Abstract: A multi-mode continuously variable transmission in a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a continuously variable unit connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch and provides multiple modes of ratio selection between the continuously variable unit and a transmission output member. The transmission output member is connected to a chain driven final having only three axes of rotation.

Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover; a pump shell non-rotatably connected to the cover; a turbine shell; and a one-way clutch including: an outer race non-rotatably connected to the turbine shell and including a groove; an output hub including a first outer surface with first ramps; and at least one wedge plate including a second inner surface with second ramps engaged with the first ramps and a second outer surface disposed within the groove. For rotation of the outer race with respect to the output hub in a first direction, the outer race is rotatable with respect to the at least one wedge plate and the output hub. For rotation of the outer race with respect to the hub in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the at least one wedge plate is arranged to non-rotatably connect the outer race and the hub.

Abstract: A fully automatic transmission system for a vehicle eliminates the use of hydraulic or electromagnetic valves to control speed change, and instead utilizes clutches to change shift and disconnect power transmission, to minimize power consumption during idle shift, and to prevent slipping of the vehicle during climb on an upgrade, respectively, when no power is transmitted to the vehicle wheels, and without the need to brake the vehicle. When the revolving speed of the vehicle engine is slower that that of the transmission shaft, idle rotation of the system's clutch lining connector is automatically prevented.

Abstract: A nonsynchronous, automatic transmission with overdrive which includes a torque converter coupled to an input member, a planetary gear set comprising a forward sun gear, a reverse sun gear and an output member, clutches for selectively coupling the torque converter to the output member through each of a plurality of torque paths, an overdrive brake coupled to the reverse sun gear, a direct clutch for selecting a torque path connection between the input member and the output member, and a one-way clutch coupled to the direct clutch and the forward sun gear. In the preferred embodiment, the planetray gear set is a compound planetary gear set, although separate planetary sets may be combined as desired. The invention can be employed with a variety of torque path configurations. Preferably, the direct clutch and the one-way clutch are coupled in the same clutch housing and actuated by a single piston.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission incorporating a planetary gear transmission at a rear stage of a four-element torque converter comprising two stators, a turbine and a pump; a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission, wherein a reversal torque of a first stator reversing in a low speed ratio zone is converted into a normal torque by the planetary gear train so that this output from the first stator can be added to an output shaft, when a first speed of the planetary gear transmission is selected; a friction element is provided for limiting a rotation of the first stator in the speed ratio zone where the first stator rotates in the reverse direction, a one-way clutch for transmitting a torque only in a specified direction is installed, and the first stator is permitted to run idle by this one-way clutch so that a fluid loss in a stator portion can be minimized, when a second speed of the planetary gear transmission is selected.