Abstract: A sealing and drainage device for a motor vehicle transmission is located in a wall approximately near the bottom of the transmission housing and includes a ball and a plate that encloses the ball in a bore through the housing wall. The plate has an opening on which the ball sits under normal operating conditions. During unexpected flooding conditions, water flows through the opening into the bore. The ball floats on the water such that as the water rises in the bore, the ball rises as well to the top of the bore to seal the bore from the interior of the housing, preventing water from flowing into the housing.

Abstract: A transmission is provided with a transmission case partially defining a cavity containing unpressurized fluid. The transmission case has a first feature configured to collect splashed fluid and a second feature configured to direct the collected fluid to a chamber at least partially formed by the transmission case. A cap connected to the transmission case has an opening and an orifice offset from the opening. Fluid flows from the chamber through the orifice to a component when fluid reaches a first level in the chamber and flows through the central opening through an axial passage in the shaft to other components when fluid reaches a second level in the chamber. Fluid flow is provided to components through an axial passage from both ends of a rotatable shaft, such as an input shaft. The axial passage may have a threaded end to pump oil away from the end and prevent backflow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid displacing transmission filler having a blow molded, foam filled body. The body or shell of the filler is blow molded in a mold which shapes it to conform to internal surfaces and other features, such as gears and shafts, of a transmission. Then, the blow molded filler body is filled with closed cell foam. The resulting transmission filler is lightweight, achieves a maximum volume for an available space within a transmission and is essentially impervious to failure and filling with fluid because the closed cell foam does not significantly absorb transmission fluid.

Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output gear, first and second shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a reverse shaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.

Abstract: A transmission connectable to an input member and having an output transfer gear, first and second transmission input shaft members, first and second countershaft members, an idler shaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the transmission input members and the output member.

Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle engine and a transmission. A first electric motor is driveably connected to the transmission. A second electric motor is driveably connected to the vehicle engine. At least one selectively engagable clutch is located between the engine and the transmission to provide slip. The at least one clutch is engaged after the engine reaches a predetermined speed differential with the transmission.

Abstract: A synchronizer actuating system for use in an automated manual transmission or a dual clutch transmission includes an apply finger and a fork mounted on a shifting rail. The fork grips and actuates a synchronizer sleeve. A piston is operable to engage and actuate the apply finger. The piston has an opening with a dual frusto-conical inner surface. The opening receives an extension of the apply finger therein. The dual frusto-conical inner surface allows the apply finger to be engaged by the piston at the center of the piston even if the apply finger or shifting rail is bent relative to the piston.

Abstract: A synchronizer actuating system with selectives for use in dual clutch transmission is provided. The synchronizer actuating system includes an apply finger and a fork mounted on a shift rail. The fork grips a synchronizer sleeve that supports a synchronizer. The synchronizer is moveable to a neutral position. A three area piston assembly is operable to engage and actuate the apply finger. The three area piston assembly includes a hydraulic neutral position. A selective element is coupled to the synchronizer actuating system to calibrate the hydraulic neutral position of the three area piston assembly to the neutral position of the synchronizer sleeve.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, a countershaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include synchronizer assemblies. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.

Abstract: A transmission is provided with a transmission case partially defining a cavity containing unpressurized fluid. The transmission case has a first feature configured to collect splashed fluid and a second feature configured to direct the collected fluid to a chamber at least partially formed by the transmission case. A cap connected to the transmission case has an opening and an orifice offset from the opening. Fluid flows from the chamber through the orifice to a component when fluid reaches a first level in the chamber and flows through the central opening through an axial passage in the shaft to other components when fluid reaches a second level in the chamber. Fluid flow is provided to components through an axial passage from both ends of a rotatable shaft, such as an input shaft. The axial passage may have a threaded end to pump oil away from the end and prevent backflow.

Abstract: A transmission connectable to an input member and having an output transfer gear, first and second transmission input shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for actuating at least one torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a sump, a pump in communication with the sump, and an accumulator. A first control device and a second control device control the communication of hydraulic fluid between the pump, the accumulator, and the torque transmitting device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three position hydraulic piston assembly for a gear ratio change mechanism for a transmission exhibiting reduced gear shift noise. The three position hydraulic piston assembly includes a master piston and motion retarding assemblies that act near both travel limits of the master piston. The master piston includes symmetrical passageways that provide hydraulic fluid flow to small chambers at each end of the piston that are closed off as the piston approaches its travel limits. Hydraulic fluid trapped in the chambers decelerates the piston and is bled off through an orifice allowing the piston to reach its travel limit and quickly and quietly engage a gear ratio.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch to achieve torque flow through a dual countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a first countershaft and a second countershaft. A transfer gear set transfers torque from the countershafts to an output shaft.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a countershaft. A transfer gear set transfers torque from the countershaft to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid displacing transmission filler having a blow molded, foam filled body. The body or shell of the filler is blow molded in a mold which shapes it to conform to internal surfaces and other features, such as gears and shafts, of a transmission. Then, the blow molded filler body is filled with closed cell foam. The resulting transmission filler is lightweight, achieves a maximum volume for an available space within a transmission and is essentially impervious to failure and filling with fluid because the closed cell foam does not significantly absorb transmission fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid transmission with two motor/generators, one being “on-axis” and sharing an axis of rotation with an input and output shaft of the transmission, and another being “off-axis” with a distinct axis of rotation from that of the first motor/generator. The transmission is adapted for cooling and lubricating the off-axis motor/generator, and includes a case at least partially defining a manifold. A transmission cover is mounted to the case such that the off-axis motor/generator is retained therebetween. The transmission cover at least partially defines an oil passage. The manifold is adapted to transfer oil onto a bearing device so that the bearing device is lubricated. Oil is also transferred through the oil passage and onto a torque transfer device such that the torque transfer device is lubricated.

Abstract: A device and method for preloading a transmission shaft assembly is disclosed. The transmission having the device of the present invention generally has a plurality of gears for providing a plurality of speed ratios. The shaft assembly has a first shaft, a first sleeve shaft, a second sleeve shaft and a first fastener. The first shaft has a flange end and an adjustment end. The first sleeve shaft is concentric with the first shaft and has a first end. The first end of the first sleeve shaft is in communication with the flange end of the first shaft. The second sleeve shaft is concentric with the first shaft and is axially aligned with the first sleeve shaft. The second sleeve shaft has a first end. The plurality of synchronizers for selectively connecting at least one of the plurality of gears to at least one of the first and second sleeve shafts. The first fastener is engagable with the adjustment end of the first shaft and is configured to move axially on the adjustment end.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine, a transmission and a coupling system interconnecting the engine and the transmission. The coupling system includes an electric motor/generator. The electric motor/generator is coupled to an input shaft. An engine disconnect clutch interconnects the engine with the input shaft. A fluid coupling interconnects the input shaft and the transmission. The engine disconnect shaft is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position for starting the engine and/or isolating the electric motor/generator from the engine. The engine disconnect clutch includes a default position disconnecting the electric motor/generator from the engine.