Abstract: Cylinder deactivation apparatus includes switching valve actuators controlled by rotary valve sleeves surrounding each of the actuators. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeves act to admit continuous pressurized oil to internal lash adjuster mechanisms and selectively control oil flow from a lash adjuster mechanism inlet to a deactivator switching mechanism and discharge of pressure oil from the deactivator switching mechanism. A single oil supply provides pressurized oil to both conventional and deactivation valve actuators for lubrication of associated valve mechanisms and operation of internal lash adjusters as well as for operation of the cylinder deactivation mechanisms. In a valve-actuating position, the rotary sleeve drains oil from the deactivating mechanism so that associated engine valves are operated normally.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determine exhaust gas temperature and control the heater of a heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor. Heater failures are diagnosed based on the level of current flowing through the heater. Exhaust gas temperature is determined by using a Kalman filter. The exhaust gas temperature sensor is eliminated while maintaining a high degree of accuracy. Current flowing through the heater is used to calculate the temperature of the heater. The temperature of the heater is compared to a desired temperature range and the current to the heater is adjusted to maintain the desired temperature range.

Abstract: A method is provided for remanufacturing a transmission assembly including an output shaft having an input end positioned adjacent an input sun gear. The method includes machining a pocket into the input end of the output shaft. A first roller needle bearing is positioned inside the pocket. The input sun gear is then replaced with a modified sun gear having a protruding center support hub configured to extend into the pocket and cooperate with the first roller needle bearing, thereby supporting the output shaft to prevent tilting of the output shaft to reduce wear.

Abstract: A seal assembly and method of making a seal assembly for a transmission that provides a plurality of pressurized fluid connections. The seal assembly is formed between two adjacent plates that have corresponding holes that include axially extending perimeter walls. An elastomeric sealing element is over molded onto a first plate to line the holes and cover the perimeter walls. The second plate is assembled to the first plate.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control for a continuously variable transmission includes a first regulator valve which is controlled to provide a high pressure output to control the ratio within the continuously variable transmission and a second regulator valve which is controlled to provide an engagement pressure for torque transmitting mechanisms within the transmission. The control incorporates multiplexing of the valve components, creates prioritization of fluid flow, detection of priority mode of operation, over-pressurization protection valves, and ensures a minimum of fluid flow to the torque transmitting mechanisms and the oil cooler.

Abstract: A dual input planetary transmission has at least two planetary gearsets, two input clutches, five synchronizer clutches, and two brake mechanisms. The planetary gearsets each have one member continuously interconnected with a transmission output shaft and at least one member selectively connectible with a transmission input shaft through the input clutches and at least of two of the synchronizer clutches. The synchronizer clutches also provide selective interconnections of members of one of the planetary gearsets with members of the other of the planetary gearsets. The input clutches are interchanged during a speed ratio interchange and at least one synchronizer clutch is manipulated to preselect the on-coming speed ratio. The input clutches, synchronizer clutches, and brake mechanisms are engaged in various combinations to establish at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A single point turning tool has a tip including a cutting edge with a tip radius and a linear portion added on one side of and slightly behind the point to form a cutting edge with a linear portion and a protruding portion. The protruding extends beyond the plane of the linear portion which, in turn, extends normal to a longitudinal axis on which the tip radius is centered. During manufacture of a piston, the turning tool is positioned with the linear portion aligned generally with the plane of the finished outer surface. The piston is turned while the tool cuts a helical path or turn around the skirt surface by advancing the tool each turn a desired dimension or lead that is greater than the width of the protruding portion but not greater than the combined widths of the linear and protruding portions.

Abstract: A planetary manual transmission has two planetary gearsets and five synchronizer clutches which are effective to establish at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft. One of the planetary gearsets is a compound planetary gearset and the other is a simple planetary gearset. These two planetary gearsets are interconnected through two of the synchronizer clutches. The third of the synchronizer clutches connects one of the planetary gearsets with the input shaft. The fourth of the synchronizer clutches connects the other of the planetary gearsets with an output shaft, and the fifth of the synchronizer clutches selectively connects two members of the planetary gearsets connected with the output shaft to a transmission housing or stationary component. In one embodiment, the planetary gearsets will provide six forward speed ratios and in another embodiment, the planetary gearsets will provide eight forward speed ratios.

Abstract: A method for preventing oscillating gearshifts of a motor vehicle automatic transmission with electronic transmission control device is proposed with the following characteristics. The transmission control device monitors the current road resistance from a comparison of measured vehicle acceleration with a theoretical vehicle acceleration and determines therefrom the value of differential acceleration. The engine torque is reduced if: (a) the position of the accelerator pedal of the motor vehicle is greater than a first limit value; (b) the differential acceleration is greater than a second limit value; (c) the measured vehicle acceleration is greater than a positive third limit value; (d) the theoretical impingement in the next higher gear is lower than a fourth limit value; and (e) the current engine speed is greater than a fifth limit value.

Abstract: A power transmission has two selectively engageable input clutches, four selectively manipulatable synchronizer clutches, and a planetary gearset. The input clutches and the synchronizer clutches are manipulated to establish at least seven forward power paths and a reverse power path between an input shaft and an output shaft. Interchanges between adjacent speed ratios are controlled by preselecting the synchronizer condition and then interchanging the selectively engageable input clutches.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a fuel cell power source, an electronic control unit, and an electrical energy storage and retrieval assembly, which are interconnected to communicate electrical power. The powertrain also includes a multi-range electro-mechanical transmission, which supplies driving power to the transmission output shaft and from there to the vehicle drive wheels and also supplies power to a power take-off drive unit, such that cooling airflow and hydraulic power is supplied to the vehicle.

