Abstract: An automobile transmission hydraulic oil fill system includes a transmission oil pan and a two-piece standpipe system. The two-piece stand-pipe system includes a clinch nut connected to the oil pan and having a threaded bore opening through the oil pan. A stand-pipe is fixed to the clinch nut. The stand-pipe includes a longitudinal bore in fluid communication with the threaded bore. An end cap defining a free end of the stand-pipe prevents entrance of hydraulic oil into the longitudinal bore of the stand-pipe during hydraulic oil fill of the transmission. Multiple ports created in a side wall of the stand-pipe allow entrance of the hydraulic oil into the longitudinal bore and to flow out of the threaded bore of the clinch nut. Each of the ports include an edge. The edges of the ports define a hydraulic oil fill level of the transmission.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fastener multi-spindle tool system includes multiple spindle assemblies, each including a support ring and a support arm sleeve received in the support ring and rotatable on a central longitudinal axis of the support ring. At least one support arm is connected to the support ring. The at least one support arm rotates with respect to the central longitudinal axis. A spindle is fixed to the support arm and is displaceable with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The spindle has an adaptor to temporarily retain and torque a fastener. A reaction plate is connected to the spindle and has a geometric shape. At least one template plate has multiple openings each having a geometric shape matching the geometric shape of the reaction plate. One of the openings receives the reaction plate thereby preventing axial rotation of the spindle.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a portion of a rotating component within an oil sump environment including an at least two piece assembly having complementary peripheral joining edges for shielding a portion of the rotating component from the oil sump environment. A sealing material or device is disposed between the complementary peripheral joining edges of the at least two piece assembly for enhancing the prevention lubricant flow into the sealed environment.

Abstract: An automobile transmission hydraulic oil fill system includes a transmission oil pan and a two-piece standpipe system. The two-piece stand-pipe system includes a clinch nut connected to the oil pan and having a threaded bore opening through the oil pan. A stand-pipe is fixed to the clinch nut. The stand-pipe includes a longitudinal bore in fluid communication with the threaded bore. An end cap defining a free end of the stand-pipe prevents entrance of hydraulic oil into the longitudinal bore of the stand-pipe during hydraulic oil fill of the transmission. Multiple ports created in a side wall of the stand-pipe allow entrance of the hydraulic oil into the longitudinal bore and to flow out of the threaded bore of the clinch nut. Each of the ports include an edge. The edges of the ports define a hydraulic oil fill level of the transmission.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fastener multi-spindle tool system includes multiple spindle assemblies, each including a support ring and a support arm sleeve received in the support ring and rotatable on a central longitudinal axis of the support ring. At least one support arm is connected to the support ring. The at least one support arm rotates with respect to the central longitudinal axis. A spindle is fixed to the support arm and is displaceable with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The spindle has an adaptor to temporarily retain and torque a fastener. A reaction plate is connected to the spindle and has a geometric shape. At least one template plate has multiple openings each having a geometric shape matching the geometric shape of the reaction plate. One of the openings receives the reaction plate thereby preventing axial rotation of the spindle.

Abstract: A variable baffle for controlling a flow of oil at a gear mesh includes a first baffle member fixed proximate to the gear teeth of a first rotating gear. A second baffle member is rotatably connected to the first baffle member. A third baffle member is fixed proximate to a second rotating gear and aligned with the second baffle member when the second baffle member is in a closed position. A rotating member rotatably connects the second baffle member to the first baffle member. The second baffle member is movable away from the closed position to an open position when the force of a fluid expelled from the gear teeth of the first rotating gear exceeds a force applied to the rotating member normally acting to move the second baffle member toward the closed position.

Abstract: A variable baffle for controlling a flow of oil at a gear mesh includes a first baffle member fixed proximate to the gear teeth of a first rotating gear. A second baffle member is rotatably connected to the first baffle member. A third baffle member is fixed proximate to a second rotating gear and aligned with the second baffle member when the second baffle member is in a closed position. A rotating member rotatably connects the second baffle member to the first baffle member. The second baffle member is movable away from the closed position to an open position when the force of a fluid expelled from the gear teeth of the first rotating gear exceeds a force applied to the rotating member normally acting to move the second baffle member toward the closed position.

Abstract: A wedge seal gasket comprising, a carrier, a first wedge seal mounted around the carrier and a second wedge seal mounted around the carrier. The first wedge seal forms a seal with a first housing and the second wedge seal forms a seal with a second housing.

Abstract: A part transfer system includes a robotic arm, and an end effector attached to the robotic arm. The end effector includes a locating pin that is operable to engage an existing part feature of a part. The presence of the existing part feature is required for the intended use of the part, and therefore serves a function of the part other than a transfer function. The existing part feature defines a circular aperture disposed on a feature plane. The locating pin includes an engagement portion that extends along a longitudinal axis of the at least one locating pin. The engagement portion includes a diameter that is tapered along the longitudinal axis such that the engagement portion of the locating pin engages a radial inner edge of the circular aperture on the feature plane along an approximately annular contact ring disposed about a circumference of the tapered portion.

Abstract: A bolt includes a body and a threaded portion formed on the body. The bolt further includes a phosphate base coat, which covers at least the body and is in direct contact with the body. The bolt also includes a PTFE overcoat, which substantially covers the phosphate base coat and is separated from the body of the bolt by the phosphate base coat.

Abstract: A fill cap assembly for a transmission is provided. In one form, the fill cap assembly includes a first part and a second part, each defining a cavity therein. A flexible membrane is disposed between the first and second parts and separates the cavities of the first and second parts. The cavities are sealed from each other by the membrane. The cavity of the first part is configured to be in fluid communication with the inside of the transmission. When pressure rises in the transmission, the flexible membrane expands into the cavity of the second part. When pressure sinks in the transmission, the membrane collapses partially into the cavity of the first part, thus expanding out of and/or away from the cavity of the second part.

Abstract: A part transfer system includes a robotic arm, and an end effector attached to the robotic arm. The end effector includes a locating pin that is operable to engage an existing part feature of a part. The presence of the existing part feature is required for the intended use of the part, and therefore serves a function of the part other than a transfer function. The existing part feature defines a circular aperture disposed on a feature plane. The locating pin includes an engagement portion that extends along a longitudinal axis of the at least one locating pin. The engagement portion includes a diameter that is tapered along the longitudinal axis such that the engagement portion of the locating pin engages a radial inner edge of the circular aperture on the feature plane along an approximately annular contact ring disposed about a circumference of the tapered portion.