Abstract: A dual clutch actuation assembly includes a housing, an annular central piston, a plurality of satellite pistons, and an annular apply member. The housing includes an inner cylindrical wall, an outer cylindrical wall, and a plurality of satellite cylindrical walls. The inner and outer walls define an inner piston annulus and the satellite walls define a plurality of satellite piston bores. Each of the satellite walls is disposed at least partially radially outward of the outer wall. The central piston is disposed in the inner piston annulus and is in sliding engagement with the inner and outer walls of the housing. The satellite pistons are disposed in the satellite piston bores and are in sliding engagement with the satellite walls of the housing. The apply member is axially engaged with each of the satellite pistons and includes an annular plate portion disposed radially outward of the outer cylindrical wall of the housing.

Abstract: A device operable in a transmission for substantially preventing vehicular rollback on an incline includes a shaft, a gear, a one-way clutch, and a pawl member. The gear is selectively connected for common rotation with the shaft. The gear is rotatable in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction. The one-way clutch has an inner race and an outer race, where the inner race is connected to the gear and the outer race has an outer surface having a plurality of engaging teeth. The pawl member has a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotly mounted to a transmission housing. The second end of the pawl has a first angled portion configured to releasably engage at least one of the plurality of engaging teeth of the outer race as the outer race rotates in the second rotary direction.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for actuating a torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a sump for receiving a hydraulic fluid and a piezoelectric pump for pumping the hydraulic fluid from the sump to the torque transmitting device. A first fluid flow path communicates the hydraulic fluid from the sump to the piezoelectric pump and a second fluid flow path communicates the hydraulic fluid from the piezoelectric pump to the torque transmitting device. An exhaust means selectively communicates the hydraulic fluid from the torque transmitting device to the sump.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling an engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided. The method includes: selectively releasing stored air from an accumulator to a first cylinder of the plurality of cylinders; and controlling at least one of fuel and spark to a second cylinder of the plurality of cylinders during a compression stroke of the second cylinder, where the second cylinder is a next available cylinder to fire.

Abstract: A powertrain is provided that has an engine and a torque converter. The engine is configured to provide oil to the torque converter for operation of the torque converter. The engine oil may provide both the fluid coupling and torque converter clutch apply and release functions.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for actuating a torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a sump for receiving a hydraulic fluid and a piezoelectric pump for pumping the hydraulic fluid from the sump to the torque transmitting device. A first fluid flow path communicates the hydraulic fluid from the sump to the piezoelectric pump and a second fluid flow path communicates the hydraulic fluid from the piezoelectric pump to the torque transmitting device. An exhaust means selectively communicates the hydraulic fluid from the torque transmitting device to the sump.

Abstract: Presented herein is a non-contact torque sensing apparatus and method for measuring the instantaneous torque, or torsional stress/strain, transmitted through an elongated power transmission member such as a rotatable shaft. Polarized light is directed along a measurement light path in a cavity of a shaft where it intercepts a polarizing filter. The polarizing filter is operable to alter the polarization angle of the light according to torsional twisting of the shaft. A measurement device measures the change in the polarization angle of the light to obtain the shaft twist angle. Shaft torque is then calculated from the twist angle.

Abstract: A synchronizer-controlled transmission has a plurality of input shafts, which are selectively connectible with a transmission input shaft, at least one countershaft, which rotatably supports a plurality of ratio gears, and an output shaft. A plurality of synchronizers is disposed along the countershaft and at least one input shaft to provide power transmission connections between the countershaft and the ratio gears disposed thereon. At least one ratio is established through direct connection between at least one input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A more efficient method for maintaining the hydraulic actuation of a selectively engageable torque transmitting device in a vehicle. The method includes generating a predetermined pressure level of a hydraulic fluid such as, for example, with a pump. The pressurized hydraulic fluid is transferred through an open valve and to a selectively engageable torque transmitting device such that the selectively engageable torque transmitting device is engaged. Thereafter, the valve is closed so that the predetermined pressure level of hydraulic fluid at the selectively engageable torque transmitting device remains relatively constant. Accordingly, the selectively engageable torque transmitting device remains engaged without continuously generating additional pressure such that the fuel economy of the vehicle is improved. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Presented herein is a non-contact torque sensing apparatus and method for measuring the instantaneous torque, or torsional stress/strain, transmitted through an elongated power transmission member such as a rotatable shaft. Polarized light is directed along a measurement light path in a cavity of a shaft where it intercepts a polarizing filter. The polarizing filter is operable to alter the polarization angle of the light according to torsional twisting of the shaft. A measurement device measures the change in the polarization angle of the light to obtain the shaft twist angle. Shaft torque is then calculated from the twist angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a more efficient method for maintaining the hydraulic actuation of a selectively engageable torque transmitting device in a vehicle. The method includes generating a predetermined pressure level of a hydraulic fluid such as, for example, with a pump. The pressurized hydraulic fluid is transferred through an open valve and to a selectively engageable torque transmitting device such that the selectively engageable torque transmitting device is engaged. Thereafter, the valve is closed so that the predetermined pressure level of hydraulic fluid at the selectively engageable torque transmitting device remains relatively constant. Accordingly, the selectively engageable torque transmitting device remains engaged without continuously generating additional pressure such that the fuel economy of the vehicle is improved. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine and an electric motor in parallel hybrid combination. The engine includes a plurality of cylinders and a plurality of selectively deactivatable cylinder intake and exhaust valves so that every cylinder in the engine is characterized by an inoperative condition in which corresponding intake and exhaust valves remain in a closed position irrespective of crankshaft rotation. A controller is operatively connected to the valves and configured to advantageously control the valves and render cylinders inoperative. The powertrain enables the rotor of the motor to be continuously operatively connected to the crankshaft of the engine for unitary rotation therewith. The powertrain is preferably characterized by integrated friction launch wherein an active torque-transmitting mechanism controls vehicle launch.

