Abstract: The present invention provides a resilient, fluid-tight seal for shafts, pistons and the like having a plurality of radially oriented, spaced-apart ribs or webs extending between adjacent oblique circular flanges or features of a seal. The radially oriented ribs or webs provide added stiffness to the flanges or features to prevent them from rolling under during assembly procedures but do not increase the radial spring constant and thus do not appreciably increase the drag created by the seal on a shaft or piston.

Abstract: An integral stand tube for regulating fluid level within a transmission is provided. The stand tube includes an upper opening, at least one lower opening, and an internal volume defined by at least one internal passage for directing fluid from a valve body-side of a transmission to a main sump located on a gear-side of the transmission. The lower opening is operatively connected to a thermal valve assembly and a fluid passage formed in the transmission case between the auxiliary sump of the valve body-side and the main sump of the gear-side. Fluid passing from auxiliary sump to main sump bypasses dynamic transmission components to thereby minimize fluid aeration due to contact therebetween.

Abstract: A thermal valve assembly for a transmission is provided. The thermal valve assembly includes a body having a base portion having a plurality of opposing sidewalls extending therefrom. A cover is mounted with respect to the body and operates to at least partially close the body to form a volume. The base portion defines an inlet orifice, while at least one of the plurality of opposing sidewalls at least partially defines an outlet orifice. A plate is operable to selectively close the inlet orifice. A bi-metallic spring member is disposed at least partially within the volume. The bi-metallic spring member is operable to bias the plate against the base portion. Additionally, the bi-metallic spring member has a variable stiffness characteristic responsive to temperature.

Abstract: A valve assembly for selectively and variably communicating fluid between an auxiliary sump volume and a main sump volume, each defined by a transmission, is provided. The valve assembly includes a float member operatively connected to a valve member and disposed within the main sump volume of the transmission. The valve member is movable between an open position and a closed position. The float member is configured to be buoyed by the fluid within the main sump volume to move the valve member from the open position toward the closed position thereby variably restricting the flow of the fluid between the auxiliary sump volume and the main sump volume as the amount of the fluid within the main sump volume increases. A transmission incorporating the valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integral stand tube for regulating fluid level within a transmission is provided. The stand tube includes an upper opening, at least one lower opening, and an internal volume defined by at least one internal passage for directing fluid from a valve body-side of a transmission to a main sump located on a gear-side of the transmission. The lower opening is operatively connected to a thermal valve assembly and a fluid passage formed in the transmission case between the auxiliary sump of the valve body-side and the main sump of the gear-side. Fluid passing from auxiliary sump to main sump bypasses dynamic transmission components to thereby minimize fluid aeration due to contact therebetween.

Abstract: A thermal valve assembly for a transmission is provided. The thermal valve assembly includes a body having a base portion having a plurality of opposing sidewalls extending therefrom. A cover is mounted with respect to the body and operates to at least partially close the body to form a volume. The base portion defines an inlet orifice, while at least one of the plurality of opposing sidewalls at least partially defines an outlet orifice. A plate is operable to selectively close the inlet orifice. A bi-metallic spring member is disposed at least partially within the volume. The bi-metallic spring member is operable to bias the plate against the base portion. Additionally, the bi-metallic spring member has a variable stiffness characteristic responsive to temperature.

Abstract: A retaining ring apparatus includes a C-ring and a groove within a shaft. The shaft groove has a tapered edge at one side thereof and the C-ring has at least one tapered surface, which is disposed in mating relationship with the tapered surface of the groove. The retaining ring apparatus is disposed within a larger structure, which has at least one mechanism for applying an axial force to the retaining ring to ensure the mating of the tapered surfaces.

Abstract: A retaining ring apparatus includes a C-ring and a groove within a shaft. The shaft groove has a tapered edge at one side thereof and the C-ring has at least one tapered surface, which is disposed in mating relationship with the tapered surface of the groove. The retaining ring apparatus is disposed within a larger structure, which has at least one mechanism for applying an axial force to the retaining ring to ensure the mating of the tapered surfaces.