Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission includes a countershaft portion and a planetary gearset portion. The countershaft portion is controlled by synchronizer torque-transmitting mechanisms, and the planetary gearset portion is controlled by selectively engageable friction-type torque-transmitting mechanisms. The selective operation of these torque-transmitting mechanisms permit eight forward speed ratios and three reverse speed ratios.

Abstract: A power transmission includes a pair of input clutches, a plurality of ratio gear mechanisms, and an output shaft. The ratio gear mechanisms are selectively connected with respective countershafts to complete power flows between the transmission input and transmission output and one or the other of the input clutches. During a ratio upshift, a brake mechanism is connected with each of the input clutches to control the speed of the shafts connected therewith when the clutches are disengaged and an upshift condition is being preselected.

Abstract: A torque transmitting mechanism has a hydraulically actuated piston that is slidably disposed in a cavity. An apply chamber, formed by the piston and cavity, is filled with hydraulic fluid when the torque transmitting mechanism is to be engaged. One or more gas permeable—liquid impermeable mats are secured in a passage between the chamber and a non-liquid area in a transmission. During initial engagement of the torque transmitting mechanism, any entrapped air is forced out of the chamber through the mat while the leakage of liquid is inhibited. In a rotating torque transmitting mechanism (clutch), the mats are installed near the innermost periphery of the chamber. In a stationary torque transmitting mechanism (brake) the mats are installed near the top outermost periphery of the chamber.

Abstract: A trim valve controls the pressure rise and pressure gain in a torque transmitter. The trim valve controls the distribution of a system pressure to the torque transmitter in a controlled manner such that the apply pressure of the torque transmitter has a desired gain rate. A spool valve controls the admission of system pressure through a sleeve valve for distribution to the torque transmitter in response to a control pressure. The trim valve has bias spring elements that control a sleeve member of the trim valve in response to the apply pressure at the torque transmitter. The rate at which the apply pressure rises in relation to the control pressure is established by the bias spring elements which can be a single variable rate member or a plurality of parallel members. If parallel members are used, they are positioned to be sequentially engaged by the sleeve valve during linear movement in response to a change in the apply pressure.

Abstract: Power transmission torque transmitting assemblies, such as clutches and brakes, have an axially movable piston which is hydraulically actuated to engage and enforce frictional contact between a plurality of friction discs. Upon piston retraction during disengagement, a stroke adjustment mechanism establishes the retraction distance of the piston and thereby the free-running clearance in the torque transmitter. The stroke adjustment mechanism has a helical gear movable axially with the piston during engagement and disengagement. During engagement, the piston is free to rotate as required by a retainer plate to accommodate fall engagement with the torque transmitting assembly. During disengagement, a one-way assembly prevents rotation of the gear relative to a spring retainer plate and limits axial movement of the piston relative to the retainer plate to establish the disengaged position of the piston and the proper free-running clearance in the torque transmitting assembly.

Abstract: A power transmission has a pair of meshing gear input power paths and a planetary gearset output power path. The meshing gear input power path includes two pair of ratio gears and two pair of transfer gears. The power flow through the meshing gear input power path is drivingly connectible with two members of the planetary gearset. One power path from the input meshing gear is directed to the sun gear through a first transfer gear set and to the carrier assembly through a second transfer gear set and a one-way clutch during first and second ratios. During a third ratio, a direct input path to the carrier and a path through both transfer gearsets is provided. During a fourth and fifth ratio, the direct carrier input path, the meshing gear input paths and the transfer gearset input paths are utilized. Two reverse ratios are accommodated by grounding the carrier and inputting the sun gear through the ratio gear power paths and the first transfer gearset.

Abstract: A planetary gear transmission has a single sun gear, two ring gears and a carrier assembly having a first pinion gear meshing with the sun gear and one ring, and a second pinion gear meshing with the first pinion gear and the second ring gear. The carrier assembly is continuously connected with a transmission output shaft. Input drive to the planetary gearing is provided through two selectively operable rotating clutches which are connectable with the sun gear and one ring gear, respectively. The sun gear and both ring gears are provided with selectively operable brakes for establishing reaction members within the planetary gear arrangement. In another embodiment of the planetary transmission, a second input drive path is provided through a third selectively operable rotating clutch which is connectable with the other ring gear.

Abstract: The output shaft of a power transmission is selectively connectible with a stationary housing by a plurality of parking pawls. The pawls are pivotally mounted in a wall member and spring-loaded to an extended position whereby recesses in an output driven disc are engaged. An operator controlled actuator member is selectively movable into abutment with the pawls to enforce retraction thereof into pawl recesses such that the recesses in the disk are not engaged.

Abstract: A power transmission for a vehicle which operates on land and in water has an engine driven torque converter, a planetary gear arrangement and a pair of output members. The water or sea-drive is connected with one output member which is connected to the planetary gear arrangement through a selectively engageable clutch. The land-drive is connected with the other output which is connected with the torque converter through a selectively engageable clutch. The torque converter turbine is connected with a member of the planetary gear arrangement and is selectively connectible with the impeller through a selectively engageable bypass or torque converter clutch.

Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission has two simple planetary gear sets interconnected to provide a multi-speed planetary arrangement. The planetary arrangement has input members selectively connectible by a plurality of friction clutches to a prime mover through two distinct input ratio gear sets. One member of the one of the simple planetary gear sets is selectively connectible individually with both input ratio gear sets via two of the clutches. Two additional clutches and two friction brakes are also included, whereby eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds are attainable by engaging selective combinations of the clutches or clutch and brake.

Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission has two simple planetary gear sets interconnected to provide a planetary arrangement. The planetary arrangement has input members selectively connectible by a plurality of friction clutches to a prime mover through two distinct input ratio gear sets. One member of one of the simple planetary gear sets is selectively connectible with both input ratio gear sets via two of the clutches. Two additional clutches and two friction brakes are also included, whereby six forward speed ratios and two reverse speed ratios are attainable by engaging selective combinations of the clutches or clutch and brake.

Abstract: A planet carrier for a compound planetary gear arrangement has four side plates supporting six pinion gears. One pair of side plates, supporting three of the pinion gears, have one of the other pair of side plates disposed axially between them. This allows the pinions to be in meshing relation between adjacent side plates which are each supporting three pinions, respectively. To complete the planetary arrangement, the outer side plates are sized to permit central access at respective sun gears and outer axial access at respective ring gears. The ring gears and sun gears do not encroach upon the meshing location of the pinion gears. With the judicious use of friction clutches and brakes and two input gear sets providing ratios, the compound planetary arrangement can be controlled to provide powertrains having from five forward speeds (the four friction devices) to seven forward speeds and two reverse speeds (with eight friction devices).

Abstract: A dual-motor electric drive system is particularly suited for driving track-laying vehicles. The propulsion motors of the drive system are each individually selected to provide the speed and torque for selected portions of the operational requirements of the vehicle. The electric drive system utilizes a primary motor to provide the maximum speed requirements and a secondary motor to provide the high torque requirements for low speed operation. The primary and secondary propulsion motors are interconnected by a predetermined drive ratio so that the secondary motor provides torque until it attains a maximum predetermined speed whereupon it is disconnected from the primary motor.

Abstract: A fan drive with high torque release embodying the concepts of the present invention is adapted to disengage the fan drive under high torque conditions. The fan drive includes an input shaft member and an output shaft member. A torque transfer device operatively connects the input shaft member with the output shaft member. A spring apply mechanism is provided for engaging the torque transfer device at low speeds and under low torque loading, and a centrifugal apply mechanism is provided for maintaining engagement of the torque transfer device under higher operating speeds and at properly anticipated torque loading. A release mechanism substantially disengages the torque transfer device upon the application of higher than desired torque loading conditions.

Abstract: A dual-drive electric transmission operated by a generator that may be powered, for example, by an internal combustion engine. Left and right motor networks have a rotation rotor, the motor networks being powered by the generator. A speed control assembly independently effects rotation of the rotor in each motor network at selected speeds. Left and right combining differentials are associated with the respective left and right motor networks. Each combining differential has a sun gear, a ring gear and a plurality of planetary gears meshing with the sun and ring gears. An output carrier supports the planetary gears. The sun gear in each left and right combining differential is driven by the respective left and right motor network. The ring gears are conjoined for unitary rotation in order to provide a mechanical regenerative path between the combining differentials.

Abstract: A vehicular braking system embodying the present concept utilizes multi-plate brake packs in conjunction with a mechanical actuating system that comprises first ramps secured to ground and second ramps presented from an annular apply cam member as well as a brake apply annulus, the latter being disposed adjacent the brake pack with rollers between the ramps and between the brake pack and the brake apply annulus. The annular apply cam member is connected to the brake pedal by a suitable linkage so that actuation of the pedal transmits brake apply torque to the apply cam member which results in the application of an apply force to the brake pack by virtue of the rollers which effect axial translation of the brake apply annulus in response to rotation of the annular apply cam member. The system also includes an anti-lock brake system which is actuated in response to depression of the brake pedal.

Abstract: An assembly for receiving input power and delivering that power to a range pack transmission in either a forward or a reverse mode. One or more first gears are drivingly connected to the source of input power. One or more second planet gears are also drivingly connected to the source of input power. The first and second planet gears are meshingly interconnected. The first planet gears meshingly engage a ring gear that may be selectively grounded to effect reverse rotation of the sun gear with respect to the carrier. The second planet gear meshingly engages the sun gear which serves as an output to deliver power from the reversing assembly to a range pack transmission.

Abstract: A mechanical/hydraulic brake system has an operator input pedal to initiate braking and brake cooling. The brake return springs establish a reaction force to provide the operator with a "brake feel" or feed-back force. The hydraulic apply forces have a tendency to reduce the feed-back force. A plurality of balance pistons are pressurized simultaneously with the hydraulic apply forces to maintain the feed-back force felt by the operator undiminished.

Abstract: An axially oriented annular piston is provided in the torque converter. It encircles the converter pump. The piston has an open and a closed position. In the open position, a portion of the fluid exiting the converter pump bypasses the turbine, passing through an axial gap between the pump and the turbine. Having some of the fluid bypass the turbine reduces the amount of fluid impinging on the turbine, thereby reducing the torque induced in the turbine by the fluid. When the piston is in the closed position, all of the fluid is directed toward the turbine, maximizing the torque developed. Springs keep the piston in the open position at rotative speeds at or below an engine idle speed. As the rotative speed of the pump is increased beyond engine idle, a centrifugal chamber opposed to the springs fills with fluid and forces the piston to the closed position.

Abstract: A drive connection between an engine and transmission has an internally splined flywheel drivingly connected to the engine and an externally splined driven member connected to the transmission and engaging the flywheel spline. A retainer ring includes a tab member which is disposed in a slot in the flywheel to maintain the spline connection. The tab has an area which is deformable after assembly to engage a recess formed in a wall of the slot to resist relative rotation between the retainer ring and the flywheel.