Abstract: An assembly tool for insertion of engine piston/rod assemblies into an engine cylinder includes a frame, a support arm pivotally carried on the frame, an insertion cylinder carried by the support arm and including an extendable insertion rod having an end adapted to engage a piston in position for insertion; a positioner for positioning the support arm in an insertion position with the rod end engaging a piston; and a control for actuating the insertion rod to insert a piston/rod assembly into the cylinder. Various additional features of an exemplary embodiment are also disclosed.

Abstract: An engine includes a balancer having dual, oppositely rotating balance shafts designed to provide oppositely rotating unbalance couples which combine to provide a pitching couple to the associated engine frame and which balances a pitching couple developed in the engine rotating and reciprocating components. First and second balance shafts mounted on opposite sides of the engine frame are driven in opposite rotation at twice crankshaft speed by a sprocket and chain drive at the rear end of the engine. The balance shafts each have longitudinally-spaced, oppositely facing balance weights that develop equal and oppositely rotating unbalance couples which combine to generate a vertical pitching couple equal to and opposing the second order pitching couple of the engine. In a preferred embodiment, the drive includes reversing gears that provide opposite rotation of one of the balance shafts. Additional features are included.

Abstract: A method of inspecting the surface finish of a component comprising providing an original surface to be inspected. A release agent is applied onto the original surface and an epoxy mixture is applied over the release agent. The epoxy mixture is allowed to harden into a replicated surface. Once the epoxy mixture has hardened, the replicated surface is removed and a metallic coating is applied thereon. The coated replicated surface is then ready for inspection.

Abstract: An improved downshift control for an automatic transmission optimized for sequential shifting achieves skip-downshifting to a target gear by shifting the transmission to neutral and controlling the engine output torque while the transmission is reconfigured to establish the target speed ratio. The engine torque control is designed to allow the transmission input speed to reach the synchronization speed for the target speed ratio at a desired time, and the shift is completed when the transmission input speed actually reaches the synchronization speed. The engine torque control is predicated on a modeled engine torque parameter, and the torque control includes an adaptive parameter for adaptively adjusting the torque control to ensure that the input speed reaches the synchronization speed at the desired time.

Abstract: An internal/external gear pump includes a wear plate disposed between the gear members and at least one sidewall of the pump. The wear plate has a recess formed therein having a substantially constant depth and width. The recess extends into the full mesh point between the gear members of the pump to provide a flow path from the full mesh point to an inlet side or suction port of the pump.

Abstract: A traction drive transmission that operates in a geared neutral condition includes coaxial input and output shafts and a traction drive unit connected to the input shaft. A first gearset has a first carrier attached to the input shaft and the drive unit, a first sun gear attached to the drive unit, and a first ring gear. A second gearset has a second sun gear, a second carrier attached to the first ring gear and a second ring gear attached to the first carrier. A third gearset has a third sun gear attached to the second sun gear, a third carrier and a third ring gear. A first clutch is operative to drivably connect the second carrier and one of the output shaft and the third carrier. A second clutch is operative to brake one of the third carrier and the third ring gear.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement for a vehicle includes a transmission housing with at least two transmission axes extending therein. Each axis includes an input transfer gear engaged with an input clutch, wherein the input clutch is connected to at least one member of a planetary gear set. Each axis also includes an output transfer gear driven by a member of the planetary gear set. A synchronizer-type coupling element is operatively connected on each axis between the input clutch and the planetary gear set for selectively engaging and disengaging members of the planetary gear set with respect to the input clutch and transmission housing.

Abstract: An exhaust system provides the benefits of equal or near equal length exhaust pipes for vehicles (for example with transverse engines) having differing length exhaust pipes connected with a single muffler. In accordance with the invention, the muffler has separate first and second internal inlet pipes which have lengths differing by a predetermined length dimension equal or nearly equal to the difference in exhaust pipe lengths. The inlet pipes are connected so that the total lengths of the pairs of inlet pipes and connected exhaust pipes provide a total length of exhaust flow path which is generally equal for gas flow from both engine banks to the interior of the muffler. An optional feature is dual restricted and valve-controlled outlet flow paths which maintain a minimum back pressure at low flows to aid EGR distribution and allow high flow rates at low back pressure for high performance output of the engine with a performance sound.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a marine powertrain includes a flywheel motor generator (MG) directly driven by an engine to which a marine drive is also connected. The MG provides a 36 volt AC power output to charge a 36 volt battery to crank the engine for starting. The marine drive is connected to the engine output shaft through a hollow rotor of the MG. The 36 volt battery may be used directly to power 36 volt loads. Auxiliary 12 volt DC and 110 or 220 volt AC outputs may be provided. The motor generator can also provide sufficient electric power to support an electrically-driven hydraulic system capable of providing for power steering, trim and other auxiliary hydraulic functions. A selective cylinder deactivation system will allow the engine to operate in a more efficient mode for electric power generation and low power propulsion than with all the cylinders operating.