Abstract: A system 10 which utilizes engine coolant to selectively heat and cool fluid or oil used by another vehicle system, such as a transmission 14. System 10 includes a first cooling path or circuit 28 having a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger 18 which is fluidly coupled to engine 12. The system 10 further includes a second fluid flow circuit 36, which contains and communicates transmission oil or fluid to and from transmission 14. Circuit 36 includes a conventional solenoid controlled shunt valve 22 which is fluidly coupled to transmission 14 and to fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger 18. Valve 22 is effective to selectively channel transmission oil through heat exchanger 18 based on one or more parameters (e.g., ambient temperature and transmission oil temperature), thereby relatively rapidly heating the transmission oil under certain operating conditions.

Abstract: An automatic transmissions for an automotive vehicle includes a variator of the traction drive type, the variator including two input discs, two output discs, and rollers driveably engaged with the discs and adapted to vary continuously the ratio of the speeds of the output discs and input discs. Each of two planetary gearsets includes a carrier driven by an engine and driveably connected to an input disc, a sun gear driven by an output disc, and a sun gear connected to one of two driveshafts, which drive the front and rear wheels, respectively, of a motor vehicle. Independent angular variation of the rollers causes the variator to drive the forward drive sun gear and rear drive sun gear at different, variable speeds.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle includes a traction drive variator having an input disc, an output disc, and rollers driveably engaged with the discs and adapted to vary continuously the ratio of the speeds of the output disc and input disc. The input disc is reversed and overdriven by a gearset whose ring gear is connected to an input shaft; carrier is held permanently; and sun gear drives the input disc. A planetary gear unit driven by the output disc produces a speed reduction in response to alternate engagement of a forward drive brake and reverse drive brake.

Abstract: A rotary switch, used to select the operating range of an automatic transmission, controls solenoid-operated valves corresponding to the selected range to open and close a connection between a range valve assembly and a control pressure source. A forward range selection electric circuit includes a forward range high side driver, a solenoid-operated control valve, the rotary switch, a power source, and a current monitor. There is a similar circuit for the reverse range. A forward range valve and reverse range valve respond to control pressure produced by the circuit to open a fluid pressure source to a line that is pressurized to produce forward drive, a second position opens a connection between the fluid pressure source and a line that is pressurized to produce reverse drive and vents those lines to sump.