Abstract: Wet clutch (100) or friction plate brake has an essentially hollow cylindrical shaped balance piston (14) that is coaxial to a clutch hub (2) and is rigidly connected with an apply piston support device (12), an essentially ring shaped spring support (14.1), and an essentially cylinder shaped wall (14.3) that has an essentially cylinder shaped contact surface (14.4). The cylinder shaped contact surface (14.4) is axially (ax) displaceable and is bordered by an essentially cylinder shaped contact surface (8.5) of an apply piston (8) so as to form an equalizing space (16). The contact or support surfaces (14.4, 8.5) of the balance piston (14) and the apply piston (8) are provided coaxial between the clutch hub (2) and the apply piston support device (12).

Abstract: In a dual dependent variable cam timing system, the desired intake global phase is reached by directly controlling the global phase of exhaust VCT phaser and controlling the local phase of intake VCT phaser. The global intake set point specified by an engine controller is converted into a local intake set point first, then passed through a set point filter, and compared with the measured local intake phase. The difference (error signal) is passed through a PI controller and a phase compensator, which have the same control structures as those of exhaust VCT phaser control, to form a control signal.

Abstract: A method for the control of a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly (10) disposed within a vehicle transmission, including the steps of initiating a drive function control routine (112) within an electronic control unit and sensing the commanded gear ratio within the transmission. The method steps further include determining whether a first gear function (132) should be initiated based on the commanded gear ratio and determining whether a second gear function (150) should be initiated based on the commanded gear ratio. The method also includes sensing whether the reverse engagement members (24B) and the forward engagement members (24A) of the bi-directional clutch (10) are engaged when neither the first gear function (132) nor the second gear function (150) are initiated.

Abstract: An exhaust gas-driven turbocharger (1) exhibits an adjustable radial turbine (2) which powers a compressor (3) by way of a common shaft (4), whereby a turbine housing (5) designed with a multiplicity of scrolls surround the turbine wheel (6) and exhibits at least two afflux ports (7a, 7b) annularly encompassing the turbine wheel (6), whose outlets (8a, 8b) at least partly surround the wheel approach (9) of the turbine wheel (6) and which are at an axial distance from one another. An annular, axially displaceable coupler (15) is provided for opening and closing the outlet (8a, 8b) of at least one afflux port (7a, 7b), so that the boost pressure of the turbine can be influenced thereby.

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of the clutches of a dual clutch transmission, which includes the steps of providing a predetermined flow of cooling fluid to at least one clutch of the dual clutch transmission for controlling bulk clutch temperature, monitoring the temperature of the cooling fluid at the clutch, and changing the flow of the cooling fluid to the clutch as a function of a change in the bulk clutch temperature.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner having in combination a pre-loaded biasing system for a secondary piston to reduce the operating loads in a drive chain or belt system at or near the maximum limit of the prescribed range for the tensioner and a pressure relief system to quickly relieve hydraulic pressure when the operating loads exceed the maximum limit of the prescribed range. The pressure relief system is opened when the secondary piston is forced to move independently of and toward the primary piston a predetermined stroke amount. Once the pressure relief system is opened, hydraulic fluid is discharged from the chamber to allow the tensioner to temporarily release tension on the chain or belt system. When the operating loads reduce below the maximum limit, the secondary piston moves to its normal operating range and the pressure relief system closes to allow the tension to return to its normal operating state.

Abstract: A variable cam timing system that utilizes the same spool that controls the VCT mechanism to actively control the locking pin. The positions of the spool's multiple lands directly influences whether source oil is supplied to both the locking pin and either the retard or advance chamber of the phaser.

Abstract: A greatly simplified turbocharger assembly comprised of a minimum number of parts allows accurate and efficient control of oil flow over the bearings (44,46), thereby permitting excellent lubrication of the bearings with a reduced amount of oil flow through the bearing housing (16), resulting in significantly lower hydrocarbon leakage from the turbocharger into the engine or engine exhaust, and ultimately lower hydrocarbon emissions by the engine.

Abstract: Disk (1, 11) for a force transmitting aggregate, in particular for wet disk clutch, with a core plate (2, 12) exhibiting a front side (V) and a backside (R), wherein the front side (V) and/or the backside (R) exhibits a friction lining (3v, 3r, 13v) which may be provided with grooves (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 5c, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 15c). In accordance with the invention, in the case of a friction lining with an essentially planar surface (O3v, O3r, O13v) at least one surface area (6) is provided which is raised in comparison to this planar surface (O3v, O3r, O13v) and exhibits a spring characteristic. Alternatively thereto, it is envisioned in accordance with the invention that the cross-sectional area of the lining increases or decreases in the radial direction.

