Abstract: An expandable piston assembly for a clutch pack includes an apply piston, a stator, a rotor, and at least one side cover fixed to the stator. The stator is fixed to the apply piston and includes a first arcuate segment and a first radial protrusion extending from the first arcuate segment and including a distal end. The rotor is axially aligned with and rotatable relative to the stator. The rotor includes a second arcuate segment extending proximate the first radial protrusion distal end and a second radial protrusion extending from the second arcuate segment and including a distal end proximate the first arcuate segment. In some example embodiments, the first and second arcuate segments, the first and second radial protrusions, and the at least one side cover collectively form a portion of a first chamber for receiving a pressurized hydraulic fluid to rotate the rotor relative to the stator.

Abstract: An expandable piston assembly for a clutch pack includes an apply piston, a stator, a rotor, and at least one side cover fixed to the stator. The stator is fixed to the apply piston and includes a first arcuate segment and a first radial protrusion extending from the first arcuate segment and including a distal end. The rotor is axially aligned with and rotatable relative to the stator. The rotor includes a second arcuate segment extending proximate the first radial protrusion distal end and a second radial protrusion extending from the second arcuate segment and including a distal end proximate the first arcuate segment. In some example embodiments, the first and second arcuate segments, the first and second radial protrusions, and the at least one side cover collectively form a portion of a first chamber for receiving a pressurized hydraulic fluid to rotate the rotor relative to the stator.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a motor vehicle drive train is provided. The drive assembly includes a clutch pack, a hub, a main piston axially movable with respect to the hub to engage the clutch pack and a clutch control assembly nonrotatably fixed to the hub. The clutch control assembly forms a pressure chamber with the main piston. Rotation of the hub causes the clutch control assembly to close an engagement gap of the clutch pack. Pressure in the pressure chamber moves the main piston to engage the clutch pack after the engagement gap is closed.

Abstract: A transmission clutch assembly includes at least one rotatable clutch plate or friction plate, a reaction plate, a non-rotatable piston, at least one bearing roller, and a cage. The reaction plate is arranged to rotate with and apply a force to the at least one rotatable clutch plate or friction plate. The non-rotatable piston is arranged for sealing engagement with a transmission housing. The at least one bearing roller arranged between and contactable with the reaction plate and the piston to permit relative rotational motion therebetween. The cage is for positioning the at least one roller and is retained by the reaction plate or the piston.

Abstract: A valve monitoring system includes a latching valve, a travel sensor, and a processor. The latching valve has a snap spring, a valve piston, and an inlet port. The travel sensor is for measuring travel of the valve piston between an activation pressure and a zero pressure. The processor is connected to the travel sensor for calculating a rate of travel of the valve piston and determining a latched state of the valve. In some example embodiments, the activation pressure is greater than a normal operating pressure. In some example embodiments, determining a latched state of the valve includes calculating a derivative of the rate of travel.

Abstract: A transmission clutch damper assembly having an outer carrier with at least one spring retainer plate located therein. At least one spring is retained by stops in the spring retainer plate. A hub having radially outwardly extending castles is provided. Upon rotation of the outer carrier in a first direction relative to the hub, the castles are acted upon by a first spring end, and upon rotation of the outer carrier in a second direction relative to the hub, the castles are acted upon a second spring end. Two of the spring retainer plates can be provided with a drive ring therebetween adapted to contact the castles dependent upon a relative rotational position of the hub and the outer carrier, establishing a direct drive connection.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve assembly for controlling a clutch in a vehicle transmission. The valve assembly includes a housing with a first port for connection to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a displaceable sealing piston disposed within the housing, a valve spring for displacing the sealing piston, a snap-spring having first and second equilibrium positions, and an overstroke spring. In the first equilibrium position a spring force displaces the sealing piston to uncover the first port to enable fluid flow through the valve, and in the second equilibrium position the valve spring displaces the sealing piston to block the first port to block fluid flow through the valve. Moving from the first equilibrium position to the second equilibrium position includes displacing the overstroke spring.

Abstract: A check valve assembly for a clutch, including: an annular-shaped ring element including a first portion with: a first channel wholly enclosed by the first portion; a first through-bore between a radially inner surface of the first portion and the first channel; and a second through-bore between a radially outer surface of the first portion and the first channel. The assembly includes a first pressure regulating assembly at least partially disposed within the first channel and including: a spool axially displaceable within the first channel and including a space enclosed by the spool; a first ball disposed within the space and the first channel; and a first spring engaged with the spool. The spool is arranged to axially displace in response to hydraulic pressure at the first through-bore and axial force applied by the first spring to displace the first ball to block or unblock flow between the first and second through-bores.

Abstract: A torque converter including: a sealed liquid-tight fluid-containing chamber; an impeller clutch; and at least one piston for the clutch forming a part of the chamber. A torque converter including: first and second fluid-containing chambers; a torque converter clutch; a piston plate for the clutch having a one-way opening and forming part of the first chamber. The first chamber is liquid-tight for pressure levels greater than in the second chamber. During torque converter mode, fluid flows from a torus through the second chamber and one-way opening into the first chamber. A multi-function torque converter including: an impeller clutch; at least one impeller piston plate; a plate; and a fluid-containing chamber. The chamber is at least partially formed by a combination of one or more of the impeller plates and the plate and the combination is at least indirectly connected to balance axial forces generated by pressurization of the chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve for a vehicle transmission includes a housing, a valve piston, an actuating piston, and a bi-stable spring. The housing is connectable with an inlet passage and an outlet passage for the transmission. The valve piston is sealed to the housing and selectively blocks a fluid flow between the inlet passage and the outlet passage. The actuating piston is sealed to the housing and is arranged to be displaceable by a hydraulic pressure in the inlet passage. The bi-stable spring is engaged with the valve piston and the actuating piston. In some example embodiments, the bi-stable spring is axially fixed with regards to the valve piston and displaceable by the actuating piston.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a motor vehicle drive train is provided. The drive assembly includes a clutch pack, a hub, a main piston axially movable with respect to the hub to engage the clutch pack and a clutch control assembly nonrotatably fixed to the hub. The clutch control assembly forms a pressure chamber with the main piston. Rotation of the hub causes the clutch control assembly to close an engagement gap of the clutch pack. Pressure in the pressure chamber moves the main piston to engage the clutch pack after the engagement gap is closed.

