Abstract: A power transmission for a motor vehicle includes an input, first and second input shafts, a layshaft, drive elements connecting the input shafts to the output and layshaft, couplers, a first clutch for connecting and disconnecting the input and the first input shaft, and a second clutch for connecting and disconnecting the input and the second input shaft. A first torque path driveably connects the first input shaft to the layshaft. A second torque path driveably connects the second input shaft to the layshaft. A third torque path driveably connects the layshaft and output. A bridge torque path driveably connects the first input shaft and the output.

Abstract: A power transmission for a motor vehicle includes an input, a first layshaft, a second layshaft, an intermediate layshaft, a first power path for transmitting power between the input and first layshaft and producing a first ratio of a speed of the first layshaft and a corresponding speed of the input, a second power path for transmitting power between the input and second layshaft and producing a second ratio of the speed of the second layshaft and corresponding speed of the input, a speed reduction power path driveably connected to the intermediate layshaft, couplers for the first and second layshafts to various gearsets, a range coupler for coupling the output alternately to the speed reduction power path and the intermediate layshaft, and a clutch for releasably connecting the input and second power path.

Abstract: A method of architecting, designing and building an e-business system includes identifying one or more domains relevant to the design and implementation of the e-business system. Each domain includes one or more patterns having domain-specific information. A system designer, for example, generates an intermediate set of patterns by selecting patterns from one or more of the identified domains according to predetermined criteria. The designer then refines the intermediate set of patterns by applying increasingly narrower criteria to the intermediate set of patterns. Combining patterns in the intermediate set of patterns then produces a multi-domain pattern that defines various components of the e-business system.

Abstract: A multiple speed transmission producing a gear ratio in response to movement of a gear selector lever and manipulation of a clutch pedal includes three planetary gearsets each including a sun gear, ring gear, carrier rotatably supporting a set of planet pinions in continues meshing engagement with the corresponding sun gear and ring gear, and a brake drum driveably connected to one component of each gearset and adapted for alternate engagement by a brake band. The brake band is biased into engagement with the corresponding brake drum by a spring and is released from that engagement using a clutch pedal. A shift lever moves the band to the gearset that produces the desired gear ratio. Engagement of the brake band with each of the drums holds a component of the gearset against rotation on the transmission housing.

Abstract: A shift mechanism is provided for requesting an upshift and a downshift in a multiple gear ratio transmission of a motor vehicle. The mechanism comprises a shift lever for requesting a gear change, a controller for determining the proper gear ratio and for causing the proper gear ratio to be engaged when the shift lever is moved to request a gear ratio change, and a shift gate for directing the travel of the shift lever in a pattern including an upshift plane, a downshift plane and a delay position therebetween.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft parallel the input shaft and a sleeve shaft rotatably supported by the input shaft. A clutch is provided to selectively engage one the input shaft and the sleeve shaft. The input shaft is releasably engageable with the sleeve shaft. Multiple forward gear and pinion pairs are provided wherein one gear of each of the gear and pinion pairs is supported by the sleeve shaft and the second of each gear of the gear and pinion pairs is supported by the output shaft. A transfer gear is rotatably supported by the output shaft and drivably connected to the input shaft. The transfer gear is selectively drivably connected to the sleeve shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A multiple-speed ratio transmission mechanism for an automotive vehicle includes a torque input shaft, an output shaft and intermediate shaft rotatably supported. Multiple pinion gear pairs are supported on the shafts. Two adjacent pinion-gear pairs are associated with two speed ratios. A planetary gear unit, including a sun gear, ring gear, and a set of planet pinions rotatably supported on a carrier, has its input connected to the intermediate shaft and its output connected to the output shaft. Each forward pinion-gear pairs is releasably coupled to one of the intermediate shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A multiple-speed ratio transmission mechanism for an automotive vehicle includes a torque input shaft, an output shaft, an intermediate shaft, these three shafts rotatably supported on a common axis, and a countershaft mounted parallel to the other shafts. Multiple pinion-gear pairs are supported on the three coaxial shafts and countershaft. A planetary gear unit, including a sun gear, ring gear, and a set of planet pinions rotatably supported on a carrier, has its input connected to the intermediate shaft and the output connected to the output shaft. Synchronizers drivably connect a member of the pinion-gear pairs to one of the shafts. A shift mechanism transmits motion of a shift lever to shift forks that move synchronizer sleeves into engagement with the selected gear.