Abstract: The phaser of the present invention includes a reed plate. The reed plate has reed valves, which control the flow of hydraulic fluid. The reed valves are all inclusive on the reed plate. Worn trails in the surface of the parts sandwiching the reed plate direct the flow to and from the reed valves.

Abstract: To reduce the noise caused by torsional reversals of a rotor hitting the phaser housing in a VCT cam timing system. A cam torque actuated phaser (phaser with check valves) the control loop is opened and rather then moving the spool valve to one end or the other end, the spool valve is moved just slightly off null. By doing this the oil ports in the spool passageways that control the motion of the phaser are restricted and the motion of the phaser is reduced. Therefore the noise of the phaser is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified intake manifold having short runner valves in the manifold tuning valve. Anti-chatter devices are disclosed for reducing shaft chatter without placing friction on the shafts. A lost motion linkage is used to ensure closure of the short runner valves. Radiused seating surfaces are used for seating of the manifold tuning valve.

Abstract: A turbocharged internal-combustion engine (10), with at least one high-pressure stage (20), with at least one low-pressure stage (30), which is arranged downstream of the high-pressure stage, with bypass piping (24a, 24b) having pipe switch(es) (70, 71), and which connect the exhaust side (12) of the engine with the inlet side of the low-pressure turbine (31) with sensors for detection of the operating parameters of the engine.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic transmission control apparatus (10) that produces, controls and directs hydraulic pressure inputs to the clutches, brakes and shift mechanisms of an automatic transmission to shift the transmission. A module body (14) supports control apparatus components and is removably mountable to a transmission housing (16) of the transmission. The module body (14) defines a plurality of fluid conduits (28). A plurality of control valves (26) is disposed on the module body (14) and meter hydraulic fluid through the conduits (28) to brake and clutch hydraulic cylinders and shift mechanisms in the transmission. A plurality of solenoid-operated control valves (26) is also disposed on the module body. A controller (34) disposed on the module body is connected to the solenoids (30) and controls the valves by operating the solenoids (30) in accordance with inputs received from sensors (36-44) that detect various factors representing the running state of the transmission and the vehicle it's mounted in.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment compound ball ramp clutch assembly for motor vehicle drive line components includes a force amplifying assembly having two ball ramp operators arranged in tandem. The clutch assembly includes a first ball ramp operator having opposed cam plates with load transferring balls, an electromagnetic coil, a rotor and an armature. When energized, the coil creates drag which causes separation of the plates of the first ball ramp operator which compresses a primary (pilot) clutch pack disposed in mechanical parallel with the cam plates and load transferring balls of a second ball ramp operator. A speed difference and drag across the second ball ramp operator compresses a secondary (main) clutch pack. Significantly increased torque carrying capacity is exhibited by such a compound or a tandem ball ramp clutch assembly.

Abstract: A variable camshaft timing phaser having a locking pin directly influenced by engine oil, which is not impacted by any intervening valves. The locking pin is comprised of a tapered pin, which fits into a tapered recess. The locking pin is biased towards engaging by a spring, and is retracted by oil from the engine oil supply. The locking pin remains disengaged from the tapered recess as long as the oil pump is on.

Abstract: A limited articulation chain design that prevents or reduces chain jumping at a given amount of chain slack comprises a chain having a plurality of alternating inner and outer links having ends interconnected by pins, wherein the ends of the outer links are partially or substantially squared on the sprocket side, such that the ends of adjacent outer links limit articulation of the links around the pins to a predetermined radius, by interfering with the adjacent outer links at the predetermined radius.

Abstract: A gerotor pump is provided that includes a pump housing having a pump cover and a pump end plate. The pump cover defines an open end, an axial bore, and a bottom end. The pump end plate engages the open end of the pump cover thereby enclosing the axial bore of the pump cover and creating an inner cylindrical chamber in the pump housing. A wear plate and a gerotor gear set assembly are operatively disposed within the inner cylindrical chamber such that the gerotor gear set assembly is operatively disposed between the wear plate and the pump end plate. A biasing member is disposed between the bottom end of the pump cover and the wear plate, and is adapted to operatively bias the wear plate against the gerotor gear set assembly and the pump end to create an axial zero tolerance condition between the pump elements.

Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors.

Abstract: A cartridge type hydraulic tensioner for a chain or belt is described comprising a cylinder (11) with an inner bore (13) and a hollow piston (12) sliding in the cylinder and biased outward by an elastic elements and by pressurized fluid fed into said bore (13), at least one rack (20) being formed on the skirt of the piston (12) and engaged by a toothed pad (21) passing through a corresponding aperture (22) formed in the wall of the cylinder and biased against the rack by an annular spring (25) housed in an annular seat (24) formed in the skirt of the cylinder (11) without protruding from the bulk of the cylinder.