Abstract: A starter for an internal combustion engine includes a stationary member and an output member adapted for starting the engine. The starter also includes a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set. Each of the respective first and second planetary gear sets includes a first, a second, and a third gear member and each of the respective first and second planetary gear sets is operatively connected to the output member. The starter additionally includes a motor operatively connected to the first gear set and to the second gear set for driving the output member. A motor vehicle employing the disclosed starter is also provided.

Abstract: A transmission includes a first motor/generator with a first rotor connected for rotation with a first member of a first planetary gear set. A second electric motor/generator has a second rotor connected for rotation with a second member of the first planetary gear set. The second member of the first planetary gear set is connected for common rotation with the output member. The first member of a second planetary gear set rotates with the input member, and the third member of the second planetary gear set is grounded to a stationary member. A first torque-transmitting mechanism establishes torque flow between the first member of the second planetary gear set and the third member of the first planetary gear set. A second torque-transmitting mechanism establishes torque flow between the second member of the second planetary gear set and the third member of the first planetary gear set.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and a planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member. A first electric motor/generator has a first rotor connected for rotation with the first member. A second electric motor/generator has a second rotor connected for rotation with the second member. A first set of intermeshing gears has a first gear ratio, and a second set of intermeshing gears has a second gear ratio different than the first gear ratio. A first torque-transmitting mechanism is engageable to establish torque flow between the planetary gear set and one of the input member and the output member through the first set of intermeshing gears. A second torque-transmitting mechanism is engageable to establish torque flow between the planetary gear set and the one of the input member and the output member through the second set of intermeshing gears.

Abstract: A hybrid electro-mechanical transmission has an input member, an output member, and a stationary member. The transmission has a planetary gear set with a first sun gear, a second sun gear, a carrier, a first set of pinion gears, a second set of pinion gears, and a ring gear. The carrier supports the sets of pinion gears. The first set of pinion gears meshes with the first sun gear and with the ring gear. The second set of pinion gears meshes with the second sun gear and with the second set of pinion gears. The input member is connected with the ring gear. The output member is connected with the first sun gear. A first motor/generator has a rotor connected with the carrier. A second motor/generator has a rotor connected with the second sun gear. A torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to ground the input member to the stationary member.

Abstract: A hybrid electro-mechanical transmission has an input member, an output member, and a stationary member. The transmission has a planetary gear set with a first sun gear, a second sun gear, a carrier, a first set of pinion gears, a second set of pinion gears, and a ring gear. The carrier supports the sets of pinion gears. The first set of pinion gears meshes with the first sun gear and with the ring gear. The second set of pinion gears meshes with the second sun gear and with the second set of pinion gears. The input member is connected with the ring gear. The output member is connected with the first sun gear. A first motor/generator has a rotor connected with the carrier. A second motor/generator has a rotor connected with the second sun gear. A torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to ground the input member to the stationary member.

Abstract: A transmission includes a first motor/generator with a first rotor connected for rotation with a first member of a first planetary gear set. A second electric motor/generator has a second rotor connected for rotation with a second member of the first planetary gear set. The second member of the first planetary gear set is connected for common rotation with the output member. The first member of a second planetary gear set rotates with the input member, and the third member of the second planetary gear set is grounded to a stationary member. A first torque-transmitting mechanism establishes torque flow between the first member of the second planetary gear set and the third member of the first planetary gear set. A second torque-transmitting mechanism establishes torque flow between the second member of the second planetary gear set and the third member of the first planetary gear set.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and a planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member. A first electric motor/generator has a first rotor connected for rotation with the first member. A second electric motor/generator has a second rotor connected for rotation with the second member. A first set of intermeshing gears has a first gear ratio, and a second set of intermeshing gears has a second gear ratio different than the first gear ratio. A first torque-transmitting mechanism is engageable to establish torque flow between the planetary gear set and one of the input member and the output member through the first set of intermeshing gears. A second torque-transmitting mechanism is engageable to establish torque flow between the planetary gear set and the one of the input member and the output member through the second set of intermeshing gears.

Abstract: A starter for an internal combustion engine includes a stationary member and an output member adapted for starting the engine. The starter also includes a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set. Each of the respective first and second planetary gear sets includes a first, a second, and a third gear member and each of the respective first and second planetary gear sets is operatively connected to the output member. The starter additionally includes a motor operatively connected to the first gear set and to the second gear set for driving the output member. A motor vehicle employing the disclosed starter is also provided.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, an engine valve, a valve lift mechanism, and first and second camshafts. The engine structure may define a combustion chamber and a port in communication with the combustion chamber. The engine valve may be supported by the engine structure and displaceable between an open position where the port is in communication with the combustion chamber and a closed position to isolate the port from communication with the combustion chamber. The valve lift mechanism may be engaged with the engine valve. The first camshaft may be rotationally supported by the engine structure and may include a first cam lobe engaged with the valve lift mechanism. The second camshaft may be rotationally supported by the engine structure and may include a second cam lobe engaged with the valve lift mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a chain is provided that compensates for the affect of temperature on oil viscosity by providing, in addition to a continuously open oil leakage path, an additional leakage path open only at lower temperatures when oil is more viscous and leaks at a slower rate. Thus, overall oil leakage at lower temperatures is similar to that at higher temperatures, when the additional leakage path is closed, and the less viscous higher temperature oil leaks at a faster rate from the continuously open oil leakage path. Accordingly, the affect of temperature on hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner assembly is minimized.

