Abstract: A clutch system for a transmission having a clutch assembly and a brake assembly. The clutch system includes a clutch assembly and a brake assembly coupled to a planetary gear set, engine and two electric motors to reduce transmission complexity, costs, and efficiency losses. The clutch assembly also includes a wear compensation mechanism and a clutch separator mechanism.

Abstract: A clutch system for a transmission having a clutch assembly and a brake assembly. The clutch system includes a clutch assembly and a brake assembly coupled to a planetary gear set, engine and two electric motors to reduce transmission complexity, costs, and efficiency losses. The clutch assembly also includes a wear compensation mechanism and a clutch separator mechanism.

Abstract: A clutch system for a transmission having a clutch assembly and a brake assembly. The clutch system includes a clutch assembly and a brake assembly coupled to a planetary gear set, engine and two electric motors to reduce transmission complexity, costs, and efficiency losses. The clutch assembly also includes a wear compensation mechanism and a clutch separator mechanism.

Abstract: An electrically variable drive unit having two electric motors is provided. The first electric motor is mounted along the same axis as an engine. The second electric motor is mounted along the same axis as a transmission output.

Abstract: An electric motor assembly includes a shield that extends about a sector of the winding head to be disposed axially outboard of the outer axial end of the winding head and radially inboard of the inner diameter portion of the winding head. The shield defines a reservoir in which the sector of the winding head is received. The reservoir is operable to receive the coolant for cooling the winding head. Additionally, the motor assembly includes at least one sealing member that substantially seals at least one of the slots formed in an inner diameter portion of the stator core. The sealing member is operable to contain the coolant within the corresponding longitudinal opening and the reservoir.

Abstract: An electric motor assembly includes a shield that extends about a sector of the winding head to be disposed axially outboard of the outer axial end of the winding head and radially inboard of the inner diameter portion of the winding head. The shield defines a reservoir in which the sector of the winding head is received. The reservoir is operable to receive the coolant for cooling the winding head. Additionally, the motor assembly includes at least one sealing member that substantially seals at least one of the slots formed in an inner diameter portion of the stator core. The sealing member is operable to contain the coolant within the corresponding longitudinal opening and the reservoir.

Abstract: An electrically variable drive unit having two electric motors is provided. The first electric motor is mounted along the same axis as an engine. The second electric motor is mounted along the same axis as a transmission output.

Abstract: A compound-input is provided for an electrically variable transmission for a motor vehicle. The compound-input electrically variable transmission has improved input gear ratios that allow the vehicle engine to be operated in its desired efficiency and/or performance range during both city and highway vehicle operation. Further, the multi-speed input electrically variable transmission provides an input brake without the need for a dedicated input brake clutch or braking mechanism and incorporates a reverse gear for reverse operation.

Abstract: A clutch system for a transmission having a clutch assembly and a brake assembly. The clutch system includes a clutch assembly and a brake assembly coupled to a planetary gear set, engine and two electric motors to reduce transmission complexity, costs, and efficiency losses. The clutch assembly also includes a wear compensation mechanism and a clutch separator mechanism.

Abstract: A compound-input is provided for an electrically variable transmission for a motor vehicle. The compound-input electrically variable transmission has improved input gear ratios that allow the vehicle engine to be operated in its desired efficiency and/or performance range during both city and highway vehicle operation. Further, the multi-speed input electrically variable transmission provides an input brake without the need for a dedicated input brake clutch or braking mechanism and incorporates a reverse gear for reverse operation.

Abstract: Described are a vehicle optical communications system and network to exchange high bandwidth optical data between vehicles or between a vehicle and a stationary host. The vehicle optical communications system includes a communications module and a sensor having pixels for detecting an image in a field of view. Each pixel can generate a pixel data signal responsive to an incident optical data signal that includes vehicle data transmitted from a remote optical transmitter. The communications module provides remote data in response to the pixel data signals. The vehicular communications system optionally includes an optical transmitter to enable bi-directional communication. Data can be transmitted through a multi-node network of vehicular communication systems deployed in vehicles or on stationary hosts located between or around the data transmitter and intended data receiver.

Abstract: Described are a method and optical communications processor for receiving communications data in an image formed on a plurality of pixels. The method includes receiving active pixel information identifying which of the pixels are receiving communications data and retrieving communications data from each of the pixels identified by the active pixel information. A list of active data communication channels is generated in response to the active pixel information. The active pixel information can be in the form of active pixel flag bits. Optionally, the method also includes receiving video data from the pixels.

Abstract: Described are a method and optical communications processor for receiving communications data in an image formed on a plurality of pixels. The method includes receiving active pixel information identifying which of the pixels are receiving communications data and retrieving communications data from each of the pixels identified by the active pixel information. A list of active data communication channels is generated in response to the active pixel information. The active pixel information can be in the form of active pixel flag bits. Optionally, the method also includes receiving video data from the pixels.

Abstract: Described are an optical sensor and method for receiving communications data in an image. The sensor includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes an optical detector for receiving light in a portion of an image and generating an electrical signal in response to the light. The sensor also included a data communications signal detector in communication with the optical detector to detect communications data in the electrical signal. The data communications signal detector includes a data threshold module for detecting a communications bit when the electrical signal exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A carrier for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle is provided. The carrier comprises a hub, an annular face plate, a plurality of posts, and a plurality of planetary gears. The hub includes a collar having internal teeth adapted to mesh with an input or an output shaft, and a disc attached to the collar. The posts are generally cylindrical, and extend between the hub and the face plate substantially within the respective perimeters of the hub and the face plate. The planetary gears are disposed in a gear pocket between the hub and the face plate, with each planetary gear being mounted on an associated pinion shaft and adapted to mesh with both a sun gear and a ring gear.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter having a lock-up clutch that connects drivably the torque converter turbine and the torque converter impeller wherein the clutch includes a bypass clutch piston and multiple disc friction elements, the latter being radially located inward of the clutch piston, alternate ones of the friction discs being connected to the turbine and the companion discs being connected to a clutch cylinder, a bypass clutch piston being positioned in the cylinder to define a pressure chamber on one side of the piston adjacent the converter housing, the opposite side of the piston being exposed to circuit pressure in the torque converter, and radially inwardly projecting clutch actuator elements extending through registering slots in the clutch cylinder whereby improved converter efficiency and vehicle drivability is achieved.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter assembly has a turbine and an impeller located in a converter housing and a lockup clutch construction in the converter housing that includes a one-piece stamped clutch and piston housing secured to the inner wall of the converter housing wherein the outer extremity of the stamped housing carries friction discs. An annular piston is located between the discs and the converter housing wherein the piston is stroked toward the turbine upon introduction of control pressure to a control chamber defined by the piston and the cylinder, the driven discs of the clutch being connected to a turbine shaft through a damper and the friction elements of the clutch being continuously exposed to circulating fluid within the converter wherein piston charge pressure is established without a requirement for continuous flow when the clutch is actuated.