Abstract: A transmission clutch assembly includes at least one rotatable clutch plate or friction plate, a reaction plate, a non-rotatable piston, at least one bearing roller, and a cage. The reaction plate is arranged to rotate with and apply a force to the at least one rotatable clutch plate or friction plate. The non-rotatable piston is arranged for sealing engagement with a transmission housing. The at least one bearing roller arranged between and contactable with the reaction plate and the piston to permit relative rotational motion therebetween. The cage is for positioning the at least one roller and is retained by the reaction plate or the piston.

Abstract: A transmission clutch damper assembly having an outer carrier with at least one spring retainer plate located therein. At least one spring is retained by stops in the spring retainer plate. A hub having radially outwardly extending castles is provided. Upon rotation of the outer carrier in a first direction relative to the hub, the castles are acted upon by a first spring end, and upon rotation of the outer carrier in a second direction relative to the hub, the castles are acted upon a second spring end. Two of the spring retainer plates can be provided with a drive ring therebetween adapted to contact the castles dependent upon a relative rotational position of the hub and the outer carrier, establishing a direct drive connection.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve assembly for controlling a clutch in a vehicle transmission. The valve assembly includes a housing with a first port for connection to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a displaceable sealing piston disposed within the housing, a valve spring for displacing the sealing piston, a snap-spring having first and second equilibrium positions, and an overstroke spring. In the first equilibrium position a spring force displaces the sealing piston to uncover the first port to enable fluid flow through the valve, and in the second equilibrium position the valve spring displaces the sealing piston to block the first port to block fluid flow through the valve. Moving from the first equilibrium position to the second equilibrium position includes displacing the overstroke spring.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a transmission, including: first and second clutches; and an actuation assembly including an actuator for engaging the first and second clutches. The first clutch is arranged to be connected to a planet carrier for a planetary gear set for the transmission so that the planet carrier and a first portion of the first clutch rotate in unison. The first clutch is arranged to be connected to an output shaft for the transmission so that a second portion of the first clutch and the output shaft rotate in unison. The second clutch is arranged to be connected to a ring gear for the planetary gear set so that the ring gear and a portion of the second clutch rotate in unison.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve assembly for controlling a clutch in a vehicle transmission. The valve assembly includes a housing with a first port for connection to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a displaceable sealing piston disposed within the housing, a valve spring for displacing the sealing piston, a snap-spring having first and second equilibrium positions, and an overstroke spring. In the first equilibrium position a spring force displaces the sealing piston to uncover the first port to enable fluid flow through the valve, and in the second equilibrium position the valve spring displaces the sealing piston to block the first port to block fluid flow through the valve. Moving from the first equilibrium position to the second equilibrium position includes displacing the overstroke spring.

Abstract: A valve monitoring system includes a latching valve, a travel sensor, and a processor. The latching valve has a snap spring, a valve piston, and an inlet port. The travel sensor is for measuring travel of the valve piston between an activation pressure and a zero pressure. The processor is connected to the travel sensor for calculating a rate of travel of the valve piston and determining a latched state of the valve. In some example embodiments, the activation pressure is greater than a normal operating pressure. In some example embodiments, determining a latched state of the valve includes calculating a derivative of the rate of travel.

Abstract: A drive assembly for an automatic transmission is provided. The drive assembly includes a clutch pack; and a damper assembly connected to the clutch pack, the damper assembly including a first spring set and a second spring set connected in series. The drive assembly may include an inner clutch carrier supporting the clutch pack and a first spring retainer connected to the inner clutch carrier and housing the first spring set. A method of forming a drive assembly for an automatic transmission is also provided.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a torque converter, including: a cover; a piston plate including a hole; and a rivet in the hole. The rivet includes a rivet head. Prior to applying pressure to the rivet to fix the rivet to the piston plate, the rivet head is clamped between the piston plate and the cover. A clutch assembly for a torque converter, including: a cover; a piston plate with a hole; a leaf spring with a first end fixedly attached to the cover and a second end; and a rivet connecting the second end of the leaf spring to the piston plate. The rivet includes: a head disposed between the leaf spring second end and the cover; and a shaft in the piston plate hole. The piston plate or the cover is deflectable to clamp the rivet head between the cover and the piston plate before the shaft is expanded.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve for a vehicle transmission includes a housing, a valve piston, an actuating piston, and a bi-stable spring. The housing is connectable with an inlet passage and an outlet passage for the transmission. The valve piston is sealed to the housing and selectively blocks a fluid flow between the inlet passage and the outlet passage. The actuating piston is sealed to the housing and is arranged to be displaceable by a hydraulic pressure in the inlet passage. The bi-stable spring is engaged with the valve piston and the actuating piston. In some example embodiments, the bi-stable spring is axially fixed with regards to the valve piston and displaceable by the actuating piston.