Abstract: This application concerns a leaf type spring for closing valves in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. Specifically, the leaf spring has an edge base which is attached to the cylinder head and a cantilevered unsupported portion which extends therefrom. The unsupported portion is bifurcated to form two arms, each arm engaging a valve in a manner biasing it towards its closed operative position and yieldably permitting the valve to be moved toward its open operative position.

Abstract: A connector is provided assembly for a north-south transaxle having a case and a solenoid assembly. The connector assembly includes a connector connected to a source of power and extending through an aperture in the case. The connector assembly also includes a structure for retaining the connector to the case to allow the solenoid assembly to be removed and installed without disturbing the connector.

Abstract: A system for mounting a dust shield to a vehicle transmission's clutch/transmission housing by attachment by fasteners along only the accessable lower edge portion and by providing structure which upon assembly pivots an otherwise unsupported corner of the dust shield against a housing surface which inhibits vibration and noise generation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of adjusting backlash for a north-south transaxle. The method includes the steps of forming a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally and a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally and a cavity at one end of the second passageway having an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The method also includes disposing a transmission assembly in the first passageway and a transfer assembly in the second passageway and a differential assembly in the cavity and engaging the transfer assembly. The method further includes preloading the differential assembly, determining the amount of backlash between the differential assembly and transfer assembly, and adjusting the backlash between the differential assembly and transfer assembly.

Abstract: A method of assembly for a north-south transaxle includes the steps of forming a case with a longitudinal passageway and having an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The method also includes forming a head portion and a shaft portion extending from the head portion and installing a front bearing about the transfer shaft and in the passageway. The method further includes installing the transfer shaft in the passageway, installing a rear bearing about the transfer shaft and in the passageway, and retaining the front and rear bearings and transfer shaft in the passageway.

Abstract: A north-south transaxle includes a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally, a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally, and a cavity at one end of the second passageway having an opening generally perpendicular to the second passageway. The transaxle also includes a transmission assembly disposed in the first passageway, a transfer assembly disposed in the second passageway and a structure interconnecting the transmission assembly and transfer assembly for transferring torque from the transmission assembly to the transfer assembly. The transaxle further includes a differential assembly disposed in the cavity and the transaxle is structured to thermally compensate preload on the differential assembly over a temperature operating range.

Abstract: An adaptive control system in an automatic four-speed transmission having a unique clutch and gear arrangement which eliminates the need for additional gearing and one over-running clutch, while requiring only one more friction element. The vehicle transmission assembly includes a transmission housing, a rotatable input member, an output member, and a gear assembly for changing the ratio of torque between the input member and the output member. Three clutch assemblies selectively couple the rotatable input member to predetermine gears of the gear assembly and two brake assemblies selectively couple predetermined gears of the gear assembly to the transmission housing. The gear assembly includes the first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set.

Abstract: The present invention is a filter assembly for filtering contaminants from first and second fluid sources. The filter assembly includes front and rear portions having front and rear apertures, respectively, extending therethrough. The filter assembly also includes a web portion for spacing longitudinally the front and rear portions and having a filter orifice extending therethrough for allowing fluid flow between the front and rear apertures. The front and rear portions include means forming a filter disposed in each of the front and rear apertures for filtering contaminants from fluid flowing through the front and rear apertures.

Abstract: A differential gear assembly has a multi-pinion system with a unitary spider to enable assembly of the differential gear by an automated process.

Abstract: A push-pull clutch apply piston of a four-speed automatic transmission which utilizes a clutch apply piston with a single pressure plate being pushed by fluid pressure in one direction for applying a clutch assembly and being pulled in an opposite direction for applying an adjacent clutch assembly. The piston has an axially extending flange at an outer periphery thereof, and at least one pressure plate retained to the flange.

Abstract: Solenoid-actuated valves in a four-speed automatic transmission which are direct-acting and have a non-close clearance design to prevent dirt or other contaminants from interfering with the operation of said valves. The solenoid-actuated valves also include armature having an offset portion extending toward electromagnetic means to be offset toward the center inside the electromagnetic means for efficient magnetic flow.

Abstract: A speedometer drive assembly for use with an automotive transmission includes an adapter housing for securing the assembly to a transmission housing, a rotatable take-off gear received in the adapter housing and engageable with a geared output shaft of the transmission, a cable drive assembly operatively connectable to a speedometer and received in the take-off gear to a position drivingly engaging the take-off gear, and fastener means operative to retain the take-off gear in the adapter housing in a position wherein meshing engagement with the transmission output shaft is effected and to lockingly retain the cable drive assembly in the adapter housing.