communication with the controller. A main hydraulic pump is operably driven by the engine and an output hydraulic pump is operably driven by the transmission output. A brake coolant valve is disposed in fluid communication with the main hydraulic pump and the output hydraulic pump. The brake coolant valve is controlled between an open position and a closed position. The main hydraulic pump and the output hydraulic pump are fluidly coupled to the brake pack when the brake coolant valve is in its open position.

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Brownsburg, IN, United States of America

Bruce E Crum