Abstract: An electronic control system for scheduling gearshifts in a four speed automatic transmission includes storing in electronic memory accessible to a microprocessor, six functions relating vehicle speed to throttle position, one function being related to each upshift and downshift. Gearshifts are made by probing computer memory with current values for throttle position and vehicle speed, and determining on the basis of the stored shift schedule whether an upshift of downshift is required. Upshift points are determined also on the basis of the maximum engine speed when a wide open throttle condition is detected. Electronic memory continually accessible to the microprocessor is updated with new calculated values of the ratio NOV divided by base NOV. Vehicle speed from a stored schedule of gearshift values is corrected with the calculated ratio to account for changes in the driveline components from their condition when originally installed and differences from a calculated base NOV value.

Abstract: A gas compressor includes a housing defining a compression chamber, a crankshaft having an eccentric surface radially offset from the axis of rotation of the crankshaft, an orbiting ring rotatably mounted on the eccentric for rotation about an axis offset from the shaft axis, a cylindrical post coaxial with the axis of the housing passages for carrying gas to and from the compression chamber, vanes movable radially with respect to the orbiting ring, and pressure sensitive valves that open exhaust passages from the compression chamber. The orbiting ring rotates in continual contact with the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the cylindrical post. Compression occurs within a first stage space and a second stage space, each space divided into compression chambers by the sliding vanes and contact between the ring and post or between the ring and housing.

Abstract: A screw or bolt has a conventional threaded shank and a tapered pilot or lead end for easy entry to a threaded receptacle or nut. A pilot lead extends axially from the end of the shank. In one form, the pilot is cylindrical having an axis that either intersects or is parallel to the axis of the shank. Partial threads extend around the portion of the periphery of the pilot and an unthreaded transition surface angularly spaced from, transversely opposite, the partial threads extends to the outer surface of the shank. In another form, the pilot is elliptical having partial threads extending over a portion of its periphery and an unthreaded surface transversely opposite the pilot threads.

Abstract: A transaxle assembly for use in a vehicle driveline comprising a hydrokinetic torque converter (12, 14, 16) located on an engine axis, planetary gearing (178, 180) located on a space parallel axis including means (242, 248, 250) for transferring the output torque of the planetary gearing to each of two axle shafts situated on an axis common to the axis of the planetary gearing and a multiple ratio torque transfer drive (52, 80, 90, 112, 114) between the turbine of the hydrokinetic torque converter and the torque input element of the planetary gearing, the transfer drive comprising a pair of differential diameter external tooth gears that are independently rotated and clutch means (96, 98) for selectively activating and deactivating each of two torque flow paths between the differential diameter gears whereby the speed-torque characteristics of the engine can be precisely matched with the ratio range available for the planetary gearing and the hydrokinetic torque converter to effect optimum powertrain performa

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter and lockup clutch assembly comprising an impeller housing and a clutch construction situated within the housing comprising a clutch plate in the form of a piston having formed thereon an annular friction surface, a friction disc located between the friction surface on the clutch plate and an adjacent wall of the impeller housing and having an inner margin secured to the impeller housing at a location radially inward of the friction surface, friction material formed on the friction disc and flow passage means for establishing a circuitous cooling oil flow path across the dynamic friction surfaces of the clutch to establish cooling and for eliminating wear as the pressure in the clutch control pressure chamber is modulated to effect a continuous slipping of the clutch surfaces during operation of the converter, the friction disc providing a shield that minimizes heat transfer to the impeller housing and for providing maximum compliance of the face of the friction surface with res

Abstract: A control valve for controlling the engagement of a friction drive clutch for an automatic transmission having multiple clutches and brakes for establishing a drive mode following a neutral mode wherein the valve regulates pressure distributed to the drive clutch and wherein the valve is in fluid communication with a second clutch whereby the latter acts as an accumulator for altering the rate of pressure buildup in the drive clutch thus eliminating harshness in the clutch engagement.

