Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch assembly (SOWC) includes a first race, a second race, a plurality of rockers, and a selector ring. The first race and the second race each surround the first axis. Each of the rockers selectively hold torque in a rotational direction to establish a clutch operating mode. The selector ring defines a plurality of windows and is configured to rotates about the first axis to align at least one of the windows to establish one of the plurality of different clutch operating modes. The SOWC is engaged by rotating the selector ring about the first axis to align at least one of windows in a predetermined manner. Alignment allows at least one of the rockers to engage the second race in a radial direction to hold torque in at least one rotational direction.

Abstract: A normally-engaged clutch is provided having a friction-element with a first side and an opposing second side, a first plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the first side, and a second plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the second side. The clutch also includes a biasing device configured to apply a first force to the second plate for pressing the second plate against the friction-element to engage the clutch. Additionally, the clutch includes an apply piston for applying a second force to the first plate, and a release piston for applying a third force to the second plate. The clutch is disengaged when the second plate is pushed away from the friction-element by the third force in the absence of the second force, and is engaged when the first plate is pressed against the friction-element by the second force.

Abstract: An integrated locking device that includes both a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism. The locking device includes a housing where the linear locking mechanism and the rotary locking mechanism are mounted to different sides of the housing so as to reduce the height of the device.

Abstract: A set-up stand is provided including a counterbalance mechanism for use in reconfiguring an end-effector with an articulating portion rotated by a bi-directional rotary locking device, for example, a clutch. A counterbalance mechanism is provided including a holding member which is attached to a preloaded member and connected to an articulating portion of the end-effector during reconfiguration of the end-effector. The preloaded member provides a tension load to counterbalance the gravity moment load of the articulating portion when the articulated portion is rotated in the same direction as the output shaft of the bi-direction rotary locking device, to prevent overhauling, chattering or binding stops during rotation and reconfiguration. A method is provided to utilize the counterbalance mechanism as described.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear-wheel drive (RWD) automatic transmission having a stationary member, a two-mode selectable one-way clutch (SOWC), pressurized fluid, and a valve body assembly (VBA). The VBA has a piston, a return spring, and an actuator linkage in contact with the piston and a shift lever of the SOWC. Fluid moves the piston and linkage in one direction to lock the SOWC and enable a reverse mode having no spin losses, and the spring moves the piston and linkage in another direction to unlock the SOWC in a forward mode. A method reduces spin losses by admitting fluid into the VBA to move the piston in one direction to thereby rotate the shift lever of the SOWC to one angular position to lock a driving member of the transmission to the stationary member during reverse, engine braking first gear, and manual low speeds.

Abstract: An automatic variable transmission with normally engaged disc clutches includes a main transmission pump connected to the transmission and at least one clutch located within the transmission. The clutch is in an engaged position when the main transmission pump is not operating. The clutch assembly includes a piston moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position and at least one spring is operably connected to the piston. The piston is operable to move the at least one spring between the engaged position and a disengaged position. A plurality of clutch plates may transfer torque when the at least one spring is in the engaged position.

Abstract: An actuator shifts a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) between a plurality of operating modes. A first spring has a preload compression that is equivalent to a first start pressure. A second spring, disposed adjacent to the first spring, has a preload compression that is equivalent to a second start pressure. A plunger movably contacts the first spring and a slide plate movably extends from the plunger. The slide plate engages the SOWC such that the SOWC shifts between the operating modes in response to movement of the slide plate. The first spring is compressible from beyond the preload compression to a first stop position as the pressure is increased from the first start pressure to a first stop pressure. The second spring is compressible from beyond the respective preload compression to a second stop position as the pressure is increased from the second start pressure to a second stop pressure.

Abstract: The end-effector includes an articulating frame mounted on an indexable boom. Tool modules mount on the end-effector and connect to a workpiece. Each tool module includes a flexible dress package including a cable carrier. A channel rail is supported by the end-effector frame and guides the cable carrier. A setup tool and associated process can reconfigure the positions of the tool modules and the frame and boom of the end-effector.

Abstract: A hydraulic one-way clutch assembly (HOWC) is configured for use in a vehicle transmission. The HOWC assembly includes a non-rotatable disc and a rotatable disc. The non-rotatable disc extends about an axis and defines at least one exhaust port extending therethrough. The rotatable disc extends about the axis and is disposed axially adjacent the non-rotatable disc. The rotatable disc is configured to rotate relative to the non-rotatable disc, about the axis, between a closed position and an open position. The rotatable disc covers the exhaust passage when the rotatable disc is in the closed position to prevent fluid from flowing out through the at least one exhaust port. The rotatable disc uncovers the exhaust port when the rotatable disc is in the closed position to allow fluid to flow out through the at least one exhaust port.

Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch assembly (SOWC) includes a first race, a second race, a plurality of rockers, and a selector ring. The first race and the second race each surround the first axis. Each of the rockers selectively hold torque in a rotational direction to establish a clutch operating mode. The selector ring defines a plurality of windows and is configured to rotates about the first axis to align at least one of the windows to establish one of the plurality of different clutch operating modes. The SOWC is engaged by rotating the selector ring about the first axis to align at least one of windows in a predetermined manner. Alignment allows at least one of the rockers to engage the second race in a radial direction to hold torque in at least one rotational direction.

