6100046

6100046 is a United States patent number, specifically US 6,100,046, granted to Cummins Engine Company on August 8, 2000. The patent describes a method and system for controlling a vehicle transmission based on detecting and responding to hilly terrain. The system uses various sensors to monitor parameters such as vehicle speed, engine load, and grade changes, then automatically adjusts transmission shift patterns to optimize performance and fuel efficiency when climbing or descending hills. This technology was designed to reduce driver workload and improve vehicle operation in varying topographical conditions. The invention was particularly relevant for heavy-duty commercial vehicles where frequent manual shifting on inclines could be inefficient and fatiguing. The patent outlines algorithms that anticipate terrain changes and modify shift points accordingly, representing an early development in intelligent predictive cruise control systems. The patent has since expired due to reaching the end of its 20-year term in 2020. Outside of this primary reference, the numeric sequence 6100046 may appear as a catalog number, product identifier, or database key in various industrial and commercial contexts, though these secondary uses lack the widespread documentation and recognition of the patent designation.