Abstract: The present invention provides a nine forward speed automatic transmission for a motor vehicle which includes four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizer clutches and two chain drive assemblies. The transmission is arranged along two parallel axes of rotation: a first axis defined by the input shaft and a second axis defined by the output shaft. The chain drive assemblies transfer power between sprockets disposed on the two axes. Various combinations of clutches may be engaged to provide nine forward speed ratios and five reverse speed ratios.

Abstract: A transmission is provided that utilizes three planetary gear sets and three layshaft gear sets, as well as four rotating-type clutches and one brake that are engagable in different combinations to provide eight forward speed ratios between an input member and an output member of the transmission. By combining features of a layshaft transmission with those of a planetary transmission, the low spin losses and packaging convenience typical of a layshaft transmission are available while still achieving the high torque capacity typical of a planetary transmission.

Abstract: A multiple speed automatic transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets has a sun gear, a planet carrier with a plurality of planet gears and a ring gear. The torque transmitting devices include three clutches, a conventional first brake and a second brake comprising a parallel combination of an overrunning clutch and a light duty or coast clutch. Eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by selective engagement of the five torque transmitting devices.

Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with a member of the planetary gear sets. The output member is continuously interconnected with another member of the planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are produced by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.

Abstract: A powertrain having a torque converter, friction input shifting clutches and shared driving gears has an axially compact design, packages a transmission pump between the torque converter and a clutch hub and achieves seven forward speed ratios utilizing four back-to-back synchronizers.

Abstract: A powertrain having a torque converter, friction input shifting clutches and shared driving gears has an axially compact design, packages a transmission pump between the torque converter and a clutch hub and achieves seven forward speed ratios utilizing four back-to-back synchronizers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a hybrid vehicle. The accessory drive system includes a planetary gear set having a first, second, and third planetary member. A torque transfer device operatively connects an engine with the first planetary member. A motor/generator is operatively connected to the second planetary member, and a plurality of accessories are operatively connected to the third planetary member. A one-way clutch is preferably operatively connected to either the first planetary member or the torque transfer device such that the accessories can be effectively driven by the motor/generator when the engine is off. Engine output is transferable through the planetary gear set to drive the accessories, and the speed at which the accessories are driven is selectable by controlling the speed of the motor/generator.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having a differential gear set with three input torque-transmitting mechanisms, such as friction clutches, to achieve torque flow through the differential gear set to a countershaft gearing arrangement. The transmission utilizes power-on shifts. By utilizing the torque ratio of the differential gear set, additional forward ratios are available with good step progression, reducing the number of countershaft gear sets and synchronizers necessary in comparison to a dual-clutch transmission providing the same number of ratios. A shorter axial length is thus attainable.

Abstract: A power transmission incorporates a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms having stationary piston torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is controlled by one or more hydraulic master cylinders, which provide hydrostatic apply pressure for the respective torque-transmitting mechanisms. The control apparatus may incorporate either two or three master cylinders for controlling five torque-transmitting mechanisms through a plurality of selectively operable valve mechanisms.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft continuously connected directly between an engine and a planetary gear member of a first planetary gearset. Another member of the planetary gearset is selectively grounded by a torque transmitting mechanism to establish a reaction member during the launch of a vehicle incorporating the powertrain. The reaction member is established during both the lowest forward drive ratio and the reverse drive ratio. A third member of the planetary gearset transmits the torque from the input shaft, as modified by the planetary gearset, to other planetary gearsets in down stream power flow arrangement with the first planetary gearset.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft connectable with an engine and a planetary gear unit. The gear unit includes two planes of gears drivingly coupled to one another. A single carrier rotatably supports pinion gears from each plane of gears. A long ring engages the pinion gears from each plane of gears.

Abstract: A torque-to-thrust apparatus includes a one-way mechanism permitting free application of rotation to torque. A friction plate disposed between a portion of a one-way device and a stationary member of the torque-to-thrust apparatus inhibits reverse rotation at a predetermined torque level, which will maintain the thrust member of the torque-to-thrust apparatus in an engaged condition until a predetermined load is applied to the rotary side of the torque-to-thrust apparatus to overcome the friction load.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft continuously connected directly between an engine and a planetary gear member of a first planetary gearset. Another member of the planetary gearset is selectively grounded by a torque transmitting mechanism to establish a reaction member during the launch of a vehicle incorporating the powertrain. The reaction member is established during both the lowest forward drive ratio and the reverse drive ratio. A third member of the planetary gearset transmits the torque from the input shaft, as modified by the planetary gearset, to other planetary gearsets in down stream power flow arrangement with the first planetary gearset.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft connectable with an engine and a planetary gear unit. The gear unit includes two planes of gears drivingly coupled to one another. A single carrier rotatably supports pinion gears from each plane of gears. A long ring engages the pinion gears from each plane of gears.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft continuously connected directly between an engine and a planetary gear member of a first planetary gearset. Another member of the planetary gearset is selectively grounded by a torque transmitting mechanism to establish a reaction member during the launch of a vehicle incorporating the powertrain. The reaction member is established during both the lowest forward drive ratio and the reverse drive ratio. A third member of the planetary gearset transmits the torque from the input shaft, as modified by the planetary gearset, to other planetary gearsets in down stream power flow arrangement with the first planetary gearset.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft continuously connected directly between an engine and a planetary gear member of a first planetary gearset. Another member of the planetary gearset is selectively grounded by a torque transmitting mechanism to establish a reaction member during the launch of a vehicle incorporating the powertrain. The reaction member is established during both the lowest forward drive ratio and the reverse drive ratio. A third member of the planetary gearset transmits the torque from the input shaft, as modified by the planetary gearset, to other planetary gearsets in down stream power flow arrangement with the first planetary gearset.