Abstract: An electronic control system for operating a torque converter clutch during a transmission gearshift includes a vehicle speed sensor and engine speed sensor, a hydrodynamic torque converter located between the engine and the transmission, a solenoid-operated hydraulic valve, which engages and disengages the torque converter clutch in accordance with the energized and deenergized state of the solenoid in accordance with the logic of the control system. The converter clutch is locked while operating in the original gear ratio, then unlocks during the gearshift, and relocks after the upshift is completed. The speed ratio of the torque converter is rapidly determined in terms of the number of clock ticks occurring between pulses whose frequency is proportional to engine speed. The current speed ratio is determined during interrupts occurring at short intervals during a background pass.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter having a lock-up clutch that connects drivably the torque converter turbine and the torque converter impeller wherein the clutch includes a bypass clutch piston and multiple disc friction elements, the latter being radially located inward of the clutch piston, alternate ones of the friction discs being connected to the turbine and the companion discs being connected to a clutch cylinder, a bypass clutch piston being positioned in the cylinder to define a pressure chamber on one side of the piston adjacent the converter housing, the opposite side of the piston being exposed to circuit pressure in the torque converter, and radially inwardly projecting clutch actuator elements extending through registering slots in the clutch cylinder whereby improved converter efficiency and vehicle drivability is achieved.

Abstract: An annular friction gear includes a driving shaft, a driving disc connected to the driving shaft, a driven shaft, a driven disc connected to the driven shaft, the shafts discs being coaxially mounted rotatably. An annular friction element, radially displaceable mechanically or hydraulically, between the discs rests in frictional contact at one contact point on the driving disc and at a diametrically opposite contact point on the driven disc. The friction element is in the form of a ball bearing disposed obliquely with respect to the shaft axis so that its outer race rests at one contact point on the driving disc and at the contact point on the driven disc. The displacement device engages on the inner race of the ball bearing.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter assembly has a turbine and an impeller located in a converter housing and a lockup clutch construction in the converter housing that includes a one-piece stamped clutch and piston housing secured to the inner wall of the converter housing wherein the outer extremity of the stamped housing carries friction discs. An annular piston is located between the discs and the converter housing wherein the piston is stroked toward the turbine upon introduction of control pressure to a control chamber defined by the piston and the cylinder, the driven discs of the clutch being connected to a turbine shaft through a damper and the friction elements of the clutch being continuously exposed to circulating fluid within the converter wherein piston charge pressure is established without a requirement for continuous flow when the clutch is actuated.

Abstract: A swashplate assembly for an air conditioning compressor comprising a die cast aluminum swashplate with shoe bearing surfaces formed during the die casting operation, a swashplate driveshaft with a knurled portion press fitted into an opening in the hub of the swashplate and an assembly of one-price, semi-spherical sintered metal shoes engageable with the swashplate bearing surfaces for translating rotary motion of the swashplate into reciprocating motion of the compressor pistons.

Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle having full time four-wheel drive includes an interaxle differential connected to the output of a transmission and driving coaxial driveshafts, each connected to a different axleshaft. One of the driveshafts supports a chain sprocket driveably connected by a chain belt to a driveshaft coaxial with the input shaft and output drive shafts. The differential includes a center driving disc, a housing connected to the input, two friction disc clutches each connected to one of the output driveshafts, driven discs connected to input pressure plates associated with each of the disc clutches, a ball drive assembly for engaging and disengaging the friction disc according to the relative angular position of the pressure plates, and a coiled compression spring urging the clutches to an engaged state.

Abstract: An electronic control system for scheduling gearshifts in a four speed automatic transmission includes storing in electronic memory accessible to a microprocessor, six functions relating vehicle speed to throttle position, one function being related to each upshift and downshift. Gearshifts are made by probing computer memory with current values for throttle position and vehicle speed, and determining on the basis of the stored shift schedule whether an upshift or downshift is required. Upshift points are determined also on the basis of the maximum engine speed when a wide open throttle condition is detected. Ambient barometric pressure alters the vehicle speed and engine speed attained at high altitude in comparison to those speeds that result for the same throttle position at sea level.

