Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first set of clutch plates and a second set of clutch plates interweaved with the first set of clutch plates. The second set of clutch plates is coupled to a rotatable inner hub, and a stationary backing plate is mounted about the inner hub. The first set of clutch plates is coupled to the backing plate such that the first set of clutch plates and the second set of clutch plates are compressed together with one of the first set or the second set of clutch plates abutting against the backing plate when the clutch assembly is engaged. The clutch assembly further includes a connecting hub coupled to the inner hub, such that the connecting hub supports the stationary backing plate with a bearing disposed between the connecting hub and the backing plate.

Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear, a carrier member supporting a plurality of planet pinion gears and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first set of clutch plates and a second set of clutch plates interweaved with the first set of clutch plates. The second set of clutch plates is coupled to a rotatable inner hub, and a stationary backing plate is mounted about the inner hub. The first set of clutch plates is coupled to the backing plate such that the first set of clutch plates and the second set of clutch plates are compressed together with one of the first set or the second set of clutch plates abutting against the backing plate when the clutch assembly is engaged. The clutch assembly further includes a connecting hub coupled to the inner hub, such that the connecting hub supports the stationary backing plate with a bearing disposed between the connecting hub and the backing plate.

Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear, a carrier member supporting a plurality of planet pinion gears and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch assembly including a first housing comprising a first clutch, a first clutch actuator and a second housing having the first clutch actuator at least partially disposed therein so that said first clutch actuator selectively engages the first clutch.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. A hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.

Abstract: A clutch assembly and method of operating the clutch assembly to start an engine of a hybrid vehicle includes a first clutch and a first clutch actuator for selectively engaging the first clutch. The first actuator has a first at-rest position engaging the clutch and a hydraulically charged position disengaged from the first clutch. The clutch assembly further includes a second clutch actuator having a second at-rest position away disengaged from the first clutch and a second hydraulically charged position engaged with the first clutch.

Abstract: A grounded clutch mechanism for a transmission includes a transmission housing and a backing plate fixedly secured to the transmission housing. The backing plate has a plurality of backing plate posts. A plurality of reaction plates have a plurality of radially-outward spline teeth configured to mate with the backing plate posts. Torque may be transferred between the backing plate and the reaction plates. The reaction plates do not transfer torque directly to the transmission housing. The backing plate may be radially symmetric with respect to an axis of rotation. A plurality of clutch plates may be configured to selectively transfer torque to the reaction plates. The clutch plates may be configured to be selectively rotatable with respect to the axis of rotation and the reaction plates are configured not to be rotatable with respect to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. A hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.

Abstract: A clutch assembly and method of operating the clutch assembly to start an engine of a hybrid vehicle includes a first clutch and a first clutch actuator for selectively engaging the first clutch. The first actuator has a first at-rest position engaging the clutch and a hydraulically charged position disengaged from the first clutch. The clutch assembly further includes a second clutch actuator having a second at-rest position away disengaged from the first clutch and a second hydraulically charged position engaged with the first clutch.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch assembly including a first housing comprising a first clutch, a first clutch actuator and a second housing having the first clutch actuator at least partially disposed therein so that said first clutch actuator selectively engages the first clutch.