Abstract: This invention details a lubrication system for an automatic transmission, specifically the bearings of the planetary pinion gears. The planetary carriers have grooves formed in spider and flange sections thereof to carry the lubricating material from the inner diameter of the planetary carrier to the inner diameter of each pinion gear bearing mounted in the planetary carrier. The invention further includes two thrust washers that are assembled on opposing sides of each pinion gear that have axially and radially extending slots that further carry the oil between the inner diameter of the planetary carrier and the outer diameter of the planetary carrier. Lastly, the invention discloses a method for lubricating the pinion gears of the planetary carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently cooling and lubricating rotating components in a hybrid transmission is provided. By efficiently managing cooling flow to and between the rotating elements, flow requirements and associated pumping requirements within the drive unit are minimized. In addition, by providing a method for placing the fluid directly on the required components, spin losses associated with component contact with stray oil are reduced. Combined, the reduction in pumping and spin losses create a more efficient drive unit and an overall more efficient hybrid drive system which directly leads to higher fuel economy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sun gear member and sun gear shaft providing improved manufacturing time and material cost savings. This invention further relates to the packaging of a compact electro-mechanical transmission specifically as it pertains to the redesign of the planetary gear arrangement to compensate for the new design of the sun gear member and sun gear shaft. Several design modifications are disclosed in order to reduce the diameter of the planetary gear arrangement and its inclusive members. For example, the ring gear is chamfered to allow for additional clearance so that the planetary gear arrangement and the electronic motor package can be more compact when sun gear has separable sun gear members. In addition to packaging considerations, material costs, fatigue life requirements, and manufacturability of relevant transmission components were governing concerns in the redesign of the sun gear member and sun gear shaft.

Abstract: An internal/external gear pump includes a wear plate disposed between the gear members and at least one sidewall of the pump. The wear plate has a recess formed therein having a substantially constant depth and width. The recess extends into the full mesh point between the gear members of the pump to provide a flow path from the full mesh point to an inlet side or suction port of the pump.