Abstract: A variable leakdown chain drive tensioner system includes a chain drive tensioner in operable communication with a chain. The chain drive tensioner includes a tensioner body with at least one leakage hole defining a first leakdown path and a tensioner piston assembly in operable engagement with the tensioner body. As the chain wears, the tensioner piston assembly is moveable from a first position, allowing flow through the first leakdown path, to at least a second position, substantially blocking flow through the first leakdown path. The tensioner body may also include a second leakage hole defining a second leakdown path and the tensioner piston may also have a third position. The first position would allow flow through the first and second leakdown paths, the second position would allow flow through only the second leakdown path, and the third position would substantially block flow through both the first and second leakdown paths.

Abstract: A gear mechanism includes a first gear mounted on a first shaft in meshing arrangement with a second gear mounted on a second shaft. A fixed sheave is mounted on the first shaft. A first sliding sheave and a second sliding sheave are mounted on the second shaft. The first sliding sheave and the second sliding sheave are in contact with the fixed sheave.

Abstract: A chain drive tensioner system with translating pivot point is disclosed. The chain drive tensioner system with translating pivot point includes a chain drive tensioner assembly and a tensioner arm in operable communication with a chain. The chain drive tensioner assembly is in operable communication with the tensioner arm, and the tensioner assembly is moveable between a first tensioner position and a second tensioner position. The tensioner arm includes an internal gear and an external gear rotatably mounted within the internal gear, such that movement of the tensioner assembly from the first tensioner position to the second tensioner position along with concurrent rotation of the external gear within the internal gear is operable to move the tensioner arm laterally from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A gear mechanism includes a first gear mounted on a first shaft in meshing arrangement with a second gear mounted on a second shaft. A fixed sheave is mounted on the first shaft. A first sliding sheave and a second sliding sheave are mounted on the second shaft. The first sliding sheave and the second sliding sheave are in contact with the fixed sheave.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a chain is provided that compensates for the affect of temperature on oil viscosity by providing, in addition to a continuously open oil leakage path, an additional leakage path open only at lower temperatures when oil is more viscous and leaks at a slower rate. Thus, overall oil leakage at lower temperatures is similar to that at higher temperatures, when the additional leakage path is closed, and the less viscous higher temperature oil leaks at a faster rate from the continuously open oil leakage path. Accordingly, the affect of temperature on hydraulic stiffness of the tensioner assembly is minimized.

Abstract: A variable leakdown chain drive tensioner system includes a chain drive tensioner in operable communication with a chain. The chain drive tensioner includes a tensioner body with at least one leakage hole defining a first leakdown path and a tensioner piston assembly in operable engagement with the tensioner body. As the chain wears, the tensioner piston assembly is moveable from a first position, allowing flow through the first leakdown path, to at least a second position, substantially blocking flow through the first leakdown path. The tensioner body may also include a second leakage hole defining a second leakdown path and the tensioner piston may also have a third position. The first position would allow flow through the first and second leakdown paths, the second position would allow flow through only the second leakdown path, and the third position would substantially block flow through both the first and second leakdown paths.

Abstract: A chain drive tensioner system with translating pivot point is disclosed. The chain drive tensioner system with translating pivot point includes a chain drive tensioner assembly and a tensioner arm in operable communication with a chain. The chain drive tensioner assembly is in operable communication with the tensioner arm, and the tensioner assembly is moveable between a first tensioner position and a second tensioner position. The tensioner arm includes an internal gear and an external gear rotatably mounted within the internal gear, such that movement of the tensioner assembly from the first tensioner position to the second tensioner position along with concurrent rotation of the external gear within the internal gear is operable to move the tensioner arm laterally from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block, a fuel pump, and a drive shaft. The engine block may include first and second banks defining first and second sets of cylinders disposed at an angle relative to one another to form a V-configuration. The engine block may include a valley between the first and second banks of cylinders. The fuel pump may be supported by the engine block and located within the valley. The drive shaft may be supported by the engine block and may be drivingly engaged with the fuel pump.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block, a fuel pump, and a drive shaft. The engine block may include first and second banks defining first and second sets of cylinders disposed at an angle relative to one another to form a V-configuration. The engine block may include a valley between the first and second banks of cylinders. The fuel pump may be supported by the engine block and located within the valley. The drive shaft may be supported by the engine block and may be drivingly engaged with the fuel pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved oil pan that acts as a radiated noise reduction product. More specifically, the invention addresses the case of a broad frequency forced response sound radiation for structurally rigid cast aluminum engine oil pans. The improved oil pan comprises a foam rubber isolating layer coupled to the oil pan and a urethane outer barrier layer coupled to the foam rubber isolating layer. The oil pan has side walls comprised of a plurality of differently-sized flat panels. The vibration isolation takes place locally on the oil pan surfaces, not at the attachments that connect the oil pan to the engine. The net result is a significant reduction in the oil pan radiation efficiency within the desired frequency range of 2 kHz and above.