Abstract: A synchronizer-controlled transmission has a plurality of input shafts, which are selectively connectible with a transmission input shaft, at least one countershaft, which rotatably supports a plurality of ratio gears, and an output shaft. A plurality of synchronizers is disposed along the countershaft and at least one input shaft to provide power transmission connections between the countershaft and the ratio gears disposed thereon. At least one ratio is established through direct connection between at least one input shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine and an electric motor in parallel hybrid combination. The engine includes a plurality of cylinders and a plurality of selectively deactivatable cylinder intake and exhaust valves so that every cylinder in the engine is characterized by an inoperative condition in which corresponding intake and exhaust valves remain in a closed position irrespective of crankshaft rotation. A controller is operatively connected to the valves and configured to advantageously control the valves and render cylinders inoperative. The powertrain enables the rotor of the motor to be continuously operatively connected to the crankshaft of the engine for unitary rotation therewith. The powertrain is preferably characterized by integrated friction launch wherein an active torque-transmitting mechanism controls vehicle launch.

Abstract: Variable valve mechanisms utilize magnetorheological fluid (MRF) in lost motion devices for controlling lift and timing of engine valves and the like. The lost motion devices are designed with either of two operational modes, a direct shear mode and a valve mode. In the shear mode, the MR fluid is retained between relatively movable shear surfaces of a lost motion device and the relative motion is controlled by varying the shear strength of the fluid by a magnetic field applied to the MR fluid between the shear surfaces. In the valve mode, the flow rate of MR fluid through an orifice is controlled by varying the magnetic field to control the flow viscosity of the fluid passing through the orifice. The lost motion device units may be applied directly between an input cam and an output valve or may be applied to a pivot for a finger follower or another type of valve actuation.

Abstract: A full toroidal continuously variable unit (CVU) has a caster angle control and a trunnion position control that permits the caster angle to be greater than 60 degrees, which is the angle of critical damping for the torus and traction roller assembly of the CVU. The trunnion position control and the caster angle control are connected with the roller through a spherical bearing. The trunnion position control acts on the ball portion of the bearing and the caster angle control acts on the housing portion of the bearing. The traction roller is rotatably mounted on the housing of the bearing. The trunnion position control is grounded through a central member such that the axial and radial components imposed thereon are grounded and not transferred to the traction roller or the caster angle control. The caster angle control includes a linkage that maintains a constant angular orientation of the axis of the roller tilt at all roller positions.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) has a drive sheave and a driven sheave, each of which has an adjustable portion, that are positioned by hydraulic control pistons. The pistons are pressurized from a control system to properly position each adjustable portion, such that a flexible drive member, trained over the sheaves, operates at the required diameter to establish the desired speed ratio between the drive sheave and the driven sheave. The control has two variable displacement pump assemblies that supply hydraulic fluid at the required pressure to maintain the desired ratio and to effect a ratio change as required by the operating conditions. One of the pumps supplies a primary pressure which is proportional to the torque requirement of the CVT and the other pump supplies the necessary pressure bias to effect the ratio change.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a motor vehicle including a steering column and an electric power assist apparatus. The steering column includes a mast jacket, a steering shaft rotatably supported on the mast jacket, and a steering hand wheel on the steering shaft. The electric power assist apparatus includes a speed reducer on the mast jacket and an electric motor. A worm wheel of the speed reducer is rigidly connected to an output shaft of the speed reducer which, in turn, is connected to a steering gear of the motor vehicle. A worm gear of the speed reducer is driven by the electric motor and meshes with the worm wheel to transfer the torque of the electric motor to the speed reducer output shaft. A tubular reference shaft is rotatably supported on the speed reducer housing.

Abstract: A traveling chain mechanism has spaced sprockets with an endless chain trained around them. A traveling chain is transferable between the sprockets radially inward of the endless chain. The speed ratio between the sprockets is dependent upon which sprocket has the traveling chain connected thereto. By transferring the traveling chain between the sprockets, the speed ratio is changed. A derailer mechanism initiates the transfer of the traveling chain from one sprocket to the other. The derailer mechanism incorporates a pair of axially spaced derailer arms that are axially movable into the path of a long pin on a lead link of the traveling chain. The long pin engages the arms to cause pivoting thereof thereby aligning a ramp thereon with the shorter pins on each link. The derailer arms guide the traveling chain to a guide track for transportation by the endless chain to the other sprocket.

Abstract: A chain drive mechanism has spaced sprockets about which is trained an endless chain. A traveling chain is disposed radially inward of the endless chain and encircles one or the other of the sprockets during power transmission. The traveling chain is transportable between the sprockets so that the speed ratio therebetween can be altered. When encircling a sprocket, the traveling chain is locked or latched to the sprocket. The lock mechanism has a retainer pin and a locking pin. The locking pin is connected for conjoint movement with the retainer pin which is positioned in latched and unlatched positions. In the unlatched position of the retainer pin, the lock pin engages an opening in the link of the traveling chain thereby securing the traveling chain to the sprocket.