Abstract: A transmission includes a torque converter and an oil pump for providing fluid. The transmission has a stator shaft and a torque converter hub mounted on the stator shaft, defining an annular chamber between the stator shaft and the torque converter hub. A pump rotor for the oil pump is mounted on the torque converter hub. The torque converter hub extends beyond the pump rotor to fluidly seal the pump rotor from the annular chamber between the torque converter hub and the stator shaft.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus and method are provided that enable secure crimping of objects to one another even when the objects are subject to thermal or stress cycling. Specifically, an apparatus for crimping a work-piece includes a die pair with a first die that defines a first groove characterized by a first cross-sectional shape as well as a second die opposing the first die. The second die defines a second groove characterized by a second cross-sectional shape different than the first cross-sectional shape. When the dies are moved together for crimping the work-piece, the first and second grooves are aligned to define a die cavity with a compound cross-sectional shape for crimping the work-piece.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear-wheel drive (RWD) automatic transmission having a stationary member, a two-mode selectable one-way clutch (SOWC), pressurized fluid, and a valve body assembly (VBA). The VBA has a piston, a return spring, and an actuator linkage in contact with the piston and a shift lever of the SOWC. Fluid moves the piston and linkage in one direction to lock the SOWC and enable a reverse mode having no spin losses, and the spring moves the piston and linkage in another direction to unlock the SOWC in a forward mode. A method reduces spin losses by admitting fluid into the VBA to move the piston in one direction to thereby rotate the shift lever of the SOWC to one angular position to lock a driving member of the transmission to the stationary member during reverse, engine braking first gear, and manual low speeds.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a front-wheel drive (FWD) transmission having a case, a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) indexed to the case, pressurized fluid, and a valve body assembly (VBA). The VBA has a piston in communication with the fluid, a return spring, and an actuator plate in continuous contact with or connected to each of the piston and a shift lever of the SOWC. Fluid moving the piston and plate in one direction locks the SOWC to enable a reverse mode, and the spring moves the piston and the plate in another direction to unlock the SOWC in a forward mode. A method prevents spin losses in the FWD transmission by positioning a two-mode SOWC within a case, positioning a VBA adjacently and externally to the case, and admitting pressurized fluid into the VBA to engage the SOWC only during a reverse operating mode.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an automatic transmission having an engine, an input member, a stationary center support, and a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) positioned within the stationary center support. A SOWC selection mechanism is formed integrally with the center support, and rotates a slide plate during a predetermined transmission operating mode. A piston in a first bore of the selection mechanism rotates the slide plate in a first rotational direction to engage the SOWC, and a return spring in a second bore of the selection mechanism rotates the SOWC in a second direction to disengage the SOWC. The slide plate has a tab portion, and the piston and the return spring alternately apply a respective first and second force to opposite sides of the tab portion to rotate the slide plate, either directly or via an adapter ring.

Abstract: An integrated locking assembly that includes a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism. The linear locking mechanism employs opposing locking plates having aligned bores that can lock onto a rod extending through the bores. The rotary locking mechanism includes rollers positioned between a housing and a cam where the rollers are wedged between the housing and the cam to lock the rotary locking mechanism and are positioned in an open position between the housing and the cam to unlock the rotary locking mechanism. The rotary locking mechanism includes T-shaped driving lugs each including a key portion that is slidably engaged in a slot in the cam and a driving portion having a flange that is positioned within an indented neck portion of the rollers when the rotary locking mechanism is in the locked position.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a torque converter for an automatic transmission. The torque converter includes an electronically controlled converter clutch disposed within a torque converter housing. A release passage in fluid communication with the electronically controlled converter clutch is defined between standard functional torque converter components. The release passage is configured to transfer hydraulic fluid to release the electronically controlled converter clutch. An apply passage in fluid communication with the electronically controlled converter clutch is also defined between standard functional torque converter components. The apply passage is configured to transfer hydraulic fluid to engage the electronically controlled converter clutch. The electronically controlled converter clutch is characterized by the absence of a dedicated hydraulic supply line.

Abstract: A SOWC for use with a vehicle transmission is provided. The clutch includes outer and inner elements, also referred to as races, with the latter oriented concentrically within the former about an axis of rotation. A selection mechanism, which may be annular plates operatively connected with the side of the races and with one another, is selectively rotatable with respect to the inner and outer elements between different positions. Pivotable rocker elements are positioned between the races and are movable along cammed slots of the annular plates when the annular plates are rotated to establish a forward, a reverse, and a neutral operating mode corresponding with the different positions of the annular plates. In some embodiments, in the neutral operating mode, none of the rocker elements are in contact with the inner race.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus and method are provided that enable secure crimping of objects to one another even when the objects are subject to thermal or stress cycling. Specifically, an apparatus for crimping a work-piece includes a die pair with a first die that defines a first groove characterized by a first cross-sectional shape as well as a second die opposing the first die. The second die defines a second groove characterized by a second cross-sectional shape different than the first cross-sectional shape. When the dies are moved together for crimping the work-piece, the first and second grooves are aligned to define a die cavity with a compound cross-sectional shape for crimping the work-piece.

Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) is provided for use with a vehicle transmission, and has a first race with a plurality of strut pockets, a moveable selector plate, symmetrical torque-holding elements or struts, and a second race that is rotatably engageable with a torque input device. The selector plate has a plurality of windows, and the struts selectively prevent rotation of the second race in either rotational direction depending on the position of the selector plate. The struts have a cylindrical portion and a pair of strut wings each having a free end. The strut wings connect to the cylindrical portion, and a different one of the free ends engages a strut pocket when an opposite strut wing is depressed in order to prevent rotation of the second race.