Abstract: An automatically-shiftable transaxle includes an input member configured to receive an external power-source torque and rotate about a first axis. The transaxle also includes torque transmitting device(s) and a gear-train, each operatively connected to the input member for selecting transaxle speed ratios, and a first transfer gear operatively connected to the gear-train and rotatable about the first axis. The transaxle also includes an intermediate shaft rotatable about a second axis, and a second transfer gear rotatably fixed to the intermediate shaft and meshed with the first transfer gear. The transaxle additionally includes an electric motor arranged on a third axis for providing a torque input to the second transfer gear. Furthermore, the transaxle includes a differential assembly operatively connected to the intermediate shaft and rotatable about a fourth axis to thereby transmit a transaxle output torque to drive the load. All four transaxle rotational axes are arranged in parallel.

Abstract: An automatically-shiftable transaxle includes an input member configured to receive an external power-source torque and rotate about a first axis. The transaxle also includes torque transmitting device(s) and a gear-train, each operatively connected to the input member for selecting transaxle speed ratios, and a first transfer gear operatively connected to the gear-train and rotatable about the first axis. The transaxle also includes an intermediate shaft rotatable about a second axis, and a second transfer gear rotatably fixed to the intermediate shaft and meshed with the first transfer gear. The transaxle additionally includes an electric motor arranged on a third axis for providing a torque input to the second transfer gear. Furthermore, the transaxle includes a differential assembly operatively connected to the intermediate shaft and rotatable about a fourth axis to thereby transmit a transaxle output torque to drive the load. All four transaxle rotational axes are arranged in parallel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle planetary axis transfer gearbox system includes a connective housing connecting an engine to a transmission of a motor vehicle with the transmission being positioned forward of the engine. An axis of an engine output shaft is oriented substantially parallel to an axis of a transmission input shaft. Both the axis of the engine output shaft and the axis of the transmission input shaft are oriented substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the motor vehicle. A planetary gear set is connected to one of the engine output shaft or the transmission input shaft acting to reverse a direction of rotation of either the engine output shaft or the transmission input shaft to match a direction of rotation of both the engine output shaft and the transmission input shaft. A drive chain connects the engine output shaft to the transmission input shaft.

Abstract: A torque transferring transmission-drive system includes a first friction surface. A second friction surface is directed toward the first friction surface. A reaction plate is positioned between the first friction surface and the second friction surface. A piston is actuated by a fluid pressure to displace the first friction surface toward the second friction surface, frictionally engaging the reaction plate between the first friction surface and the second friction surface. At least one strap spring in a clutch engaged condition elastically compresses to allow the reaction plate to be frictionally engaged between the first friction surface and the second friction surface, and in a clutch disengaged condition the at least one strap spring elastically expands to create a clearance between the reaction plate and each of the first friction surface and the second friction surface.

Abstract: A passive opening transmission clutch system includes a backing plate having multiple tab slots, each of the tab slots having a tapered wall. A first reaction plate has multiple first tapered spline teeth oriented transverse to a plane of the first reaction plate. The first tapered spline teeth are positioned at least partially in individual ones of the tab slots in a clutch disengaged condition. The first tapered spline teeth when displaced further into the tab slots and toward the backing plate define a clutch engaged condition. A first friction plate is in frictional contact with the first reaction plate in the clutch engaged condition, the first friction plate when rotated generating a rotational force on the first reaction plate. The rotational force acts against the first tapered spline teeth to induce the first reaction plate to slidably move away from the backing plate.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a manual transmission with an input shaft including a plurality of input gears and at least one main shaft including a plurality of driven gears engaged with the input gears. An engine includes a drive shaft drivingly connected to the input shaft via an engine disconnect clutch and a launch clutch. An electric motor is non-concentric with the input shaft and is drivingly connected to the input shaft via the launch clutch.