Abstract: A device for transmitting the position of a drivebelt pulley of a continually variable automatic transmission to a valve arrangement includes a lever assembly extending between the valve and a variable displacement abutment connected to a sensor foot contacting the pulley. The position of the sensor foot is displaceable on an axial guide rod according to the position of a threaded bushing. The position of the pedal is adjustable from outside the transmission housing by rotating a tool that turns a setting sleeve rotatably fixed to the guide rod. As the guide rod turns, the bushing, engaged with threads on the sensor foot, changes the position of the abutment contacted by the lever assembly.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter transaxle having a hydrokinetic torque converter, two simple planetary gear units and a clutch-and-brake system situated concentrically with respect to the axis of a vehicle engine wherein the torque output member of the planetary gear units is located in midposition between the planetary gear units and the hydrokinetic converter. A drive chain forms a torque transfer drive from the axis of the converter to a parallel axis coinciding with the axis of a geared differential, a pair of half shafts being connected to side gears of the differential for powering traction wheels wherein the clutch-and-brake system and the planetary gear units as well as the drive chain are integrated one with respect to the other to provide a minimum axial dimension with respect to the axis of the engine crankshaft thereby facilitating the packaging of the transaxle in a limited space within the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic multiple ratio transmission having a compound planetary gearset with clutches and brakes that are selectively engageable and released to establish two underdrive ratios, a direct drive ratio and an overdrive ratio, as well as a reverse ratio, the clutches and brakes being operable by fluid pressure operated servos, the clutches and brakes for establishing the underdrive ratios and the direct drive ratios being disposed between the planetary gearing and a hydrokinetic torque converter, a friction clutch engageable for overdrive operation and disposed on the opposite side of the planetary gearing and two torque input shafts, one being concentrically disposed with respect to the other, the torque input shaft for overdrive operation being connected to torque input portion of the overdrive clutch through an intermediate shaft adapted for articulation to accommodate eccentricities between the bearing supports disposed on opposite sides of the planetary gearing.

Abstract: An ignition key mounted on the steering column of a motor vehicle turns a gear wheel as the key is rotated among multiple positions. The gear wheel continually meshes with a steering column lock actuator assembly and moves the assembly according to the position of the ignition key and gear wheel. The actuator assembly defines a cam surface, which causes a pawl to pivot when the ignition key is moved to a lock position and permits the pawl to return to an unlocked state when the ignition key is moved from the lock position. The gear shift mechanism includes a tube pivotably supporting a gear shift lever at one end and a control selector lever at its opposite end. A plunger, in continual contact with the gear selector lever and control lever, is resiliently biased by a spring toward a position that brings the control lever into contact with detent surfaces on an insert. The tube defines a slot, aligned axially with a recess formed on the plunger, displaceably mounted within the tube.

Abstract: An axial needle bearing assembly includes needles guided in a needle cage and located between thrust washers. The needles are distributed about the axis of the assembly and spaced angularly apart by the cage. The cross section of the thrust washers are L-shaped having nested legs surrounding the needles. One thrust washer has its leg inclined with respect to the legs of the other thrust washer and spaced apart defining a region in which lubricant is contained. At several angularly spaced locations, beads are formed on a leg of one of the thrust washers which overlap the other thrust washer and prevent disassembly but permit axial play between the thrust washers.

Abstract: A field coil assembly for an electromagnetic clutch includes a coil of current conducting wire, a cap covering an axial end of the coil, a bobbin covering the opposite axial end, a terminal post formed integrally with the bobbin, a terminal inserted within the post, a connector sleeve covering the post and terminal blades, and a coil housing in which the coil is located and retained mechanically. The ends of the coil wire are lead through the holes in the bobbin and supported on bosses molded in the bobbin. The terminals are fitted within apertures in the bobbin, engage the wire ends, cut through the wire insulation, draw a residual portion of the lead wire within the terminal post, and form an electrical contact between the wire and the terminal end. Before the terminal is inserted into the post, the wires and wire supports integral with the post are sheared to a correct length by a knife passing over the top surface of the post.

Abstract: An inlet port of a manual timing valve is pressurized from a source of regulated line pressure through a manual valve when the vehicle operator selects certain gears manually. Hydraulic flow through this port enters the manual timing valve through an orifice sized to control the flow rate. A first volume of the timing valve increases in size as a first piston moves due to pressure of fluid flowing to the valve through the orifice. Pressure within the first volume is maintained constant while the first volume expands during a first interval, which ends when the first piston reaches the extremity of its motion. Thereafter, pressure entering the valve through the orifice increases abruptly and causes a second piston to move against the force of a spring due to the increased pressure force developed on the second piston after the first volume stops expanding. As the second piston moves the size of a second volume increases during a second interval until the second piston bottoms.