Abstract: A starting device for a motor vehicle includes a pump connected to a prime mover and a turbine connected to a turbine shaft. The pump and turbine are hydrodynamically connected. A stator assembly is disposed between the pump and the turbine. The stator assembly houses a slidable throttle plate. In a first position, the throttle plate partially blocks a return fluid flow from the stator assembly, thereby effectively reducing the capacity of the starting device. In a second position, the throttle plate does not reduce the capacity of the starting device. The throttle plate position is a function of a balance of forces acting on the throttle plate by a biasing member and a flow of hydraulic fluid contacting the throttle plate.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic shifting power transmission having a fluid coupling device, at least one reaction clutch disposed in series with the fluid coupling device, and an electric machine disposed in series with the fluid coupling device and the at least one reaction clutch includes energizing the electric machine to provide additional torque to the first gear reaction clutch when the automatic shifting power transmission is in a first gear launch maneuver and partially engaging the at least one reaction clutch corresponding to a first gear engagement to effect the first gear launch maneuver when engine load is at or above a predetermined value. The at least one reaction clutch corresponding to the first gear engagement is fully engaged when engine load is below the predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of cooling a dual clutch transmission is provided. The transmission has first and second input clutches alternately engagable to transfer torque to an output member along first and second input shafts, respectively, at various speed ratios dependent upon engagement of synchronizers. The method includes determining a currently established speed ratio by determining which of the input clutches and synchronizers are currently engaged and which of the input clutches and synchronizers are currently open. One of the open synchronizers is then engaged during the currently established speed ratio to cause the open input clutch to rotate at a speed greater than the speed of rotation of the engaged input clutch, thereby creating a fan cooling effect.

Abstract: An automatic shifting power transmission includes a hydrodynamic fluid drive device, a first reaction clutch disposed in series with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device, a variable capacity clutch disposed in parallel with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device, and an electric machine disposed in series with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device and the first reaction clutch. A method of controlling the automatic transmission includes slipping the first reaction clutch corresponding to a first gear engagement to affect a first gear launch maneuver when engine load is at or above a first predetermined value.

Abstract: A torque transmission assembly is disposed between a power source and a vehicle transmission and includes an annular housing, a pump member of a fluid coupling, a turbine member of the fluid coupling, a lockup clutch, a first shaft, a first selectable clutch, a second shaft, and a second selectable clutch. The turbine member opposes the pump member and the lockup clutch is selectively engaged between the pump member and the turbine member. The first selectable clutch is selectively engaged between the turbine member and the first shaft. The second selectable clutch is selectively engaged between the turbine member and the second shaft.

Abstract: A transmission includes a housing defining a sealed interior and an input hub rotatably coupled to the housing. A gear set is disposed within the housing and configured for receiving a torque from an engine. The transmission further includes an isolator assembly and a bypass clutch, each disposed within the sealed interior of the housing. The isolator assembly is configured for selectively damping drivetrain inertia and/or vibration. The bypass clutch selectively engages and disengages the isolator assembly.

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.

Abstract: An automatic shifting power transmission includes a hydrodynamic fluid drive device, a first reaction clutch disposed in series with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device, a variable capacity clutch disposed in parallel with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device, and an electric machine disposed in series with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device and the first reaction clutch. A method of controlling the automatic transmission includes slipping the first reaction clutch corresponding to a first gear engagement to affect a first gear launch maneuver when engine load is at or above a first predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic shifting power transmission having a fluid coupling device, at least one reaction clutch disposed in series with the fluid coupling device, and an electric machine disposed in series with the fluid coupling device and the at least one reaction clutch includes partially engaging the at least one reaction clutch corresponding to a first gear engagement to effect a first gear launch maneuver when engine load is at or above a predetermined value. Next the electric machine is energized to provide additional torque to the first gear reaction clutch when the automatic shifting power transmission is in the first gear launch maneuver. The at least one reaction clutch corresponding to the first gear engagement is fully engaged when engine load is below the predetermined value.

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: The present invention provides a mechanism and method of launching a vehicle using a conventional automatic shifting power transmission. By slipping a first gear reaction clutch during a launch, an efficient hydrodynamic fluid drive with a low stall speed may be used with negligible impact on launch performance. The reduced stall speed characteristic of the hydrodynamic drive may provide improved efficiency in other vehicle operating regions.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly is provided, which includes an impeller, a turbine, and a stator. The impeller and the turbine each have a plurality of passages for directing fluid. The inlet and outlet of each passage are larger in cross-sectional area than the middle portion of the passage, located between the inlet and outlet. This structure reduces energy losses, which typically occur near the midpoint of the passage due to flow separation. Additionally, reducing the flow area of the torus of the impeller and turbine permits an overall thinner torque converter, which is preferred for engine packaging purposes. The stator includes a core, a shell, and a plurality of stator blades. One end of each stator blade is fixed to the core, while the opposite end is fixed to the shell. Each stator blade has a mean camber line and an associated mean camber line length. The maximum thickness of each stator blade is approximately 20% of the mean camber line length.

Abstract: A joint connection for rotating members has a fastener and nut for securing the members together. A spring clip and a lug are provided to position and retain the nut on one element for ease of assembly. The spring clip has a pair of radially inwardly extending spring arms which are connected to the main body of the spring clip by respective inwardly facing concave portions.