Abstract: A first ball ramp actuator having a control ring acting with an activation ring to supply an axial clutch clamping force in a vehicle driving mode and a second ball ramp actuator using the control ring acting with a clutch pressure plate to supply an axial clutch clamping force in a vehicle coast mode where one side of a one-way clutch is attached to the control ring and another side is attached to a support bracket that is frictionally coupled to a transmission input shaft to maintain an energized rotational relationship with the activation ring when in the coast mode.

Abstract: A ball ramp actuator having a control ring acting with an activation ring to supply an axial driveline clutch clamping force in a vehicle driving mode and a one-way clutch acting on the activation ring to maintain the clamping force when in a vehicle coast mode where one side of a one-way clutch is attached to the control ring and another side is attached to a support bracket that is frictionally coupled to a transmission input shaft to maintain an energized rotational relationship with the activation ring when in the coast mode.

Abstract: A multiple-speed ratio transmission mechanism for an automotive vehicle includes a torque input shaft supported on a first axis, and an output shaft and intermediate shaft rotatably supported parallel to the input shaft. Multiple pinion-gear pairs are supported on the three shafts. A planetary gear unit, including a sun gear, ring gear, and a set of planet pinions rotatably supported on a carrier, has its input connected to the intermediate shaft and its output connected to the output shaft. Synchronizers drivably connect a member of the pinion-gear pairs to one of the shafts. A shift mechanism transmits motion of a shift lever to shift forks that move synchronizer sleeves into engagement with the selected gear.

Abstract: A multiple-speed ratio transmission mechanism for an automotive vehicle includes a torque input shaft, an output shaft, an intermediate shaft, these three shafts rotatably supported on a common axis, and a countershaft mounted parallel to the other shafts. Multiple pinion-gear pairs are supported on the three coaxial shafts and countershaft. A planetary gear unit, including a sun gear, ring gear, and a set of planet pinions rotatably supported on a carrier, has its input connected to the intermediate shaft and the output connected to the output shaft. Synchronizers drivably connect a member of the pinion-gear pairs to one of the shafts. A shift mechanism transmits motion of a shift lever to shift forks that move synchronizer sleeves into engagement with the selected gear.

Abstract: A modulating limited slip differential is disclosed of the type including a gear case (11), an actuating mechanism (51) being operable to apply a force to a clutch pack (41) to retard rotation between a side gear (25) and the gear case. The actuating mechanism includes an outer actuating plate (55) which normally rotates at the same speed as the gear case. The differential includes an electromagnetic actuator (81) which is operable to cause rotation of the outer actuating plate relative to the gear case, resulting in ramping of a plurality of cam balls (79) and axial movement of an inner actuating plate (53) to load the clutch pack. The cam balls are disposed in openings (69) in an end wall (67) of the gear case, the openings being circular, and just slightly oversized, relative to the cam balls to maximize the amount of metal in the end wall, and therefor, the torque transmitting capacity of the gear case.

Abstract: A manual transmission (14') having a counter-shaft assembly (50) with a torsion damping mechanism (34) disposed therein to mitigate in-gear rattle of transmission gears. The countershaft assembly is mounted for rotation in a transmission housing (36). Assembly (50) includes a cluster gear (58) having a plurality of ratio gears (68-76) fixed thereto, a driven gear (60) journaled on the cluster gear and stops (58f, 60g) to limit relative rotation. The torsion damping mechanism includes a torsion bar (64) fixed at its ends to driven and cluster gears (60, 58), an energy damper having coulomb friction surfaces engaged by Belleville springs (80) and by opposing axial forces provided by helical gear teeth of the countershaft assembly.

