Abstract: A multi-ratio automatic transmission for a vehicle, the transmission having a single planetary gear set, a plurality of friction elements for coupling components of the planetary gear set between an input and an output of the transmission in different configurations so as to achieve a plurality of forward drive ratios, and a control system for selectively engaging/disengaging the friction elements in different combinations to effect selection of the ratios, wherein the friction elements include first and second clutches mounted forward of the planetary gear set, and wherein power flow in each of the forward drive ratios is routed from the input to the planetary gear set through at least one of the first and second clutches.

Abstract: A torque converter having a lockup clutch or a coupling device, for selectively providing a mechanical connection between a drive unit and a drive train. The lockup clutch (C) or coupling device has a driving part connected to the drive unit and a driven part connected to the drive train. The torque converter also has a control system for applying a first pressure in a sense to cause frictional engagement between the driving part and the driven part and a second pressure in a sense to cause disengagement of the driving part and the driven part. A differential between the pressures is progressively controllable by the control system so as to control the relative positioning between the driven part and the driving part.

Abstract: A multi-ratio automatic transmission for a vehicle, the transmission having a single planetary gear set, a plurality of friction elements for coupling components of the planetary gear set between an input and an output of the transmission in different configurations so as to achieve a plurality of forward drive ratios, and a control system for selectively engaging/disengaging the friction elements in different combinations to effect selection of the ratios, wherein the friction elements include first and second clutches mounted forward of the planetary gear set, and wherein power flow in each of the forward drive ratios is routed from the input to the planetary gear set through at least one of the first and second clutches.

Abstract: A torque converter having a lockup clutch or a coupling device, for selectively providing a mechanical connection between a drive unit and a drive train. The lockup clutch (C) or coupling device has a driving part connected to the drive unit and a driven part connected to the drive train. The torque converter also has a control system for applying a first pressure in a sense to cause frictional engagement between the driving part and the driven part and a second pressure in a sense to cause disengagement of the driving part and the driven part. A differential between the pressures is progressively controllable by the control system so as to control the relative positioning between the driven part and the driving part.