Abstract: A transmission sealed low leak controls system includes a controls system having a first fluid for operation of the controls system provided by a first pump at a first pressure. A transmission input shaft is provided. A planetary gear set is connected to the transmission input shaft by a clutch assembly. A second pump provides a second fluid different from the first fluid for cooling and lubrication of the at least one clutch assembly at a second pressure lower than the first pressure. A torque converter is connected to the transmission input shaft. The second pump further provides the second fluid to the torque converter.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine having a drive shaft. A manual transmission includes an input shaft drivingly connected to the drive shaft and includes a plurality of input gears. A main shaft includes a plurality of driven gears engaged with the input gears and including an output gear that is engaged with a differential. An electric motor is connected through a planetary gear set to a transfer gear on the main shaft.

Abstract: A final drive unit for a motor vehicle includes a sprocket driven by a transmission, a first planetary gear set where one of the rotational members is connected to the sprocket, a second planetary gear set where one of the rotational members is connected to the first planetary gear set, and an actuator moveable between a low range position and a high range position. The actuator is rotationally coupled to a differential. When the actuator is in the low range position, the actuator rotationally couples one of the rotational members of the second planetary gear set to the differential. When the actuator is in the high range position, the actuator rotationally couples another of the rotational members of the second planetary gear set to the differential.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle includes a transmission input shaft rotatably connected to an engine by a torque converter, the transmission input shaft defining a first CVT axis. A continuously variable unit connected for rotation by the transmission input shaft includes a first pulley assembly, a second pulley assembly, and a flexible member wrapped around the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly. A two mode transfer gear assembly is connected to the second pulley assembly and is coaxially aligned for rotation on a second CVT axis. A clutch assembly having at least one clutch is connected to the transfer gear assembly. A final drive unit connected to the transfer gear assembly is co-axially aligned with respect to the second CVT axis.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and six torque transmitting mechanisms. The torque transmitting mechanisms include clutches and brakes that are actuatable in combinations of three to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and six torque transmitting mechanisms. The torque transmitting mechanisms include clutches and brakes that are actuatable in combinations of three to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a coupling member and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A one mode, front wheel drive continuously variable transmission includes a transmission input member interconnected to an engine of the motor vehicle, a transmission output member, a continuously variable unit having a first pulley pair, a second pulley pair, and a chain wrapped around the first pulley pair and the second pulley pair. A planetary gear set includes a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member is connected to the first pulley pair and the third member is connected to the transmission input member. A clutch is selectively engageable to connect the first member of the planetary gear set with the transmission input member. A band brake selectively engageable to connect the second member with a stationary member. The transmission output member is interconnected to a differential supported by sets of ball bearings.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.

Abstract: A damper system includes a turbine shaft rotatably connected to a torque converter having a clutch. A hydraulically actuated clutch is coupled to the turbine shaft. A first spring cage has a first cage portion connected to the hydraulically actuated clutch and a second cage portion connected to a friction plate. A first spring set is connected to the first and second cage portions. Springs of the first spring set are deflected by axial rotation between the first and second cage portions when the torque converter clutch is engaged. A second spring cage has a first cage section connected to the hydraulically actuated clutch and a second cage section connected to a torque converter turbine. A second spring set has second springs having a spring constant different than the first spring set. The second spring set springs are deflected by axial rotation between the first and second cage sections.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle includes a transmission input shaft rotatably connected to an engine by a torque converter, the transmission input shaft defining a first CVT axis. A continuously variable unit connected for rotation by the transmission input shaft includes a first pulley assembly, a second pulley assembly, and a flexible member wrapped around the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly. A two mode transfer gear assembly is connected to the second pulley assembly and is coaxially aligned for rotation on a second CVT axis. A clutch assembly having at least one clutch is connected to the transfer gear assembly. A final drive unit connected to the transfer gear assembly is co-axially aligned with respect to the second CVT axis.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and six torque transmitting mechanisms. The torque transmitting mechanisms include clutches and brakes that are actuatable in combinations of three to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.

Abstract: A powertrain for a motor vehicle includes a one mode continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a torque converter connected to a planetary gear set assembly which is connected to a pulley and a chain assembly or other continuously variable unit (CVU). The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes one planetary gear set, one brake and one clutch. The CVU is connected to a final drive unit. The sheaves of the CVU have an involute spline connection.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having 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 first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes and are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.