Abstract: A latch assembly includes a plunger having a ramp and a lip, with a support member defining an opening through which the plunger extends. A support surface partially defines the opening and supports the plunger. The plunger is selectively movable between an extended position, in which the plunger protrudes a first distance from the opening, and a retracted position, in which the plunger protrudes a second distance from the opening, with the second distance being less than the first distance. In the extended position, the ramp and the lip are on a first side of the opening. In contrast, in the retracted position, the ramp and the lip are on a second side of the opening, with the lip engaging the support member to maintain the retracted 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.

Abstract: A load floor assembly includes a load floor and a frame. The frame supports the load floor, and the load floor is movable with respect to the frame between a first position in which the load floor is entirely located within a vehicle cargo area, and a second position in which at least a portion of the load floor extends rearward of a rear body opening. The load floor is preferably movable to a third position forward of the first position in which increased vehicle body floor space is exposed adjacent to the rear body opening. A ramp surface supports the forward portion of the load floor in the third position to prevent a cantilevered condition. The load floor preferably includes two handles that are operative to disengage a latch for selective movement of the load floor between the positions.

Abstract: A sliding load floor assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a sliding platform configured to receive a load floor and slidable along a support frame fixed to the vehicle. The support frame includes upper and lower flanges. An axle extends outward from the sliding platform, with a roller rotatably attached thereto and movable along the upper and lower flanges. The roller configuration elevates the sliding platform above a vehicle floor, while allowing the sliding platform the move between a stowed position and an extended position. A wedge is configured to exert a vertical force upon a portion of the sliding platform in the stowed position, thereby preventing vertical movement of the roller to reduce vibration. At least one detent member and at least one latch member are selectively engageable with one another to restrict movement of the sliding platform with respect to the support rail.

Abstract: A torque transfer device embodying the concepts of the present invention utilizes a plurality of first apply torque plates and a plurality of second reaction torque plates. Each torque plate has a generally flat annular disk portion, and passages penetrate the flat disk portion of the torque plates. The disk portions of the first and second torque plates are interleaved, and an annular friction disk is interposed between the successively adjacent interleaved disk portions. Circumferentially spaced and annularly disposed apertures penetrate each friction disk. The passages in the flat disk portion of the first and second torque plates are located in register with the apertures penetrating the friction disks. Each friction disk may have a planar reverse surface that is attached to the disk portion of one torque plate. Each friction disk also has an obverse engaging face operatively to engage the successively adjacent disk portions.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical controller for a transmission selector in a synchronized countershaft transmission, includes a selector shaft which is driven linearly and rotatably by a power actuator mechanism to provide gear selection within the countershaft transmission. A selector rod is coupled with the selector shaft through a connection that provides compliance and damping therebetween. The selector rod has a finger mechanism which is selectively connectible with synchronizers in the transmission to provide the desired gear selection. The selector shaft and selector rod are controlled in both linear and rotatable motion by translating mechanisms in the actuator mechanism to thereby control the selector rod in the gear selection positions and in a neutral condition.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical controller for a transmission selector in a synchronized countershaft transmission, includes a selector shaft which is driven linearly and rotatably by a power actuator mechanism to provide gear selection within the countershaft transmission. A selector rod is coupled with the selector shaft through a connection that provides compliance and damping therebetween. The selector rod has a finger mechanism which is selectively connectible with synchronizers in the transmission to provide the desired gear selection. The selector shaft and selector rod are controlled in both linear and rotatable motion by translating mechanisms in the actuator mechanism to thereby control the selector rod in the gear selection positions and in a neutral condition.

Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor for a brushless machine includes retainer rings to provide additional magnet retention when the magnets are stacked lengthwise along the rotor. The retainer ring seats into a groove formed on the outer surfaces of two magnets where they abut. Furthermore, end rings seated into an undercut area of the outer surface of the magnet edge at the ends of the rotor provide additional magnet retention.

Abstract: A motor wheel apparatus having an integral reduction planetary gearset is steerable and adapted for use in a conventional independently sprung automotive suspension. The motor, gearset and wheel elements are mounted on a single steerable support member to minimize the tolerance stack up and to enable independent servicing of the motor and gearset elements. The output element of the gearset is supported solely by virtue of the gear meshes and a splined connection to the wheel, thereby permitting the output element to self-align with the wheel and isolating the wheel forces from the motor and gearset elements.

Abstract: A belt tensioner assembly for a vehicle combined starter generator uses the shifting reaction torque incident to a change from generating to cranking mode or back to automatically select one of a pair of tensioner arms to tension the shifting slack side of a belt.