Abstract: A friction device includes a clutch pack operable to connect and disconnect drive and driven members for transferring and interrupting torque therebetween. A piston is supported in the clutch housing and defines a first expandable chamber. The piston carries a control module responsive to pressure in the expandable chamber for controlling coolant flow through a dedicated coolant flow passage through the actuator piston that includes mist-forming outlets on the face of the actuator piston.

Abstract: A compact arrangement for a continuously variable transmission and power train system is provided to be used in rear wheel drive vehicles. In one arrangement, the input shaft is in-line with the output shaft. In this arrangement, the input shaft, having a hydraulic pump, is connected to an engine by a torque converter. A first transfer gear assembly transfers power from the input shaft to the adjustable input pulley of a continuously variable transmission assembly. The adjustable input pulley transfers power to an adjustable output pulley through a belt. A second transfer gear assembly transfers power from the adjustable output pulley to an output shaft in-line with the input shaft. A forward and reverse gear system having a compound planetary gear set and clutch on the output shaft provides forward, neutral, and reverse gears.

Abstract: A clutch cooling system for cooling a clutch used in combination with a continuously variable transmission including a pressure controlled spool valve having a housing defining a chamber, a spool movably mounted by a spring within the chamber, and a notch defined by the housing such that as the leading edge of the spool aligns with the notch a variable orifice is formed; a pressure controller means for adjusting the pressure applied to the remote end of the spool such that as the pressure applied to the remote end is reduced the spring decompresses causing the spool to traverse the housing and further causing the leading edge of the spool to pass along the notch thereby increasing the size of the variable orifice; a slot located within the spool that allows for minimum cooling flow when the spool valve variable orifice is closed; a cooling fluid feed line and a clutch cooling line extending from the chamber such that cooling fluid can flow from the cooling fluid feed line, into the chamber, through the orific

Abstract: An adaptive control system controls the slip across a start clutch located up-stream of a continuously variable transmission to allow the clutch to be use as a torsional isolator in a continuously variable transmission. The system includes a torsional vibration detector for determining the actual level of torsional vibrations transmitted by the clutch. The actual level of vibrations is compared with an acceptable level and the slip across the clutch is regulated in order to maintain the transmission of vibrations to the acceptable level.

Abstract: This invention relates to a unique transmission system for applying torque from an engine flywheel to the drive train of an automotive vehicle including a long travel viscous damped torsional damper driven by the flywheel and coupled to a continuously variable transmission which in turn is coupled to a wet drive clutch, the output of which is connected to an output counter shaft for the automotive drive train. An important part of the unique combination is the long travel viscous damped torsional damper of the invention which includes an enclosed, effectively sealed housing contains input and output members coupled through a plurality of series parallel spring sets and immersed in a viscous medium to provide effective viscous damping matched to the effective spring rate of the mechanical damping system to accommodate both transient and steady-state vibrational torques. The damper is especially useful with the continuously variable transmission but is useful in other applications as well.

Abstract: An adaptive clutch torque capacity control for an automotive vehicle clutch utilizing a dual area apply piston for engagement of the clutch plate for accurate control over a larger than normal torque range. The use of two piston areas allows one area to be controlled in a "coarse" fashion, while the other piston area, which is generally a small area, provides a "vernier" or fine adjustment control. The small area piston is controlled by an electronic closed loop for fine adjustment of any errors occurring in the "coarse" control.

Abstract: An open cellular pump filter element which is utilized in an oil filter interposed between a sump and an oil pump for an automatic transmission wherein the cellular element breaks up large congregated air bubbles that normally form on a filter screen type mesh and are subsequently released into the suction fluid passage of the pump. An open cellular block of a foam-like material is placed in the filter body after the filter screen.