Abstract: An overrunning clutch assembly for an automatic transmission including a transmission housing, an input member, an output member, a plurality of gearsets for changing a ratio of torque between the input member and the output member, and at least one brake assembly to selectively couple predetermined gears of the gear assembly to the transmission housing, the overrunning clutch assembly including an inner race operatively connected to the brake assembly, an outer race operatively connected to the transmission housing, and a structure disposed between the inner race and outer race for allowing the brake assembly to rotate in only one direction.

Abstract: An improved lock plate and retaining ring mounting arrangement for securing a gear on a vehicle rotating shaft by a threaded hex-head fastener. The plate has a generally rectangular central aperture with transversely opposed internal side edges and longitudinally opposed arcuate end edges. The plate has a pair of arcuate opposed concentric slots sized to adjustably receive an associated web bolt for threaded reception in a web bore thereby locking the shaft fastener in its tightened position. A one-piece retaining ring, concentrically positioned so as to overly the plate, comprises opposed semicircular bands interconnecting a pair of diametrically opposed discs provided with a bolt hole adapted aligned with both an associated plate slot and a web bore. Each disc is formed with a plurality of radially disposed tabs whereby at least one of the tabs is in substantial registration with a side face of an associated web bolt head.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of adjusting backlash for a north-south transaxle. The method includes the steps of forming a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally and a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally and a cavity at one end of the second passageway having an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The method also includes disposing a transmission assembly in the first passageway and a transfer assembly in the second passageway and a differential assembly in the cavity and engaging the transfer assembly. The method further includes preloading the differential assembly, determining the amount of backlash between the differential assembly and transfer assembly, and adjusting the backlash between the differential assembly and transfer assembly.

Abstract: A method of assembly for a north-south transaxle includes the steps of forming a case with a longitudinal passageway and having an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The method also includes forming a head portion and a shaft portion extending from the head portion and installing a front bearing about the transfer shaft and in the passageway. The method further includes installing the transfer shaft in the passageway, installing a rear bearing about the transfer shaft and in the passageway, and retaining the front and rear bearings and transfer shaft in the passageway.

Abstract: A north-south transaxle includes a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally and a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally. The transaxle also includes a transmission assembly disposed in the first passageway and having a first shaft portion extending through the first passageway at one end thereof and a transfer assembly disposed in the second passageway and having a second shaft portion extending through the second passageway at one end thereof. The transaxle includes first and second bearings rotatably supporting the first and second shaft portions in the first and second passageways, and an assembly for retaining the first and second bearings and the first and second shaft portions in the first and second passageways.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a north-south transaxle includes a case having a passageway extending longitudinally and a cavity at one end of the passageway having an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The lubrication system also includes a transfer assembly disposed in the passageway and a differential assembly disposed in the cavity and engaging the transfer assembly. The lubrication system further includes means for delivering fluid in the cavity to the transfer assembly.

Abstract: A north-south transaxle includes a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally, a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally, and a cavity at one end of the second passageway having an opening generally perpendicular to the second passageway. The transaxle also includes a transmission assembly disposed in the first passageway, a transfer assembly disposed in the second passageway and a structure interconnecting the transmission assembly and transfer assembly for transferring torque from the transmission assembly to the transfer assembly. The transaxle further includes a differential assembly disposed in the cavity and the transaxle is structured to thermally compensate preload on the differential assembly over a temperature operating range.

Abstract: A north-south transaxle includes a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally and a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally. The transaxle also includes a transmission assembly disposed in the first passageway and having a first shaft portion extending through the first passageway at one end thereof and a transfer assembly disposed in the second passageway and having a second shaft portion extending through the second passageway at one end thereof. The transaxle includes first and second sprocket wheels disposed about the first and second shaft portions, respectively, a chain disposed about the first and second sprocket wheels and a snubber located on tension side of the chain for a dampening vibrations or excursions in the chain.

Abstract: An adaptive control system in an automatic four-speed transmission having a unique clutch and gear arrangement which eliminates the need for additional gearing and one over-running clutch, while requiring only one more friction element. The vehicle transmission assembly includes a transmission housing, a rotatable input member, an output member, and a gear assembly for changing the ratio of torque between the input member and the output member. Three clutch assemblies selectively couple the rotatable input member to predetermine gears of the gear assembly and two brake assemblies selectively couple predetermined gears of the gear assembly to the transmission housing. The gear assembly includes the first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set.

Abstract: Clutch reaction and pressure plates in a four-speed automatic transmission utilizing an annular web on the reaction plate and pressure plate members to increase axial rigidity so as to restrict clutch deflection.

Abstract: A differential gear assembly has a multi-pinion system with a unitary spider to enable assembly of the differential gear by an automated process.