Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle propulsion system includes a transmission housing defining a sump volume and valve body side cover volume separated by a side wall from the sump volume, a valve operable to selectively connect the valve body side cover volume with the sump volume through a fluid flow passage, a source of selectively pressurizable fluid, and an orifice connecting the source of selectively pressurizable fluid to the fluid flow passage.

Abstract: An integral stand tube for regulating fluid level within a transmission is provided. The stand tube includes an upper opening, at least one lower opening, and an internal volume defined by at least one internal passage for directing fluid from a valve body-side of a transmission to a main sump located on a gear-side of the transmission. The lower opening is operatively connected to a thermal valve assembly and a fluid passage formed in the transmission case between the auxiliary sump of the valve body-side and the main sump of the gear-side. Fluid passing from auxiliary sump to main sump bypasses dynamic transmission components to thereby minimize fluid aeration due to contact therebetween.

Abstract: An integral stand tube for regulating fluid level within a transmission is provided. The stand tube includes an upper opening, at least one lower opening, and an internal volume defined by at least one internal passage for directing fluid from a valve body-side of a transmission to a main sump located on a gear-side of the transmission. The lower opening is operatively connected to a thermal valve assembly and a fluid passage formed in the transmission case between the auxiliary sump of the valve body-side and the main sump of the gear-side. Fluid passing from auxiliary sump to main sump bypasses dynamic transmission components to thereby minimize fluid aeration due to contact therebetween.

Abstract: A plasma-fired cupola is operated utilizing anthracite or bituminous coal or small size coke to replace foundry coke to melt turnings, borings and chips from machining cast iron and steel, wherein the turnings, borings and chips make up as much as 75% by weight of the metal charge, the remaining portion of the charge being larger scrap; adding alloy oxides to provide the alloy element in the iron produced and providing up to 25% of the carbon required as pulverized coal added via a plasma torch feed nozzle to economically produce a variety of irons in the plasma-fired cupola.