Abstract: The present invention provides a selectable one-way clutch including a generally annular race and a generally annular cam disposed radially about the race. The cam has a radially internal surface defining a first plurality of tapered face portions and a second plurality of tapered face portions. A first plurality of rollers are disposed radially between the race and the cam. A second plurality of rollers are disposed radially between the race and the cam, and are interposed between the first plurality of rollers. The first plurality of rollers are selectively engageable with the first plurality of tapered face portions to lock-up the selectable one-way clutch in a first direction, and the second plurality of rollers are selectively engageable with the second plurality of tapered face portions to lock-up the selectable one-way clutch in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling a selectable one-way clutch, or SOWC, such that engine braking is enabled. Additionally, the method of the present invention is adapted to provide engine braking using the SOWC such that a separate clutch is not required. The method is initiated by identifying a downshift command. After the downshift command has been identified, the off-going clutch associated with the current speed ratio is released. Engine speed is preferably increased to bring the relative speed across a selectable one-way clutch to approximately zero. Thereafter, the selectable one-way clutch is engaged such that is capable of holding torque in both directions. As the selectable one-way clutch can hold torque in both directions, torque is transmittable from the transmission to the engine and engine braking is thereby enabled.

Abstract: A centering spring apparatus in a shift control mechanism includes a plurality of brackets providing stationary ground members for spring members and a shift control lever, which is operable to pick up the springs from the grounded portion to impose a centering force on the shift lever. These springs are disposed such that three different centering forces can be occasioned upon the shifting of the lever from one neutral position toward other neutral positions.

Abstract: A park/reverse inhibiting apparatus is disposed within a transmission control mechanism to inhibit movement of a cam plate selected from a forward or neutral position to a reverse position or park position when the vehicle speed is above a predetermined value. The inhibiting apparatus will also prevent movement from the reverse position to the park position depending upon the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A selectively operable one-way torque-transmitting mechanism has a friction actuator, which is operable to adjust the position of torque-transmitting members between the inner and outer race of the selectable one-way torque-transmitting mechanism. In an unactuated position of the friction actuator, the torque-transmitting members will permit rotation in one direction and prevent rotation in the opposite direction. In the actuated position, the torque-transmitting directional functions are reversed.

Abstract: Provided are various vehicular transmission combinations utilizing selectively engageable spiral-type couplings or slipper ring clutches, operable to provide smooth shifting between gear sets, in place of traditional shifting mechanisms, such as hydraulic plate-type clutches, or synchronizers.

Abstract: A dual spring includes a pair of conically-shaped spring sections, which are joined at a common fulcrum. One of the spring sections is disposed radially inward from the fulcrum and the other of the spring sections is disposed radially outward from the fulcrum. Both of the conical sections open axially in the same direction relative to the fulcrum section.

Abstract: A dual spring includes a pair of conically-shaped spring sections, which are joined at a common fulcrum. One of the spring sections is disposed radially inward from the fulcrum and the other of the spring sections is disposed radially outward from the fulcrum. Both of the conical sections open axially in the same direction relative to the fulcrum section.

Abstract: A plurality of shift rails are manipulated by a manual control rod to selectively actuate one or more synchronizer mechanisms. The control rod is moved angularly and linearly during ratio selection. Each synchronizer mechanism may control two or more drive ratios in a planetary transmission. At least two of the rails are interconnected by a reversing mechanism to permit consistent movement of the rails regardless of the direction of movement of the control rod.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission is provided with a selectable (reversible) braking one-way clutch operative to brake rotation of a member of a planetary gear set of the transmission when the transmission is in reverse and first speed. First and second rotating input clutches are slipped when the vehicle is launched in reverse or first speed. The transmission is preferably characterized by the absence of a torque converter, but the invention may be implemented with a torque converter if desired.

Abstract: A transmission includes at least one planetary gear set, a first clutch pack having a plurality of first clutch plates, and a second clutch pack located in series axially with the first clutch pack. The second clutch pack has a plurality of second clutch plates. A clutch apply member associated with the second clutch pack protrudes through the first clutch plates of the first clutch pack. A substantially cylindrical seal member is positioned between the first clutch pack and second clutch pack for preventing substantial flow of cooling fluid between the first and second clutch packs to direct cooling fluid through the second clutch pack when the second clutch pack is applied by the clutch apply member.

Abstract: A power transmission includes three interconnected planetary gearsets and five selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. The planetary gearsets and torque-transmitting mechanisms are disposed within a transmission housing. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable to provide six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio in the planetary gearsets between an input shaft and an output shaft.

Abstract: A compact longitudinal transmission has an input shaft rotatably supported in a front end wall, an output shaft rotatably supported in a rear end wall, and a housing interconnecting the front end wall and the rear end wall. Three planetary gearsets disposed within the housing are controlled by five torque-transmitting mechanisms including four friction disc or plate mechanisms and one band mechanism. The band mechanism being disposed radially outboard of the rearmost one of the planetary gearsets.

Abstract: A power transmission has three planetary gearsets, which are interconnected and also having at least one member continuously drivingly connected with an input shaft. Two of the planetary gearsets are connected with an output shaft. Five torque-transmitting mechanisms are disposed between two end walls and an outer housing, which define four spaces within the power transmission. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are disposed within two or more of the four spaces or combinations of two of the spaces.

Abstract: A power transmission has three planetary gearsets, which are selectively controlled by five torque-transmitting mechanisms to establish six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio for the transmission. The torque-transmitting mechanisms include piston mechanisms, which are slidably disposed within members of the transmission housing including a front end cover, a rear end cover, and a shell interconnecting the front end cover and the rear end cover.

Abstract: A seven-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gear arrangement having three planetary gear sets. The input shaft and output shaft are continuously connected with specific members of the gear sets. Three interconnecting members continuously connect specific members of the gear sets. Three brakes and three clutches are engageable in combinations of two to establish seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.