Abstract: A transmission fluid heater for a motor vehicle includes a fluid pan mounted on the transmission for storing a supply of transmission fluid. The fluid pan has an inner chamber storing the transmission fluid, and an outer chamber surrounding the inner chamber. An inlet to the outer chamber communicates with a source of engine exhaust gas and an outlet from the outer chamber exhausts the exhaust gas. An inlet valve opens and shuts the communication of engine exhaust gas to the inlet. A plurality of heat exchanger fins enhancing the transfer of heat from the engine exhaust gas within the outer chamber to the transmission fluid is stored within the inner chamber.

Abstract: A transmission fluid heater for a motor vehicle includes a fluid pan mounted on the transmission for storing a supply of transmission fluid. The fluid pan has an inner chamber storing the transmission fluid, and an outer chamber surrounding the inner chamber. An inlet to the outer chamber communicates with a source of engine exhaust gas and an outlet from the outer chamber exhausts the exhaust gas. An inlet valve opens and shuts the communication of engine exhaust gas to the inlet. A plurality of heat exchanger fins enhancing the transfer of heat from the engine exhaust gas within the outer chamber to the transmission fluid is stored within the inner chamber.

Abstract: A transmission control module for a vehicle transmission includes a gear determination module, a predictive shift module, and a validation module. The gear determination module commands a first shift configuration based on an actual pedal position. The predictive shift module calculates a predicted pedal position based on the actual pedal position and commands a second shift configuration based on the predicted pedal position. The validation module validates the predicted pedal position and selectively cancels the second shift configuration based on the validation.

Abstract: A transmission control module for a vehicle transmission includes a gear determination module, a predictive shift module, and a validation module. The gear determination module commands a first shift configuration based on an actual pedal position. The predictive shift module calculates a predicted pedal position based on the actual pedal position and commands a second shift configuration based on the predicted pedal position. The validation module validates the predicted pedal position and selectively cancels the second shift configuration based on the validation.

Abstract: A split planetary gear assembly is provided having a pair of helical gearsets implemented in a vehicle transmission. The first helical gearset includes a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a set of first planet gears meshed with the first sun gear and the first ring gear. The second helical gearset includes a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and a set of second planet gears meshed with the second sun gear and the second ring gear. The components of the second helical gearset have the same number of teeth, helix angle, and tooth pitch as the components of the first helical gearset with the exceptions that their angular helix orientation (i.e., left-hand/right-hand) is reversed and they are circumferentially indexed by one-half tooth pitch. In addition, the first and second planet gears are arranged in paired sets and supported on a common pinion shaft which, in turn, is fixed to a planet carrier. The second sun gear is splined for rotation with and limited axial movement relative to the first sun gear.

Abstract: A split planetary gear assembly having a pair of helical gearsets. The first helical gearset includes a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a set of first planet gears meshed with the first sun gear and the first ring gear. The second helical gearset includes a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and a set of second planet gears meshed with the second sun gear and the second ring gear. The components of the second helical gearset have the same number of teeth, helix angle, and tooth pitch as the components of the first helical gearset with the exceptions that their angular helix orientation (i.e., left-hand/right-hand) is reversed and they are circumferentially indexed by one-half tooth pitch. In addition, the first and second planet gears are arranged in paired sets and supported on a common pinion shaft which, in turn, is fixed to a planet carrier. The second sun gear is splined for rotation with and limited axial movement relative to the first sun gear.