Abstract: A modulating limited slip differential is disclosed of the type including a gear case (11; 111; 211) an actuating mechanism (51, 151; 251) being operable to apply a force to a clutch pack (41; 141; 241) to retard rotation between a side gear (25; 125; 225) and the gear case. The actuating mechanism includes an outer actuating plate (55; 155; 255) which normally rotates at the same speed as the gear case. The differential includes an electromagnetic actuator (81; 181; 281) which is operable to cause rotation of the outer actuating plate relative to the gear case resulting in ramping of a plurality of cam balls (79; 179; 279) and axial movement of an inner actuating plate (53; 153; 253) to load the clutch pack.

Abstract: An improved differential gear mechanism is disclosed of the type including a clutch pack (35) operable to limit differentiating action of a pair of side gears (23,25) relative to a differential case (11). The clutch pack (35) is engaged by a cam means (41) including a pair of cam members (23,43) having engaging cam surfaces (45,47). Initiation of engagement of the clutch pack (35) may occur in response to an external signal (83) by means of a pair of actuation members (53) which engage one of the cam members (43). The actuation members include terminal portions (57) which extend to the exterior of the gear case and engage a cam surface (77;101) of an actuating cam member (71;91). The actuating cam member has an outer peripheral retarding surface (79) which may be engaged by a plunger (85;113) of an electromagnetic actuator (81;107) in response to the external signal (83).

Abstract: A torsional damping mechanism (22) adapted to be disposed between an engine (10) and a transmission (12) operative to drive ground wheels (16) of a vehicle. The mechanism includes a viscous damping device (30), an idle rattle assembly (32), a torque transmitting torsion spring bar (28) disposed in series with the idle rattle assembly and in parallel with the viscous damping device, and a mechanical friction assembly for connecting the mechanism to the engine. Mechanism (22) is structurally configured to have a low inertia. The viscous damping device includes lost motion means (48k, 50c) which allows attenuation of low amplitude torsionals without damping.

Abstract: A closed hydraulic system (22) is provided for transmitting steering movement to a rear wheel steering assembly (16) in response to steering movement of a front wheel steering assembly (14). The front wheel steering assembly is controlled by a steering wheel (18) and a power steering assembly (20). The closed hydraulic system (22) includes a pump assembly (56) and an actuator assembly (58) connected together by conduits (60,62) to define closed fluid flow branches (164,166) for moving a piston (112) in the actuator assembly in response to movement of a piston (78) in the pump assembly. Movement of the actuator piston is transmitted to the rear wheel steering assembly via first and second cam assemblies (122,124) which effect same direction rear wheel steering for rather small front wheel steering angles and which effect opposite direction rear wheel steering for greater front wheel steering angles.

Abstract: A closed hydraulic system (22) is provided for transmitting steering movement to a rear wheel steering assembly (16) in response to steering movement of a front wheel steering assembly (14). The front wheel steering assembly is controlled by a steering wheel (18) and a power steering assembly (20). The closed hydraulic system (22) includes a pump assembly (56) and an actuator assembly (58) connected together by conduits (60,62) to define closed fluid flow branches (164,166) for moving a piston (112) in the actuator assembly in response to movement of a piston (78) in the pump assembly. Movement of the actuator piston is transmitted to the rear wheel steering assembly via first and second cam assemblies (122,124) which effect same direction rear wheel steering for rather small front wheel steering angles and which effect opposite direction rear wheel steering for greater front wheel steering angles.

Abstract: A first ball ramp actuator having a control ring acting with an activation ring to supply an axial clutch clamping force in a vehicle driving mode and a second ball ramp actuator using the control ring acting with a clutch pressure plate to supply an axial clutch clamping force in a vehicle coast mode where one side of a one-way clutch is attached to the control ring and another side is attached to a support bracket that is frictionally coupled to a transmission input shaft to maintain an energized rotational relationship with the activation ring when in the coast mode.